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  • Microsoft says some SharePoint server hackers now using ransomware

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A cyber-espionage campaign centered on vulnerable versions of Microsoft‘s server software now involves the deployment of ransomware, Microsoft said in a late Wednesday blog post.

    In the post, citing “expanded analysis and threat intelligence,” Microsoft said a group it dubs “Storm-2603” is using the vulnerability to seed the ransomware, which typically works by paralyzing victims’ networks until a digital currency payment is made.

    The disclosure marks a potential escalation in the campaign, which has already hit at least 400 victims, according to Netherlands-based cybersecurity firm Eye Security. Unlike typical state-backed hacker campaigns, which are aimed at stealing data, ransomware can cause widespread disruption depending on where it lands.

    The figure of 400 victims represents a sharp rise from the 100 organizations cataloged over the weekend. Eye Security says the figure is likely an undercount.

    “There are many more, because not all attack vectors have left artifacts that we could scan for,” said Vaisha Bernard, the chief hacker for Eye Security, which was among the first organizations to flag the breaches.

    The details of most of the victim organizations have not yet been fully disclosed, but on Wednesday a representative for the National Institutes of Health confirmed that one of the organization’s servers had been compromised.

    “Additional servers were isolated as a precaution,” he said. The news of the compromise was first reported by the Washington Post.

    Other outlets said the hacking campaign had breached an even broader range of U.S. agencies. NextGov, citing multiple people familiar with the matter, reported the Department of Homeland Security had been hit, along with more than five to 12 other agencies.

    Politico, which cited two U.S. officials, said multiple agencies were believed to have been breached.

    DHS’ cyberdefense arm, CISA, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the reports. Microsoft did not immediately return a message seeking further details on the ransomware angle of the hacking or the reported government victims.

    The spy campaign began after Microsoft failed to fully patch a security hole in its SharePoint server software, kicking off a scramble to fix the vulnerability when it was discovered.

    Microsoft and its tech rival, Google-owner Alphabet, have both said Chinese hackers are among those taking advantage of the flaw. Beijing has denied the claim.

    -Reuters

  • U’khand panchayat polls: 1st phase of voting begins, CM Dhami to cast vote in Khatima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday arrived in Khatima to cast his vote as the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections commenced across the state.

    He reached Khatima via helicopter and landed at the helipad of Saraf Public School. After this, he headed to the Nagla Tarai Primary School polling booth to exercise his right to vote.

    The voting, being held in two phases across 12 districts — excluding Haridwar — is set to decide thousands of local representatives.

    According to the notification issued by the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, a total of 2,247 candidates are in the fray for 948 member Gram Panchayat seats, while 9,731 candidates are contesting for 3,393 Pradhan Gram Panchayat posts.

    Additionally, 4,980 candidates are contesting for 1,507 Area Panchayat member positions and 871 for 201 District Panchayat member posts.

    An estimated 26 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in this first phase. Despite persistent monsoon showers, voters turned up in large numbers, forming long queues outside polling booths in various parts of the state.

    A total of 1,240 polling personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, while tight security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order throughout the process.

    Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to X to appeal to voters, saying, “Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights.”

    “With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,” he added.

    The second phase of voting is scheduled for July 28, and counting of votes will take place on July 31.

    (IANS)

  • U’khand panchayat polls: 1st phase of voting begins, CM Dhami to cast vote in Khatima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday arrived in Khatima to cast his vote as the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections commenced across the state.

    He reached Khatima via helicopter and landed at the helipad of Saraf Public School. After this, he headed to the Nagla Tarai Primary School polling booth to exercise his right to vote.

    The voting, being held in two phases across 12 districts — excluding Haridwar — is set to decide thousands of local representatives.

    According to the notification issued by the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, a total of 2,247 candidates are in the fray for 948 member Gram Panchayat seats, while 9,731 candidates are contesting for 3,393 Pradhan Gram Panchayat posts.

    Additionally, 4,980 candidates are contesting for 1,507 Area Panchayat member positions and 871 for 201 District Panchayat member posts.

    An estimated 26 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in this first phase. Despite persistent monsoon showers, voters turned up in large numbers, forming long queues outside polling booths in various parts of the state.

    A total of 1,240 polling personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, while tight security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order throughout the process.

    Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to X to appeal to voters, saying, “Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights.”

    “With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,” he added.

    The second phase of voting is scheduled for July 28, and counting of votes will take place on July 31.

    (IANS)

  • Markets open flat; IT, midcap stocks under pressure amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened flat on Thursday as IT companies came under selling pressure amid mixed global cues.

    At 9:28 a.m., the Sensex slipped 110 points or 0.13 per cent to 82,615, and the Nifty declined 13 points or 0.05 per cent to 25,206.

    Sectorally, the Nifty IT index underperformed with a loss of 1.17 per cent. All other sectors showed marginal dips or moderate gains. Bank stocks registered moderate losses of up to 0.20 per cent.

    Midcap and smallcap stocks also faced selling pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was down 0.39 per cent at 59,148, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 0.07 per cent to 18,879.

    In the Nifty pack, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led the gainers with a 3.07 per cent rise, followed by Tata Motors at 1.51 per cent. Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, JSW Steel, and Tata Steel were also among the top gainers. Trent, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the early losers.

    “Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic amid heightened volatility and mixed global cues. Nifty 50’s rebound highlights buyer strength at lower levels. A sustained move above 25,250 could potentially open the path toward the 25,330 mark. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 25,125, followed by 25,000,” said Hardik Matalia of Choice Equity Broking Private Limited.

    The Bank Nifty outperformed the broader index, rising 454 points and forming a bullish candlestick, indicating renewed buying interest, he added.

    Both Asian and U.S. indices posted strong overnight gains, lending a positive backdrop for Indian markets at the open.

    In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.14 per cent, the Nasdaq rose 0.61 per cent, and the S&P 500 added 0.78 per cent.

    According to analysts, the U.S. striking trade deals with various countries is gradually easing concerns over tariff wars. Strong corporate earnings in the U.S. are also providing fundamental support to the market.

    In Asian markets, the Nikkei 225 continued its strong rally for the second consecutive day, gaining 1.97 per cent, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite climbed 1.70 per cent. Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul were also trading in the green.

    On July 23, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers for the fifth consecutive session, offloading stocks worth Rs 4,209 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers for the 12th straight day, purchasing shares worth Rs 4,358 crore.

    IANS

  • Markets open flat; IT, midcap stocks under pressure amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened flat on Thursday as IT companies came under selling pressure amid mixed global cues.

    At 9:28 a.m., the Sensex slipped 110 points or 0.13 per cent to 82,615, and the Nifty declined 13 points or 0.05 per cent to 25,206.

    Sectorally, the Nifty IT index underperformed with a loss of 1.17 per cent. All other sectors showed marginal dips or moderate gains. Bank stocks registered moderate losses of up to 0.20 per cent.

    Midcap and smallcap stocks also faced selling pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was down 0.39 per cent at 59,148, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 0.07 per cent to 18,879.

    In the Nifty pack, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led the gainers with a 3.07 per cent rise, followed by Tata Motors at 1.51 per cent. Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, JSW Steel, and Tata Steel were also among the top gainers. Trent, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the early losers.

    “Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic amid heightened volatility and mixed global cues. Nifty 50’s rebound highlights buyer strength at lower levels. A sustained move above 25,250 could potentially open the path toward the 25,330 mark. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 25,125, followed by 25,000,” said Hardik Matalia of Choice Equity Broking Private Limited.

    The Bank Nifty outperformed the broader index, rising 454 points and forming a bullish candlestick, indicating renewed buying interest, he added.

    Both Asian and U.S. indices posted strong overnight gains, lending a positive backdrop for Indian markets at the open.

    In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.14 per cent, the Nasdaq rose 0.61 per cent, and the S&P 500 added 0.78 per cent.

    According to analysts, the U.S. striking trade deals with various countries is gradually easing concerns over tariff wars. Strong corporate earnings in the U.S. are also providing fundamental support to the market.

    In Asian markets, the Nikkei 225 continued its strong rally for the second consecutive day, gaining 1.97 per cent, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite climbed 1.70 per cent. Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul were also trading in the green.

    On July 23, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers for the fifth consecutive session, offloading stocks worth Rs 4,209 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers for the 12th straight day, purchasing shares worth Rs 4,358 crore.

