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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young persons in custody sit for HKDSE Examination for self-enhancement (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The results of the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE) Examination were released today (July 16). Young persons in custody (PICs) obtained satisfactory results in the examination this year.

    A total of 20 young PICs from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution and Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI) enrolled in the HKDSE Examination this year. They took a total of 100 examination papers and obtained level 2/”Attained” or above in 92 papers, or 92 per cent of all papers taken. Four of them met the general entrance requirements for local universities, among whom one candidate at STCI scored the highest 20 marks in the best five subjects and obtained an “Attained” in Citizenship and Social Development, with level 5* in Chinese Language and 5 in Mathematics respectively. Two candidates at LKCI and STCI also attained remarkable results of 5** and 5* in Mathematics and the extended part of Mathematics (M1) respectively.

    The examinations sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship and Social Development, as well as two electives of Economics and Tourism and Hospitality Studies etc.

    The Superintendent of STCI, Mr Poon Ho-lam, said, “The Correctional Services Department (CSD) is committed to providing diversified rehabilitation programmes and encouraging young PICs to sit for public examinations and obtain recognised academic qualifications to enhance their further education or employment prospects, preparing them for reintegration into society after release.”
     
    Mr Poon said that although the young PICs had encountered many difficulties in the course of their preparation for the HKDSE Examination, they had not given up their academic pursuits. With unwavering perseverance and diligence, and family support as well as assistance from correctional officers and dedicated guidance from teachers, the young PICs continuously made strides and strived for good results, which was truly commendable. He called on the public to give rehabilitated persons fair opportunities and accept and support their reintegration into society.
     
    The CSD has provided education to help young PICs below 21 years of age to gain accredited qualifications and develop positive values, hoping that they can further their studies, take up employment and reintegrate into society after release.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Fire safety of old buildings

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):
     
    Question:
     
    It has been reported that a No. 3 alarm fire broke out at New Lucky House in Jordan in April last year, resulting in five deaths and 40 injuries of members of the public. This Council subsequently passed the Fire Safety (Buildings) (Amendment) Bill 2024 (the Bill) in December last year to enable the Government to carry out fire safety improvement works for target building owners who fail to comply with the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance, and to increase the penalties imposed on persons who fail to comply with Fire Safety Directions, etc., so as to enhance the fire safety standards of old buildings. However, it is learnt that at present, there are still cases with, among others, public passageways obstructed by miscellaneous articles and smoke stop doors not closed in individual composite buildings and factory buildings. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that the Hong Kong Fire Services Department (FSD) indicated in January this year that the authorities had inspected about 1 000 old buildings with higher risk and issued more than 8 600 Fire Hazard Abatement Notices (FHANs), of the percentage of “three-nil buildings” among such buildings, the number of persons prosecuted and convicted, and the reasons why they were prosecuted, with a breakdown by the 18 districts across the territory;
     
    (2) given that the authorities issued FHANs to or took enforcement actions against the non-compliant buildings during the inspections of the buildings mentioned in (1), of the compliance rate of the buildings concerned so far; whether the authorities will further inspect the buildings concerned on a regular basis; if so, of the details;
     
    (3) of the number of old buildings which the authorities will proactively inspect in the coming year;
     
    (4) given that according to the paper submitted by the Government to the Panel on Security of this Council in December last year, the FSD will select 10 to 20 old buildings at the initial stage after the passage of the Bill for the Government to carry out defaulted works, of the number of buildings finally selected by the authorities, as well as their names, and the number of three-nil buildings among such buildings; the progress and estimated costs of the relevant works;
     
    (5) whether the authorities will consider increasing the number of buildings for which defaulted works will be carried out; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and

    (6) as it is learnt that although the FSD is inviting some owners of old buildings to participate in the Pilot Scheme on the Internet of Things (IoT) fire detection system (the Scheme) which aims to make use of IoT technology by installing sensors inside flats or in the public areas of buildings, so that in the event of a fire, the sensors will transmit the relevant information directly to the FSD, thereby speeding up the efficiency of the authorities in carrying out fire-fighting operations, only a small number of buildings in each district are invited to participate in the Scheme, of the details of the Scheme and the criteria adopted by the authorities for inviting building owners to participate in the Scheme?

    Reply:

    President,

    Fire safety of buildings is a matter of great concern to the Government. A multi-pronged approach has been taken to improve the fire safety standards of old buildings.

    With regard to law enforcement, the Fire Services Department (FSD) handles fire hazards in buildings (including old buildings) in accordance with the Fire Services Ordinance (Cap. 95). Generally speaking, during the inspections of buildings in respect of fire safety or complaints, if it is discovered that the means of escape are obstructed or locked, the smoke stop doors are left open or defective, the fire service installations or equipment (FSIs) are not in efficient working order or have not undergone annual inspection, etc., the FSD will issue a Fire Hazard Abatement Notice (FHAN) or instigate prosecution against the relevant parties.
     
    Moreover, in respect of legislation, to enhance the fire safety standard of old buildings, the Government enacted the Fire Safety (Buildings) Ordinance (Cap. 572) (the Ordinance) which stipulates that composite and domestic buildings constructed in or before 1987 (target buildings) must be enhanced to meet modern fire protection requirements. Being the enforcement authorities (EAs), the FSD and the Buildings Department (BD) conduct joint inspections of target buildings across the territory in a systematic manner, and in light of the actual condition of the buildings and in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance, issue Fire Safety Directions (Directions) to the owners or occupiers, specifying the required fire safety improvement works. There are about 14 000 target buildings regulated under the Ordinance. As of end-May 2025, about 11 430 target buildings have been inspected and over 400 000 Directions have been issued. Among those issued Directions, about 40 per cent of them have been complied with or discharged, with the remaining some 60 per cent are being followed-up on. Most of these target buildings are making positive progress in taking forward fire safety improvement works and some are in the early stages showing initial progress in complying with the requirements of the Ordinance. Some other buildings face genuine difficulties in co-ordinating efforts, e.g. some building owners being missing or untraceable, making it impossible to co-ordinate relevant works. For cases lacking progress without reasonable excuse, the EAs will progressively instigate prosecutions against relevant buildings.

    The Government has been proactively providing various kinds of support (including support on financial aspects, co-ordination among owners and technical aspects) to owners of old buildings, assisting them in carrying out fire safety improvement works. To further enhance the fire safety standards of target buildings, amendments were made to the Ordinance, with the relevant Amendment Ordinance came into effect on December 13, 2024, empowering the FSD and the BD to carry out fire safety improvement works for owners who have failed to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance ( defaulted works), and to recover the relevant fees from them upon completion of the works. In addition, the above-mentioned Amendment Ordinance has also introduced different measures with a view to driving owners’ compliance with the requirements of the Ordinance on their own initiative. The FSD and the BD, as the EAs, are proactively implementing the relevant targeted measures.
     
    My reply to the questions raised by the Hon Cheng is as follows:

    (1) In response to the tragic fire at New Lucky House occurred in April 2024, the FSD proactively conducted, under a risk-based principle, about 8 200 inspections against some 1 000 old composite buildings with relatively higher fire risk. A total of 8 661 FHANs were issued during the inspections. The number of FHANs issued to “three-nil buildings”, and the number of successful prosecutions and convictions, are tabulated by District Council districts distribution below –
     

    Districts Of the total of 8 661 FHANs issued by FSD
    The number of FHANs issued to “three-nil buildings” The number of successful prosecutions and convictions
    Islands 0 0
    Central & Western 71 6
    Wan Chai 23 21
    Eastern 101 1
    Southern 16 0
    Kowloon City 169 54
    Kwun Tong 98 14
    Wong Tai Sin 28 2
    Yau Tsim Mong 416 179
    Sham Shui Po 1 074 40
    Tsuen Wan 21 0
    Kwai Tsing 0 0
    Tuen Mun 0 0
    Sha Tin 0 0
    Sai Kung 0 0
    Tai Po 14 2
    North 0 0
    Yuen Long 81 5
    Total 2 112 324

    In respect of the reasons for instigating prosecution, a majority number of cases involved smoke stop door-related irregularities (involving 259 cases), followed by obstruction to means of escape (involving 42 cases) and FSI-related irregularities (involving 23 cases).

    (2) & (3) With respect to the proactive inspections mentioned in (1) above, a total of 8 661 FHANs were issued by the FSD. As of end-June 2025, over 90 per cent of them had been complied with.

    To further step up law enforcement actions against fire hazards in target buildings, the FSD has established the Building Improvement Special Duty Team (known as the Divisional Public Safety Team) in March 2025 in Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and New Territories regions respectively to enhance district-based risk management efforts. In the coming year, the FSD will proactively carry out inspections of 1 800 old buildings, strengthening law enforcement and enhancing fire safety education.

    (4) As far as the implementation of the defaulted works mechanism is concerned, we have established a clear, objective and transparent mechanism to set a threshold and to prioritise defaulted works. During the initial stage of the defaulted works mechanism, a pilot scheme will be implemented by the EAs, under which 10 target buildings have been selected for the Government to carry out defaulted works, among which, more than half of them are “three-nil buildings”. The EAs plan to award works consultancy and contractor contracts in the third quarter of 2025, and it is expected that contractors may commence the works in the fourth quarter of 2025 and the defaulted works for the first building will be completed by mid-2026.  
     
    The EAs are in the procurement process for engaging works consultants and contractors. Therefore, cost of works is yet to be available. Following the completion of investigation and assessment on the defaulted works by the works consultants appointed by the EAs, the EAs may make available to the building owners concerned the initial proposal and preliminary total cost estimate for the defaulted works.
     
    　　As mentioned above, in addition to the introduction of defaulted works, we also introduced different measures in the legislative amendment exercise on the Ordinance, with a view to driving owners’ compliance with the requirements of the Ordinance on their own initiative. One of those measures introduced is on publishing information of Directions, etc. on the EAs’ websites, providing members of the public and prospective buyers with information about the compliance status of target buildings with the Ordinance, further driving owners to carry out fire safety improvement works. To this end, the FSD and the BD have respectively published on their websites (Note) information about Directions or Fire Safety Compliance Orders (FSCOs), etc. (i.e. the address of the building or part to which the Direction/FSCO relates, the serial number, date of issue and compliance status of the Direction and FSCO). This will allow members of the public (including the prospective buyers/tenants of target buildings units) to have better knowledge of the outstanding legal liabilities of the target buildings, thereby encouraging owners to comply with the requirements of the Ordinance.

    (5) When implementing the pilot scheme, the EAs will closely monitor the implementation and execution of the defaulted works mechanism, and maintain close co-ordination with relevant government departments, in order to ensure its effective operation in a sustainable manner. The EAs will decide on the number and schedule of defaulted works per annum after consolidating the experience, taking into account factors such as the industry’s capacity to undertake such works, and formulate long-term and holistic strategies for the mechanism, with a view to assisting owners with genuine difficulties in enhancing the fire protection of old buildings. The EAs expect that defaulted works can be carried out for around 20 to 60 target buildings each year.

    (6) The FSD has long moved with the times and made good use of innovative technologies to enhance operational efficiency and bring convenience and benefits to the public. Looking ahead, the FSD will explore the collaboration with telecommunication service providers to promote smart firefighting, accelerate digital transformation, and explore innovative application of technologies, such as 5G, big data, the Internet of Things (IoT), and artificial intelligence in rescue, fire prevention and emergency management. This includes exploring the use of IoT technology to transmit data from fire detectors directly to the FSD’s system for early fire detection, etc., the purpose of which is to enhance the fire safety standard of buildings while holistically improving the level of intelligentisation and informatisation in firefighting. The FSD is currently undertaking preliminary preparatory work for implementing the relevant scheme (including considering a basket of factors, such as building age, number of building storeys, and whether it is a “three-nil building”, etc., in order to select suitable buildings for the pilot scheme). As in the cases of implementing other new measures, after exploring the application of the aforesaid technologies for the implementation of the pilot scheme, the FSD will consolidate relevant experience and review the effectiveness for considering the way forward of the relevant initiative.

