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Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Crosses $6.3M as Stage 5 Presale Nears Sellout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe has surged over the $6.3 million mark in presale, signaling strong investor confidence as Stage 5 nears completion.

    Priced at $0.0014, $LILPEPE continues to attract attention for its powerful mix of meme-fueled community buzz and real blockchain infrastructure. Built on a custom Ethereum Layer 2 network optimized for speed and ultra-low fees, Little Pepe is rapidly emerging as one of 2025’s most promising meme coin projects—driven by both solid technology and accelerating demand as Stage 5 nears completion.

    A Rising Star in the Meme Coin Market

    With over $6.3 million raised in presale, Little Pepe is now in Stage 5, where tokens are priced at $0.0014—but this stage is quickly nearing completion. This significant milestone is more than just a number—it reflects rising investor confidence in a project that’s redefining what it means to be a meme coin in today’s evolving crypto market.

    Rather than relying totally on hype, Little Pepe is bringing genuine blockchain cost to the table. Built on a custom Ethereum-like minded Layer 2 network, it offers real scalability, lightning-rapid transactions, and near-zero fees. These are the functions that separate Little Pepe from typical meme coins that regularly fizzle after an initial pump.

    The Power of EVM Layer 2 Technology

    At its core, Little Pepe leverages an EVM-well matched Layer 2 blockchain, which means that it’s designed to work seamlessly with Ethereum while solving its biggest pain points—namely, congestion and gas fees.

    Layer 2 technology isn’t new, but applying it to a meme coin ecosystem is still relatively rare. That’s why $LILPEPE stands out. It not only entertains and engages through meme culture but also solves real performance problems in the crypto world. Investors are increasingly looking for projects that blend fun and functionality—and Little Pepe delivers both.

    Community Momentum and Cultural Relevance

    Little Pepe’s growth isn’t just driven by technology—it’s also powered by an enthusiastic and growing community. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and social platforms, the $LILPEPE army is expanding rapidly. Meme creators, influencers, and crypto enthusiasts alike are fueling engagement by sharing content, participating in community discussions, and supporting the presale.

    This grassroots energy is one of the project’s biggest strengths. Memes have proven time and again to be a powerful vehicle for spreading awareness, and with a strong technical foundation underneath, Little Pepe has all the ingredients to go viral—and stay relevant.

    Stage 5 Nears Its End: Last Chance to Get In Early

    With Stage 5 currently going on, crypto enthusiasts still have a limited-time to buy $LILPEPE at the presale price of $0.0014 before the next price jump. Backed by strong momentum and impressive presale, the project is drawing comparisons to past meme coin giants like PEPE and SHIB—yet stands out with its real-world utility, powered by a custom-built Ethereum Layer 2 network designed for speed, scalability, and low fees.

    The presale structure has helped create excitement at every segment, and with every funding purpose met, Little Pepe becomes greater seen within the larger crypto conversation. As more traders take notice, demand is expected to rise—making it a strategic access factor for the ones looking to get ahead of the curve.

    Little Pepe is more than just another meme coin—it’s a scalable blockchain platform, a vibrant community, and a cultural movement rolled into one. With over $6.3 million raised, a EVM Layer 2 network, and Stage 5 nearing completion, $LILPEPE is well on its way to becoming one of 2025’s standout crypto stories.

    About Little Pepe

    Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project’s mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions.

    For more information:
    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
    Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8531d895-869a-402c-947f-8e3898b95f55

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Little Pepe Crosses $6.3M as Stage 5 Presale Nears Sellout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Little Pepe has surged over the $6.3 million mark in presale, signaling strong investor confidence as Stage 5 nears completion.

    Priced at $0.0014, $LILPEPE continues to attract attention for its powerful mix of meme-fueled community buzz and real blockchain infrastructure. Built on a custom Ethereum Layer 2 network optimized for speed and ultra-low fees, Little Pepe is rapidly emerging as one of 2025’s most promising meme coin projects—driven by both solid technology and accelerating demand as Stage 5 nears completion.

    A Rising Star in the Meme Coin Market

    With over $6.3 million raised in presale, Little Pepe is now in Stage 5, where tokens are priced at $0.0014—but this stage is quickly nearing completion. This significant milestone is more than just a number—it reflects rising investor confidence in a project that’s redefining what it means to be a meme coin in today’s evolving crypto market.

    Rather than relying totally on hype, Little Pepe is bringing genuine blockchain cost to the table. Built on a custom Ethereum-like minded Layer 2 network, it offers real scalability, lightning-rapid transactions, and near-zero fees. These are the functions that separate Little Pepe from typical meme coins that regularly fizzle after an initial pump.

    The Power of EVM Layer 2 Technology

    At its core, Little Pepe leverages an EVM-well matched Layer 2 blockchain, which means that it’s designed to work seamlessly with Ethereum while solving its biggest pain points—namely, congestion and gas fees.

    Layer 2 technology isn’t new, but applying it to a meme coin ecosystem is still relatively rare. That’s why $LILPEPE stands out. It not only entertains and engages through meme culture but also solves real performance problems in the crypto world. Investors are increasingly looking for projects that blend fun and functionality—and Little Pepe delivers both.

    Community Momentum and Cultural Relevance

    Little Pepe’s growth isn’t just driven by technology—it’s also powered by an enthusiastic and growing community. Across platforms like X (formerly Twitter), Telegram, and social platforms, the $LILPEPE army is expanding rapidly. Meme creators, influencers, and crypto enthusiasts alike are fueling engagement by sharing content, participating in community discussions, and supporting the presale.

    This grassroots energy is one of the project’s biggest strengths. Memes have proven time and again to be a powerful vehicle for spreading awareness, and with a strong technical foundation underneath, Little Pepe has all the ingredients to go viral—and stay relevant.

    Stage 5 Nears Its End: Last Chance to Get In Early

    With Stage 5 currently going on, crypto enthusiasts still have a limited-time to buy $LILPEPE at the presale price of $0.0014 before the next price jump. Backed by strong momentum and impressive presale, the project is drawing comparisons to past meme coin giants like PEPE and SHIB—yet stands out with its real-world utility, powered by a custom-built Ethereum Layer 2 network designed for speed, scalability, and low fees.

    The presale structure has helped create excitement at every segment, and with every funding purpose met, Little Pepe becomes greater seen within the larger crypto conversation. As more traders take notice, demand is expected to rise—making it a strategic access factor for the ones looking to get ahead of the curve.

    Little Pepe is more than just another meme coin—it’s a scalable blockchain platform, a vibrant community, and a cultural movement rolled into one. With over $6.3 million raised, a EVM Layer 2 network, and Stage 5 nearing completion, $LILPEPE is well on its way to becoming one of 2025’s standout crypto stories.

    About Little Pepe

    Little Pepe is a next-gen Layer 2 blockchain designed to merge meme culture with high-speed, low-cost decentralized infrastructure. Built for scalability, security, and accessibility, Little Pepe supports EVM-compatible applications and is powered by means of the $LILPEPE token. The project’s mission is to create a meme coin environment wherein utility meets virality, empowering users through cutting-edge technology and lightning-fast transactions.

    For more information:
    Website: https://littlepepe.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/littlepepetoken
    Twitter: https://x.com/littlepepetoken

    Contact Details: COO- James Stephen Email: media@littlepepe.com

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/8531d895-869a-402c-947f-8e3898b95f55

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: How Eurostack could offer Canada a route to digital independence from the United States

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ted Palys, Professor of Criminology, Associate Member of Dept. of Indigenous Studies, Simon Fraser University

    The contemporary internet has been with us since roughly 1995. Its current underlying economic model — surveillance capitalism — began in the early 2000s, when Google and then Facebook realized how much our personal information and online behaviour revealed about us and claimed it for themselves to sell to advertisers.

    Perhaps because of Canada’s proximity to the United States, coupled with its positive shared history with the U.S. and their highly integrated economies, Canada went along for that consumerist ride.

    The experience was different on the other side of the Atlantic. The Stasi in the former East Germany and the KGB under Josef Stalin maintained files on hundreds of thousands of citizens to identify and prosecute dissidents.

    Having witnessed this invasion of privacy and its weaponization first-hand, Europe has been far ahead of North America in developing protections. These include the General Data Protection Regulation and the Law Enforcement Directive, with protection of personal data also listed in the European Union’s Charter of Fundamental Rights.

    Canada clearly took too much for granted in its relationship with the U.S. Suddenly, Canada is being threatened with tariffs and President Donald Trump’s expressed desire to make Canada the 51st American state.

    This has fuelled the motivation of Canada both internally and in co-operation with western European governments to seek greater independence in trade and military preparedness by diversifying its relationships.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney has begun promoting “nation-building projects,” but little attention has been paid to Canada’s digital infrastructure.



    Read more:
    How Canadian nationalism is evolving with the times — and will continue to do so

    Three areas of concern

    Three recent developments suggest Canada would be well-advised to start paying close attention:

    1. The current U.S. administration has raised concerns about its reliability as a partner and friend to Canada. Most of the concerns raised in Canada have been economic. However, Curtis McCord, a former national security and technology researcher for the Canadian government, has said the current situation has created vulnerabilities for national security as well:

    “With Washington becoming an increasingly unreliable ally, Mr. Carney is right to look for ways to diversify away from the U.S. But if Canada wants to maintain its sovereignty and be responsible for its national security, this desire to diversify must extend to the U.S. domination of Canada’s digital infrastructure.”

    2. Silicon Valley is exhibiting a newfound loyalty to Trump. The photo of the “broligarchy” at Trump’s inauguration spoke volumes, as their apparent eagerness to appease the president brings the data gathered by the internet’s surveillance-based economy under state control.

    3. Trump’s recent executive order entitled “Stopping waste, fraud and abuse by eliminating information silos” is alarming. The order became operational when the Trump administration contracted with Palantir, a company known for its surveillance software and data analytics in military contexts. Its job? To combine databases from both the state and federal levels into one massive database that includes every American citizen, and potentially any user of the internet.

    Combining multiple government databases is concerning. Combining them with all the personal data harvested by Silicon Valley and providing them to a government showing all the hallmarks of an authoritarian regime sounds like Big Brother has arrived.

    Civil liberties groups such as the Electronic Freedom Foundation, academics and even former Palantir employees have raised alarms about the possibilities for abuse, including the launch of all the vendettas Trump and his supporters have pledged to undertake.

    The appeal of Eurostack

    European governments have attempted to rein in Silicon Valley’s excesses for years. Trump’s re-election and his moves toward potentially weaponizing internet data have further boosted Europe’s resolve to move away from the U.S.-led internet.

    One newer effort is Eurostack. A joint initiative involving academics, policymakers, companies and governments, it envisions an independent digital ecosystem that better reflects European values — democratic, sovereign, inclusive, transparent, respectful of personal privacy and innovation-driven.

    Spokesperson Francesca Bria explains the “stack” arises from the idea that a digitally sovereign internet needs to have European control from the ground up.

    Bria discusses Eurostack in May 2025. (re:publica)

    That includes the acquisition of raw materials and manufacture and operation of the physical components that comprise computers and servers; the cloud infrastructure that has the processing power and storage to be operational at scale; the operating systems and applications that comprise the user interface; the AI models and algorithms that drive services and its policy and governance framework.

    Prospective gains to Europe are considerable. They include greater cybersecurity, promoting innovation, keeping high-end creative jobs in Europe, promoting collaboration on equitable terms and creating high-skilled employment opportunities.

    Canada receives no mention in the Eurostack proposal to date, but the project is still very much in the developmental phase. Investment so far is in the tens of millions instead of the billions it will require.

    Canada has a lot to offer and to gain from being part of the Eurostack initiative. With the project still taking shape, now is the perfect time to get on board.

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

    – ref. How Eurostack could offer Canada a route to digital independence from the United States – https://theconversation.com/how-eurostack-could-offer-canada-a-route-to-digital-independence-from-the-united-states-260663

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

    Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar. Michael Regan-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    When the FIFA World Cup hits North America in June 2026, 48 teams and millions of sports fans will be traveling among venues spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

    It’s a dramatic expansion – 16 more teams will be playing than in recent years, with a jump from 64 to 104 matches. The tournament, whether you call it soccer or football, is projected to bring in over US$10 billion in revenue. But the expansion will also mean a lot more travel and other activities that contribute to climate change.