    IANS

  • UAE Central Bank mandates phase-out of SMS and email OTP authentication by March 2026

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has issued a directive requiring all financial institutions to eliminate SMS and email-based one-time password (OTP) authentication for customer transactions by March 31, 2026. This move, aimed at bolstering digital banking security, will affect banks, finance companies, exchange houses, insurers, and payment service providers across the UAE, marking a significant shift toward more secure, risk-based authentication technologies.

    Traditional OTP methods, delivered via SMS or email, are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, SIM swapping, and SS7 protocol exploits. To counter these threats, the CBUAE is mandating the adoption of advanced authentication methods, such as Emirates Face Recognition, biometric verification, and mobile-based soft tokens.

    Starting July 25, 2025, UAE banks will begin transitioning customers to app-based authentication for all domestic and international financial transactions. Leading institutions like Emirates NBD, ADIB, and FAB have already adopted biometric and in-app solutions for most online banking activities. Customers will need to enable app-based verification features to authorize transactions, replacing the reliance on SMS or email OTPs. The CBUAE has set a phased implementation, with full compliance required by March 2026.

    The UAE’s move aligns with global trends, as countries like Singapore and Malaysia phase out SMS-based OTPs due to similar security concerns. The Monetary Authority of Singapore, for instance, mandated a similar shift in 2024, citing rising phishing scams. The CBUAE’s directive is part of its broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, which includes initiatives like the planned launch of a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital dirham, in late 2025.

  • MIL-OSI: Tanate Phutrakul to step down as CFO at 2026 AGM

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Tanate Phutrakul to step down as CFO at 2026 AGM

    ING announced today that Tanate Phutrakul will step down from his position as CFO and member of the Executive Board of ING. Tanate will leave ING as of the Annual General Meeting in April 2026, after 24 years at ING of which seven on the Executive Board. 

    Karl Guha, chairman of ING’s Supervisory Board said: “It has been a privilege to work with Tanate. I have come to know him as a man of good grace, integrity, and high standards. He has been instrumental in helping steer ING to a better place of strong performance and delivering on our promises. We are fortunate to still have him on our executive team until the AGM and wish him every success in the next phase of his life.”

    Steven van Rijswijk, CEO of ING said: “I want to thank Tanate for his many years serving ING. While it is never easy to see a colleague leave, after seven years as CFO on the board it is a logical moment for Tanate to step down. With his deeply professional and pleasant approach, he has played a pivotal role in guiding ING through a turbulent period for the bank, the sector and the world. He has done so with his trademark calmness and has been an invaluable part of our executive team. His contributions in making ING the strong and financially sound bank it is today, which enables our current growth strategy, can hardly be overestimated. We look forward to continue to work with Tanate in the coming months.”

    Tanate Phutrakul said: “It has been and still is a pleasure to serve as a board member of ING, having helped shape the bank into what it is. It has been a wonderful journey. Many thanks for the kind support of Steven and my fellow board members and especially to the many ING colleagues I have worked with over the years.”

    Tanate joined ING in 1998 as managing director of ING Barings Securities Thailand. From 2003 until 2008 he served as head of Wholesale Banking and chief financial officer of TMB Bank in Thailand. In successive years he served as CFO of ING’s Operations and IT unit, ING Retail Banking International and ING Belgium. In 2019, he was appointed to the Executive Board as CFO of ING Group. 

    The search for a successor has been initiated and announcements will be made in due course. 

    Note for editors
    For further information on ING, please visit www.ing.com. Frequent news updates can be found in the Newsroom. Photos of ING operations, buildings and its executives are available for download at Flickr.

    ING PROFILE
    ING is a global financial institution with a strong European base, offering banking services through its operating company ING Bank. The purpose of ING Bank is: empowering people to stay a step ahead in life and in business. ING Bank’s more than 60,000 employees offer retail and wholesale banking services to customers in over 100 countries.

    ING Group shares are listed on the exchanges of Amsterdam (INGA NA, INGA.AS), Brussels and on the New York Stock Exchange (ADRs: ING US, ING.N).

    ING aims to put sustainability at the heart of what we do. Our policies and actions are assessed by independent research and ratings providers, which give updates on them annually. ING’s ESG rating by MSCI was reconfirmed by MSCI as ‘AA’ in August 2024 for the fifth year. As of June 2025, in Sustainalytics’ view, ING’s management of ESG material risk is ‘Strong’ with an ESG risk rating of 18.0 (low risk). ING Group shares are also included in major sustainability and ESG index products of leading providers. Here are some examples: Euronext, STOXX, Morningstar and FTSE Russell. Society is transitioning to a low-carbon economy. So are our clients, and so is ING. We finance a lot of sustainable activities, but we still finance more that’s not. Follow our progress on ing.com/climate.

    IMPORTANT LEGAL INFORMATION
    Elements of this press release contain or may contain information about ING Groep N.V. and/ or ING Bank N.V. within the meaning of Article 7(1) to (4) of EU Regulation No 596/2014 (‘Market Abuse Regulation’).

    ING Group’s annual accounts are prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards as adopted by the European Union (‘IFRS- EU’). In preparing the financial information in this document, except as described otherwise, the same accounting principles are applied as in the 2024 ING Group consolidated annual accounts. All figures in this document are unaudited. Small differences are possible in the tables due to rounding.

    Certain of the statements contained herein are not historical facts, including, without limitation, certain statements made of future expectations and other forward-looking statements that are based on management’s current views and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results, performance or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Actual results, performance or events may differ materially from those in such statements due to a number of factors, including, without limitation: (1) changes in general economic conditions and customer behaviour, in particular economic conditions in ING’s core markets, including changes affecting currency exchange rates and the regional and global economic impact of the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and related international response measures (2) changes affecting interest rate levels (3) any default of a major market participant and related market disruption (4) changes in performance of financial markets, including in Europe and developing markets (5) fiscal uncertainty in Europe and the United States (6) discontinuation of or changes in ‘benchmark’ indices (7) inflation and deflation in our principal markets (8) changes in conditions in the credit and capital markets generally, including changes in borrower and counterparty creditworthiness (9) failures of banks falling under the scope of state compensation schemes (10) non-compliance with or changes in laws and regulations, including those concerning financial services, financial economic crimes and tax laws, and the interpretation and application thereof (11) geopolitical risks, political instabilities and policies and actions of governmental and regulatory authorities, including in connection with the invasion of Russia into Ukraine and the related international response measures (12) legal and regulatory risks in certain countries with less developed legal and regulatory frameworks (13) prudential supervision and regulations, including in relation to stress tests and regulatory restrictions on dividends and distributions (also among members of the group) (14) ING’s ability to meet minimum capital and other prudential regulatory requirements (15) changes in regulation of US commodities and derivatives businesses of ING and its customers (16) application of bank recovery and resolution regimes, including write down and conversion powers in relation to our securities (17) outcome of current and future litigation, enforcement proceedings, investigations or other regulatory actions, including claims by customers or stakeholders who feel misled or treated unfairly, and other conduct issues (18) changes in tax laws and regulations and risks of non-compliance or investigation in connection with tax laws, including FATCA (19) operational and IT risks, such as system disruptions or failures, breaches of security, cyber-attacks, human error, changes in operational practices or inadequate controls including in respect of third parties with which we do business and including any risks as a result of incomplete, inaccurate, or otherwise flawed outputs from the algorithms and data sets utilized in artificial intelligence (20) risks and challenges related to cybercrime including the effects of cyberattacks and changes in legislation and regulation related to cybersecurity and data privacy, including such risks and challenges as a consequence of the use of emerging technologies, such as advanced forms of artificial intelligence and quantum computing (21) changes in general competitive factors, including ability to increase or maintain market share (22) inability to protect our intellectual property and infringement claims by third parties (23) inability of counterparties to meet financial obligations or ability to enforce rights against such counterparties (24) changes in credit ratings (25) business, operational, regulatory, reputation, transition and other risks and challenges in connection with climate change, diversity, equity and inclusion and other ESG-related matters, including data gathering and reporting and also including managing the conflicting laws and requirements of governments, regulators and authorities with respect to these topics (26) inability to attract and retain key personnel (27) future liabilities under defined benefit retirement plans (28) failure to manage business risks, including in connection with use of models, use of derivatives, or maintaining appropriate policies and guidelines (29) changes in capital and credit markets, including interbank funding, as well as customer deposits, which provide the liquidity and capital required to fund our operations, and (30) the other risks and uncertainties detailed in the most recent annual report of ING Groep N.V. (including the Risk Factors contained therein) and ING’s more recent disclosures, including press releases, which are available on www.ING.com.

