NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Three men charged by Police National Security Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force arrested four men, aged between 15 and 47, on July 9 and laid charges against three of them jointly with one count of “Conspiracy to Secession” today (July 11).

    The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.

    Another arrested man has been released on bail pending further enquiries and is required to report back to Police in early August.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Three men charged by Police National Security Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The National Security Department of the Hong Kong Police Force arrested four men, aged between 15 and 47, on July 9 and laid charges against three of them jointly with one count of “Conspiracy to Secession” today (July 11).

    The case will be mentioned at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.

    Another arrested man has been released on bail pending further enquiries and is required to report back to Police in early August.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Government gazetted today (July 11) the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill (the Bill) to fulfil the positive obligation of the Government under Article 14 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights (BOR14) as declared by the Court of Final Appeal in the case of Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice (FACV 14/2022), whereby an alternative framework will be established through legislation for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, while providing for appropriate rights and obligations attendant on such recognition.

    The Bill aims to establish a registration system for same-sex partnerships, so that same-sex partners can apply for registration of their same-sex partnerships. The content of the Bill covers the setting up of a same-sex partnership registry, the conditions for registration of same-sex partnerships, the mode of application for registration and revocation of registration, and the offences and penalty related to the registration mechanism. The Bill also amends related provisions in certain enactments to provide for rights and obligations attendant on the recognition of same-sex partnerships.

    A spokesman for the Government said, “The Government respects the court’s judgment, and will proactively fulfil the related obligation under BOR14 by establishing the relevant alternative framework through legislation. The current proposal has fully taken into account the actual situations and overall interests of Hong Kong, and strived to achieve an appropriate balance. The Government will continue to actively maintain close communication with the Legislative Council (LegCo) to implement the Bill. We reiterate that establishing the alternative framework to introduce a registration system for same-sex partnerships will not compromise the Government’s established position on upholding the monogamous and heterosexual marriage system.”

    The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on July 16.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Government gazetted today (July 11) the Registration of Same-sex Partnerships Bill (the Bill) to fulfil the positive obligation of the Government under Article 14 of the Hong Kong Bill of Rights (BOR14) as declared by the Court of Final Appeal in the case of Sham Tsz Kit v Secretary for Justice (FACV 14/2022), whereby an alternative framework will be established through legislation for legal recognition of same-sex partnerships, while providing for appropriate rights and obligations attendant on such recognition.

    The Bill aims to establish a registration system for same-sex partnerships, so that same-sex partners can apply for registration of their same-sex partnerships. The content of the Bill covers the setting up of a same-sex partnership registry, the conditions for registration of same-sex partnerships, the mode of application for registration and revocation of registration, and the offences and penalty related to the registration mechanism. The Bill also amends related provisions in certain enactments to provide for rights and obligations attendant on the recognition of same-sex partnerships.

    A spokesman for the Government said, “The Government respects the court’s judgment, and will proactively fulfil the related obligation under BOR14 by establishing the relevant alternative framework through legislation. The current proposal has fully taken into account the actual situations and overall interests of Hong Kong, and strived to achieve an appropriate balance. The Government will continue to actively maintain close communication with the Legislative Council (LegCo) to implement the Bill. We reiterate that establishing the alternative framework to introduce a registration system for same-sex partnerships will not compromise the Government’s established position on upholding the monogamous and heterosexual marriage system.”

    The Bill will be introduced into the LegCo for first reading on July 16.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Chai Wan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Chai Wan today (July 11), in which a man died.

    At 4.39pm, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driven by a 61-year-old man was turning left to Oi Lai Street from Oi Yin Street. When the HGV was approaching the junction of Oi Lai Street and Oi Yin Street, it reportedly knocked down and ran over the 73-year-old man who was riding a bicycle towards the same direction.

    Sustaining serious head injuries, the 73-year-old man was certified dead at scene.

    The HGV driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

    Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 2 of Traffic, Hong Kong Island is underway.

    Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3660 6849.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Fatal traffic accident in Chai Wan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Police are investigating a fatal traffic accident happened in Chai Wan today (July 11), in which a man died.

    At 4.39pm, a heavy goods vehicle (HGV) driven by a 61-year-old man was turning left to Oi Lai Street from Oi Yin Street. When the HGV was approaching the junction of Oi Lai Street and Oi Yin Street, it reportedly knocked down and ran over the 73-year-old man who was riding a bicycle towards the same direction.

    Sustaining serious head injuries, the 73-year-old man was certified dead at scene.

    The HGV driver was arrested for dangerous driving causing death and is being detained for enquiries.

    Investigation by the Special Investigation Team 2 of Traffic, Hong Kong Island is underway.

    Anyone who witnessed the accident or has any information to offer is urged to contact the investigating officers on 3660 6849.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SDEV on quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session today (July 11) on the quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2025:
     
    Reporter: Why is the Tsuen Wan land plot rolled out this time and what are the Government’s expectations on this quarter’s land sales? And secondly, what is the Government’s strategy in terms of this fiscal year’s land sales, given that only two plots are rolled out in the first two quarters? Is the Government confident in terms of the land-buying appetite of the private market and reaching the initial revenue goal?
     
    Secretary for Development: First of all, we are rolling out this site in Tsuen Wan in the second quarter of this year because it is a readily available site. We have recently completed the resuming process for this site, and we have taken into account the fact that this is not a particularly large site, and it is relatively still small in scale and located in a mature urban area with good transport connections. So we think this kind of site will be of interest to the developers in the current climate of the property market.
     
    As regards your second question regarding the overall supply for the second quarter, taking into account this Tsuen Wan site and together with six other cases involving lease modifications, we should be able to turn out land capable of supplying close to 5 000 flats, to be more exact, it is 4 950 units in this quarter. So it is a pretty good figure, actually, counting by a quarter. If we take into account also the supply from the first quarter, together it will reach about 6 000 units, about 45 per cent of our annual target for this year. So as a mid-term anticipated outturn, I think it suggests that we are moving in a stable manner towards our annual target.

    Reporter: What is the likelihood of seeing some small and medium developers in Hong Kong facing loan defaults amid a downward trend in both the residential and commercial real estate market? And how will that affect the property market and also the sentiment in land bidding?
     
    Secretary for Development: You have two questions. On the first one, about the financial situation of the SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) or the developers which are SMEs, I think I am not in a position to comment on the financial position of our developers in general. But looking at the lease modification figures that I have announced just now, we do have six lease modification cases, and not all are what we call major developers, some are small scale. So we can see that the market is actually still moving in quite a healthy manner, with some lease modifications taking place and some other processing. So I would not take a too-pessimistic attitude towards the financial situation of our SME developers.
     
    On your second question, I think the property market has picked up a bit, if we look at the volume of transactions registered in the Land Registry. But again, I have to emphasise that, for the Development Bureau, we are rolling out land for the future development and the future needs of Hong Kong. So we cannot just look at the current movements in the property market. We also have to look ahead. And I think that overall, we are taking a prudent approach for our land sale programme.
     
    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by SDEV on quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         Following are the remarks by the Secretary for Development, Ms Bernadette Linn, at a media session today (July 11) on the quarterly land sale programme for July to September 2025:
     
    Reporter: Why is the Tsuen Wan land plot rolled out this time and what are the Government’s expectations on this quarter’s land sales? And secondly, what is the Government’s strategy in terms of this fiscal year’s land sales, given that only two plots are rolled out in the first two quarters? Is the Government confident in terms of the land-buying appetite of the private market and reaching the initial revenue goal?
     
    Secretary for Development: First of all, we are rolling out this site in Tsuen Wan in the second quarter of this year because it is a readily available site. We have recently completed the resuming process for this site, and we have taken into account the fact that this is not a particularly large site, and it is relatively still small in scale and located in a mature urban area with good transport connections. So we think this kind of site will be of interest to the developers in the current climate of the property market.
     
    As regards your second question regarding the overall supply for the second quarter, taking into account this Tsuen Wan site and together with six other cases involving lease modifications, we should be able to turn out land capable of supplying close to 5 000 flats, to be more exact, it is 4 950 units in this quarter. So it is a pretty good figure, actually, counting by a quarter. If we take into account also the supply from the first quarter, together it will reach about 6 000 units, about 45 per cent of our annual target for this year. So as a mid-term anticipated outturn, I think it suggests that we are moving in a stable manner towards our annual target.

    Reporter: What is the likelihood of seeing some small and medium developers in Hong Kong facing loan defaults amid a downward trend in both the residential and commercial real estate market? And how will that affect the property market and also the sentiment in land bidding?
     
