NewzIntel.com

Category: Transport

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. María Salazar Launches Bill to Protect Honduran Democracy

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman María Elvira Salazar’s (FL-27)

    span>This week, Rep. María Elvira Salazar (R-FL) introduced the bipartisan PROTECT HONDURAN DEMOCRACY ACT along with Rep. Joaquín Castro (D-TX), Rep. Chris Smith (R-NJ), Rep. Norma Torres (D-CA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY) and Rep. Mark Green (R-TN). The bill aims to defend democracy in the Western Hemisphere by ensuring international observation of the Honduran presidential elections in November 2025. It seeks to prevent the current socialist government from stealing the elections.

    “The Honduran people don’t deserve yet another power grab by the corrupt and authoritarian Zelaya family,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “They have the right to choose their leaders freely and fairly. By protecting democracy in Honduras, we help prevent instability before it spreads, because what happens there affects South Florida and threatens America’s national security.”

    “Democratic governance depends on the integrity of elections. As Honduras prepares for its 2025 presidential elections, it is critical that all stakeholders—domestic and international—support efforts to ensure a free, fair, and transparent electoral process,” said Congressman Castro. “The United States reaffirms its bipartisan commitment to working with the Honduran people, civil society, and institutions to uphold the rule of law.”

    The PROTECT HONDURAN DEMOCRACY ACT prevents instability in the Western Hemisphere by:

    • Expressing concerns of Congress about the potential for fraud in the elections.
    • Directing the State Department to create a strategy for monitoring the elections.
    • Authorizing the State Department to work with international organizations on election monitoring.
    • Cancelling U.S. visas of Honduran officials who commit fraud.
    • Authorizing $1 million for the State Department to use for monitoring the elections.

    Background

    Instability in the Western Hemisphere affects not just South Florida, it threatens America’s national security. In Honduras, the Zelaya family first came to power in 2006 when ex-president Manuel Zelaya won the elections. He spent three years pushing a socialist agenda until 2009, when the military removed him after he attempted to change the constitution to stay in power. His wife, Xiomara Castro de Zelaya, has served as president since 2022 and has worked to align Honduras with authoritarian regimes like Venezuela and Nicaragua. Numerous issues with the March 2025 primary elections raised questions about the legitimacy of the results.

    You can read the full bill here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: NATS technical failure of August 2023: CAA progress report on review recommendations

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Written statement to Parliament

    NATS technical failure of August 2023: CAA progress report on review recommendations

    Publication of CAA report on its progress to address recommendations made by an independent review into NATS technical failure of August 2023.

    The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) has today (1 July 2025) published a report on the progress made in relation to the 34 recommendations which were made in the independent review’s final report into the NATS technical IT failure of August 2023.

    I would like to express my gratitude to the CAA, NATS, airlines and airports for the progress they have made in responding to the recommendations which were made by the independent panel. Today’s report confirms the positive approach which has been made in responding to the recommendations by all stakeholders.

    NATS has delivered its recommendations with many of these already having been confirmed as completed by the CAA. The CAA expects to have completed validation of all recommendations made to NATS during the summer. Airlines and airports have committed to reviewing their practices for communicating and assisting their passengers during periods of disruption. The CAA are reviewing these plans and will monitor compliance through an extended compliance programme, along with establishing an industry code of conduct. The CAA will continue to hold airlines/airports to account for how they meet their obligations to consumers.

    The CAA is making good progress in responding to its recommendations. In particular it has focused its efforts in response to the panel’s recommendations relating to the expansion of its work on improving industry compliance and the rights of aviation consumers. The CAA will commence a programme of work related to the next price control review period for NATS (NR28) which will directly address a number of the recommendations which were made by the panel.

    My department remains steadfast in our commitment to delivering on the recommendations which the panel has made for government, and we will make the required legislative reforms on which this is dependent when parliamentary time allows, to ensure air passengers have the highest level of protection possible.

    The CAA will provide a further report on progress with the recommendations towards the end of the year. The expectation is that most of the recommendations made by the panel will have been validated and completed by the end of 2026.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Residents invited to help shape a bolder, stronger Plymouth

    Source: City of Plymouth

    Local people in Plymouth are being invited to help shape the future of their city, as part of the Council’s work to develop a proposal for local government reorganisation.  

    Local government across the country is under immense financial pressure and the government has announced that it wishes to move to a system of unitary councils by removing the two-tier current county/district model that exists in Devon. There is no magic money tree. Without bold reform, councils will struggle to sustain the services people rely on. That’s why Plymouth is taking action — not just to survive, but to thrive. 

    Local government reorganisation is about more than redrawing boundaries. It’s about securing the future of Plymouth. It’s about building a Plymouth where our children can afford to live, where jobs are plentiful, where neighbourhoods are vibrant, and where services are modern, accessible, and resilient so it can respond to the challenges of the future. 

    Our proposal for a modest boundary extension to embrace the 13 closest parishes to the city offers a unique opportunity to combine the best of both worlds — we want to create a vibrant city set within a beautiful rural environment of thriving towns and communities, with the highest quality of services delivered across the whole area. 

    Over the past few weeks, Plymouth City Council has been listening to communities in the South Hams. Now, it’s time for residents within the city to have their say. Five engagement events will take place across Plymouth in the coming weeks, alongside an online survey open to all. 

    “This is a once-in-a-generation opportunity to shape the future of Plymouth,” said Councillor Tudor Evans, Leader of Plymouth City Council. “We’ve already heard from our neighbours in the South Hams — people who care deeply about their local identity, their local voice, and their parish councils.  Now, we want to hear from the people who live and work in Plymouth every day. 

    “We are ambitious for this city and we really think we will be stronger together in this ’new Plymouth’. We have to develop exciting new plans to address the future housing and jobs needs of the city.  One example of something we are already working on which shows our ambition are our plans to deliver around 12,000 new homes in the city centre. We’re also driving forward a £6 billion investment pipeline to create 25,000 new jobs and support 1,000 businesses. We’re regenerating neighbourhoods, transforming transport, and investing in schools, health, and culture. From a new NHS dental practice to the £21 million sports and community hub with Plymouth Argyle, we are building a city that works for everyone.” 

    “But to make all of this possible and more— and to protect the services our residents depend on — we need a local government that’s fit for the future. That’s what this conversation is about. And we want Plymouth people to be part of it.” 

    Get Involved: 

    • Attend one of five engagement events happening across Plymouth – see the dates below and information for registering. 

    Event Details:  

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Shop ABC Gift Card launches

    Source: Northern Ireland City of Armagh

    Lord Mayor, Alderman Stephen Moutray launching the Shop ABC Gift Card with Armagh business owners Ann Doyle and Dessie Feeney.

    “We all benefit from a thriving community.”

    The new Shop ABC Gift Card can be spent with shops, restaurants, salons, attractions and hotels – it’s available as either a physical or digital card.

    A brand-new gift card, exclusively for the Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, has now gone live, making it easier than ever for people to support local businesses.

    Backed by Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough Council, the Shop ABC Gift Card can only be spent with registered businesses in the area, locking spend into local economies and driving footfall.

    The Shop ABC Gift Card is available as either a physical card that is swiped at the till or a digital card that is added to digital wallets enabling ‘tap to pay’ technology.

    Over 150 businesses across the borough already accept the card with more joining the scheme each day.

    Lord Mayor of Armagh City, Banbridge and Craigavon Borough, Alderman Stephen Moutray said: “We’re proud to launch the Shop ABC Gift Card to power local economies within our city, town centres and villages. With the card, we have a local option for gifts, rewards and incentives. I encourage everyone to look at how they can use the card for the benefit of our borough, from organisations rewarding staff to charities supporting service users or people buying as gifts for the end of term, birthdays and beyond.”

    Local businesses are welcoming the launch of the gift card. Chris Dalzell of Dalzells of Markethill said: “We’re a family run business that has been in operation for almost 70 years, based in a rural location, with delivery across the island of Ireland. Local businesses are the lifeblood of the community, giving their support to all manner of local clubs and charities, and the Shop ABC Gift Card is a fantastic way for people to show their support for local businesses in return. We all benefit from a thriving community. Everything we can do to promote local shopping is hugely positive and we look forward to accepting the new gift card across our full range – home appliances to beds and furniture.”

    Another independent business accepting the card is Gasp Boutique owner Ann said: “The boutique is family run with nearly 25 years in Armagh, specialising in casuals, shoes, occasion wear and mother of the bride outfits. Independent businesses all employ local people so the Shop ABC Gift Card that encourages people to shop with their local businesses is brilliant. I like the fact that it will be easy for people to spend like a regular gift card, but locking spend into the area. Many people pay using their phones now, so the digital version is great, especially for encouraging the younger generation to shop local. I’d love to see larger organisations using the card to reward their staff – what a great way to show their support for local.”

    Alongside products, Shop ABC Gift Card recipients can also spend their gift card on a range of experiences and services.

    Rachel McDonald, practice manager at Mackey Opticians in Portadown commented: “Mackey Opticians is a family run, independent opticians – the largest in Northern Ireland. As soon as I heard about the card, I said ‘sign us up’ because I think it’s a great idea. Not only will it benefit our business it will benefit our neighbouring businesses. And it will be a really nice thing for customers to spend too, both on products and services. The ability to use the Shop ABC Gift Card in a practical way on things like new glasses or an eye test is a huge benefit and means the cards will be well used and ideal as both gifts and corporate rewards. I really like the community feel of it too – the high street is so important, and the Shop ABC Gift Card will help support it.”

    Colin Munro, Managing Director of Miconex, said: “Support for local is extremely strong in Northern Ireland with over 92% of people saying it has become more important to them over the past 12 months and 95% believing that more needs to be done to support local businesses. The Shop ABC Gift Card is the ultimate ‘shop local’ Gift Card for the area, and a fun, easy to use way to support local businesses.”

    The physical or digital Shop ABC Gift Card is available to buy for consumers and organisations at https://townandcitygiftcards.com/product/shop-abc-gift-card/

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Air China launches first international flight with Chinese-built C909

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HOHHOT, July 1 (Xinhua) — Air China’s C909 passenger jet successfully completed a Hohhot-Ulaanbaatar flight on Tuesday, marking the official launch of the Chinese carrier’s first international route served by the aircraft.

    As it became known, flights CA757/8, operated by C909 aircraft, are carried out between the city of Hohhot (the administrative center of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Republic) and the capital of Mongolia in both directions seven times a week.

    “Based on the characteristics of the C909 aircraft, we conducted an in-depth study of flight procedures, runway conditions, navigation equipment, and developed a detailed flight operation process,” said Liu Yongguang, the captain of the aircraft that carried out the first flight on the route.