    This document may contain ESG-related material that has been prepared by ING on the basis of publicly available information, internally developed data and other third-party sources believed to be reliable. ING has not sought to independently verify information obtained from public and third-party sources and makes no representations or warranties as to accuracy, completeness, reasonableness or reliability of such information.

    Materiality, as used in the context of ESG, is distinct from, and should not be confused with, such term as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or as defined for Securities and Exchange Commission (‘SEC’) reporting purposes. Any issues identified as material for purposes of ESG in this document are therefore not necessarily material as defined in the Market Abuse Regulation or for SEC reporting purposes. In addition, there is currently no single, globally recognized set of accepted definitions in assessing whether activities are “green” or “sustainable.” Without limiting any of the statements contained herein, we make no representation or warranty as to whether any of our securities constitutes a green or sustainable security or conforms to present or future investor expectations or objectives for green or sustainable investing. For information on characteristics of a security, use of proceeds, a description of applicable project(s) and/or any other relevant information, please reference the offering documents for such security.

    This document may contain inactive textual addresses to internet websites operated by us and third parties. Reference to such websites is made for information purposes only, and information found at such websites is not incorporated by reference into this document. ING does not make any representation or warranty with respect to the accuracy or completeness of, or take any responsibility for, any information found at any websites operated by third parties. ING specifically disclaims any liability with respect to any information found at websites operated by third parties. ING cannot guarantee that websites operated by third parties remain available following the publication of this document, or that any information found at such websites will not change following the filing of this document. Many of those factors are beyond ING’s control.

    Any forward-looking statements made by or on behalf of ING speak only as of the date they are made, and ING assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or for any other reason.

    This document does not constitute an offer to sell, or a solicitation of an offer to purchase, any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Australian Life Sciences Venture Capital firm Brandon Capital announces Fund Six final close totalling over A$439m

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    MELBOURNE, Australia, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Brandon Capital, Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, today announced the final close of its sixth fund at A$439 million.

    Joining existing investors Hesta, Host Plus, CSL and QIC are the WA Government and Australia’s sovereign investor in manufacturing capability, the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC).

    This final close of Brandon BioCatalyst Fund Six (BB6) will see Brandon Capital continue to invest in emerging biomedical technologies with strong commercial potential, translating these exciting discoveries into high-growth firms that positively impact human health.

    To date, Brandon Capital has raised over A$1 billion across previous funds with notable Fund Six investments to date including AdvanCell (radiopharma), PolyActiva (glaucoma implant), Myricx Bio (ADC) and CatalYm (oncology).

    Dr Chris Nave, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Brandon Capital, “We’re excited to welcome the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation to our sixth fund, joining HESTA, Hostplus, CSL, QIC and the WA Government. Closing at $439 million, BB6 is our largest fund to date, and we remain committed to advancing breakthrough biomedical innovations through our unwavering scientific rigour and disciplined capital allocation, in pursuit of exceeding our investors’ expectations.”

    The firm has a track record of advancing its portfolio companies to commercialisation. Recent Brandon Capital portfolio company announcements include FDA approvals for a hypertension therapy from George Medicines and a left ventricular cardiac resynchronisation device developed by EBR Systems, with Q-Sera’s blood collection tubes that produce high-quality serum faster and more reliably, recently approved in Japan.

    Brandon Capital has an active portfolio of over 30 companies with 17 in clinical trials, four advancing or in-market, a promising preclinical pipeline and several actively contributing to Australia’s high-skilled manufacturing sector growth.

    Collectively supporting over 270 high-skilled Australian jobs are: surgical imaging innovator, OncoRes Medical, which has developed the first ‘real-time’ in cavity probe to improve cancer surgery outcomes; late-stage biotech PolyActiva, which is developing a long-term treatment for glaucoma, the second leading cause of blindness; needle-free patch for vaccine delivery Vaxxas, and radiopharmaceutical company AdvanCell, which is developing novel therapies for the treatment of a range of cancers.

    NRFC CEO David Gall said, “Medical science has long development timelines, and it is important for the NRFC to make early and considered investments in the sector to attract the talent and capital that we will need to build our local commercialisation capabilities. If we want medical science jobs and industries to exist in Australia in ten years, we need to invest in them today.”

    Brandon Capital, headquartered in Australia with offices in the UK and US, has established a transcontinental presence that strengthens collaboration across regions. Australian portfolio companies gain access to UK/EU/US capital, expertise, and pharma networks, while international companies benefit from Australia’s world-class clinical trial and research capabilities.

    About Brandon Capital – www.brandoncapital.vc

    Brandon Capital is Australasia’s leading life sciences venture capital firm, with offices in Australia, New Zealand, the US and the UK. Its unique model includes proprietary deal flow through Brandon BioCatalyst, a collaboration of over 50 of ANZ’s leading medical research institutions, and its immersive corporate services structure enables portfolio companies to focus on research commercialisation. With more than 30 active companies in its portfolio, Brandon Capital has been sourcing and supporting the transition of world-leading science into world-leading businesses for nearly two decades.

    For further information please contact

    Media – Australia
    Kirrily Davis, E: kdavis@bcpvc.com M: +61 (0)401 220228

    Media – International
    Sue Charles, Charles Consultants E: sue.charles@charles-consultants.com M: +44 (0)7968 726585

    Chris Gardner, E: Chris@CGComms.onmicrosoft.com M: +44 (0)7956 031077

    About the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation (NRFC)

    The NRFC invests to diversify and transform Australia’s industry and economy. It has $15 billion to invest using direct loans, equity investments and loan guarantees. The NRFC investment mandate covers seven priority areas including value-add in resources; transport; medical science; defence capability; renewables and low emission technologies; value-add in agriculture, forestry and fisheries; and enabling capabilities. 

    The NRFC’s role is to invest in Australian businesses and projects that design, refine and make in order to transform capability, grow jobs and a skilled workforce, and diversify our economy. NRFC is a corporate Commonwealth entity, established by the National Reconstruction Fund Corporation Act 2023 (NRFC Act) in September 2023.

    For more information, visit nrf.gov.au 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Overnight Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on July 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 1,421
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 1,421
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.51
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.53
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/775

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Meeting on Implementation of Development Programs

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the Anseba Region, conducted a meeting with residents of Keren city on 22 July focusing on the implementation of planned development programs.

    At the meeting, Ambassador Abdella said that the progress registered over the past few years in water and soil conservation and dam construction was the result of strong public participation and involvement of the Defense Forces. He noted that this experience will be vital for the implementation of future development programs.

    Ambassador Abdella also highlighted that the implemented programs have made significant contributions to food security efforts and called for continued public engagement in upcoming initiatives.

    He further stated that the dams constructed so far have played a critical role in ensuring water supply for both the public and livestock, as well as in supporting irrigation farming. He called for reinforced participation to sustain these efforts and urged the public to ensure that school-aged children attend regular education.

    The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised during the meeting and adopted various recommendations.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Underwriting Auction for sale of Government Securities for ₹36,000 crore on July 25, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on July 25, 2025 (Friday).

    As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:

    (₹ crore)
    Security Notified Amount MUC amount per PD Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
    5.91% GS 2028 6,000 143 143
    6.33% GS 2035 30,000 715 715

    The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on July 25, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.

    The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/774

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese automakers unveil new models in Indonesia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    JAKARTA, July 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese automakers on Wednesday unveiled new electric vehicle models in Indonesia, where demand for them continues to grow.

    At the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Tangerang, Banten Province, Chinese automaker BYD unveiled the Atto 1, known in China as the Seagull or Dolphin Mini.

    “This is the first Atto 1 in Southeast Asia. We offer it in two variants: Dynamic and Premium,” said Nathan Sun, COO of BYD Indonesia, during the launch.

    In turn, Wuling presented a new multi-purpose vehicle Cortez Darion, designed for both family and business use. It will be available in two versions: hybrid and fully electric.