    The environmental impacts of giant sporting events like the World Cup create a complex paradox for an industry grappling with its future in a warming world.

    A sustainability conundrum

    Sports are undeniably experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are putting athletes’ health at risk during summer heat waves and shortening winter sports seasons. Many of the 2026 World Cup venues often see heat waves in June and early July, when the tournament is scheduled.

    There is a divide over how sports should respond.

    Some athletes are speaking out for more sustainable choices and have called on lawmakers to take steps to limit climate-warming emissions. At the same time, the sport industry is growing and facing a constant push to increase revenue. The NCAA is also considering expanding its March Madness basketball tournaments from 68 teams currently to as many as 76.

    Park Yong-woo of team Al Ain from Abu Dhabi tries to cool off during a Club World Cup match on June 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., which was in the midst of a heat wave. Some players have raised concerns about likely high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled June 11 to July 19.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Estimates for the 2026 World Cup show what large tournament expansions can mean for the climate. A report from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded World Cup could generate over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the average of the past four World Cups.

    This massive increase – and the increase that would come if the NCAA basketball tournaments also expand – would primarily be driven by air travel as fans and players fly among event cities that are thousands of miles apart.

    A lot of money is at stake, but so is the climate

    Sports are big business, and adding more matches to events like the World Cup and NCAA tournaments will likely lead to larger media rights contracts and greater gate receipts from more fans attending the events, boosting revenues. These are powerful financial incentives.

    In the NCAA’s case, there is another reason to consider a larger tournament: The House v. NCAA settlement opened the door for college athletic departments to share revenue with athletes, which will significantly increase costs for many college programs. More teams would mean more television revenue and, crucially, more revenue to be distributed to member NCAA institutions and their athletic conferences.

    When climate promises become greenwashing

    The inherent conflict between maximizing profit through growth and minimizing environmental footprint presents a dilemma for sports.

    Several sport organizations have promised to reduce their impact on the climate, including signing up for initiatives like the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

    However, as sports tournaments and exhibition games expand, it can become increasingly hard for sports organizations to meet their climate commitments. In some cases, groups making sustainability commitments have been accused of greenwashing, suggesting the goals are more about public relations than making genuine, measurable changes.

    For example, FIFA’s early claims that it would hold a “fully carbon-neutral” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 were challenged by a group of European countries that accused soccer’s world governing body of underestimating emissions. The Swiss Fairness Commission, which monitors fairness in advertising, considered the complaints and determined that FIFA’s claims could not be substantiated.

    Alessandro Bastoni, of Inter Milan and Italy’s national team, prepares to board a flight from Milan to Rome with his team.
    Mattia Ozbot-Inter/Inter via Getty Images

    Aviation is often the biggest driver of emissions. A study that colleagues and I conducted on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament found about 80% of its emissions were connected to travel. And that was after the NCAA began using the pod system, which is designed to keep teams closer to home for the first and second rounds.

    Finding practical solutions

    Some academics, observing the rising emissions trend, have called for radical solutions like the end of commercialized sports or drastically limiting who can attend sporting events, with a focus on fans from the region.

    These solutions are frankly not practical, in my view, nor do they align with other positive developments. The growing popularity of women’s sports shows the challenge in limiting sports events – more games expands participation but adds to the industry’s overall footprint.

    Further compounding the challenges of reducing environmental impact is the amount of fan travel, which is outside the direct control of the sports organization or event organizers.

    Many fans will follow their teams long distances, especially for mega-events like the World Cup or the NCAA tournament. During the men’s World Cup in Russia in 2018, more than 840,000 fans traveled from other countries. The top countries by number of fans, after Russia, were China, the U.S., Mexico and Argentina.

    There is an argument that distributed sporting events like March Madness or the World Cup can be better in some ways for local environments because they don’t overwhelm a single city. However, merely spreading the impact does not necessarily reduce it, particularly when considering the effects on climate change.

    How fans can cut their environmental footprint

    Sport organizations and event planners can take steps to be more sustainable and also encourage more sustainable choices among fans. Fans can reduce their environmental impact in a variety of ways. For example:

    • Avoid taking airplanes for shorter distances, such as between FIFA venues in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and carpool or take Amtrak instead. Planes can be more efficient for long distances, but air travel is still a major contributing factor to emissions.

    • While in a host city, use mass transit or rent electric vehicles or bicycles for local travel.

    • Consider sustainable accommodations, such as short-term rentals that might have a smaller environmental footprint than a hotel. Or stay at a certified green hotel that makes an effort to be more efficient in its use of water and energy.

    • Engage in sustainable pregame and postgame activities, such as choosing local, sustainable food options, and minimize waste.

    • You can also pay to offset carbon emissions for attending different sporting events, much like concertgoers do when they attend musical festivals. While critics question offsets’ true environmental benefit, they do represent people’s growing awareness of their environmental footprint.

    Through all these options, it’s clear that sports face a significant challenge in addressing their environmental impacts and encouraging fans to be more sustainable, while simultaneously trying to meet ambitious business and environmental targets.

    In my view, a sustainable path forward will require strategic, yet genuine, commitment by the sports industry and its fans, and a willingness to prioritize long-term planetary health alongside economic gains – balancing the sport and sustainability.

    Brian P. McCullough 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. 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do – https://theconversation.com/2026-fifa-world-cup-expansion-will-have-a-big-climate-footprint-with-matches-from-mexico-to-canada-heres-what-fans-can-do-259437

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brian P. McCullough, Associate Professor of Sport Management, University of Michigan

    Lionel Messi celebrates with fans after Argentina won the FIFA World Cup championship in 2022 in Qatar. Michael Regan-FIFA/FIFA via Getty Images

    When the FIFA World Cup hits North America in June 2026, 48 teams and millions of sports fans will be traveling among venues spread across Canada, the United States and Mexico.

    It’s a dramatic expansion – 16 more teams will be playing than in recent years, with a jump from 64 to 104 matches. The tournament, whether you call it soccer or football, is projected to bring in over US$10 billion in revenue. But the expansion will also mean a lot more travel and other activities that contribute to climate change.

    The environmental impacts of giant sporting events like the World Cup create a complex paradox for an industry grappling with its future in a warming world.

    A sustainability conundrum

    Sports are undeniably experiencing the effects of climate change. Rising global temperatures are putting athletes’ health at risk during summer heat waves and shortening winter sports seasons. Many of the 2026 World Cup venues often see heat waves in June and early July, when the tournament is scheduled.

    There is a divide over how sports should respond.

    Some athletes are speaking out for more sustainable choices and have called on lawmakers to take steps to limit climate-warming emissions. At the same time, the sport industry is growing and facing a constant push to increase revenue. The NCAA is also considering expanding its March Madness basketball tournaments from 68 teams currently to as many as 76.

    Park Yong-woo of team Al Ain from Abu Dhabi tries to cool off during a Club World Cup match on June 26, 2025, in Washington, D.C., which was in the midst of a heat wave. Some players have raised concerns about likely high temperatures during the 2026 World Cup, with matches scheduled June 11 to July 19.
    AP Photo/Julia Demaree Nikhinson

    Estimates for the 2026 World Cup show what large tournament expansions can mean for the climate. A report from Scientists for Global Responsibility estimates that the expanded World Cup could generate over 9 million metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent, nearly double the average of the past four World Cups.

    This massive increase – and the increase that would come if the NCAA basketball tournaments also expand – would primarily be driven by air travel as fans and players fly among event cities that are thousands of miles apart.

    A lot of money is at stake, but so is the climate

    Sports are big business, and adding more matches to events like the World Cup and NCAA tournaments will likely lead to larger media rights contracts and greater gate receipts from more fans attending the events, boosting revenues. These are powerful financial incentives.

    In the NCAA’s case, there is another reason to consider a larger tournament: The House v. NCAA settlement opened the door for college athletic departments to share revenue with athletes, which will significantly increase costs for many college programs. More teams would mean more television revenue and, crucially, more revenue to be distributed to member NCAA institutions and their athletic conferences.

    When climate promises become greenwashing

    The inherent conflict between maximizing profit through growth and minimizing environmental footprint presents a dilemma for sports.

    Several sport organizations have promised to reduce their impact on the climate, including signing up for initiatives like the United Nations Sports for Climate Action Framework.

    However, as sports tournaments and exhibition games expand, it can become increasingly hard for sports organizations to meet their climate commitments. In some cases, groups making sustainability commitments have been accused of greenwashing, suggesting the goals are more about public relations than making genuine, measurable changes.

    For example, FIFA’s early claims that it would hold a “fully carbon-neutral” World Cup in Qatar in 2022 were challenged by a group of European countries that accused soccer’s world governing body of underestimating emissions. The Swiss Fairness Commission, which monitors fairness in advertising, considered the complaints and determined that FIFA’s claims could not be substantiated.

    Alessandro Bastoni, of Inter Milan and Italy’s national team, prepares to board a flight from Milan to Rome with his team.
    Mattia Ozbot-Inter/Inter via Getty Images

    Aviation is often the biggest driver of emissions. A study that colleagues and I conducted on the NCAA men’s basketball tournament found about 80% of its emissions were connected to travel. And that was after the NCAA began using the pod system, which is designed to keep teams closer to home for the first and second rounds.

    Finding practical solutions

    Some academics, observing the rising emissions trend, have called for radical solutions like the end of commercialized sports or drastically limiting who can attend sporting events, with a focus on fans from the region.

    These solutions are frankly not practical, in my view, nor do they align with other positive developments. The growing popularity of women’s sports shows the challenge in limiting sports events – more games expands participation but adds to the industry’s overall footprint.

    Further compounding the challenges of reducing environmental impact is the amount of fan travel, which is outside the direct control of the sports organization or event organizers.

    Many fans will follow their teams long distances, especially for mega-events like the World Cup or the NCAA tournament. During the men’s World Cup in Russia in 2018, more than 840,000 fans traveled from other countries. The top countries by number of fans, after Russia, were China, the U.S., Mexico and Argentina.

    There is an argument that distributed sporting events like March Madness or the World Cup can be better in some ways for local environments because they don’t overwhelm a single city. However, merely spreading the impact does not necessarily reduce it, particularly when considering the effects on climate change.

    How fans can cut their environmental footprint

    Sport organizations and event planners can take steps to be more sustainable and also encourage more sustainable choices among fans. Fans can reduce their environmental impact in a variety of ways. For example:

    • Avoid taking airplanes for shorter distances, such as between FIFA venues in Philadelphia, New York and Boston, and carpool or take Amtrak instead. Planes can be more efficient for long distances, but air travel is still a major contributing factor to emissions.

    • While in a host city, use mass transit or rent electric vehicles or bicycles for local travel.

    • Consider sustainable accommodations, such as short-term rentals that might have a smaller environmental footprint than a hotel. Or stay at a certified green hotel that makes an effort to be more efficient in its use of water and energy.

    • Engage in sustainable pregame and postgame activities, such as choosing local, sustainable food options, and minimize waste.

    • You can also pay to offset carbon emissions for attending different sporting events, much like concertgoers do when they attend musical festivals. While critics question offsets’ true environmental benefit, they do represent people’s growing awareness of their environmental footprint.

    Through all these options, it’s clear that sports face a significant challenge in addressing their environmental impacts and encouraging fans to be more sustainable, while simultaneously trying to meet ambitious business and environmental targets.

    In my view, a sustainable path forward will require strategic, yet genuine, commitment by the sports industry and its fans, and a willingness to prioritize long-term planetary health alongside economic gains – balancing the sport and sustainability.

