NewzIntel.com

Category: Trade

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate the Saras Aajeevika Mela at Noida Haat, Uttar Pradesh tomorrow

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan to inaugurate the Saras Aajeevika Mela at Noida Haat, Uttar Pradesh tomorrow

    Saras Aajeevika Mela aims to help artisans and craftsmen to promote their livelihoods and inclusive growth

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 6:01PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister for Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan will inaugurate the Saras Aajeevika Mela at Noida Haat, Sector 33 A, Noida, Uttar Pradesh tomorrow. Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is being organized from 21stFebruary to 10th March 2025, primarily to showcase the craft and arts of rural India. For the 5thtime, the famous Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is being organized by the Ministry of Rural Development with the support of the National Institute of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (NIRDPR) with the theme of tradition, art, and culture and “Developing Export Potential of Lakhpati SHG Didis”. On this special occasion, Ministers of State for Rural Development Dr. Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani and Shri Kamlesh Paswan will also be present.

    Visitors are enjoying various products made by Self Help Groups (SHGs) from 30 States. Handloom, Handicrafts & Natural Food Products made by SHGs are showcased on 200 Stalls for exhibition and sale. Besides, 25 Live Food Stalls from 20 States are also showcasing their ethnic cuisines and delicious food items at Noida Haat. Around 450 SHG Members across the country are participating in this Saras Aajeevika Mela.

    The Saras Aajeevika Mela 2025 is featuring excellent displays of various state handlooms, sarees, and dress materials. These include: Andhra Pradesh’s Kalamkari, Assam’s Mekhla Chador, Bihar’s Cotton and Silk, Chhattisgarh’s Kosa Saree, Gujarat’s Bharat Gunthan and Patchwork, Jharkhand’s Tasar Silk and Cotton, Chanderi and Bagh Print from Madhya Pradesh, Eri Products from Meghalaya, Tasar and Bandha from Odisha, Kanchipuram from Tamil Nadu, Pochampally from Telangana, Pashmina from Uttarakhand, Kantha, Batik Print, Tant, and Baluchari from West Bengal. Handicrafts, jewellery, and home decor products from various states are also showcased in Mela. Additionally, natural food products such as ginger, tea, lentils, coffee, papad, apple jam, and pickles are available at food stalls.

    Arrangements for Senior Citizen, Kids Zone and Mother’s Care are made in SARAS Mela. Visitors are also enjoying a variety of cultural programs every day during the SARAS Mela. A dedicated Export Promotion Pavilion is placed in the SARAS Mela Premises at Noida Haat for Development of Export Potential of SHG Didis.

    This initiative, started by the Ministry of Rural Development, aims to help artisans and craftsmen to promote their livelihoods and inclusive growth. This will promote the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ‘Vocal for Local’ campaign and ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’.

    ******

    MG/RN/KSR

    (Release ID: 2105829) Visitor Counter : 35

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 5:08PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G-20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date.

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds who is in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries.

    India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.

    Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.

    The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.

    ***

    Abhishek Dayal/ Abhijeet Narayanan

    (Release ID: 2105784) Visitor Counter : 116

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panel to examine measures adopted by Türkiye targeting Chinese electric vehicle imports

    Source: World Trade Organization

    DS629: Türkiye — Measures Concerning Electric Vehicles and Other Types of Vehicles from China

    China submitted its second request for the establishment of a dispute panel to rule on various measures taken by Türkiye concerning electric vehicles (“EVs”) and certain other types of vehicles originating in China. China’s first request was blocked by Türkiye at the previous DSB meeting on 27 January. China said challenges faced by one member’s industry need to be addressed in a way consistent with its WTO obligations and should not be used as an excuse for abandoning the core principle of non-discrimination that is the bedrock of the WTO and of the rules-based international trading system.

    Türkiye said it is deeply concerned that China is making such a request before all possible bilateral consultations are exhausted. China’s request relates to a major sector that has been facing strong challenges for many years due to uncompetitive practices, subsidization and excess capacity, Türkiye said.

    The DSB agreed to the establishment of the panel. The European Union, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Brazil, Canada, Australia, the United Kingdom, the United States, Switzerland, Norway, Singapore, the Russian Federation, Thailand and India reserved their third-party rights to participate in the panel proceedings.

    DS593: European Union — Certain Measures Concerning Palm Oil and Oil Palm Crop-Based Biofuels

    Indonesia noted the panel ruling circulated on 10 January, which it said found that the European Union’s 2018 renewable energy directive and related regulations unfairly discriminated against Indonesia’s palm oil biofuels. The economic impact of these discriminatory measures is substantial and has severely affected Indonesian palm oil exports, impacting millions of farmers and businesses, Indonesia said. It called on the EU to adjust its policy and the measures at issue so that they are in line with the WTO agreements; Indonesia will closely monitor implementation and expects swift compliance.

    The European Union said it welcomed the panel’s findings, which confirm that the EU has the right to take measures to ensure that its policies on renewable fuels do not exacerbate greenhouse gas emissions associated with indirect land-use change. While it raised some concerns regarding the panel’s findings, the EU said the panel found that the EU measures aim to achieve legitimate environmental objectives and that they are science-based.

    Russia, Brazil, the United States, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (for the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) took the floor to comment on the panel report.

    The DSB took note of the statements and adopted the panel report.

    DS599: Panama — Measures Concerning the Importation of Certain Products from Costa Rica

    Costa Rica made a statement criticizing Panama’s decision to appeal the panel report in DS599, which upheld Costa Rica’s complaint regarding Panama’s import restrictions on various fruit, dairy and meat products from Costa Rica. Costa Rica proposed a bilateral agreement to Panama that would enable both parties to proceed to arbitration under Article 25 of the Dispute Settlement Understanding (DSU), but Panama refused, Costa Rica said. Panama’s appeal “into the void” should serve to highlight the importance of alternative avenues under the DSU to resolve disputes, Costa Rica said.

    Panama said it reaffirms its commitment to international law and to the WTO agreements in general and the DSU in particular, and its willingness to settle any dispute with its trading partners.

    The European Union, Canada and Colombia made statements on the matter.

    Appellate Body appointments

    Colombia, speaking on behalf of 130 members, introduced for the 84th time the group’s proposal to start the selection processes for filling vacancies on the Appellate Body. The extensive number of members submitting the proposal reflects a common interest in the functioning of the Appellate Body and, more generally, in the functioning of the WTO’s dispute settlement system, Colombia said.

    The United States repeated that the US is currently transitioning to a new administration and that, as US concerns with WTO dispute settlement remain unaddressed, it does not support the proposed decision.

    Twenty-two members then took the floor to comment, one speaking on behalf of the ACP Group. Most reiterated their support for the joint proposal and for the urgent need to restore a fully functioning dispute settlement system. Several welcomed the progress made in the dispute settlement reform discussions last year and supported the proposal by the previous General Council Chair to commence consultations on advancing the discussions.

    Ten members (China; Canada; Hong Kong, China; Switzerland; Singapore; the European Union; Australia; Norway; Japan; and New Zealand) urged members to consider joining the Multi-Party Interim Appeal Arrangement (MPIA), a contingent measure to safeguard the right to appeal in the absence of a functioning Appellate Body.

    Colombia said on behalf of the 130 members that it regretted that, on 84 occasions, members have not been able to launch the selection processes. Ongoing conversations about reform of the dispute settlement system should not prevent the Appellate Body from continuing to operate fully, and, in line with 17.2 of the DSU, members shall comply with their obligation under the Dispute Settlement Understanding to fill the vacancies as they arise, Colombia said on behalf of the group.

    Surveillance of implementation

    The United States presented status reports with regard to DS184, “United States — Anti-Dumping Measures on Certain Hot-Rolled Steel Products from Japan”, DS160, “United States — Section 110(5) of US Copyright Act”, DS464, “United States — Anti-Dumping and Countervailing Measures on Large Residential Washers from Korea”, and DS471, “United States — Certain Methodologies and their Application to Anti-Dumping Proceedings Involving China.”

    The European Union presented a status report with regard to DS291, “EC — Measures Affecting the Approval and Marketing of Biotech Products.”

    Indonesia presented its status reports in DS477 and DS478, “Indonesia — Importation of Horticultural Products, Animals and Animal Products.” 

    Election of Chairperson

    At the end of the meeting, the DSB elected Ambassador Clare Kelly of New Zealand as Chair of the DSB for the coming work year.

    Next meeting

    The next regular DSB meeting will take place on 24 March.

    Share

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The India-EU Trade and Technology Council first Workshop on Electric Vehicles (EV) Charging Technology paves the way for new advancements in standardisation and sustainable mobility

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 8:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The EU and India are deepening their partnership as part of a new strategic agenda to enhance prosperity, stability, security and people-to-people connections, to which the cooperation in the area of research brings a dynamic contribution.

    The first India-EU Workshop on Electric Vehicles Charging Technology was held in Pune, India, on 24th Feb 2025 under the auspices of the India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies, successfully bringing together policy-makers, representatives from electro-mobility industry, standardisation associations and technical testing facilities, to foster harmonised solutions for sustainable transport.  The workshop was attended by Dr. Monoranjan Mohanty (Adviser) and Dr Hafsa Ahmad (Scientist) from Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to Government of India, Dr. Reji Mathai (Director) and Mr. Abhihit Mulay (Deputy Director) from the Automotive Research Association of India and Mr. Nitish Kumar Jain, Deputy Director, Bureau of Indian Standards. Participants from European Commission included Dr. Liliana Pasecinic, Dr. Harald Scholz, Mr. Dirk Groβmann and Dr. Saki Gerassis, who joined online. Stakeholders from the Indian and European industry also actively participated in the workshop.

    The workshop has been one of milestones in the TTC Working Group 2 work agenda and will be discussed as an achievement in the forthcoming 2nd TTC Ministerial meeting to be held in New Delhi on 28th Feb 2025.

    Organised by the Automotive Research Association of India (ARAI) and the European Commission’s Joint Research Centre (JRC), with the support of the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser (PSA) to the Government of India, the workshop addressed key policy and technical aspects of EV charging, covering all size classes of electric vehicles, and focusing on standardisation, and strategic cooperation. The workshop featured expert presentations, policy dialogues, and panel discussions, covering critical topics such as:

    • The EU- and Indian charging standards, infrastructure requirements, requirements for communication and interoperability targets;
    • Insights about the future strategic directions in India and the EU in sustainable mobility, including potential synergies leading to economies of scale;
    • EV Charging system testing capabilities and pre-normative research, with focus on ARAI and JRC facilities;
    • Industry perspectives to enhance India-EU collaboration in EV-charging

    The workshop provided the opportunity to deepen bilateral cooperation on harmonising standards for EV charging infrastructure, including cooperative, pre-normative research for harmonised testing solutions and knowledge exchange in the field of electro-mobility.

    Additionally, the participants were provided the opportunity to visit the ARAI laboratory, gaining first-hand exposure to India’s state-of-the-art EV and electro-mobility testing facilities.

     

    About the Trade and Technology Council set up by India and the EU

    The India-EU Trade and Technology Council (TTC) was first announced by the European Commission President, Ursula von der Leyen, and India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, in April 2022. Established on February 6, 2023, this strategic coordination mechanism allows both sides to tackle challenges at the nexus of trade, trusted technology, and security, and deepens cooperation in these fields. Establishing India-EU TTC is a key step towards a strengthened strategic partnership for the benefit of all people in India and the EU.

    The TTC is a key forum to deepen the strategic partnership on trade and technology between the two partners. Geostrategic challenges have reinforced the EU and India’s common interest in ensuring security, prosperity, and sustainable development based on shared values.

    The TTC consists of three Working Groups:

    1. Working Group 1 on Strategic Technologies, Digital Governance and Digital Connectivity
    2. Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies; and
    3. Working Group 3 on Trade, Investment and Resilient Value Chains.

    Working Groups are now jointly working to advance identified objectives and key actions. The India-EU TTC Working Group 2 on Green and Clean Energy Technologies is being led by the Office of the Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India from the Indian side and the Directorate-General for Research and Innovation of the European Commission from the EU side.

    Both sides expect to report at the next TTC Meeting at Ministerial level, in 2025, on the progress made in this area through initiatives such as this workshop on Standardisation Strategy and trustable testing possibilities in EV mobility.  

     

    *******

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2105904) Visitor Counter : 43

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Film Poster Making Competition

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 24 FEB 2025 7:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Where Art Meets Film

     

    Introduction

    India’s deep connection to cinema is reflected in its iconic film posters which capture stories and emotions. To celebrate this art form the World Audio-Visual Entertainment Summit (WAVES) introduces the Film Poster Making Challenge as part of the ‘Create in India Challenge Season 1.’ In association with NFDC-National Film Archive of India, the International Federation of Film Archives and ImageNation Street Art, this competition highlights the rich heritage of Indian film posters. With 296 registrations already the event promises a vibrant showcase of creativity.

    The World Audio Visual & Entertainment Summit (WAVES) in its first edition is a unique hub and spoke platform poised for the convergence of the entire Media and Entertainment (M&E) sector.

     

    The event is a premier global event that aims to bring the focus of the global M&E industry to India and connect it with the Indian M&E sector along with its talent.

