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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: AI Chip Market Set to Soar to US$ 229.08 Billion by 2032, Fueled by Robust 20.49% CAGR: AnalystView Market Insights

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    San Francisco, USA, July 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Global AI Chip Market is undergoing a seismic transformation as artificial intelligence continues to redefine how businesses operate, devices interact, and societies function. With a projected market value of USD 229,083.24 million by 2032 and a robust compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 20.49%, this sector stands at the intersection of deep tech and digital transformation.

    At the heart of this momentum is a growing demand for purpose-built processing units capable of handling the high complexity of AI workloads. Traditional CPUs, once the backbone of computing, are being outpaced by AI chips such as GPUs, ASICs, FPGAs, and NPUs—designed to deliver faster computation, lower latency, and greater energy efficiency. These chips are now indispensable across sectors—from autonomous driving and industrial automation to smart consumer devices and medical diagnostics. The market’s evolution is not just driven by technological necessity but also by strategic shifts. Governments and enterprises alike are pouring resources into building resilient AI infrastructure, with the AI chip serving as the core enabler of scalable, real-time intelligence. As AI moves from concept to implementation across industries, the demand for high-performance computing is accelerating, and so is the AI chip ecosystem.

    Get a Sample Report of AI chip market @ https://www.analystviewmarketinsights.com/request_sample/AV4081

    Technology at the Core: What Makes AI Chips Different?

    AI chips are not just faster processors—they are purpose-engineered to manage billions of computations per second across neural networks. These tasks include matrix multiplications, data vectorization, and parallel execution, which are essential for AI functions like deep learning, natural language processing (NLP), and computer vision.

    Unlike general-purpose CPUs, AI chips can execute these complex operations with higher efficiency, enabling near-instant responses in applications such as voice assistants, facial recognition, and real-time translation. For cloud computing platforms and edge devices, these chips provide the processing muscle required for AI algorithms to function seamlessly at scale.

     Key Drivers Behind Market Growth

    1. Industrial AI Integration
      Businesses across manufacturing, logistics, retail, and energy are rapidly incorporating AI for predictive analytics, process automation, and intelligent decision-making. AI chips empower these systems to function in real time, transforming operational agility and accuracy. Over 70% of businesses in manufacturing and logistics are adopting AI to enhance efficiency and decision-making.
    2. Surge in Edge AI Devices
      The demand for localized, low-latency AI processing is pushing AI chip deployment to the edge—embedded in mobile phones, drones, surveillance cameras, and autonomous vehicles. This shift to edge computing is minimizing reliance on cloud infrastructure and enabling real-time decision-making.
    3. Governmental Support and Funding
      Global investments in AI R&D and chip manufacturing are expanding at a record pace. For instance, the U.S. CHIPS Act and China’s “AI 2030” initiative are fueling domestic innovation. Europe, too, is actively funding AI research with an eye on digital sovereignty.
    4. AI-Powered Consumer Products
      From smart speakers to fitness trackers and home automation, AI chips are embedded in everyday consumer electronics. Their capability to support machine learning in real-time makes them vital for user personalization and seamless functionality.
    5. Data Center Expansion and Cloud AI
      Cloud service providers like AWS, Microsoft Azure, and Google Cloud are equipping their data centers with AI accelerators to meet surging demand for model training and inference workloads. AI chips are pivotal in reducing power consumption while improving performance in such environments.

    MARKET KEY PLAYERS:

    • Advanced Micro Devices
    • Amazon
    • General Vision
    • Google
    • Gyrfalcon Technology
    • Huawei Technologies
    • IBM
    • Infineon Technologies
    • Intel
    • Kneron
    • Microsoft
    • MYTHIC
    • Nvidia
    • NXP Semiconductors
    • Qualcomm Incorporated
    • Samsung Electronics
    • Toshiba
    • Wave Computing
    • Apple INC.
    • Others

    Market Challenges: Risks Alongside Opportunities

    Despite its bullish outlook, the AI chip market faces several critical challenges:

    • Security and Privacy Concerns: As AI becomes deeply integrated into critical systems, safeguarding data integrity and user privacy is more important than ever. Misuse or vulnerability in AI processing hardware can have serious implications.
    • Supply Chain Disruptions: Global chip shortages and reliance on a few key semiconductor foundries have exposed vulnerabilities in the supply chain. Geopolitical tensions further compound this risk.
    • High R&D and Manufacturing Costs: Developing next-gen AI chips demands significant capital and technical expertise. Startups may face high entry barriers due to the dominance of large corporations with established IP and fabrication capabilities.

    TABLE OF CONTENT

    1. AI Chip Market Overview
    1.1. Study Scope
    1.2. Market Estimation Years
    2. Executive Summary
    2.1. Market Snippet
    2.1.1. AI Chip Market Snippet by Product Type
    2.1.2. AI Chip Market Snippet by Technology
    2.1.3. AI Chip Market Snippet by Application
    2.1.4. AI Chip Market Snippet by Function
    2.1.5. AI Chip Market Snippet by End User
    2.1.6. AI Chip Market Snippet by Country
    2.1.7. AI Chip Market Snippet by Region
    2.2. Competitive Insights
    3. AI Chip Key Market Trends
    3.1. AI Chip Market Drivers
    3.1.1. Impact Analysis of Market Drivers
    3.2. AI Chip Market Restraints
    3.2.1. Impact Analysis of Market Restraints
    3.3. AI Chip Market Opportunities
    3.4. AI Chip Market Future Trends
    4. AI Chip Industry Study
    4.1. PEST Analysis
    4.2. Porter’s Five Forces Analysis
    4.3. Growth Prospect Mapping
    4.4. Regulatory Framework Analysis ….