    Brian P. McCullough 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. 2026 FIFA World Cup expansion will have a big climate footprint, with matches from Mexico to Canada – here’s what fans can do – https://theconversation.com/2026-fifa-world-cup-expansion-will-have-a-big-climate-footprint-with-matches-from-mexico-to-canada-heres-what-fans-can-do-259437

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s economic development zones aim for greater role in reform, opening up

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

    BEIJING, July 14 — During the initial years of China’s historic journey of reform and opening up over four decades ago, the first 14 national-level economic and technological development zones were established in 12 coastal cities. Today, there is a vast network of 232 such zones right across the country, serving as vital engines of development.

    In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, a commerce official, a zone administrator and an executive of a foreign-invested company convened to explore the evolving role of these zones in shaping China’s next phase of high-standard opening up, in-depth reform and high-quality development.

    National economic development zones are not only economic powerhouses but also key windows for global engagement, said Ji Xiaofeng, an official in the Ministry of Commerce’s foreign investment department.

    Notably, such zones are home to more than 60,000 foreign-invested enterprises and around 99,000 firms engaged in foreign trade.

    In 2024 alone, national economic development zones accounted for about one-quarter of China’s utilized foreign investment and trade volume. Collectively, they generated a regional GDP of 16.9 trillion yuan (about 2.36 trillion U.S. dollars) and housed over 4.9 million market entities, including 73,000 major industrial enterprises and 85,000 high-tech firms.

    Looking forward, Ji said these zones need to further improve and innovate in areas ranging from development positioning to institutions in a bid to shoulder greater responsibilities in fostering development and expanding opening up.

    To this end, the Ministry of Commerce recently unveiled a work plan with 16 targeted policy measures including developing new quality productive forces, elevating economic openness and deepening reforms of management systems.

    INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

    China’s national economic development zones have started to speed up their innovation efforts, seeking to foster new growth drivers.

    Suzhou Industrial Park, founded in 1994 in east China’s Jiangsu Province as the first inter-governmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, exemplifies this development trend. This industrial park leverages global partnerships and its free trade status in a quest to become a world-class high-tech park.

    Shen Lei, deputy director of the park’s management committee, highlighted its focus on attracting global resources and integrating technological and industrial innovation.

    National economic development zones now account for 18.3 percent of China’s high-tech enterprises and host more than 700 state-level incubators and innovation spaces.

    “They boast high industrial concentration and solid manufacturing foundations, making them ideal for developing new quality productive forces tailored to local strengths,” Ji said.

    These zones have become powerhouses for strategic emerging industries. In southwest China’s Sichuan Province, for example, the Yibin zone has built the world’s largest single-site power battery production base featuring a 180 GWh capacity. Another zone in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, meanwhile, boasts complete industrial chains from aviation equipment to satellite applications.

    More efforts will be made to cultivate modern industrial systems in national economic development zones, centered around sectors such as biomedicine, new energy and materials, aerospace, high-end equipment manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI), Ji revealed.

    PIONEERS OF OPENING UP

    Over the past decades, national economic development zones have been trailblazers in institutional innovation, foreign investment and economic growth, setting the pace for China’s reform and opening-up endeavors.

    These zones have explored free trade pilot synergies to foster breakthroughs in areas including resource flows, rights protection and market regulation. Some have also proactively aligned with high-standard international trade rules to enhance their institutional openness, Ji said.

    “The strategic location, industrial chains and policy support of these zones make them highly attractive for Panasonic to make investments in China,” said Zhao Bingdi, president of Panasonic China.

    A 47-year veteran of the Chinese market, Panasonic operates in national economic development zones of eight cities like Beijing, north China’s Tianjin and Shanghai. Its 2024 fiscal year sales in China approached 100 billion yuan — nearly a quarter of Panasonic’s global revenue.

    “China is not just a manufacturing giant but a major consumer and innovation hub, offering vast opportunities for foreign firms,” said Zhao. He added that recent policies supporting technological platforms and the integration between the digital economy and the real economy will facilitate Panasonic’s investments in areas ranging from AI to new energy.

    Experts noted that the latest reform measures concerning China’s national economic development zones will provide foreign firms with a higher-level platform, thereby encouraging increased R&D investment and deeper collaboration with local enterprises. Thanks to improving industrial ecosystems, global companies will be able to seize greater opportunities in China’s vibrant market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s economic development zones aim for greater role in reform, opening up

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

    BEIJING, July 14 — During the initial years of China’s historic journey of reform and opening up over four decades ago, the first 14 national-level economic and technological development zones were established in 12 coastal cities. Today, there is a vast network of 232 such zones right across the country, serving as vital engines of development.

    In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, a commerce official, a zone administrator and an executive of a foreign-invested company convened to explore the evolving role of these zones in shaping China’s next phase of high-standard opening up, in-depth reform and high-quality development.

    National economic development zones are not only economic powerhouses but also key windows for global engagement, said Ji Xiaofeng, an official in the Ministry of Commerce’s foreign investment department.

    Notably, such zones are home to more than 60,000 foreign-invested enterprises and around 99,000 firms engaged in foreign trade.

    In 2024 alone, national economic development zones accounted for about one-quarter of China’s utilized foreign investment and trade volume. Collectively, they generated a regional GDP of 16.9 trillion yuan (about 2.36 trillion U.S. dollars) and housed over 4.9 million market entities, including 73,000 major industrial enterprises and 85,000 high-tech firms.

    Looking forward, Ji said these zones need to further improve and innovate in areas ranging from development positioning to institutions in a bid to shoulder greater responsibilities in fostering development and expanding opening up.

    To this end, the Ministry of Commerce recently unveiled a work plan with 16 targeted policy measures including developing new quality productive forces, elevating economic openness and deepening reforms of management systems.

    INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

    China’s national economic development zones have started to speed up their innovation efforts, seeking to foster new growth drivers.

    Suzhou Industrial Park, founded in 1994 in east China’s Jiangsu Province as the first inter-governmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, exemplifies this development trend. This industrial park leverages global partnerships and its free trade status in a quest to become a world-class high-tech park.

    Shen Lei, deputy director of the park’s management committee, highlighted its focus on attracting global resources and integrating technological and industrial innovation.

    National economic development zones now account for 18.3 percent of China’s high-tech enterprises and host more than 700 state-level incubators and innovation spaces.

    “They boast high industrial concentration and solid manufacturing foundations, making them ideal for developing new quality productive forces tailored to local strengths,” Ji said.

    These zones have become powerhouses for strategic emerging industries. In southwest China’s Sichuan Province, for example, the Yibin zone has built the world’s largest single-site power battery production base featuring a 180 GWh capacity. Another zone in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, meanwhile, boasts complete industrial chains from aviation equipment to satellite applications.

    More efforts will be made to cultivate modern industrial systems in national economic development zones, centered around sectors such as biomedicine, new energy and materials, aerospace, high-end equipment manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI), Ji revealed.

    PIONEERS OF OPENING UP

    Over the past decades, national economic development zones have been trailblazers in institutional innovation, foreign investment and economic growth, setting the pace for China’s reform and opening-up endeavors.

    These zones have explored free trade pilot synergies to foster breakthroughs in areas including resource flows, rights protection and market regulation. Some have also proactively aligned with high-standard international trade rules to enhance their institutional openness, Ji said.

    “The strategic location, industrial chains and policy support of these zones make them highly attractive for Panasonic to make investments in China,” said Zhao Bingdi, president of Panasonic China.

    A 47-year veteran of the Chinese market, Panasonic operates in national economic development zones of eight cities like Beijing, north China’s Tianjin and Shanghai. Its 2024 fiscal year sales in China approached 100 billion yuan — nearly a quarter of Panasonic’s global revenue.

    “China is not just a manufacturing giant but a major consumer and innovation hub, offering vast opportunities for foreign firms,” said Zhao. He added that recent policies supporting technological platforms and the integration between the digital economy and the real economy will facilitate Panasonic’s investments in areas ranging from AI to new energy.

    Experts noted that the latest reform measures concerning China’s national economic development zones will provide foreign firms with a higher-level platform, thereby encouraging increased R&D investment and deeper collaboration with local enterprises. Thanks to improving industrial ecosystems, global companies will be able to seize greater opportunities in China’s vibrant market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s economic development zones aim for greater role in reform, opening up

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

    BEIJING, July 14 — During the initial years of China’s historic journey of reform and opening up over four decades ago, the first 14 national-level economic and technological development zones were established in 12 coastal cities. Today, there is a vast network of 232 such zones right across the country, serving as vital engines of development.

    In the latest episode of China Economic Roundtable, an all-media talk show hosted by Xinhua News Agency, a commerce official, a zone administrator and an executive of a foreign-invested company convened to explore the evolving role of these zones in shaping China’s next phase of high-standard opening up, in-depth reform and high-quality development.

    National economic development zones are not only economic powerhouses but also key windows for global engagement, said Ji Xiaofeng, an official in the Ministry of Commerce’s foreign investment department.

    Notably, such zones are home to more than 60,000 foreign-invested enterprises and around 99,000 firms engaged in foreign trade.

    In 2024 alone, national economic development zones accounted for about one-quarter of China’s utilized foreign investment and trade volume. Collectively, they generated a regional GDP of 16.9 trillion yuan (about 2.36 trillion U.S. dollars) and housed over 4.9 million market entities, including 73,000 major industrial enterprises and 85,000 high-tech firms.

    Looking forward, Ji said these zones need to further improve and innovate in areas ranging from development positioning to institutions in a bid to shoulder greater responsibilities in fostering development and expanding opening up.

    To this end, the Ministry of Commerce recently unveiled a work plan with 16 targeted policy measures including developing new quality productive forces, elevating economic openness and deepening reforms of management systems.

    INNOVATION-DRIVEN DEVELOPMENT

    China’s national economic development zones have started to speed up their innovation efforts, seeking to foster new growth drivers.

    Suzhou Industrial Park, founded in 1994 in east China’s Jiangsu Province as the first inter-governmental cooperation project between China and Singapore, exemplifies this development trend. This industrial park leverages global partnerships and its free trade status in a quest to become a world-class high-tech park.

    Shen Lei, deputy director of the park’s management committee, highlighted its focus on attracting global resources and integrating technological and industrial innovation.

    National economic development zones now account for 18.3 percent of China’s high-tech enterprises and host more than 700 state-level incubators and innovation spaces.

    “They boast high industrial concentration and solid manufacturing foundations, making them ideal for developing new quality productive forces tailored to local strengths,” Ji said.

    These zones have become powerhouses for strategic emerging industries. In southwest China’s Sichuan Province, for example, the Yibin zone has built the world’s largest single-site power battery production base featuring a 180 GWh capacity. Another zone in northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, meanwhile, boasts complete industrial chains from aviation equipment to satellite applications.

    More efforts will be made to cultivate modern industrial systems in national economic development zones, centered around sectors such as biomedicine, new energy and materials, aerospace, high-end equipment manufacturing and artificial intelligence (AI), Ji revealed.

    PIONEERS OF OPENING UP

    Over the past decades, national economic development zones have been trailblazers in institutional innovation, foreign investment and economic growth, setting the pace for China’s reform and opening-up endeavors.

    These zones have explored free trade pilot synergies to foster breakthroughs in areas including resource flows, rights protection and market regulation. Some have also proactively aligned with high-standard international trade rules to enhance their institutional openness, Ji said.

    “The strategic location, industrial chains and policy support of these zones make them highly attractive for Panasonic to make investments in China,” said Zhao Bingdi, president of Panasonic China.

    A 47-year veteran of the Chinese market, Panasonic operates in national economic development zones of eight cities like Beijing, north China’s Tianjin and Shanghai. Its 2024 fiscal year sales in China approached 100 billion yuan — nearly a quarter of Panasonic’s global revenue.

    “China is not just a manufacturing giant but a major consumer and innovation hub, offering vast opportunities for foreign firms,” said Zhao. He added that recent policies supporting technological platforms and the integration between the digital economy and the real economy will facilitate Panasonic’s investments in areas ranging from AI to new energy.