    The summit will take place from May 1-4, 2025 at the Jio World Convention Centre & Jio World Gardens in Mumbai. With a focus on four key pillars—Broadcasting & Infotainment, AVGC-XR, Digital Media & Innovation, and Films-WAVES will bring together leaders, creators and technologists to showcase the future of India’s entertainment industry.

    The Film Poster Making competition falls under the fourth pillar Films, which is centered around celebrating the essence of Indian cinema. It highlights the artistic richness and craftsmanship behind iconic film posters with a particular focus on reimagining them for contemporary audiences.

    Competition Category

    The Film Poster Making Competition will be held in two categories:

    Digital Posters

    Registration:

    For the Digital Poster category began on October 1st and will remain open until March 15th, 2025. There is no registration fee for participation. To register visit the website and select one film from the 20 titles displayed in the image:

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    1. Poster design entries open: October 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Final artwork must be submitted by: March 15th 2025
    3. Winner announcement: 1st April, 2025
    4. Selected artist’s exhibition and award ceremony: April, 2025

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    • Kindly name the artwork with the following file naming structure: artistname_filmname_year_waves2024.jpeg

    Awards and Recognition:

    Outstanding digital posters will be recognized with the top 20 selected artworks showcased at the WAVES Summit and out of 20 top 3 receiving prestigious awards. Cash prizes and digital certificates of appreciation will be awarded. Here are the details:

    Hand Painted Posters

    Registration

    Candidates can participate in the hand-painted film poster-making competition through selected art institutions. Institutions interested in hosting the competition can email imagenationstreetart[at]gmail[dot]com with nfaifilmcircle@nfdcindia in cc.

    • The posters must be based on 20 film titles, the same as those in the digital poster-making list.
    • Each institution will choose three candidates from their internal competition to represent them in the semi-finals.
    • This competition is exclusive to institutions and not open to individual participants.

    Important Deadlines:

    1. Internal college competitions: November 1st – March 15th 2025
    2. Shortlisted candidate announced: 1st April, 2025

    Guidelines for Finale:

    Here are the guidelines for the live handmade poster-making competition:

    • The film titles options for the live handmade poster-making competition will be announced 10 days before the live event.
    • Participants and their institutions must bring all required materials.
    • The organizers will communicate travel details to the participants at a later stage.

    Specifications for the live painting competition:

    • Materials: Participants must bring their own materials. The medium should be suitable paper for handmade poster design.
    • Poster Size: 24 x 36 inches (vertical)

    Awards and Recognition:

    A total of 25 selected artists will compete in a live event chosen through a juried selection from all submitted entries. They will create hand-painted posters within a set time frame at the WAVES Summit with the top three artworks receiving prestigious awards. The awards include a First Prize of INR 50,000, a Second Prize of INR 30,000, and a Third Prize of INR 10,000, with certificates for the top three winners. Additionally, a Digital Certificate of Appreciation will be awarded to the remaining participants, along with their respective cash prizes.

    Registration

    Registration for the competition began on February 5th, 2025 and will close on March 5th, 2025. There is no fee for participation, and you can register and submit your artwork through the provided link on website. Choose one film from the 10 available titles to create your poster.

    Important Deadlines:

    All artworks must be submitted by the specified deadline mentioned in the timeline:

    • Registration and Submission Period: Feb 5, 2025 – March 5, 2025
    • Winner Announcement: April 1, 2025
    • Exhibition and Award Ceremony: April 2025

    Eligibility Criteria:

    • Open to individuals of any nationality outside India.
    • Participants must be 18 years or older.

    Specifications for Submission of Artwork:

    Upload your artwork at 300 DPI in CMYK as a JPEG/PNG file. The poster should be in a vertical orientation:

    • Standard Size: 24 x 36 inches (aspect ratio 2:3)
    • Alternate Size: 18 x 24 inches (aspect ratio 3:4)
    • Maximum File Size: 10 MB
    •  

    Awards and Recognition:

    The International Digital Poster Making Competition will recognize and celebrate outstanding creativity with awards and recognition for exceptional entries. Here are the key highlights:

    • The top 20 selected digital artworks will be showcased at the WAVES Summit.
    • The top 3 artworks from the exhibition will be honored with prestigious awards.
    • Additional details on the awards will be declared soon.

    Conclusion

    The Film Poster Making Competition at WAVES offers a unique opportunity to celebrate and showcase creativity in both digital and hand-painted art forms. Through this platform artists from around the world can connect, create and be part of the vibrant future of the entertainment industry culminating in a prestigious exhibition and award ceremony at the WAVES Summit in May 2025.

    References:

    1. https://wavesindia.org/challenges-2025
    2. https://www.nfdcindia.com/waves-poster-challenge-2025/
    3. https://x.com/WAVESummitIndia/status/1845466425575735387

    Click here to download PDF

    ********

    Santosh Kumar/ Sarla Meena/ Kamna Lakaria

    (Release ID: 2105891) Visitor Counter : 58

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: SOLVE Tapped to Become Exclusive Pricing Transparency Provider for Entegra

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LAS VEGAS, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SOLVE, the premier provider of price transparency data for fixed income securities markets, has been selected by Entegra—an innovator in Trading as a Service (TaaS)—to revolutionize how Securitized Products are traded. By integrating SOLVE’s best-in-class data with Entegra’s cutting-edge proprietary models, the partnership is set to bring unprecedented clarity and efficiency to market participants.

    Entegra, a revolutionary venture led by Daniel Ezra, former head of SP Trading at Credit Suisse, leverages decades of expertise and state-of-the-art analytics to reshape trading in Securitized Products. Entegra analysts will now be armed with data from SOLVE, enabling arrangers and underwriters to offer their banking clients a market-making service throughout the life cycle of their deals at no additional cost to the banking client. Entegra and SOLVE would work in tandem to seamlessly integrate into the arranger’s banking mandate offering.

    “We’re excited to provide our data to Entegra and arm their traders with the real-time pricing information they need to stay ahead of the Securitized Products market,” said SOLVE co-founder and CEO Eugene Grinberg. “From the day we started our business, our goal has been to empower market participants to make confident, data-driven decisions by enhancing price transparency for both buy and sell side participants and working with Entegra allows us to continue serving that mission.”

    Entegra’s traders will have direct access to SOLVE’s flagship SOLVE Quotes™, a platform that leverages Natural Language Processing and Machine Learning to deliver over 20 million daily quotes across more than 1,250,000 securities. This integration ensures that Entegra’s sophisticated models are supported by the most accurate and timely data available, empowering traders with deep insights into individual securities and broader market trends.

    “At Entegra, technology meets human expertise. Our TaaS platform is built on the belief that the best trading decisions emerge from the synergy of advanced data analytics and experienced traders,” said Daniel Ezra, Entegra CEO. “With SOLVE’s unparalleled data quality, our systems and teams are better equipped to help our clients make credible and actionable markets as well as execute the right trades. When banks start competing on service, not price, everyone wins.”

    For more information about SOLVE, please visit solvefixedincome.com. To learn more about Entegra, please visit entegra-global.com.

    About SOLVE
    SOLVE is the leading market data platform provider for fixed-income securities, trusted by sophisticated buy-side and sell-side firms worldwide. Founded in 2011, SOLVE leverages its AI-driven technology and deep industry expertise to offer unparalleled transparency into markets, reduce risk, and save hundreds of hours across front-office workflows.  With the largest real-time datasets for Securitized Products, Municipal Bonds, Corporate Bonds, Syndicated Bank Loans, Convertible Bonds, CDS, and Private Credit, SOLVE empowers clients to transform the way they bring new securities to market, trade on secondary markets, and value highly illiquid securities. Headquartered in New York, with offices across the globe, SOLVE is the definitive source for market pricing in fixed-income markets. For more information, visit https://solvefixedincome.com.

    CONTACT
    Jake Katz
    OUTVOX
    jkatz@outvox.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Gillibrand Applauds Restoration of WTCHP Staff Who Serve 9/11 First Responders

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Kirsten Gillibrand
    U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand applauded the reversal of terminations of World Trade Center Health Program staff. Senator Gillibrand and Senator Chuck Schumer had previously demanded that U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. take action to reverse these cuts, which stood to directly impact care for our 9/11 first responders and survivors.
    “I am glad that President Trump reversed the terminations of World Trade Center Health Program staff, who are absolutely critical to the health and well-being of 9/11 first responders and survivors,” said Senator Gillibrand. “However, the bottom line is that these firings should have never occurred in the first place, and they show how this haphazard approach by President Trump is hurting real people. In the coming weeks, Democrats and Republicans will work together to strengthen this program once and for all, and that effort should receive the same level of support from the White House.”
    The WTCHP provides medical monitoring and treatment for first responders and survivors diagnosed with 9/11-related health conditions, including many types of cancers, respiratory illnesses, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2024 Article IV Consultation with Angola

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    February 24, 2025

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) concluded the Article IV consultation[1] with Angola.

    Angola’s economy recovered in 2024 as the oil sector rebounded. GDP growth is estimated to have reached 3.8 percent, surpassing earlier projections, and the recovery broadened to the non-oil sector. The public debt-to-GDP ratio declined in 2024, benefiting from higher nominal GDP growth and sustained primary surpluses. However, fiscal consolidation efforts waned, and buffers built during the 2018–21 EFF—supported program are being eroded by fiscal slippages from higher capital expenditures and a slower fuel subsidy reform.

    Inflation remained elevated driven by exchange rate pressures and higher food prices. The central bank raised monetary policy rate by 150 bps in 2024 and streamlined liquidity management, resulting in a better alignment of the interbank rate with the policy rate. The currency depreciated by over 10 percent against the U.S. dollar in 2024. Adverse market expectations and a high external debt service continue to weigh on the exchange rate. The government’s active cash and debt management helped mitigate liquidity pressures.

    The recovery is expected to continue but risks to the outlook remain high. Growth is expected to remain at 3 percent in 2025 while inflation is projected to ease with the fading of cost-push factors. The resolution of maintenance bottlenecks in key extraction blocks and government-led efforts to incentivize production should help sustain oil production. However, high external debt service constrains development spending, and oil dependence remains a drag on sustainable growth. Liquidity risk could intensify should financing conditions deteriorate, further crowding out social spending, and exerting pressures on the exchange rate. Moreover, with presidential elections scheduled for 2027, an early start of the political cycle risks slowing down the implementation of economic reforms. On the upside, higher oil prices, positive spillovers from further global monetary policy easing, and stronger non-oil FDIs, including through the Lobito Corridor development, could improve the medium-term outlook.

    Executive Board Assessment[2]

    “Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. While welcoming the economic recovery, they highlighted the continued risks from oil price volatility and debt vulnerabilities. Against this background, Directors emphasized the urgency of accelerating structural reforms to strengthen macroeconomic and financial stability and foster diversified and inclusive growth.

    “Directors stressed that returning to a fiscal consolidation path is critical to strengthen buffers and create space for development needs. They emphasized the importance of fully implementing fuel subsidy reforms accompanied by mitigating measures to protect the most vulnerable and intensifying non‑oil revenue mobilization efforts. Directors also advised rationalizing public investment and improving spending efficiency in line with the 2019 PIMA recommendations, strengthening public financial management, including the procurement framework and SOE reforms, and improving cash and debt management to mitigate liquidity risks and support a timely return to markets.

    “Directors stressed the need for monetary policy to maintain a tightening bias to ensure durable disinflation. They called on the authorities to strictly adhere to the ceiling on government loans to safeguard international reserves and contain inflationary pressures. Directors welcomed the authorities’ efforts to streamline liquidity management to enhance monetary policy transmission, as well as to improve foreign exchange market functioning and exchange rate flexibility as part of the transition toward an inflation‑targeting framework.

    “Directors underlined the need to continue addressing financial sector vulnerabilities. They called on the authorities to address AML/CFT weaknesses to achieve swift removal from the FATF grey list. Directors emphasized the importance of effectively implementing new supervisory regulations and developing a robust financial stability framework, including strengthened safety nets. They advised addressing remaining vulnerabilities from the sovereign‑bank nexus, high NPLs, and problem banks, and looked forward to the upcoming FSAP assessment.

    “Directors supported the authorities’ National Development Plan to achieve more diversified and resilient growth. A key focus should be on market‑friendly policies to streamline business regulations, enhance governance, fight corruption, develop human capital, and deepen financial inclusion. Stronger statistical capacity is also needed to support sound policy making.

    It is expected that the next Article IV consultation with Angola will be held on the standard 12‑month cycle.”

     

    Angola: Selected Economic Indicators, 2023–25

    2023

    2024

    2025
     

    Prel.

    Proj.