    Regional Outlook: Asia-Pacific Leads the Way

    The Asia-Pacific region dominates the global AI chip market and is projected to maintain its lead throughout the forecast period. Countries like China, South Korea, Taiwan, and Japan are investing heavily in AI education, R&D, and semiconductor infrastructure. The region also benefits from a strong electronics manufacturing ecosystem and rising demand for AI-enabled consumer and industrial products.

    North America, home to major AI and semiconductor companies, remains a critical hub for innovation. The region sees significant investment in cloud data centers, autonomous driving, and AI-driven healthcare systems.

    Europe is focusing on building ethically aligned and sustainable AI ecosystems. With a strong emphasis on regulations and cross-border collaboration, the region is shaping a trustworthy AI framework—favorable for long-term growth.

    Competitive Landscape: Innovation Fuels Competition

    The AI chip market is fiercely competitive, marked by rapid innovation, M&A activity, and strategic partnerships. Key players include:

    • Nvidia: Leading the GPU segment, with powerful AI platforms like the A100 and H100 chips.
    • Intel: Diversifying through acquisitions and offering a mix of CPUs, FPGAs, and specialized AI processors.
    • AMD: Gaining momentum with powerful multi-core GPU architectures for AI workloads.
    • Google: Driving cloud AI performance through its custom Tensor Processing Units (TPUs).
    • Apple: Integrating neural engines directly into its mobile chips for on-device intelligence.
    • Startups: Firms like Kneron, MYTHIC, and Graphcore are disrupting the market with domain-specific AI accelerators.

    Companies are steadily shifting to hybrid infrastructures that blend cloud and edge computing, emphasizing energy-efficient, scalable architectures seamlessly integrated with AI software ecosystems.

    The industry presents a high-growth opportunity driven by surging demand for hybrid AI infrastructure. Investors should focus on companies innovating in energy-efficient AI chipsets optimized for edge-cloud synergy. Priority targets include firms with robust AI software stack partnerships and IP portfolios in low-power, high-performance chips—especially in sectors like automotive, industrial automation, and next-gen robotics.

    Browse More Reports from AnalystView Market Insights: 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Sri Lanka: Fourth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for Waiver of Applicability of Performance Criteria, Modification of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sri Lanka

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    International Monetary Fund. Asia and Pacific Dept “Sri Lanka: Fourth Review Under the Extended Arrangement Under the Extended Fund Facility, Requests for Waiver of Applicability of Performance Criteria, Modification of Performance Criteria, and Financing Assurances Review-Press Release; Staff Report; and Statement by the Executive Director for Sri Lanka”, IMF Staff Country Reports 2025, 162 (2025), accessed July 3, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229016360.002

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • OPCW hosts 23rd Asia Regional Meeting to boost Chemical Weapons Convention implementation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), in collaboration with India’s National Authority Chemical Weapons Convention (NACWC), convened the 23rd Regional Meeting of National Authorities of States Parties in Asia from July 1 to 3, at Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi. The meeting brought together senior officials from OPCW, international delegates from across Asia, and representatives from India’s Ministry of External Affairs and Cabinet Secretariat.

    This regional meeting is part of the OPCW’s ongoing efforts to support the effective implementation of the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC), which came into force in 1997. With 193 member states, the OPCW is the global authority overseeing the verifiable and permanent elimination of chemical weapons. The organisation was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2013 for its commitment to global chemical disarmament.

    India, an original signatory to the Convention, has played a significant role in furthering its objectives. The NACWC, the national body responsible for implementing the CWC in India, recently mentored Kenya’s National Authority under the OPCW’s Mentorship/Partnership Programme, aimed at enhancing implementation capacities worldwide.

    The Indian Chemical Council (ICC), the country’s oldest chemical industry association, also received international recognition for its work in promoting chemical safety and compliance. In 2024, ICC was awarded the OPCW-The Hague Award, marking the first time a chemical industry body anywhere in the world received this honour. The award acknowledged ICC’s contributions to advancing the goals of the Convention and improving industry-wide safety and security practices in India.

    This year’s regional meeting in New Delhi served as a platform for 38 delegates from 24 Asian countries — including Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, China, Japan, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, and the United Arab Emirates, among others — to share experiences, discuss national implementation challenges, and exchange best practices. The discussions addressed key topics such as legislative frameworks, chemical safety and security, the role of industry stakeholders, and the emerging use of Artificial Intelligence in chemical monitoring and compliance.

     

  • Centre to convene all-party meeting on July 19 ahead of Monsoon Session

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Central government will convene an all-party meeting on July 19, ahead of the Monsoon Session 2025, said Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday.

    Rijiju said, “The central government called an all-party meeting on July 19 regarding the monsoon session of Parliament. The monsoon session of Parliament is starting from July 21 and will run till August 21.”

    The Monsoon Session of Parliament will be held from July 21 to August 21. There will be no Parliament sittings on August 13 and 14 due to Independence Day celebrations.

    Earlier in a post on X, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju wrote, “The Hon’ble President of India has approved the proposal of the Government to convene the Monsoon Session of Parliament from 21st July to 21st August, 2025. In view of the Independence Day celebrations, there will be no sittings on the 13th and 14th of August.”

    This comes amid the demand by Opposition leaders to convene a special session of Parliament upon the arrival of all-party delegations to discuss various issues, especially the developments that followed the ghastly Pahalgam terrorist attack.

    The upcoming Monsoon session will be the first Parliament session following Operation Sindoor, which was launched by India on May 7 in response to a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir’s Pahalgam, which claimed 26 lives.