    Experts noted that the latest reform measures concerning China’s national economic development zones will provide foreign firms with a higher-level platform, thereby encouraging increased R&D investment and deeper collaboration with local enterprises. Thanks to improving industrial ecosystems, global companies will be able to seize greater opportunities in China’s vibrant market.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Check Point Software Technologies Releases its 2024 Environment, Social, Governance (ESG) Report

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    REDWOOD CITY, Calif., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Check Point® Software Technologies Ltd. (NASDAQ: CHKP), a pioneer and global leader of cyber security solutions, today released its 2024 Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) Report: “Sustainability in Security.” The third annual ESG report details the company’s progress and vision for a secure, sustainable digital future — where cyber protection serves as the foundation for trust, resilience, and societal advancement.

    “At Check Point, our mission is clear: We are here to secure the digital future through trusted innovation, responsible leadership, and unwavering commitment to people and the planet,” said Nadav Zafrir, CEO at Check Point. “As laid out in our 2024 ESG report, our cyber security solutions don’t just defend against threats — they create the foundation for sustainable, responsible digital transformation.”

    Safeguarding the Digital Backbone of Society
    Check Point’s 2024 ESG report underscores the company’s expansive global impact:

    • Over 10 million cyberattacks prevented daily via 50+ Infinity ThreatCloud AI engines
    • More than 3.9 billion threats blocked annually across 100,000+ organizations worldwide
    • Protection of critical sectors including finance, healthcare, energy, and government
    • Billions of files, websites, and applications analyzed daily

    Every threat prevented helps fortify the global digital ecosystem — positioning cyber security not just as a business imperative, but as a social good.

    Environmental Progress and Innovation
    Check Point achieved several key environmental milestones in 2024, including:

    • 100% renewable energy usage at the company’s International Headquarters and Tel Aviv offices
    • Introduction of new power efficient security appliances compared to throughput threat prevention, helping customers reduce power consumption while improving protection

    Expanding Social Impact
    The company continued advancing its social responsibility goals:

    • Significant progress toward the goal of training 1 million people in cyber security by 2028, addressing the global talent shortage
    • Ongoing investments in cyber security education and workforce development

    Governance as a Foundation
    Strong governance remains central to Check Point’s ESG approach, with highlights including:

    • Continued board independence and oversight
    • Comprehensive compliance training and responsible AI practices
    • Ongoing focus on data privacy, supply chain ethics, and transparent business operations

    A Vision for the Future
    Check Point’s 2024 ESG report makes clear that security, sustainability, and ethical leadership are interconnected imperatives. As the pace of innovation accelerates, organizations that integrate robust cyber security with responsible business practices will be best positioned to lead.

    Check Point’s 2024 ESG report is available here. To learn more about Check Point’s ESG program, visit: www.checkpoint.com/about-us/esg/

    Follow Check Point via:
    X (Formerly known as Twitter): https://www.twitter.com/checkpointsw
    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/checkpointsoftware
    Blog: https://blog.checkpoint.com
    YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/CPGlobal
    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/check-point-software-technologies

    About Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. 
    Check Point Software Technologies Ltd. (www.checkpoint.com) is a leading protector of digital trust, utilizing AI-powered cyber security solutions to safeguard over 100,000 organizations globally. Through its Infinity Platform and an open garden ecosystem, Check Point’s prevention-first approach delivers industry-leading security efficacy while reducing risk. Employing a hybrid mesh network architecture with SASE at its core, the Infinity Platform unifies the management of on-premises, cloud, and workspace environments to offer flexibility, simplicity and scale for enterprises and service providers.

    Legal Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements generally relate to future events or our future financial or operating performance. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements related to our expectations regarding future growth, the expansion of Check Point’s industry leadership, the enhancement of shareholder value and the delivery of an industry-leading cyber security platform to customers worldwide. Our expectations and beliefs regarding these matters may not materialize, and actual results or events in the future are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those projected. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to other risks and uncertainties, including those more fully described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission on April 2, 2024. The forward-looking statements in this press release are based on information available to Check Point as of the date hereof, and Check Point disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, except as required by law.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Nokia to deploy private 5G network for Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s grid modernization initiative

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia to deploy private 5G network for Memphis Light, Gas and Water’s grid modernization initiative

    • Private 5G wireless network will provide a secure, scalable, and high-performance network designed for critical applications and future mobility needs.
    • Nokia’s technology will modernize communications systems, cyber defense and operations to enhance power distribution, reduce outages and improve the efficiency of service restoration.
    • Collaboration marks a major milestone in building a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready utility infrastructure for the Memphis community in the U.S.

    14 July 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia today announced it has been selected by Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW), the largest three-service municipal utility in the United States, to deploy a comprehensive private 5G wireless network. The project will support MLGW’s long-term, multi-year grid modernization strategy across Memphis and Shelby County, Tennessee, ultimately enhancing power distribution to its customers, which will reduce the risk and customer impact of unplanned outages and enable MLGW to restore service to the public more efficiently.

    This landmark project positions MLGW as the first municipal utility in the U.S. to implement a full-scale standalone 5G private wireless network to better serve its more than 420,000 customers. Nokia’s state-of-the art solution will unify and enhance communications across all of MLGW’s electric, gas and water services, improving data connectivity, resilience and operational efficiency and provide a secure, scalable, and high-performance network designed for critical applications and future mobility needs.

    “The 5G Network Deployment is a foundational aspect of MLGW’s Grid Modernization Initiative. We will be able to meet the requirements for a modern electric grid. We will have fast and reliable communication for grid devices; increased reliability during storms or cyber events that will help us restore power even faster after outages. This enables more automation and smart control operations and supports future technology like electric vehicles and battery storage,” said Doug McGowen, President and CEO, MLGW.

    The solution will enable real-time communication and automation across MLGW’s operations, supporting critical applications including automated meter reading, grid monitoring, fault detection, and remote operations while laying the foundation for innovations like connected mobility, voice, and video services. Nokia’s technology will also enable secure interoperability with both existing infrastructure and modern IoT devices, including grid sensors, smart meters, automation systems and field equipment to ensure continuity while expanding capabilities.

    “This collaboration marks a major milestone in advancing MLGW’s power grid modernization and their commitment to building a smarter, more resilient, and future-ready utility infrastructure for the community. It also underscores Nokia’s leadership in delivering end-to-end private wireless networks that empower utilities to accelerate their digital transformation and enhance service reliability for their customers,” added Jeff Pittman, Head of North America Enterprise, Mobile Networks, Nokia.

    Nokia will deliver a private 5G wireless network, including its AirScale radio access equipment and its 5G Core Enterprise Solution. The contract also includes a microwave backhaul solution and towers supported by Nokia managed services, as well as Nokia’s NetGuard cybersecurity products for proactive threat detection and response and privileged access management.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news
    Web Page: Private networks
    Product Page: AirScale Radio Access
    Product Page: Nokia Core Enterprise Solutions
    Product Page: Nokia NetGuard Cybersecurity
    YouTube: Private Wireless Core for Large Enterprises
    Web Page: About Memphis Light, Gas and Water

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

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

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

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

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: HERE Technologies Launches GIS Data Suite: A New Standard in Foundational GIS Data for Esri Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • HERE helps eliminate data prep headaches with high-quality foundational data ready to go and tailored for Esri users.

    San Diego, CA (Esri User Conference) – HERE Technologies, the leading location data and technology platform, today announced the launch of the HERE GIS Data Suite, a comprehensive, ready-to-use foundational dataset designed to meet the evolving needs of GIS professionals using Esri platforms. The product officially debuts at the 2025 Esri User Conference July 14-18.

    Built by mapmakers who understand the real-world challenges of GIS, the HERE GIS Data Suite delivers high-quality, globally consistent data in a format optimized for seamless integration with ArcGIS Pro. 

    HERE GIS Data Suite allows users to get started immediately, without the burden of data preparation and curation. It includes vector tile basemaps, transportation network datasets, rich place and address information, locator files for geocoding and a pre-configured and pre-symbolized ArcGIS Pro project. The HERE GIS Data Suite features high-detail attribution, including advanced truck-specific information like height and weight restrictions, tolls and preferred routes. With regular quarterly global updates, users can rely on fresh, current and accurate data. 

    “The HERE GIS Data Suite is easy to use in our ArcGIS implementation, and the data itself has the attribution organized in a much more straightforward way than other alternatives,” said Kevin Depolo, GIS Analyst at Contra Costa County, CA Fire Protection District.

    Solving Real-World GIS Challenges
    Today’s GIS professionals face a common set of challenges: inconsistent and outdated data with time-consuming, pre-processing requirements. The HERE GIS Data Suite addresses these pain points head-on by:

    • Saving Time: Eliminate hours of data prep with ready-to-use vector tile basemaps, transportation network dataset and locator files that are configured and ready to go for ArcGIS Pro.
    • Increasing Confidence: Work with reliable, validated data that supports high-stakes decision-making.
    • Building Faster: Start projects immediately with high-quality base layers and premium content like traffic patterns, truck restrictions and detailed POIs.
    • Working Smarter: Download only what is needed; no more massive, unwieldy datasets. The suite lets users start small by purchasing data for a specific area of interest or region and expand as needed. 

    “GIS professionals spend significant time sourcing, vetting and preparing fragmented data from multiple vendors,” said Chris Handley, Vice President of Product Management at HERE Technologies. “The HERE GIS Data Suite comes pre-processed and ready for use, giving users a single, trusted source of data so they can focus on building powerful, accurate maps and delivering insights.”

    For 40 years, HERE has been a trusted provider of high-accuracy, enterprise-grade map data. The HERE GIS Data Suite is built on HERE’s data, which is used by governments, logistics providers, automotive companies and critical infrastructure operators worldwide. 

    Experience the HERE GIS Data Suite
    The HERE GIS Data Suite will be available for purchase directly from HERE. Check out HERE GIS Data Suite in action at the Esri User Conference, booth #915. Learn more about how HERE maximizes GIS capabilities at: https://www.here.com/gis

    Media Contacts
    Danielle Beer, U.S.
    danielle.beer@here.com

    Dr. Sebastian Kurme, Germany
    sebastian.kurme@here.com

    Vanessa Lee, APAC
    vanessa.lee@here.com

    About HERE Technologies
    HERE has been a pioneer in mapping and location technology for 40 years. Today, HERE’s location platform is recognized as the most complete in the industry, powering location-based products, services and custom maps for organizations and enterprises across the globe. From autonomous driving and seamless logistics to new mobility experiences, HERE allows its partners and customers to innovate while retaining control over their data and safeguarding privacy. Find out how HERE is moving the world forward at here.com.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Asia+ Festival to open in September

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Leisure & Cultural Services Department (LCSD) today announced that the third edition of the Asia+ Festival, featuring over 100 performances and activities, will be held from September to November.

    Presented by the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau and organised by the LCSD, the festival aims to create a sustainable platform for arts and cultural exchange.

    Artists and performers from more than 30 countries and regions will participate in this year’s festival. In addition to those from Asia, there will also performers from various Belt & Road countries and from Europe, Africa and the Americas. The programme will span traditional and contemporary products, giving the public and tourists a taste of diverse and vibrant cultures.

    This year’s opening production will be a staging of Chekhov’s “The Cherry Orchard”, with Jeon Do-yeon and Haesoo Park featuring as part of a stellar Korean cast.

    This will be followed by a variety of dance and music performances by world-class artists, as well as the ever-popular Asian Ethnic Cultural Performances+ outdoor carnival, showcasing distinctive cultural traditions.

    Tickets for most of the shows will be available from July 23 at URBTIX. Early bird discounts will be available until August 5. For enquiries, call 2370 1044.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Southern District of Texas charges 238 this week alone in relation to border enforcement efforts

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    HOUSTON – A total of 236 new cases have been filed in immigration and border security-related matters from July 3-10, announced U.S. Attorney Nicholas J. Ganjei.

    Among those are 106 people who face charges of illegally reentering the country. The majority have prior felony convictions for narcotics, violent crimes, prior immigration crimes and more. A total of 116 people are charged with illegally entering the country, while six cases allege various instances of human smuggling with the remainder involving other immigration related crimes.

    Two of those charged include Mexican nationals Charlie Ruben Ortiz-Lopez and Mauricio Rivera-Medina. According to their criminal complaints, both have prior convictions for illegal reentry. Rivera-Medina was last removed just last month, but authorities allegedly found him again illegally in the United States near Mission. They encountered Rivera-Medina near Edinburg after he had been previously removed in November 2023, according to his charges.