    The C909 is a turbofan regional airliner developed by China itself, seating 78-97 people and having a range of 2,225 km to 3,700 km. It complies with international civil aviation regulations and is the first of its kind independently developed by China.

    According to the data, a total of 166 C909 aircraft have been delivered to the market to date, serving more than 700 air routes and carrying more than 24 million passengers.

    The C909 was a breakthrough in the commercial operation of domestic jet airliners and explored the development path of the entire life cycle of Chinese-made commercial aircraft, Chen Yong, chief designer of the aircraft, told Xinhua News Agency.

    Let us recall that on June 28, the aircraft of this type, previously known as ARJ21, celebrated the ninth anniversary of its first flight. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Komsomolsk Oil Refinery Increases Arctic Diesel Fuel Production Capacities by 20%

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Komsomolsk Oil Refinery (part of the Rosneft oil refining complex) carried out measures at the ELOU-AVT-3 primary oil refining unit, as a result of which the plant’s capacity to produce Arctic diesel fuel of environmental class K5 increased by 20%.

    Diesel fuel with a freezing point below minus 55°C is in high demand in the regions of the Far East and the North of Russia to ensure uninterrupted operation of equipment in harsh climatic conditions. The first batches of Arctic fuel of the highest ecological class, produced using the new technology, have already been sent to ensure northern delivery. Fuel DT-A2-K5 has successfully passed a set of necessary tests, confirming compliance with all requirements of Russian and international standards.

    Employees of the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery have developed a new process flow chart for selecting the main components for the preparation of diesel fuel, which has increased the share of kerosene fraction from 3% to 6% of the raw materials of the ELOU-AVT-3 unit. In addition, the new flow chart eliminates additional operations for pumping components in the commodity and raw materials shop. The economic effect from the implementation of the measures taken is 25 million rubles per month.

    Rosneft pays special attention to improving operational efficiency and identifies technological leadership as a key factor in competitiveness in the oil market.

    As a result of the corporate program for modernization of oil refining capacities implemented at the Komsomolsk Oil Refinery, the enterprise has been able to increase the depth of refining to 89% and expand the range of environmentally friendly oil products produced.

    Reference:

    RN-Komsomolsky Refinery LLC, a subsidiary of Rosneft Oil Company, is the largest oil refining enterprise in Khabarovsk Krai and plays a key role in supplying oil products to the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District.

    The product range includes more than 20 items: high-octane gasoline and diesel fuel of environmental class K5, marine fuel RMLS 40 with low sulfur content and other products.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft July 1, 2025

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Garamendi, Randall, Begich, Malliotakis Launch Bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus to Improve Ferry Transportation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman John Garamendi – Representing California’s 3rd Congressional District

    The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus, welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in transportation

    FAIRFIELD, CA – Yesterday, Representative John Garamendi (CA-08), announced the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus for the 119th Congress, alongside co-chairs Representatives Emily Randall (WA-06), Nick Begich (AK-At Large), and Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11).

    This bipartisan caucus was created to advocate for the unique needs of communities where ferry transportation is essential. The Congressional Ferry Caucus aims to promote the benefits of and advocate for the long-term federal investment in public ferry systems, including marine, shoreside, and workforce needs. The Caucus will educate Members on the vital role ferries play in America’s transportation network, connecting both urban and rural communities to jobs, schools, health care, and recreation. The Ferry Caucus will serve as a platform to address the need for increased federal funding and improvements to these essential waterway transportation systems, from the San Francisco Bay to the Pacific Northwest to Alaska and New York.  

    “With rising sea levels and increasing congestion on our bridges, people are increasingly turning to ferry service as a reliable means of transportation. In my district, the San Francisco Bay Ferry is leading the way in groundbreaking projects to electrify their ferry boats and develop America’s first high-speed, high-capacity zero-emission vessels,” said Representative Garamendi. “I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Congressional Ferry Caucus to ensure this vital innovation can continue, and that these vessels are built in America by skilled American workers.”

    “Washington State’s ferry system isn’t just transportation infrastructure—our ferries are a lifeline for communities,” said Representative Randall. “From daily work commutes and medical appointments to connecting with loved ones, my constituents rely on these boats every day. Without reliable service, we face hours long drives just to reach Seattle—making daily life unnecessarily difficult for those living on the Peninsula. Ferries also bring visitors from around the world to experience the natural beauty and unique local businesses of our region, and without them, our local economies would struggle. I know my neighbors are excited about the recent return to full service on the Bremerton-Seattle run with the addition of a second boat. And I’m proud to be launching the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus to advocate for the federal funds and support our marine highways deserve, to ensure we meet the unique needs of our coastal and rural communities and to build a more connected, resilient future.”

    “I’m pleased to join Congresswoman Emily Randall as a Co-Chair of the Congressional Ferry Caucus. Alaska’s Marine Highway is a crucial lifeline in Alaska that connects our coastal communities and ensures access to essential services across our state while also supporting local economies. Whether you live in Ketchikan, Kodiak, or any of the dozens of coastal towns that rely on these routes, Alaskans deserve a strong and well-maintained Marine Highway System,” said Representative Begich. “This caucus provides an important platform to build bipartisan support and secure the resources necessary to keep our ferries running – and I look forward to serving as a Co-Chair to advocate for Alaskans.”  

    “I join my colleagues in launching the Congressional Ferry Caucus. For decades, ferries have connected communities and states, providing convenient transportation and access for everyday commuters and visitors,” said Representative Malliotakis. “As the representative of an island surrounded by water, I’m committed to supporting the Staten Island Ferry, fast ferries and other maritime transportation as critical links for my constituents.”  

    “The Public Ferry Coalition applauds the launch of the bipartisan Congressional Ferry Caucus and welcomes this important step in raising awareness of the vital role ferries play in our transportation system. Ferries are more than just a mode of transit—they are essential to connecting communities, reducing congestion, and strengthening regional resilience. We look forward to working with the Caucus to advance shared priorities and ensure that America’s public ferry systems remain strong, sustainable, and equipped to meet the demands of the future.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: ‘Because School Means More’: Teachers unite for inclusion

    Source: City of Derby

    Over 300 teachers, headteachers, governors, and education professionals from across Derby came together at Pride Park Stadium on 26 June for the Because School Means More Inclusion Conference—a powerful and inspiring day dedicated to celebrating and advocating for inclusive education.

    Hosted by The Inclusion Partnership, the event brought Derby city schools into the spotlight, showcasing what inclusion looks like when it is embedded, and the positive impact that it is having. 

    The event featured a standout keynote address from Richard Gerver, acclaimed speaker and former headteacher, who used the power of story to challenge delegates to be brave and build a more inclusive culture.  

    Throughout the day, participants engaged in live podcast interviews, attended interactive workshops, and explored a vibrant inclusion marketplace featuring resources, tools and local support networks.

    Major highlights were the launch of the Because School Means More podcast and the unveiling of the Inclusion Partnership’s 5-Year Inclusion Movement Strategy. Recorded with the help of education experts and leaders, the new podcast is set to tackle topics ranging from emotionally based school non-attendance, to inclusive play and relational approaches, underscoring the important theme of inclusion.

    This complements the objectives of the Inclusion Movement Strategy, which sets out a bold roadmap for inclusive practice across Derby schools.

     Jo Wilkinson, Inclusion Partnership Manager, said:

    This is a cornerstone event for us each year. We are really excited by the momentum it’s gained, and the impact created. This year we had even more delegates in a packed room, showing their commitment to inclusive practice.

    We saw schools, services and organisations come together to commit to inclusion not as an add-on, but as a foundation for everything they do.

    The atmosphere was lifted by a powerful performance from the Inclusion Choir, made up of pupils from Chellaston Academy, Hardwick Primary, St James Juniors, and St Giles Special School, who moved the audience with their renditions of ‘We Are the Young’ and ‘Stand By Me’.

    Phil Smith, Chair of the Inclusion Strategy Group and Headteacher of Chellaston Academy, was delighted with the enthusiasm and ideas generated during the day:

    To have so many colleagues from the education sector sharing their passion for inclusion can only benefit our young.  Today has been amazing on so many levels, but in particular for schools across our region to share innovative and effective practice, as well as share a desire to become more inclusive.

    In the afternoon, a series of practical workshops gave delegates the opportunity to dig deeper into strategies for inclusive teaching, leadership, and relationship-building in schools.

    The event marked a major step forward for Derby’s growing Inclusion Movement—bringing people together to create schools where every child feels they belong.

    Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said of the conference:

    This has been an inspirational and encouraging day of sharing ideas, knowledge and experience in the united aim of creating an inclusive school system. We’re lucky to have so many passionate and dedicated education professionals working in Derby – people who care deeply about making sure that our children are supported and made to feel a part of their school community.

    Hearing about the plans for further work to make this a reality for every child gives me great hope for the future of Derby’s young people.

    For more information about the Inclusion Partnership’s work, visit their website.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK launches Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UK launches Foreign Influence Registration Scheme

    New measures to protect UK from covert foreign influence came into effect on 1 July, strengthening national security, part of the Plan for Change.

    National security will be bolstered as the Foreign Influence Registration Scheme launches today, one of the foundations of the government’s Plan for Change.

    This landmark measure introduces an unprecedented enhanced tier, protecting our economy and society from covert activities by Iran and Russia. It also introduces a new layer of accountability around political influencing activity shedding light on attempts by overseas powers to shape UK democratic processes.  

    As part of the toolkit in the National Security Act 2023, FIRS will provide an unprecedented insight into covert attempts by overseas powers to influence UK democratic processes, help protect our institutions from covert interference and enhance the UK’s ability to understand and respond to threats against its democratic integrity and national security. 

    FIRS is a two-tier scheme: the political tier requires registration of any arrangements to carry out political influence activities in the UK on behalf of a foreign power, including political communications or lobbying senior decision-makers, such as MPs and election candidates.

    A more stringent enhanced tier applies to foreign powers considered to pose a risk to the UK’s safety or interests – the whole of the Russian and Iranian states have been placed under this tier, after being approved by Parliament. This was in response to the serious threats they pose to our interests, and reflects the need to ensure transparency over covert influence activity directed by these states.

    Security Minister, Dan Jarvis, said:  

    We welcome legitimate engagement with all countries, but we will not tolerate covert attempts to manipulate our political system or society. 

    The Foreign Influence Registration Scheme gives us the tools to confront growing threats to our national security, one of the foundations of our Plan for Change, without compromising the openness that defines our democracy. 