    Note:
    FSD’s relevant website is at fsdns.hkfsd.gov.hk/en
    BD’s relevant website is at www.bd.gov.hk/en/resources/online-tools/search/index.html

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Diagonal crossings

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Following is a question by the Hon Dennis Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

    Last year, the Government conducted trials of diagonal crossings at the two crossroads at the junction of Sha Kok Street and Yat Tai Street in Sha Tin and the junction of Carnarvon Road and Granville Road in Tsim Sha Tsui. Some Tseung Kwan O residents have relayed that as the pedestrian flows at the crossroads at the junction of Tong Chun Street and Po Yap Road in Tseung Kwan O (the Tseung Kwan O crossroads) during different periods are extremely high, they hope that diagonal crossings can be tried out and implemented at that crossroads, so as to facilitate the travelling of local residents to and from MTR Tseung Kwan O Station. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has assessed and prepared a report on the effectiveness of the two trials of diagonal crossings in Sha Tin and Tsim Sha Tsui; if so, of the contents of the report; if not, when it will conduct such an assessment;

    (2) whether it will include the Tseung Kwan O crossroads as a new trial location for diagonal crossings; if so, when the trial will be conducted; if not, of the reasons for that; and

    (3) as there are views that while the Tseung Kwan O crossroads has five to six carriageways on each side with a diagonal distance of as long as 40 to 50 metres, its traffic signal cycle time is similar to that of other crossroads, leaving insufficient time for pedestrians to cross the road diagonally, whether the Government will consider readjusting the traffic signal timings at that crossroads, so as to facilitate a trial of diagonal crossings?

    Reply:

    President,

    Diagonal crossing is one of the pedestrian-friendly crossing facilities introduced by the Transport Department (TD). Such facilities at appropriate junctions give pedestrians the choice to cross directly to a diagonal corner with shorter walking distance and time, thereby improving the walking environment. After consulting the TD, my consolidated response to the questions raised by the Hon Dennis Leung is as follows:

    (1) To assess how road users navigate junctions and to evaluate the safety and detailed design of diagonal crossings, the TD has conducted trials at the junction of Sha Kok Street and Yat Tai Street in Sha Tin in the first half of 2024 and the junction of Carnarvon Road and Granville Road in Tsim Sha Tsui in the second half of 2024, which will help inform the development of design standards and guidelines for diagonal crossings that are appropriate for Hong Kong. As observed by the TD, the trial results have been positive so far. The trial junctions have been operating safely and smoothly, and reduced walking time for pedestrian crossing the junction diagonally. 

    (2) and (3) In assessing the suitability of diagonal crossing implementation at individual junctions, the TD has to address the needs of different road users, as well as carefully consider the traffic characteristics (including factors such as traffic flow, pedestrian flow and junction layout, etc.) of individual junctions, examine the vehicular capacity of the junctions and its impact on nearby traffic, and explore different engineering options to establish the feasibility. As regards the cross junction of Tong Chun Street and Po Yap Road in Tseung Kwan O, given the relatively long crossing distance and busy traffic flow of the junction, the implementation of diagonal crossing will require significant adjustments to traffic signal (such as reduction of traffic green time) so as to allow sufficient time for pedestrians to cross the road diagonally in a safe manner and this may affect the traffic at the junction and its vicinity. 

    In addition to the two trial junctions mentioned above, the TD is actively assessing the feasibility of diagonal crossing implementation at other signalised junctions, including locations suggested by the public and Legislative Council/District Council Members during the trial period, in order to further promote diagonal crossings. The TD anticipates that the assessment would be completed in the second half of this year with a view to selecting a new batch of suitable junctions for implementation. Thereafter, the TD will progressively plan and take forward the associated works in the light of the assessment results, the specific conditions of the sites and the complexity of the works involved.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ8: Measures to encourage childbirth

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Shang Hailong and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         It has been reported that Hong Kong’s fertility rate has remained persistently low in recent years, with the total fertility rate for 2023 standing at only 0.8, which is significantly below the replacement level of 2.1 required to maintain the population level. This situation presents profound challenges to Hong Kong’s future economic development, public service demands and workforce structure. The latest report published by the United Nations Population Fund indicates that the primary cause of the global decline in fertility rates is insufficient “reproductive autonomy”, which includes structural barriers such as economic pressure, gender inequality, lack of partner support and want of comprehensive reproductive health services. There are views that Hong Kong’s current pro-natalist policies largely focus on providing short-term economic incentives (e.g. allowances and increased maternity leave) without formulating long-term strategies to address the aforementioned structural barriers. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it will conduct a comprehensive review of the effectiveness of the existing pro-natalist measures, and propose ground-breaking policies to address the current structural economic issues faced by citizens (such as high housing costs, intense educational competition, and job instability); 

    (2) given that a survey has reportedly indicated that only 22 per cent of enterprises offer family-friendly measures beyond those required by law, whether the authorities will consider implementing a “family-friendly workplace certification” programme, through which enhanced subsidies would be provided to enterprises to offer more flexible working arrangements and childrearing support; 

    (3)whether the authorities will consider drawing on overseas and the Mainland experiences to actively expand the childcare service network, such as by exploring the introduction of a “neighbourhood childcare voucher scheme”, subsidising parents to use qualified private childcare services within their communities, or making better use of idle government sites or community facilities in commercial areas to establish more childcare service centres; and 

    (4) whether the authorities will consider allowing “top talent”, “quality migrants” and “professionals” admitted under various talent admission schemes to apply for the Newborn Baby Bonus scheme, with a view to encouraging more talent to stay in Hong Kong and contribute to its development?

    Reply:

    President,

         The issue of childbearing straddles across a number of policy areas and bureaux, including the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration’s Office, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, the Education Bureau, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau, the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, the Health Bureau and the Housing Bureau. A consolidated reply by relevant government bureaux and departments is as follows:

    (1) Childbearing is a major life decision which involves different considerations. Fertility cannot be boosted substantially by Government’s policies alone. Various government bureaux and departments have adopted a range of measures to encourage fertility.

         In respect of child care, the Government has been supporting parents who cannot take care of their children temporarily through subsidising NGOs to provide a variety of day child care services, including Child Care Centre (CCC) services for children aged from birth to under three, After School Care Programme and Neighbourhood Support Child Care Project (NSCCP). To strengthen support for working families in childbearing, the Social Welfare Department (SWD) is setting up 11 aided standalone CCCs in phases over the three years starting from 2024, doubling the total number of service places to reach around 2 000. The SWD is also extending the After School Care Programme for pre-primary children to cover all districts in phases, and increasing the number of service places under the NSCCP to 2 500 with the estimated number of beneficiaries increasing to 25 000. The Government has also launched the School-based After School Care Service Scheme to provide focused support for students in need (particularly those from single-parent families) to stay in school after school hours for care and learning support, thereby allowing their parents to take up jobs. Over 120 primary schools covering 18 districts across the territory participated in the scheme in the 2024/25 school year, providing about 6 000 places. We will encourage more schools to participate in the scheme in the 2025/26 school year without imposing any quota. Meanwhile, the Government reviews the Working Family Allowance (WFA) Scheme from time to time. The rates of the household and child allowances under the WFA Scheme have been increased by 15 per cent across the board with effect from April 2024, benefiting all households receiving the WFA. The WFA Scheme provides additional allowances for relevant childbearing families, and increasing the rates of the WFA helps further alleviate the burden of grassroots working families. Taking a four-person household with two eligible children as an example, the maximum monthly WFA they may receive have increased from the original amount of $4,200 to $4,830 at present.

    Hong Kong’s education system values equity and diversity. The government provides 12 years’ free primary and secondary education through public sector schools, and ensures the provision of sufficient public sector school places for students eligible for receiving education in Hong Kong. Regardless of students’ backgrounds, all are given access to quality education. Diversified support mechanisms are in place to cater to individual differences and promote whole-person development. Our competitive edge is clearly reflected in the excellent performance of Hong Kong students in international studies and assessments. The Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results underscore Hong Kong’s outstanding performance in educational equity. Hong Kong ranked second among countries or economies with high academic achievements, indicating that the family socio-economic status of Hong Kong students, including occupation and education level of their parents, had minimal bearing on their performance. This demonstrates that, under our education system, schools are able to provide ample and appropriate education support services for students with different socio-economic backgrounds. The results reaffirmed the merits of the Hong Kong education system in providing all students with quality and equal education opportunities, thereby facilitating social mobility. Besides, the Government has launched the Kindergarten Education Scheme since the 2017/18 school year with the objectives of providing good quality and highly affordable kindergarten education, and enhancing the accessibility of students to different modes of services that suit their specific needs. About 90 per cent of half-day kindergartens are currently free of charge, while the school fees for whole-day kindergartens are maintained at a low level. Families with financial needs may apply for fee remission under the Kindergarten and Child Care Centre Fee Remission Scheme (KCFRS). At present, parents can receive full level of fee remission under the KCFRS.

         The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau (HYAB) has been supporting the work of the Family Council (the Council) in promoting a culture of loving families to the general public through organising different publicity programmes and activities. In October 2024, the HYAB and the Council launched the five-year Funding Scheme on the Promotion of Family Education (the Scheme). With annual funding of $8 million, the Scheme subsidises non-profit-making community projects in promoting family education to meet the needs of different families. For the 2024-25 round of applications, a total of 12 projects have been approved. On the other hand, the Council has been encouraging the wider adoption of more diversified and flexible family-friendly employment practices (FFEPs) in the community. These measures will also help promote a childbearing-friendly environment. Since 2023-24, the Council has been launching promotional videos entitled “Family-friendly Workplace” featuring various FFEPs adopted by local companies with sharings by employers and employees. The FFEPs presented include breastfeeding-friendly arrangements, allowing employees to bring their children to work during summer vacation, work-from-home arrangement and flexible work hours, etc. The Council has also collaborated with the Radio Television Hong Kong to produce radio programmes to promulgate different FFEPs. The Council will continue the relevant promotion work.

         In terms of tax measures, the basic child allowance and the additional child allowance for each child born during the year of assessment (YA) have been raised to $130,000 starting from YA 2023/24. Moreover, starting from YA 2024/25, for taxpayers who live with their children born on or after October 25, 2023, and meet the prescribed conditions, the deduction ceiling for home loan interest or domestic rents may be raised from $100,000 to $120,000 for a maximum of 19 YAs. These measures help alleviate the financial burden of taxpayers from raising children.

         As regards healthcare services, the Government has been committed to supporting assisted reproductive (AR) services and promoting healthy fertility, to assist those who wish to have children. Currently, nine public hospitals under the Hospital Authority (HA) offer assisted reproductive services, among which Queen Mary Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, and Kwong Wah Hospital provide in-vitro fertilisation (IVF) services. The HA is gradually increasing the publicly subsidised service quotas of assisted reproductive services for IVF treatment starting from 2024-25, from the previous 1 100 per year to 1 800 per year in 2028-29, and in parallel enhancing the training for relevant professionals. Achievement of the relevant target is underway, where the HA provided 100 additional subsidised service quotas in 2024-25 as planned, and 300 more quotas will be in place in 2025-26, followed by an additional service quota of 100 places per year in the three years that follow. In addition, the HA repositioned seven AR drugs from self-financed items to special drugs in the HA Drug Formulary in late April this year, whereby patients are only required to pay standard fees if prescribed these seven drugs under specified clinical applications, reducing the financial burden on patients receiving the relevant AR drug therapies. Aside from public AR services, starting from the year of assessment 2024-25, the Government is providing tax deductions for expenses on AR services under salaries tax and personal assessment, to relieve the financial burden from the relevant expenditure and encourage couples faced with fertility difficulties to seek medical assistance as necessary. In the meantime, the Department of Health will also revamp maternal and child health and family planning services, providing new pre-pregnancy health services to reproductive age group women at the Maternal and Child Health Centres in phases, as well as review and adjust the scope of the subsidised family planning service currently provided by non-government organisations, to promote healthy fertility. Furthermore, the Council on Human Reproductive Technology plans to lift the statutory maximum storage periods of gametes and embryos for own use within this year, to allow the members of the public to make their own decisions on the storage duration of gametes and embryos depending on their health and other conditions, so as to better realise reproductive autonomy.