    Real economy (percent change, except where otherwise indicated)

    		      

    Real gross domestic product

    1.0

    3.8

    3.0

    Oil sector

    -2.4

    3.2

    0.3

    Non-oil sector

    2.2

    3.9

    3.4

    Nominal gross domestic product (GDP)

    14.6

    33.3

    24.3

    Oil sector

    9.5

    33.7

    17.4

    Non-oil sector

    15.5

    33.2

    25.6

    GDP deflator

    13.4

    28.5

    20.8

    Non-oil GDP deflator

    14.4

    28.2

    21.3

    Consumer prices (annual average)

    13.6

    28.2

    21.0

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    20.0

    27.5

    18.9
         

    Central government (percent of GDP)

    		      

    Total revenue

    17.4

    16.6

    16.0

    Of which: Oil-related

    10.3

    10.0

    9.7

    Of which: Non-oil tax

    6.1

    5.6

    5.0

    Total expenditure

    19.2

    17.6

    17.3

    Current expenditure

    15.2

    14.1

    12.4

    Capital spending

    4.1

    3.6

    4.9

    Overall fiscal balance

    -1.9

    -1.0

    -1.3

    Non-oil primary fiscal balance

    -6.4

    -5.7

    -7.2
         

    Money and credit (end of period, percent change)

    		      

    Broad money (M2)

    37.8

    30.6

    38.5

    Percent of GDP

    20.8

    20.4

    22.7

    Velocity (GDP/M2)

    4.8

    4.9

    4.4

    Velocity (non-oil GDP/M2)

    4.1

    4.1

    3.8

    Credit to the private sector (annual percent change)

    28.8

    28.1

    27.0
         

    Balance of payments

    		      

    Trade balance (percent of GDP)

    19.9

    19.7

    17.0

    Exports of goods, f.o.b. (percent of GDP)

    33.6

    33.1

    31.5

    Of which: Oil and gas exports (percent of GDP)

    31.6

    30.9

    28.6

    Imports of goods, f.o.b. (percent of GDP)

    13.8

    13.4

    14.5

    Terms of trade (percent change)

    -19.3

    -4.0

    -10.4

    Current account balance (percent of GDP)

    3.8

    4.1

    2.4

    Gross international reserves (end of period, millions of U.S. dollars)

    14,727

    15,227

    15,277

    Gross international reserves (months of next year’s imports)

    7.3

    7.3

    7.3

     

    		      

    Exchange rate

    		      

    Official exchange rate (average, kwanzas per U.S. dollar)

    685

    876

    …

    Official exchange rate (end of period, kwanzas per U.S. dollar)

    829

    924

    …
         

    Public debt (percent of GDP)

    		      

    Public sector debt (gross)1

    71.4

    62.4

    63.3

    Of which: Central Government debt

    67.9

    60.4

    61.9
         

    Oil

    		      

    Oil and gas production (millions of barrels per day)

    1.205

    1.262

    1.266

    Oil and gas exports (billions of U.S. dollars)

    34.7

    35.4

    31.5

    Angola oil price (average, U.S. dollars per barrel)

    80.6

    78.5

    70.3

    Brent oil price (average, U.S. dollars per barrel)

    82.3

    80.0

    71.4

    Sources: Angolan authorities; and IMF staff estimates and projections.

    1 Includes debt of the Central Government, external debt of state oil company Sonangol and state airline company TAAG, and guaranteed debt. 

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chairman of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summing up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Tatiana Mossot

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/02/24/pr-2541-angola-imf-executive-board-concludes-2024-article-iv-consultation

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter and Ms Susan Mangole from DTIC about Trade and business finance

    Source: Republic of South Africa (video statements-2)

    Ambassador Xolelwa Mlumbi-Peter and Ms Susan Mangole from Department of trade, Industry and Competition speaks about Trade and business finance opportunities

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ca-bkMMJ2oA

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SCHUMER ANNOUNCES TRUMP & DOGE HEED HIS CALLS TO REVERSE BRUTAL CUTS TO 9/11 SURVIVOR HEALTH PROGRAM AND WILL REHIRE WORKERS

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for New York Charles E Schumer
    New York, N.Y. – Following his all-out push to protect 9/11 health research and the workers rashly fired from the World Trade Center Health Program, U.S. Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer today released the following statement after DOGE, the CDC & the Trump Administration heeded his calls to restore the cuts and rehire the workers they fired, who provide critical care to 9/11 survivors and first responders:
    “Donald Trump and Elon Musk tried to cripple the 9/11 health fund and all they got was the ‘ole Brooklyn Salute. I made sure that President Trump, DOGE, and Secretary Kennedy heard us loud and clear: do not mess with our first responders and the healthcare of 9/11 survivors. This lifesaving program should have never been on the chopping block in the first place and so it makes sense that the Trump administration has done a complete about-face and heeded our calls to reverse these devastating cuts and rehire the dedicated staff of the World Trade Center Health Program. Today we saw what happens when New Yorkers fight back against disastrous job-killing decisions: Trump and Musk back off. When we say ‘Never Forget’ that means never wavering in our commitment to take care of those who answered the call on 9/11. I will continue to watch this issue like a hawk because the people who do this hard work and deserve these health funds are watching this back-and-forth with distrust and disgust. I will fight to make sure this program is protected from disruption and that no further cuts to staff or funding are made.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UN Human Rights Council 58: Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UN Human Rights Council 58: Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel

    Annual High-Level Mainstreaming Panel. As delivered by the UK’s Permanent Representative to the WTO and UN, Simon Manley, at the 58th HRC session in Geneva.

    Thank you Mr President,

    In this 30th anniversary year for gender equality, let me reaffirm the British government’s commitment to the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action.

    My government’s dedication to advancing gender equality at home has led to a narrowing of the gender pay gap, more women on the boards of the largest companies than ever before and stronger action to protect women and girls from violence and abuse. And we have put women and girls at the heart of our international work, from our diplomacy to our development spend.

    But while it is important to acknowledge the progress made, quite clearly no country – the UK included – has achieved or even got close to achieving gender equality. Indeed, we are seeing a growing international trend of efforts to undermine and roll back the rights of women, girls and other marginalised groups.

    We must resist that roll back, take concerted action to build on the progress we have made both at home and overseas. That is why we are putting women’s voices at the heart of everything we do and will make the changes needed so gender equality can, at last, become a reality.

    We call on all Members of the Council and states to use this landmark year to accelerate action towards empowering all women and girls.

    Thank you.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feb 24, 2025 ATU Urges Congress to Invest in Transit Funding, Improve Safety, Boost Workforce Development in Transportation Bill

    Source: US Amalgamated Transit Union

    Bold Proposal for Upcoming Surface Transportation Bill Would be a Game Changer for Transit

    Silver Spring, MD – Calling on Congress to boost transit funding, improve safety, and invest in workforce development, the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU), the largest union representing public transit workers in the U.S., sent its new proposal for the upcoming federal surface transportation bill up to Capitol Hill.  

    The Union’s proposal, which is named “Your Ride is Here,” sets out a vision for the legislation, which will replace the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL).

    “Issue number one is funding. As the COVID emergency funds under BIL dry up, transit agencies are staring out over a fiscal cliff. While some had the foresight to save their money for a rainy day, in all corners of America, it is now pouring,” said ATU International President John Costa.  

    Under current federal law, with few exceptions, transit systems may only use their Federal Transit Administration (FTA) funds for capital projects. Operating assistance, including wages and benefits to provide service or even pay for fuel, is not an eligible expense.  The ATU’s proposal calls for giving agencies flexibility to use their FTA funds to keep service on the road. “The prohibition on transit operating assistance has been in place since 1998, and like many of the broken-down buses of that era, this outdated law has outlived its useful lifespan,” Costa continued.

    In addition, the Union endorses separate legislation by Rep. Hank Johnson and Sen. Chris Van Hollen that would create new programs to maintain and improve transit service. 

    With assaults on transit workers increasing more than 232 percent between 2014 and 2024, the ATU is calling for increased safety measures on public transit. The Union won a huge victory in the BIL on safety issues, requiring labor-management safety committees, with equal numbers on each side, giving workers a role in how Public Transit Agency Safety Plans (PTASPs) are developed and implemented.

    “We had Brothers in Seattle and Atlanta who were tragically murdered on the job just a few months ago. We need immediate improvements to the bus operator workstation to protect our members,” said Costa. “Not one more bus driver should be attacked on the job!  I have been to way too many funerals over the years. Enough is enough!”

    Under ATU’s proposal, no fixed-route or paratransit bus would be operated unless the vehicle is equipped with a barrier between the passenger and driver compartments that fully encloses the operator’s workstation, and prevents the unwanted entry of persons, fluids, and articles into the workstation.  In addition to secure workstations, ATU calls on Congress to fund unarmed transit ambassadors and fare enforcement inspectors to protect operators and deter disruptive behavior. “We should no longer be sitting ducks out there,” said Costa. “Sometimes, we all need a guardian angel by our side. It’s time to let our members concentrate on driving the bus, which is hard enough to do on its own.”

    With the transition to Zero Emissions Bus and changing technology in the industry, Your Ride is Here calls for increased investment in workforce development. Today, transit mechanics need more training to keep their jobs and perform them safely. Bus mechanics now require new skills and knowledge, including electric motor repair, computer literacy, and diagnostic troubleshooting. The ATU proposes to increase the amount that transit systems must set aside for workforce development training, including registered apprenticeships and other labor-management training programs under the Zero Emissions Bus Program.  “These new buses are highly sophisticated. No mechanic should be electrocuted because they haven’t received the training, they need to do their job,” Costa continued.

    Over the next year and a half, the ATU will mobilize its members to educate Members of Congress on both sides of the aisle in an effort to move our agenda and improve public transit for our riders. 

    The entire comprehensive report, which also covers other issues such as mictrotransit and autonomous buses, can be downloaded @ https://www.atu.org/pdfs/LEGIS_YourRideisHere.pdf

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Technologies Secures $5.8M in Private Placement of Securities

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced it that it has executed a securities purchase agreement with certain investment partnerships affiliated with the Company and certain accredited and institutional investors in a private placement for the purchase and sale of (i) an aggregate of 3,216,666 shares of common stock of the Company, at a purchase price of $1.80 per share of common stock, and (ii) accompanying warrants to purchase 3,216,666 shares of common stock, for aggregate proceeds of approximately $5.8 million. The warrants will be immediately exercisable at an initial exercise price of $1.80 per share, subject to adjustment, and expire five years from the date of issuance.

    The closing of the private placement is subject to customary closing conditions and is expected to occur on or around February 28, 2025. The Company intends to use the net proceeds of the offering for working capital and general corporate purposes.

    Key Financing Highlights:

    • Majority investment comes from investment partnerships affiliated with insiders and several existing investors.
    • Fuels go-to-market strategy for BolaWrap and Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem, both domestically and internationally.
    • Accelerates commitment to deliver Made-in-America end-to-end public safety solutions.
    • Bolsters a federal plan for Washington, DC presence.
    • Increasing investments in training and customer support to optimize BolaWrap programs.

    The securities the private placement offering were offered and sold in transactions exempt from the registration requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), pursuant to the exemption for transactions by an issuer not involving any public offering under Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act and Rule 506 of Regulation D of the Securities Act and in reliance on similar exemptions under applicable state laws. Pursuant to a registration rights agreement, the Company has agreed to file a resale registration statement covering the securities described above.

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

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions, integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations around the world. Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters stronger relationships, driving safer outcomes, empowering public safety and communities to move forward together.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution encompasses an innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device, strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure, mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes, with the goal to save lives with each wrap.

    Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator and comprehensive public safety training platform that equips first responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation, de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public safety outcomes, building safer communities one decision at a time.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive, secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes. Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what matters, expediting justice with integrity.

    Connect with Wrap:
    Wrap on Facebook
    Wrap on Twitter
    Wrap on LinkedIn

    Trademark Information

    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad.  All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the private placement and the satisfaction of customary closing conditions related to the private placement, the anticipated use of proceeds therefrom, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ministerial appointments: February 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Ministerial appointments: February 2025

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments.

    The King has been pleased to approve the following appointments:

    • Ashley Dalton MP as a Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State in the Department of Health and Social Care. 

    • The Rt Hon. Douglas Alexander MP jointly as a Minister of State in the Cabinet Office, in addition to his role as Minister of State in the Department for Business and Trade.

    • Lord Moraes OBE as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

    • Lord Wilson of Sedgefield as a Lord in Waiting (Government Whip).

     Andrew Gwynne MP has left the government.

    Lord Cryer has left the government.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Joint Statement on the resumption of India-UK trade negotiations

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries.

    The Prime Minister of India Shri Narendra Modi and Prime Minister of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Sir Keir Starmer met on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in November 2024 to underline the importance of resuming trade negotiations at an early date. 

    Today the Republic of India and the United Kingdom have resumed negotiations towards a trade deal between our two countries. This announcement has been made by Minister for Commerce and Industry of India Shri Piyush Goyal and Secretary of State for the Department for Business and Trade of the United Kingdom the Rt Hon Jonathan Reynolds in Delhi. This announcement is an outcome of the above stated discussions held at the level of Prime Ministers of the two countries. 

    India and the United Kingdom have a close partnership, built through collaboration on security and defence, new and emerging technologies, climate, health, education, research and innovation, green finance and people-to-people contacts. At the centre of this relationship is the collective aspiration to deliver economic growth and sustainable development.

    Both sides have agreed to resume negotiations towards a balanced, mutually beneficial and a forward-looking deal that delivers mutual growth and builds on the strengths of the two complementary economies. The strengthening of the trading relationship between our two countries has the potential to unlock opportunities for business and consumers across both our nations and build further on our already deep ties.

    The two leaders directed the negotiators to work together to resolve the outstanding issues in the agreement to ensure a fair and equitable trade deal for shared success.