    GIIAS 2025 officially opened on Wednesday and will be open to the general public from July 24 to August 3. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In China, about 95 percent of the population is covered by basic medical insurance /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the country’s basic medical insurance coverage remained at about 95 percent, with the number of people registered in the system reaching more than 1.32 billion in 2024, according to data from the National Medical Insurance Administration (NMIA).

    These data were made public by the head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Zhang Ke at a press conference held on Thursday.

    In China, health insurance reimbursed citizens for nearly 20 billion visits to doctors between 2021 and 2024, Zhang Ke said, noting that in 2024, the number of people visiting doctors increased by 1.6 times compared to the figure recorded at the end of 2020. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Saudi Arabian delegation arrives in Damascus to participate in investment forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    DAMASCUS, July 24 (Xinhua) — A high-level Saudi delegation led by Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih arrived in Damascus on Wednesday to open the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, which is seen as a significant step toward restoring and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, state news agency SANA reported.

    The delegation, sent at the initiative of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, includes more than 130 businessmen and investors.

    As SANA notes, the purpose of the forum is to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation and promote the signing of agreements that support sustainable development and mutual economic interests of the two countries.

    As part of the forum program, it is planned to launch a project for a white cement production plant in the city of Adra in the outskirts of Damascus.

    In an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya TV channel on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Syria Faisal al-Majfal said the forum reflects the kingdom’s leadership’s commitment to supporting reconstruction, the resumption of state institutions and the territorial unity of Syria. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 145,000 people have fled their homes due to violence in Syria’s As-Suwayda province – UN

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    DAMASCUS, July 24 (Xinhua) — Despite a declared ceasefire, sporadic clashes, drone strikes and ground fighting continue in Suwayda province and surrounding areas in southern Syria, with the number of displaced people exceeding 145,000, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday.

    According to him, mortar shelling and aerial reconnaissance were recorded from July 20 to 22, civilians were injured, and thousands were forced to flee. Most of the displaced persons remain within the province of As-Suwayda, while some are seeking refuge in the neighboring province of Daraa and rural areas of Damascus.

    Access to basic services remains severely disrupted across As-Suwayda. The UN reports widespread disruptions to electricity, water, fuel and communications, while food insecurity is exacerbated by disruptions to markets and the closure of bakeries.

    Humanitarian organisations have begun to respond to the crisis, providing health and protection services to affected communities, delivering food, clean water and non-food items. Access constraints remain, hampering their work.

    The UN warns that displacement continues in the region, with overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation and explosive contamination exacerbating risks for already vulnerable groups. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchange fire in disputed border area

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) — Cambodian soldiers clashed with Thai soldiers in a disputed border area on Thursday, said Mali Socheat, deputy secretary of state and spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry.

    According to her, armed clashes occurred on the Cambodian-Thai border in Oddar Meanchey province.

    “The Thai military was the first to launch an armed attack on Cambodian troops. Cambodian troops acted strictly in self-defense, responding to the unprovoked incursion of Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,” she said in a statement. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Waste Generation Rate Continues To Trend Downwards In 2024

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Per capita daily domestic waste decreased by more than 20 per cent over the past decade; per billion dollar GDP daily non-domestic waste decreased by more 30 per cent over the same period. The recycling rate continues to hover around 50 per cent. 

    Singapore, 23 July 2025 – Singapore continued to see a decrease in waste generation rate in 2024. The daily domestic waste generated per capita decreased from 0.88 kg in 2023 to 0.85 kg in 2024. The daily non-domestic waste  generated per billion dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased from around 25 tonnes in 2023 to around 23 tonnes in 2024. This reflects the sustained reduction and reuse efforts by households and businesses in 2024.

    Per capita and per billion dollar GDP waste generated decreased in past decade

    2          Over the past decade, daily domestic waste generated per capita decreased by more than 20 per cent, and daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP decreased by more than 30 per cent.

    Fig. 1. Chart on the daily domestic waste generated per capita from 2014 to 2024.

    Fig. 2. Chart on the daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP from 2014 to 2024.

    Recycling rate continues to hover at around 50 per cent

    3          Overall recycling rate continues to hover at around 50 per cent (refer to Table 1 in 

    Annex). The recycling rate of paper/cardboard, food, and plastics remained similar. The slight reduction in recycling rate is driven largely by the reduction in the amount of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste (by 122,000 tonnes) and used slag (by 63,000 tonnes) generated, which are almost completely recycled. This resulted in a corresponding reduction in overall recycling volume. Additionally, there was a reduction in the amount of wood waste recycled, by 49,000 tonnes, due to a short-term reduction in wood waste processing capacity in 2024 as a result of the closure of one biomass plant and prolonged maintenance of another.

    10-year Recycling Trends

    4          Over the past decade, the recycling rate dropped from 60 per cent in 2014 to 50 per cent in 2024 (refer to Table 2 in Annex). This is driven by two factors.

    a.     There was a 44 per cent and 69 per cent decrease in the volume of C&D waste and used slag generation, respectively. As C&D waste and used slag are almost fully recycled, the decrease in volume generated and consequently recycled led to a significant reduction (7 percentage points) in the overall recycling rate (refer to Chart 1 and Chart 2 in Annex). This is due to the reduction in C&D waste volume generated from demolition projects in recent years, while the lower amount of used slag generated is due to a reduction in steel smelting activities in Singapore. 

    b.     The amount of paper/cardboard waste generated has been similar between 2014 and 2024, although paper waste generated had been on a downtrend from 2014 to 2019, before rising again post-2019 driven in part by e-commerce packaging. However, there has been a steep reduction in the paper recycling rate, from 52 per cent to 32 per cent (refer to Chart 3 in Annex). The decline is driven by factors such as the cost of collecting and freight as well as commodity prices.

    Upcoming efforts to improve recycling of key waste streams

    5          NEA will continue to partner the community and businesses to encourage the reduction of waste generated and to increase recycling efforts. Our efforts will be focused on food, paper, and plastics as these make up the largest amount of waste that is not recycled.

    a.     The recycling rate for food waste increased from 13 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2024. To drive the reduction and recycling of food waste, all new large commercial and industrial food waste generators have been required since March 2024 to segregate, treat and report their food waste. In addition, we will progressively extend these requirements to existing large commercial and industrial food waste generators in tandem when the Food Waste Treatment Facility becomes operational, as we progressively complete the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) from 2027 onwards.

    b.     To encourage reduction in paper/cardboard waste and improve recycling rates, NEA supported the development of a set of Guidelines on Sustainable E-commerce Packaging in March 2025. The guidelines offer practical 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) strategies tailored to common types of e-commerce packaging, including cardboard boxes. Furthermore, NEA is looking to strengthen support for paper recycling, working together with waste collectors, recycling companies, and the community.

    c.     We will also increase plastic recycling through initiatives such as the beverage container return scheme, which will take effect next year. Under the scheme, a 10-cent deposit will be fully refunded when consumers return the empty beverage containers at designated return points such as reverse vending machines. The scheme will aggregate clean and high-quality plastic recyclables, which can be made into new products. NEA is working with the licensed scheme operator, Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd. (BCRS Ltd.) on the return point network and deposit refund options to provide a convenient return and refund journey for consumers, when the scheme rolls out on 1 April 2026.

    Waste Disposed of

    6          Our combined commitment to reducing the amount of waste generated and improving recycling efforts is reflected in the waste disposed of at our waste-to-energy plants and Semakau Landfill. While the waste disposal rate has similarly trended downwards in the last decade, the total amount of waste disposed of has increased from 3.04 million tonnes in 2014 to 3.33 million tonnes in 2024. This is due to the recycling amount declining faster than the total amount of waste generated. Hence, the net effect is an increase in the total amount of waste disposed of. When everyone plays their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we avoid sending waste for disposal, thus reducing our environmental footprint and extending the lifespan of Semakau Landfill.

    7          The latest waste and recycling statistics can be accessed at go.gov.sg/waste-statistics-and-overall-recycling.

     

    ——————

    [1] Domestic waste is waste collected from households and trade premises (e.g., shophouses, educational institutions, petrol stations, hawker centres and places of worship).

    [2] Non-domestic waste is waste generated at industrial and commercial premises.

     

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Peel, Professor of Law and Director, Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne

    Hilaire Bule/Getty

    Climate change “imperils all forms of life” and countries must tackle the problem or face consequences under international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found.