         In respect of housing, the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme and the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme to encourage childbearing by giving incentives to family applicants of public rental housing (PRH) and subsidised sale flats (SSF) sale exercises. Regarding the allocation of PRH, the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Allocation Priority Scheme since April 1, 2024. PRH family applications with babies born on or after October 25, 2023, and aged one or below are credited one year of waiting time. As at end-June 2025, about 5 000 PRH applications have been credited one year of waiting time under the scheme, of which about 420 families have already been successfully housed to PRH. As for SSF, starting from the Sale of Home Ownership Scheme (HOS) Flats 2024 (HOS 2024), the HA has implemented the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme which was announced in the 2023 Policy Address. A quota of about 40 per cent of the new flats for sale (i.e. 2 900 flats) under HOS 2024 were set aside for eligible applicants under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme and the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members for balloting and priority flat selection. Family applicants of HOS with babies born or after October 25, 2023, are eligible if their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application. During the application period of HOS 2024, the HA received a total of around 106 000 applications. Among them, around 50 000 were family applicants, of which around 19 000 (i.e. about 40 per cent) applied under the Priority Scheme for Families with Elderly Members and Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. Among these 19 000 applicants, 800 applicants have successfully purchased flats through the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme. If eligible families applying under the Families with Newborns Flat Selection Priority Scheme fail to purchase a flat under HOS 2024, they may still apply under the Scheme for priority flat selection as long as their children are aged three or below on the closing day of the application in subsequent SSF sale exercises.

    (2) Through publicity and promotional activities, the Labour Department (LD) motivates employers to adopt employee-oriented good human resources management measures and implement family-friendly employment practices, including allowing flexible work arrangements, granting special leave approval to cater for family needs of employees and providing relevant support to employees’ family life, etc. Implementing FFEPs enables employees to balance the needs of taking care of their family, and also helps employers recruit and retain staff. Considering the diverse circumstances of enterprises, it is more appropriate to adopt an approach that motivates and encourages enterprises to flexibly implement FFEPs. The LD will continue to take forward relevant work by launching publicity and promotion through various channels, including organising activities on the Good Employer Charter.

    (3) As regards the network of child care services, the SWD is setting up 11 aided standalone CCCs in phases over the three years starting from 2024. The SWD has been continuously reviewing the service planning for CCCs and would consider the overall situations of child care services and the characteristics of individual districts so as to take follow-up measures in a timely manner, including enhancing service promotion, and adjusting the planned provision of CCCs and the distribution of service places, etc., to better meet the service demand of the community.

         Regarding the planning for child care facilities, the Government has incorporated the population-based planning ratios into the Hong Kong Planning Standards and Guidelines in respect of aided standalone CCCs, with a view to reserving necessary sites and space for these facilities early in the planning process of new and redeveloped areas. The SWD has been maintaining close contact with relevant departments to identify suitable sites in various development or redevelopment of public housing estates and urban renewal projects for the provision of child care facilities. In addition, the SWD will make the best use of vacant government accommodation/premises and vacant non-domestic premises in public housing estates to explore whether they are suitable for the use of child care facilities. The SWD will also provide relevant information and assistance to private organisations applying for registration to operate CCCs, and encourage private organisations to provide child care support for their employees.

    (4) The Government announced in the 2023 Policy Address that a cash reward of $20,000 will be provided to eligible parents for each baby born from October 25, 2023, for a period of three years. Starting from October 25, 2023, parents can submit an application for the bonus at the same time when registering the birth of their baby and applying for a birth certificate. As of end-June 2025, a total of 49 567 qualified applications have been received, and the bonus has been distributed to 48 984 applicants, at a total amount of approximately $979 million. The Office of the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration is carrying out a review of the Newborn Baby Bonus Scheme. In the review, suggestions which have been raised in the community, including whether to cover families under different talent schemes, will be considered. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: ICAC Complaints Committee annual report tabled in LegCo

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The 2024 Annual Report of the Independent Commission Against Corruption (ICAC) Complaints Committee was tabled in the Legislative Council today (July 16). The report gives a summary of the Committee’s work in 2024.

    The Committee is tasked with the responsibility of monitoring the handling of non-criminal complaints against the ICAC and its officers. The Committee takes an independent view on the ICAC’s investigation findings on the complaints received, reviews the ICAC’s procedures which may lead to complaints, and makes recommendations for improvement.

    In 2024, the Committee received 13 complaints involving 53 allegations against the ICAC or its officers which required full investigations. Among the allegations registered in 2024, 92 per cent were related to neglect of duties by ICAC officers, 6 per cent to misconduct matters and 2 per cent to abuse of power.   

    The ICAC submits investigation reports to the Committee after conducting full investigations on complaint cases. During 2024, the Committee considered the investigation reports of 17 complaint cases including 13 cases received in 2024 and four cases received in 2023 for which the related investigation was completed in 2024. These complaints contained a total of 66 allegations in which one allegation involving one ICAC officer was found to be substantiated. In this year, the Committee also considered and endorsed six assessment reports submitted by the ICAC for complaints which did not warrant a full investigation. Preliminary assessments showed that the six cases were irrational complaints or had already been dealt with during the court trial with a decision made, and the Committee agreed that no further investigative actions should be taken.

    After a careful examination of the issues identified in the investigation reports considered during 2024, the ICAC has strengthened training programmes for frontline officers to enhance their vigilance and professionalism when discharging their duties.

    The annual report of the Committee is available on the Administration Wing’s website (www.admwing.gov.hk/eng/links/icac.htm) and also at the ICAC’s regional offices.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ2: Promoting safe and healthy development of low-altitude economy industries

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Siu-hung and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

    The National Development and Reform Commission has earlier on emphasised the expansion of application scenarios for low-altitude economic activities in a well-classified and orderly manner, on the premise that risks be stringently controlled and safety be ensured. On promoting the safe and healthy development of the low-altitude economy industries, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) given that the establishment of a “visible and manageable” fully digitalised low-altitude airspace management system is a key element in managing and controlling the safe and orderly flights of a wide range of high-traffic-density and high-frequency aircrafts in the airspace, whether the Government has a timetable for the establishment of the system concerned; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;

    (2) as there are views pointing out that the data derived from the low-‍altitude economy have high economic values, and data security will have a direct impact on the efficiency and safety of the use of airspace, whether the Government will study the establishment of a data security system to promote standardised management and the safe and efficient use of low-altitude data, as well as to facilitate the transformation of data value; and

    (3) whether it will, by drawing reference from the development experience in the Mainland and other places around the world, conduct quantitative analysis on the economic benefits brought about by low-altitude infrastructure and the related industries, and formulate a plan for development of such facilities through a public-‍private partnership approach, so as to attract more infrastructure investments; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

    Low-altitude economy (LAE) is a national strategic emerging industry and an example of developing new quality productive forces. For LAE to “fly far”, it must first “fly steady”. Therefore, safety is undoubtedly a prerequisite for LAE development.

    In consultation with the Innovation, Technology and Industry Bureau, the Development Bureau (DEVB) and the Civil Aviation Department, the reply to the Hon Chan’s question is as follows:

    (1) Robust low-altitude infrastructure is a critical element in ensuring the safe and orderly operation of low-altitude flying activities. Given Hong Kong’s unique urban landscape characterised by dense high-rise buildings and varied terrain, the low-altitude operating environment is particularly challenging. The establishment of digitalised low-altitude infrastructure, particularly the Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System, coupled with the formulation of a comprehensive data policy, is essential to ensuring the safe, efficient, and sustainable development of LAE.

    Building on the experience gathered from the Regulatory Sandbox (Sandbox) pilot projects, the Government will formulate the conceptual model and technical specifications for a Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System. To implement these plans, the Government will commence a technical study within this year, drawing on the Mainland and international advanced practices to ensure that the technical parameters of low-altitude infrastructure, including the Smart Low-altitude Traffic Management System, are compatible with regional and international regulatory standards.

    (2) The development of LAE will generate significant volumes of data resources such as flight data collected during unmanned aircraft operations, the secure and efficient utilisation of which will directly affect the industry’s development potential. In respect of data management and data security of government systems, the relevant bureaux and departments (B/Ds) at present must comply with the Government IT Security Policy and Guidelines, which require for example encrypting data both in transit and at rest, prohibiting the storage of sensitive and personal data on public cloud platforms, and conducting regular security risk assessments and audits as well as privacy impact assessments for B/Ds’ information systems. These measures aim to ensure that data are kept secure and reliable and meet all applicable legislative and regulatory requirements, including requirements on privacy protection of personal data.

    Given the above and in accordance with the open data policy of the Government, data collected by LAE projects can, depending on the circumstances, be made available to the public via the existing digital infrastructures such as the Open Data Portal and the Common Spatial Data Infrastructure Portal (CSDI), thereby fostering more LAE-related applications and industry development. In fact, a considerable amount of data beneficial to the development of the LAE, e.g. maps, aerial photographs, 3D spatial data, building data, traffic data and weather data, etc, has already been shared with the industry through the aforementioned government data platforms, facilitating various sectors to explore more application scenarios of low-altitude flying activities and unlock the full potential of the data.

    Furthermore, the DEVB, the Lands Department and relevant departments will jointly explore the feasibility of sharing LAE-related data through a unified platform, and build a three-dimensional information hub dedicated to low-altitude flying activities as a pilot project to conduct a proof-of-concept for sharing data collected by unmanned aircraft. This hub will make reference to the data sharing model of the Mainland and closely connect with the CSDI developed by the DEVB to unify and integrate data from different sources, and be equipped with relevant data dashboards to enable thematic information sharing between the Government and relevant stakeholders relating to low-altitude flying activities.

    (3) The development of low-altitude infrastructure is a forward-looking systematic project. Through government guidance and cross-sector collaboration, it can accelerate industrial upgrading and drive the robust growth of LAE. In addition to the investment of government resources, we believe that private market participation is also an indispensable driving force, particularly in areas such as the construction of takeoff/landing sites and the planning of mobile radio communications network. Drawing reference from the experiences and various models adopted in the Mainland and other regions, we will proceed step-by-step in taking forward the relevant work on the development of LAE infrastructure. Throughout this process, the Government will, on the premises of safeguarding aviation and public safety, explore various operational models conducive to the development of LAE to foster long-term economic benefits.

    At present, the Government is testing different low-altitude flying application scenarios, technical and site requirements, and cross-departmental regulatory co-ordination through the Sandbox pilot projects. The aims are to gather data, accumulate experience, and examine the infrastructure, safety standards, and legislative and regulatory framework necessary for LAE development, thereby providing trial experience and evidence-based foundation of various application scenarios for the planning of LAE development, including the feasible models for the construction of LAE infrastructure. Our vision is that while the Government creates a favourable ecosystem through top-level design, standard-setting, and institutional innovation, the private sector will drive industrial advancement through technological breakthrough and business model innovation. This public-private collaboration model will pave the way for the sustainable development of LAE in Hong Kong.

    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected scheduled rhino horns worth about $1 million (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Hong Kong Customs on July 11 seized about 2.7 kilograms of suspected scheduled rhino horns, with an estimated market value of about $1 million, at Hong Kong International Airport.
     
    Through risk assessment, Customs officers inspected two air postal packets declared to contain “ceramic ornament statues” imported from Spain. Upon inspection, the suspected scheduled endangered rhino horns were found mingled with ceramic products inside the cartons.
     
    After a follow-up investigation, Customs officers arrested two men, aged 40 and 33, suspected to be connected with the case.
     
    The two arrested men will be charged with illegal import of an Appendix I species. They will appear at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (July 17).
     
    Under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Afternoon Briefing with Patricia Karvelas

    Source: Murray Darling Basin Authority

    PATRICIA KARVELAS, HOST: Let’s get some immediate political reaction, not just to this story, but of course the broader child care crisis too and go straight to the Education Minister Jason Clare. 

    Jason Clare, lovely to have you on the show. 

    JASON CLARE, MINISTER FOR EDUCATION: Thanks, PK, great to be here. 

    KARVELAS: Two child care workers have been charged with assault of a toddler in Western Sydney. New South Wales Police have said the child sustained significant bruising and injuries. Of course, this is one case being handled now by the legal system, as it should be —

    CLARE: Yes. 

    KARVELAS: — but does this latest case show that we have a broader crisis? 

    CLARE: What it underlines is if you don’t care about our kids, you shouldn’t be there working in early education and care. 

    In that report you mentioned that those workers are no longer there, that’s a good thing. But we do need to put in place the sort of measures to help to weed people out that aren’t there for the right reasons, whether it’s the sort of penalties that you impose on centres that don’t act when this evidence comes to light, or naming and shaming centres, giving information to parents about the conditions that are in the centres where their children are, or putting in place things like CCTV. 