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Brazilian Extradited From Switzerland to the United States to Face Indictment Charging Involvement in $290 Million Plus Cryptocurrency Fraud Scheme

    Source: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) State Crime News

    Tens of thousands of investors deposited bitcoin expecting an investment strategy – Instead, new investor bitcoin used to pay off other investors in a Ponzi scheme

    SEATTLE – A citizen of Brazil appeared in U.S. District Court in Seattle today, after being extradited from Switzerland to face a 13-count indictment for wire fraud and conspiracy regarding his bitcoin investment scheme, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. Douver T. Braga, 48, lived in Florida between approximately 2016 and 2021 during the bulk of the alleged fraud. The indictment alleges Braga operated a bitcoin investment scheme that was really a Ponzi scheme, as well as an illegal multilevel marketing scheme.

    The grand jury returned the indictment in October 2022. It was unsealed last week following Braga’s arrest in Switzerland. Today Braga pleaded “Not Guilty,” and trial was scheduled in front of U.S. District Judge Tana Lin on April 28, 2025.

    “Mr. Braga allegedly ran a fraud scheme that harkens back more than a century, but he updated his ‘Ponzi’ scheme with the hot new thing: bitcoin,” said U.S. Attorney Teal Luthy Miller. “The victim investors have waited years to see justice. I commend our federal partners at the FBI and IRS Criminal Investigation for their diligent work on this case.”

    According to the indictment, Braga conspired with others to create a cryptocurrency trading platform called Trade Coin Club (TCC) with an office in Belize. As early as 2016, Braga worked with others to promote TCC, claiming that investors would make money because the TCC had a sophisticated software program that allowed investors to profit on the fluctuating price of bitcoin. Braga also promised that investors could make money by referring other investors to the platform. In reality, there was no investment platform and no sophisticated software. Those who invested early were paid off by later investors as in a Ponzi scheme.

    Braga traveled the world promoting TCC: In Thailand in March 2017, in Nigeria and Macau in May 2017.  TCC was promoted on social media and in videos. At various events Braga claimed TCC had as many as 126,000 members in 231 different countries.

    Through his false promises of sophisticated investments and high returns, Braga induced tens of thousands of people to entrust over 82,000 bitcoin, valued at over $290 million at the time of investment, and to deposit it with TCC. Braga continued the false representations, creating an “online portal” where investors could track the supposed activity of their investment accounts. The site was a fiction as there was no trading activity.

    Braga withdrew and misappropriated investor funds. Between December 2016 and July 2019, at least $50 million in bitcoin was transferred to accounts Braga controlled.

    However, by late 2017 and early 2018, investors had trouble accessing their funds. In January 2018, TCC announced to investors that it was ceasing to operate in the United States and was cancelling their accounts.  Many investors were located in the Western District of Washington.

    Braga allegedly profited handsomely, while failing to report the earnings to the IRS. In 2017, he received bitcoin worth $30.5 million, but only reported income of $152, 298. In 2018, he reported $73,473 in income but got $13.1 million in bitcoin and in 2019, reported $72,870 in income while he received $10 million in bitcoin.

    “The type of scheme Mr. Braga is charged with operating is not new, he just used the allure of a flashy new technology to obscure the well-worn scam.” said W. Mike Herrington, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Seattle field office. “While the victims in this case waited and wondered about the fate of their investments, he siphoned off millions of dollars for his personal use. This case demonstrates the determination of the FBI and our partners in IRS Criminal Investigation to hold fraudsters accountable, no matter where in the world they may be.”

    “The charges against Mr. Braga and his co-conspirators reflect a well-designed scheme to solicit investment in a fake cryptocurrency trading platform from victims around the globe,” said Special Agent in Charge Tyler Hatcher of IRS-Criminal Investigation (CI), Los Angeles Field Office.  “Furthermore, Mr. Braga is alleged to have knowingly ignored and circumvented laws regulating multi-level marketing programs in the U.S.- laws that exist to protect investors from becoming victims in pyramid schemes.  Despite the complexity of this scheme, IRS Criminal Investigation and our partners at the FBI successfully uncovered the evidence necessary to bring forth these charges.”

    Braga is charged with 12 counts of wire fraud reflecting 12 wires investors sent to TCC for deposits in their “accounts.” Braga is charged with one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud.

    The charges are punishable by up to 20 years in prison.

    The charges contained in the indictment are only allegations.  A person is presumed innocent unless and until he or she is proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    The case was investigated by the IRS-CI and the FBI.

    The case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Mike Dion and Phillip Kopczynski. The U.S. Department of Justice’s Office of International Affairs provided valuable assistance with securing the extradition.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Say no to doorstep traders

    Source: Northern Ireland Direct

    Date published:

    There are dangers when you employ doorstep callers who offer to do improvement works to your property. You are advised not to use tradespeople who just turn up on the doorstep.

    Older and vulnerable people

    Some doorstep traders deliberately target older and vulnerable people who live alone.

    They call at their homes uninvited and offer to carry out home improvement works or repairs to a property.

    You could lose large sums of money for work that could prove to be of little value. 

    Also, people can sometimes feel intimidated and pressurised into agreeing to pay for additional work that they didn’t want or need.

    That work can then often result in people having to pay out large sums of money to legitimate traders to have the work fixed or finished.

    Local neighbourhood websites

    You should also be alert when using local neighbourhood websites where people post about the jobs they need doing, in the belief that they’ll avoid the sort of rogue traders who turn up on their doorstep. 

    The doorstep criminals have adapted their methods and now have a presence on these websites and often respond to such requests.

    The traders often use fake profiles and vastly under-quote for jobs to get a response.

    In reality, many of these traders are criminals who will charge vastly-inflated prices for shoddy work or for work that is not needed.

    In many cases, the trader will start work on the property immediately and then will leave it unfinished or in a very poor state of repair.

    What you can do

    To put off approaches from rogue traders in the first place you can place a sign in your door or window telling any doorstep callers looking for business that they are not welcome.

    You can point out the sign to any unwelcome callers and tell them that if they persist in trying to sell their services they may be committing a criminal offence.

    You can get ‘No Cold Calling’ signs and more help and advice from Trading Standards Service’s Consumerline. 

    The advice is:

    • don’t buy at the door – no matter who is calling or what they seem to be offering
    • consider fitting doorstep cameras and video doorbells
    • don’t open the door to anyone who turns up uninvited, no matter what their story is – keep the chain on
    • always take your time – legitimate traders will not rush you to make a decision
    • if possible, choose a trader who has been recommended by family or friends
    • get written quotes from at least three traders to compare prices
    • don’t pay until the job is finished to your satisfaction
    • watch out for vulnerable or older neighbours or family members
    • use the ‘Nominated Neighbour’ scheme 

    As well as the huge financial losses from using doorstep tradespeople, many people also suffer emotional trauma, the onset of health problems, and have a long fear of crime.

    More useful links

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: BexBack Launches U-Based Leverage Trading with 25x to 100x Leverage, Adds 45 New Trading Pairs and Double Deposit Bonus No KYC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — With Bitcoin’s price fluctuating below $100,000, many analysts predict a prolonged period of high volatility in the crypto market. Holding spot positions may struggle to generate short-term profits in such conditions. As a result, 100x leverage futures trading has become the preferred tool for seasoned investors looking to maximize potential gains in this volatile market. BexBack Exchange is ramping up its efforts to offer traders unmatched promotional packages. The platform now features a 100% deposit bonus, a $50 welcome bonus for new users, and 100x leverage on cryptocurrency trading, providing exceptional opportunities for investors.

    In addition to 100x leverage, BexBack is offering new U-based leverage trading options with 25x, 50x, and 75x leverage, giving traders greater flexibility to manage risk while maximizing potential returns. The platform has also added 45 new popular trading pairs, expanding the range of assets available to trade, creating more opportunities for strategic investment.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

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

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

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

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

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

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

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

    About BexBack?

    BexBack is a leading cryptocurrency derivatives platform that offers 100x leverage on BTC, ETH, ADA, SOL, XRP, and 50 other major cryptocurrencies for futures contracts.. It is headquartered in Singapore with offices in Hong Kong, Japan, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Argentina. It holds a US MSB (Money Services Business) license and is trusted by more than 500,000 traders worldwide. Accepts users from the United States, Canada, and Europe. There are no deposit fees, and traders can get the most thoughtful service, including 24/7 customer support.

    Why recommend BexBack?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Take Action Now—Don’t Miss Another Opportunity!

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

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d4110cea-b777-4e8a-a7eb-a18dd12391f9

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/adc5f0e3-e140-4b4a-9027-4bd52b34fb95

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/44223717-8017-48e3-8f16-cc79ec9de8b0

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6fa2fed7-ca6f-4ecb-82e0-464a07c6f8bb

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Minister puts emphasis on safeguarding human rights and international system in address to UN Human Rights Council

    Source: Government of Iceland

    Foreign Minister Þorgerður Katrín Gunnarsdóttir today delivered her address to the 58th session of the United Nations Human Rights Council. In her speech, Foreign Minister Gunnarsdóttir emphasized the need to safeguard the United Nations and the international system established after World War II. That the values that the world’s nations agreed to respect were being severely undermined, and she particularly criticized Russia’s illegal, all-out invasion of Ukraine, on the day when leaders have gathered in Kiev to express support for Ukraine exactly three years after the invasion began.

    The Foreign Minister also addressed gender equality, women´s rights and the rights of LGBTQIA+ people in her address to the Human Rights Council, but a strong undercurrent is now working to undermine the achievements that have been made in recent years.

    “For me, the starting point is a simple truth: no person should have to live in fear of persecution and violence. This continues to apply if the persecution is based on a person´s sexual orientation or gender identity. And we will not hesitate to stand up on their behalf here in this venue, amplifying the voices of those who fight for their rights. Because we are all born free and equal,” said Þorgerður Katrín.

    The 58th session of the Human Rights Council is the first since Iceland became a member of the Council, following elections at the United Nations General Assembly in October. The Foreign Minister noted that eighty years have passed this year since the founding of the United Nations and that it is important to recall the important values that were laid down at the beginning. Of course, the United Nations had not always been able to live up to hopes and expectations. “The Israeli warfare in Gaza for fifteen months following the Hamas terrorist attack on 7 October 2023 is only the latest testament of the failure of our system to address urgent crises. And yet that complex problem now seems more divisive than ever, the talk of removal of people from Gaza being only the latest example of the crossroads we now find ourselves at,” she said, noting further: “There is only one way to meet these challenges. We must redouble our efforts, recommit ourselves to principles laid out in the UN Charter. It may prove difficult. It may require sacrifices – for sure it will require sacrifices since, after all, the world is a different place than it was in 1945, and the United Nations must reflect those changes through reform and renewal.”

    During her visit to Geneva, the Minister of Foreign Affairs will also deliver an address on behalf of the Nordic and Baltic countries (NB8) at an event commemorating the third anniversary of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine today, and will also deliver an address on behalf of the same countries at an event commemorating the 30th anniversary of the Beijing World Conference on Women. She will also meet with Volker Türk, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Mirjana Spoljaric Egger, President of the International Committee of the Red Cross, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, Director-General of the World Trade Organization, and will hold several bilateral ministerial meetings.

    An overview of Iceland’s key priorities can be found here and on this website dedicated to Iceland’s membership of the United Nations Human Rights Council. 

    Iceland joined the UN Human Rights Council on 1 January 2025 along with seventeen other states from all regions of the world. Iceland previously served on the Council for half a term in 2018-2019, filling the seat vacated by the United States in June 2018.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity. and co-Director of the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh

    There’s been a global trend in the reduction of aid to Africa since 2018. Donors are shifting their funding priorities in response to domestic and international agendas. Germany, France and Norway, for instance, have all reduced their aid to Africa in the past five years. And, in 2020, the UK government reduced its Overseas Development Aid from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%.

    Many health services across the African continent rely heavily on overseas aid to provide essential care. International funding supports everything from vaccines and HIV treatment to maternal health programmes.

    Cuts to aid, particularly unilateral ones, can have widespread implications. For instance, about 72 million people missed out on treatment for neglected tropical diseases between 2021 and 2022 due to UK aid cuts.

    The freeze of US aid to Africa in January 2025 is the latest in this trend. It’s already having significant and wide-ranging impacts across the African continent. For example, vaccination campaigns for polio eradication and HIV/Aids treatment through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) have been stopped. This puts millions of lives at risk. In South Africa alone, the cut of Pepfar’s US$400 million a year to HIV programmes risks patients defaulting on treatment, infection rates going up and eventually a rise in deaths.

    President Donald Trump’s actions have highlighted Africa’s reliance on foreign aid for health funding. I’m a global health expert who sits on various funding and advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK government and boards of global resource mobilisation organisations. I am well aware of the competing funding priorities for international funders and have long advocated for local, sustainable health funding mechanisms.

    Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are critical. Breaking away from this current funding status requires concerted efforts building on proven best practice.



    Read more:
    How nonprofits abroad can fill gaps when the US government cuts off foreign aid

    Country-leadership and ownership

    African countries currently face the unique challenge of simultaneously dealing with high rates of communicable diseases, such as malaria and HIV/Aids, and rising levels of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

    But Africa’s health systems are not sufficiently resourced. They’re not able to provide appropriate, accessible and affordable healthcare to address these challenges.