    The Budget session of Parliament began on January 31 this year. The Budget Session saw the passage of significant legislation, including Waqf Amendment Bill.

    Rijiju held a press conference after the end of the Budget Session, informing that the first part of the Budget Session yielded a total of 9 sittings of Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha. In the second part of the Session, there were 17 sittings of both Houses. During the entire Budget Session, in total, there were 26 sittings.

    During the second part of the Session, Demands for Grants of individual Ministries of Railways, Jal Shakti and Agriculture & Farmers Welfare were discussed and voted in Lok Sabha. In the end the Demands for Grants of the remaining Ministries/ Departments were put to the Vote of the House on Friday, the 21st of March, 2025. The related Appropriation Bill was also introduced, considered and passed by Lok Sabha on 21.03.2025 itself.

    Appropriation Bills relating to Second and Final Batch of Supplementary Demands for Grants for the year 2024-25; Excess Demands for Grants for the year 2021-22 and Supplementary Demands for Grants of Manipur for the year 2024-25 and Demands for Grant on Account for the year 2025-26 in respect of the State of Manipur were also passed on 11.03.2025 in Lok Sabha.

    The Finance Bill, 2025 was passed by Lok Sabha on March 25.

    In the Rajya Sabha the working of the Ministries of Education, Railways, Health & Family Welfare and Home Affairs were discussed.

    (ANI)

  • By the Numbers: Deconstructing India’s Unprecedented Poverty Decline

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The global narrative of poverty reduction has an Indian imprint in the latest data releases. The decline in poverty, confirmed by a confluence of national and international assessments, is a significant landmark on India’s developmental journey. Reduced poverty means more empowered citizens, a factor that reflects the dynamic interplay of sustained economic growth, year after year, focusing on meticulously targeted welfare architecture.

    Even as global goals on poverty estimation shift—evidenced by the World Bank’s recent adoption of a stricter poverty threshold—India’s performance remains a hope—a journey of encouragement—on its path to become a developed country by 2047.

    Data tells its story. According to a discussion paper from NITI Aayog, a staggering 24.82 crore people, a quarter of a billion souls, escaped the clutches of multidimensional poverty in the nine years between 2013-14 and 2022-23 alone. 29.17% of India was multidimensionally poor in 2013-14, which was reduced to 11.28% in 2022-23.

    Measurement of multidimensional poverty based on the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) is a more holistic metric developed by the UNDP and the University of Oxford in 2010. This index, as its name suggests, measures poverty across multiple, overlapping dimensions—health, education, and living standards—offering a granular, non-monetary picture of deprivation at the household level.

    The largest declines in multidimensional poverty were registered in some of the nation’s most populous states, with Uttar Pradesh leading the charge by liberating 5.94 crore people, followed by Bihar (3.77 crore), Madhya Pradesh (2.30 crore), and Rajasthan (1.87 crore).

    This exodus, on the path of empowerment, is corroborated by the World Bank’s “Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief,” which notes the lifting of 17.1 crore people from extreme poverty in the country. Going by the old poverty rate of USD 2.15 per person per day, India’s population had 16.2% extremely poor people, living on less than USD 2.15 a day in 2011-12. It fell significantly to 2.3% in 2022-23.

    The World Bank assessment notes that these populous states, which accounted for 65% of India’s extreme poor in 2011-12, were responsible for an astonishing two-thirds of the overall national poverty decline by 2022-23. The progress has permeated both rural and urban landscapes with equal force. Rural poverty saw a dramatic fall from 18.4% to just 2.8% between 2011-12 and 2022-23, while urban poverty in the same period dwindled from 10.7% to a mere 1.1%.

    Consider the impact of the World Bank’s recalibrated international poverty line to USD 3 per person per day (in 2021 Purchasing Power Parity, released in May 2024) from USD 2.15. While this statistical adjustment instantly swelled the ranks of the world’s extreme poor, fresh household-consumption data from India reveals a story of remarkable resilience of the country. The recalibration should have added 22.6 crore people worldwide to its extreme-poverty count, but the real addition was just 12.5 crore, thanks to India’s positive indicators and reduced numbers.

    Updated consumption data and changed survey methods to its poverty indicators and headcount ratio reflect that India is doing extremely well on meeting positive indicators to reduce poverty. According to the new international poverty line, the percentage of extremely poor people in India rose from 16.2% (or 20.59 crore people) in 2011-12 to 27.12% (or 34.47 crore people).

    The latest data shows a significant decline in these numbers, corroborating India’s growth story. Under the new line—poverty fell drastically, from 27.12% in 2011-12 to 5.25% in 2022-23. In absolute terms, the headcount dropped from 34.45 crore to 7.52 crore over the same period—a striking decline that underscores India’s continuing progress—of addressing needs of the most vulnerable strata of the society.

    Also, according to the NITI Aayog’s discussion paper, between 2005-06 and 2015-16, the annual rate of decline was 7.69%. However, in the subsequent period from 2015-16 to 2019-21, this rate surged to an impressive 10.66% annually. This acceleration puts India firmly on track to achieve the Sustainable Development Goal of halving multidimensional poverty well before the 2030 deadline.

    Furthermore, as India navigates evolving global benchmarks, its progress holds firm. If we go by the previous poverty rates, at the lower-middle-income poverty line of USD 3.65 per day, the poverty rate was more than halved in the country, dropping from 61.8% to 28.1% over the decade from 2011-12 to 2022-23. This suggests that millions (37.8 crore people in absolute numbers) are not just crossing the threshold of extreme poverty but are continuing on an upward trajectory.