    I want to make the point if I can, PK, that 99.9 per cent of the people who care for our kids every single day in these centres love them, they care for them, they educate them, they’re great people that are doing really, really important work, and at the moment they’re as shocked and angry as everybody else in Australia. Their jobs are on TV for all of the wrong reasons. They want to make sure that we do everything we can to weed out the people that shouldn’t be there too. 

    KARVELAS: We also learnt today that the alleged Melbourne paedophile, Joshua Dale Brown, worked at an additional daycare centre that has not been listed by authorities online. That brings the total number of centres he’s worked at to 24. I mean, Minister, why – I know this a state issue in terms of the investigation, but why are we still finding out about child care centres several weeks after the first allegations? 

    CLARE: It’s a bloody good question. This is a nightmare for hundreds more parents, mums and dads who now have to go through the wringer of working out whether their kids are sick or not. And for their little kids, they’ve got to go through the trauma of testing – blood tests and urine tests – to find out whether they’ve got an infectious disease or not. 

    It strikes me when I saw this yesterday that this is another reason why we need an educator register, a database that tells us where people are working and where they have been working. The company responsible here should know this at the click of a button. But so should we. This shouldn’t be the sort of information that comes out in drip feed form, it should be information that’s easy to access quickly. 

    KARVELAS: It seems that there might be more centres. I mean, have you been briefed about whether there are even potentially more that we might find out about? 

    CLARE: No, I haven’t. The Victorian Police would be briefing the Victorian Government specifically on that. But I just make the general point, this is the sort of information that police should have at their fingertips, it’s the sort of information that we should have right now. We don’t have it, but we should do. 

    KARVELAS: Is your legislation on child care changes that you’ve been talking about ready to table into the Parliament and have you briefed the Opposition? 

    CLARE: Yeah, the legislation is almost finalised. I’ll introduce that legislation into the Parliament next week, and we held our first briefing with the Opposition on the legislation today. I want to take this opportunity to thank Sussan Ley, the Opposition Leader, and Jonno Duniam, the Shadow Minister, for the really constructive way in which they’re working with us on this legislation to make sure we get it right. You know, it’s not always the case that Labor and Liberal work together the way we should. We are here, and that’s really important with legislation like this. 

    So, as I said, I’ll introduce the legislation next week. What the bill will do is give us the power to cut off funding to child care centres where they’re not up to scratch when it comes to safety. 

    At the moment a state regulator can shut a centre down tomorrow if they think there’s an imminent threat to safety. But where they’ve identified centres that aren’t meeting the standard and repeatedly they’re not meeting that standard, this will give us the power to issue a condition to that centre, and say that if you don’t meet the standards that we’ve set for you as a nation over the course of, it might be a couple of months, then we will suspend your child care funding or we’ll cancel it. 

    And there’s nothing more important in running a child care centre than the taxpayer funding that runs it – it’s about 70 per cent of the funding that runs a child care centre, it can’t run without it. This is the biggest stick that the Commonwealth has to wield here, and putting a condition on a centre that we would provide publicly, so parents know about it, I think is the sort of thing that hopefully will lift standards to where they need to be. 

    If we get this legislation right, it won’t mean that we’re shutting centres down, it will mean that we’re lifting standards up where centres aren’t meeting the standards at the moment. 

    KARVELAS: Okay, that’s really interesting. So, you’ll issue essentially a warning that will then be publicly shared, would that be like on a central website where people can look to see ‑‑ 

    CLARE: That’s right. 

    KARVELAS: ‑‑ if this has been – and what’s the timeframe? ‘Cause that must be all articulated, it has to be in the legislation, for which they have to respond ‑‑

    CLARE: Yeah. 

    KARVELAS: ‑‑ before that money is suspended?  

    CLARE: The legislation won’t set out the specific timeframe. There will be discretion provided to the Secretary of my Department, but we’re anticipating, depending on circumstances, you’re talking about a couple of months. 

    But let me just make the point again, if we’ve identified a centre where there’s a threat to kids right now, state regulators can shut it down. This is about centres where over a period of time they’re just not meeting the National Quality Framework standard to say, unless you get there soon, the centre is not going to be funded by the taxpayer. 

    KARVELAS: So, at the moment “Working Towards,” as you know, is a rating given to a centre that doesn’t meet quality rating standards. I’m just confused about how that will work still. These centres, are they allowed to keep operating? For how long will you be able to keep operating if you’re just “Working Towards”? 

    CLARE: At first instance what we’re intending to do if we get this legislation passed is to work with the state governments and the state regulators on the centres that they’re most concerned about, that are under that category that you’ve just described where they’re concerned that they’re repeatedly not working hard enough to get to the standard they need to be under the National Quality Framework. 

    So we’ll work with states and territories on the centres that we think need to be the subject of this legislation first and set those conditions for them, set a timeframe for them, and if they don’t meet those conditions within that timeframe, then suspend the child care subsidy payment that helps that centre to operate or cancel it altogether. 

    KARVELAS: And you said this is about lifting standards rather than shutting child care centres down. Of course that would always want to have that aim, because you need children in care —

    CLARE: Indeed. 

    KARVELAS: — or the system would collapse, right? 

    CLARE: That’s right. 

    KARVELAS: But do you envisage that inevitably some child care centres will have to close down? You would think that would have to be an inevitability of a tough system.  

    CLARE: It is a tough system, and that may very well happen. We’re not putting this legislation into the Parliament as an idle threat. But these centres run – 70 per cent of the funding is based on the child care subsidy that the taxpayer provides to help child care centres run. This is the biggest stick we have to wield, to say to centres that if you want to continue to receive this support from the Australian taxpayer, then you have to meet that standard, and if you don’t, then funding will be suspended or cancelled. 

    And what I’m hoping is that that threat is going to be strong enough to get the boards of these companies or the investors in these companies to sit up and listen and realise that we’re serious here and if you don’t meet the standard, then the funding will be cut off. 

    KARVELAS: Spot checks by your Department is another issue that you’ve raised. Are they only going to be deployed for fraud, or will it be child safety as well? 

    CLARE: Principally fraud but not exclusively fraud. At the moment I’ve got a team of investigators in the Department of Education that can do checks on child care centres for fraud. Unfortunately it’s the case that this exists, that child care centres might claim a child is there for three days but they’re only there for two days, and they’re claiming funding from the taxpayer for three days. This legislation will give my officers the power to be able to go in without a warrant or without the AFP to do those checks. 

    But while they’re there, they’ll be able to also examine the safety of centres and share that information with state regulators that do the lion’s share of this work. 

    The Federal Government sets the standards, the state governments do the lion’s share of the work in terms of regulating the system and making sure that it’s safe. 

    KARVELAS: Should there be a national regulator though? Because that’s part of the issue, isn’t it, that we’ve got state-based regulation, it’s quite inconsistent across states. Is there an option for a national regulation? 

    CLARE: There’s a national authority at the moment, ACECQA, that helps to set that standard, and they work closely with the states and territories in the work that they do. 

    There’s a separate question that’s posed by the Productivity Commission’s report last year about whether we set up an Early Education and Care Commission that would look at how we reform the system over the next decade and beyond. That recommendation wasn’t principally about safety; it wanted government to look at a steward for the system to make it more accessible and more affordable. I’ve got an open mind to that recommendation, Patricia, it’s something that we’ll look at over the medium term. It wasn’t intended to be something specifically about safety, but that’s something that it could potentially include.

    KARVELAS: Oh, that’s really interesting. So, you think you could take the Productivity Commission’s recommendation and sort of morph it into something broader?  

    CLARE: Potentially. It’s the sort of thing it’s my job as a Minister to sit down with smart people and pick their brains about how this would work best in practice, people like Georgie Dent at The Parenthood I spoke to the other day about this. 

    I want to make sure that we get this right, I want to make sure that our system is affordable for mums and dads, that it’s accessible everywhere around the country, but most importantly that it’s safe. That’s what this legislation is fundamentally about. But it’s not the only thing that we need to do. 

    The other things that have got to be on the table here are this register so we can track people across the system, identify when people are moving from centre to centre to centre and whether that should be a red flag that something is wrong here, that people are just moving people on rather than reporting them to a regulator or to the police. Proper mandatory child safety training for everybody who works in our centres. 

    I said a moment ago that 99.9 per cent of people who work in our centres are fantastic people. We’ve got to equip them with the skills they need to identify the bad person that might be up to the most horrific of crimes in our centres. And then CCTV as well, which can potentially play a role in deterring somebody from getting up to no good but also help police with their investigations as well. 

    KARVELAS: Minister, if I could just ask you about the Antisemitism Envoy’s report, which of course has been handed to the government. You’ve been talking about this as well. As you know ‑‑ 

    CLARE: Yeah. 

    KARVELAS: ‑‑ your colleague Ed Husic is critical of some parts – not all – but some parts of the report, including the very definition of antisemitism that it’s using. Are you troubled by this definition? 

    CLARE: No, I’m not. I had a quick look at what Ed had to say. I think Ed was fundamentally making the point that any definition of antisemitism shouldn’t stop somebody from criticising the Government of Israel, and I think he’s right in that respect. I don’t think the definition does, by the way.

    But I’ve been critical of the Government of Israel. I think as long as you can make that point very, very clear, you’re on pretty good ground.

    KARVELAS: But it does actually, and I’m just looking at the words here, it does actually refer to the State of Israel by claiming that the existence of the State of Israel is a racist endeavour. Do you think that’s antisemitic? 

    CLARE: No, I think what Ed was saying is it’s a little bit different to then be called an antisemite for criticising the Government of Israel. That’s the fundamental point I think ‑‑ 

    KARVELAS: The existence of Israel is really at the heart of the question, isn’t it? That’s what some people criticise. 

    CLARE: You know my view, the view of the Government, the view I think of the overwhelming majority of people watching the tele today is that we want two countries in the Middle East that sit side by side, one’s called Israel, one’s called Palestine, and they can live together in peace and security behind secure borders and have the sort of safe life that we take for granted here in Australia and in many other parts of the world. 

    KARVELAS: How did the part of the report – this is something that Ed Husic definitely mentioned in relation to younger Australians holding views that are antisemitic. Do you think that – are you witnessing that younger Australians have higher rates of antisemitism? 

    CLARE: I was asked this question today. I said certainly social media plays a role here, and I’m hoping that the ban on access to social media for young people under 16, when that comes into force later this year, is going to have a positive impact on that, but also the mental health and wellbeing of younger Australians. 

    I was also asked about the recommendations in the report about universities. We’re considering those at the moment. We’re not making any announcements about that at the moment. But antisemitism is real, it’s a poison that we’ve seen infect parts of the community. There’s no place for it in our universities, there’s no place for it anywhere in Australia, but it’s just one type of the sort of racism that we see in our community and in our universities. 

    I made the point today that we’ve established a Student Ombudsman that provides a vehicle for students to make complaints, whether it’s about antisemitism, Islamophobia or sexual assaults, or any concerns that they’ve got about the way their university has dealt with them. 

    TEQSA, which is the federal regulator of our universities, has certain powers to intervene here and works closely with universities on this. It has the power to put conditions on universities or to go to court and issue fines. I think there’s an open question there about whether TEQSA needs more powers in this area. 

    And I also made the point today that we will shortly receive a report from the Special Envoy Combating Islamophobia, and we want to see their report as well, as well as the report that we received a few weeks ago. 

    KARVELAS: So, will they be considered together? 

    CLARE: I think that’s the way in which we should consider it, that’s probably the best way to go about this. I’ll also receive a report in a couple of months’ time from the Race Discrimination Commissioner about racism in all its ugly forms in our universities, and I’m sure there’s Indigenous Australians and Asian Australians and international students watching today that are saying, “Don’t forget about me, this affects me too”.

    We don’t necessarily need to wait for that report before we take action. You can do this step‑by‑step. But I just flag, I want to see that report from the Special Envoy on Islamophobia, and there’s also a piece of work that I’ve commissioned around the governance, improving the governance of our universities, that I’ll receive too. And I also want to think about what more powers we should properly give TEQSA, the Tertiary Education Regulator here. 

    KARVELAS: That’s really interesting. Jason Clare, Minister, it’s been great to speak to you. Thanks for joining us. 