    Secretary for Development: You have two questions. On the first one, about the financial situation of the SMEs (small and medium-sized enterprises) or the developers which are SMEs, I think I am not in a position to comment on the financial position of our developers in general. But looking at the lease modification figures that I have announced just now, we do have six lease modification cases, and not all are what we call major developers, some are small scale. So we can see that the market is actually still moving in quite a healthy manner, with some lease modifications taking place and some other processing. So I would not take a too-pessimistic attitude towards the financial situation of our SME developers.
     
    On your second question, I think the property market has picked up a bit, if we look at the volume of transactions registered in the Land Registry. But again, I have to emphasise that, for the Development Bureau, we are rolling out land for the future development and the future needs of Hong Kong. So we cannot just look at the current movements in the property market. We also have to look ahead. And I think that overall, we are taking a prudent approach for our land sale programme.
     
    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the transcript.)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Heavy Rain to Lash Central and Northwest India; Delhi-NCR to Experience Moderate Showers

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over central and adjoining northwest India for the next four to five days, with possibility of very heavy rainfall over southern Uttar Pradesh today, eastern Rajasthan from July 11 to 15, and Madhya Pradesh between July 11 and 14. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive significant rainfall on July 15 and 16.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the Delhi-NCR region, the weather will remain relatively moderate with intermittent rainfall over the coming days.

    The city’s weather forecast for today indicates generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 31°C and 33°C, marking a departure of 2 to 4°C below the normal. Winds are predicted to blow from the northwest, at speeds below 15 kmph in the afternoon, decreasing to 8–12 kmph from the northeast by evening and night.

    On July 12, the region will experience partly cloudy skies with very light to light rain and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures are likely to range between 34°C and 36°C during the day and 24°C to 26°C at night. The minimum temperature will be 1 to 3°C below normal, while the maximum temperature will remain near normal. Winds will be from the northwest, starting below 20 kmph in the morning and gradually slowing to under 12 kmph by night.

    July 13 is expected to bring partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will hover between 35°C and 37°C, and nighttime temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. The minimum temperature will be slightly below normal, while the maximum will be near normal. Winds will shift from the north in the morning to the southeast by evening, with speeds staying under 15 kmph.

    On July 14, the weather will remain partly cloudy with light rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will range from 32°C to 34°C, slightly below normal, while minimum temperatures will be near normal, between 23°C and 25°C. Winds will begin from the southeast at less than 15 kmph in the morning, picking up slightly in the afternoon and easing again in the evening from the east.

     

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Contractor suspended from bidding

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Development Bureau said today that it has issued a notification to the contractor involved in a fatal industrial incident at a non-governmental construction site in Chek Lap Kok on July 10 suspending it from tendering for public works contracts in the roads and drainage category with immediate effect.

    The contractor involved was on the List of Approved Contractors for Public Works. As the body responsible for procuring services for public works, the bureau stressed that it attaches great importance to site safety at all construction sites under the purview of contractors on the list.

    It explained that the contractor has been instructed to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system, submit an improvement action plan based on the audit, and then implement measures with a view to demonstrating that its safety management system is effective. A lifting of the suspension will be considered once these steps are taken.

    The suspension from tendering is not limited to future tender exercises – it is also applicable to tender exercises which have been initiated but not concluded.

    The Labour Department is investigating the industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law.

    Subject to the findings of the department’s investigations, the bureau may carry out further regulating actions against the contractor. These may include extending the suspension period or even removal from the list.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier attends China Pavilion Day at Osaka Expo

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

    OSAKA, Japan, July 11 — Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng on Friday attended China’s National Pavilion Day at Expo 2025 Osaka and delivered a speech.

    He, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, highlighted that the World Expo serves as an important platform for promoting mutual learning among civilizations, fostering social progress, and strengthening friendship among peoples.

    The Chinese government attaches great importance to the country’s participation in Expo 2025 Osaka, he said, noting that the China Pavilion showcased China’s practices in ecological civilization and promoted the country’s development philosophy of respecting, adapting to, and protecting nature.

    Through immersive exhibitions, interactive experiences, and diverse cultural activities, global visitors will gain a genuine, lovable, and respectable image of China, he said.

    “China is willing to work with Japan to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries and jointly promote a strategic and mutually beneficial relationship, so as to build a constructive and stable China-Japan relationship that meets the needs of the new era,” he said.

    The Chinese vice premier visited the China and Japan pavilions at the Expo, and held friendly exchanges with Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party Secretary-General Hiroshi Moriyama and representatives from Kansai-based economic organizations.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Health commences visit to Nanjing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Secretary for Health commences visit to Nanjing  
         During the meeting with the Commissioner of the Jiangsu Commission of Health, Ms Tan Ying, Professor Lo introduced the efforts of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government in promoting the international inheritance and innovation of Chinese medicine, as well as the high-quality development of public hospitals.
     
         Professor Lo said, “The HKSAR Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into a bridgehead for the internationalisation of Chinese medicine and promoting the high-quality and high-standard development of Chinese medicine in Hong Kong on all fronts. Jiangsu and Hong Kong have established a solid foundation in Chinese medicine academic inheritance and talent exchange. By the end of this year, the two flagship projects, namely the Chinese Medicine Hospital of Hong Kong (CMHHK) and the permanent Government Chinese Medicines Testing Institute building, will commence services in phases. This will further strengthen the co-operation between the two places in the areas of Chinese medicine services, talent development and testing research.”
     
         Regarding the high-quality development of public hospitals, Professor Lo emphasised that the HKSAR Government will continue to promote the accreditation of more public hospitals under the China’s International Hospital Accreditation Standards (2021 Version), with a view to maintaining the high standard of hospital management and services in the HKSAR while aligning with the national healthcare service system. Apart from Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital and Prince of Wales Hospital, which have been successfully accredited in December last year and March this year respectively, the Hospital Authority will launch the accreditation programme at Queen Mary Hospital, United Christian Hospital and Tuen Mun Hospital this year, and plans to implement the programme at one major acute hospital under each of the seven hospital clusters by 2026. The participation of public hospitals in the relevant accreditation programme can serve as a demonstration to the international community of the national hospital accreditation standards, with Hong Kong acting as a gateway to facilitate the national standards going global. In this connection, both sides also explored ways to further encourage more hospitals in the two places to pursue accreditation under the relevant standards to amplify the impact of national standards.
     
         Professor Lo also visited Simcere Pharmaceutical Group headquartered in Nanjing earlier. He introduced the senior management of the company to the initiatives put forward by the HKSAR Government in developing Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub, including strengthening the approval regimes for drugs and medical devices, as well as promoting the development of the clinical trial industry.
     
         He said, “The Chief Executive announced in his 2023 and 2024 Policy Addresses to develop Hong Kong into an international health and medical innovation hub. We will set up the Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation by the end of next year to accelerate the clinical use of new drugs and medical devices. Moreover, the HKSAR Government will make full use of the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trial Institute located in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, and working in collaboration with the Greater Bay Area International Clinical Trials Center in the Shenzhen Park to jointly establish a one-stop clinical trial collaboration platform.”
     
         Professor Lo encouraged Mainland pharmaceutical companies to make good use of the “1+” mechanism and “primary evaluation” for new drug registration, which will be rolled out in phases starting next year, to introduce newly developed drugs into Hong Kong to meet local healthcare needs and access international markets through Hong Kong. He also welcomed Mainland pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in Hong Kong, fully leveraging the multiple unique advantages of the HKSAR to facilitate the translation and clinical application of advanced biomedical technologies.
     
         Professor Lo will attend the 13th Nanjing Academic Symposium on Hepatobiliary Surgery and Liver Transplantation and visit a local hospital in Nanjing tomorrow.
    Issued at HKT 19:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sport for All Day ballot starts Jul 17

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    From July 17, individuals can apply via SmartPLAY to enjoy free use of a number of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department’s fee-charging facilities on Sport For All Day due to be held on August 3.

    The free sessions will be allocated via SmartPLAY through a balloting process. Each user can submit a total of three choices of sessions in one application. Choices must be submitted by July 23.

    The computer balloting results will be announced on July 26. Successful applicants will be notified by the SmartPLAY system.

    Individuals who have not been allocated any free session via ballot or did not apply through the ballot, can book the remaining free sessions via SmartPLAY on a first-come, first-served basis from July 28.

    The department appeals to successful applicants to arrive on time to make the best use of the booked facilities.

    No prior application will be required for using public swimming pool facilities. People may line up at the entrances of swimming pools before the start of a session. Free admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

    The department will also organise a series of free recreation and sports programmes from 2pm to 6pm on August 3 at designated sports centres across the 18 districts.

    To tie in with Sport For All Day, a number of organisations will open up their facilities for free use or roll out free recreation and sports programmes on the day for the public.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector after new UK trade measures

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    World news story

    Boost for Sri Lankan garment sector after new UK trade measures

    Sri Lankan garment sector set to benefit following reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka.