    Perhaps most tellingly, this growth has not come at the expense of equality. The Gini Index, a standard measure of income and consumption-based inequality, actually declined from 28.8% in 2011-12 to 25.5% in 2022-23, indicating that the fruits of economic expansion are being distributed more broadly than before. India’s journey is a powerful demonstration that rapid, large-scale poverty reduction is an achievable reality, providing a solid foundation upon which the aspirations of a developed nation can be confidently built.

     

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Samoa Lay Groundwork for Food System Improvements at the First Cost and Affordability of Diet Workshop

    Source: World Food Programme

    APIA, SAMOA – The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), co-hosted a national validation workshop to present and discuss findings from Samoa’s first Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets.

    The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organisations, civil society, and the private sector to review and validate the findings of the diet cost analysis, and to discuss how the results can inform policies and programmes aimed at improving diet quality and affordability in response to the country’s high burden of non-communicable diseases. 

    “This workshop is a pivotal step in our collective journey to address one of the most pressing development challenges of our time – ensuring access to affordable, nutritious and healthy diets for all Samoans, especially our most vulnerable,” said Seumalo Afele Faiilagi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MAF Samoa, “We are confronting the real-life consequences of poor diets – malnutrition, obesity, non-communicable diseases and intergenerational cycles of poor health – that are now too common across our communities.”

    The Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets is a flagship initiative of the joint UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund programme, Catalysing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda Through Collective Action, by the Rome-Based Agencies (WFP, Food and Agriculture Organization, and International Fund for Agricultural Development). It supports national priorities outlined in the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030, the National Food and Nutrition Policy & Plan of Action 2021–2026, the Health Sector Plan 2019/20–2029/30, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Plan 2022/23–2026/27.

    Drawing on data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health and other partners, and informed by extensive national stakeholder consultations, the recommendations of the Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets will inform decision-making across key sectors including agriculture, health, education at both national and community level. 

    “This is a pivotal moment in Samoa’s journey to transform its food systems and place nutrition at the centre of national development,” said Alpha Bah, WFP Representative for the Pacific. “WFP is proud to support the Government of Samoa and partners in turning evidence into action.”

    During the workshop, sectoral working groups contributed insights to validate the findings and proposed tailored actions to help ensure the results lead to meaningful change. Civil society organisations were present to ensure the analysis is grounded in local realities and support community-led solutions.

    “I wish to emphasise again the UN system’s commitment to supporting the Government of Samoa in creating a future where every Samoan has access to the nutritious food needed to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Karla Hershey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Samoa.

    This initiative reaffirms the strong commitment of the Government of Samoa and WFP to enhance food and nutrition security for Samoans, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

    #                 #                   #

    The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of Samoan communities.

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @wfp_Pacific_

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Samoa Lay Groundwork for Food System Improvements at the First Cost and Affordability of Diet Workshop

    Source: World Food Programme

    APIA, SAMOA – The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), co-hosted a national validation workshop to present and discuss findings from Samoa’s first Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets.

    The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organisations, civil society, and the private sector to review and validate the findings of the diet cost analysis, and to discuss how the results can inform policies and programmes aimed at improving diet quality and affordability in response to the country’s high burden of non-communicable diseases. 

    “This workshop is a pivotal step in our collective journey to address one of the most pressing development challenges of our time – ensuring access to affordable, nutritious and healthy diets for all Samoans, especially our most vulnerable,” said Seumalo Afele Faiilagi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MAF Samoa, “We are confronting the real-life consequences of poor diets – malnutrition, obesity, non-communicable diseases and intergenerational cycles of poor health – that are now too common across our communities.”

    The Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets is a flagship initiative of the joint UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund programme, Catalysing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda Through Collective Action, by the Rome-Based Agencies (WFP, Food and Agriculture Organization, and International Fund for Agricultural Development). It supports national priorities outlined in the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030, the National Food and Nutrition Policy & Plan of Action 2021–2026, the Health Sector Plan 2019/20–2029/30, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Plan 2022/23–2026/27.

    Drawing on data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health and other partners, and informed by extensive national stakeholder consultations, the recommendations of the Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets will inform decision-making across key sectors including agriculture, health, education at both national and community level. 

    “This is a pivotal moment in Samoa’s journey to transform its food systems and place nutrition at the centre of national development,” said Alpha Bah, WFP Representative for the Pacific. “WFP is proud to support the Government of Samoa and partners in turning evidence into action.”

    During the workshop, sectoral working groups contributed insights to validate the findings and proposed tailored actions to help ensure the results lead to meaningful change. Civil society organisations were present to ensure the analysis is grounded in local realities and support community-led solutions.

    “I wish to emphasise again the UN system’s commitment to supporting the Government of Samoa in creating a future where every Samoan has access to the nutritious food needed to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Karla Hershey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Samoa.

    This initiative reaffirms the strong commitment of the Government of Samoa and WFP to enhance food and nutrition security for Samoans, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

    #                 #                   #

    The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of Samoan communities.

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @wfp_Pacific_

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WFP and Samoa Lay Groundwork for Food System Improvements at the First Cost and Affordability of Diet Workshop

    Source: World Food Programme

    APIA, SAMOA – The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (MAF), in partnership with the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), co-hosted a national validation workshop to present and discuss findings from Samoa’s first Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets.

    The workshop brought together representatives from government ministries, UN agencies, international and national non-governmental organisations, civil society, and the private sector to review and validate the findings of the diet cost analysis, and to discuss how the results can inform policies and programmes aimed at improving diet quality and affordability in response to the country’s high burden of non-communicable diseases. 