    The court delivered its long-awaited advisory opinion overnight. The momentous case opens the door for countries impacted by climate disasters to sue major emitting countries for reparations.

    And citizens could seek to hold governments to account for a failure to safeguard their human rights if their own or other countries fail to take adequate action to ensure a safe climate.

    Here’s what the court ruled – and the global ramifications likely to flow from it.

    Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu delivers a speech at a demonstration before the International Court of Justice issued its first advisory opinion on state’s legal obligations to address climate change.
    John Thys/AFP

    Climate change breaches human rights

    The ICJ case was instigated by law students at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu in 2019. They successfully launched a campaign for the court to examine two key issues: the obligations of countries to protect the climate from greenhouse gases, and the legal consequences for failing to do so.

    The court found a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of many other human rights. As such, it found, the full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    The ruling confirms climate change is much more than a legal problem. Rather, the justices concluded, it is an:

    existential problem of planetary proportions that imperils all forms of life and the very health of our planet.

    Most nations have signed up to global human rights agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The ICJ ruling means parties to those agreements must take measures to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice is not legally binding. But it is an authoritative description of the state of the law and the rights of countries to seek reparations if the law is breached. As such, it carries great legal weight.

    Just as climate science assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have become the gold standard for understanding the causes and impacts of climate change, the court’s ruling provides a clear baseline against which to assess countries’ action, or inaction, on climate change.

    Keeping 1.5°C alive?

    In recent years, many states’ emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement have seemed to “settle” at levels which would hold global temperature increases to 2°C at best.

    But the International Court of Justice ruled the much more ambitious 1.5°C goal had become the scientifically based consensus target under the Paris Agreement.

    Some countries argued formal emissions targets should be left to the discretion of each government. However, the court found against this. Rather, each nation’s targets had to be in line with – and make an adequate contribution to – the global goal of holding heating to 1.5°C.

    The court found each state’s emissions reduction pledges should be judged against a stringent “due diligence” standard. The standard takes into account each country’s historical contributions to emissions, level of development and national circumstances, among other factors.

    The ruling means rich countries, such as Australia, will be required under international law to make more ambitious emission-reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement, such as for the 2035 target currently under consideration by the Albanese government.

    The court decision also provides a measure of climate justice for small island states, which have historically low emissions but face a much higher risk of damage from climate change than other nations.

    Holding states accountable for inaction

    Because climate change is global, it is difficult – but not impossible – to attribute damage from extreme weather to the actions of any one nation or group of nations.

    On this question, the court said while climate change is caused by the cumulative impact of many human activities, it is scientifically possible to determine each nation’s total contribution to global emissions, taking into account both historical and current emissions.

    If a nation experiences damage caused by the failure of another nation, or group of nations, to fulfil international climate obligations, the ruling means legal proceedings may be launched against the nations causing the harm. It may result in compensation or other remedies.

    For small, climate-vulnerable nations such as those in the Alliance of Small Island States, this opens more legal options in their efforts to encourage high-emitting nations to properly address climate change.

    Importantly, the court made clear nations can be legally liable even if damage from climate change comes from many causes, including from the activities of private actors such as companies.

    That means nations cannot seek an exemption because others have contributed to the problem. They must also act to regulate companies and other entities under their jurisdiction whose activities contribute to climate change.

    Pacific Island nations emit very little but face huge threats from climate change.
    Luca Turati/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

    Paris Agreement quitters aren’t safe

    One line of argument put to the court by Australia and other states was that climate treaties represented the only obligations to tackle climate change under international law.

    But the court found this was not the case. Rather, other international laws applied.

    The United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement earlier this year. The court’s opinion means the US and other nations are still accountable for climate harms under other international laws by which all countries are bound.

    Could this lead to greater climate action?

    The International Court of Justice has produced a truly historic ruling.

    It will set a new baseline in terms what countries need to do to address climate change and opens up new avenues of recourse against high-emitting states not doing enough on climate change.

    Jacqueline Peel receives funding from the Australian Research Council under her Australian Laureate Fellowship and Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award on ‘Transforming International Law for Corporate Climate Accountability’.

    – ref. Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice – https://theconversation.com/historic-ruling-finds-climate-change-imperils-all-forms-of-life-and-puts-laggard-nations-on-notice-261848

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI USA: The Data Center Next Door: As Trump Eviscerates Guardrails, Senator Markey Hosts Roundtable Discussion on How AI Data Centers Can Harm Environment, Increase Costs to Households, and Threaten Public Health

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    View Storybook (PDF)

    Washington (July 23, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a co-chair of the Environmental Justice Caucus and a member of the Environment and Public Works Committee and Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee, today hosted a virtual roundtable discussion titled “The Data Center Next Door: Hidden Costs and Harms of Artificial Intelligence and Cryptomining.” Senator Markey was joined by Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09), frontline advocates, and allies to discuss the effects of rapid data center development on climate and communities, including impacts on local air quality, water, grid reliability, health, and utility bills. Speakers highlighted how communities and allied organizations across the country are working to curb harms from data center build-out and how policymakers can more proactively address unsustainable data center development.

    Today, Senator Markey also released a new storybook highlighting the personal experiences of individuals living near data center infrastructure.

    “I have heard from people across the country whose stories make clear: unregulated, uncontrolled data center development is sucking our communities dry. Our environment doesn’t have to be a sacrificial lamb on the altar of innovation. We can have green growth—but not if we have Trump’s AI Inaction Plan as our Big Tech Bible. Lawmakers at all levels of government can and must ensure the Trump administration’s no-holds-barred approach to data center construction does not come at the cost of our health and welfare,” said Senator Markey. “We are not truly moving forward if we harm and leave people behind in the process. We owe it to our neighbors, near and far, to address these impacts at the federal level before we see a race to the bottom—one that could even disadvantage states and towns that try to do things right.”

    “The heart of my district is seeing the environmental impacts of Artificial Intelligence (AI) first-hand, with the world’s biggest supercomputer beginning operations last year. It requires one million gallons of water each day to cool its components and uses the same amount of energy as all 250,000 households in Memphis combined. The continued development of AI will have a drastic effect on energy and water costs and consumption, and our environment as a whole,” said Congressman Cohen.

    “Bitcoin mining is the most energy and water-intensive technology ever created. As long as the bitcoin mining algorithm is operating at scale, it is impossible to make the transition to a resilient, equitable, affordable, and renewable grid,” said Jackie Sawicky, member of the National Coalition Against Cryptomining (NCAC).

    “Families across America are struggling to afford their soaring electric bills as a result of energy-guzzling AI data centers. We cannot afford to let AI fuel a new fossil fuel boom that raises our bills and destroys our environment,” said Ben Inskeep, Program Director at Citizens Action Coalition of Indiana.

    “West Virginia has long borne the brunt of powering our country via the extraction of our natural resources. This legacy and continued pollution from fossil fuel industries worsened health disparities, increased our utility bills, and poisoned our air and water. The rapid growth of artificial intelligence development and the numerous proposals of fossil fuel powered data centers in our region simply carries on that toxic tradition of resource extraction, corporate exploitation, and harmful pollution for West Virginians,” said Morgan King, Climate and Energy Program Manager at West Virginia Citizen Action Group.

    “What’s happening in Virginia is unsustainable and the desire to go even faster is irresponsible. The impacts are too great and the risks are too high, we must slow down and put better guardrails in place,” said Julie Bolthouse, AICP, Director of Land Use at Piedmont Environmental Council.

    “Over the last year, xAI installed and operated dozens of unpermitted methane gas turbines at its Memphis data center, essentially building a power plant without any public oversight or input from nearby communities. These turbines pump out smog-forming pollution and harmful chemicals like formaldehyde and are located near predominantly Black communities that are already overburdened with a long history of environmental injustice. Families in South Memphis deserve transparency and clean air,” said Amanda Garcia, senior attorney in the Tennessee office of the Southern Environmental Law Center.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • India, China review border situation in 34th WMCC meet, plan next round of talks

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and China on Wednesday held the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) on border affairs in New Delhi, where both sides reviewed the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and discussed steps to maintain peace and stability in the border areas.

    The Indian delegation was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia), while the Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department in China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a statement that the two sides took note of the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas and acknowledged the gradual improvement in bilateral ties.

    “They agreed to maintain regular diplomatic and military contacts through established mechanisms on the issues related to the India-China border,” the MEA said.