    African governments spend less than 10% of their GDP on health, amounting to capital expenditure of US$4.5 billion. This falls short of the estimated US$26 billion annual investment needed to meet evolving health needs.

    Aid goes towards filling this funding gap. For example, in 2021, half of sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing, such as grants and loans, for more than one-third of their health expenditures.

    Foreign aid has helped. But it clearly leaves African countries vulnerable to the political mood swings among funders.

    It also leads to loss of self-determination in terms of health priorities as, ultimately, the funder determines the health priorities. This is one reason why many programmes in Africa focus on a single disease, such as HIV. This leads to poorly integrated health services. For instance health workers or services are channelled into managing a single disease.

    New, underutilised financing options

    The current trajectory of reduced aid to Africa is likely to continue. Global aid is being directed to other challenges, such as conflict and illegal immigration.

    The continent cannot continue on the same path while hoping for different outcomes. Africa needs to grow a range of immediately available domestic financing options. Many of these are underutilised and include:

    1.) Diversifying domestic resource mobilisation. This should include commodity taxation to fund health. For instance, tobacco taxes which are currently underutilised in Africa.

    Zimbabwe offers a successful example. It has bridged donor resource gaps through its 3% Aids levy (started in 1999). Imposed on both individual and corporate incomes, it funds domestic HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment programmes.

    Nigeria’s another country that’s taken initiative, prioritising domestic budget allocation to health. It recently absorbed the 28,000 healthworkers formerly paid by USAid. This demonstrates that domestic health financing in Africa is possible.

    2.) More private-public partnerships. Formed between local and international philanthropies or institutions, these can bridge financing gaps.

    One successful example is the 2015 health service provision partnership between the Kenyan government and GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare provides radiography equipment and services which the government pays for over time. This allows the government to budget and plan healthcare expenditure over several years.

    3.) Promotion of regional integration to boost local production. This will reduce the need for aid-funded imported medical products.

    For instance, the African Union’s harmonised Africa Medicines Authority registration facility creates a single continental market for medicines. This supports local producers and exporters, by allowing them to operate on a larger scale. It also makes production and distribution more cost-effective. Finally, it reduces the reliance on imported medicines, strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.

    4.) Leverage development finance institutions. These are specialised financial organisations – such as the Africa Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They can provide capital and expertise to projects deemed too risky for traditional investors. This includes support for health financing for infrastructure development, private sector development for small and medium-sized enterprises and the regional integration.

    One transformative initiative is the AfricInvest investment platform. With support from development finance institutions in the US and Europe, AfricInvest has raised over US$100 million for health investment in Africa. It has funded at least 45 dialysis facilities in Africa, delivering over 130,000 dialysis sessions annually, primarily to remote and underserved communities all at affordable costs.

    A combination of these approaches at national, regional and continental level will accelerate Africa’s withdrawal from aid dependency.

    Francisca Mutapi receives funding from the Aspen Global Innovation Programme, Scottish Funding Council funding to the University of Edinburgh, Academy of Medical Sciences, British Academy and the Royal Society. Francisca Mutapi is the Deputy Director of the Tackling Infections to Benefit Africa (TIBA) Partnership and Deputy Board Chair of Uniting to Combat NTDS. She sits on the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) and WHO Africa Regional Director’s Scientific Advisory Groups.

    – ref. Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this – https://theconversation.com/africa-relies-too-heavily-on-foreign-aid-for-health-4-ways-to-fix-this-249886

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Samaila Zubairu of Africa Finance Corporation (AFC) Succeeds Prof. Benedict Oramah of Afreximbank to Lead the Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI)

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, February 24, 2025/APO Group/ —

    The Alliance of African Multilateral Financial Institutions (AAMFI), also known as the Africa Club, has announced the appointment of Samaila Zubairu as its new Chairperson.

    Mr. Zubairu, President and CEO of the Africa Finance Corporation (AFC), succeeds AAMFI’s founding Chair, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors of African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank). His appointment was confirmed at the fifth meeting of the AAMFI Governing Council on 16th February 2025, on the sidelines of the 38th African Union Summit in Addis Ababa.

    Additionally, Dr Corneille Karekezi, Group Managing Director and CEO Africa Re Corporation (Africa Re) and Mr Manuel Moses, Chief Executive Officer of the African Trade & Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), were appointed as the first and second Vice Chairpersons of the AAMFI Governing Council, respectively.

    Established in 2024, AAMFI brings together Africa’s leading multilateral financial institutions to promote sustainable economic growth and financial self-reliance for the continent. The Alliance plays a critical role in strengthening intra-African collaboration, mobilising capital for development, and advocating for Africa’s economic interests on the global stage.

    Under Prof. Oramah’s leadership, AAMFI made significant strides, including its successful launch by African Heads of State in February 2024, the adoption of its governing Charter, the admission of 3 new members: Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA), African Solidarity Fund (ASF), and East African Development Bank (EADB), increasing its membership from seven founding members to a total of ten members.

    Prof. Oramah’s leadership also saw the endorsement and recognition of AAMFI by key African Union organs and stakeholders, as well as successful elevation of the profile of the Alliance highlighting its key role in shaping discussions around African multilateral and development finance.

    “I want to thank the leadership of AAMFI for entrusting me with this mandate. Looking back at what we have achieved, I am reminded of the immense potential and responsibility that lies ahead. AAMFI has laid a strong foundation for Africa’s financial sovereignty, but there is still much more to be done. I am confident that under the leadership of Mr. Samaila Zubairu, the Africa will continue to drive impactful collaborations and innovative financial solutions to accelerate Africa’s economic transformation,” said Prof. Oramah, in his statement during the handover ceremony. “

    As Chair, Zubairu will drive collaborative growth by strengthening partnerships among member institutions, African governments, and global agencies to build a robust financial architecture. His agenda prioritizes youth empowerment through industrialization, financial literacy, and pension reforms, strategic investments in infrastructure, and developing capital markets to enhance liquidity and intra-African investment. He will also advocate for cross-border capital mobilization and early warning systems to prevent financial vulnerabilities, ensuring Africa’s economic resilience and long-term prosperity.

    While accepting the Chairmanship of the AAMFI for 2025, Mr Zubairu said: I am deeply honored to assume the chairmanship of AAMFI at this pivotal moment for Africa’s economic transformation. Our collective mission is clear—to build a robust financial architecture that captures and retains value within the continent, mobilizes African capital for African priorities, and accelerate the infrastructure development that enables industrialization. By fostering deeper intra-African collaboration, and strengthening our institutions, we will unlock opportunities that create high-quality jobs, drive innovation, and secure our long-term economic resilience. I look forward to working with my esteemed colleagues to chart a path toward true financial sovereignty and sustainable prosperity for Africa.”

    Mr. Zubairu’s leadership of AFC since 2018 has been pivotal to mobilising capital for infrastructure, industrialization and trade across Africa. AFC leads some of the continent’s most significant infrastructure projects, including the Lobito Corridor, Africa’s largest rail project, and transformative renewable energy initiatives such as the Lekela Power and Red Sea Power wind generation projects, and Xlinks, which is set to export electricity from the Sahara to Europe. Under his stewardship, AFC has doubled assets invested to $15 billion, and expanded membership from 18 countries to 44, representing 80% of African nations.

    Members commended Prof. Oramah on his successful leadership and tenure and pledged their commitment and support towards a successful year for Mr Zubairu as the new Chairperson of AAMFI.

    AAMFI members include AFC, Afreximbank, Trade and Development Bank Group (TDB Group), African Reinsurance Corporation (Africa Re), African Trade and Investment Development Insurance (ATIDI), Shelter Afrique Development Bank (SHAFDB), ZEP-RE (PTA Reinsurance Company), East African Development Bank (EADB), African Solidarity Fund (ASF), and the Fund for Export Development in Africa (FEDA).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Francisca Mutapi, Professor in Global Health Infection and Immunity. and co-Director of the Global Health Academy, University of Edinburgh

    There’s been a global trend in the reduction of aid to Africa since 2018. Donors are shifting their funding priorities in response to domestic and international agendas. Germany, France and Norway, for instance, have all reduced their aid to Africa in the past five years. And, in 2020, the UK government reduced its Overseas Development Aid from 0.7% of gross national income to 0.5%.

    Many health services across the African continent rely heavily on overseas aid to provide essential care. International funding supports everything from vaccines and HIV treatment to maternal health programmes.

    Cuts to aid, particularly unilateral ones, can have widespread implications. For instance, about 72 million people missed out on treatment for neglected tropical diseases between 2021 and 2022 due to UK aid cuts.

    The freeze of US aid to Africa in January 2025 is the latest in this trend. It’s already having significant and wide-ranging impacts across the African continent. For example, vaccination campaigns for polio eradication and HIV/Aids treatment through the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (Pepfar) have been stopped. This puts millions of lives at risk. In South Africa alone, the cut of Pepfar’s US$400 million a year to HIV programmes risks patients defaulting on treatment, infection rates going up and eventually a rise in deaths.

    President Donald Trump’s actions have highlighted Africa’s reliance on foreign aid for health funding. I’m a global health expert who sits on various funding and advisory boards, including those of the World Health Organization (WHO), the UK government and boards of global resource mobilisation organisations. I am well aware of the competing funding priorities for international funders and have long advocated for local, sustainable health funding mechanisms.

    Long-term strategies to reduce aid dependency are critical. Breaking away from this current funding status requires concerted efforts building on proven best practice.

    Read more: How nonprofits abroad can fill gaps when the US government cuts off foreign aid

    Country-leadership and ownership

    African countries currently face the unique challenge of simultaneously dealing with high rates of communicable diseases, such as malaria and HIV/Aids, and rising levels of non-communicable diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases and diabetes.

    But Africa’s health systems are not sufficiently resourced. They’re not able to provide appropriate, accessible and affordable healthcare to address these challenges.

    African governments spend less than 10% of their GDP on health, amounting to capital expenditure of US$4.5 billion. This falls short of the estimated US$26 billion annual investment needed to meet evolving health needs.

    Aid goes towards filling this funding gap. For example, in 2021, half of sub-Saharan African countries relied on external financing, such as grants and loans, for more than one-third of their health expenditures.

    Foreign aid has helped. But it clearly leaves African countries vulnerable to the political mood swings among funders.

    It also leads to loss of self-determination in terms of health priorities as, ultimately, the funder determines the health priorities. This is one reason why many programmes in Africa focus on a single disease, such as HIV. This leads to poorly integrated health services. For instance health workers or services are channelled into managing a single disease.

    New, underutilised financing options

    The current trajectory of reduced aid to Africa is likely to continue. Global aid is being directed to other challenges, such as conflict and illegal immigration.

    The continent cannot continue on the same path while hoping for different outcomes. Africa needs to grow a range of immediately available domestic financing options. Many of these are underutilised and include:

    1.) Diversifying domestic resource mobilisation. This should include commodity taxation to fund health. For instance, tobacco taxes which are currently underutilised in Africa.

    Zimbabwe offers a successful example. It has bridged donor resource gaps through its 3% Aids levy (started in 1999). Imposed on both individual and corporate incomes, it funds domestic HIV/Aids prevention, care and treatment programmes.

    Nigeria’s another country that’s taken initiative, prioritising domestic budget allocation to health. It recently absorbed the 28,000 healthworkers formerly paid by USAid. This demonstrates that domestic health financing in Africa is possible.

    2.) More private-public partnerships. Formed between local and international philanthropies or institutions, these can bridge financing gaps.

    One successful example is the 2015 health service provision partnership between the Kenyan government and GE Healthcare. GE Healthcare provides radiography equipment and services which the government pays for over time. This allows the government to budget and plan healthcare expenditure over several years.

    3.) Promotion of regional integration to boost local production. This will reduce the need for aid-funded imported medical products.

    For instance, the African Union’s harmonised Africa Medicines Authority registration facility creates a single continental market for medicines. This supports local producers and exporters, by allowing them to operate on a larger scale. It also makes production and distribution more cost-effective. Finally, it reduces the reliance on imported medicines, strengthening Africa’s pharmaceutical industry.

    4.) Leverage development finance institutions. These are specialised financial organisations – such as the Africa Development Bank, African Export-Import Bank and the Development Bank of Southern Africa. They can provide capital and expertise to projects deemed too risky for traditional investors. This includes support for health financing for infrastructure development, private sector development for small and medium-sized enterprises and the regional integration.

    One transformative initiative is the AfricInvest investment platform. With support from development finance institutions in the US and Europe, AfricInvest has raised over US$100 million for health investment in Africa. It has funded at least 45 dialysis facilities in Africa, delivering over 130,000 dialysis sessions annually, primarily to remote and underserved communities all at affordable costs.

    A combination of these approaches at national, regional and continental level will accelerate Africa’s withdrawal from aid dependency.

    – Africa relies too heavily on foreign aid for health – 4 ways to fix this
    – https://theconversation.com/africa-relies-too-heavily-on-foreign-aid-for-health-4-ways-to-fix-this-249886

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Wrap Acquires W1 Global: Expands Managed Services with Former FBI, DEA, and DoD Leadership to Accelerate Made-in-America End-to-End Solutions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    This news follows: Wrap Unveils Managed Safety and Response (MSR) Connected Ecosystem in Virginia

    TEMPE, Ariz., Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Wrap Technologies (NASDAQ: WRAP) (“Wrap” or, the “Company”) today announced it has completed the acquisition of W1 Global, LLC (“W1”) a preeminent professional services and consulting firm led by an executive team of former high-ranking law enforcement and U.S. Intelligence Community professionals, with deep competencies in complex international criminal investigation, regulatory matters and compliance issues.