    “This workshop is a pivotal step in our collective journey to address one of the most pressing development challenges of our time – ensuring access to affordable, nutritious and healthy diets for all Samoans, especially our most vulnerable,” said Seumalo Afele Faiilagi, Acting Chief Executive Officer of MAF Samoa, “We are confronting the real-life consequences of poor diets – malnutrition, obesity, non-communicable diseases and intergenerational cycles of poor health – that are now too common across our communities.”

    The Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets is a flagship initiative of the joint UN Sustainable Development Goals Fund programme, Catalysing the Samoa National Food Systems Transformation Agenda Through Collective Action, by the Rome-Based Agencies (WFP, Food and Agriculture Organization, and International Fund for Agricultural Development). It supports national priorities outlined in the Samoa Food Systems Pathway 2030, the National Food and Nutrition Policy & Plan of Action 2021–2026, the Health Sector Plan 2019/20–2029/30, and the Agriculture and Fisheries Sector Plan 2022/23–2026/27.

    Drawing on data from the Samoa Bureau of Statistics, the Ministry of Health and other partners, and informed by extensive national stakeholder consultations, the recommendations of the Cost and Affordability Analysis of Diets will inform decision-making across key sectors including agriculture, health, education at both national and community level. 

    “This is a pivotal moment in Samoa’s journey to transform its food systems and place nutrition at the centre of national development,” said Alpha Bah, WFP Representative for the Pacific. “WFP is proud to support the Government of Samoa and partners in turning evidence into action.”

    During the workshop, sectoral working groups contributed insights to validate the findings and proposed tailored actions to help ensure the results lead to meaningful change. Civil society organisations were present to ensure the analysis is grounded in local realities and support community-led solutions.

    “I wish to emphasise again the UN system’s commitment to supporting the Government of Samoa in creating a future where every Samoan has access to the nutritious food needed to lead healthy and productive lives,” said Karla Hershey, United Nations Resident Coordinator in Samoa.

    This initiative reaffirms the strong commitment of the Government of Samoa and WFP to enhance food and nutrition security for Samoans, particularly for the most vulnerable populations.

    #                 #                   #

    The Samoa Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries is committed to promoting sustainable agricultural and fisheries practices to ensure food security and improve the livelihoods of Samoan communities.

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @wfp_Pacific_

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of 2025, more than 5,000 China-Europe /Central Asia/ trains have passed through the Khorgos railway checkpoint

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    URUMQI, July 3 (Xinhua) — The total number of trains running on China-Europe/Central Asia international freight railway routes and passing through the Horgos railway border crossing in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region since the beginning of 2025 exceeded 5,000 on Wednesday, 42 days earlier than last year.

    The fact that on the same day a freight train carrying electronics, household items and other goods departed for Malaszewicze /Poland/ through this checkpoint testified to this event.

    According to the data, since the beginning of this year, the number of freight trains passing through the Khorgos checkpoint on the China-Europe and China-Central Asia routes has continued to grow. At the same time, on average, more than 27 trains and over 7 million tons of cargo passed through it daily, which is 20 percent more year-on-year.

    To date, more than 47,000 freight trains have passed through the Khorgos checkpoint on the China-Europe and China-Central Asia routes. This border crossing handles 87 corresponding freight routes covering 18 countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Steel Camels” are gaining momentum on the Eurasian Continent

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — The Silk Road served as a channel for trade and economic interaction between the East and West, and currently China-Europe freight trains provide uninterrupted freight traffic on the Eurasian continent.

    On June 10 this year, China-Europe freight train 75052 departed from Jiaozhou Station in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, East China.

    Thus, the total number of China-Europe freight train departures has exceeded 110,000, and the value of the cargo they transported has exceeded 450 billion US dollars. For 61 consecutive months, the monthly number of trips has consistently exceeded a thousand.

    If two thousand years ago camel caravans paved the Silk Road, today the “steel dragon” rushes along the golden transport corridor Asia-Europe, demonstrating the dynamics of openness. China-Europe freight trains are becoming a stable driver of high-quality development.

    INCREASING INTENSITY

    Between 2016 and 2024, the annual number of China-Europe freight train departures increased from 1,702 to 19,000, and the value of goods carried increased from an average of US$8 billion to US$66.4 billion.

    Three established route lines, namely western, central and eastern, already pass through China. China-Europe train services have been launched in 128 cities in China, and the number of regular routes on a fixed schedule, which start from the coastal ports of Dalian, Tianjin, Qingdao, Lianyungang and other harbors, has reached 28.

    Outside China, the diversified development of this transport channel is facilitated by the countries located along its routes. In particular, trains reach 229 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

    In the western direction, new routes were opened in the framework of international rail-sea combined transportation through the Baltic, Caspian and Black Seas. In the eastern direction, uninterrupted connections were ensured with the new international land-sea trade corridor, the golden waterway of the Yangtze River and seaports, which created new transport corridors in the framework of multimodal rail-sea transportation between East Asia, Southeast Asia and Europe.

    INCREASING EFFICIENCY

    Freight train 75052, which departed on June 10, carried LCD displays, refrigerators and other household appliances. Over the past 10 years, there has been an evolution of product names: from clothing and footwear to the “new three” (electric vehicles, lithium batteries, solar panels), household appliances and high-tech equipment.

    The growing diversity and cost of cargo require increased transportation efficiency. In recent years, given the specifics of transportation organization, the maximum number of cars in one China-Europe train running at 120 km/h has been increased to 55, and the maximum gross train weight to 3,000 tons. Close cooperation with customs authorities has made it possible to optimize the accelerated customs clearance scheme for trains, reducing customs clearance time from half a day to less than 30 minutes, with the fastest clearance taking only a few minutes.

    China Railway Container Transport (CRCT) has set up subsidiaries in Kazakhstan, Germany and other countries, deepening cooperation with local railway authorities and logistics companies to develop bilateral cargo flows.