    Designating Russia and Iran under the enhanced tier is a vital step in protecting the safety and interests of the UK. This is about creating accountability and visibility so that covert influence operations have nowhere to hide, and ensuring we have the tools to detect and disrupt them.

    These specifications will require the registration of any activities carried out in the UK at the direction of any part of the Russian or Iranian states. This explicitly includes their intelligence services – such as the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the Ministry of Intelligence and Security (MOIS), the Federal Security Service and the GRU – as well as both countries’ armed forces. 

    Registering under FIRS does not mean that an arrangement is illegitimate, or the activities are undesirable. In addition, it does not mean that the registrant needs to cease, or seek approval for, their activities. However, those who seek to act covertly for foreign powers will now face a choice – register under the scheme or risk prosecution. 

    Registrations under the political tier must be submitted within 28 days of the arrangement being made. For the enhanced tier, registrations must be submitted within 10 days of the arrangement being made and ahead of any activity being undertaken. Failure to register when required is a criminal offence. 

    To ensure the scheme is proportionate, FIRS includes exemptions, including for recognised news publishers, legal professionals acting during legal proceedings or providing legal advice, diplomats and their families, and arrangements involving the UK government. 

    National Security is at the centre of the UK’s domestic and international policy and is the foundation of the government’s Plan for Change. FIRS is a key part of our national security toolkit, and delivers on our ambition to make our country a harder operating environment for hostile actors.  

    It puts the UK at the forefront of international efforts to deter and disrupt covert foreign influence, and its world-leading tiers will address wider threats to our safety – strengthening our ability to identify and respond to activity that threatens our democratic integrity.

    Updates to this page

    Published 1 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Waste management changes making a difference in Skye and Raasay

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Change and investment in waste management is making a difference in Skye and Raasay.

    Members of Highland Council’s Skye and Raasay Committee heard on Monday (30 June) about the impact of recent changes, which are viewed as essential to achieving a sustainable model of waste/recycling collection.

    The roll-out of new bins to householders began on the 10th of February and was completed on 16th March 2025.

    A report before the committee said an updated figure from all areas in the region showed the service change has achieved a reduction of approximately 7,500 tonnes of non-recycling waste collected from bins at the kerbside and sent for disposal in the last 12 months.

    New twin stream recycling collections have also achieved a significant drop in contamination of the material collected in recycling bins.

    This has resulted in an overall increase of 1000 tonnes in the output of recyclable material after it has been processed at the recycling facilities.

    A range of improvements to the Council’s waste and recycling was supported by £7.1 million from the Scottish Government’s Recycling Improvement Fund.

    Part of the changes include a new Portree waste transfer station, being constructed within the grounds of the current operational waste transfer site.

    It is expected that the facility will be handed over to The Highland Council during mid-July 2025.

    The new facility is being prepared specifically to receive, aggregate and dispatch recyclable materials to contracted processors.

    Plastics, tubs, containers, steel and aluminium cans (circa 415 tonnes per annum) will be sent to Perth; while mixed paper, light card, and cardboard (circa 840 tonnes per annum) will be dispatched to Glasgow.

    The fully enclosed facility will significantly enhance the quality of recyclable materials compared to the current on-site arrangements.

    Chair of the Skye and Raasay Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, said: “The objectives, ultimately, are to improve both the quantity and quality of recycling within our area, so it is pleasing to see progress made in this regard.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Highland Councillor elected as Vice Chair of the North Sea Commission Transport Thematic Group

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee has been elected as Vice Chair of the North Sea Commission Transport Thematic Group. The appointment was made during the NSC’s Executive Committee held last week in Oldenburg, Germany.

    The North Sea Commission is one of the six geographical commissions of the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) and its mission is to strengthen partnerships between regional authorities which face the challenges and opportunities presented by the North Sea.

    It serves as a platform for cooperation, information-sharing and lobbying between regional authorities across the North Sea Region, member come from the UK, EU and Scandinavia.

    The Commission is comprised of four thematic working groups, with each of these groups supported by an advisor and led by three politicians from around the North Sea region. 

    Councillor Ken Gowans said: “It is an honour to take on the role of Vice Chair of the Transport Group and I very much welcome this opportunity to ensure that Highland and Scotland are well represented so we can work together with transport partners in the North Sea region to improve our connectivity, for business trade and personal travel. The work of the Transport group will link to the other thematic areas.”

    These are:

    • The Energy & Climate Change Working Group
    • The Marine Resources Working Group
    • The Smart Regions Working Group

    1 Jul 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Birmingham Targets Dangerous E-Bikes in Major Multi-Agency Crackdown

    Source: City of Birmingham

    Birmingham City Council and partners have carried out a major enforcement operation targeting illegally modified e-bikes in Birmingham city centre.

    This is part of ongoing efforts to keep the area safe for all who live, work, and visit.

    Last week, 16 e-bikes were seized during a pre-planned multi-agency operation. Riders were issued with fines after officers discovered the bikes had been illegally upgraded to reach speeds of up to 40mph — far beyond the legal limits for electrically assisted pedal cycles (EAPCs). All seized bikes will now be crushed.

    The operation is part of a wider response to increasing reports from residents, visitors, businesses, and professionals who live, work, and travel through the city centre. Complaints have included dangerous and inconsiderate riding, near misses with pedestrians, and collisions that have caused alarm and distress — particularly for vulnerable road users.

    The action was carried out in partnership with the Birmingham Community Safety Partnership and West Midlands Police – including officers from Operation Fearless, the Road Harm Prevention Team, and Safer Travel – alongside British Transport Police, Immigration Enforcement, Paradise Security, and the Central and Colmore Business Improvement Districts.

    Plain clothes and uniformed officers worked together to stop and inspect riders, checking the legality of their bikes and verifying rider status where appropriate. Immigration checks led to three arrests for immigration offences.

    This is the latest in a series of planned operations focused on improving public safety and tackling the growing concerns from businesses, residents, and vulnerable groups around the dangerous and antisocial use of high-powered e-bikes.

    Councillor Jamie Tennant, Cabinet Member for Social Justice, Community Safety and Equalities, said:

    “Operation Frislen is the outcome of continuing work between Birmingham City Council and West Midlands Police about safety concerns around the use of e-bikes and other propelled transport in highly pedestrianised areas. 

    “We hope our recent collective intervention will not only take dangerous, untaxed and uninsured e-bikes off the street, but also provide valuable insight into the scale of the problem. This will enable all partners to identify further activities and actions that will reduce risks to the public.”

    Inspector Scott Taylor from West Midlands Police added: “Dangerous e-bike use has become a major problem in the city centre – partners, businesses and pedestrians are telling us they feel it’s only a matter of time before someone is killed or seriously injured.

    “We’ve been working alongside city centre businesses, including takeaways, delivery companies, the Central Business Improvement District and the city council in recent weeks.

    “We’ve been out educating riders on the law and the impact dangerous riding is having on the city centre, and tonight’s operation has seen us step it up a gear and take firm action against those flouting the rules.

    “We’d urge anyone who rides an e-bike for work or pleasure in the city centre to make sure they their bike is legal.

    “We’ll be taking more action over the coming weeks, so anyone who ignores the law may well find their bike is seized and they are issued with a fine or are given a court date.”

    This operation is part of Birmingham’s wider commitment to making the city centre cleaner, safer, and more accessible to all. Further days of action are planned in the weeks ahead.

    E-bikes and the law
    To legally ride an e-bike (known as an EAPC – Electrically Assisted Pedal Cycle), it must:

    • Have pedals that can be used to propel it,
    • Use an electric motor with a maximum power output of 250 watts,
    • Not assist when travelling more than 15.5mph.

    If an e-bike is modified beyond these limits, it is classed as a motor vehicle. That means it must be registered, taxed, insured, and the rider must have a valid licence. It also cannot be used on cycle paths or public roads unless compliant.

    Learn more: Riding an electric bike: the rules – GOV.UK

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Switzerland: IMF Staff Concluding Statement—2025 Article IV Consultation Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    July 1, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Bern: Switzerland continues to benefit from strong fundamentals, highly credible institutions, and a skilled labor force, positioning it among the world’s most competitive, resilient, and innovative economies. Economic performance has been strong. Nonetheless, Switzerland faces important challenges, including from evolving global economic conditions, rising global trade tensions, and persistent safe-haven pressures and franc appreciation. The ongoing IMF Financial Sector Assessment Program (FSAP) has called for strengthening supervisory, resolution, and crisis management frameworks, including to address gaps exposed during the Credit Suisse crisis, where the authorities are taking action. Navigating these challenges will require broad policy consensus and effective macroeconomic management. Priorities include safeguarding price stability, addressing emerging fiscal pressures, advancing strong financial sector reforms, implementing structural measures to boost productivity and competitiveness, and ratifying the new package of agreements with the EU to enhance external resilience.

    Economic Outlook

    With global headwinds, growth is projected to remain somewhat below potential in 2025-26. Growth is expected to reach 1.3 percent in 2025 (sporting events adjusted), up from 1 percent in 2024, driven by private consumption supported by real wage growth and stronger construction activity with easier monetary conditions. While unemployment rates have remained near their natural level, recent labor market indicators suggest some softening, e.g., declines in the vacancy-to-employment ratio. This is in line with moderate slack (0.3 percent of potential GDP) in 2025. Growth is projected at 1.2 percent in 2026, converging to potential (1.5 percent) by 2030, driven by a gradual increase in domestic and external demand; trade tariffs in the baseline reflect those prevailing in June 2025. Switzerland’s external position is assessed to be broadly in line with medium-term fundamentals and desirable policies.

    With a temporary decline below zero, headline inflation in 2025 will remain subdued; core inflation is expected to stay above zero and within the price stability range. While core inflation through May was 0.5 percent (y/y), reflecting some deceleration in rent inflation, headline inflation declined to -0.1 percent (y/y) driven by franc appreciation, lower electricity tariffs, and softer international oil prices, and is projected to end 2025 at 0.1 percent (y/y). Accommodative monetary policy and higher oil prices are expected to drive headline inflation to 0.6 percent (y/y) by end-2026.

    Important risks loom, particularly from external factors. Worsening geopolitical tensions and fragmentation, volatile energy prices, and uncertainty over trade policy and tariff levels could adversely impact confidence, exports, and investment. Sectoral impacts would likely vary. Heightened uncertainty could spark further safe-haven inflows and appreciation pressures with additional challenges for export-oriented and import-competing sectors. If heightened uncertainty extends over the medium term, Switzerland’s growth model could be affected if supply chains are disrupted and R&D spending is scaled back, impacting innovation, productivity, and potential growth. On the upside, a positive resolution of tariff negotiations with the U.S., both for Switzerland and the EU, would lead to better growth prospects and alleviate appreciation pressures. Fiscal easing in Germany may also support activity more than expected. Domestic demand may be bolstered by planned pension payment increases.