    • Liberalised rules of origin will now allow for more garments manufactured in Sri Lanka to enter the UK tariff-free.
    • Further measures will make it easier for countries like Sri Lanka to trade, supporting jobs and growth.
    • UK businesses and consumers to benefit from more competitively priced products.

    On 10 July, the UK government unveiled a package of reforms to simplify imports from developing countries like Sri Lanka. Upgrades to the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) make it easier for businesses to trade with the UK and help lower prices on the UK high street.  

    The changes, announced as part of the UK’s wider Trade for Development offer, aim to support economic growth in partner countries including Sri Lanka while helping UK businesses and consumers access high-quality, affordable goods.  This announcement builds on the UK’s Trade Strategy published last month.

    New measures include simplifying rules of origin, enabling more goods from countries such as Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and the Philippines to enter the UK tariff-free — even when using components from across Asia and Africa.

    The announcement follows engagement with UK businesses and international partners, major importers and trade associations. This included the Sri Lankan government and the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF). The most significant positive change for Sri Lanka is that the rules of origin for the garments sector specifically will be liberalised. The changes will ensure that DCTS countries can now source their materials from a wider range of nations and will give manufacturers from countries such as Sri Lanka the opportunity to take advantage of 0% tariffs on garments. These changes are expected to be in place by early 2026.

    The British High Commissioner to Sri Lanka Andrew Patrick said:

     “This is a win for the Sri Lankan garment sector, and for UK consumers. With the UK being the second largest export market and garments making up over 60% of that trade, we know manufacturers here will welcome this announcement.

    “We want Sri Lanka to improve the utilisation of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme for a wider range of goods, not just garments. With the Sri Lankan government’s ambition to grow exports, and with the simplification of rules of origin for other sectors too, we strongly encourage more exporters to explore how they can benefit from the preferences offered by the DCTS.

    “The UK remains committed to working towards creating shared prosperity for both our countries.

    Responding to the announcement Secretary General of the Joint Apparel Association Forum (JAAF) Yohan Lawrence said:

    “We warmly welcome the UK’s Trade Strategy. JAAF has worked very closely with the UK Government to work on solutions to improve utilisation of the Scheme. We are delighted that, for garments, it will now be possible to source more raw material regionally and continue to qualify for duty free export to the UK. This will be a game-changer for our trade with the UK under the DCTS.

    “We believe that the changes will also deliver significant improvements against the objectives of the Scheme. At around USD 675m in value, the UK is the second largest market for Sri Lanka Apparel, accounting for close to 15% of apparel exports, while the industry supports a million livelihoods across the country. This announcement will help secure employment opportunities and ensure sustainable growth in Sri Lanka by allowing us to compete on equal terms with our major competitors, and we expect exports to increase significantly when the new rules come into effect.”

    Background

    Launched in 2023, following the UK’s exit from the EU, DCTS is the UK’s flagship trade preference scheme. Covering 65 countries (including Sri Lanka) DCTS offers reduced or zero tariffs on thousands of products. It is one of the most generous schemes of its kind in the world. The recent changes further improve this offer. This will open up new commercial opportunities for UK businesses to build resilient supply chains, invest in emerging markets, and tap into fast-growing economies.

    In addition to the DCTS changes, the UK will continue to provide targeted support to help exporters in Sri Lanka to access the UK market and meet import standards particularly focused on agri-foods and apparel sectors. This is through programmes being delivered by the International Trade Centre (ITC) in partnership with the Sri Lanka Export Development Board:

    • The UK Trade Partnerships programme will continue to support on-going work on strengthening and rolling out Sri Lanka’s national organic standards, alongside completing certification audits of existing beneficiaries, and delivering training on digital marketing.

    • Following the work on establishing the SheTrades Commonwealth+ hub in Sri Lanka earlier this year, the UK will continue to support in building policy capacity to mainstream gender into trade policy.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI: Orezone Lodges Prospectus to Raise A$75 Million as Part of ASX Listing

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, July 11, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE, OTCQX: ORZCF) (the “Company” or “Orezone”) is pleased to announce that it has today lodged a prospectus (“Prospectus”) with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (“ASIC”) for an initial public offering to raise proceeds of A$75.0 million (before associated costs) (“Offer”). The Prospectus will assist the Company to meet the requirements of the Australian Securities Exchange (“ASX”) and satisfy Chapters 1 and 2 of the ASX Listing Rules, as part of the Company’s application for admission to the official list of the ASX.

    Under the Prospectus, the Company is offering 65,789,474 CHESS Depository Interests (“CDIs”) over fully paid common shares in the capital of the Company (“Shares“) at an offer price of A$1.14 per CDI (the “Offer Price”) to raise gross proceeds of A$75.0 million. Each CDI represents a beneficial interest in one Share.

    The Company has entered into an underwriting agreement (“Underwriting Agreement”) with Canaccord Genuity (Australia) Limited (“Canaccord”) under which Canaccord has been appointed as lead manager, bookrunner and underwriter to the Offer. Canaccord has agreed, subject to customary conditions, to underwrite applications for all CDIs under the Offer.

    Euroz Hartleys Limited, Argonaut Securities Pty Limited, SCP Resource Finance LP and BMO Capital Markets Corp. have been appointed as co-managers to the Offer.

    Patrick Downey, President and CEO stated, “We look forward to the ASX listing which will raise the Company’s profile by broadening its shareholder base and increase trading liquidity for all shareholders. The listing also represents an exciting opportunity for investors to participate in the Company’s growth strategy as we execute on our staged hard rock expansion at the Bomboré Mine which will significantly increase our annual gold production. First gold from the stage 1 hard rock plant is scheduled for Q4-2025 and production in 2026 from the combined oxide and stage 1 hard rock operations is forecasted to be 170,000 to 185,000 ounces. The stage 2 expansion is forecasted to increase the overall gold production profile at the Bomboré Mine to 220,000 to 250,000 ounces per annum. Subject to funding, ongoing studies and final Board approval, the stage 2 hard rock expansion will commence in H2-2025, with commissioning expected in Q4-2026.”

    The net proceeds of the Offer will be used for the ongoing advancement of stage 2 of the hard rock expansion, including procurement of mechanical and electrical equipment, freight to site, engineering design and construction plus commissioning of stage 2, as well as ongoing exploration at the Bomboré Mine, in addition to administration and working capital purposes.

    Additional details of the Offer and the ASX Listing

    • The Offer opened on July 11, 2025 and is expected to close on July 21, 2025.
    • Trading on the ASX is expected to commence on a normal settlement basis on or about August 8, 2025 under the ASX code “ORE” (subject to the Company satisfying ASX’s listing requirements, which it is currently working towards).
    • Using an exchange rate of A$0.895 = C$1.00, the Offer Price per CDI is approximately C$1.02 and the gross proceeds of the Offer is approximately C$67.1 million.
    • The Offer Price represents a 7.2% discount to Orezone’s closing price of C$1.10 on the Toronto Stock Exchange (“TSX”) on July 9, 2025, and an 8.5% discount to the five-day volume-weighted average price (“VWAP“) of C$1.115.

    In accordance with section 734(6) of the Australian Corporations Act 2001 (Cth), the Company advises in respect of the Offer of CDIs under the Prospectus:

    • The issuer of the CDIs is Orezone Gold Corporation (ARBN 686 478 875).
    • The Prospectus is available online for Australian residents only at: www.computersharecas.com.au/oreipooffer.
    • The Offer will only be made in, or accompanied by, a copy of the Prospectus.
    • A person should consider the Prospectus in deciding whether to acquire the CDIs.
    • Anyone who wishes to acquire the CDIs under the Offer will need to complete the application form that will be in, or will accompany, the Prospectus.
    • The Offer under the Prospectus will only be made available to persons receiving the Prospectus in Australia and certain investors in New Zealand, Hong Kong, Singapore, the United Kingdom, the European Union (excluding Austria), Switzerland, Canada (Alberta, British Columbia and Ontario) and the United States.

    The Offer is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals, including any approvals of the ASX, TSX and applicable securities regulatory authorities.  

    The Prospectus has not been filed with any securities commission in Canada and the CDIs may not be offered or sold within Canada or for the account of any Canadian residents except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the prospectus and registration requirements of applicable Canadian securities laws.

    A copy of the Prospectus, containing full details of the Offer, will be available on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under Orezone’s profile.

    About Orezone Gold Corporation

    Orezone Gold Corporation (TSX: ORE OTCQX: ORZCF) is a West African gold producer engaged in mining, developing, and exploring its 90%-owned flagship Bomboré Gold Mine in Burkina Faso. The Bomboré mine achieved commercial production on its oxide operations on December 1, 2022, and is now focused on its staged hard rock expansion that is expected to materially increase annual and life-of-mine gold production from the processing of hard rock mineral reserves. Orezone is led by an experienced team focused on social responsibility and sustainability with a proven track record in project construction and operations, financings, capital markets, and M&A.  