    DEEPENING INTEGRATION

    Thanks to the new logistics corridors opened by China-Europe freight trains for the interior regions of Asia and Europe, the countries along the route are actively integrating into the open world economy. Spanish wine, Dutch cheese, Thai durian, Laotian bananas have become everyday goods for the Chinese. Electronics, electric cars and everyday goods from China reach Europe faster and at more attractive prices.

    The rise of industry and the development of China-Europe freight trains go hand in hand. For example, the Ereenhot checkpoint in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region is currently accelerating the transformation of a transit economy into an industrial economy. It has formed a cross-border logistics network that attracts industrial clusters in the production of auto parts, woodworking, etc.

    “China-Europe freight trains with high efficiency, stability and environmental friendliness are changing the architecture of regional economies,” said Li Tiegan, a professor at Shandong University.

    The ‘steel camels’ demonstrate China’s commitment to building an open global economy and promoting common prosperity. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The first freight train departed from Changsha on the international multimodal route China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — A China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan international multimodal freight train departed from Changsha International Railway Port Station in central China’s Hunan Province on Wednesday. It is the first full-length international train in Changsha operating under the multimodal transportation model (railway-road transport) approved by the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China.

    As reported by the Zhongxinshe news agency, the departure of this train opened a new logistics corridor between Hunan Province and the countries of Central Asia, including all of Kyrgyzstan and Uzbekistan.

    This has created a shorter, faster and more cost-effective westward route for businesses in Hunan and the surrounding areas. In addition, the train has facilitated flexible distribution across multiple routes, expanding supplies to markets such as West Asia, South Asia, the Middle East and Southern Europe.

    According to the person in charge of the platform running the train, through this new channel, products from Hunan Province can be delivered to customers in Central Asian countries in a shorter time, and the cost of transportation and insurance can be reduced by 30 percent. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China opposes any tariff agreements concluded to the detriment of its interests – Ministry of Commerce of the PRC

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    BEIJING, July 3 (Xinhua) — China firmly opposes any country making trade deals that harm Chinese interests, Commerce Ministry spokesperson He Yongqian said Thursday.

    He Yongqian made the remarks in response to a media question regarding the trade deal between the United States and Vietnam, saying China has taken note of the relevant information and is assessing the developments.

    She said the US’s imposition of so-called “reciprocal tariffs” on its trading partners was a typical act of unilateral bullying, which China has consistently opposed.

    He Yongqian added that China supports other countries’ efforts to resolve trade disputes with the United States through consultations on an equal basis, but firmly opposes any country making deals that harm China’s interests.

    “If such a situation arises, China will take decisive countermeasures to protect its legitimate rights and interests,” she said. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand’s King Sworn In New Ministers After Cabinet Reshuffle

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BANGKOK, July 3 (Xinhua) — Thailand’s King Maha Vajiralongkorn swore in a new government on Thursday after approving the cabinet lineup earlier this week.

    Deputy Prime Minister Surya Jungrungreangkit, acting prime minister, led a group of 14 newly appointed and reappointed ministers in swearing allegiance to the king, a mandatory formality before taking office.

    Prime Minister Phetongthan Shinawatra, suspended as head of government by the Constitutional Court pending an ethics investigation, attended the ceremony after being appointed culture minister.

    A group of 36 senators last month petitioned the court to remove Phetongthan Shinawatra from office, accusing her of serious ethical violations related to the leak of a recording of a phone call about border issues with Cambodia.

    Surya Jungrungreangkit will hold a special cabinet meeting later today to assign tasks and responsibilities to deputy prime ministers and ministers, the Thai government said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: South Korean parliament approves prime minister nominee

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SEOUL, July 3 (Xinhua) — South Korea’s parliament on Thursday approved Kim Min-suk’s candidacy for the post of prime minister.

    The proposal to appoint Kim Min-seok, a lawmaker from the ruling Toburo Democratic Party, was approved by 173 votes in favor, three against and three abstentions.

    Of the 300 members of the National Assembly, controlled by the ruling party, lawmakers from the conservative opposition Civil Power Party refused to vote on the issue, calling on Kim Min-suk to step down voluntarily.

    Kim Min-suk was appointed prime minister on June 4 after President Lee Jae-myung was sworn in. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited’s Integrated Fund Platform Order Routing Service Launch Ceremony (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the keynote speech by the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)’s Integrated Fund Platform Order Routing Service Launch Ceremony today (July 3):
     
    Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Launch Ceremony of the Order Routing Service under the Integrated Fund Platform operated by the HKEX.
     
         Digital infrastructure is key to the operation and development of the modern-day capital market. Today’s launch ceremony signifies a solid step in the construction of a market-wide infrastructure for our fund management industry leveraging the advancement in technology.
     
         For the first six months of this year – 2025, the Hong Kong stock market’s daily turnover reached HK$240 billion on average, up 118 per cent year on year. We also saw 44 IPOs (initial public offerings) raising a total of HK$107 billion, surpassing the annual figure of 2024 by 22 per cent and assuming a leading position in the world’s IPO fund raised during the same period this year.
     
         Fund flows in the collective investment scheme and asset management space are equally active. As of end-March 2025, for Hong Kong-domiciled funds, an overall net inflow of about HK$343 billion was recorded over the past 12 months, representing an increase of 285 per cent year on year. The AUM (assets under management) surged by close to 40 per cent, and the number of licensed corporations providing asset management services rose by about 5 per cent.
     