    Another man facing charges this week is Honduran national Jose Eduardo Escobar-Reyes, who law enforcement allegedly discovered unlawfully in the United States near Roma. According to court documents, he was previously removed March 12 and has a prior conviction for conspiracy to distribute cocaine.

    If convicted, all three face up to 20 years in prison.

    In addition to the new cases, a Rio Grande City man was ordered to prison for 24 months for unlawfully transporting an illegal alien. At the hearing, the court heard additional evidence that Jason Al Venecia took his girlfriend and her minor daughter with him to smuggle the illegal alien to facilitate passage through the Falfurrias Border Patrol (BP) checkpoint. While on bond awaiting sentencing, Al Venecia was also caught assisting his girlfriend during her own attempt to smuggle illegal aliens. She has since pleaded guilty to separate charges in her case prosecuted in the McAllen Division.

    These cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) – Homeland Security Investigations, ICE – Enforcement and Removal Operations, BP, Drug Enforcement Administration, FBI, U.S. Marshals Service and Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with additional assistance from state and local law enforcement partners.

    The cases are part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces and Project Safe Neighborhood.

    Under current leadership, public safety and a secure border are the top priorities for this district. Enhanced enforcement both at the border and in the interior of the district have yielded aliens engaged in unlawful activity or with serious criminal history, including human trafficking, sexual assault and violence against children.  

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of Texas remains one of the busiest in the nation. It represents 43 counties and more than nine million people covering 44,000 square miles. Assistant U.S. Attorneys from all seven divisions including Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, McAllen and Laredo work directly with our law enforcement partners on the federal, state and local levels to prosecute the suspected offenders of these and other federal crimes. 

    An indictment or criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct, not evidence. A defendant is presumed innocent unless convicted through due process of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 95 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 95 border-related cases this week so far, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On July 6, Lorenzo Arturo Bernabe-Alejo, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the U.S. after a Border Patrol agent spotted him lying on the ground about a quarter mile north of the border near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. According to a complaint, the defendant was previously deported on June 26, 2025, at the Calexico Port of Entry.
    • On July 7, Luis Fernando Ramos-Mendez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting. According to a complaint, a Customs and Border Protection officer found an undocumented Mexican immigrant hiding in a modified rear bench seat compartment near the trunk of the defendant’s car as he attempted to cross at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
    • On July 7, Refugio Ramos Daniel, a Mexican citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, a Customs and Border Protection officer found 198 packages containing 200 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a non-factory compartment in the bed of the defendant’s truck as he tried to cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

    Also this week, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are some of those cases:

    • On July 7, Eliseo Gonzalez Chaidez, a citizen of Mexico who previously was convicted of a federal immigration and a drug trafficking crime that resulted in an eight-year sentence, was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in custody for illegally reentering the United States.
    • On July 9, Francisco Ramirez, a Mexican national, was sentenced in federal court to 36 months in custody for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Attorney’s Office Filed 95 Border-Related Cases This Week

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SAN DIEGO – Federal prosecutors in the Southern District of California filed 95 border-related cases this week so far, including charges of bringing in aliens for financial gain, reentering the U.S. after deportation, and importation of controlled substances.

    The U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Southern District of California is the fourth-busiest federal district, largely due to a high volume of border-related crimes. This district, encompassing San Diego and Imperial counties, shares a 140-mile border with Mexico. It includes the San Ysidro Port of Entry, the world’s busiest land border crossing, connecting San Diego (America’s eighth largest city) and Tijuana (Mexico’s second largest city).

    In addition to reactive border-related crimes, the Southern District of California also prosecutes a significant number of proactive cases related to terrorism, organized crime, drugs, white-collar fraud, violent crime, cybercrime, human trafficking and national security. Recent developments in those and other significant areas of prosecution can be found here.

    A sample of border-related arrests this week:

    • On July 6, Lorenzo Arturo Bernabe-Alejo, a citizen of Mexico, was arrested and charged with Deported Alien Found in the U.S. after a Border Patrol agent spotted him lying on the ground about a quarter mile north of the border near the Otay Mesa Port of Entry. According to a complaint, the defendant was previously deported on June 26, 2025, at the Calexico Port of Entry.
    • On July 7, Luis Fernando Ramos-Mendez, a Mexican citizen, was arrested and charged with Bringing in Aliens for Financial Gain and Aiding and Abetting. According to a complaint, a Customs and Border Protection officer found an undocumented Mexican immigrant hiding in a modified rear bench seat compartment near the trunk of the defendant’s car as he attempted to cross at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.
    • On July 7, Refugio Ramos Daniel, a Mexican citizen and lawful permanent resident of the United States, was arrested and charged with Importation of a Controlled Substance. According to a complaint, a Customs and Border Protection officer found 198 packages containing 200 pounds of methamphetamine concealed in a non-factory compartment in the bed of the defendant’s truck as he tried to cross the border at the San Ysidro Port of Entry.

    Also this week, a number of defendants with criminal records were convicted by a jury or sentenced for border-related crimes such as illegally re-entering the U.S. after previous deportation. Here are some of those cases:

    • On July 7, Eliseo Gonzalez Chaidez, a citizen of Mexico who previously was convicted of a federal immigration and a drug trafficking crime that resulted in an eight-year sentence, was sentenced in federal court to 24 months in custody for illegally reentering the United States.
    • On July 9, Francisco Ramirez, a Mexican national, was sentenced in federal court to 36 months in custody for conspiring to distribute methamphetamine.

    Pursuant to the Department’s Operation Take Back America priorities, federal law enforcement has focused immigration prosecutions on undocumented aliens who are engaged in criminal activity in the U.S., including those who commit drug and firearms crimes, who have serious criminal records, or who have active warrants for their arrest. Federal authorities have also been prioritizing investigations and prosecutions against drug, firearm, and human smugglers and those who endanger and threaten the safety of our communities and the law enforcement officers who protect the community.

    The immigration cases were referred or supported by federal law enforcement partners, including Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Enforcement and Removal Operations (ICE ERO), Customs and Border Protection, U.S. Border Patrol, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), the U.S. Marshals Service (USMS), and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), with the support and assistance of state and local law enforcement partners.

    Indictments and criminal complaints are merely allegations and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Arrested for Selling 100% Pure Methamphetamine

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.

    According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.

    A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    CASE NUMBER:           25-MJ-3289
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-113_Cruz

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Arrested for Selling 100% Pure Methamphetamine

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.

    According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.

    A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    CASE NUMBER:           25-MJ-3289
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-113_Cruz

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican National Arrested for Selling 100% Pure Methamphetamine

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    PHOENIX, Ariz. – Antonio Cruz, 36, of Mexico, was arrested on July 8, and charged by criminal complaint for Distribution of a Controlled Substance, after selling over 1000 grams of methamphetamine to an undercover agent.

    According to the complaint, in April, Cruz met with an undercover Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosive (ATF) agent and another individual at a business parking lot in Phoenix, Arizona, to sell them methamphetamine. Cruz provided the agent with approximately 3 pounds of 100% pure methamphetamine in exchange for $2700.

    A records check showed that Cruz is a Mexican national and previously convicted felon, illegally present in the United States.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    ATF is conducting the investigation in this case. Special Assistant U.S. Attorney Steven Usry, District of Arizona, Phoenix, is handling the prosecution.

    A criminal complaint is a formal accusation of criminal conduct. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

    CASE NUMBER:           25-MJ-3289
    RELEASE NUMBER:    2025-113_Cruz

    # # #

    For more information on the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, visit http://www.justice.gov/usao/az/

    Follow the U.S. Attorney’s Office, District of Arizona, on Twitter @USAO_AZ for the latest news.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Unlock the Next Bitcoin‑Scale Boom with ABQuant’s BTCQuant Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Washington, D.C, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As Bitcoin surged over 300% between 2020 and 2023, digital assets have moved from speculative bets to a central pillar of modern finance. Billionaires like Elon Musk and Michael Saylor, and institutions like BlackRock and Goldman Sachs, have publicly embraced cryptocurrencies—solidifying their long-term value and legitimacy.

    At the heart of this global shift is AB Quant, a next-generation quantitative trading and cloud mining platform. Designed for both new and experienced investors, AB Quant offers a seamless way to earn passive income from Bitcoin, Ethereum, and other digital assets—without the need for mining hardware, high energy bills, or technical skills.

    Why Investors Are Choosing BTC AB Quant

    AI-Powered Quantitative Trading

    Traditional crypto mining requires heavy upfront costs and technical expertise. BTC AB Quant replaces that with automated, algorithm-driven trading and cloud mining. Just choose your contract, and the system takes care of the rest—settling profits every 24 hours.

    Start Risk-Free with a $100 Trial

    New users receive a $100 free trial—no strings attached. Explore the platform, experience real earnings, and start building your crypto portfolio without financial risk.

    Flexible Investment Options

    Whether you’re targeting fast returns or steady, long-term gains, BTC AB Quant offers flexible contracts tailored to your personal investment goals. Its smart algorithms adapt to changing market conditions, helping optimize performance while reducing risk.

    Join the Crypto Revolution

    Crypto is no longer a niche—it’s a global movement. AB Quant offers a trusted, low-barrier entry point for anyone looking to profit from the future of finance. With intuitive design and powerful automation, it brings Wall Street-grade strategies to the average investor.

    Boost Your Earnings with Referrals
    Users can earn 7% on first-level referrals and 2% on second-level referrals, turning your network into a passive income stream. It’s a simple way to expand your earnings while helping others join the crypto ecosystem.

    About BTC AB Quant
    Founded in 2020, AB Quant is a technology-forward company specializing in AI-powered digital asset services. The company is committed to sustainable mining, operating facilities powered by renewable energy sources like solar and wind. By integrating green energy solutions and AI-driven algorithms, BTC AB Quant actively reduces carbon emissions and promotes environmentally responsible crypto investing.

    Contact Information

    Events: Performance Announcement

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Enovix Appoints Srikanth Kethu as Head of Enovix India to Accelerate Global Innovation and Regional Expansion

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    FREMONT, Calif., July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Enovix Corporation (Nasdaq: ENVX) (“Enovix”), a leader in advanced silicon battery technology, today announced the appointment of Srikanth Kethu as Head of Enovix India, effective today. In this key leadership role, Mr. Kethu will oversee the company’s Hyderabad R&D center and play a strategic role in supporting the ramp-up of Enovix’s high-volume manufacturing facility in Malaysia, while driving the broader expansion of Enovix’s footprint in India.

    Mr. Kethu brings more than two decades of experience leading high-performance engineering teams and scaling offshore operations for global automotive and industrial leaders including ZF, Mercedes-Benz, and as an external consultant to BMW’s R&D center in Germany. His deep expertise in product development, systems integration, and cross-border team building makes him uniquely qualified to help lead Enovix through its next phase of global growth.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Srikanth to the Enovix leadership team,” said Dr. Raj Talluri, President and CEO of Enovix. “India has always had a tremendous depth of engineering talent. I was fortunate to have been part of establishing and growing India’s cutting-edge R&D teams for Texas Instruments, Qualcomm and Micron — and now Enovix. As head of Enovix India, Srikanth will not only strengthen our world-class R&D center in Hyderabad but also support our efforts to industrialize at scale — including helping ensure the success of our new facility in Malaysia. He brings the experience and leadership we need to accelerate innovation and execution.”

    Enovix’s Hyderabad R&D center plays a critical role in developing next-generation battery technology. Under Mr. Kethu’s leadership, the India team will expand its contributions to core cell and pack design, advanced manufacturing, and reliability testing. In addition to scaling R&D efforts, Mr. Kethu will help Enovix establish broader operational capabilities in India as the company grows its regional presence.

    “I’m excited to join Enovix at such an important time for the battery industry and to make an impact,” said Mr. Kethu. “The Hyderabad team has already demonstrated exceptional technical capability. I look forward to working with our talented and dedicated teams across India and Southeast Asia to scale world-class solutions, support our factory in Malaysia, and help Enovix deliver breakthrough battery performance on a global scale. India offers a vast and highly skilled talent pool, and we remain committed to leveraging this strength to drive Enovix’s continued growth as a leading R&D hub in the region.”