    The acquisition of W1 is expected to increase Wraps access to the skill and experience of this distinguished group, as well as expand the international reach of its MSR Connected Ecosystem. It is also expected to support a tech-enabled enhancement of the suite of professional and consulting services that W1 has provided to its clients all over the world.

    Wrap’s acquisition has now assembled a deep team of senior leaders from both the public sector and national security agencies:

    • Professional Services will be led by Bill McMurry, a career law enforcement and intelligence professional. Mr. McMurry is a retired FBI Supervisory Special Agent who served in the FBI’s New York Office for twenty-four years. Mr. McMurry worked closely with the US DOJ, DEA, ATF, HSI, OFAC, DOD and the USIC to develop a national strategy to implement a whole of government response to combat the threat posed by Transnational Organized Crime.
    • Managed Safety and Response will be led by Jim DeStefano, former Assistant Special Agent in Charge of a Special Operations Branch responsible for the New York field division’s preparation for, response to, and recovery from all crisis and special events – including training and tactics in response to emotionally disturbed persons. John Penza, adds experience from state and federal corrections, local law enforcement, and as the former New York Division’s Assistant Special Agent in Charge of the Violent Crimes and Drug Trafficking Branch.
    • Investigative, Regulatory and Compliance professional services will be supported by Ric Bachour, a former local and state police officer, U.S. Marine, and Purple Heart recipient. His international experience includes leadership roles in the DEA Sensitive Undercover Operations Unit, Special Operations, and DEA’s Foreign and Domestic Field Offices.

    Additional Talent Pipeline and International Go-To-Market

    Wrap anticipates accessing a deep talent pool as individuals transition from long government tenures, marking the first of many strategic talent acquisitions to meet growing market demands.

    The W1 Global transaction is expected to position Wrap for international expansion by leveraging W1’s global network and expertise in investigative services. This in-country support network, consisting of former government personnel, provides valuable entry points for global distribution while aligning with U.S. resources and support systems.

    End-to-End Ecosystem

    The W1 Global transaction creates an end-to-end ecosystem with two key business lines: leveraging top talent to deliver comprehensive Managed Safety and Response (MSR) solutions and expanding tech-enabled professional services to enhance client support. Both companies’ clients demonstrate a strong appetite for each other’s services—Wrap’s international clients show significant interest in investigative services, while W1 Global’s clients are keen on Wrap’s BolaWrap, drones, and expanding cyber solutions within the MSR portfolio. This strategic combination effectively meets the market demand for integrated safety and technology-driven professional services, driving growth and enhancing client support.

    Scot Cohen, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Wrap, commented, “The acquisition of W1 Global is a transformational step in establishing Wrap as a leader in Managed Safety and Response services. It is expected to drive immediate revenue growth, be accretive, and create synergies with our existing business, including the revamped BolaWrap program, while supporting our expanding global channel system.”

    Bill McMurry, Chief Executive Officer of W1 Global, commented, “W1 and Wrap can now deliver comprehensive MSR solutions with expert consulting, integration, and customization. By combining cutting-edge technology like the BolaWrap with professional services, we hope to ensure seamless implementation and continuous support. Our deep industry expertise is expected to allow us to optimize safety solutions for public safety agencies, effectively addressing complex challenges.”

    About Wrap Technologies, Inc.

    Wrap Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq: WRAP) is a leading global provider of advanced public safety solutions, integrating ultramodern technology, cutting-edge tools, and comprehensive services to address the complex, modern day challenges facing public safety organizations around the world. Guided by a no-harm principle, Wrap is dedicated to developing groundbreaking solutions that empower public safety agencies to safeguard the communities they serve in a manner that fosters stronger relationships, driving safer outcomes, empowering public safety and communities to move forward together.

    Wrap’s BolaWrap® solution encompasses an innovative and patented hand-held remote restraint device, strategically engineered with Wrap’s no-harm guiding principle to proactively deter escalation by deploying a Kevlar® tether that safely restrains individuals from a distance. Combined with BolaWrap® training, certified by the esteemed International Association of Directors of Law Enforcement Standards and Training (IADLEST), Wrap enables officers from over 1000 agencies across the U.S. and 60 countries around the world, with the expertise to effectively use BolaWrap® as an early intervention measure, mitigating potential risks and injuries, averting tragic outcomes, with the goal to save lives with each wrap.

    Wrap Reality™, the Company’s advanced virtual reality training system, is a fully immersive training simulator and comprehensive public safety training platform that equips first responders with the discipline and practice to prevent escalation, de-escalate conflicts, and apply appropriate tactical use-of-force measures to better perform in the field. By offering a growing range of real-life scenarios, Wrap Reality™ addresses the dynamic nature of modern law enforcement situations for positive public safety outcomes, building safer communities one decision at a time.

    Wrap’s Intrensic solution is a comprehensive, secure and efficient body worn camera and evidence collection and management solution designed with innovative technology to quickly capture, safely handle, securely store, and seamlessly track evidence, all while maintaining full transparency throughout the process. With meticulous consolidation and professional management of evidence, confidence in law enforcement and the justice system soars, fostering trust and reliability in court outcomes. Intrensic’s efficient system streamlines the entire process seamlessly, empowering all public safety providers to focus on what matters, expediting justice with integrity.

    Connect with Wrap:
    Wrap on Facebook
    Wrap on Twitter
    Wrap on LinkedIn

    Trademark Information

    Wrap, the Wrap logo, BolaWrap®, Wrap Reality™ and Wrap Training Academy are trademarks of Wrap Technologies, Inc., some of which are registered in the U.S. and abroad.  All other trade names used herein are either trademarks or registered trademarks of the respective holders.

    Cautionary Note on Forward-Looking Statements – Safe Harbor Statement
    This release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Words such as “expect,” “anticipate,” “should”, “believe”, “target”, “project”, “goals”, “estimate”, “potential”, “predict”, “may”, “will”, “could”, “intend”, and variations of these terms or the negative of these terms and similar expressions are intended to identify these forward-looking statements. Moreover, forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which involve factors or circumstances that are beyond the Company’s control. The Company’s actual results could differ materially from those stated or implied in forward-looking statements due to a number of factors, including but not limited to: the expected benefits of the acquisition of W1, the Company’s ability to maintain compliance with the Nasdaq Capital Market’s listing standards; the Company’s ability to successfully implement training programs for the use of its products; the Company’s ability to manufacture and produce products for its customers; the Company’s ability to develop sales for its products; the market acceptance of existing and future products; the availability of funding to continue to finance operations; the complexity, expense and time associated with sales to law enforcement and government entities; the lengthy evaluation and sales cycle for the Company’s product solutions; product defects; litigation risks from alleged product-related injuries; risks of government regulations; the business impact of health crises or outbreaks of disease, such as epidemics or pandemics; the impact resulting from geopolitical conflicts and any resulting sanctions; the ability to obtain export licenses for counties outside of the United States; the ability to obtain patents and defend intellectual property against competitors; the impact of competitive products and solutions; and the Company’s ability to maintain and enhance its brand, as well as other risk factors mentioned in the Company’s most recent annual report on Form 10-K, subsequent quarterly reports on Form 10-Q, and other Securities and Exchange Commission filings. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this release and were based on current expectations, estimates, forecasts, and projections as well as the beliefs and assumptions of management. Except as required by law, the Company undertakes no duty or obligation to update any forward-looking statements contained in this release as a result of new information, future events or changes in its expectations.

    Investor Relations Contact:

    (800) 583-2652
    ir@wrap.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: As Pennsylvania inches toward legalizing recreational cannabis, lawmakers propose selling it in state-owned dispensaries similar to state liquor stores

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Daniel J. Mallinson, Associate Professor of Public Policy and Administration, Penn State

    Advocates believe Pennsylvania and Hawaii may be the next fronts in recreational cannabis legalization. Spencer Platt/Getty Images

    After a long, largely successful march over 25 years to liberalize cannabis laws in the United States, the movement had a tough election in 2024.

    Legalization ballot measures failed in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota. In Arkansas, votes on legalization were not even counted due to litigation over the measure. The only successful measures – passed in Nebraska – are also on hold due to litigation.

    Federally, many of President Donald Trump’s nominees in key posts at the Department of Health and Human Services, Department of Justice and Drug Enforcement Administration have made strong anti-cannabis statements. This may not bode well for the effort started by President Joe Biden to reschedule marijuana as a less dangerous drug.

    So, what is the future of cannabis legalization in the United States?

    As political scientist Lee Hannah and I argued in our 2024 book “Green Rush,” the states are central to the story of cannabis legalization in the United States.

    In fact, advocates are looking to places such as Pennsylvania and Hawaii in 2025 as the next fronts in recreational legalization.

    Let’s zoom in on Pennsylvania.

    Pennsylvania is a middling adopter

    Pennsylvania is following about the same trajectory with adult-use recreational legalization as it did with medical marijuana. It is not an innovator but also not a laggard.

    When Pennsylvania adopted medical marijuana in 2016, 23 states had already done so.

    The political environment is very different in 2025 than 2016, however, which raises the difficulty of passing a bill that makes recreational marijuana use legal, even in a state where legalization is popular.

    In 2016, Pennsylvania’s General Assembly was controlled completely by Republicans, and the governor was a Democrat. Now, the Democrats hold a single-seat majority in the House that erodes every time there is a vacancy. Republicans still control the Senate, and Democrat Josh Shapiro is the governor.

    A major key to medical cannabis legalization passing in 2016 was Republican state Sen. Mike Folmer’s advocacy within his caucus. Without a Republican champion, it may not have passed.

    For legalization of recreational cannabis, state Sen. Dan Laughlin has been the clear Republican champion. He has been working with Democratic state Sen. Sharif Street of Philadelphia to build support and find a policy design that works for Republicans and Democrats.

    But Republican Senate leadership has remained cool to the idea. Senate President Pro Tempore Kim Ward is not a supporter and has been pushing the governor to get more involved.

    “If (Shapiro) wants something done, he needs to lead on it,” Ward said. “He can’t throw an idea out there, which he did last year, and say, ‘Let the legislature figure it out, I’ll sign it.’”

    Expected revenues likely to fall short

    For his part, Shapiro has included projected revenues from legalization in his budget proposals since assuming office in 2023.

    This year, he projected an even greater first-year haul – US$536 million – if recreational cannabis is legalized. This estimate includes revenue from initial licensing fees.

    The assumptions going into these projections aren’t clear. And while cannabis legalization has been lucrative for state revenues in other places, revenues often fall short of what was projected during legalization debates.

    Importantly, Pennsylvania is now nearly surrounded by states with legal recreational cannabis. That includes New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Ohio, but not West Virginia.

    It is no secret that, in the words of Shapiro, “Pennsylvanians who want to buy cannabis are just driving across the border to one of our neighbors.”

    Research on how ideas and policies spread makes clear the intense pressure that comes as a state’s neighbors adopt a policy, especially one with major economic ramifications.

    But pressure does not determine the result. The internal politics of a state can still block a policy from being adopted.

    State-owned cannabis stores

    The biggest challenge for legalization in Pennsylvania will be navigating those internal political dynamics – especially finding a compromise that can be supported by both Democrats and Republicans.

    Public safety is often raised as a concern during legalization debates. To counter this point, Democrats in the state House have proposed selling legal cannabis in state-owned stores, just like how liquor and some wine is sold in Pennsylvania now.

    The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board operates nearly 600 Fine Wine & Good Spirits stores across the state.
    Paul Weaver/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images

    No other states do this, and it puts the state on potentially very slippery ground with the federal government, which still considers cannabis to be completely prohibited. State-run stores mean that states are providing a banned substance directly to citizens. That is a significant step further than creating an infrastructure to regulate private entities that are breaking federal law.

    Moreover, there has been a decades-long effort in Pennsylvania by conservatives to privatize the state liquor stores. It seems odd that Republicans would support using that model to create a recreational cannabis market.

    If privately owned but government-regulated dispensaries are used, there is significant debate among cannabis policy experts as to whether it is wise to give existing medical dispensaries first dibs on recreational licenses. Doing so allows states to open their recreational programs very quickly.

    The drawback, however, is that large, multistate operators such as Trulieve, which runs dispensaries in several states, are positioned to gain a significant share of the market. This is why the industry supports the approach to initial licensing. Legalization advocates such as Shaleen Title, however, are very concerned about the development of a “Big Cannabis” that resembles Big Tobacco, with oligopoly control by a few large companies.

    Social equity is another challenge facing recreational legalization that was not a major factor in medical. In short, social equity is about ensuring members of marginalized communities that were previously targets of the War on Drugs somehow benefit from the cannabis industry now that it is legal. While the issue was central to recreational legalization debates in neighboring New York and New Jersey, there’s been little public discussion of this particular facet of Pennsylvania’s proposed legalization plans.

    While a middling adopter of medical cannabis, Pennsylvania’s program also had important innovations in research and social equity that influenced legislators in other states. Whatever happens in the commonwealth around recreational cannabis may well do so again, especially as fewer states have the option of adopting recreational cannabis via the ballot.