         As our capital market continues to grow in depth and breadth, we need to maintain the robustness and nimbleness of our backbone infrastructure to keep up with the demand and cater for future development. Legislative framework and regulatory regimes also have to be refreshed from time to time in order to bring out the growth potential in the marketplace and remove bottlenecks and inefficiencies that may exist.
     
         For example, to enrich the suite of products that can be made available to the market, the Government has amended the Securities and Futures Ordinance and enacted a new piece of legislation to introduce the open-ended fund company or OFC and limited partnership fund or LPF regimes to enable funds to set up in company and limited partnership forms. The diversified fund structures have been well received. As of the end of May this year, over 560 OFCs have been set up, and nearly 1 150 LPFs have been established in Hong Kong.
     
         In addition, we keep enhancing our connectivity with the Mainland market. For example, since the launch of the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) 2.0 in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in February 2024 which, among other enhancement measures, allowed the investment quota per investor to go up to RMB3 million, there has been a significant increase in the number of investors and amount of cross-boundary fund remittances. As of end-May 2025, some 158 000 individual investors participated in the WMC. Cross-boundary fund remittances amounted to over RMB115 billion, around seven times increase compared with WMC 1.0.
     
         We are also expanding our international network. Two ETFs (exchange-traded funds) tracking Hong Kong indices were listed on the Saudi Exchange last year. In May this year, we saw Asia’s first investment-grade sukuk ETF listing in Hong Kong, as well as a new Mutual Recognition of Funds arrangement reached with Ireland.
     
         All these market development initiatives are going hand in hand with the upgrading of our financial market infrastructure. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has been working with parties concerned to establish paperless, straight-through and one-stop integrated digital platforms for the provision of financial services, taking advantage of fintech developments and the rise of blockchain and AI. The goal is to increase efficiency and lower costs. As a key market operator, the HKEX has an important role to play in this, and we are very pleased to have the HKEX’s active participation and partnership in this journey.
     
         The implementation of an uncertificated securities market in Hong Kong, for example, will be a significant step towards modernising our securities market. It will allow individual investors to own securities in their names without a paper certificate and manage transactions through a digitalised platform. The Government, in collaboration with the Securities and Futures Commission and the HKEX, has completed all the relevant legislative work this year, with a view to launching the regime in the first half of 2026 following market preparations.
     
         Moving from securities to funds, I am glad to note that the first phase of the Integrated Fund Platform, the Fund Repository, has received positive responses for its comprehensive coverage and ease of use. I am also very pleased to note that the second phase of the Platform, the Order Routing Service launched today, has attracted the participation of major banks, transfer agents, brokers and fund houses. Leveraging the Communications Network developed jointly with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the Order Routing Service provides end-to-end transmission of subscription and redemption orders among fund distributors and transfer agents. I understand that development work on additional functionalities in the next phase, including nominee services and facilitation of payment and settlement, is under way.
     
         The development of an efficient and vibrant fund distribution ecosystem will drive market efficiency and lower transaction costs. This would in turn benefit end-investors and help realise our vision as the world’s top asset management hub and strengthening our status as an international financial centre. I congratulate the HKEX and its partner organisations on reaching this milestone and look forward to the full operation of a one-stop Platform encompassing the entire functionalities taking heed of user experience and stakeholder feedback. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Keynote speech by Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services) at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited’s Integrated Fund Platform Order Routing Service Launch Ceremony (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the keynote speech by the Permanent Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (Financial Services), Ms Salina Yan, at the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX)’s Integrated Fund Platform Order Routing Service Launch Ceremony today (July 3):
     
    Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
         It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the Launch Ceremony of the Order Routing Service under the Integrated Fund Platform operated by the HKEX.
     
         Digital infrastructure is key to the operation and development of the modern-day capital market. Today’s launch ceremony signifies a solid step in the construction of a market-wide infrastructure for our fund management industry leveraging the advancement in technology.
     
         For the first six months of this year – 2025, the Hong Kong stock market’s daily turnover reached HK$240 billion on average, up 118 per cent year on year. We also saw 44 IPOs (initial public offerings) raising a total of HK$107 billion, surpassing the annual figure of 2024 by 22 per cent and assuming a leading position in the world’s IPO fund raised during the same period this year.
     
         Fund flows in the collective investment scheme and asset management space are equally active. As of end-March 2025, for Hong Kong-domiciled funds, an overall net inflow of about HK$343 billion was recorded over the past 12 months, representing an increase of 285 per cent year on year. The AUM (assets under management) surged by close to 40 per cent, and the number of licensed corporations providing asset management services rose by about 5 per cent.
     
         As our capital market continues to grow in depth and breadth, we need to maintain the robustness and nimbleness of our backbone infrastructure to keep up with the demand and cater for future development. Legislative framework and regulatory regimes also have to be refreshed from time to time in order to bring out the growth potential in the marketplace and remove bottlenecks and inefficiencies that may exist.
     
         For example, to enrich the suite of products that can be made available to the market, the Government has amended the Securities and Futures Ordinance and enacted a new piece of legislation to introduce the open-ended fund company or OFC and limited partnership fund or LPF regimes to enable funds to set up in company and limited partnership forms. The diversified fund structures have been well received. As of the end of May this year, over 560 OFCs have been set up, and nearly 1 150 LPFs have been established in Hong Kong.
     
         In addition, we keep enhancing our connectivity with the Mainland market. For example, since the launch of the Cross-boundary Wealth Management Connect (WMC) 2.0 in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area in February 2024 which, among other enhancement measures, allowed the investment quota per investor to go up to RMB3 million, there has been a significant increase in the number of investors and amount of cross-boundary fund remittances. As of end-May 2025, some 158 000 individual investors participated in the WMC. Cross-boundary fund remittances amounted to over RMB115 billion, around seven times increase compared with WMC 1.0.
     