    Monetary Policy: Mitigating Deflationary Pressures

    The recent 25 bps policy rate cut was appropriate considering recent declines in inflation, signs of weakening in the labor market, and external uncertainty. This brought the cumulative policy easing over the past 1½ years to 175 bps and placed the policy rate at zero. Notably, core inflation has remained within the Swiss National Bank’s (SNB) 0–2 percent price stability range, and medium-term inflation expectations have stayed anchored around the mid-point of the range. While additional easing may be needed if deflationary pressures materialize, future policy action needs to consider that trade-offs of further easing become more pronounced when policy rates decline below zero. Negative rates may amplify financial sector risks through lower bank profitability and possibly higher real estate exposures. Given the limited space for further policy rate cuts (the SNB’s main policy tool), these should be aimed at sharp and (or) persistent deflationary pressures that risk de-anchoring medium-term inflation expectations. Temporarily negative headline inflation should not warrant further easing. While intervention in the foreign exchange market (FXIs) may be needed to smooth the impact of safe-haven financial inflow surges, FXIs should continue to be considered cautiously, also given the SNB’s already large balance sheet. To mitigate balance sheet risks, the upcoming review of dividend policy should ensure that robust capital buffers are maintained and refrain from raising distributions.

    The SNB should continue to assess whether its monetary policy and communication frameworks warrant adjustments. Given the specific challenges facing Swiss monetary policy in a context of elevated uncertainty and low equilibrium interest rates, a review, possibly with external support as in the case of other major central banks, could be useful. The SNB should consider whether providing additional information in the context of monetary policy assessments or between quarterly meetings could support policy guidance. In light of the heightened uncertainty, attention should be given to clarifying the reaction function (including via scenario analysis) and strengthening the formulation of risks to the outlook.

     

    Fiscal Policy: Addressing Long-Term Fiscal Challenges

    The moderately looser fiscal stance projected for 2025 is appropriate given some economic slack. The general government’s overall fiscal surplus is projected to decline to 0.3 percent of GDP in 2025 from 0.6 percent of GDP in 2024, largely reflecting a reduction in the surplus of social security funds. The federal government’s deficit is projected to remain broadly unchanged vs. 2024 (0.2 percent of GDP), as higher defense and social welfare spending is offset by budget consolidation measures. The proposed Relief Package 2027 aims to cut expenditures by CHF 2–3 billion on a permanent basis from 2027 onwards to comply with the debt brake rule amid spending pressures and uncertain tax reform impacts. Staff note the limited room for maneuver implied by the debt-brake rule and the authorities’ choice of spending cuts over tax hikes. If moderate downside risks materialize, automatic stabilizers should operate fully. In the event of severe shocks, targeted transfers may be warranted via extraordinary provisions of the debt brake rule to avoid a deep recession, including one induced by a deflationary spiral. As in the past, staff note that there is a bias toward fiscal surpluses through spending below budget allocations and cautious revenue forecasts; efforts should continue to mitigate this where possible.

    Planned increases in pension payments will require additional revenues to preserve the financial strength of social security funds. A new 13th monthly pension payment, planned to start in December 2026, will require additional outlays of CHF 4.2 billion annually (0.5 percent of GDP). To this end, the Federal Council has proposed financing options, including a VAT rate increase of 0.7 ppt. Continued efforts, including stabilizing Pillar I pension finances for 2030-40, are essential to ensure long-term pension system viability amidst changing demographics and rising costs. Timely repayment (or recapitalization) of the disability insurance (IV) debt to the old-age and survivor’s insurance (AHV) is critical to safeguarding the structural and financial soundness of both schemes.

    Demographic trends, climate change, and defense spending pressures create medium-to-long term fiscal challenges. The 2024 Fiscal Sustainability Report projected demographic-related expenditures rising by 3 percent of GDP by 2060; absent compensatory policy decisions, climate mitigation measures to reach the net zero target could raise public debt by 3–4 ppt of GDP by 2040 and 8–11 ppt by 2060, depending on policy choices (e.g., carbon taxation vs. subsidies) and compared to a business-as-usual scenario. Defense spending is expected to increase significantly by 2032. Given the provisions of the debt brake rule, a comprehensive medium-and-long term plan is needed to identify and ensure that revenue increases and spending reprioritization are sufficient to meet these and other needs. A careful assessment is needed to determine whether pressures will emerge at the federal or cantonal level and whether the division of responsibilities across levels of government may need to be adjusted accordingly.

    Financial Sector: Enhancing Systemic Resilience

    While Switzerland’s financial system demonstrated resilience, systemic risks have remained high due to sizable real estate exposures. Mortgages account for a large share of bank lending and of assets of life insurers and pension funds. Risks are heightened by house price overvaluation, loosening mortgage lending standards, and initiatives to ease affordability criteria for new borrowers. Lower interest rates may further pressure banks, potentially leading to increased risk-taking.

    The ongoing FSAP has found the financial sector to be broadly resilient to severe shocks. Systemically-important (SIBs) and most other banks would remain above regulatory capital requirements under stress. Overall, liquidity risks for banks are relatively limited. Insurers also withstand severe solvency and liquidity scenarios. Still, global uncertainty and financial stability risks warrant reinforcing resilience.

    The 2023 Credit Suisse (CS) crisis exposed gaps in supervisory, resolution and crisis management frameworks and increased Too-Big-To-Fail (TBTF) risks, which the authorities have begun to address. Drawing on lessons from the CS crisis, the Federal Council has recently proposed several reforms aimed at strengthening the financial sector and thereby reducing the risks for the state, taxpayers and the economy. These would improve the TBTF framework, enhance bank governance, strengthen prevention, early intervention, and crisis preparedness, and expand the powers of FINMA. Staff commends the authorities as these proposals are broadly in line with FSAP recommendations; timely implementation of these bold reforms would further strengthen the long-term stability of the Swiss financial center.

    Enhanced legal powers and resources for FINMA are critical to strengthening the effectiveness of supervision. FINMA’s legal powers should be expanded to include a full suite of early intervention powers, immediately enforceable, including the ability to preemptively restrict banks’ business activities, require capital conservation measures, address governance failures, and rectify deficiencies in risk management. FINMA should be able to conduct onsite inspections as necessary, require forward-looking Pillar 2 capital add-on, impose administrative fines, and have broader ability to prescribe binding supervisory standards. FINMA should reduce reliance on external auditors. Enhanced market monitoring and reporting and better mechanisms for market abuse prevention, detection, and enforcement would benefit securities supervision. Overall, more supervisory resources are needed, including for direct supervision in corporate governance, risk management, market conduct, AML/CFT, cyber risk, and recovery and resolution. FINMA needs to be proactive and direct in its engagement with supervised firms across sectors (banks, insurance, securities).

    Systemic real estate risks call for expanding the macroprudential toolkit. The FSAP recommends introducing a debt-service-to-income (DSTI) cap in addition to the existing loan-to-value (LTV) cap and a sectoral capital-based instrument, separate from the sectoral countercyclical buffer (CCyB), which already stands at the 2.5 percent maximum. It would be also helpful to establish a formal Systemic Risk Council, comprised of SNB, FINMA, and Federal Department of Finance (FDF) representatives to regularly assess and communicate on systemic risk and decide on necessary policy measures.

    Switzerland’s financial safety net should be cast wider to better secure financial stability. Resolution planning should also cover Category 3 banks, which include some large and complex market participants, as well as designated insurance groups, and financial market infrastructures. FINMA, SNB, and FDF need to develop, and practice coordinated crisis response plans. The cap on deposit insurance contributions should be removed, and deposit insurance gradually aligned with international best practices. SNB efforts to establish and communicate a comprehensive emergency liquidity assistance framework—expanding support to all banks and making drawing conditions more flexible—are an important reinforcement of the safety net. The introduction of a Public Liquidity Backstop for SIBs, with the possibility of extending it to non-SIBs that might be systemic in failure, would provide an instrument allowing additional room for maneuver in a crisis.

    To protect the resilience and integrity of the Swiss financial center, enhanced vigilance on cyber, AML/CFT, crypto, and fintech risks is paramount. The cyber resilience framework should be broadened to all financial sector entities and external service providers. Progress in rolling out the Registry of Beneficial Ownership should continue, and the legal framework expanded to gatekeepers, including lawyers, accountants, trust, and company service providers. Crypto exposures, which are increasing, should be assessed comprehensively and the related Basel standards implemented in a timely manner. The concentrated and increasingly complex FMI structure warrants closer oversight and enhanced collaboration with foreign authorities, particularly in shared risk management platforms, recovery, and resolution.

    Structural Policies: Supporting Productivity Growth and Resilience to Global Shocks

    Switzerland enjoys high labor productivity—on par with the U.S. and above European peers. This has been supported by strong R&D, a high-quality education system, and deep global integration that fosters competition and innovation. Multinational corporations in high-value-added manufacturing have driven much of this performance. Labor productivity in small firms and services has lagged, constrained by low R&D intensity, limited access to funding, small markets, and expensive skilled labor. To sustain its competitive edge, Switzerland would benefit from policies that reduce administrative burdens, improve access to equity and R&D financing, strengthen ties to larger markets, and address labor shortages through upskilling and an open labor market. The ongoing revision of the Vocational Training Act is a welcome step, reinforcing Switzerland’s strength in workforce development and skills adaptation in a changing economy.

    The conclusion of negotiations with the EU resulted in a broad package of sectoral agreements aimed at stabilizing and developing bilateral relations. These agreements—covering areas such as electricity, food safety, and participation in EU programs—will require ratification by both sides, for which the necessary procedures have been launched. Continued engagement with the EU and other partners remains important to reduce uncertainty, safeguard access to critical markets, and strengthen resilience in the face of rising geo-economic fragmentation.

     

    *   *   *   *   *

     

    The IMF team thanks the Swiss authorities and other stakeholders for their hospitality, engaging discussions, and productive collaboration. We are especially grateful to the SNB and the State Secretariat for International Finance for assistance with arrangements.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Meera Louis

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/30/07012025-mcs-switzerland-imf-concluding-statement-2025-art-iv-consultation-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Gate Surpasses 30 Million Global Users, Accelerating Its Rise as the Next-Generation Crypto Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PANAMA CITY, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Gate, a globally leading cryptocurrency trading platform, has officially surpassed 30 million registered users, marking a new milestone in its global expansion. This remarkable achievement underscores the platform’s growing influence across international markets and highlights the progress Gate has made in strategic transformation, brand upgrade, and ecosystem development.