    Finding a legislative solution to these thorny issues in a divided government could thus push legalization forward. Or the recent winds against legalization could stall the effort in Pennsylvania, at least for now.

    Read more of our stories about Philadelphia and Pennsylvania.

    Daniel J. Mallinson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. As Pennsylvania inches toward legalizing recreational cannabis, lawmakers propose selling it in state-owned dispensaries similar to state liquor stores – https://theconversation.com/as-pennsylvania-inches-toward-legalizing-recreational-cannabis-lawmakers-propose-selling-it-in-state-owned-dispensaries-similar-to-state-liquor-stores-250368

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: 3 ways Trump is acting like a king and bypassing the Constitution’s checks and balances on presidential authority

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By David Lopez, University Professor of Law, Rutgers University – Newark

    Donald Trump’s efforts to expand presidential power defy the Constitutional separation of powers. zimmytws/iStock via Getty Images

    I learned basic civics in my public school. But mostly, because it was more interesting, I also learned civics after school watching the animated series “Schoolhouse Rock,” often with my abuela – my grandmother – who took care of me.

    Back then, “Schoolhouse Rock” had a wonderful episode, “Three Ring Government.” In singing narration, the characters explained “about the government, and how it’s arranged, divided in three, like a three-ring circus.”

    Those three circles, all the same size, kept each other honest. For many in my generation, those three rings were our introduction to the idea of the checks and balances built into the U.S. government. They include the separation of powers among the legislative, judicial and executive branches.

    In short, we learned, Congress passes the laws, the president administers the laws, and the courts interpret the laws.

    This elegant but simple system stood in contrast to the nearly unshackled power of the British king, who ruled over the American colonies before independence. And it provided representation for “We the People,” because we vote for members of Congress.

    During its first month, the second Trump administration has pushed a new balance of these powers, granting the president expansive and far-reaching authority. These actions imperil the power of elected lawmakers in the House and Senate to pass legislation, oversee the federal government and exercise spending authority.

    Most U.S. legal scholars regarded these issues as fairly settled. Trump’s recent actions, however, have unsettled this understanding.

    Here are three examples of how the balance of power is being upset by Trump and his administration:

    The explanation of the separation of powers in the U.S. government in “Schoolhouse Rock.”

    Independent agencies

    On Jan. 28, 2025, President Donald Trump fired Gwynne Wilcox, a Democratic member of the National Labor Relations Board, three years before the end of her five-year term.

    The National Labor Relations Board, or NLRB, established in New Deal legislation in 1935, was designed to ensure industrial peace by protecting the rights of workers to organize and bargain collectively. Congress created the board as a bipartisan body to resolve allegations of unfair labor practices brought by workers or management.

    By design, the board operated independently from Cabinet-level departments. Congress sought to preserve this independence by ensuring that board members serve a fixed term and could be removed only for “neglect of duty or malfeasance in office, but for no other cause.”

    This independent structure – shared by other agencies such as the Securities Exchange Commission, the Federal Trade Commission and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission – aims to provide regulatory consistency, slightly removed from the political passions of the day.

    Some legal scholars have been percolating an argument that the Constitution requires the Supreme Court to limit those agencies’ Congressionally endowed independence in favor of more expansive presidential authority, even though the court decided this issue unanimously in 1935.

    Wilcox is suing the administration for its apparent violation of Congress’ statutory language by firing her.

    “Ms. Wilcox is the first Black woman to serve on the Board, the first Black woman to serve as its Chair, and – if the President’s action is allowed to stand – will also be the first member to be removed from office since the Board’s inception in 1935,” the lawsuit states.

    If this case makes it to the Supreme Court, and the court takes the unusual step of reversing itself, its ruling would imperil the independent structure, not just of this agency but of other agencies too.

    Asylum laws

    Congress created a comprehensive system of laws for processing the asylum claims of people who say they are fleeing persecution or torture to seek protection in the U.S.

    These laws allow applicants to show likelihood of harm if they could not stay in the U.S. They were originally adopted in response to humanitarian crises, including when Jews fleeing Nazi Germany were turned away by the U.S., among other countries.

    As part of Trump’s declaration, on his first day in back in office, that immigration is both a “national immigration emergency” and an “invasion” under Article IV, Section 4 of the Constitution, the president essentially shut down the asylum process at U.S. ports of entry. His proclamation canceled the appointments of those who had waited to pursue their claim under existing asylum procedures.

    In doing so, Trump ignored critical portions of laws passed by Congress. This move places asylum seekers already in the U.S. in danger of being deported to the countries where they say they face life-threatening persecution or torture.

    Congressional spending authority

    Protesters near the White House oppose President Donald Trump’s freeze on federal grants and loans on Jan. 28, 2025.
    Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images

    Under the Constitution, Congress has the power to set spending amounts and priorities for the federal government. By law, the executive branch cannot spend what has not been appropriated – meaning approved by Congress – nor can it stop that spending.

    Shortly following the inauguration, however, Trump’s Office of Management and Budget ordered a pause of federal grants and loans to organizations and programs ranging from Head Start to farm subsidies.

    Almost immediately, several states, concerned about the loss of essential federal services, filed a lawsuit to halt the freeze. A federal court in Rhode Island sided with the plaintiffs and temporarily stayed the freeze.

    The judge rejected the Trump administration’s argument that it must “align Federal spending and action with the will of the American people as expressed through Presidential priorities,” calling it “constitutionally flawed.” And he concluded that the president could not act unilaterally under the Constitution.

    “Congress has not given the Executive limitless power to broadly and indefinitely pause all funds that it has expressly directed to specific recipients and purposes,” wrote the judge, John J. McConnell, Jr. “The Executive’s actions violate the separation of powers.”

    “Schoolhouse Rock” taught that one ring must respect the other coequal rings. What has happened under Trump is one ring expanding in size to swallow up much of another ring – that of Congress.

    ‘Kinglike’ powers?

    Several of the Trump administration’s recent actions appear designed to test the legal viability of an expansive, more “kinglike” view of presidential powers.

    Yet for the most part, Congress as an institution has mostly remained silent as the executive branch invades its sphere of authority.

    Instead, the courts have served as a check on his power by stalling, temporarily, more than a dozen of Trump’s presidential actions that surpass the executive powers permitted under various laws and the Constitution.

    Most of these stays are only temporary. They were issued based on the recognition that the immediate harm of unlawful presidential overreach would be difficult to roll back.

    In the end, the Supreme Court will likely decide the scope of presidential powers in the various contexts. If they rule in Trump’s favor, the U.S. government will become a one-ring circus run by a kinglike president – precisely what it was never meant to be.

    Gwynne Wilcox is a Rutgers Law grad and has spoken to our class.

    – ref. 3 ways Trump is acting like a king and bypassing the Constitution’s checks and balances on presidential authority – https://theconversation.com/3-ways-trump-is-acting-like-a-king-and-bypassing-the-constitutions-checks-and-balances-on-presidential-authority-249347

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Government commits to get more veterans into meaningful jobs

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Government commits to get more veterans into meaningful jobs

    Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND.

    • Government to expand UK-wide career support for the armed forces community, ensuring support for all veterans, regardless of when they left service
    • Careers advice service Op ASCEND offer to include broader range of job support for veterans, helping more into employment and boosting growth under this government’s Plan for Change
    • Service will work with industry bodies to make sure businesses are set up to make the most of the talents veterans have to offer, showing how the government is renewing the contract with those who serve and have served

    Thousands of veterans and their family members across the UK will have access to enhanced career support thanks to government plans to expand Op ASCEND. The free service has so far equipped 3,000 veterans and family members with the tools to make their next career move.

    When jobseekers sign up to Op ASCEND for employment advice, specialist-trained advisors can support with:

    • CV writing and interview preparation
    • advice on entering new sectors such as energy, data and digital, telecommunications and construction
    • tips on how to navigate recruitment schemes run by veteran-friendly employers
    • access to employment fairs
    • advice on retraining or setting up a business

    The changes underline the government’s commitment to renewing the contract with those who serve and have served, and will help boost economic growth by helping more veterans into employment.

    The government is committed to improving services and maximising the impact of every penny spent under its Plan for Change, which the improvements will help deliver on.

    Speaking today at an audience of industry leaders and veterans at Mission Community’s annual National Transition Event in Silverstone, Veterans Minister Alistair Carns announced plans to expand the support available under Op ASCEND, which is run by the Forces Employment Charity (FEC). The service will align more closely with the MOD’s official resettlement programme – the Career Transition Partnership (CTP).

    Minister for Veterans and People, Alistair Carns DSO OBE MC MP said:

    This government is committed to renewing the nation’s contract with those who serve and have served.

    Op ASCEND is a natural extension to the government’s resettlement scheme, enabling veterans and their families to further maximise their potential and take their careers to the next level.

    This is about delivering a clear, easily accessible offering for veterans. From the time they join, to the time they leave service and beyond, veterans will be empowered to succeed, whether that be in protection of our nation, or through meaningful careers which maintain and develop their skills.

    For those just leaving the forces, there is a range of transition and resettlement support available through the CTP. For those who left service more than 2 years ago and are looking for a new job or to progress within their career, Op ASCEND is available to them. This could include provision for those veterans looking to set up their own business or hone their enterprise and entrepreneurial skills. 

    Sam, a British Army veteran who recently secured a role as a physical oil trading contracts analyst in the energy industry thanks to Op ASCEND, said:

    I found Op ASCEND online, and was assigned a mentor to help me navigate the process. There’s the intangible side of the service – knowing there’s people around that care, are interested and want to see you succeed. Knowing you can connect with an advisor, write to them or call them up if you’re having problems and get some advice. Then there’s the tangible impact of the employment events – they’re actionable, you can go ahead and do something with it.

    As well as offering career advice to the armed forces community, Op ASCEND has worked with over 300 businesses to date, helping them understand the commercial benefits of hiring veterans. The service encourages employers to:

    • review their work in recruiting, progressing and retaining talent from the armed forces and their families
    • run employment events to connect job-seeking members of the military community with job opportunities
    • expand or create new military pathways to help veterans with their transition and keep them connected to those with similar backgrounds

    Ian Fortune, Head of Pathways, Centrica, said:

    Working with the Forces Employment Charity through the delivery of Op ASCEND has enabled high-calibre service leavers and the wider military family to bring their significant talent and skillsets into our organisation with confidence.  With fantastic Pathways events such as Women Into Employment, we have been bringing diversity of thought, background and experience into our company and with it, fresh perspectives and thinking that is helping to energise a greener, fairer, future.

    Op ASCEND is being run alongside a veteran industry engagement programme, both backed by £2.1 million of government funding. Run by service charity Mission Community, the programme works with industry bodies – such as the Society of Motor Manufacturing and Traders – to drive practical, cultural and behavioural change within their sectors. Through this partnership with business, the government will help ensure that the value veterans bring to UK businesses is fully recognised, and that industries make the most of the talents they have to offer.  

    Notes to editors:

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Houston American Energy Corp. Enters Definitive Agreement to Acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, Expanding into Renewable Fuels and Chemicals

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HOUSTON, TX, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Houston American Energy Corp. (NYSE American: HUSA) (“HUSA” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Abundia Global Impact Group, LLC (“AGIG”), a company specializing in converting waste into high value fuels and chemicals. The acquisition supports HUSA’s strategy to diversify its portfolio, expand its global footprint and execute its comprehensive strategy aimed at driving shareholder value through innovation in the renewable energy sector. The agreement is subject to HUSA shareholder approval and standard closing conditions.

    Under the terms of the agreement, HUSA will acquire 100% of AGIG’s issued and outstanding units from AGIG’s members and HUSA will issue to AGIG’s members a number of shares of HUSA common stock which shall equal 94% of HUSA’s aggregate issued and outstanding common stock at the time of the Closing. AGIG is preparing to build its first advanced plastic recycling facility in Cedar Port, Texas. The facility represents the first phase of a structured, capital-efficient growth plan aimed at scaling and deploying AGIG’s suite of technologies for producing renewable fuels and chemicals from waste.

    Building a Scalable, Sustainable Business in Renewable Fuels

    “The AGIG acquisition aligns with our strategy to position HUSA into the multi-billion dollar renewable energy market” said Peter Longo, CEO of Houston American Energy Corp. “AGIG has developed a commercially ready project for converting waste into valuable fuels and chemicals, and this transaction gives HUSA shareholders a ready-made platform and project pipeline for future value generation. We are witnessing the growing momentum of the fuel and chemical industry’s transformation into alternative solutions like recycled chemical alternatives and the highly publicized sustainable aviation fuel market.”

    A Structured Path to Growth

    AGIG’s Cedar Port facility will serve as the hub for its five-year development plan in the US. This facility will be designed to scale production capacity while maintaining capital discipline. The company’s proven upgrading processes, strategic technology partnerships, and established industry relationships are expected to provide a clear path to commercialization.

    “The consummation of this transaction represents a major milestone for AGIG, demonstrating our commitment to drive shareholder value through strategic commercial opportunities,” said AGIG CEO Ed Gillespie. “We are excited to use this platform to support the deployment and development of our suite of technologies that will assist in the evolution of fuel, chemical and waste markets, providing commercial alternatives and sustainable products.”