    About Enovix Corporation

    Enovix is a leader in advancing lithium-ion battery technology with its proprietary cell architecture designed to deliver higher energy density and improved safety. The Company’s breakthrough silicon-anode batteries are engineered to power a wide range of devices from wearable electronics and mobile communications to industrial and electric vehicle applications. Enovix’s technology enables longer battery life and faster charging, supporting the growing global demand for high-performance energy storage. Enovix holds a robust portfolio of issued and pending patents covering its core battery design, manufacturing process, and system integration innovations. For more information, visit https://www.enovix.com.

    Forward‐Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding Enovix’s global growth strategy, expected plans for expansion in India, research and development in India, operational scale-up in Malaysia, product development roadmap, and other future events or expectations. Words such as “expects,” “intends,” “believes,” “will,” “plans,” and similar expressions are used to identify these forward-looking statements.

    Actual results may differ materially due to a variety of risks and uncertainties, including those identified in the “Risk Factors” section of Enovix’s most recent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), including the Company’s annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. All forward-looking statements in this release speak only as of the date hereof, and Enovix undertakes no obligation to update any such statements as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:
    Robert Lahey
    ir@enovix.com

    Media Contact:
    Bateman Agency for Enovix
    Kaelyn Attridge
    enovix@bateman.agency

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Solaris Enters Final Presale Phase with 150% Built-In Upside Before Exchange Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TALLINN, Estonia, July 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitcoin Solaris (BTC-S), a next-generation crypto protocol blending high performance with early-stage accessibility, has officially entered the final phase of its highly anticipated presale. With over $6.6 million already raised and more than 14,150 participants onboarded, BTC-S is rapidly becoming one of 2025’s most talked-about blockchain projects.

    Now priced at $12 per token, Bitcoin Solaris is set to increase to $13 in the next phase before reaching its launch value of $20—a built-in 150% gain for early adopters.

    Why Bitcoin Solaris Is Gaining Real Momentum

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t riding on hype alone. It’s ticking boxes that most projects can’t even reach. The technology backing it makes it more than a speculative bet; it’s a calculated one.

    • Dual Consensus: A hybrid architecture combining Proof-of-Work and Delegated Proof-of-Stake creates a balance between decentralization and performance.
    • Validator Rotation: Prevents monopolies by automatically shifting block production roles.
    • Over 10,000 TPS: With sub-2-second finality, BTC-S is built to handle scale, not just promise it.
    • Energy Efficient: Uses 99.95% less power than traditional PoW systems.
    • Rust-Based Smart Contracts: Flexible for DeFi, NFTs, cross-chain apps, and enterprise adoption.

    It’s also fully mobile-first, engineered for scalability on phones via the upcoming Solaris Nova App. That part alone unlocks billions of potential users. And influencers like Crypto Show have taken notice with detailed coverage breaking down why the coin has so much upside.

    This isn’t another testnet coin. It’s a fully audited, community-backed protocol preparing for a real breakout. Independent audits from Cyberscope and Freshcoins back up the claim.

    Crypto Innovation Just Got Its Engine Back: Meet Bitcoin Solaris

    Presale Panic? Or Smart Entry Point?

    Right now, Bitcoin Solaris is in phase 12 of its presale. The current token price sits at $12, with a next phase set to jump to $13, and a final launch price locked at $20. That’s a clean 150% upside baked into the structure.

    With over 14,150 users already onboarded and $6.6M+ raised, this has become one of the fastest-moving presales in 2025. And it’s closing in just under two weeks. That doesn’t leave much time for hesitation.

    To ensure smooth token delivery after launch, wallets like Trust Wallet and Metamask are recommended for receiving BTC-S. You don’t need them to join the presale, just to get your tokens later.

    Not Just Talk. Real Wealth Mechanics Built In

    Bitcoin Solaris isn’t another buzzword coin. It’s designed with wealth generation in mind.

    • Easy mining via the upcoming mobile app.
    • A mobile-friendly network structure with validator flexibility.
    • DeFi-ready infrastructure with real smart contract utility.
    • TPS performance and security are audited by trusted firms.
    • Early-stage access before listings even begin.

    And unlike Bitcoin, this one didn’t start in obscurity. It’s building momentum with a loud, excited community and attention from respected creators.

    Final Verdict

    Sei laid a foundation. But for those seeking real upside potential, Bitcoin Solaris offers a very different path, one that looks less like waiting for the next bull run and more like building value now.

    It’s rare for a coin to combine polished tech with first-mover wealth positioning. BTC-S is doing both. And this might just be the last window to get in before the market wakes up.

    The Final Entry Window Is Closing

    With the presale now in its twelfth and penultimate stage, investor interest is surging. As the price edges closer to the final $20 listing, Bitcoin Solaris is positioning itself as both a technological leap forward and a rare opportunity for early-stage participation in a crypto ecosystem before market saturation.

    BTC-S can be purchased directly from the project’s official website using credit cards or crypto payments. No wallet is required for initial purchase; tokens will be claimable post-launch via supported wallets.

    About Bitcoin Solaris

    Bitcoin Solaris is a next-generation blockchain protocol focused on accessibility, decentralization, and performance. Designed to support a wide range of use cases—from DeFi to real-world commerce—it offers a mobile-friendly, energy-efficient platform for scalable, secure digital transactions.

    For more information on Bitcoin Solaris:
    Website: https://www.bitcoinsolaris.com/
    Telegram: https://t.me/Bitcoinsolaris
    X: https://x.com/BitcoinSolaris

    Media Contact:
    Xander Levine
    press@bitcoinsolaris.com
    Press Kit: Available upon request

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

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

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5dda26d7-4ebc-4566-ae41-88e08879341d

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cfa017e9-68d1-4b65-98f4-277502b28397

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/71cd8986-ca43-42a4-a3dd-f5829bc04a5f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f2d5527a-8703-469c-b1ce-d214006382b2

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Zohran Mamdani’s last name reflects centuries of intercontinental trade, migration and cultural exchange

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Iqbal Akhtar, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Florida International University

    Zohran Mamdani takes photos with union members during a campaign rally at the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York on July 2, 2025. AP Photo/Richard Drew

    When Zohran Mamdani announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City, political observers noted his progressive platform and legislative record. But understanding the Democratic candidate’s background requires examining the rich cultural tapestry woven into his very surname: Mamdani.

    He takes the name from his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent academic who was raised in Uganda and whose work focuses on postcolonial Uganda. I studied the history of the Khoja community for my doctoral work and have helped develop Khoja studies as an academic discipline. The Mamdani surname tells a story of migration, resilience and community-building that spans centuries and continents.

    The Khoja history

    Mamdanis in Uganda belong to the Khoja community, a South Asian Muslim merchant caste, that shaped economic development across the western Indian Ocean for centuries.

    The name originates from greater Sindh, a region in South Asia that today includes southeastern Pakistan and Kachchh in western India.

    Its etymology is twofold. Mām is an honorific title in Kachchhi and Gujarati languages, meaning kindness, courage and pride. Māmadō is a local version of the name Muhammad that often appeared in surnames in Hindu castes that converted to Islam, such as the Memons.

    The Khoja were categorized by the British in the early 19th century as “Hindoo Mussalman” because their traditions spanned both religions.

    Over time, the Khoja came to be identified only as Muslim and then primarily as Shiite Muslim. Today, the majority of Khoja are Ismaili: a branch of Shiite Islam that follows the Aga Khan as their living imam.

    The Mamdani family, however, is part of the Twelver community of Khoja, whose Twelfth Imam is believed to be hidden from the world and only emerges in times of crisis. Twelvers believe he will help usher in an age of peace during end times.

    Around the late 18th century, the Khoja helped export textiles, manufactured goods, spices and gems from the Indian subcontinent to Arabia and East Africa. Through this Western Indian Ocean trading network, they imported timber, ivory, minerals and cloves, among other goods.

    Khoja family firms were built on kinship networks and trust. They built networks of shops, communal housing and warehouses, and extended credit for thousands of miles, from Zanzibar in Tanzania to Bombay – now Mumbai – on the western coast of India.

    Cousins and brothers would send money and goods across the ocean with only a letter. The precarious nature of trade in this period meant that families also served as insurance for each other. In times of wealth, it was shared; in times of disaster, help was available.

    Khoja contributions in Africa

    The Khoja became instrumental in building the commercial infrastructure of eastern, central and southern Africa. But the Khoja contribution to the development of Africa extended far beyond trade.

    In the absence of colonial investment in public infrastructure, they helped build institutions that formed the foundation of the modern nation-states that emerged after colonization. The institutions both facilitated trade and established permanent communities.

    For example, the first dispensary and public school in Zanzibar were constructed by a Khoja magnate, Tharia Topan, who made his wealth through the ivory and clove trades. Topan eventually became so prominent that he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1890 for his service to the British Empire in helping to end slavery in East Africa.

    The Khoja community continues to invest in East Africa. The most famous example is the Aga Khan Development Network, whose hospitals and schools operate in 30 countries. In places such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, they are considered the best.

    Khoja in Uganda

    Like in other parts of Africa, the Khoja settled in Uganda as a liaison business community to develop a market to serve both African and European needs. The linguistic and cultural knowledge, developed over centuries, helped facilitate business despite the challenges of colonization.

    Ugandan President Idi Amin and his wife, Sarah, in Rome on Sept. 10, 1975.
    AP Photo

    However, in 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin expelled all Asians – approximately 80,000 – forcing families like the Mamdanis into exile. These included indentured laborers, who were brought in to help build the railroad and farm during the British colonial period, and free traders, like the Mamdani family.

    Amin saw them all as the same and famously said: “Asians came to Uganda to build the railway. The railway is finished. They must leave now.”

    The experience was a bitter one. Families lost everything, and many left with only the clothes on their backs.

    Mahmood Mamdani, who came from a Khoja merchant family, was 26 when he was exiled. Yet, unlike most Ugandan Asians, he chose to go back. At Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, Mamdani set up the Institute for Social Research, which helped to provide rigorous social science training to Ugandan researchers trying to improve their society.

    While the earlier generations of the Khoja tended to choose business or adjacent professions, such as accounting, the subsequent generations – particularly those educated in the West – embraced the knowledge economy as professionals, academics and nonprofit leaders.

    Several of Mahmood Mamdani’s generation of Khoja academics conducted path-breaking work on Afro-Asian solidarity – a way of thinking about the world beyond colonial categories, such as the category of religion as a separate domain from the secular. These scholars, such as Tanzania’s Issa Shivji and Abdul Sheriff, worked on creating solidarity among the newly independent states of the Global South.

    Mahmood Mamdani is known for his influential post-9/11 academic work, “Good Muslim, Bad Muslim,” which examined how Muslim identities are stereotyped. He argued that these identities are complex and varied, shaped by accumulated history and present experiences.

    Interfaith identity

    The Khoja community – known globally as the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Muslim Community – has developed strong transnational connections. Today, they are concentrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and France. However, Khoja can be found in almost any country in the world. In 2013, I met members of the community in Hong Kong.

    The Khoja community plays an important role in interfaith dialogue and global development initiatives. A prominent Ismaili Khoja, Eboo Patel, the founder of Interfaith America, has dedicated his life to pluralism and mutual understanding through building up civil society.

    Zohran Mamdani’s mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, is Hindu by birth. This interfaith marriage exemplifies the flexibility, diversity and tolerance of Khoja Islam, which has historically navigated between Hindu and Islamic traditions.

    Whether Mamdani’s policies prove practical remains to be seen, but his background offers something valuable: a deep understanding of how communities build resilience across generations and geographies.