    The technical report entitled Bomboré Phase II Expansion, Definitive Feasibility Study is available on SEDAR+ and the Company’s website.

    Contact Information

    Patrick Downey
    President and Chief Executive Officer

    Kevin MacKenzie
    Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations

    Tel: 1 778 945 8977
    info@orezone.com / www.orezone.com

    For further information please contact Orezone at +1 (778) 945 8977 or visit the Company’s website at www.orezone.com.

    The Toronto Stock Exchange nor the Canadian Investment Regulatory Organization neither approves nor disapproves the information contained in this news release.

    Cautionary Note – United States

    The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the U.S. Securities Act), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction in the United States, and may not be offered or sold within the United States except in transactions exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable US state securities laws. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

    Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release and the Prospectus contain “forward-looking statements” and “forward-looking information”, including statements and forecasts which include (without limitation) expectations regarding the financial position of the Company, production targets, the Offer and the terms thereof, ASX listing, the stage 1 and stage 2 hard rock expansions, industry growth and other trend projections, future strategies, results and outlook of the Company and the opportunities available to the Company. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of words such as “plans”, “expects”, “is expected”, “is expecting”, “budget”, “outlook”, “scheduled”, “target”, “estimates”, “forecasts”, “intends”, “anticipates”, or “believes”, or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results “may”, “could”, “would”, “might”, or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Such information is based on assumptions and judgments of the Company regarding future events and results. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, targets, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, targets, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information.

    Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, the Directors and management of the Company. Past performance is not a guide to future performance. Key risk factors associated with an investment in the Company are detailed in Section 4 of the Prospectus. These and other factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed in forward-looking statements.

    Forward-looking information and statements (including the Company’s belief that it has a reasonable basis to expect it will be able to fund the hard rock expansion at the Bomboré Mine, the Offer and the ASX listing) are (further to the above) based on the reasonable assumptions, estimates, analysis and opinions of the Company made in light of its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that the Company believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances at the date such statements are made, but which may prove to be incorrect. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and information (including as described throughout the Prospectus) are reasonable, readers are cautioned that this is not exhaustive of all factors which may impact on the forward-looking information. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information or statements, except in accordance with applicable securities laws. Due to the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Days Sale Kicks Off on July 12: Will Unlock AI-Powered Living with Unbeatable offers across Categories

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, announced the launch of the Samsung Days Sale, going live on July 12, exclusively on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Experience Stores. This highly anticipated campaign, which will continue until July 18, 2025, brings to customers – the best offers, exclusive exchange deals, and a truly unparalleled shopping experience.
     
    Unlock the Power of AI with Samsung
     This year, Samsung Days puts a spotlight on Samsung’s cutting-edge AI-powered products —from Smartphones to TVs, Tablets, Refrigerators, and Laptops & Washing Machines — empowering customers to make their lives easier with the latest intelligent technology.
     
    Fabulous Smartphones and Laptops Deals up for Grab
    As the sale kicks off, customers can pre-order the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 512 GB version at the price of a 256 GB version. Those purchasing the Galaxy Z Flip7 FE will get the 256GB version at the price of 128 GB. Customers can also pair up the latest Galaxy Z Fold7 & Galaxy Z Flip7 with all new Galaxy Watch8 series and get up to INR 15000 off. Whether it is the latest foldables or powerful camera-centric models, there is something for every tech enthusiast. In addition, select Galaxy tablets, accessories and wearables will be available at discount of up to 65% off, making it the perfect time to complete your Galaxy ecosystem.
     
    Not just that, users seeking a seamless and versatile tablet-like experience can avail up to 35% off on select Galaxy Book5 and Book4 laptops and elevate their workflow with Galaxy AI.
     
    Big Screen Luxury at Incredible Prices
    For those looking out to upgrade their TV viewing experience – there are some amazing offers on Vision AI TVs – such as the Neo QLED 8K TVs, OLED TVs & QLED TVs. Customers can get a Free TV or Soundbar with select TVs, up to 20% Instant Bank discount and Exchange Bonus up to ₹ 5000. Those pairing the TV with an Audio device can get up to 40%* Off on MRP of Select Audio Devices
     
     
    Smart Savings on Digital and Premium Home Appliances
    Samsung is also rolling out exclusive offers on its full suite of digital appliances. Shoppers can enjoy deals across refrigerators, washing machines & microwaves. For those seeking top-tier performance and design, select models of side-by-side refrigerators, French-door refrigerators will be up for grab at an exclusive deal of up to 49% off.
     
    Select models of washing machines will be available at up to 50% off. Additionally, they will get a generous 20-year warranty on the Digital Inverter Motor for both Fully Automatic Front Loading and Fully Automatic Top Loading machines. For easy access, the affordable EMI option is also available starting at just INR 1990 for Fully Automatic Front Loading, INR 990 for Fully Automatic Top Loading, and INR 890 for Semi-Automatic Washing Machines
     
    Upgrade to AI, Upgrade Your Life
    With Samsung’s AI-powered innovations, customers can enjoy smarter entertainment, effortless productivity, and immersive audio-visual experiences. Don’t miss your chance to upgrade and enjoy exclusive benefits, only on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Experience Stores
     
    Exclusive Discounts and Offers

    Category
    Consumer Offers
    Highlight Model

    Smartphones
    Up to 41% off on MRP
    Galaxy S25 Ultra, Galaxy S25, Galaxy S25 Edge, Galaxy S24 Ultra, Galaxy S24, Galaxy S24 FE, Galaxy A56, Galaxy A55, Galaxy A36, Galaxy A35, Galaxy A26
     

    Laptops
    Up to 35% off on MRP
    Galaxy Book 5 Pro 360, Galaxy Book 5 Pro, Galaxy Book5 360, Galaxy Book 4

    Tablets, Accessories & Wearables
    Up to 65% off on MRP
    Galaxy Tab S10 FE+, Galaxy Tab S10 FE, Galaxy Tab S9 FE+, Galaxy Tab S9 FE, Galaxy Tab A9, Galaxy Buds3 Pro, Galaxy Watch7 Ultra, Galaxy Watch7 Series, Galaxy Fit3

    TVs
    – Up to 40% off on MRP
    – Free TV or Soundbar on select TVs
    – Up to 20% Instant bank discount
    – Up to ₹7,000 instant cart discount on Frame TVs
    – Exchange Bonus up to ₹5,000
    43″ Crystal UHD 43UE81F 4K Smart TV, 43″ QEF1 QLED TV, 55″ Q8F QLED TV, 55″ 55LS03F Frame TV, 65″ QN85F 4K Neo QLED, 65″ QN90F 4K OLED TV

    Refrigerators
    Up to 49% off on MRP
    – Instant cart discount up to ₹5,000*
    – Samsung Care+ Offer: 1 Year Extended Warranty worth ₹4,490 at ₹449* (Side by Side & French Door Refrigerators)
    – 20 Years warranty on Digital Inverter Compressor
    – EMI from ₹1,290
    236L Convertible Freezer Plus Double Door, 653L Convertible Side by Side, 419L Bespoke AI Double Door

    Washing Machines
    – Up to 50% off on MRP
    – Samsung Care+ Offer: 2 Year Extended Warranty worth ₹4,290 at ₹499* (Front Load)
    – 20 Years warranty on Digital Inverter Motor (Fully Automatic Top Load & Front Load)
    – EMI from ₹890
    All Front Load ≥8kg and Top Load ≥8kg

    Microwaves
    – Up to 50% off on MRP
    – 10 year warranty on Ceramic Enamel Cavity
    – EMI from ₹990
    28L & above convection microwaves

    Monitors
    – Up to 59% off on MRP
    – Instant cart discount up to ₹5,000* on Gaming Monitors
    32″ M5 FHD Smart Monitor, 32″ M7 UHD 4K Smart Monitor, 49″ Odyssey OLED G9 2K DQHD Gaming Monitor

    Air Conditioners
    – 10 Year warranty on compressor (all models)
    – 5 Year Comprehensive warranty (all models)
    – Free Installation on 5 Star Windfree models
    Windfree Series

    Bank Cashback
    Up to 27.5% cashback with HDFC, Axis and other leading Bank Cards (Up to ₹55,000)
     

     
    Mark your calendars for July 12th and experience the best of Samsung, where innovation meets irresistible offers!
     