    Ushering in the “30 Million+” Era: Unlocking Network Effects Across the Ecosystem
    Behind this threshold of the 30 million user base is the steady implementation of Gate’s international strategy and the continuous enhancement of its product suite, technical foundation, security framework, and brand recognition. In an industry where the competitive landscape is rapidly evolving, a consistently expanding user base stands as a critical measure of platform vitality and market trust.

    This expanding global community significantly strengthens Gate’s liquidity and trading depth, while laying a solid foundation for the sustainable growth of its broader ecosystem, fueling a strong and self-reinforcing network effect across products and services.

    Impressive Operational Momentum: Spot and Futures Drive Dual Growth
    According to Gate’s May 2025 Transparency Report, the platform continues to post robust growth in both trading activity and ecosystem expansion. Spot and futures trading volumes have seen simultaneous surges, with Gate’s derivatives products now ranking among the industry’s top-tier experiences. Daily trading volumes are hovering at historical highs.

    Currently, Gate ranks second globally in 24-hour spot trading volume, with its token liquidity and trading breadth consistently in the top three worldwide. Derivatives have become one of the platform’s strongest growth engines, with users actively engaging in leveraged and strategy-based trading. Meanwhile, flagship product lines including Launchpad, Gate Alpha, Launchpool, HODLer Airdrop and CandyDrop have delivered outstanding performance, significantly enhancing user engagement and capital activity across the platform.

    A Renewed Brand Vision: Entering a New Strategic Chapter
    In May, Gate celebrated its 12th anniversary by unveiling a brand-new vision as the “next-generation crypto exchange.” The platform officially adopted the new global domain Gate.com and introduced an updated logo, marking its transformation from a market leader to an industry trailblazer and enhancing its global brand visibility.

    On the compliance front, Gate continues to strengthen its global regulatory framework. Its entity Gate Technology FZE has officially obtained a VASP license under the supervision of the Dubai Virtual Assets Regulatory Authority (VARA), reinforcing the platform’s regulatory foundation in the Middle East and broader international markets.

    Building User Trust: A Relentless Commitment to Security and Transparency
    Gate remains an industry leader in asset security and reserve transparency. As of June 2025, Gate holds a total reserve value of $10.453 billion, with a reserve ratio of 123.09%. The platform’s reserves fully cover user assets across 350+ cryptocurrencies, with $1.96 billion in excess reserves, far exceeding industry benchmarks. Gate’s rigorous proof-of-reserves practices and cutting-edge security technologies continue to solidify user trust and lay a robust foundation for long-term, sustainable growth.

    Looking Ahead: Driving Innovation and Shaping the Future of Crypto
    As Gate moves into its next chapter, it will continue enhancing the on-chain trading experience, expanding forward-looking Web3 infrastructure services, and exploring innovative intersections between AI and crypto technologies. At the same time, Gate will deepen collaboration with global users, developers, and institutional partners, co-creating an open, transparent, and resilient next-generation digital asset ecosystem.

    Gate remains committed to opening the gateway to a smarter, safer, and more inclusive crypto future for users around the world.

    About Gate
    Gate, founded in 2013 by Dr. Han, is one of the world’s earliest cryptocurrency exchanges. The platform serves over 30 million users with 3,600+ digital assets and pioneered the industry’s first 100% proof-of-reserves. Beyond core trading services, Gate’s ecosystem includes Gate Wallet, Gate Ventures, and other innovative solutions, while its global partnerships extend to top-tier sports brands like Oracle Red Bull Racing in F1 and Inter.

    For more information, please visit: Website | X | Telegram | LinkedIn | Instagram | YouTube

    Media Contact:
    Loyo at loyo@gate.com

    Disclaimer:
    This content does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or recommendation. You should always seek independent professional advice before making investment decisions. Gate may restrict or prohibit certain services in specific jurisdictions. For more information, please read the User Agreement via https://www.gate.com/user-agreement.

    This content is provided by Gate. 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/488d5737-82c2-45b2-aa15-6f5587c57f08

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa hosts 3rd G20 women’s empowerment working group meeting

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The Department of Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities (DWYPD) is hosting the 3rd Technical Meeting of the G20 Empowerment of Women Working Group (EWWG) at Kruger National Park, Mpumalanga Province.

    As part of its leadership role within the G20 EWWG, South Africa is spearheading efforts to promote women’s participation and representation in leadership, governance, and decision-making, while also advocating for increased ownership and control by women across economic and social sectors.

    The meeting, which takes place from 01 to 04 July 2025, brings together G20 member states, guest countries, civil society organisations, and technical experts to advance global dialogue and cooperation on gender equality and women’s empowerment.

    The meeting will focus on “The Care Economy – Paid and Unpaid Care Work and Household Responsibilities.”

    “The topic aims to address long-standing disparities in the recognition and distribution of care work, which is essential to both household functioning and national economies yet remains undervalued and disproportionately carried by women and girls,” department spokesperson, Cassius Selala said.

    Over the four days, delegates will participate in strategic and evidence-based sessions, including presentations and discussions on the following: 
    •    Global care landscape, with a focus on recognising marginalised care relationships and exploring the potential of care work to create decent and inclusive employment.
    •    Cross country experience of implementation of Gender Responsive Budgeting and National Care Policies: Opportunities and Challenges.
    •    Addressing Gender-Based Violence and Femicide.
    •    Proposed action plan on financial inclusion of and for women.
    •    The G20 gender mainstreaming efforts on women’s economic empowerment globally.
    •    Gender equality as a cross-cutting issues across G20 Working Groups and Task Forces.

    High-level speakers will include DWYPD Minister Sindisiwe Chikunga; representatives of the G20 Member States, including guest countries, and international organisations; academic and policy experts from University of Cape Town, United National Women, International Labour Organisation (ILO), World Health Organisation (WHO); delegates from civil society and G20 engagement groups, including Women 20 (W20) and Women Empower 20, amongst others.

    Selala said the outcomes of the meeting will contribute to the G20’s policy agenda on women’s economic empowerment, with a specific focus on recognising, reducing, and redistributing unpaid care work.

    “This engagement also aligns with Sustainable Development Goal 5 and the G20’s ongoing commitment to the Brisbane Goal 25×25 [reduce the gender gap in labour force participation by 25 per cent by the year 2025],” Selala said. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SAPS launches long awaited e-Recruitment drive

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The South African Police Service (SAPS) on Monday launched its much anticipated e-Recruitment drive on its official website for 5 500 aspiring police officers to join its ranks.

    For the first time in the history of the existence of the organisation, SAPS is utilising an Electronic Recruitment System, through which youth from all walks of life can submit their applications to be considered for entry level Police Trainee posts.

    The shift to a digital platform is expected to reduce paperwork, curb corruption and nepotism, and prevent lost applications. It will also enhance fairness, efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and improve the integrity and speed of the recruitment process.

    The nationwide recruitment drive began on Monday, 30 June 2025, with online applications closing on 18 July 2025. It targets young men and women aged 18 to 35 to join as police trainees for the 2025/26 financial year.

    Qualifying young men and women without criminal records and/or pending criminal cases are encouraged to apply by visiting www.saps.gov.za/careers then select the e-Recruitment portal from the drop down menu.

    SAPS will implement a targeted recruitment process to identify and consider applicants with specific skills and/or qualifications, such as graduates in Law, Policing, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation and Information Technology, for placement in specialised environments such as the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation (DPCI), Detective and Forensic Services, as well as Crime Intelligence (CI).

    “To ensure that SAPS enlists disciplined, energetic, intelligent, physically and mentally fit individuals, dedicated to serving their country through policing, applicants will be subjected to a rigorous selection process, which entails: psychometric, integrity, physical fitness assessments and fingerprint/vetting screening, as well as medical evaluations,” the South African Police Service said in a statement. 

    Successful recruits will undergo a nine-month-long training at SAPS training academies nationwide and receive a monthly stipend of R4 500.

    “In the last three years, the SAPS Project 10 000, an initiative led by President Cyril Ramaphosa to bolster crime prevention efforts, has led to the recruitment and training of 30 393 young people, between the ages of 18 and 35, as fully-fledged police officers.

    “There are currently 5 500 young people in SAPS academies, who are training to become fully-fledged police officers. Some will graduate in August 2025, while the rest will graduate in December 2025,” the police said.

    The application process is free of charge, and no position within the SAPS is for sale. Applications must be submitted exclusively through the official SAPS website portal. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Musk threatens to unseat Congressmen who vote for Trump’s ‘big, beautiful bill’

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

    U.S. billionaire Elon Musk renewed his criticism of President Donald Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” on Monday, threatening that the lawmakers who support it risk losing their primaries next year.

    “Every member of Congress who campaigned on reducing government spending and then immediately voted for the biggest debt increase in history should hang their head in shame!” he wrote on his social platform X.

    “And they will lose their primary next year if it is the last thing I do on this Earth,” he noted.

    In a separate post, Musk said he will support Republican Congressman Thomas Massie of Kentucky, whom Trump criticized for voting against the bill in the House.

    Trump vowed to campaign against Massie “really hard” in the GOP primary, promising “a wonderful American Patriot” would run against him.

    Musk has been attacking the bill on and off since stepping down from the Department of Government Efficiency in May.

    He warned that the legislation will hike the debt ceiling by 5 trillion U.S. dollars, “destroy millions of jobs in America and cause immense strategic harm to our country.”

    The bill could also directly affect Musk’s electric carmaker, Tesla, by eliminating electric vehicle tax credits — up to 4,000 dollars for a used EV and 7,500 dollars for a new one.

    JPMorgan Chase estimates the move could cost Tesla 1.2 billion dollars.

    Musk broke his brief silence over the controversial spending bill on Saturday, calling it “utterly insane and destructive” as the package is working its way through the Senate.

    In response, Trump on Tuesday wrote on his social platform Truth Social that Musk knew he was “strongly against the EV Mandate” long before endorsing him for president.

    “It is ridiculous, and was always a major part of my campaign,” he said. “Electric cars are fine, but not everyone should be forced to own one.”

    “Elon may get more subsidy than any human being in history, by far, and without subsidies, Elon would probably have to close up shop and head back home to South Africa. No more Rocket launches, Satellites, or Electric Car Production, and our Country would save a FORTUNE. Perhaps we should have DOGE take a good, hard, look at this? BIG MONEY TO BE SAVED!!!” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Leonardo sinks Man City to send Al Hilal into last eight at Club World Cup

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

    Starting players of Al Hilal pose for photos before the round of 16 match between Manchester City of England and Al Hilal of Saudi Arabia at the FIFA Club World Cup 2025 at the Camping World Stadium, Orlando, Florida, the United States, June 30, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Marcos Leonardo struck a dramatic extra-time winner as Al Hilal reached the FIFA Club World Cup quarterfinals with a 4-3 win over Manchester City on Monday.