    The delegations also discussed measures previously explored during the 23rd round of Special Representatives (SR) talks and the 33rd WMCC meeting to further strengthen border management and avoid friction.

    As part of the confidence-building process, the two sides are also preparing for the next round of SR-level talks on the boundary question, which is expected to be held in India later this year.

    During his visit, the head of the Chinese delegation, Hong Liang, also called on the Indian Foreign Secretary, signalling continued diplomatic engagement at multiple levels.

    The WMCC was set up in 2012 as an institutional mechanism for consultation and coordination on India-China border affairs, and to maintain peace along the LAC through regular dialogue.

  • Bihar Electoral Roll Update: 98% coverage achieved as first phase of special revision nears completion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The first phase of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar Electoral Roll, which began on June 24, is nearing completion, with an impressive 98.01% coverage of electors across the state. The Election Commission of India (ECI) confirmed the progress on Tuesday, noting that the revision is aimed at ensuring no eligible voter is excluded and no ineligible person remains on the rolls.

    According to ECI, on July 23, more than 7.17 crore electors’ enumeration forms (90.89%) have been received and digitised. The data collected so far has revealed that approximately 20 lakh electors have been reported as deceased, 28 lakh have permanently migrated, and 7 lakh individuals are enrolled at multiple locations. Additionally, 1 lakh electors have been found to be untraceable, while forms from 15 lakh electors have not yet been returned.

    In a significant step toward electoral transparency, on July 20, the Election Commission shared lists of potentially incorrectly included electors and those who failed to submit their enumeration forms with 1.5 lakh Booth Level Agents (BLAs). These BLAs were nominated by district-level leaders of 12 major political parties in Bihar.

    The Commission has also streamlined the submission process for temporarily migrated electors from Bihar who have not registered elsewhere. These individuals can submit their enumeration forms via the ECI’s online portal (https://electors.eci.gov.in), the ECINet mobile app, or by sending signed printed forms to their Booth Level Officers (BLOs) through a family member or via WhatsApp.

    Electors who have submitted their forms can track the status on the ECI website and have been notified via SMS, provided they shared their mobile numbers in the forms.

    The Draft Electoral Roll will be published on August 1, 2025, marking the end of the first phase. If errors are found, electors or political parties may file objections regarding wrongly included names with the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) or Assistant Electoral Registration Officer (AERO) of their constituency. Likewise, eligible individuals who are missing from the roll can file claims for inclusion by September 1, 2025.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Several Amata-Cosponsored Bills Passed by Foreign Affairs Committee

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is highlighting several bills she cosponsored that were passed Tuesday by the House Foreign Affairs Committee (HFAC) as part of a slate of a dozen bills, including Pacific issues and combating human trafficking.

    Congresswoman Amata during votes Tuesday in the Foreign Affairs Committee

    Congresswoman Amata is an original cosponsor of H.R. 4490, as introduced by Congressman Joquin Castro (D-TX). Notably in the Pacific region, this bill ensures important diplomatic rights and recognitions for the nations in the Pacific Islands Forum. Along with Congresswoman Amata, this key bipartisan bill is also cosponsored by Rep. Young Kim (R-CA) and Rep. Ed Case (D-HI). The bill’s full title is To amend the International Organizations Immunities Act to extend diplomatic privileges and immunities to certain additional international and regional organizations.

    Congresswoman Amata is a cosponsor of the Frederick Douglass Trafficking Victims Prevention and Protection Reauthorization Act of 2025, H.R. 1144. This bipartisan bill is led by Chairman Chris Smith (R-NJ), who has served in Congress for 45 years and is widely recognized as Congress’s foremost human rights champion in his longtime legislative focus. The bill reauthorizes and updates the landmark Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, also led by Rep. Smith, which strengthened federal prosecutions and victim protections from either forced labor or sexual trafficking, created the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, and the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking, and boosted international cooperative efforts to combat trafficking.

    Amata also cosponsored the US-Japan-ROK Trilateral Cooperation Act, H.R. 3429, introduced by Rep. Ami Bera (D-CA). Along with Congresswoman Amata, this bipartisan bill has the support of various Pacific coast colleagues including Rep. Case (D-HI), Rep. Young (R-CA), Rep. Ted Lieu (D-CA), Rep. Marilyn Strickland (D-WA), Rep. James Moylan (R-Guam), Rep. Kimberlyn King-Hinds (R-CNMI), and several other senior Members. This bill creates a regular inter-parliamentary dialogue to facilitate closer cooperation between the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea on shared interests and values.

    Finally, she is cosponsoring H.R. 4233, the ARMOR Act, under the full title the AUKUS Reform for Military Optimization and Review Act. Led by Rep. Young Kim, this bill updates and expedites provisions on defense trade and cooperation among Australia, the United Kingdom, and the United States (known as AUKUS).

    “These are bills that work together to strengthen our Pacific region and promote cooperation among key allies and partners for mutual stability, security and prosperity,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I’m especially pleased to cosponsor Chairman Smith’s ongoing work to combat trafficking, and I want to thank him for his dedication to this great moral cause. Thank you also to all my Pacific region colleagues supporting efforts that affect us in the Pacific.” 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congresswoman Amata Highlights National Hire A Veteran Day  

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Aumua Amata is calling attention to National Hire A Veteran Day, which is Friday, July 25th, 2025, to show appreciation to Veterans and their ongoing and important role in their communities after their service. 

    “Veterans serve an integral part in our community in American Samoa, and throughout the country. Millions of men and women have dedicated themselves to learning discipline, strength, and teamwork from their career in the Armed Forces. Veterans continue to uplift our communities with their abundance of technical skills, seasoned work ethic, and leadership. Thank you to the many companies and federal agencies that take part in National Hire a Veteran Day, especially those that express to our Veterans in American Samoa and nationwide how much they mean to us.”  

    “The transition our Veterans face when leaving the Armed Forces is not an easy one. It is not only a change in careers but also a change in way of life. They deserve every opportunity to find their next professions, putting their hard-earned abilities and knowledge to work in their next field in support of their families and the next chapter of their success. Thank you to each of our Veterans.”

    Resources:

    VA is a resource for Veterans’ career services, starting with an Employment Toolkit: https://www.va.gov/vetsinworkplace/veteranresources.asp.

    Additionally, Veteran Readiness and Employment (VR&E) works with employers who hire and retain service members and Veterans with disabilities, to increase the employment of Veterans, and enable Veterans with disabilities to reach their full potential. Visit https://www.va.gov/vre.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Mourns Passing of Longtime Friend, Gov. Palacios

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is mourning the passing of the Honorable Arnold Indalecio Palacios, Governor of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, and honoring his life and respected legacy of leadership. 

    At the CNMI inaugural ball in 2023 speaking with President Whipps of Palau and Governor Palacios of CNMI

    “I am deeply saddened by the passing of a good friend in Governor Palacios. He is a longtime family friend, and he was a friend to American Samoa over the years. I’ve known him since his youth, and he was a close friend to my brothers. I send my heartfelt condolences to the people of the Northern Marianas, and to his dear family in this time of grief, who will be in my prayers. We think especially of First Lady Wella Palacios, their children, and entire family. Condolences also to my brother Milton Coleman, brother-in-law to the Governor’s father, and my niece, Marie, who worked closely with him as a Chief of Staff within his government.

    “He was a dedicated public servant, and his memory will be honored in CNMI and across the Pacific. Governor Palacios was a sincere leader, who desired the best for CNMI and the territories, and he led with purpose, compassion, and dignity as a statesman. He will hold an important place in CNMI’s history. Remarkably, he led at various times all the major roles, serving as Governor, Lt. Governor, Speaker of the House, President of the Senate. He worked for good fiscal decisions, promoting responsible caretaking of the islands, upholding values, and preserving the culture for the future. He set an excellent example for future leaders in the region. 

    “I thank God for his exceptional life and his friendship over the years. He was a man of faith and belief in God, and we can take comfort in that. He will be deeply missed. God bless his family and the people of the Northern Marianas.”

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Amata Gains $900,000 Increase for American Samoa’s DOI/OIA Budget in House Bill, Will Work with Senate

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Aumua Amata (Western Samoa)

    Washington, D.C. –Congresswoman Uifa’atali Amata is hailing full Committee passage of the Department of the Interior Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026, which funds American Samoa’s DOI Operations fund. This year’s House bill has a $900,000 increase for American Samoa for a new total of $29 million – that despite the bill’s overall trimming of the Office of Insular Affairs spending. 