    Iqbal Akhtar 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. Zohran Mamdani’s last name reflects centuries of intercontinental trade, migration and cultural exchange – https://theconversation.com/zohran-mamdanis-last-name-reflects-centuries-of-intercontinental-trade-migration-and-cultural-exchange-259967

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Zohran Mamdani’s last name reflects centuries of intercontinental trade, migration and cultural exchange

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Iqbal Akhtar, Associate Professor of Religious Studies, Florida International University

    Zohran Mamdani takes photos with union members during a campaign rally at the Hotel and Gaming Trades Council headquarters in New York on July 2, 2025. AP Photo/Richard Drew

    When Zohran Mamdani announced his candidacy for mayor of New York City, political observers noted his progressive platform and legislative record. But understanding the Democratic candidate’s background requires examining the rich cultural tapestry woven into his very surname: Mamdani.

    He takes the name from his father, Mahmood Mamdani, a prominent academic who was raised in Uganda and whose work focuses on postcolonial Uganda. I studied the history of the Khoja community for my doctoral work and have helped develop Khoja studies as an academic discipline. The Mamdani surname tells a story of migration, resilience and community-building that spans centuries and continents.

    The Khoja history

    Mamdanis in Uganda belong to the Khoja community, a South Asian Muslim merchant caste, that shaped economic development across the western Indian Ocean for centuries.

    The name originates from greater Sindh, a region in South Asia that today includes southeastern Pakistan and Kachchh in western India.

    Its etymology is twofold. Mām is an honorific title in Kachchhi and Gujarati languages, meaning kindness, courage and pride. Māmadō is a local version of the name Muhammad that often appeared in surnames in Hindu castes that converted to Islam, such as the Memons.

    The Khoja were categorized by the British in the early 19th century as “Hindoo Mussalman” because their traditions spanned both religions.

    Over time, the Khoja came to be identified only as Muslim and then primarily as Shiite Muslim. Today, the majority of Khoja are Ismaili: a branch of Shiite Islam that follows the Aga Khan as their living imam.

    The Mamdani family, however, is part of the Twelver community of Khoja, whose Twelfth Imam is believed to be hidden from the world and only emerges in times of crisis. Twelvers believe he will help usher in an age of peace during end times.

    Around the late 18th century, the Khoja helped export textiles, manufactured goods, spices and gems from the Indian subcontinent to Arabia and East Africa. Through this Western Indian Ocean trading network, they imported timber, ivory, minerals and cloves, among other goods.

    Khoja family firms were built on kinship networks and trust. They built networks of shops, communal housing and warehouses, and extended credit for thousands of miles, from Zanzibar in Tanzania to Bombay – now Mumbai – on the western coast of India.

    Cousins and brothers would send money and goods across the ocean with only a letter. The precarious nature of trade in this period meant that families also served as insurance for each other. In times of wealth, it was shared; in times of disaster, help was available.

    Khoja contributions in Africa

    The Khoja became instrumental in building the commercial infrastructure of eastern, central and southern Africa. But the Khoja contribution to the development of Africa extended far beyond trade.

    In the absence of colonial investment in public infrastructure, they helped build institutions that formed the foundation of the modern nation-states that emerged after colonization. The institutions both facilitated trade and established permanent communities.

    For example, the first dispensary and public school in Zanzibar were constructed by a Khoja magnate, Tharia Topan, who made his wealth through the ivory and clove trades. Topan eventually became so prominent that he was knighted by Queen Victoria in 1890 for his service to the British Empire in helping to end slavery in East Africa.

    The Khoja community continues to invest in East Africa. The most famous example is the Aga Khan Development Network, whose hospitals and schools operate in 30 countries. In places such as Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania, they are considered the best.

    Khoja in Uganda

    Like in other parts of Africa, the Khoja settled in Uganda as a liaison business community to develop a market to serve both African and European needs. The linguistic and cultural knowledge, developed over centuries, helped facilitate business despite the challenges of colonization.

    Ugandan President Idi Amin and his wife, Sarah, in Rome on Sept. 10, 1975.
    AP Photo

    However, in 1972, Ugandan dictator Idi Amin expelled all Asians – approximately 80,000 – forcing families like the Mamdanis into exile. These included indentured laborers, who were brought in to help build the railroad and farm during the British colonial period, and free traders, like the Mamdani family.

    Amin saw them all as the same and famously said: “Asians came to Uganda to build the railway. The railway is finished. They must leave now.”

    The experience was a bitter one. Families lost everything, and many left with only the clothes on their backs.

    Mahmood Mamdani, who came from a Khoja merchant family, was 26 when he was exiled. Yet, unlike most Ugandan Asians, he chose to go back. At Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda’s capital, Mamdani set up the Institute for Social Research, which helped to provide rigorous social science training to Ugandan researchers trying to improve their society.

    While the earlier generations of the Khoja tended to choose business or adjacent professions, such as accounting, the subsequent generations – particularly those educated in the West – embraced the knowledge economy as professionals, academics and nonprofit leaders.

    Several of Mahmood Mamdani’s generation of Khoja academics conducted path-breaking work on Afro-Asian solidarity – a way of thinking about the world beyond colonial categories, such as the category of religion as a separate domain from the secular. These scholars, such as Tanzania’s Issa Shivji and Abdul Sheriff, worked on creating solidarity among the newly independent states of the Global South.

    Mahmood Mamdani is known for his influential post-9/11 academic work, “Good Muslim, Bad Muslim,” which examined how Muslim identities are stereotyped. He argued that these identities are complex and varied, shaped by accumulated history and present experiences.

    Interfaith identity

    The Khoja community – known globally as the Khoja Shia Ithnasheri Muslim Community – has developed strong transnational connections. Today, they are concentrated in the United Kingdom, Canada, United States and France. However, Khoja can be found in almost any country in the world. In 2013, I met members of the community in Hong Kong.

    The Khoja community plays an important role in interfaith dialogue and global development initiatives. A prominent Ismaili Khoja, Eboo Patel, the founder of Interfaith America, has dedicated his life to pluralism and mutual understanding through building up civil society.

    Zohran Mamdani’s mother, acclaimed filmmaker Mira Nair, is Hindu by birth. This interfaith marriage exemplifies the flexibility, diversity and tolerance of Khoja Islam, which has historically navigated between Hindu and Islamic traditions.

    Whether Mamdani’s policies prove practical remains to be seen, but his background offers something valuable: a deep understanding of how communities build resilience across generations and geographies.

    Iqbal Akhtar 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. Zohran Mamdani’s last name reflects centuries of intercontinental trade, migration and cultural exchange – https://theconversation.com/zohran-mamdanis-last-name-reflects-centuries-of-intercontinental-trade-migration-and-cultural-exchange-259967

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Who was the first pirate?

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Brandon Prins, Professor of Political Science, University of Tennessee

    Curious Kids is a series for children of all ages. If you have a question you’d like an expert to answer, send it to curiouskidsus@theconversation.com.

    Who was the first pirate? – Yandel R., age 11, Lakewood Ranch, Florida

    When most people imagine a pirate, they picture actor Johnny Depp playing the mad but likable swashbuckler Jack Sparrow, captain of the sailing ship the Black Pearl.

    Depp’s pirate portrayal was inspired by seafaring bandits in older make-believe tales, such as Long John Silver in “Treasure Island,” Captain Hook in “Peter Pan,” or sailor Edmond Dantès in “The Count of Monte Cristo.”

    A 1915 edition of ‘Treasure Island’ illustrated Long John Silver with iconic pirate features.
    Louis Rhead/Historica Graphica Collection/Heritage Images via Getty Images

    Pirates in these stories were mischievous but also glamorous, courageous and mostly kindhearted. They wore flashy costumes. They had missing limbs, like Captain Cook’s iron hook for a left hand and Long John Silver’s wooden peg leg. They buried treasure chests of gold and silver, forced enemies to walk the plank and had talking parrots as shipboard companions. They flew the Jolly Roger skull and crossbones flag from the ship’s mast to frighten enemies. The new Netflix series “One Piece,” which is based on a Japanese comic book, continues this popular depiction of pirates.

    While fun, these portrayals of pirates are mostly invented.

    I’m a political scientist who studies modern-day commerce raiding: robbing of private cargo vessels on the high seas. I’m interested in where it happens in the world, who does it and what can be done to stop it. My research finds today’s pirates to be less like swashbuckling Jack Sparrow and more like regular old thieves.

    Pirates in the ancient world

    Since pirates have been around for as long as people have moved things by boat, it is hard to pin down the very first pirate.

    Ancient Egyptians tied bundles of reeds together to form watertight boats.
    Werner Forman/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    But archaeological evidence shows that boatbuilding goes all the way back to the ancient Egyptians, who used boats made from papyrus reeds as early as 6,000 years ago. These vessels likely carried valuable goods up and down the Nile River, and where valuable goods can be found, you can usually find thieves too. In fact, researchers know that pirates – basically just thieves on the water – targeted these river boats, because Egyptian pharaohs left records grumbling about pirates and their widespread pillaging.

    By 3,500 years ago, thieves were using sailing vessels to raid coastal towns and villages in and around the Nile Delta, as well as the Aegean and Adriatic basins. Attacking ships far from land on the high seas and stealing the cargo was a logical next step in the tactics of seafaring raiders.

    As trade increased across the Mediterranean Sea, boats carrying valuable cargo, such as pottery, silk, glass, spices and metals, became the targets of ancient pirates. Given the worth of these goods, pirate attacks became widespread across the ancient Mediterranean Sea. With money from the Roman senate and strong effort by a military leader named Pompey, the Roman navy worked hard to stop the pirates – and for a while it did.

    The earliest named pirate?

    The first mention of a pirate by name may have been in a Greek history book written in the fifth century BCE by an ancient historian named Herodotus.

    He briefly describes the adventures of a naval commander by the name of Dionysius who was from Ionia, which is in modern-day Turkey. Dionysius set up a pirate base on the island of Sicily that allowed him and his fellow pirates to plunder ships that happened to sail past.

    Pirates of the Caribbean

    While Dionysius may have been the first recorded pirate, the most famous pirates lived during the 17th and 18th centuries, which came to be known as the golden age of sea piracy.

    This was the heyday of pirates such as Blackbeard, also known as Edward Teach; William Kidd; Henry Morgan; Calico Jack; and Anne Bonny. They plundered Spanish treasure ships in the Caribbean, known as the Spanish Main, that were carrying silver from the mines in Bolivia back to the king of Spain.

    Islands such as Jamaica, Tortuga and the Bahamas, as well the North Carolina coast, all became notable pirate havens. Port Royal, on the island of Jamaica, in particular, was a notorious pirate refuge. It was ideally positioned for preying upon Spanish galleons sailing across the Atlantic from ports in Panama and Venezuela. Johnny Depp’s character, Jack Sparrow, swashbuckled around a fictionalized Port Royal in the first “Pirates of the Caribbean” film.

    Each dot represents a maritime pirate attack that happened between 1995 and 2023.
    Brandon Prins

    21st-century pirates

    The 2013 Hollywood movie “Captain Phillips,” starring Tom Hanks, drew attention back to real-world pirates and piracy. The movie was based on a real-life 2009 attack by Somali pirates on a ship named the MV Maersk Alabama, which was carrying food to Kenya. The 500-foot-long vessel and its crew were rescued by the U.S. Navy.

    To better understand 21st-century piracy, my research team compiled data on all pirate attacks from 1995 to the present day. We found three main piracy hot spots: the Gulf of Aden near Somalia, the Strait of Malacca in Southeast Asia and the Gulf of Guinea off the coast of West Africa. All three locations experience the conditions that attract pirates: ship traffic, valuable cargo and weak governments.

    Why become a pirate?

    People become pirates for many reasons, not the least of which is to escape poverty and enslavement. Others just want adventure and to travel the world. These are the same motivations that drove commerce raiding in the ancient world, during the golden age of piracy, and even today.

    While we may never know the first pirate, just like we will never know the very first thief, historical evidence shows that sea-raiding has been around since the very first boats traversed the world’s waterways. Despite efforts to end piracy, my research shows that the conditions that produce ship looting remain and will likely always exist.

    Hello, curious kids! Do you have a question you’d like an expert to answer? Ask an adult to send your question to CuriousKidsUS@theconversation.com. Please tell us your name, age and the city where you live.