    CLARE: Thanks PK.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dragonica Origin Official Launching in Southeast Asia on July 16, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, July 16, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, announced that PT Gravity Game Link, Gravity’s Indonesia subsidiary, has officially launched Dragonica Origin, an MMORPG PC game, in 10 regions of Southeast Asia on July 16, 2025.

    Dragonica Origin is set in a fantasy world filled with dragons and magic, featuring dynamic side-scrolling combat and class-specific comic skill that define its unique play style. It is available for playing by downloading the PC version client from the official website.

    Gravity stated, “Dragonica Origin combines the nostalgic charm of classic online games with thrilling side-scrolling action, offering players a fresh and engaging experience. We are confident that those seeking for a retro-style game will find great satisfaction. We invite everyone to join the various events we have prepared to celebrate the official launch.”

    [Gravity Official Website]
    http://www.gravity.co.kr

    [Dragonica Origin Official Website]
    https://Dragonicaorigin.com

    [Dragonica Origin Facebook Page]
    https://www.facebook.com/draconicaorigin/

    [Dragonica Origin Discord Community]
    https://discord.com/invite/3mDJ7GjPBU

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————

    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7801

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: SA’s G20 Presidency aims for sustainable economic growth, job creation

    Source: Government of South Africa

    As the Chair of the Group of 20 (G20), South Africa’s goal is to promote mutually beneficial economic growth, create jobs and advance sustainable development for its partner nations, says Deputy President Paul Mashatile.

    Mashatile was speaking during the opening ceremony of the China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing on Wednesday. The event showcases the latest developments in supply chain management.

    The Deputy President told the attendees that South Africa firmly believes that the establishment of enduring business relationships must occur within the framework of a fair, inclusive, and rules-based global economic order. 

    “This order should prioritise industrialisation, investment in green technologies, and digital infrastructure as key components of sustainable development, especially for developing economies.”

    These priorities, according to the country’s second-in-command, are reflected in the overall CISCE programme, which closely aligns with areas of potential cooperation between South Africa and China. 

    “We, therefore, invite our Chinese counterparts to support and participate in the key pillars of our G20 agenda by investing in green industrial projects, renewable energy, digital infrastructure, and regional manufacturing initiatives in South Africa and across the African continent.

    “Through such collaboration, we can deepen our strategic partnership and ensure that the outcomes of South Africa’s G20 Presidency reflect the shared aspirations of the Global South,” he said. 

    WATCH | Deputy President in Beijing

    [embedded content]

    The Deputy President said South Africa looks forward to hosting Chinese and other international buyers, importers and distributors in a tailored procurement mission that will be arranged on the margins of the G20 Leaders’ Summit in November 2025. 

    “We urge all stakeholders to seize these opportunities, foster partnerships, share best practices, and collectively shape the future of supply chain management to build a more connected, resilient, and prosperous world.” 

    READ | Rise in e-commerce activity boosts SA’s supply chain sector

    The G20 consists of 19 member countries: Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Mexico, Russia, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, the United Kingdom, and the United States. It also includes two regional organisations, the European Union (EU) and the African Union (AU).

    The G20 members include the world’s major economies, representing 85% of global gross domestic product (GDP), over 75% of international trade, and about two-thirds of the world population. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Crush at Gaza aid site kills at least 20, GHF blames armed agitators

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 20 Palestinians were killed on Wednesday at an aid distribution site run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), in what the U.S.-backed group said was a crowd surge instigated by armed agitators.

    The GHF, which is supported by Israel, said 19 people were trampled and one fatally stabbed during the crush at one of its centres in Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

    “We have credible reason to believe that elements within the crowd – armed and affiliated with Hamas – deliberately fomented the unrest,” GHF said in a statement.

    There has been no immediate comment from Hamas.

    Palestinian heath officials told Reuters 21 people had died of suffocation at the site. One medic said lots of people had been crammed into a small space and had been crushed.

    On Tuesday, the U.N. rights office in Geneva said it had recorded at least 875 killings within the past six weeks in the vicinity of aid sites and food convoys in Gaza – the majority of them close to GHF distribution points.

    Most of those deaths were caused by gunfire that locals have blamed on the Israeli military. The military has acknowledged that Palestinian civilians were harmed near aid distribution centres, saying that Israeli forces had been issued new instructions with “lessons learned”.

    The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel alleges has let Hamas-led militants loot aid shipments intended for civilians. Hamas denies the accusation.

    The U.N. has called the GHF’s model unsafe and a breach of humanitarian impartiality standards – an allegation GHF has denied.

    Amjad Al-Shawa, director of the Palestinian NGOs Network, accused the GHF on Wednesday of gross mismanagement, saying its lack of crowd control and failure to uphold humanitarian principles had led to chaos and death among desperate civilians.

    “People who flock in their thousands (to GHF sites) are hungry and exhausted, and they get squeezed into narrow places, amid shortages of aid and the absence of organization and discipline by the GHF,” he told Reuters.

    The war in Gaza, triggered in October 2023 by a deadly Hamas attack on Israel, has devastated large swathes of the coastal enclave, displaced almost all of the territory’s population and led to widespread hunger and privation.

    ISRAELI ARMY ROAD

    Earlier on Wednesday, the Israeli military said it had finished paving a new road in southern Gaza separating several towns east of Khan Younis from the rest of the territory in an effort to disrupt Hamas operations.

    Palestinians see the road, which extends Israeli control, as a way to pressure on Hamas in ongoing ceasefire talks, which started on July 6 and are being brokered by Arab mediators Egypt and Qatar with the backing of the United States.

    Palestinian sources close to the negotiations said a breakthrough had not yet been reached on any of the main issues under discussion.

    Hamas said Israel wanted to keep at least 40% of the Gaza Strip under its control as part of any deal, which the group rejected. Hamas has also demanded the dismantlement of the GHF and the reinstatement of a U.N.-led aid delivery mechanism.

    Senior Hamas official Basem Naim said the road showed Israel was not serious about reaching a ceasefire deal.

    “It confirms the occupation’s long-term intentions and plans to remain inside the Strip, not to withdraw, and not to end the war. This contradicts everything it claims at the negotiating table or communicates to mediators,” Naim said in a post on his Facebook page.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the war will end once Hamas is disarmed and removed from Gaza.

    Gaza local health authorities said Israeli military strikes have killed at least 17 people across the enclave on Wednesday.

    Israel’s campaign in Gaza has killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to Gaza health authorities.

    Almost 1,650 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed as a result of the conflict, including 1,200 killed in the October 7, 2023 Hamas attack. An estimated 50 Israelis and foreign nationals remain captive in Gaza, including 28 hostages who have been declared dead and whose bodies are being withheld.

    (Reuters)

  • India’s EV sales projected to cross 7% market share by FY28: CareEdge report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s electric car sales are projected to cross a 7 per cent market share by FY28, provided supply chain challenges around rare earth elements (REEs) are addressed in time, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

    The report by CareEdge Advisory highlighted that India’s electric car market has witnessed robust growth over the past three years, expanding from just over 5,000 units in FY21 to more than 1.07 lakh units in FY25 — a 21-fold increase.

    While electric four-wheelers currently form a small part of India’s overall EV sales — which are led by two- and three-wheelers — the segment is expected to see rapid expansion in the coming years, driven by fresh model launches, strengthening public policy support and growing private sector participation.

    The Indian government has set a target of achieving 30 per cent EV penetration by FY30 and is rolling out multiple initiatives to boost adoption.

    Schemes such as FAME III, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, and customs duty exemptions for critical battery minerals are expected to lower production costs and enhance domestic supply chains.

    “India’s electric car sales penetration is likely to cross 7 per cent by FY28, provided rare earth disruption is resolved in a timely manner. With a robust pipeline of new models, expanding charging infrastructure and battery localisation under the PLI scheme, India is well-positioned to accelerate EV adoption,” said Tanvi Shah, Senior Director and Head, CareEdge Advisory & Research.

    The report underlined that charging infrastructure, historically seen as a major hurdle in EV adoption, is witnessing rapid expansion.

    The number of Public EV Charging Stations (EVPCS) in India has grown nearly fivefold in the past three years, from 5,151 in 2022 to over 26,000 by early FY25 — recording a compound annual growth rate of more than 72 per cent.

    The FAME III scheme includes dedicated support for charging infrastructure, while states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have introduced targeted incentives, including land subsidies and capital expenditure support for setting up new stations.

    Urban local bodies are also implementing policies mandating EV-ready parking in new residential and commercial buildings, aiming to reduce range anxiety for potential buyers.

    Private charge point operators are expanding networks rapidly, often in partnership with local municipal corporations and power distribution companies. Efforts are also underway to standardise charging protocols to ensure interoperability and ease of use for consumers.

    In addition, the Union Budget for FY26 introduced zero basic customs duty on 16 key minerals used in battery manufacturing. This is expected to reduce India’s reliance on imports and lower production costs.

    CareEdge estimates that India’s dependence on lithium-ion cell imports could drop to 20 per cent by FY27, compared to nearly 100 per cent in FY22, supported by new investments in integrated battery manufacturing facilities.

    The report comes as global EV leader Tesla begins its operations in India, signalling further momentum for the country’s electric mobility landscape.

    (IANS)

  • India’s EV sales projected to cross 7% market share by FY28: CareEdge report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s electric car sales are projected to cross a 7 per cent market share by FY28, provided supply chain challenges around rare earth elements (REEs) are addressed in time, according to a new report released on Wednesday.

    The report by CareEdge Advisory highlighted that India’s electric car market has witnessed robust growth over the past three years, expanding from just over 5,000 units in FY21 to more than 1.07 lakh units in FY25 — a 21-fold increase.

    While electric four-wheelers currently form a small part of India’s overall EV sales — which are led by two- and three-wheelers — the segment is expected to see rapid expansion in the coming years, driven by fresh model launches, strengthening public policy support and growing private sector participation.

    The Indian government has set a target of achieving 30 per cent EV penetration by FY30 and is rolling out multiple initiatives to boost adoption.

    Schemes such as FAME III, the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for advanced chemistry cell (ACC) batteries, and customs duty exemptions for critical battery minerals are expected to lower production costs and enhance domestic supply chains.

    “India’s electric car sales penetration is likely to cross 7 per cent by FY28, provided rare earth disruption is resolved in a timely manner. With a robust pipeline of new models, expanding charging infrastructure and battery localisation under the PLI scheme, India is well-positioned to accelerate EV adoption,” said Tanvi Shah, Senior Director and Head, CareEdge Advisory & Research.

    The report underlined that charging infrastructure, historically seen as a major hurdle in EV adoption, is witnessing rapid expansion.

    The number of Public EV Charging Stations (EVPCS) in India has grown nearly fivefold in the past three years, from 5,151 in 2022 to over 26,000 by early FY25 — recording a compound annual growth rate of more than 72 per cent.

    The FAME III scheme includes dedicated support for charging infrastructure, while states like Maharashtra, Delhi, Tamil Nadu, and Gujarat have introduced targeted incentives, including land subsidies and capital expenditure support for setting up new stations.

    Urban local bodies are also implementing policies mandating EV-ready parking in new residential and commercial buildings, aiming to reduce range anxiety for potential buyers.

    Private charge point operators are expanding networks rapidly, often in partnership with local municipal corporations and power distribution companies. Efforts are also underway to standardise charging protocols to ensure interoperability and ease of use for consumers.

    In addition, the Union Budget for FY26 introduced zero basic customs duty on 16 key minerals used in battery manufacturing. This is expected to reduce India’s reliance on imports and lower production costs.

    CareEdge estimates that India’s dependence on lithium-ion cell imports could drop to 20 per cent by FY27, compared to nearly 100 per cent in FY22, supported by new investments in integrated battery manufacturing facilities.

    The report comes as global EV leader Tesla begins its operations in India, signalling further momentum for the country’s electric mobility landscape.

    (IANS)

  • UK lifts ban on Pakistani airlines after five years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Britain has lifted a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply to resume UK flights just as Islamabad steps up efforts to privatise its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. 

    The ban was imposed in 2020, days after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilot licences issued in the country following a PIA plane crash that killed 97 people.

    The British High Commission said on Wednesday the lifting of the ban followed safety improvements by Pakistani authorities. The decision comes just months after the European Union took similar steps.