    Of American Samoa’s $29 million in the bill, $3 million is designated to American Samoa Community College at Amata’s request. Next steps for the bill include full House consideration followed by likely reconciliation efforts with a Senate bill. This major bill also supports all federal interior and insular grants and services for the year ahead.

    “An increase for American Samoa in the House bill is a welcome addition, especially since our boost is despite the decrease to OIA overall,” said Congresswoman Aumua Amata. “I appreciate the bipartisan support for our islands from the leadership on this bill, Chairman Tom Cole, Ranking Member Rosa DeLauro, Subcommittee Chairman Mike Simpson, and Ranking Member Chellie Pingree. I will work with key Senate negotiators to secure American Samoa’s funding.”

    Appropriations in 2025 for American Samoa’s operations DOI account was $28.1 million, including the designation of $3 million of these funds to ASCC operations at Amata’s request for the past several years.

    Following decades of level funding, this year’s bill would mark the seventh increase since 2018 to American Samoa’s operations fund for an accumulated boost of $6.3 million.

    Those prior requests resulted in increased amounts of $250,000, $718,000, $400,000, $500,000, $2.5 million, and $1 million, all accumulated and preserved in this legislation. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Media Statement: Transgender sports policy reflects public opinion

    Source: Family First

    Today’s superb (and well overdue) policy change by Sport New Zealand regarding biological males in women’s sports simply reflects public opinion.

    A recent Curia Market Research poll found that only 13% of New Zealanders thought that boys who identify as girls should be able to play in a girls team. 68% said they shouldn’t, and 19% were unsure.

    What is most interesting is that a similar poll in 2018 by the same polling company found that support and opposition was locked at 39% each. Opposition has grown markedly over the last five years to the unfairness and safety concerns around boys competing against girls.

    Contrary to the narrative, ‘𝐭𝐫𝐚𝐧𝐬 𝐩𝐞𝐨𝐩𝐥𝐞’ 𝐜𝐚𝐧 𝐬𝐭𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐩𝐥𝐚𝐲 𝐬𝐩𝐨𝐫𝐭. 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐲 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐧𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐧 𝐰𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐭𝐞𝐚𝐦 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞𝐢𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐢𝐜𝐚𝐥 𝐬𝐞𝐱. The other option is to create a new mixed category.

    But females deserve to play in their own league. The government had dropped the ball on this by not sending clear guidelines to sporting groups.

    𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐩𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐜𝐲 𝐢𝐬 𝐚 𝐯𝐢𝐜𝐭𝐨𝐫𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐛𝐢𝐨𝐥𝐨𝐠𝐲, 𝐟𝐚𝐢𝐫𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬, 𝐰𝐨𝐦𝐞𝐧 & 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐨𝐧 𝐬𝐞𝐧𝐬𝐞.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Golden, Collins introduce bipartisan legislation to create disaster relief fund for loggers

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02)

    WASHINGTON — Congressman Jared Golden (ME-02) and Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) today introduced the bicameral, bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, which would establish a new program within the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to support loggers who have lost income due to natural disasters.

    Senator Angus King (I-ME) and Congresswoman Chellie Pingree (ME-01) are original cosponsors of the legislation, while Congressman Pete Stauber (R-MN-08) is the lead cosponsor in the House. 

    Current law excludes loggers from the kinds of disaster relief and assistance available to other industries, including fishermen and farmers, when natural disasters strike. Under the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act, a disaster declaration from the president or governor would unlock federal assistance eligibility for logging businesses with at least a 10 percent loss in revenue or volume compared to the prior year. Covered damage would include high winds, fire, flooding, insect infestation and drought. 

    “You can’t write the story of Maine without loggers. Our forest products industry has provided for generations of Mainers and continues to be the economic bedrock of many rural communities. There must be a safety net to ensure one particularly bad season cannot uproot logging families and communities” Golden said. “I’m proud of our loggers, and I’m proud of the rock-solid coalition we’re building to support them. ”

    “Maine’s forest products industry has long supported good‑paying jobs and helped grow local economies across our state. Loggers are at the heart of that industry, but devastating storms in recent years have severely impacted the ability of logging businesses to operate at full capacity,” Senator Collins said. “This bipartisan bill would provide targeted financial assistance to help loggers recover from federally declared disasters, so that they can continue their important work, sustain rural communities, and contribute to our state’s economy.”

    “In Minnesota’s Eighth Congressional District, our forest products industry has created good paying jobs and driven our local economies,” Stauber said. “Unfortunately, this crucial industry is currently facing a wide variety of threats, from wildfires and drought to insect infestation. Minnesota’s loggers have supported our communities for generations, and it is now our turn to support them. That’s why I am proud to introduce legislation with my friend, Congressman Jared Golden, to establish a new program through the USDA that will provide financial assistance to timber harvesting and timber hauling businesses that have seen their bottom line impacted by natural disasters. I look forward to seeing this legislation help ensure Minnesota’s forest products industry remains strong and resilient.”

    In December 2023, Maine’s logging industry lost $2.6 million after just one particularly severe storm — with a survey released by the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast later finding that more than 90 percent of the industry’s businesses suffered damage to equipment or logistics. In total, Maine’s economy lost $5.5 million due to the loss in logging revenue and productivity that winter.

    “Generations of loggers have spent their lifetimes powering our state’s economy while providing for their families, which is why it is so important to protect and sustain this historic industry,”  Senator King said. “As natural disasters across Maine increase, the bipartisan Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act will help establish a new program within the USDA to support loggers who need assistance to overcome damage and lost income. The logging industry has supported rural Maine families and communities for hundreds of years, and it’s imperative that investments in our foresting community evolve for today’s challenges as we protect it for a sturdy future.” 

    “As Maine experiences more extreme weather events and natural disasters, it’s imperative that we protect our state’s loggers from potentially devastating financial impacts—just as we’ve long done for our fishermen and farmers,” Pingree, a member of the House Agriculture Committee, said.“We’ve already seen the harmful impacts climate change has created for our forest products industry, from delayed harvests to damaged equipment and infrastructure. This common-sense, bipartisan legislation will provide real relief to the families and communities that rely on Maine’s forests for their livelihoods and wellbeing.”

    Logging industry leaders praised the bipartisan legislation: 

    • Dana Doran, executive director of the Professional Logging Contractors of the Northeast: “For too long, logging and forest trucking contractors in the Northeast have been left out of federal relief efforts in the wake of natural disasters, despite suffering losses as severe as those in other industries like fishing and farming that have received aid. The extreme weather our region has experienced in recent years has idled harvest operations for long periods, destroyed logging and timber hauling infrastructure, and driven up costs at a time when the logging industry is already grappling with unprecedented challenges and can least afford it. We are grateful to Congressmen Golden and the rest of Maine’s delegation for their leadership in this effort to secure fair treatment for these hard-working small family businesses, and we encourage swift passage of the Loggers Economic Assistance and Relief Act to provide the aid the industry deserves.”
    • Chuck Ames, president of SDR Logging, Sebec, ME: “I talk to loggers every day and most are struggling, but all they ask for is a level playing field with other industries. I believe this legislation is a step in the right direction toward treating loggers the same as farmers and fishermen. We are all harvesting natural resources, and are all impacted by natural disasters. I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Golden and the rest of Maine’s congressional delegation to recognize that and pass this bill on our behalf.”
    • Marc Greaney, president of Western Maine Timberlands, Fryeburg, ME: “I have been logging for decades in Western Maine, and in recent years have seen severe weather limit my company’s ability to harvest and truck wood for longer periods of time than ever before. When we can’t cut and move wood we don’t get paid, and this is happening at the same time that operating costs are continuing to rise, so I am grateful to Congressman Golden and the other members of Maine’s congressional delegation for attempting to provide disaster relief to loggers in the same way it has been provided to other industries in the past.”
    • Scott Dane, executive director of the American Loggers Council: “The timber industry invests in public and private stumpage (timber) years in advance. A multiyear timber portfolio is necessary to adjust for market and weather conditions. This is an essential element for a logger’s business plan. When unforeseen natural disasters such as drought, wildfire, winds, and invasive species infestations occur, the timber is lost. There are limited options, if any, to replace that timber with new tracts in a timely manner. These losses are extremely disruptive to a logger’s harvest plan and create a significant revenue loss. Congressman Golden’s Loggers Assistance and Relief Act is necessary to support the timber industry, similar to assistance programs for other natural resource and agricultural sectors. The American Loggers Council appreciates the Maine Congressional Delegation, and other sponsors, for this Bill and the security it will provide to logging and trucking businesses” 

    Full text of the legislation can be found here.