    Note: All offers are valid exclusively on Samsung.com, Samsung Shop App and Samsung Experience Stores during Samsung Days, starting July 12th, 2025. Upgrade to Samsung’s latest AI-powered products and enjoy smarter productivity, entertainment and sound experiences.
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • At WAVES 2025, a global call for creativity, collaboration, and cultural unity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Global Media Dialogue at WAVES 2025 in Mumbai offered a hopeful counterpoint—one rooted in creativity, collaboration, and cultural connection. Hosted under the banner of the World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit, the event brought together delegations from 77 countries to adopt the WAVES Declaration—a shared commitment to preserve heritage, promote ethical innovation, and build a more inclusive global media landscape.

    The WAVES Declaration captured the spirit of the summit: a recognition that in an interconnected world, media and entertainment hold the power not only to entertain, but to unite. The document calls on nations to responsibly use emerging technologies, reduce bias in digital systems, and democratize access to content—while prioritizing ethics in an age increasingly shaped by AI.

    Much of the dialogue centered on the unifying potential of storytelling, particularly through cinema. Indian films were widely praised for their ability to transcend borders and resonate emotionally with audiences across cultures. Participants acknowledged that storytelling—whether in the form of films, digital content, or immersive media—has become one of the most potent tools for diplomacy and understanding.

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar, addressing the forum, called WAVES 2025 a “microcosm of the global creative community.” He emphasized that the future of global collaboration lies in the ability to blend tradition with innovation. “It is crucial that young talent is made ready for an age of creative collaborations through relevant skill development,” he said, underscoring the need for both technological fluency and cultural literacy.

    Dr. Jaishankar also pointed to the dual nature of AI—its immense promise, but also its potential to entrench bias or erode cultural nuance. “Technology must strengthen awareness of our vast heritage, not erase it,” he cautioned, especially as younger generations grow up in algorithm-driven environments.

    Echoing this, Minister for Information & Broadcasting Ashwini Vaishnaw laid out a vision of cultural cooperation at scale. In his remarks, he urged the global creative community to invest in co-production treaties, shared content funds, and multilingual distribution pipelines that allow diverse voices to travel far beyond their origins. Creativity, he said, must move along a “global expressway of ideas.”

    India also used the occasion to showcase the growing reach of its Create in India Challenge—an initiative that, in its debut season, attracted over 700 creators from around the world. Building on that momentum, the next edition will include challenges in 25 global languages, aiming to surface talent from regions that have historically been underrepresented in global media ecosystems.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Light public housing tenders invited

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Housing Bureau today invited tenders for two Light Public Housing (LPH) operation and management contracts pertaining to Phase 2 of the project at Olympic Avenue in Kai Tak.

    The two contracts are for the operation and management of about 4,500 and 3,200 units at the Olympic Avenue LPH project. This includes the management of property and occupants, daily maintenance, provision of social services, and the management and operation of ancillary facilities.

    To encourage participation by different stakeholders in the community, the bureau said it welcomes tenders from all capable and experienced service providers, including non-government organisations and those with a valid property management company licence, or collaborations between different organisations.

    The bureau remarked that two separate contracts are being drawn up due to the project’s relatively scale, and to encourage participation from different organisations.

    To ensure service quality, the bureau will carry out technical assessments based on organisations’ management capabilities, relevant experience and past service performance, as well as their proposed modes of operation and management, the social services they will provide, the feasibility of their exit plans, and their intended use of innovation and information technology. The tender price will then be evaluated to form a consolidated assessment before the contracts are awarded.

    Interested organisations can download the tender documents from the bureau’s website or via the e-Tendering System. They may also contact the Dedicated Team on Light Public Housing directly.

    The tender references are HB2025/OPR-LPH-OA2 and HB2025/OPR-LPH-OA3.

    Tenderers must submit their tenders by noon on August 29, either electronically via the e-Tendering System or by deposit in the Government Secretariat Tender Box situated at the lobby of the public entrance on Ground Floor, East Wing, Central Government Offices, 2 Tim Mei Avenue, Tamar. Late tenders will not be accepted.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Representation at National Basketball Association (NBA) 2K26 Summer League 2025

    Source: APO


    .

    The NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 (www.NBA.com) will take place in Las Vegas, Nevada, from July 10-20 and once again feature a strong presence of African players, coaches and referees, including:

    • Six former NBA Academy Africa players
    • 23 coaches from 15 African countries as part of the Africa Coaches Program
    • Three referees from the 2025 Basketball Africa League (BAL) season

    The participation of these players, coaches and referees is part of NBA Africa and the BAL’s commitment to developing talent and expertise throughout the African basketball ecosystem and contributing to the continued growth of the game across the continent.

    Below are storylines about the African players, coaches, and referees participating in this year’s Summer League, which will air live in Africa on NBA League Pass, the league’s premium live game subscriptions service available via the NBA App:

    PLAYERS

    • Six former NBA Academy Africa players have joined Summer League rosters:
      • Ibou Badji (Denver Nuggets; Senegal)
      • Jean-Jacques Boissy (Milwaukee Bucks; Senegal)
      • Ulrich Chomche (Toronto Raptors; Cameroon), who was selected 57th overall in the 2024 NBA Draft.
      • Nelly Joseph Junior (Atlanta Hawks; Nigeria)
      • Khaman Maluach (Phoenix Suns; South Sudan; ties to Uganda), who was selected 10th overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, becoming the highest-drafted former NBA Academy Africa and Basketball Africa League (BAL) player ever.
      • Babacar Sané (Minnesota Timberwolves; Senegal)
    • Three players who participated in the 2025 BAL season will compete in Summer League:
      • Boissy – 2025 BAL champion and MVP with Alahli Tripoli (Libya), Boissy averaged 18.9 points, 3.4 rebounds, 2.2 steals, and 1.9 assists per game.
      • Aliou Diarra (Mali; Dallas Mavericks) – Two-time Dikembe Mutombo BAL Defensive Player of the Year (2023 and 2025) and the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA G League International Draft, Diarra will join the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NBA Draft – Cooper Flagg – on the Mavericks’ Summer League roster.
      • Sané – 2025 All-BAL Second Team as a member of US Monastir (Tunisia).

    COACHES:

    • Twenty-three coaches from 15 African countries have been selected to participate in Summer League as part of the Africa Coaches Program, which is part of NBA Africa and the BAL’s ongoing commitment to developing coaching talent across the continent.  The 23 coaches (full list below) include:
      • Four who previously played in the BAL: two-time BAL champion with Zamalek (2021) and US Monastir (2022) Solo Diabate (Bucks; Côte d’Ivoire), 2024 BAL champion with Petro de Luanda Carlos Morais (New York Knicks; Angola), as well as Marawan Sarhan (Miami Heat; Egypt) and Mostafa Kejo (Los Angeles Lakers; Egypt), both of whom competed for Al Ahly (Egypt) during the 2024 BAL season.
      • Two female coaches: Fenan Atobrhan (Eritrea; Houston Rockets) and Ruth Bibeyi (Gabon; Indiana Pacers).  Atobrhan served as an assistant coach with APR during the 2025 BAL season when the team finished third, its best-ever finish in the BAL.  Bibeyi served as head coach of Espoir Basket Club (Gabon) during the 2023 Road to the BAL qualifying tournament, was part of the coaching staff at the 2025 BAL Combine, and has served as a mentor as part of BAL4HER, the league’s platform for advancing gender equality in the African sports ecosystem. 

    REFEREES

    • Three referees who have officiated in the BAL will serve as Summer League officials: Claudio Eiuba (Angola), Vitalis Gode (Kenya) and Erick Otieno (Kenya).

    Please see below for the complete list of African coaches participating in the NBA 2K26 Summer League 2025 as part of the Africa Coaches Program:

    Name

    Country

    NBA Team

    Lamine Krideche

    Algeria

    Cleveland Cavaliers

    Carlos Morais

    Angola

    New York Knicks

    Francois Enyegue

    Cameroon

    Charlotte Hornets

    Antonio Moreira

    Cape Verde

    Atlanta Hawks

    Solo Diabate

    Côte D’Ivoire

    Milwaukee Bucks

    Pierrot Ilunga

    Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Detroit Pistons

    Mostafa Kejo

    Egypt

    Los Angeles Lakers

    Marawan Sarhan

    Egypt

    Miami Heat

    Wael Badr

    Egypt

    Portland Blazers

    Haytham Kamel

    Egypt

    Utah Jazz

    Fenan Atobrhan

    Eritrea

    Houston Rockets

    Ruth Bibeyi

    Gabon

    Indiana Pacers

    Reda Rhalimi

    Morocco

    Denver Nuggets

    Akil Driss

    Morocco

    Toronto Raptors

    Mohammed Abdulrahman

    Nigeria

    Washington Wizards

    Prosper Naci

    Rwanda

    Philadelphia 76ers

    Abdallah Mbaye

    Senegal

    Chicago Bulls

    Matar Mbodji

    Senegal

    Dallas Mavericks

    Samba Fall

    Senegal

    San Antonio Spurs

    Moratiemang Jr. Mmoloke

    South Africa

    Boston Celtics

    Igor Lunnemann

    South Africa

    New Orleans Pelicans

    Lindokuhle Sibankulu

    South Africa

    Sacramento Kings

    Amine Rzig

    Tunisia

    LA Clippers

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of National Basketball Association (NBA).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Heavy rainfall likely in MP, southern UP, eastern Rajasthan: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday said that heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely to continue over central and adjoining northwest India for the next four to five days, with possibility of very heavy rainfall over southern Uttar Pradesh today, eastern Rajasthan from July 11 to 15, and Madhya Pradesh between July 11 and 14. Uttarakhand is also expected to receive significant rainfall on July 15 and 16.

    Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

    In the Delhi-NCR region, the weather will remain relatively moderate with intermittent rainfall over the coming days.

    Today, the sky is expected to remain generally cloudy with light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures will range between 31°C and 33°C, which is 2 to 4°C below normal. Winds will predominantly blow from the northwest at speeds below 15 kmph in the afternoon, decreasing to 8–12 kmph from the northeast by evening and night.

    On July 12, the region will experience partly cloudy skies with very light to light rain and occasional thunderstorms. Temperatures are likely to range between 34°C and 36°C during the day and 24°C to 26°C at night. The minimum temperature will be 1 to 3°C below normal, while the maximum temperature will remain near normal. Winds will be from the northwest, starting below 20 kmph in the morning and gradually slowing to under 12 kmph by night.

    July 13 is expected to bring partly cloudy skies with light rain and thunderstorms. Daytime temperatures will hover between 35°C and 37°C, and nighttime temperatures between 25°C and 27°C. The minimum temperature will be slightly below normal, while the maximum will be near normal. Winds will shift from the north in the morning to the southeast by evening, with speeds staying under 15 kmph.

    On July 14, the weather will remain partly cloudy with light rain and thunderstorms. Maximum temperatures will range from 32°C to 34°C, slightly below normal, while minimum temperatures will be near normal, between 23°C and 25°C. Winds will begin from the southeast at less than 15 kmph in the morning, picking up slightly in the afternoon and easing again in the evening from the east.

     

  • We missed no targets in Pakistan; not even a glass pane broken in India: NSA Doval on Operation Sindoor

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Friday delivered a sharp rebuke to the foreign media’s reporting on Operation Sindoor, challenging it to produce any credible evidence of damage on the Indian side.

    Speaking at the 62nd convocation of IIT Madras, Doval praised the Indian armed forces for carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure inside Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in under 23 minutes.

    Doval said satellite imagery provided clear proof of what happened between May 6 and May 10, yet foreign outlets continued to claim there was damage on the Indian side — without being able to produce a single image, not even of a broken window.

    “Foreign press said that Pakistan did this and that. You show me one photograph, one image, which shows any damage done to any Indian structure — even a glass pane being broken,” Doval stressed.

    “These satellite images are available all over the world. They (The New York Times and others) brought out images and published them. The images only showed that 13 airbases in Pakistan before and after May 10 were destroyed, whether in Sargodha, Rahim Yar Khan or Chaklala,” he said.

    “I am only telling you what the foreign media put out on the basis of imagery — where is the damage? We are capable of doing that (destroying terror bases and inflicting damage on Pakistani airbases),” Doval added.

    Indian security forces launched Operation Sindoor in the intervening night of May 6–7, decimating nine terror camps, including the headquarters of Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen, inside Pakistan as well as in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

    The strikes were carried out in retaliation for the deadly terror attack in Kashmir’s Pahalgam on April 22, in which Pakistan-sponsored terrorists killed 26 civilians.

    —IANS

  • NHAI tightens norms for reporting and blacklisting ‘Loose FASTags’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has strengthened its mechanism for reporting and blacklisting ‘Loose FASTags’ – commonly referred to as “tag-in-hand” – in a bid to enhance tolling efficiency and ensure the authenticity of FASTag usage.

    As India gears up for initiatives like the Annual Pass System and Multi-Lane Free Flow (MLFF) tolling, the move aims to curb misuse and operational disruptions caused by FASTags that are not affixed to vehicle windscreens.

    Such practices have led to lane congestion, false chargebacks, and misuse in closed-loop systems, hampering the overall efficiency of the Electronic Toll Collection (ETC) network.

    To tackle the issue, NHAI has issued instructions to toll collecting agencies and concessionaires to promptly report loose FASTags via a dedicated email ID. Based on these reports, the authority will take swift action to blacklist or hotlist the identified tags.

    With a FASTag penetration rate of over 98%, NHAI’s latest move is expected to further streamline toll operations and ensure seamless travel for National Highway users.

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Over £1bn in investment deals as UK-France launch new Industrial Strategy Partnership

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Over £1bn in investment deals as UK-France launch new Industrial Strategy Partnership

    The UK and France have launched a new Industrial Strategy Partnership following a successful UK-France Summit, where over £1 billion worth of investment deals into the UK have been confirmed.

    • New Partnership is first of its kind in Europe, boosting UK-France collaboration in key high growth sectors.   

    • Follows a successful UK-France Summit, where leading firms announced a billion pounds worth of investment creating thousands of highly skilled jobs.  

    • Deals are the latest vote of confidence and show the Plan for Change is working – as recent survey puts UK as joint-top global investment destination.   

    A new partnership between the UK and France will deepen economic collaboration and unlock billions in valuable investment into high growth-driving sectors – boosting the economy and delivering on the Plan for Change. 

    The announcement comes following yesterday’s 37th UK-France Summit, where leading French companies announced investments worth over £1 billion into the UK, creating thousands of highly-skilled jobs across the country – helping to put more money in people’s pockets. 

    This builds on the tidal wave of investment the government has welcomed into the UK since taking Office, worth over £100 billion, alongside 384,000 jobs created since the election. 

    The partnership forms part of the UK’s recent modern Industrial Strategy – a new approach that will create a more connected, high-skilled and resilient economy to kickstart an era of economic prosperity, the central mission in the government’s Plan for Change. 

    This partnership is a collaboration in key growth sectors including in technology, clean energy industries and advanced manufacturing, supporting a quicker green and digital transition and building our economic resilience to drive economic growth and innovation. 

    It advances a cross-Channel trade relationship worth £104 billion in 2024 and reaffirms the UK’s position as a global investment destination, the same week a Deloitte survey found that international finance leaders see the UK as the joint-most attractive destination when it comes to investment. 

    It also builds on the strong collaboration which already exists between the UK and France across vital areas including energy, aviation, tech and finance – all of which fall under the key growth sectors identified in the government’s modern Industrial Strategy. 

    Today’s announcement follows Wednesday’s roundtable attended by leading French and British firms hosted by the Chancellor Rachel Reeves, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds, French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Eric Lombard and French Digital Affairs Minister Clara Chappaz.  

    Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said:  

    This is our first Industrial Strategy Partnership with a major European partner, and will combine our joint expertise across energy, advanced manufacturing, technology and more, helping deliver our Plan for Change by boosting growth to deliver more money in people’s pockets.

    Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

    This milestone is an exciting new chapter in our already strong relationship with France and will boost both countries’ key sectors by driving two-way innovation and investment, delivering on our Plan for Change.”  

    Our Modern Industrial Strategy is a 10-year plan to kickstart an era of economic prosperity and this partnership will serve as a welcome anchor at a time of significant geopolitical uncertainty. It is built on the best of foundations, with both our businesses and citizens sharing deep links.

    Today’s deals show that the UK is open for international companies to expand their businesses in a wide range of priority sectors, including:  

    • Veolia has announced a £70 million investment to transform an existing, disused industrial facility to a state-of-the-art plastics sorting and recycling facility in Shropshire, creating more than 130 local jobs. 

    • Thales, in conjunction with partners, is planning £40 million of AI-focussed R&D investment as part of its CortAIx UK AI Accelerator, which will employ 200 people. 

    • Comand AI are investing £35 million over the next five years to set up an office in the UK, in their first step to becoming a pan-European defence company.  

    • Pernod Ricard is investing a further £17.5 million in its Scotch whisky producer, Chivas Brothers, to create two new bottling lines at its Kilmalid site near Glasgow.   

    • LVMH will operate at least twenty Sephora stores by 2028, with a need of 800 additional recruitments.   