    And since curiosity has no age limit – adults, let us know what you’re wondering, too. We won’t be able to answer every question, but we will do our best.

    Brandon Prins received funding from the U.S. Department of Defense, Office of Naval Research, through the Minerva Initiative, awards #N00014-21-1-2030 and #N00014-14-1-0050.

    – ref. Who was the first pirate? – https://theconversation.com/who-was-the-first-pirate-256314

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Shanghai Port Handles Record Number of International Vessels in H1 2025

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 14 (Xinhua) — The Port of Shanghai handled 23,000 international vessels in January-June 2025, up 3.2 percent year-on-year and setting a new all-time high, according to data from the General Administration of Customs.

    According to the department, of the above-mentioned total, container ships accounted for 17,000, up 2.6 percent from the previous year. They transported 16.346 million standard containers (TEU) of cargo, up 7 percent year-on-year. The number of international cruise ships and ro-ro ships handled by the Port of Shanghai showed particularly rapid growth, up 80.1 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Songshan Lake: A Microcosm of China’s Innovation Ecosystem

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    GUANGZHOU, July 14 (Xinhua) — The area around Songshan Lake in southern China’s Guangdong Province exudes youthful energy. Just two decades ago, it was a quiet orchard, but now it is home to a thriving innovation hub. These days, it is not harvesting fruits, but ideas.

    The 103 square kilometer high-tech zone is home to more than 17,000 market players, including seven national manufacturing champions and 770 national high-tech enterprises. Each is contributing to the rise of next-generation technologies, from connected vehicles and robotics to intelligent engineering, biomedicine, and advanced materials and energy.

    The rapid growth of enterprises is facilitated by the innovative ecosystem of Songshan Lake, which is home to six universities and 18 provincial-level new R&D institutions. It is also home to several key scientific facilities, including the China Spallation Neutron Source and an advanced attosecond laser infrastructure currently under construction.

    The evolution of ePropulsion, co-founded by Hong Kong University of Science and Technology (HKUST) alumnus Pan Zongliang and three of his classmates, is a vivid illustration of this dynamic ecosystem.

    In 2012, recognizing the significant potential in marine renewable energy, they formed a startup team dedicated to research and development in marine electric propulsion systems. By 2014, they had completed the prototype of their first electric outboard motor. However, the process of turning this innovation into a market-ready product was fraught with challenges. The industrialization process proved to be a complex undertaking that required considerable effort and resources to manage.

    Fortunately, HKUST professor Li Zexiang founded the XbotPark robotics base in Songshan Lake area in 2014. He also facilitated the relocation of ePropulsion’s five-person staff to Songshan Lake, providing them with valuable assistance.

    “As a marine renewable energy company, we needed a water area to test our products,” explained Pan Zongliang, co-founder and COO of ePropulsion. The Songshan Lake Administrative Committee provided the team with a key asset: a special dock for conducting water tests. “It was a huge support,” Pan Zongliang recalled.

    In addition to political support, Songshan Lake’s strategic location allows XbotPark companies to take advantage of the supply chain advantages of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.

    According to the director of the XbotPark robotics base, teams working in this environment often say: “If you can imagine it, you can build it.” “Finding suppliers for good ideas can usually be completed in about thirty minutes,” he says.

    ePropulsion currently operates from a manufacturing facility in Dongguan, Guangdong Province, southern China, where Lake Songshanhu is located. The product range includes a wide range of overhead electric systems from 500 to 1000 kW, as well as overhead drives, embedded systems, batteries and control systems, which are sold worldwide.

    “Our main market is Europe and the United States, and our small and medium-sized electric outboard motors ranked first in the world in terms of shipment volume last year,” Pan Zongliang said. “The domestic market share is also growing as the new energy boat sector expands in China,” he added.

    Their eco-friendly propulsion systems now power boats at events such as SailGP and the America’s Cup, as well as on scenic waters across China, including Donghu Lake in Wuhan, West Lake in Hangzhou and the Lijiang River in Guilin.

    According to XbotPark, it has helped create more than 80 startups in the field of robotics and intelligent equipment, of which six are included in the list of unicorn companies whose estimated value has grown to a billion US dollars in a short period of time. At the same time, their survival rate has exceeded 80%. The total value of the leading companies in the base is $ 10 billion.

    Nearby, at the Guangdong Institute of Intelligent Robotics (GIRI), another industrial park near Songshan Lake, a bright yellow robot maneuvers in a test tank, rising and falling with the agility of a fish. This intelligent underwater inspection robot, developed by BlueDiveBot, conducts comprehensive inspections with no blind spots.

    “Underwater robots can perform equipment maintenance, garbage collection, water quality monitoring and emergency response, overcoming human limitations and safety risks,” said Hu Gangyi, CEO of BlueDiveBot.

    Incubated by GIRI and founded in 2023, BlueDiveBot has established a collaborative innovation platform integrating industry, education, research and application for advanced underwater equipment. The company has mastered a number of advanced technologies in the field of unmanned underwater intelligent systems, some of which are the first of their kind in the country.

    “The well-developed industrial chain in Dongguan and surrounding areas accelerates the commercialization of our R&D,” Hu Gangyi said. “We have quickly achieved the expansion of production capacity and significant growth in market sales.”

    Since its establishment in August 2015, GIRI has focused its R&D and commercialization efforts on key robotics components such as high-power lasers, sensors and machine vision systems, in addition to its core products that include industrial robots, high-end intelligent equipment, unmanned autonomous systems and industrial big data.

    GIRI Deputy Director Zhou Xiaoxiao compares prototype technologies to an “unripe green apple.” In order to become a “ripe red apple,” the technology must undergo a process of refinement, she says, and this transformation is necessary for the technology to become the basis for producing a wide range of products, including both “apple jam” and “apple juice.”

    Further development of innovation was supported by Songshan Lake High-tech Zone’s partnership with Huawei Cloud to build the “Developer Village” in April 2022. It meets the digitalization needs of enterprises through deep integration and joint innovation between various developer organizations, promoting digital innovation and industrial upgrading. Currently, 29 companies are located there.

    “The Songshan Lake High-Tech Zone has carried out cutting-edge basic research,” concluded Wang Qianqian, deputy director of the Songshan Lake Science, Technology and Innovation Bureau. “Based on the results of basic research, we have built a complete innovation chain from pioneering research to commercialization and industrial development.” -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Digital Smart Manufacturing to Benefit Industrial Transformation in SCO Countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 14 (Xinhua) — Umar Suleimanov, a student from Tajikistan who chose the Chinese name Wu Mofan, actively gestures with his hands in front of a video camera, showing various configurations of his wrist and fingers, and a bionic robotic arm installed nearby, equipped with tens of hundreds of multi-dimensional tactile sensors, instantly repeats these movements as a mirror image.

    All this took place at the recent Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Forum on Digital Economy in the northern Chinese city of Tianjin and attracted the attention of many guests from SCO countries.

    “I learned that these bionic arms can sense mechanical information, sense temperatures, and differentiate between materials and textures. They can be applied to industrial production on a large scale, and can greatly improve the production efficiency of factories through data collection, algorithm integration, and other technological systems,” said Wu Mofan, a student at Tianjin Nankai University. He hopes that China’s digital smart manufacturing solutions and products can be spread to more countries to promote local development.

    The development of digital economy is a strategic direction in the new round of technological revolution and industrial transformation. With the promotion of targeted policies and guidelines, iterative approach in technology, huge market demand and other driving factors, China has shown impressive achievements in industrial upgrading through the development of digital manufacturing.

    According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People’s Republic of China, there are currently more than 30,000 smart factories with basic automation, over 230 smart factories with full digitalization of production, and about 421 national-level smart manufacturing demonstration factories in China. In the first quarter of 2025, the operating revenue of China’s digital sector reached 8.5 trillion yuan (about 1.19 trillion US dollars), growing 9.4 percent year on year.

    “I am very impressed that more and more AI and robotics projects are being implemented in various industrial scenarios in China. In this regard, China has made very impressive progress,” said Mehmet Bozkurt, a senior expert at the Turkish Center for Asia-Pacific Studies.

    Pan Yuanyuan, deputy director of the International Investment Department at the Institute of World Economy and Politics under the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, attributes the rapid development of China’s digital economy to its huge population, strong market demand, and rich application scenarios. “China’s achievements and accumulated experience in the digital economy are useful for countries seeking development,” she said.

    China has repeatedly reaffirmed its determination not only to digitalize its own industry, but also to assist other SCO countries in modernizing their production by exporting more and more digital technologies.

    Among the significant projects of cooperation between China and other SCO countries in the digital economy, Song Xianrong, a responsible official for international cooperation at the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China, highlighted the smart railway project in Mongolia with the participation of a Chinese enterprise, thanks to which the volume of coal production in areas located along the railway increased by 3-4 times, and the cost of transporting each ton of coal decreased from 32 to 15 US dollars, and the cost of operation and maintenance of the railway fell by 50 percent.

    Another striking example of such cooperation was a joint project between the Tianjin Design and Research Institute of the Cement Industry and the oil and gas company SOUTH-OIL of Kazakhstan, in which Chinese technologies and standards for digital intelligence were introduced into the production scenario in one of the modern industrial parks in the south of Kazakhstan.

    “China provides impressive intellectual solutions in the process of digital transformation of energy and industry,” said Gulnaziya Almakhanova, head of the International Relations Department at Korkyt Ata Kyzylorda University in Kazakhstan. “We hope that China will be able to share successful experience and solutions with other members of the SCO family so that more countries can benefit from this wave of technological revolution.”

    As it became known, at the SCO Forum on Digital Economy-2025 in Tianjin, a ceremony was held to sign documents in 12 projects of cooperation on the digital economy between China, Kazakhstan, Pakistan, Egypt and other countries. These projects are related to such areas as cross-border e-commerce and the construction of “smart” cities. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.

  • CPI inflation at 2.10% in June 2025; food inflation turns negative

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s retail inflation for June 2025 has dropped to its lowest level in more than six years, according to the latest data released by the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation. The provisional Consumer Price Index (CPI) shows that headline inflation for June stood at 2.10 percent for the country overall, with rural inflation at 1.72 percent and urban inflation at 2.56 percent. This marks the lowest headline CPI since January 2019, offering a significant respite to households grappling with cost pressures over recent years.

    Food inflation, which has often been the primary driver of household expenses, remained in the negative for the second month in a row. The Combined Consumer Food Price Index (CFPI) recorded a deflation of 1.06 percent in June, with rural areas seeing a 0.92 percent decline and urban areas witnessing a 1.22 percent fall in food prices. Compared to the same period last year, the drop in food inflation has been substantial, mainly due to easing prices of vegetables, pulses, cereals, milk, meat and fish, sugar and spices.

    On a month-on-month basis, headline inflation in June rose by 0.62 percent, while food inflation increased by 1.08 percent, largely in line with seasonal trends and normal price movements. Meanwhile, certain core categories continue to show moderate yet steady increases. Housing inflation in urban areas came in at 3.24 percent, slightly higher than May’s 3.16 percent. Education inflation was recorded at 4.37 percent compared to 4.12 percent in the previous month, while health expenses rose by 4.43 percent, up from 4.34 percent. Transport and communication costs remained stable, increasing marginally to 3.90 percent from 3.85 percent. Fuel and light inflation dropped to 2.55 percent from 2.84 percent in May.

    The ministry highlighted that the price data for this calculation was gathered from over 1,100 urban markets and 1,181 villages, with 100 percent coverage in rural areas and over 98 percent coverage in urban centres. This robust coverage ensures that the estimates reflect prevailing market conditions across the country.

    Economists believe that the sustained decline in food prices will offer relief to households, but they also point out that the persistent rise in services such as health, education and housing requires careful monitoring. The latest figures suggest that inflation is well within the Reserve Bank of India’s target range of 2 to 6 percent, giving policymakers more room to focus on growth and employment in the coming months.

    The final inflation report for June will be released on August 12. Until then, the latest numbers present a clear picture of easing consumer prices and a cautious optimism for economic planners who have been grappling with fluctuating global commodity prices and unpredictable weather patterns affecting agricultural output.