    While several private Pakistani airlines operate domestically and on regional routes, primarily to the Middle East, PIA has historically been the only carrier to operate long-haul flights to Britain and the European Union.

    PIA had previously estimated an annual revenue loss of around 40 billion rupees ($144 million) due to the ban. The airline has long considered UK routes, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, among its most profitable, and holds sought-after landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport that could become active again.

    PIA’s spokesperson said the airline was finalising preparations to resume UK flights “in the shortest possible time” and had submitted its proposed schedule.

    Flights would resume with the Islamabad-Manchester route, with three weekly flights planned initially pending schedule approval, the spokesperson added.

    Earlier this month, Pakistan approved four groups to bid for a 51-100% stake in PIA. Final bids are expected later this year.

    The government is hoping that recent reforms, which led to the airline’s first operating profit in 21 years – will help attract buyers under a broader IMF-backed privatisation push.

    Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told a press conference on Wednesday that the resumption of all routes would improve PIA’s value ahead of the privatisation. He also said there were plans to restart flights to New York.

    (Reuters)

  • UK lifts ban on Pakistani airlines after five years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Britain has lifted a five-year ban on Pakistani airlines, allowing them to apply to resume UK flights just as Islamabad steps up efforts to privatise its national carrier, Pakistan International Airlines. 

    The ban was imposed in 2020, days after Pakistan launched an investigation into the validity of pilot licences issued in the country following a PIA plane crash that killed 97 people.

    The British High Commission said on Wednesday the lifting of the ban followed safety improvements by Pakistani authorities. The decision comes just months after the European Union took similar steps.

    While several private Pakistani airlines operate domestically and on regional routes, primarily to the Middle East, PIA has historically been the only carrier to operate long-haul flights to Britain and the European Union.

    PIA had previously estimated an annual revenue loss of around 40 billion rupees ($144 million) due to the ban. The airline has long considered UK routes, including London, Manchester, and Birmingham, among its most profitable, and holds sought-after landing slots at London’s Heathrow Airport that could become active again.

    PIA’s spokesperson said the airline was finalising preparations to resume UK flights “in the shortest possible time” and had submitted its proposed schedule.

    Flights would resume with the Islamabad-Manchester route, with three weekly flights planned initially pending schedule approval, the spokesperson added.

    Earlier this month, Pakistan approved four groups to bid for a 51-100% stake in PIA. Final bids are expected later this year.

    The government is hoping that recent reforms, which led to the airline’s first operating profit in 21 years – will help attract buyers under a broader IMF-backed privatisation push.

    Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif told a press conference on Wednesday that the resumption of all routes would improve PIA’s value ahead of the privatisation. He also said there were plans to restart flights to New York.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Trump says to slap 10% tariffs on smaller countries

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

    U.S. President Donald Trump said Tuesday that he planned to place over 10 percent tariffs on smaller countries, not least those in Africa and the Caribbean.

    “We’ll probably set one tariff for all of them,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland. It could be “a little over 10 percent tariff” on goods from at least 100 nations, he was quoted by the Associated Press as saying.

    Trump had just announced a deal with Indonesia earlier in the day. Under the deal, Indonesia will pay a 19 percent tariff on all goods exported to the United States, while U.S. exports to Indonesia are to be free of tariff- and non-tariff barriers.

    The president had recently sent letters to leaders of several countries, including some major trading partners of the United States, announcing tariffs of 20-50 percent to be introduced starting Aug. 1.

    Trump also said he would “probably” announce tariffs on pharmaceutical drugs at the “end of the month.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI: Atos awarded Golden Certificate by SAP as Global Operations Partner

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Global News

    20 years of trusted partnership: Atos awarded Golden Certificate by SAP as Global Operations Partner

    Atos is the second SAP Global Operations Partner to date to receive the Golden Certificate

    Paris, France, July 16, 2025 – Atos proudly announces that it has received the Golden Certificate from SAP and is thus certified for the 10th time in a row as SAP® Global Operations Partner. This exemplifies the enduring partnership between Atos and SAP in providing managed services to our clients, ensuring that they meet the highest standards of quality, scope, and global availability. Additionally, Atos has achieved the distinction of being only the second SAP Global Operations Partner to receive the prestigious golden certificate recognizing this significant milestone.

    With more than 10,000 SAP experts worldwide, Atos is a SAP Platinum Partner and has strong expertise and flexible global delivery capabilities. Through its longstanding alliance with SAP, deep industry insights and an extensive partner network, Atos goes beyond technology to meet the needs of customers, employees and business. Since 2004 Atos has always certified all critical global operations service areas. Recently Atos has globally re-newed its certification in five core business areas:

    • Global SAP S/4HANA® solutions operations and works with RISE with SAP
    • Global SAP SuccessFactors® solutions operations
    • Global SAP HANA® operations and works with RISE with SAP
    • Global SAP BTP operations and works with RISE with SAP
    • Global DevOps

    As part of SAP’s audits, four local Atos entities are recognized as SAP Operations Partners holding various SAP operations certifications: India, United States, Germany and Poland. Visit the SAP Operations Partner Guide for details on our local SAP Operations Partner certifications.

    “This certification reflects our dedication to our long and trusted partnership with SAP. Our experts at Atos constantly work hard to both exceed the expectations of our customers as well as further strengthen our partnership with SAP to deliver the best possible outcome. It makes me proud to continue this long-standing partnership”, says Chetan Manjarekar, Atos Senior Vice President and Head of Digital Smart Platforms & Transformation.

    Stefan Kallweit, Partner Engagement Expert at SAP, adds: “We are proud to count Atos among our longstanding global partners, part of a select group of certified organizations that meet our highest standards across all regions. Atos earns our trust especially by their broad expertise across multiple SAP products and their integration.”

    Atos SAP services and accelerators empower organizations to unleash the full potential of SAP Business Suite. By integrating best-in-class SAP S/4HANA Cloud ERP applications, data, and AI solutions we enhance decision-making, improve efficiency, drive innovation and fuel growth. We support our customers end-to-end—guiding them from initial strategy and implementation through ongoing service innovation and management —helping them navigate the complexities of modern business with ease and confidence.

    ***

    About Atos Group

    Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 72,000 employees and annual revenue of c. € 10 billion, operating in 68 countries under two brands — Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high-performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos is a SE (Societas Europaea) and listed on Euronext Paris.

    The purpose of Atos is to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space.

    Press contact

    Laurent Massicot | laurent.massicot@atos.net | +33 (0)7.69.48.01.80

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Less Wet Weather And More Warm Days Expected For The Rest Of July 2025

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Singapore, 16 July 2025 – The prevailing Southwest Monsoon conditions are forecast to persist over Singapore and the surrounding region with winds blowing mainly from the southeast or southwest.

    2          The second half of July 2025 is expected to be drier than the first half of the month. Fair and warm weather can be expected over Singapore on a few days. Localised short-duration thundery showers are forecast in the late morning and afternoon over parts of the island on some days. In addition, widespread thundery showers with gusty winds, due to Sumatra squalls, may occur between the pre-dawn hours and morning on one or two days. The total rainfall for the second half of July 2025 is forecast to be below average over most parts of the island.

    3          More warm days are expected in the second half of July 2025, as compared to the first half of the month, with daily maximum temperatures reaching slightly above 34 degrees Celsius on some days. Warm and humid conditions, particularly over the southern and eastern parts of the island are also expected on a few nights, with minimum night-time temperatures hovering around 28 degrees Celsius.

    4          For updates of the daily weather forecast, please visit the MSS website (www.weather.gov.sg), NEA website (www.nea.gov.sg), or download the myENV app.

     REVIEW OF THE PAST TWO WEEKS (1 – 15 JULY 2025)

    5          Southwest Monsoon conditions prevailed over Singapore and the surrounding region in the first fortnight of July 2025, with winds blowing mostly from the southeast or southwest.

    6          In the first fortnight of July 2025, localised short-duration thundery showers fell over parts of the island on most days. On 9 July 2025, regional convergence of winds brought moderate to heavy thundery showers over many areas of Singapore in the morning. The daily total rainfall of 87.6mm recorded at Sentosa that day was the highest rainfall recorded for the first fortnight of July 2025.

    7           In the first fortnight of July 2025, there were two days where the daily maximum temperature was above 34 degrees Celsius. The highest daily maximum temperature of 34.2 degrees Celsius was recorded at Pulau Ubin on 6 July 2025. There were a few warm nights where the night-time minimum temperature was above 28 degrees Celsius, mainly over the southern and eastern parts of the island.

     8          Most parts of Singapore recorded above average rainfall in the first fortnight of July 2025. The area around Clementi registered rainfall of 102 per cent above average, and the area around Jurong Pier registered rainfall of 36 per cent below average.

     

     CLIMATE STATION STATISTICS

      Long-term Statistics for July
      (Climatological reference period: 1991-2020)
    Average daily maximum temperature: 31.4      °C
    Average daily minimum temperature: 25.4 °C
    Average monthly temperature: 28.2 °C
         
    Average rainfall: 146.6 mm
    Average number of rain days: 14  
    Historical Extremes for July
      (Rainfall since 1869 and temperature since 1929)
    Highest monthly mean daily maximum temperature: 32.4  °C (1997)
    Lowest monthly mean daily minimum temperature: 22.9  °C (1975)
         
    Highest monthly rainfall ever recorded:  527.3  mm (1890)
    Lowest monthly rainfall ever recorded: 12.2  mm (2019)

     

    METEOROLOGICAL SERVICE SINGAPORE

    16 Jul 2025

    ~~ End ~~

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

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ6: Subsidising patients to purchase continuous glucose monitors

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon David Lam and a reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (July 16):

    Question:

         It is learnt that a continuous glucose monitor (CGM) is a small sensor that can be inserted under the skin of the arm or abdomen to continuously measure the blood glucose level. Studies have found that using a CGM helps patients with Type 1 diabetes control their conditions and improve their quality of life, as well as reduce the incidence of serious diabetes-related complications. However, there are views pointing out that CGMs need to be replaced every two weeks, placing a considerable financial burden on low-income patient families. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) as it has been reported that the Hong Kong Children’s Hospital currently only provides a limited number of CGMs to young diabetes patients, while the “Jockey Club Support for Young People with Diabetes” funded by the Hong Kong Jockey Club only provides eligible diabetes patients between the ages of 2 and 30 with access to a two-year CGM supply, which fails to meet the long-term needs of the patients, whether the Government knows if the Hospital Authority (HA) will continuously provide young diabetes patients with a full year’s supply of CGMs to cater for their needs; and

    (2) whether it knows if HA will include CGMs in Privately Purchased Medical Items and, through the Samaritan Fund, provide subsidies to diabetes patients in financial need; if HA will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

          Diabetes is one of the common chronic diseases in Hong Kong, with a prevalence of 8.5 per cent among persons aged 15-84 in Hong Kong as indicated in the Population Health Survey 2020-22. Diabetes is mainly classified into Type 1 and Type 2. Type 1 diabetes is caused by the dysfunction of insulin-producing cells, which may be related to hereditary factors, autoimmune disorders or some environmental factors. Type 2 diabetes is caused by the body’s resistance to insulin. Apart from hereditary factors, key factors for developing Type 2 diabetes are associated with unhealthy lifestyle, including dietary patterns, obesity or lack of exercise.

          The Hospital Authority (HA) provides diversified services to support various types of diabetic patients, including general out-patient services and specialist out-patient Diabetes Centre services. The general out-patient services serve patients with relatively stable conditions.  

          Meanwhile, the Diabetes Centres deliver comprehensive consultation and treatment services for patients with more complex conditions, overseen by a team of mainly endocrinologists and specialised diabetes nurses. The Centres provide patients with services including diabetes assessment, consultation, treatment, self-management education, metabolic risk assessment, so as to enable early detection of complications and facilitate appropriate management. Doctors will arrange various tests and treatment plans based on individual circumstances of patients.

          In consultation with the HA, the consolidated reply to the question raised by Dr the Hon David Lam is as follows: 

          All diabetic patients require regular monitoring of their blood glucose levels. The traditional monitoring methods include blood tests and checking of blood glucose levels by home-use blood glucose meters. The continuous glucose monitoring system (CGM) mentioned in the question raised by Dr the Hon David Lam, which involves sensors inserted under the skin for measurement of blood glucose levels at all times and places, serves as a special monitoring tool for particular patients with clinical needs.