    • EDF confirmed earlier this week that thousands of UK jobs and apprenticeships will be created as it announced it will take a 12.5% stake in Sizewell C – in a major boost for UK growth and energy security. Assystem will double its nuclear workforce in the UK, creating 1,000 new engineering, digital and project management jobs. Urenco also signed a 15-year deal with EDF to produce fuel for nuclear power stations, supporting Urenco UK’s workforce of more than 1,400 people. 

    • French company Ardian has also in the last week finalised its acquisition of an additional 10% stake in London Heathrow as a gateway for growth with a further £888 million investment, taking their investment into the airport to £2.85 billion, supporting the site’s 80,000 jobs.  

    Business Secretary Jonathan Reynolds also met with French Economy, Finance and Industry Minister Éric Lombard yesterday, to discuss the importance of French investment in the UK and how this new partnership will enable more collaboration in key sectors such as clean energy, tech and economic resilience. 

    UK companies are also continuing to succeed in the French market, delivering on the government’s AI opportunities action plan, from capability to R&D. British tech unicorns are winning tens of millions of pounds in significant contracts with French corporates, driving jobs and growth at home. 

    This includes Synthesia’s new partnership with Decathlon to create a pioneering AI avatar lab, ElevenLabs’ collaboration with M6 and TV5 Monde, and Darktrace’s contract with GL Events, a French major events operator. BT is also connecting more than 80 French-headquartered companies including Alstom and Michelin in France, with operations totalling approximately £130 million last financial year. 

    The refresh of the Lancaster House defence partnership is also creating new opportunities in the UK’s aerospace and defence sectors, supporting over 2,750 highly skilled jobs and representing billions to the UK and French economies through joint export promotion and capability projects which benefit the UK’s defence industries, including MBDA and Airbus. 

    The agreement with France follows the Industrial Strategy Partnership committed to between the UK and Japan in March, preceding publication of the Strategy in June.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China will play constructive role in promoting dialogue between Thailand and Cambodia: Wang Yi

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 11 (Xinhua) — China and Thailand celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties in 2025, and China is willing to work with Thailand to advance the building of a community with a shared future to a higher level, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said during talks with Thai Foreign Minister Marit Sangyampong on the sidelines of the China-ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here on Thursday.

    Wang Yi told his interlocutor that China is ready to play a constructive role in promoting dialogue and de-escalating border tensions between Thailand and Cambodia.

    The construction of a China-Thailand community with a shared future continues to advance. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations, the “golden jubilee of China-Thailand friendship,” he said.

    China firmly supports Thailand in pursuing a development path suited to its national conditions and always gives priority to China-Thailand ties in its diplomatic relations with neighbors, Wang said. China is willing to work with Thailand to bring the building of a community with a shared future to a higher and more meaningful level, he added.

    The Chinese minister advocated closer alignment of development strategies and further integration of interests between the two sides, proposing to build new growth engines in areas such as the digital economy, artificial intelligence, cross-border e-commerce and green development to support the modernization efforts of both countries. He also called for accelerating the construction of the China-Thailand railway to give full play to the stimulating effect of model large-scale projects and realize the vision of interconnected development among China, Laos and Thailand.

    On global trade, Wang Yi stressed that the US had undermined the free trade system and disrupted global production and supply chains by imposing tariffs unilaterally. He expressed confidence that Thailand and other ASEAN countries would protect their legitimate interests and oppose unilateralism, power politics and bullying. Beijing intends to sign the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 protocol by the end of the year to expand the common market and demonstrate joint support for WTO rules and the multilateral trading system through concrete actions, the minister added.

    Touching upon the border issue between Thailand and Cambodia, Wang Yi noted that both countries are good neighbors and friends of China. He expressed hope that the parties will resolve the issue through dialogue and consultations in good faith, striving to de-escalate tensions and restore stability as soon as possible. China will adhere to an objective and impartial position and play a constructive role in promoting peaceful relations between the two countries, the Foreign Minister added.

    In turn, M. Sangyampong said that China is a reliable friend of Thailand. Over the 50 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations, the countries have maintained mutual trust and respected each other’s core interests, he stressed. The principle of “Thailand and China are as close as one family” has stood the test of time, and the construction of a Thai-Chinese community with a common destiny continues to bear rich fruit, the minister added.

    Thailand firmly adheres to the one-China principle and looks forward to strengthening high-level exchanges and practical cooperation in the areas of connectivity, trade, agriculture and combating transnational crime, Sangyampong said.

    Bangkok firmly supports multilateralism and the multilateral trading system and calls for an early restoration of normal trading order, he said.

    Border and territorial issues should not be resolved by force, the Foreign Minister stressed, expressing gratitude to China for its objective and balanced position on disputes, as well as for its mediation role and efforts to promote dialogue. Thailand is ready to resolve disputes with Cambodia through bilateral channels in the spirit of good neighborliness and goodwill, M. Sangyamphong said. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Development Bureau imposes regulating action on contractor involved in fatal industrial incident at non-governmental construction site in Chek Lap Kok

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Development Bureau imposes regulating action on contractor involved in fatal industrial incident at non-governmental construction site in Chek Lap Kok 
    The DEVB, being the party to procure services for public works, attaches great importance to the site safety performance of all construction sites under the purview of contractors on the List, regardless of whether the sites are public works construction sites or not. The DEVB issued a notification to the contractor concerned today to suspend it from tendering for public works contracts in the roads and drainage category with immediate effect pursuant to the regulating regime. The contractor concerned has to conduct an independent safety audit to review its safety management system. Taking cognisance of the outcome of the independent safety audit, the contractor is required to submit an improvement action plan and implement improvement measures, with a view to demonstrating that it has an effective safety management system before the lifting of the suspension from tendering can be considered. The suspension from tendering is not only confined to future tender exercises but is also applicable to tender exercises with procedures initiated but not concluded.
     
    The Labour Department is investigating this industrial incident and will handle it in accordance with the law. Subject to the investigation findings, the DEVB may impose further regulating actions on the contractor concerned later on, including extension of the period of suspension from tendering for public works contracts and even removal from the List.
    Issued at HKT 17:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Census and Statistics Department wins Outstanding Gold Award in Privacy-Friendly Awards for second consecutive time (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Census and Statistics Department wins Outstanding Gold Award in Privacy-Friendly Awards for second consecutive time  
    The Commissioner for Census and Statistics, Mr Leo Yu, attended the awards presentation ceremony yesterday (July 10) and exchanged insights with representatives from other award-winning enterprises, public and privacy organisations, as well as government departments on their efforts to safeguard personal data privacy.
     
    Mr Yu said, “By upholding the values of respect for privacy and commitment to excellence, the C&SD has long been maintaining momentum for improvement. The department has been implementing various measures to continuously enhance personal data privacy and data security. Colleagues of all ranks of the department will continue to be committed to a high standard of personal data protection and data security. The general public can feel secure in providing data to us, for compiling relevant and accurate statistics. The statistics will be used by the Government as references when formulating public policies, and also be used by various sectors of society. The public can thus contribute together to the social and economic development of Hong Kong by this means.”
         
    The Privacy-Friendly Awards, organised by the PCPD, aims to recognise the efforts made by enterprises, public and private organisations as well as government departments in protecting personal data privacy. There are four categories of the Privacy-Friendly Awards, which are Outstanding Gold, Gold, Silver and Bronze Awards, with new special awards introduced this year to commend organisations for their outstanding performance in the relevant aspects of protecting personal data privacy.
     
    For details on personal data privacy protection at the C&SD, please visit: www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/page_1083.htmlIssued at HKT 17:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 798 people killed while receiving aid in Gaza, says UN human rights office

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.N. human rights office said on Friday that it had recorded at least 798 killings both at aid points run by the U.S.- and Israeli-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) and near humanitarian convoys run by other relief groups, including the U.N.

    The GHF uses private U.S. security and logistics companies to get supplies into Gaza, largely bypassing a U.N.-led system that Israel says had let militants divert aid.

    The United Nations has called the plan “inherently unsafe” and a violation of humanitarian impartiality rules.

    “Up until the seventh of July, we’ve recorded now 798 killings, including 615 in the vicinity of the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation sites, and 183 presumably on the route of aid convoys,” OHCHR spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva.