    Looking Ahead

    HUSA and AGIG will continue working toward a structured integration and execution plan, with additional updates expected in the coming months as the acquisition advances toward closing and AGIG further develops its business. HUSA expects to close on the AGIG acquisition early in the second quarter.

    About HUSA

    HUSA is an independent oil and gas company focused on the development, exploration, exploitation, acquisition, and production of natural gas and crude oil properties. Our principal properties, and operations, are in the U.S. Permian Basin and the South American country of Colombia. Additionally, we have properties in the Louisiana U.S. Gulf Coast region. For more information, please visit: https://houstonamerican.com/

    About AGIG

    AGIG develops scalable technologies for converting plastic and biomass waste into renewable fuels and chemicals. AGIG’s focus on commercial readiness, capital efficiency, and strategic industry partnerships supports a disciplined path to growth in sustainable energy markets.

    Important Information About the Proposed Acquisition and Where to Find It

    For additional information on the proposed transaction, see HUSA’s Current Report on Form 8-K, which will be filed concurrently with this press release. In connection with the proposed acquisition, HUSA intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement, and will file other documents regarding the proposed acquisition with the SEC. HUSA’s stockholders and other interested persons are advised to read, when available, the proxy statement and documents incorporated by reference therein filed in connection with the proposed acquisition, as these materials will contain important information about AGIG and HUSA and the acquisition. HUSA will mail the definitive proxy statement and a proxy card to each stockholder entitled to vote at the meeting relating to the approval of the acquisition and other proposals set forth in the proxy statement. Before making any voting or investment decision, investors and stockholders of HUSA are urged to carefully read the entire proxy statement, when available, and any other relevant documents filed with the SEC, as well as any amendments or supplements thereto, because they will contain important information about the proposed acquisition. The documents filed by HUSA with the SEC may be obtained free of charge at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov, or by directing a request to HUSA at 801 Travis Street, Suite 1425, Houston, Texas 77002.

    Participants in the Solicitation

    HUSA and certain of its directors, executive officers and other members of management and employees may, under SEC rules, be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from HUSA’s stockholders in connection with the proposed transaction. A list of the names of those directors and executive officers and a description of their interests in HUSA will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition when available at www.sec.gov. Other information regarding the interests of the participants in the proxy solicitation will be included in the proxy statement pertaining to the proposed acquisition when it becomes available. These documents can be obtained free of charge from the source indicated above.

    AGIG and its directors and executive officers may also be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from the stockholders of HUSA in connection with the proposed acquisition. A list of the names of such directors and executive officers and information regarding their interests in the proposed acquisition will be included in the proxy statement for the proposed acquisition.

    Additional information regarding the participants in the proxy solicitation and a description of their direct and indirect interests will be included in the proxy statement filed with the SEC. Stockholders, potential investors, and other interested persons should read the proxy statement carefully when it becomes available before making any voting or investment decisions. You may obtain free copies of these documents from the sources indicated above.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information:

    This news release contains “forward-looking information” and “forward-looking statements” (collectively, “forward-looking information”) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to (i) AGIG’s growth prospects and market size; (ii) AGIG’s projected financial and operational performance; (iii) new product and service offerings by AGIG may introduce in the future; (iv) the potential acquisition, including the likelihood and ability of the parties to consummate the potential acquisition successfully; (v) the risk the proposed acquisition may not be completed in a timely manner or at all, which may adversely affect the price of HUSA’s securities; (vi) the failure to satisfy the conditions to the consummation of the proposed acquisition, including the approval of the proposed acquisition by the stockholders of HUSA (vii) the effect of the announcement or pendency of the proposed acquisition on HUSA’s or AGIG’s business relationships, performance and business generally; (viii) the outcome of any legal proceedings that may be instituted against HUSA or AGIG related to the proposed acquisition or any agreement related thereto; (ix) the ability to maintain the listing of HUSA on NYSE American; (x) the price of HUSA’s securities, including volatility resulting from changes in the competitive and regulated industry in which AGIG operates, variations in performance across competitors, changes in laws and regulations affecting AGIG’s business; (xi) the ability to implement business plans, forecasts, and other expectations after the completion of the proposed acquisition and identify and realize additional opportunities; and (xii) other statements regarding HUSA’s or AGIG’s expectations, hopes, beliefs, intentions and strategies regarding the future.

    In addition, any statements that refer to projections, forecasts or other characterizations of future events or circumstances, including any underlying assumptions are forward-looking statements. The words “anticipate,” “believe,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intends,” “outlook,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “should,” “would,” and similar expressions may identify forward-looking statements, but the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are predictions, projections and other statements about future events that are based on current expectations and assumptions and, as a result, are subject, are subject to risks and uncertainties.

    With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this news release, the company has made numerous assumptions. While the company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, market and social uncertainties and contingencies. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the company’s actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein. A complete discussion of the risks and uncertainties facing our business is disclosed in our Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings with the SEC on www.sec.gov. You should carefully consider those risks and uncertainties, as well as those described in the “Risk Factors” section of HUSA’s proxy statement relating to the proposed acquisition, which is expected to be filed by HUSA with the SEC, other documents filed by HUSA from time to time with SEC, and any risk factors made available to you in connection with HUSA, AGIG, and the proposed acquisition. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties (some of which are beyond the control of HUSA and AGIG) and other assumptions, that may cause the actual results or performance to be materially different from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. HUSA and AGIG caution that the foregoing list of factors is not exclusive.

    All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

    No Offer or Solicitation

    This press release relates to a proposed acquisition between HUSA and AGIG, and does not constitute a proxy statement or solicitation of a proxy and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy the securities of HUSA or AGIG, nor shall there be any sale of any such securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or jurisdiction.

    For additional information, view the company’s website at www.houstonamerican.com or contact Houston American Energy Corp. at (713) 222-6966.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK announces largest sanctions package against Russia since 2022

    Three years on from President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the UK has today imposed over 100 new sanctions directly targeting those who continue to aid the invasion.

    • 107 new sanctions announced as UK unleashes our largest sanctions package since the early days of the invasion. 

    • Milestone package targets Russian military supply chains, revenues fuelling Putin’s illegal war, and Kleptocrats driving profits for the Kremlin. 

    • Strengthening Ukraine’s hand will help to build a secure and prosperous Europe and UK – a foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Today’s measures will target funds going into Putin’s war chest and propping up Russia’s kleptocratic system.   

    As the Prime Minister said last week, we are facing a once in a generation moment for the collective security of our continent.  The UK is working with our Allies to put Ukraine in the best position to achieve peace through strength. Today’s action is a further step towards this.  

    The sanctions will also target Russia’s military machine, entities in third countries who support it and the fragile supply networks that it relies on.   

    Targets include:  

    • Producers and suppliers of machine tools, electronics and dual-use goods for Russia’s military, including microprocessors used in weapons systems. These are based in a range of third countries including Central Asian states, Turkey, Thailand, India and China, which is the largest supplier of critical goods for Russia’s military.  

    • North Korean Defence Minister No Kwang Chol and other North Korean generals and senior officials complicit in deploying over 11,000 DPRK forces to Russia. Putin is using DPRK forces as cannon fodder; DPRK has suffered over 4,000 casualties.  

    • 13 Russian targets, including LLC Grant-Trade, its owner Marat Mustafaev and his sister Dinara Mustafaeva, who have used the company to funnel advanced European technology into Russia to support its illegal war.  

    For the first time, we are also using new powers to target foreign financial institutions supporting Russia’s war machine.  We are sanctioning the Kyrgyzstan-based OJSC Keremet Bank, disrupting Russia’s use of the international financial system to support its war efforts.

    Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:

    Today’s action, the largest in almost three years, underscores the UK’s commitment to Ukraine.    

    Every military supply line disrupted, every rouble blocked, and every enabler of Putin’s aggression exposed is a step towards a just and lasting peace, and towards security and prosperity in the UK as a part of this government’s Plan for Change. 

    Lasting peace will only be achieved through strength. That is why we are focused on putting Ukraine in the strongest possible position.      

    As the world marks the grim milestone of Putin’s full-scale invasion entering its fourth year, we cannot and will not turn our backs on Ukraine in their fight for our shared security.

    Keeping the country safe is the Government’s first priority and an integral part of the Prime Minister’s Plan for Change. Sanctions against Russia’s military machine and the revenues fuelling it will improve the chances of a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, which will benefit security and prosperity in the UK.  

    The new sanctions will put further pressure on Putin’s energy revenues, the most vital source of funding for his illegal invasion. They include specification of another 40 ‘shadow fleet’ ships carrying Russian oil. These vessels have collectively carried more than $5 billion worth of Russian oil and oil products in the last six months alone. The specifications bring the total number of oil tankers sanctioned by the UK to 133 – the highest of any nation in Europe.  

    Finally, we are sanctioning 14 ‘New Kleptocrats’, some of whom are fronting up strategic sectors of Russia’s economy.  Among them are Roman Trotsenko, one of the wealthiest men in Russia, worth £2.2 billion.  

    After three years of the full-scale invasion, Ukrainians continue to defend their country and way of life with ingenuity and courage. They have shown that with the right support they can defend themselves against Russian aggression. Today’s action will strengthen Ukraine’s hand at a critical time in their fight for our shared security.

    Background

    Updates to this page

    Published 24 February 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes Anaergia Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced Anaergia Inc. (TSX: ANRG; OTCQX: ANRGF), a company that develops renewable energy from biogas through advanced anaerobic digestion of organic residues, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market. Anaergia Inc. upgraded to OTCQX from the Pink® market.

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

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

    “Being traded on the OTCQX Market is an important milestone for Anaergia,” stated Assaf Onn, CEO of Anaergia. “With a presence spanning five continents and executive offices in California, trading on OTCQX not only enhances our international appeal to investors but also underscores our global presence as the technology leader in our industry,” added Mr. Onn.

    About Anaergia Inc.
    Anaergia is a pioneering technology company in the renewable natural gas (RNG) sector, with over 250 patents dedicated to converting organic waste into sustainable solutions such as RNG, fertilizer, and water. We are committed to addressing a significant source of greenhouse gases (GHGs) through cost-effective processes. Our proprietary technologies, combined with our engineering expertise and vast experience in facility design, construction, and operation, position Anaergia as a leader in the RNG industry. With a proven track record of delivering hundreds of innovative projects over the past decade, we are well-equipped to tackle today’s critical resource recovery challenges through diverse project delivery methods. As one of the few companies worldwide offering an integrated portfolio of end-to-end solutions, we effectively combine solid waste processing, wastewater treatment, organics recovery, high-efficiency anaerobic digestion, and biomethane production. Additionally, we operate RNG facilities owned by both third parties and Anaergia. This comprehensive approach not only reduces environmental impact but also significantly lowers costs associated with waste and wastewater treatment while mitigating GHG emissions.

    For further information please see: www.anaergia.com

    For media and/or investor relations please contact: IR@Anaergia.com

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

    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: OTC Markets Group Welcomes ZRCN Inc. to OTCQX

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, Feb. 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities, today announced ZRCN Inc. (OTCQX: ZRCN), is a manufacturer and seller of digitally-enabled hand-tools, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX® Best Market.

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

    Trading on the OTCQX Market offers companies efficient, cost-effective access to the U.S. capital markets. Streamlined market requirements for OTCQX are designed to help companies lower the cost and complexity of being publicly traded, while providing transparent trading for their investors. To qualify for OTCQX, companies must meet high financial standards, follow best practice corporate governance, and demonstrate compliance with applicable securities laws.

    “We are pleased to begin trading on the OTCQX, which provides an excellent platform for investors to engage with ZRCN as we continue to innovate in the high-tech construction tool and electronic device industries,” said John Stauss, CEO of Zircon Corporation. “This milestone supports our mission to grow ZRCN globally, deliver value to our stakeholders and enhance accessibility for investors.”

    About ZRCN, Inc.
    ZRCN Inc., through its wholly-owned subsidiary Zircon Corporation, is a global manufacturer and seller of digitally-enabled hand-tools, including stud-sensors, A/C detectors, fluid detection alert sensors, and other innovative digital and electronic tools. Leveraging over 200 individual patents based on sensor and semiconductor-based technologies, Zircon has been a leader in its field for nearly 50 years. In 2025, the company will proudly celebrate its 50th anniversary, marking a legacy of industry innovation and a commitment to quality for customers worldwide.

    To learn more about ZRCN, Inc., visit https://investors.zrcn.com/.

    About OTC Markets Group Inc.
    OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates regulated markets for trading 12,000 U.S. and international securities. Our data-driven disclosure standards form the foundation of our three public markets: OTCQX® Best Market, OTCQB® Venture Market and Pink® Open Market.
    Our OTC Link® Alternative Trading Systems (ATSs) provide critical market infrastructure that broker-dealers rely on to facilitate trading. Our innovative model offers companies more efficient access to the U.S. financial markets.

    OTC Link ATS, OTC Link ECN and OTC Link NQB are each an SEC regulated ATS, operated by OTC Link LLC, a FINRA and SEC registered broker-dealer, member SIPC.

    To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com.

    Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed

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

    ZRCN Corporation, +1 (800) 245-9265, media@zircon.com

    The MIL Network –