    City led early through Bernardo Silva before the Saudi Arabian side responded with goals from Leonardo and Malcom at Camping World Stadium.

    Erling Haaland brought City level in a frenetic second half, and the sides traded further goals in extra time through Kalidou Koulibaly and substitute Phil Foden.

    The result means Al Hilal will meet Brazil’s Fluminense at the same venue on Friday for a place in the last four, while Manchester City bows out after having progressed from the group stage with a perfect record.

    Silva put the Premier League club ahead in the ninth minute when he tapped in from close range, having pounced on a loose ball after Renan Lodi’s clearance ricocheted off Ilkay Gundogan.

    Yassine Bounou then made a series of saves to deny City a second goal.

    The Morocco international kept out dangerous attempts from Savinho and Ilkay Gundogan before blocking a powerful effort from Silva.

    The four-time Asian Champions League winners lacked fluency with the ball early, and on the rare occasion they ventured into the box, City’s defence was able to quickly defuse the danger.

    Al Hilal’s best chance of the opening half came when Brazilian forward Marcos Leonardo headed over after Mohamed Kanno’s cross from the right.

    Al Hilal emerged from the break with newfound purpose. Leonardo put his side on level terms less than two minutes after the restart when he nodded in after City failed to deal with Joao Cancelo’s cross and the ball fell kindly for the former Benfica player.

    Malcom was causing problems for Manchester City’s defense and the former Barcelona winger released Cancelo with a marauding run down the right wing – only for the ex-City full-back to blast over from a tight angle.

    Malcom then broke free following a City corner, running almost half the length of the pitch before calmly slotting a low shot into the far corner to give his side the lead.

    The hectic pace continued, with City drawing level three minutes later through Haaland. The Norway international bundled home from inside the six-yard box after Al Hilal allowed the ball to spill loose from a corner.

    Al Hilal was dealt a major blow shortly after as Malcom was forced off with an injury, robbing the team of its most effective attacking outlet on the night.

    Undaunted, the Riyadh-based club continued to push forward in search of a third goal. Kanno had the chance to restore his team’s advantage in the 79th minute but failed to make clean contact with a header with only the goalkeeper to beat.

    Haaland was denied a late winner when his goal-bound effort was cleared off the line by Ali Lajami as the game was forced into extra time.

    Al Hilal made the breakthrough soon after as Koulibaly rose highest following Ruben Neves’ corner to send a superb header past Ederson.

    City equalized again 10 minutes later as Foden, a 104th-minute substitute for Rodri, latched onto Rayan Cherki’s diagonal pass with a lunging volley at the far post.

    But Al Hilal refused to yield and Leonardo prodded home the winning goal from point-blank range after Ederson had acrobatically palmed away Sergej Milinkovic-Savic’s header. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: How cryopreservation and diapause affect embryo metabolism

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    What processes occur in the embryo at the molecular level after freezing? Can a slowdown in metabolism indicate risks for the future organism? A unique study in which a master’s student is participating helps to find answers to these questions Faculty of Physics Anastasia Omelchenko of Novosibirsk State University. A team of scientists from the Laboratory of Condensed Matter Spectroscopy of the Institute of Automation and Electrometry of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences (where Anastasia works) and the Cryopreservation and Reproductive Technologies Sector of the Institute of Cytology and Genetics of the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, for the first time in the world, used the method of Raman scattering of deuterated labels to study the metabolism of embryos.

    — Raman scattering is a contactless and non-destructive method of optical spectroscopy that allows us to understand the chemical composition, structure and phase state of a substance. We use it to look inside living cells and see what molecules are formed as a result of their metabolism, — explained Anastasia Omelchenko.

    Scientists are studying the metabolism of early-stage mouse embryos. To do this, they fed the embryos specially labeled (deuterated) molecules — such as amino acids, glucose, stearic acid — and used Raman spectroscopy to track how these substances were transformed inside the cells.

    — When we want to track how one compound is converted into another during metabolism, we must separate these compounds from other organic molecules present in the cells. This is a fairly complex task and is similar to finding one person in a crowd. To simplify it, you can give this person a “flag”, that is, mark him – this will allow you to identify him against the background of the rest of the crowd. In Raman spectroscopy, it is convenient to use deuterated labels, that is, molecules in which some hydrogen atoms are replaced by heavier deuterium. Due to the isotopic shift, such labels have a spectrum that is different from other molecules, which allows you to track the number and nature of deuterated molecules in the sample, — the researcher explained.

    It turned out that amino acids are steadily converted into proteins at all stages of development, and as the embryo grows, synthesis increases. Contrary to expectations, glucose is not so much broken down to obtain energy as it is stored as a glycogen polymer. Fatty acids, such as stearic acid, accumulate in lipid granules (the cell’s energy storage facilities).

    But what was particularly interesting was the effect of cryopreservation on metabolism – a technology used to freeze and store embryos at ultra-low temperatures. After freezing and thawing, the scientists analyzed how the metabolism of the embryos changed and found that at later stages of development, fatty acids were processed worse – it was as if the cell “decided” to accumulate them rather than use them.

    — The method allows us to see which processes are disrupted as a result of cryopreservation, — noted Anastasia Omelchenko. — This is especially important in conditions when more and more biomaterial — both in medicine and in agriculture — is frozen for storage or transportation. Our approach can help us understand how to preserve the viability of such cells.

    In addition to cryopreservation, the study looked at how another unique condition, diapause, affects embryo metabolism. This is a natural stop in embryo development in response to unfavorable conditions, which occurs in a number of mammals (about 130 species). The scientists worked with mouse embryos with induced diapause and found that their protein synthesis decreases by about 23% compared to normal ones.

    — This is consistent with other data: in embryos that enter the implantation stage, the activity of key metabolic processes increases. And our method allows us to measure this quantitatively, quickly and without harm to the object itself, — the researcher emphasizes.

    The research is only just entering the stage of systemic application, but it is already clear that optical non-invasive methods of metabolic analysis may well become an effective diagnostic tool in reproductive medicine and biotechnology.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Registration of share capital increase in IDEX Biometrics – 1 July 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Reference is made to the following disclosures by IDEX Biometrics ASA:

    15 June 2025: Issue of 299,381,600 new shares to employees, contractors and directors in IDEX.
    23 June 2025: Issue of 5,412,932 new shares in lieu of cash board remuneration as approved by the annual general meeting held on 21 May 2025.
    23 June 2025: Issue of 69 new shares to an employee to facilitate the 100-to-1 share consolidation as resolved by the extraordinary general meeting held on 11 April 2025.

    The share capital increases have been registered in the Norwegian Register of Business Enterprises. Following the share capital increases, the Company’s share capital is NOK 47,364,256.00 divided into 4,736,425,600 shares, each with a nominal value of NOK 0.01.

    Contact person
    Anders Storbråten, CFO
    E-mail: anders@idexbiometrics.com

    About IDEX Biometrics
    IDEX Biometrics ASA (IDEX) is a global technology leader in fingerprint biometrics, offering authentication solutions across payments, access control, and digital identity. Our solutions bring convenience, security, peace of mind and seamless user experiences to the world. Built on patented and proprietary sensor technologies, integrated circuit designs, and software, our biometric solutions target card-based applications for payments and digital authentication. As an industry-enabler we partner with leading card manufacturers and technology companies to bring our solutions to market.

    For more information, visit www.idexbiometrics.com

    About this notice
    This notice was issued by Erling Svela, VP of finance, on 1 July 2025 at 10:50 CET on behalf of IDEX Biometrics ASA. The shall be disclosed according to section 5-8 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act (“STA”) and published in accordance with section 5-12 of the STA.

    The MIL Network –

  • Multiple cloudbursts in Himachal Pradesh’s Mandi; Shimla-Sunni-Karsog highway blocked after heavy rain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Multiple cloudbursts and torrential rain continued across Himachal Pradesh on Monday, resulting in flash floods. One of the worst-hit routes is the Shimla-Sunni-Karsog highway, which has been completely blocked near Devidhar, about 35 kilometres from the state capital Shimla, stranding dozens of vehicles and commuters.

    Long queues of vehicles were seen piling up on both sides of the landslide site.

    Some people went missing in multiple cloudbursts overnight in Karsog division in Mandi district.

    The cloudbursts triggered flash floods that washed away many houses.

    At least 41 people have been rescued by the district administration and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF).

    According to reports, 10 houses and a bridge were swept away by floods in Kuklah. In Mandi district, the 16-MW Patikari Hydro-Electric Power Project has also been washed away.

    The run-of-the-river power project is built on the Bakhli Khad, a left-bank tributary of the Beas river.

    Owing to the heavy inflow of water, 150,000 cusecs of water have been released from the Pandoh Dam.

    The situation turned critical as the downpour in the Beas upper catchment led to a sharp increase in inflow at Pandoh Dam.

    Locals and tourists have been strictly warned to stay away from the riverbanks.

    The 126-MW Larji Hydro Electric Project in Kullu also saw an abnormal rise in water discharge.

    Owing to heavy rain, Mandi District Magistrate Apoorv Devgan ordered the closure of all schools and educational institutions in the district on Tuesday as a precautionary step.

    On Monday, a five-storey building collapsed in the suburbs of Shimla city. However, no lives were lost, as residents had vacated the building.

    The state suffered a loss of Rs 75.69 crore till Monday due to torrential rain that has occurred across the state in the past 10 days.

    As per the Revenue Department, the state has witnessed 23 deaths as a result of flash floods, cloudbursts, drowning, etc, from June 20 to June 30. Also, 259 link roads across the state remain closed, while 614 distribution transformers and 144 water supply schemes across the state remain disrupted.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • MIL-OSI China: Flag-raising ceremony held in HK to mark 28th anniversary of its return to motherland

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

    Flag-raising ceremony held in HK to mark 28th anniversary of its return to motherland

    Updated: July 1, 2025 15:31 Xinhua
    A flag-raising ceremony is held by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    A flag-raising ceremony is held by the government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Helicopters carry China’s national flag and the flag of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) during a flag-raising ceremony held by the HKSAR government to celebrate the 28th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland in Hong Kong, south China, July 1, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: First batch of overseas exhibits arrives for 3rd supply chain expo

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

    With just two weeks until the opening of the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), the first batch of overseas exhibits has successfully cleared customs and arrived in Beijing, marking a key milestone in the final preparations for the event.