    The GHF began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May and has repeatedly denied that incidents had occurred at its sites.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – Summer training courses for Vietnamese catechists are on the rise

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Andrew Doan Thanh PhongBac Ninh (Agenzia Fides) – In Vietnam, all pupils across the country have a 3-month summer vacation from June to August, and catechism classes are also on summer vacation. Therefore, catechists also have a break after 9 months of teaching catechism to children. This is also a reasonable time for catechists to improve their professional knowledge in teaching catechism. For that reason, most parishes across the country organize short-term courses for catechists.Recently, at the Pastoral Center of Bac Ninh Diocese, the Diocesan Catechetical Committee organized a summer training course for Catechists in the year 2025 for some parishes in the diocese. At the beginning of the training day, Father Dominic Nguyen Nhu Khue shared about the current situation of catechism teaching in the diocese, emphasizing the need to innovate content, methods and lesson plans to suit the current pastoral situation. He also affirmed: “The essential role of the team of catechist is as ‘bridges’ to bring the Word of God to children, and catechists should become people who inspire catechism learning through their living testimony and dedicated service”.In the current digital age today, young people are absorbed in their mobile phones playing games and participating in social networking sites. The Catechism Pedagogy presented by the nuns in the course do not only provide basic knowledge but also open up flexible approaches that are suitable for each locality and each specific group of students.In the homily at the opening Mas of the course training Catechism for 80 catechists in Bui Chu Diocese in Northern Vietnam, Father Joseph Nguyen Trong Tinh – in charge of the Committee for Catechism, mentioned the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelization. He said: “The Holy Spirit was the power that helps the apostles courageously go out to preach the Gospel despite the danger and the same for catechists, they need the help of the Holy Spirit.”According to statistics, the number of Catholics in Vietnam today is about 7,294,713 people, accounting for 7.21% of the population in 27 dioceses, of which there are about 56,133 catechists. They are a very important part of the parish, teaching catechism to children from 4 to 18 years old. Depending on the specific situation, the number of students and catechists in each parish is different. In addition to male and female religious, most of the catechists are parishioners who volunteer to serve the work of teaching catechism. The training and selection of catechists are also flexible in The Church of Vietnam, they are directly managed by the parish priest and under the guidance of male and female religious in tern of knowledge and skills to teach catechism to the parish’s children.Also in Hai Phong Diocese, in the north Vietnam, the Catechetical Committee organized training courses of catechetical pedagogy to the diocesan parishes with the participation of 140 catechists. Ms. Mary Magdalene Pham Thi Thuy – The Secretary of the Catechetical Committee of the Archdiocese of Saigon – introduced to the fundamental contents of catechetical pedagogy such as: principles of teaching, skills in presenting the Word of God, and methods of approaching children in the new era. In addition, the catechists also learned important topics such as: Psychology of children, methods of preparing lessons, and especially the presentation of the Word of God in relation with the inner life of prayer.Father Peter Hoang Van Do, Head of the Catechetical Committee, advised and invited each catechist to become a living witness of the Word of God in the environment of faith education. The mission of a catechist – he said – is also to be a companion, a sower of faith and a bridge connecting children with Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to help children truly encounter the Word of God in a living way. (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/VIETNAM – Summer training courses for Vietnamese catechists are on the rise

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    by Andrew Doan Thanh PhongBac Ninh (Agenzia Fides) – In Vietnam, all pupils across the country have a 3-month summer vacation from June to August, and catechism classes are also on summer vacation. Therefore, catechists also have a break after 9 months of teaching catechism to children. This is also a reasonable time for catechists to improve their professional knowledge in teaching catechism. For that reason, most parishes across the country organize short-term courses for catechists.Recently, at the Pastoral Center of Bac Ninh Diocese, the Diocesan Catechetical Committee organized a summer training course for Catechists in the year 2025 for some parishes in the diocese. At the beginning of the training day, Father Dominic Nguyen Nhu Khue shared about the current situation of catechism teaching in the diocese, emphasizing the need to innovate content, methods and lesson plans to suit the current pastoral situation. He also affirmed: “The essential role of the team of catechist is as ‘bridges’ to bring the Word of God to children, and catechists should become people who inspire catechism learning through their living testimony and dedicated service”.In the current digital age today, young people are absorbed in their mobile phones playing games and participating in social networking sites. The Catechism Pedagogy presented by the nuns in the course do not only provide basic knowledge but also open up flexible approaches that are suitable for each locality and each specific group of students.In the homily at the opening Mas of the course training Catechism for 80 catechists in Bui Chu Diocese in Northern Vietnam, Father Joseph Nguyen Trong Tinh – in charge of the Committee for Catechism, mentioned the role of the Holy Spirit in evangelization. He said: “The Holy Spirit was the power that helps the apostles courageously go out to preach the Gospel despite the danger and the same for catechists, they need the help of the Holy Spirit.”According to statistics, the number of Catholics in Vietnam today is about 7,294,713 people, accounting for 7.21% of the population in 27 dioceses, of which there are about 56,133 catechists. They are a very important part of the parish, teaching catechism to children from 4 to 18 years old. Depending on the specific situation, the number of students and catechists in each parish is different. In addition to male and female religious, most of the catechists are parishioners who volunteer to serve the work of teaching catechism. The training and selection of catechists are also flexible in The Church of Vietnam, they are directly managed by the parish priest and under the guidance of male and female religious in tern of knowledge and skills to teach catechism to the parish’s children.Also in Hai Phong Diocese, in the north Vietnam, the Catechetical Committee organized training courses of catechetical pedagogy to the diocesan parishes with the participation of 140 catechists. Ms. Mary Magdalene Pham Thi Thuy – The Secretary of the Catechetical Committee of the Archdiocese of Saigon – introduced to the fundamental contents of catechetical pedagogy such as: principles of teaching, skills in presenting the Word of God, and methods of approaching children in the new era. In addition, the catechists also learned important topics such as: Psychology of children, methods of preparing lessons, and especially the presentation of the Word of God in relation with the inner life of prayer.Father Peter Hoang Van Do, Head of the Catechetical Committee, advised and invited each catechist to become a living witness of the Word of God in the environment of faith education. The mission of a catechist – he said – is also to be a companion, a sower of faith and a bridge connecting children with Christ, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, to help children truly encounter the Word of God in a living way. (Agenzia Fides, 11/7/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • India’s creator economy set to shape a trillion-dollar future

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At WAVES 2025, a new report by the Boston Consulting Group grabbed the spotlight, drawing the attention of policymakers, creators, and investors. The report revealed that India’s creator economy is already driving more than $350 billion in consumer spending, a number expected to exceed $1 trillion by 2030.

    Titled From Content to Commerce: Mapping India’s Creator Economy, the report paints a vivid picture of a nation in the midst of a creative and commercial boom. With 2 to 2.5 million active creators—defined as individuals with more than 1,000 followers—India is home to one of the world’s largest and youngest digital communities. But what’s most striking is the current monetization gap. Only 8 to 10 percent of these creators are earning meaningful income from their content, revealing a vast reserve of untapped potential that may well become the fuel for the next stage of India’s economic growth story.

    The report underscores the sweeping influence creators now hold over consumer decisions. Over 30 percent of purchases are directly shaped by digital content—ranging from short-form videos to long-format storytelling, tutorials, product reviews, and live streams. Comedy, film, fashion, and serials remain the dominant genres, but the expansion into new content territories like gaming, wellness, and finance is reshaping how India learns, shops, and interacts.

    What makes this shift even more profound is how it is transcending generational and geographic lines. No longer confined to Gen Z or urban metros, the creator ecosystem is reaching deep into smaller towns, regional markets, and older demographics. The emergence of multilingual creators and regional influencers has catalyzed a more inclusive digital marketplace—one that mirrors the real India in all its complexity and diversity.

    For brands and marketers, this evolution has not just altered strategies; it has flipped the entire funnel. Traditional advertising methods are being replaced or supplemented by more agile, creative, and targeted forms of engagement. Campaigns are now designed with creators at the core—allowing for faster content production, greater freedom of expression, and improved metrics through outcome-based testing. Virtual gifting, live commerce, subscription models, and fan-funded initiatives are rising as new revenue streams, giving creators both financial agency and deeper community ownership.

    WAVES 2025 served as the perfect launchpad for this new digital vision. With its ambitious scope covering media, technology, and storytelling, the summit highlighted how India’s creator economy is not merely an offshoot of the entertainment sector, it is the engine powering a new form of commerce and cultural diplomacy. As discussions ranged from AI in filmmaking to the future of AVGC (Animation, Visual Effects, Gaming, and Comics), one theme emerged with clarity: creators are not just influencing trends—they are shaping the market.

    Investors are recalibrating strategies to fund content-driven startups. Policy frameworks are being debated to offer protections and incentives for digital freelancers. Education platforms are rolling out creator economy courses. And most significantly, creators across India—from school-going influencers in Raipur to AI-powered illustrators in Chennai—are beginning to realize their role not just as entertainers, but as economic contributors.

    The trillion-dollar forecast is not a distant dream—it is a pathway already in motion. With the right mix of innovation, infrastructure, and inclusivity, India’s creator economy could become one of its most significant exports. And as the world turns its eyes toward this new digital juggernaut, one thing is certain: India is no longer just telling stories. It is rewriting the script of global influence—one post, one video, one idea at a time.