         At present, the HA has guideline in place to provide CGM to individual patients with clinical needs for free in a timely manner, mainly for patients who need to monitor their blood glucose levels frequently so as to adjust their treatment plans, such as those requiring multiple daily insulin injections with unstable blood glucose levels, prone to hypoglycaemia, or suffering from hypoglycaemia unawareness. It includes Type 1 and Type 2 paediatric and adult diabetic patients. By collecting hundreds of glucose readings daily, CGM monitors blood glucose control parameters for these patients with specific clinical needs, including time-in-range, glucose variability and trend graphs. This assists the healthcare team in devising more appropriate treatment plans for patients. Additionally, CGM can improve glucose control and reduce the occurrence of hypoglycaemia in diabetic patients prone to hypoglycaemia or those suffering from hypoglycaemia unawareness.

          Nonetheless, not all diabetic patients have the clinical need for CGM. Furthermore, since the CGM needs to be inserted under the skin and worn for extended periods, some patients may experience discomfort or unease, while skin allergies may even occur in some cases. As CGM measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, the readings provided may slightly lag behind actual blood glucose level and have certain degree of discrepancy. 

          While providing appropriate treatment to patients, the HA must ensure that the limited public healthcare resources are utilised in a rational and optimal manner. In 2024, there were over 658 000 patients with diabetes receiving care from the HA. On this basis, providing CGM with a two-week service lifespan to all diabetic patients continuously for the whole year would not only cause information overload of blood glucose readings to healthcare personnel, but also entail an additional expenditure of several billion dollars per annum. As with the introduction of new drugs and devices, we have to take into account the cost-effectiveness and feasibility when determining the scope of use for individual monitoring devices.

          The HA will continuously review the coverage of relevant services and technology development and, under the principle of optimising the utilisation of limited public resources, evaluate clinical services guidelines, including the use of different suitable testing methods to monitor the blood glucose levels of patients according to the clinical conditions and the actual needs of diabetic patients, so as to ensure the provision of suitable treatment to all patients with diabetes.

         Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: S for S to lead Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to visit Jiangsu Province

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    S for S to lead Security Bureau Youth Uniformed Group Leaders Forum to visit Jiangsu Province 
    Mr Tang will return to Hong Kong on July 20. During his absence, Mr Cheuk will be the Acting Secretary for Security.
    Issued at HKT 18:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes live turtles of scheduled endangered species (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs yesterday (July 15) detected a smuggling case involving a passenger at the Shenzhen Bay Control Point and seized four live turtles of a scheduled endangered species with an estimated market value of about $40,000. The passenger concerned was convicted and sentenced to two months’ imprisonment at the Tuen Mun Magistrates’ Courts today (July 16) for contravening the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) and the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169).

    Customs officers intercepted a 43-year-old female passenger yesterday at the Departure Hall of the Shenzhen Bay Control Point for Customs clearance. Upon examination, four live turtles were found wrapped around the woman’s thighs and covered underneath her long skirt. Officers of the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD) attended the scene for inspection and confirmed that the batch of live turtles was of an endangered species listed in the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong. The case was handed over to the AFCD for follow-up investigation and prosecution. 

    Customs reminds the public not to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong.

    According to the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance, any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction with the specimens forfeited.

    Also, according to the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance, any person who, by wantonly or unreasonably doing or omitting to do any act, causes any unnecessary suffering to any animal commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $200,000 and imprisonment for three years upon conviction.

    Members of the public may report any suspected smuggling activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Young inmates excel in exams

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Four young inmates have met the general entrance requirements for local universities in this year’s Diploma of Secondary Education, the Correctional Services Department announced today.

     

    They are among 20 young inmates, from Sha Tsui Correctional Institution (STCI), Pik Uk Correctional Institution, and Lai King Correctional Institution (LKCI), who received their exam results today. They took a total of 100 examination papers and obtained level 2 or above in 92 of them, or 92% of the papers taken.

     

    One candidate at STCI scored the highest 20 marks in five subjects, including level 5* in Chinese Language and 5 in Mathematics as well as obtained an “Attained” in Citizenship & Social Development.

     

    Two candidates at LKCI and STCI also attained remarkable results of 5** and 5* in Mathematics and the extended part of Mathematics (M1) respectively.

     

    The examinations sat included the four core subjects of Chinese Language, English Language, Mathematics and Citizenship & Social Development, as well as two electives of Economics and Tourism & Hospitality Studies.

     

    STCI Superintendent Poon Ho-lam highlighted that with unwavering perseverance and diligence, and family support as well as assistance from correctional officers and dedicated guidance from teachers, the young inmates continuously made strides and strived for good results in the exams, which was truly commendable.

     

    Mr Poon called on the public to give rehabilitated people fair opportunities and accept and support their reintegration into society.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS visits Heilongjiang

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki met local officials and attended activities relating to the Strive & Rise Programme during a visit to Harbin, Heilongjiang, yesterday and today.

    Yesterday, Mr Chan met CPC Heilongjiang Provincial Committee Secretary Xu Qin to exchange views on deepening co-operation between Hong Kong and Heilongjiang.

    Highlighting that the two places entered into various pacts at the Heilongjiang-Hong Kong Investment Cooperation Conference, held in Hong Kong in March, Mr Chan said Hong Kong-Heilongjiang exchanges have reached an unprecedented level.

    Stressing that Hong Kong possesses unique advantages under “one country, two systems” and offers a favourable business environment, Mr Chan said he eagerly looks forward to Hong Kong-Heilongjiang ties making greater contributions to the country.

    Afterwards, Mr Chan attended the launch ceremony of the Hong Kong Patriotic Education Heilongjiang Study Tour, which is part of the Strive & Rise Programme. He encouraged participants to make the most of the study tour to deepen their understanding of the country and to use it to help them set goals for the future.

    This morning, the Chief Secretary and members of the study tour visited the Exhibition Hall of Evidences of Crime Committed by Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army. He expressed hope that the youths, through learning about the unit’s crimes, would gain a fuller understanding of the hardships encountered in the country’s development and build a firmer patriotic sentiment.

    This afternoon, Mr Chan met CPC Harbin Municipal Committee Secretary Yu Hongtao to exchange views on strengthening co-operation between Hong Kong and Harbin.

    Highlighting that Harbin has been one of the Mainland cities included in the Individual Visit Scheme since last May, and that direct flights between Hong Kong and Harbin have been launched, the Chief Secretary said he hopes the two cities can work together to develop more co-operation opportunities. He added that he anticipates more young people from Hong Kong will visit Harbin, thereby enhancing their sense of national identity and pride.

    Mr Chan returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – 10th World Youth Peace Pilgrimage in the Demilitarized Zone: “There can be no world peace without peace on the Korean Peninsula”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 July 2025

    Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – “There can be no world peace without peace on the Korean Peninsula”. This is the slogan that young Koreans launched, who gathered in the Demilitarized Zone (a strip of land created in 1953 after the armistice of the Korean War, which serves as a buffer zone and border between the two nations, ed.) for the tenth “Peace Pilgrimage.”This year’s pilgrimage, organized by the Korea Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, brought together about 40 young people from the south and north of the peninsula, as well as from various other countries around the world.During the four-day pilgrimage, the young people visited several symbolic places that became places of prayer for a few moments. For example, the Odusan Unification Tower offers spectacular views of the Han and Imjin Rivers flowing into the Yellow Sea, and Hwanghae Province of North Korea in the distance.The young pilgrims also visited Imjingak Park on their way to the Jangsan Observatory near Chopyeongdo Island, famous as a migratory bird habitat and surrounded by barbed wire fences surrounding the military training ground. There, they recited St. Francis of Assisi’s “Prayer for Peace,” together, while the gunfire of soldiers training could be heard in the background.The pilgrims moved to Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, where the Cheorwon Peace Observatory is located above the civilian control line and about 2 km from the North Korean border. Then they headed to the “Ice Cream Plateau” also known as Sapseulbong Plateau. Intense fighting and fierce artillery exchanges between the North and South Korean forces happened on this hill during the Korean War. It earned its nickname “Ice Cream Plateau” because the mountain peak looks like a melting ice cream. Here, where the scars of war still linger, young people discussed how to move forward toward peace.The youth cycled to “Open the Moon Café”. Located at the northernmost point of South Korea, near a civilian control zone checkpoint, it is run by young people from the North and who lived in a group home. After the stop, the group headed to the crematorium for UN Troops in Yeoncheon and the military cemetery for North Korean soldiers.”I heard about this North Korean military cemetery, but it was hard to imagine that such a place actually existed. And of course, the people buried here also had parents, families, and a home,” said Joanna Hwang, a mother of three from the North, who was deeply moved that “even though they were enemies, someone took the time to bury and honor the North Korean soldiers.”On the third day of the pilgrimage, participants walked in silence along a 10-kilometer coastal fence path from Nanjeong Reservoir on Ganghwa Island to Gyodongdo Island Manghyangdae Observatory, praying the rosary.On the final day, the apostles of peace offered Sunday Mass with the intention of peace on the Korean Peninsula and around the world. Finally, the participants also shared their experience of the past four days. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 15/7/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – 10th World Youth Peace Pilgrimage in the Demilitarized Zone: “There can be no world peace without peace on the Korean Peninsula”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 July 2025

    Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – “There can be no world peace without peace on the Korean Peninsula”. This is the slogan that young Koreans launched, who gathered in the Demilitarized Zone (a strip of land created in 1953 after the armistice of the Korean War, which serves as a buffer zone and border between the two nations, ed.) for the tenth “Peace Pilgrimage.”This year’s pilgrimage, organized by the Korea Reconciliation Committee of the Archdiocese of Seoul and sponsored by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism, brought together about 40 young people from the south and north of the peninsula, as well as from various other countries around the world.During the four-day pilgrimage, the young people visited several symbolic places that became places of prayer for a few moments. For example, the Odusan Unification Tower offers spectacular views of the Han and Imjin Rivers flowing into the Yellow Sea, and Hwanghae Province of North Korea in the distance.The young pilgrims also visited Imjingak Park on their way to the Jangsan Observatory near Chopyeongdo Island, famous as a migratory bird habitat and surrounded by barbed wire fences surrounding the military training ground. There, they recited St. Francis of Assisi’s “Prayer for Peace,” together, while the gunfire of soldiers training could be heard in the background.The pilgrims moved to Cheorwon, Gangwon Province, where the Cheorwon Peace Observatory is located above the civilian control line and about 2 km from the North Korean border. Then they headed to the “Ice Cream Plateau” also known as Sapseulbong Plateau. Intense fighting and fierce artillery exchanges between the North and South Korean forces happened on this hill during the Korean War. It earned its nickname “Ice Cream Plateau” because the mountain peak looks like a melting ice cream. Here, where the scars of war still linger, young people discussed how to move forward toward peace.The youth cycled to “Open the Moon Café”. Located at the northernmost point of South Korea, near a civilian control zone checkpoint, it is run by young people from the North and who lived in a group home. After the stop, the group headed to the crematorium for UN Troops in Yeoncheon and the military cemetery for North Korean soldiers.”I heard about this North Korean military cemetery, but it was hard to imagine that such a place actually existed. And of course, the people buried here also had parents, families, and a home,” said Joanna Hwang, a mother of three from the North, who was deeply moved that “even though they were enemies, someone took the time to bury and honor the North Korean soldiers.”On the third day of the pilgrimage, participants walked in silence along a 10-kilometer coastal fence path from Nanjeong Reservoir on Ganghwa Island to Gyodongdo Island Manghyangdae Observatory, praying the rosary.On the final day, the apostles of peace offered Sunday Mass with the intention of peace on the Korean Peninsula and around the world. Finally, the participants also shared their experience of the past four days. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 15/7/2025)

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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The BRICS + summit in Brazil raises the banner of multilateralism