    On Monday, three high-tech display items — a network switch model and two precision integrated circuit modules — entered China via Beijing Capital International Airport. Valued at 272,100 yuan (around $38,000), they are the first exhibits in CISCE history to be cleared using an ATA Carnet, also known as a “passport for goods.”

    According to Sun Yanting, head of customs clearance review at the airport’s customs office, the ATA Carnet allows for simplified, duty-free temporary importation of goods for exhibitions and other professional use. Compared with traditional clearance procedures, the ATA Carnet eliminates the need for declarations, tax guarantees or specific port entry and exit, cutting both time and costs, Sun said.

    A customs official processes the ATA Carnet declaration for the first batch of overseas exhibits for the third CISCE, June 30, 2025. [Photo by Chen Qi/China.org.cn]

    As the only organization in China authorized to issue and guarantee ATA Carnets, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) helped streamline the process by ensuring all documentation was correctly translated, verified and submitted.

    The first batch of overseas exhibits for the third CISCE clears customs in preparation for being transported to the China International Exhibition Center in Beijing, June 30, 2025. [Photo by Chen Qi/China.org.cn]

    To further facilitate the arrival of CISCE exhibits, Beijing Customs has launched a dedicated “green channel” for the expo, offering round-the-clock customs services and end-to-end cargo tracking for high-value equipment. Customs officers at the airport have also established special service counters for CISCE-related goods, providing expedited clearance from document verification to final release.

    Hosted by the CCPIT, the third CISCE will take place at the China International Exhibition Center in Shunyi district of Beijing from July 16-20. This year, overseas exhibitors will make up 35% of participants.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Shiprock Capital announces new Senior Investment Counsel

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Shiprock Capital Management Limited (“Shiprock”), a London-based investment management firm focused on Global Distressed and Special Situations, has announced that Eric Ho has joined the firm as Senior Investment Counsel.

    Eric joins Shiprock from Ashmore Investment Management where for a decade he served as Senior Counsel principally responsible for the structuring, negotiation and execution of credit and special situations investments across public and private markets. He joined Ashmore in 2015 from Shearman & Sterling where he began his career in 2008. Eric holds a LLB Bachelor of Laws from the London School of Economics and completed the LPC at BPP Law School, London. He is a qualified solicitor in England and Wales.

    Frederick Schroder, CEO at Shiprock, said, “We are very glad to welcome Eric to Shiprock. His deep legal expertise in distressed and special situations globally will be exceptionally valuable in executing our strategy. His appointment underscores the significant investment in talent that Shiprock continues to make.”

    Eric Ho, Chief Investment Counsel at Shiprock, added, “I am excited to be joining the senior team at Shiprock and contributing to the firm’s continued success.”

    About Shiprock:

    Shiprock Capital Management is a London-based investment management firm focused on Global Distressed and Special Situations. Founded in 2023, the firm manages in excess of $1bn.

    Contact:

    info@shiprock.co.uk

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ProLogium’s Next-Generation Lithium Ceramic Battery Shipments Surpass 2.4 Million Units

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, July 01, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ProLogium Technology, a global leader in next-generation lithium ceramic batteries, today announced that its cumulative shipments have officially surpassed 2.4 million units, marking a major milestone since its production in 2013. A key driver of this achievement is the production ramp-up at ProLogium’s first Giga-scale super factory in Taoyuan, Taiwan (Taoke Plant), which has contributed over 500,000 units within just 18 months of operation. This strong performance demonstrates the reliability and scalability of ProLogium’s mass production capabilities. The company’s batteries have been adapted across multiple sectors including electric mobility, wearables, automotive electronics, and industrial system, highlighting the strong commercial maturity and stable supply capability of its products across diverse applications.

    Leveraging both its technological leadership and mature manufacturing infrastructure, ProLogium has proven its readiness to support large-scale market demands. This milestone also lays a solid foundation for the company’s upcoming Giga factory project in Dunkirk, France, currently preparing for construction.

    From R&D to Mass Production: Catalyzing a Paradigm Shift in the Battery Industry
    Founded in 2006, ProLogium is committed to developing safe, high-performance, scalable, and sustainable lithium ceramic batteries. It is the first and only company worldwide capable of mass-producing this next-generation battery technology using automated production systems. Following the dual approval of EIA (Environmental Impact Assessment) and building permits for its Giga factory in Dunkirk, France at the end of 2024, ProLogium is now leading the industry into the fourth generation all-inorganic solid-state electrolyte architecture. Construction is set to begin in 2026, with mass production planned for 2028. This marks a crucial step in the company’s global expansion, while also accelerating the transformation and upgrading of the battery supply chain, unlocking long-term value and growth potential.

    All-Ceramic Separator + All-Inorganic Electrolyte + All-Silicon Anode
    A True Next-Gen Battery beyond Conventional Solid-State Technologies
    While continuously optimizing current mass production technologies, ProLogium is also actively advancing its fourth-generation all-inorganic electrolyte architecture. By leveraging innovative inorganic electrolyte fluidization technology, ProLogium has successfully combined the respective advantages of solid-state and liquid batteries, eliminating their inherent performance trade-offs.

    This architecture significantly enhances six key performance metrics—safety, energy density, thermal stability, fast-charging capability, energy efficiency, and low-temperature performance—while addressing one of the greatest hurdles in solid-state battery commercialization: the high cost of materials and manufacturing processes. The result is a scalable, cost-effective battery that redefines the value structure of both solid-state and liquid batteries.

    Furthermore, the innovative design overcomes the interface bottleneck typically found between solid electrolytes and active materials, laying the groundwork for the widespread adoption of next-generation batteries and providing a truly scalable and sustainable energy transition solution.

    “Next-generation batteries are not only the cornerstone of the energy transition but also a critical engine driving electrification and smart device innovation” said Vincent Yang, Founder and CEO of ProLogium.

    “We are pleased that our technology has been adopted and validated by leading strategic partners around the world and introduced into a wide range of applications. Beyond business expansion, we look forward to collaborating with industry, government, academia, and research institutions to form strategic alliances that can accelerate energy transition and contribute to global sustainable development.”

    About ProLogium

    Founded in 2006, ProLogium Technology is an innovative energy company focused on the development and manufacturing of next-generation lithium ceramic batteries for electric vehicles, consumer electronics, and industrial applications. The company holds over 900 global patents (granted and pending) and has delivered more than 12,000 battery samples for testing and module development to global automotive OEMs.

    ProLogium’s first GWh-level Giga factory (Taoke) in Taoyuan, Taiwan, began production in 2024 and supplies global markets. The company surpassed the milestone of 2.4 million battery units shipped. In May 2024, ProLogium unveiled its first overseas R&D center in Paris-Saclay, designed to tailor solutions for the European market. Its first overseas Giga factory in Dunkirk, France, received dual approvals for EIA and building permits in late 2024, with construction scheduled for 2026 and mass production in 2028.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/819c258c-214e-4297-a7cb-5378ed4b4e37

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/62c8721a-977d-46e7-95da-31d7639e06ad

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Pensana Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to Headline African Mining Week (AMW), Amidst Rollout of Angola’s Flagship Rare Earth Mine


    Download logo

    Tim George, CEO of UK mining firm Pensana will participate at the upcoming African Mining Week (AMW) 2025 conference – Africa’s premier gathering for mining stakeholders – as a speaker. George will contribute to a high-level panel discussion entitled Critical Minerals: Driving Renewable Development in Africa, highlighting the role of African energy transition metals such as lithium, cobalt, copper and rare earths in global decarbonization.

    African Mining Week serves as a premier platform for exploring the full spectrum of mining opportunities across Africa. The event is held alongside the African Energy Week: Invest in African Energies 2025 conference from October 1-3 in Cape Town. Sponsors, exhibitors and delegates can learn more by contacting sales@energycapitalpower.com.

    George’s participation at AMW follows several significant milestones for Pensana, including a June 2025 Memorandum of Understanding with Japanese conglomerate Toyota Tsusho Corporation for the offtake of 20,000 tons of ultra-clean Mixed Rare Earth Carbonate over five years. The company also has an existing offtake agreement with Japanese trading house Hanwa, further reinforcing Longonjo’s global appeal. The project is expected to supply 5% of the world’s magnet metal rare earths used in wind turbines and electric vehicles, producing 20,000 tons per annum during phase one and up to 40,000 tons annually during phase two. AMW presents an opportunity for George to meet potential buyers and strategic partners to advance Longonjo’s impact on the global rare earths market.

    AMW will enable George to update market stakeholders on Longonjo’s latest financing, engineering and construction developments. Pensana has successfully secured substantial financing for the Longonjo project: $2 million from M&G Investment Management in May 2025; a $25 million facility from Angola’s Sovereign Wealth Fund; and a $268 million raise for phase one development, with support from institutions such as ABSA Bank and the Africa Finance Corporation. In May 2025, the company also began construction of the mine, with first production anticipated in late 2026. In April 2025, Pensana released an updated ore reserve and mine-life estimate, indicating Longonjo’s potential to hold 22 million tons of rare earths in reserves. The mine’s life is estimated at 20 years.

    Under theme, From extraction to Beneficiation: Unlocking Africa’s Mineral Wealth, AMW will host George and key African mining stakeholders, policymakers and global partners to discuss and maximize prospects within Africa’s mining value chain.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Energy Capital & Power.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Arab Coordination Group (ACG) Institutions Issue Joint Communique at the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4)

    Preamble

    We, the Heads of Arab Coordination Group (ACG) Institutions, convening in Seville during the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FfD4), reaffirm our collective commitment to delivering agile, equitable, and forward-looking development finance solutions. As we celebrate 50 years of action, we draw strength from our legacy while looking ahead to make bold and transformative contributions to the global financing landscape.

    FfD4 convenes at a time of unprecedented and intersecting crises: widening development finance gaps, intensifying climate shocks, rising debt distress, persistent fragility, and an international financial system that remains inequitable and fragmented.

    While FfD4 has highlighted important challenges and ambitions, the path to meaningful reform remains uncertain—especially concerning climate finance, mainstreaming private capital, and recognizing the strategic role of ACG institutions.

    We Commit To:

    1. Strengthening ACG’s Role in Global Finance Architecture

    • Advocate for the institutionalized inclusion of ACG institutions as permanent stakeholders in global governance, financing mechanisms, policy forums, and debt platforms.
    • Ensure that regional priorities and realities are reflected in the follow-up and outcome reporting of FfD4.