    ###

     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Books – SNAKE TALK: How the world’s ancient serpent stories can guide us

    Source: Text Publishing Company

    Book Authors – Tyson Yunkaporta & Megan Kelleher.

    Shining an Indigenous light on contemporary society, Snake Talk invites us to see the world through the eye of the snake

    The Serpent in Aboriginal stories is both creator and destroyer, dwelling between physical and spiritual worlds, between story and history, weaving across earth and sky. The Great Dividing Range is the body of the Serpent, but he does not separate us—he brings us together.

    What if this ancient Lore can be found everywhere? What if the stories of the Basilisk, Wyvern, Naga, Quetzalcoatl and many other mythic Serpents also contain the knowledge we need in this moment of crisis?

    In Snake Talk, Tyson Yunkaporta and Megan Kelleher follow these stories around the world from Kathmandu to Aotearoa, from Mesoamerica to China to northern Europe. They ask how we can align our human gifts with the patterns of creation, seeking answers from makers who pay homage to the Serpent in images and objects.

    This exhilarating new book—like Sand Talk and Right Story, Wrong Story—shines an Indigenous light on contemporary society. Snake Talk invites us to see the world through the eye of the Serpent.

     ‘An extraordinary invitation into the world of the Dreaming…Unheralded.’ Melissa Lucashenko on Sand Talk

    ‘Bristles with revelation…Vigorous brilliance…both sensible and subversive.’ Age on Right Story, Wrong Story

    Tyson Yunkaporta:


    Tyson Yunkaporta is an Aboriginal scholar, founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab at Deakin University in Melbourne, and author of Sand Talk. His work focuses on applying Indigenous methods of inquiry to resolve complex issues and explore global crises.

    Megan Kelleher:

    Megan Kelleher belongs to the Barada and Kapalbara peoples of Central Queensland and the branch of the Kelleher clan living in regional Victoria. She is currently undertaking her PhD at RMIT University in the School of Media and Communication and was honoured to be awarded one of RMIT’s Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Pre‑Doctoral Fellowships in 2018.

    Megan is investigating whether the affordances of blockchain technology are culturally appropriate for Indigenous governance, and is undertaking this research as a core member of the Digital Ethnography Research Centre (DERC) and as a PhD Candidate within The ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S). When she is not training to be an academic, Megan is a devoted mother of her three beautiful children, Eden, Diver and Onyx.

    2 SEP 2025
    Non-fiction Paperback, 224pp
    AU $36.99 / NZ $45.00
    ISBN 9781922790941

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Books – SNAKE TALK: How the world’s ancient serpent stories can guide us

    Source: Text Publishing Company

    Book Authors – Tyson Yunkaporta & Megan Kelleher.

    Shining an Indigenous light on contemporary society, Snake Talk invites us to see the world through the eye of the snake

    The Serpent in Aboriginal stories is both creator and destroyer, dwelling between physical and spiritual worlds, between story and history, weaving across earth and sky. The Great Dividing Range is the body of the Serpent, but he does not separate us—he brings us together.

    What if this ancient Lore can be found everywhere? What if the stories of the Basilisk, Wyvern, Naga, Quetzalcoatl and many other mythic Serpents also contain the knowledge we need in this moment of crisis?

    In Snake Talk, Tyson Yunkaporta and Megan Kelleher follow these stories around the world from Kathmandu to Aotearoa, from Mesoamerica to China to northern Europe. They ask how we can align our human gifts with the patterns of creation, seeking answers from makers who pay homage to the Serpent in images and objects.

    This exhilarating new book—like Sand Talk and Right Story, Wrong Story—shines an Indigenous light on contemporary society. Snake Talk invites us to see the world through the eye of the Serpent.

     ‘An extraordinary invitation into the world of the Dreaming…Unheralded.’ Melissa Lucashenko on Sand Talk

    ‘Bristles with revelation…Vigorous brilliance…both sensible and subversive.’ Age on Right Story, Wrong Story

    Tyson Yunkaporta:


    Tyson Yunkaporta is an Aboriginal scholar, founder of the Indigenous Knowledge Systems Lab at Deakin University in Melbourne, and author of Sand Talk. His work focuses on applying Indigenous methods of inquiry to resolve complex issues and explore global crises.

    Megan Kelleher:

    Megan Kelleher belongs to the Barada and Kapalbara peoples of Central Queensland and the branch of the Kelleher clan living in regional Victoria. She is currently undertaking her PhD at RMIT University in the School of Media and Communication and was honoured to be awarded one of RMIT’s Vice Chancellor’s Indigenous Pre‑Doctoral Fellowships in 2018.

    Megan is investigating whether the affordances of blockchain technology are culturally appropriate for Indigenous governance, and is undertaking this research as a core member of the Digital Ethnography Research Centre (DERC) and as a PhD Candidate within The ARC Centre of Excellence for Automated Decision-Making and Society (ADM+S). When she is not training to be an academic, Megan is a devoted mother of her three beautiful children, Eden, Diver and Onyx.

    2 SEP 2025
    Non-fiction Paperback, 224pp
    AU $36.99 / NZ $45.00
    ISBN 9781922790941

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • Over 3.42 pilgrims had ‘Darshan’ in 21 days, Amarnath Yatra to cross officially expected 3.5-lakh mark today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Since this year’s Amarnath Yatra started on July 3, more than 3.42 lakh yatris have had ‘darshan’ so far while a fresh batch of 3,500 pilgrims started their journey on Thursday from Jammu towards the two base camps, officials said.

    Officials said that more than 3.42 lakh yatris have performed the ongoing Amarnath Yatra during the last 21 days as the huge rush of pilgrims continues unabated.

    “The officially expected figure of 3.50 lakh yatris performing the Yatra this year is likely to be crossed on Thursday, while 17 days are still left for the conclusion of this year’s Yatra.”

    “The Yatra has been going on peacefully, smoothly and this has encouraged the devotees to come in record numbers. As more than 3.42 lakh have had darshan in the last 21 days, we had another batch of 3,500 yatris, who left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu for the Valley on Thursday.”

    “Of these, the first escorted convoy of 45 vehicles carrying 832 yatris left for the Baltal base camp at 3:25 a.m. while the second convoy of 95 vehicles carrying 2,668 yatris to the Pahalgam base camp left at 4:01 a.m.,” officials said.

    The Bhumi Pujan of ‘Chhari Mubarak’ (Lord Shiva’s Holy Mace) was performed at Pahalgam on July 10. The Chhari Mubarak was then taken back to its seat at the Dashnami Akhara building.

    It will start its final journey towards the cave shrine from Dashnami Akhara temple in Srinagar on August 4 and will reach the holy cave shrine on August 9, marking the official conclusion of the Yatra.

    Authorities have made extensive multi-tier security arrangements for this year’s Amarnath Yatra, as it takes place after the cowardly attack of April 22 in which Pakistan-backed terrorists killed 26 civilians after segregating them based on faith in the Baisaran meadow of Pahalgam.

    Additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have been brought in to augment the existing strength of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB and the local police.

    The Army has deployed more than 8,000 special commandos to secure the passage of the pilgrims this year.

    The Yatra started on July 3 and will end after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and Raksha Bandhan.

    Yatris approach the holy cave shrine situated ,888 metres above sea level in the Kashmir Himalayas either from the traditional Pahalgam route or the shorter Baltal route.

    Those using the Pahalgam route pass through Chandanwari, Sheshnag and Panchtarni to reach the cave shrine, covering a distance of 46 km on foot.

    This trek takes a pilgrim four days to get to the cave shrine.

    Those using the shorter Baltal route have to trek 14 km to reach the cave shrine and return to the base camp the same day after having darshan.

    No helicopter services are available to yatris this year due to security reasons.

    The cave shrine houses an ice stalagmite structure that wanes and waxes with the phases of the moon.

    Devotees believe that the ice stalagmite structure symbolises the mythical powers of Lord Shiva.

    (IANS)