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 July 2025

    Alexandre Brum – BRICS Brasil

    by Cosimo GrazianiRio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) – On July 6 and 7, the annual summit of the so-called BRICS countries took place in Rio de Janeiro. This forum of states was founded in 2009 and has grown in recent years to include eleven countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. This year’s meeting was preceded by a series of events that affected its members and fueled expectations about its implementation, most notably the brief conflict between Israel and Iran, in which the United States intervened on the side of the Jewish state. However, expectations of a clear stance on this and other issues were dashed. The geopolitical actor that best took advantage of the international visibility associated with the summit was the host country, Brazil, which organized events such as the G20 summit last year, assumed the presidency of MERCOSUR, and will host the next UN climate conference. This series of events, which also included the organization of the BRICS Summit, enabled the Brazilian government to reaffirm its international stance in favor of multilateralism. Multilateralism was also the first topic addressed by Brazilian President Lula in his introductory speech. Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva specifically criticized the threat to the progress made in recent years by organizations such as the United Nations. The Brazilian president explicitly mentioned the setbacks on issues such as climate and trade, in the latter case a not-so-disguised allusion to Donald Trump’s tariff policy.The topics of multilateralism and tariffs were mentioned in the summit’s final declaration, along with health, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the promotion of peace and security. Criticism was also directed at Israel’s actions in the Middle East and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. These accusations were also extended to the 5% increase in military spending ordered by NATO countries: Lula particularly criticized the lack of investment for peace. At the same time, little was said about the war in Ukraine. What caused a stir during the summit was the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping: the former likely to avoid embarrassing Brazil in connection with the international arrest warrant issued against the Russian president by the International Criminal Court; the latter officially had other concurrent commitments. Analysts’ eyes were on the summit because of its increasing importance for the so-called Global South. The organization now represents a large portion of the world’s population and an equally large share of global GDP—37% to be precise. The decisions of this group clarify whether and how the Global South will be able to exert a similar importance in global governance as the G7 countries, or even replace the G20 summit in its importance, the only forum that currently offers countries in this category the opportunity to gain visibility and significance in global scenarios. Compared to the G20, the BRICS forum is composed exclusively of countries that seek to relativize the influence of Western and developed countries. Whether this succeeds will depend on whether the member countries manage to negotiate common positions on key issues and achieve some form of political or economic integration. Regarding the latter, all BRICS members agree in proposing and advocating de-dollarization and the replacement of the US dollar with individual states’ currencies in trade transactions.The problem is that not everyone is ready for this transition, which would mean distancing themselves from Washington: countries like Russia and China are strongly in favor of it, while others like Saudi Arabia, due to their ongoing relations with Washington, do not accept such a prospect. It remains to be seen, therefore, whether US President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the group’s countries as they move away from the dollar will become reality. If so, the reactions of individual states to such a threat will be a true test of their loyalty to the group. Overall, it can be said that the results of the summit were mixed and that the only country that stood out somewhat more was Brazil as the organizer, because it was able to promote the main points of its foreign policy, starting with the call for multilateralism. It is premature to say that the group does not have what it takes to become an alternative to the West. However, many analysts believe that the overly diverse interests of its members will hinder the organization’s development. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the BRICS members have reached their 17th summit and that a “hard core” has emerged within the organization, in which Russia and China play a key role in finding an alternative approach to the world’s problems, different from that of the ruling groups in many Western countries. All these elements indicate that the path toward an organization of the Global South could gain weight in international relations and surpass the role played by the G20 so far. (Agenzia Fides, 16/7/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: The BRICS + summit in Brazil raises the banner of multilateralism

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Wednesday, 16 July 2025

    Alexandre Brum – BRICS Brasil

    by Cosimo GrazianiRio de Janeiro (Agenzia Fides) – On July 6 and 7, the annual summit of the so-called BRICS countries took place in Rio de Janeiro. This forum of states was founded in 2009 and has grown in recent years to include eleven countries: Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Ethiopia, Indonesia, and Iran. This year’s meeting was preceded by a series of events that affected its members and fueled expectations about its implementation, most notably the brief conflict between Israel and Iran, in which the United States intervened on the side of the Jewish state. However, expectations of a clear stance on this and other issues were dashed. The geopolitical actor that best took advantage of the international visibility associated with the summit was the host country, Brazil, which organized events such as the G20 summit last year, assumed the presidency of MERCOSUR, and will host the next UN climate conference. This series of events, which also included the organization of the BRICS Summit, enabled the Brazilian government to reaffirm its international stance in favor of multilateralism. Multilateralism was also the first topic addressed by Brazilian President Lula in his introductory speech. Luiz Inàcio Lula da Silva specifically criticized the threat to the progress made in recent years by organizations such as the United Nations. The Brazilian president explicitly mentioned the setbacks on issues such as climate and trade, in the latter case a not-so-disguised allusion to Donald Trump’s tariff policy.The topics of multilateralism and tariffs were mentioned in the summit’s final declaration, along with health, artificial intelligence, climate change, and the promotion of peace and security. Criticism was also directed at Israel’s actions in the Middle East and the catastrophic humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip. These accusations were also extended to the 5% increase in military spending ordered by NATO countries: Lula particularly criticized the lack of investment for peace. At the same time, little was said about the war in Ukraine. What caused a stir during the summit was the absence of Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping: the former likely to avoid embarrassing Brazil in connection with the international arrest warrant issued against the Russian president by the International Criminal Court; the latter officially had other concurrent commitments. Analysts’ eyes were on the summit because of its increasing importance for the so-called Global South. The organization now represents a large portion of the world’s population and an equally large share of global GDP—37% to be precise. The decisions of this group clarify whether and how the Global South will be able to exert a similar importance in global governance as the G7 countries, or even replace the G20 summit in its importance, the only forum that currently offers countries in this category the opportunity to gain visibility and significance in global scenarios. Compared to the G20, the BRICS forum is composed exclusively of countries that seek to relativize the influence of Western and developed countries. Whether this succeeds will depend on whether the member countries manage to negotiate common positions on key issues and achieve some form of political or economic integration. Regarding the latter, all BRICS members agree in proposing and advocating de-dollarization and the replacement of the US dollar with individual states’ currencies in trade transactions.The problem is that not everyone is ready for this transition, which would mean distancing themselves from Washington: countries like Russia and China are strongly in favor of it, while others like Saudi Arabia, due to their ongoing relations with Washington, do not accept such a prospect. It remains to be seen, therefore, whether US President Trump’s threats to impose tariffs on the group’s countries as they move away from the dollar will become reality. If so, the reactions of individual states to such a threat will be a true test of their loyalty to the group. Overall, it can be said that the results of the summit were mixed and that the only country that stood out somewhat more was Brazil as the organizer, because it was able to promote the main points of its foreign policy, starting with the call for multilateralism. It is premature to say that the group does not have what it takes to become an alternative to the West. However, many analysts believe that the overly diverse interests of its members will hinder the organization’s development. Nevertheless, it should be noted that the BRICS members have reached their 17th summit and that a “hard core” has emerged within the organization, in which Russia and China play a key role in finding an alternative approach to the world’s problems, different from that of the ruling groups in many Western countries. All these elements indicate that the path toward an organization of the Global South could gain weight in international relations and surpass the role played by the G20 so far. (Agenzia Fides, 16/7/2025)
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  • Heavy rains continue across eastern and southern India amid dual low-pressure systems; Delhi-NCR also gets drenched

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Two well-marked low-pressure areas – one over northwest Rajasthan and its neighbourhood and another over southwest Bihar and adjoining eastern Uttar Pradesh – are currently influencing weather conditions across large parts of India. These systems are likely to sustain heavy to very heavy rainfall over eastern and adjoining central India over the next two days, while persistent wet conditions are predicted for Kerala, Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu over the next week.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), heavy to extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 21 cm) was recorded at isolated locations in Uttarakhand, Konkan, and the ghat areas of central Maharashtra.

    Several other regions, including Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, and Meghalaya, witnessed very heavy rainfall (ranging between 7 and 20 cm).

    Heavy rainfall was also observed in parts of Sub-Himalayan West Bengal, Odisha, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, western Rajasthan, Arunachal Pradesh, Mizoram, Kerala, Coastal and South Interior Karnataka, and Coastal Andhra Pradesh.

    Very heavy rainfall is likely to occur in isolated locations across North India on July 16, affecting Jammu & Kashmir, northern Punjab, Bihar, Jharkhand, Chhattisgarh, and Uttarakhand. This very heavy rainfall trend is also expected to continue over Uttarakhand on July 17, and again from July 20 to 22.

    Eastern Uttar Pradesh can also anticipate very heavy showers on July 16 and 17, with western Uttar Pradesh likely to receive similar rainfall conditions on July 17. Moving to the northern hilly region, the state of Himachal Pradesh is expected to receive heavy rainfall on July 21 and 22. In southern India, specifically Kerala, Mahe, Tamil Nadu, and Karnataka, rainfall is predicted consistently from July 16 through July 22.

    The weather in Delhi-NCR is currently being influenced by the monsoonal changes, leading to generally cloudy skies and intermittent rain. Looking at the forecast for the coming days, today, July 16, is expected to bring light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms, with temperatures around the seasonal normal, ranging from 32°C to 34°C. Winds from the southeast will be under 15 kmph.

    Forecast for the following day, July 17, suggests very light to light rain with thunderstorms. Temperatures are likely to be slightly below normal, with highs between 32°C and 34°C and lows between 24°C and 26°C. The wind pattern will remain similar, blowing from the southeast at speeds under 16 kmph.

    On July 18, Delhi will continue to experience light rainfall and partly cloudy skies, with temperature ranges remaining consistent. Light northwesterly winds are expected to become dominant.

    By July 19, the rain is likely to ease, giving way to partly cloudy skies. Daytime temperatures are expected to increase slightly to 34°C–36°C. The winds will shift from the southwest in the afternoon, returning to the northwest by evening, with gentle speeds remaining below 12 kmph.

     

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to NATO Secretary General Rutte’s statements in joint press conference with German Chancellor Merz on China’s military expansion

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to NATO Secretary General Rutte’s statements in joint press conference with German Chancellor Merz on China’s military expansion

    July 10, 2025

    North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) Secretary General Mark Rutte met with German Federal Chancellor Friedrich Merz on July 9. During the joint press conference following the meeting, Secretary General Rutte stated that the scale of the Chinese navy had already surpassed that of the United States and that China had over 1,000 nuclear warheads at its disposal. He indicated that China’s military expansion had clearly developed toward combat readiness and that China’s ambitions to get control over Taiwan were obvious. 

    He noted that if China decided to launch an attack against Taiwan, it would likely partner with Russia to create a parallel conflict in Europe, thereby keeping Europe preoccupied. Secretary General Rutte stressed that these developments had plainly demonstrated that transatlantic and Indo-Pacific security was increasingly intertwined. He added that faced with a potential joint threat from China and Russia, NATO must strengthen its collective military capabilities and deepen cooperation with allies in the Indo-Pacific region to effectively deter any possible military aggression. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs welcomes these statements concerning regional developments.

    Since assuming office in October 2024, Secretary General Rutte has repeatedly called attention to the nature of China’s expansionist actions and its aggressive ambitions toward Taiwan. He has also actively urged people everywhere to pay heed to the challenges and risks that China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran pose to global peace and security. 

    Authoritarian countries are coordinating efforts to undermine regional peace and stability and the international order. In the face of this, Taiwan— a responsible democratic member of the global community—will continue to work with the Group of Seven, NATO, and other like-minded partners to jointly safeguard peace, stability, and prosperity across the Taiwan Strait and the Indo-Pacific region.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA response to UK-France leaders’ declaration reaffirming commitment to Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA response to UK-France leaders’ declaration reaffirming commitment to Taiwan Strait peace and stability

    July 11, 2025

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer of the United Kingdom and President Emmanuel Macron of France met in London on July 10 for the 37th UK-France summit. In a declaration issued after their meeting, the two leaders said that European security was inextricably linked to the Indo-Pacific and that they would strengthen their coordination and work together for a free, open, and sovereign Indo-Pacific. They also jointly reaffirmed their commitment to peace and stability in the Korean Peninsula, in the South and East China Seas, and in the Taiwan Strait, calling for the peaceful resolution of cross-strait issues. Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung sincerely welcomes and appreciates this declaration.

    The fact that the leaders of the United Kingdom and France once again expressed their commitment to cross-strait peace and stability following a similar statement released after the G7 leaders’ summit in June demonstrates that maintaining Taiwan Strait peace and stability has become a matter of international consensus. As a responsible and democratic member of the international community, Taiwan will continue to work with democratic partners around the world to contribute to the freedom, openness, and prosperity of the Indo-Pacific region and jointly defend the rules-based international order.

    MIL OSI China News –