    2. Scaling Up Climate-Resilient Development Finance

    • Expand collective financing for adaptation, resilient infrastructure, and cross-border climate initiatives in agriculture, water, energy, and transport.
    • Support new climate finance tools, including green Sukuk and blended adaptation facilities.

    3. Supporting Fragile and Conflict-Affected States

    • Enhance early recovery and reconstruction financing using area-based, community-led models that support stabilization and local institution-building.
    • Engage in innovative partnerships to provide financial protection and resilience tools for vulnerable populations.
    • Prioritize financing models which recognize that economic opportunity is central to long-term stability.

    4. Addressing land degradation

    • Leverage diverse financing instruments to support long-term projects focused on restoring degraded lands and preventing further land degradation, improving soil health, and preserving biodiversity

    5. Unlocking Private Capital and Enhancing Risk Sharing

    • Scale guarantees, blended finance structures, and PPPs to crowd in responsible private investment into SDG-critical sectors.
    • Launch co-investment platforms with regional sovereign wealth funds and international impact investors.

    6. Promoting Islamic Finance and Financial Innovation

    • Position Islamic finance as an inclusive development framework, with a focus on asset-backed solutions.
    • Integrate data-driven approaches, AI, and digital tools to enhance transparency, targeting, and results of monitoring in ACG-financed operations.

    7. Championing South–South Development Finance Cooperation

    • Strengthening cross-regional collaboration and knowledge sharing in climate resilience, food security, and digital inclusion.

    8. Coordinating Action and Increasing Strategic Visibility

    • Endorse an ACG 2025–2030 Joint Action Plan to align future operations with key FfD4 themes and upcoming global forums, including COP30 and the 2026 SDG Summit.

    We Call Upon:

    • Multilateral institutions to partner with ACG institutions as co-architects—not just implementers – of a more inclusive financial architecture that reflects the voices, needs, and innovations of the Global South.
    • The international community transforms the aspirations of FfD4 into actionable outcomes that embed regional leadership and systemic reform.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Arab Coordination Group (ACG).

    About the Arab Coordination Group (ACG):
    The Arab Coordination Group (ACG) is a strategic alliance that provides a coordinated response to development finance. Since its establishment in 1975, ACG has been instrumental in developing economies and communities for a better future, providing more than 13,000 development loans to over 160 countries around the globe. Comprising ten development funds, ACG is the second-largest group of development finance institutions in the world and works across the globe to support developing nations and create a lasting, positive impact.

    The Group comprises the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa, the Arab Fund for Economic and Social Development, the Arab Gulf Programme for Development, the Arab Monetary Fund, the Islamic Development Bank, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Qatar Fund for Development and the Saudi Fund for Development.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Linking Times: How Polytechnic Students Preserve the Memory of Their Ancestors’ Feats

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    Activists of the military-historical club “Our Polytechnic” continue the traditions of patriotic education, actively participating in events dedicated to the memory of the Great Patriotic War. In June, students attended several festivals that became a vivid example of unity and respect for the feat of our ancestors.

    The journey into history began with a trip to Yelets, where a major military history festival was held from June 12 to 14. The program of the event included many events – from a flower-laying ceremony to a visit to the military glory museum.

    At numerous interactive exhibitions, guests were able to see authentic wartime items. The authentic Red Army camp in the Rusborg fortress was especially impressive. The children spent the night in field conditions, using real raincoats, which helped them feel the atmosphere of wartime.

    The culmination of the festival was the reconstruction of the famous battle for the Terbunsky line, which took place on July 6, 1942. More than a hundred reenactors, armored vehicles and cavalry took part in the recreation of historical events.

    The next stop on the trip was Brest, where the 13th military-historical festival “June 22 Brest Fortress” was held. For the polytechnics, this is already a traditional event – they have been participating in it for eight years. The students visited battle sites and lived in conditions close to those of that time.

    The Brest festival program included the opening ceremony of the monument to border guards at the Northern Gate of the Brest Fortress, a ceremonial march in the 1941 uniform to the sounds of a military orchestra, a theatrical performance “The Last Peaceful Day”, laying flowers at the Eternal Flame and a detailed reconstruction of the events of the beginning of the war. Military history clubs from Russia, Belarus, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia and Poland took part in this reconstruction. A tank, an armored car, cars, motorcycles, an An-2 plane, cavalry and pyrotechnics were used. More than 10 thousand people became spectators.

    Activists of the VIC “Our Polytech” believe that such events are not just an entertaining spectacle, but an important contribution to preserving historical memory and strengthening the connection between generations. By participating in them, students try to cultivate respect for the heroic past of the country and the people in their peers.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /China Spotlight/ Toys for the Elderly Boost China’s ‘Silver’ Economy

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HANGZHOU, July 1 (Xinhua) — In a playroom at a nursing home in China, several sprightly seniors gathered to play table hockey, competing in wits and skill, savoring every moment.

    Once considered a child’s play, these educational games are quickly becoming the latest craze among seniors.

    As China’s population ages at an accelerated rate, the once-overlooked consumer niche of games and toys for the elderly is emerging as a new pillar of the booming silver economy.

    Guan Weijian, a toy merchant in the eastern Chinese city of Yiwu, known as the “supermarket of the world,” quickly saw the wind blowing when he noticed such changes.

    Over the past year, his online store has seen a boom in demand for fitness gear and cognitive-development games and toys among older shoppers. Consumers aged 50 and up now make up 30 percent of his user base.

    “Our two best-selling toys are in the fitness and puzzle categories. They are low-impact yet fun, perfect for seniors to exercise or while away the time,” says Guan Weijian.

    “In fact, there are similarities between toys for the elderly and children’s toys in terms of developing reflexes, grip strength and coordination. In fact, some children’s toys can be easily adapted for the elderly with just a few simple changes,” Guan Weijian added.

    Realizing the potential of the senior toys sector as a promising niche, he decided to take advantage of the opportunity. In just three months after launching more than 10 products designed specifically for senior users, sales at his store far exceeded expectations.

    Searches for “toys for the elderly” on Taobao, one of China’s leading e-commerce platforms, grew 124 percent year-on-year, and transaction volume increased by more than 70 percent. Consumers aged 55 and above now make up an increasing proportion of shoppers, and their purchase frequency is increasing.

    As the market expands, more and more toy manufacturers across China are shifting their focus to meet the needs of older consumers.

    According to Cheng Xin of Taobao’s toys and collectibles section, there are many new shops selling toys for the elderly popping up on the platform, some of which are newly established and many of which are converted from former children’s toy stores.

    “Toys are no longer exclusive to kids, nor are they pop culture icons. They are a lifelong hobby that can be enjoyed by a wide range of consumers of all ages,” Cheng Xin said, adding that Taobao plans to launch a special toy segment for seniors, providing them with customized operational support.

    The booming market of toys for the elderly has not only created new growth points for consumption, but also contributed to a profound transformation of the traditional production chain.

    A particularly striking example is Yunhe County in Zhejiang Province, East China, widely known as the “birthplace of China’s wooden toys.”

    Based on years of industrial experience, Yunhe County has now deeply integrated the wooden toy industry with the elderly care industry, forming an innovative industrial chain focusing on intellectual, health and entertainment products.

    The key to this transformation lies in the shift from “fun” to “functionality.” To date, local manufacturers have developed more than 200 wooden toys designed to improve hand-foot coordination and slow down memory loss in older adults.

    According to Yin Qian, president of Zhejiang Mimi Zhikang Technology Co., the company has developed more than 100 wooden puzzle toys that are both entertaining and mentally stimulating.

    To enhance the cognitive and rehabilitation properties of its products, the company collaborated with the Health Science Center of Xi’an Jiaotong University and the Alzheimer’s Disease Prevention Group located in Shaoxing, Zhejiang Province.

    To date, the company has received more than 30 patents and supplies products to more than 500 senior care facilities across the country.

    Meanwhile, Yunhe is also targeting international markets. In recent years, the county has expanded the export of its wooden toys to senior schools, nursing homes and community centers overseas.

    “In 2024, our products were successfully exported to Germany, Japan and other markets, where they were warmly received by elderly users,” Yin Qian said.

    In the first quarter of this year, sales of wooden toys aimed at the elderly rose 50 percent year-on-year.

    China’s elderly population is projected to grow by more than 10 million a year over the next decade, according to the Ministry of Civil Affairs. The silver economy’s share of China’s GDP is expected to rise to 9 percent by 2035, from 6 percent today.

    Data from iiMedia Research shows that China’s elderly care market will reach 12 trillion yuan (about $1.68 trillion) in 2023, up 16.5 percent year-on-year. The country’s silver economy is projected to reach about 30 trillion yuan by 2035, accounting for about 10 percent of GDP.

    Innovations in niche segments are opening up new opportunities in the silver economy, said Zhang Jinsong, secretary general of the Committee on Education for the Elderly of the Chinese Gerontological Society.

    The “silver” economy is poised to move beyond basic needs to consumption based on quality and pleasure, which will open up enormous potential,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project opens new prospects for development of transport and logistics in the region — Uzbek expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Tashkent, July 1 (Xinhua) — The China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project is not just a large-scale infrastructure initiative, but a key strategic corridor that will help strengthen regional connectivity and economic transformation in Central Asia, Narbuta Babakhalov, an adviser to the chairman of the board of Uzbekistan Railways and a doctor of economic sciences, said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    “The project attracts increased attention from Uzbekistan, as it connects the East and the West, opening up new prospects for the development of transport and logistics in the region,” the expert noted. According to him, the joint implementation of this project by China, Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan clearly demonstrates the high level of political trust and the spirit of pragmatic partnership.

    N. Babahalov emphasized the strategic importance of the route for Uzbekistan. The railway will significantly reduce the time of cargo delivery to South and Southeast Asia, reduce logistics costs and overcome the limitations of current transport routes. “This project strengthens our country’s position as an important transport hub in Central Asia and supports the implementation of the national strategy “Openness to the East,” he said.

    The expert also noted that the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway is becoming part of the conjugation of the Belt and Road Initiative with the sustainable development programs of the countries of the region. “We see how this project contributes to political coordination, expansion of cross-border cooperation and deepening of regional integration,” the expert emphasized.

    He paid special attention to China’s contribution to the development of the project. “The Chinese side provides advanced technologies and equipment, demonstrating respect for the interests of Uzbekistan and actively involving local resources and specialists. This contributes to the creation of jobs, the transfer of knowledge and the formation of production chains in the region,” he said.

    “Uzbekistan is ready to work with China and other partners to facilitate the successful implementation of the project, which has impressive potential that can bring real benefits to the peoples of the region,” N. Babakhalov concluded. –0–

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