         We are also expanding our international network. Two ETFs (exchange-traded funds) tracking Hong Kong indices were listed on the Saudi Exchange last year. In May this year, we saw Asia’s first investment-grade sukuk ETF listing in Hong Kong, as well as a new Mutual Recognition of Funds arrangement reached with Ireland.
     
         All these market development initiatives are going hand in hand with the upgrading of our financial market infrastructure. The HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government has been working with parties concerned to establish paperless, straight-through and one-stop integrated digital platforms for the provision of financial services, taking advantage of fintech developments and the rise of blockchain and AI. The goal is to increase efficiency and lower costs. As a key market operator, the HKEX has an important role to play in this, and we are very pleased to have the HKEX’s active participation and partnership in this journey.
     
         The implementation of an uncertificated securities market in Hong Kong, for example, will be a significant step towards modernising our securities market. It will allow individual investors to own securities in their names without a paper certificate and manage transactions through a digitalised platform. The Government, in collaboration with the Securities and Futures Commission and the HKEX, has completed all the relevant legislative work this year, with a view to launching the regime in the first half of 2026 following market preparations.
     
         Moving from securities to funds, I am glad to note that the first phase of the Integrated Fund Platform, the Fund Repository, has received positive responses for its comprehensive coverage and ease of use. I am also very pleased to note that the second phase of the Platform, the Order Routing Service launched today, has attracted the participation of major banks, transfer agents, brokers and fund houses. Leveraging the Communications Network developed jointly with the Shenzhen Stock Exchange, the Order Routing Service provides end-to-end transmission of subscription and redemption orders among fund distributors and transfer agents. I understand that development work on additional functionalities in the next phase, including nominee services and facilitation of payment and settlement, is under way.
     
         The development of an efficient and vibrant fund distribution ecosystem will drive market efficiency and lower transaction costs. This would in turn benefit end-investors and help realise our vision as the world’s top asset management hub and strengthening our status as an international financial centre. I congratulate the HKEX and its partner organisations on reaching this milestone and look forward to the full operation of a one-stop Platform encompassing the entire functionalities taking heed of user experience and stakeholder feedback. Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • PM Modi pays homage to Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday visited the Kwame Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, paying homage to Ghana’s founding President and towering figure of Africa’s independence movement.

    Accompanied by Ghana’s Vice-President, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang, PM Modi laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence at the mausoleum that houses the mortal remains of Dr. Nkrumah and his wife, Fathia Nkrumah.

    The tribute underlined India’s longstanding respect for Ghana’s rich anti-colonial legacy and reflected the enduring ties between the two nations.

    The memorial, designed by architect Don Arthur, stands as a symbol of Dr. Nkrumah’s pivotal role in leading the Gold Coast to independence from British rule in 1957. Ghana’s independence made it the first sub-Saharan African nation to achieve self-rule, inspiring liberation movements across the continent.

    A proponent of Pan-African unity and a key architect of the Non-Aligned Movement, Dr. Nkrumah’s vision extended beyond national borders. He advocated African solidarity and international cooperation at a time when newly independent states were seeking a collective voice on the global stage.

    Dr. Nkrumah’s ideas on neo-colonialism and his writings, including Neo-Colonialism: The Last Stage of Imperialism, continue to influence debates on post-colonial development. Despite facing political challenges and being overthrown in a coup in 1966, his legacy remains deeply embedded in Ghana’s national consciousness.

    Earlier during his visit, PM Modi was conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award — The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana — by President John Mahama. Expressing gratitude, the Prime Minister described the honour as “a matter of immense pride” for India.

    “It is a matter of great pride and honour for me to be conferred with Ghana’s national award, The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, by the President. I humbly accept this honour on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians,” PM Modi said, dedicating the award to the youth of both nations.

    PM Modi’s visit, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades, signals New Delhi’s continued outreach to Africa and the Global South. During discussions with President Mahama, both leaders agreed to elevate bilateral ties to a Comprehensive Partnership, underscoring cooperation in trade, investment and people-to-people exchanges.

    (ANI)

  • PM Modi dedicates Ghana’s highest state honour ‘to enduring friendship, shared values’ with India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday addressed the Parliament of Ghana and dedicated the prestigious “Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana” conferred on him to the enduring friendship and shared values between the two countries.

    PM Modi was conferred with The Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana, the country’s highest civilian honour, by President John Mahama on Wednesday. PM Modi thanked Ghana’s President for the honour and called it a “matter of immense pride”.

    During his address to the country’s Parliament, the Prime Minister expressed his gratitude to the African nation on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and noted the emotional connection to the award.

    “Last evening was a moving experience. Receiving your national award from my dear friend, President Mahama, is an honour. I will always cherish this. On behalf of the 1.4 billion people of India, I thank the people of Ghana for the award. I dedicate it to the enduring friendship and shared values between India and Ghana,” PM Modi said.

    He hailed the West African nation for its enduring commitment to democracy, dignity, and resilience, calling it a “beacon of inspiration” for the African continent.

    “It is a privilege to be in Ghana, a land that radiates the spirit of democracy, dignity and resilience. As the representative of the world’s largest democracy, I bring with me the goodwill and greetings of 1.4 billion Indians,” the Prime Minister said.

    Highlighting the deep cultural and historical connections between the two nations, he praised Ghana not only for its natural wealth but also for the warmth and strength of its people.

    “Ghana is known as the land of gold, not just for what lies under your soil but as much for the warmth and strength in your heart. When we look at Ghana, we see a nation that stands with courage that rises above history that meets every challenge with dignity and grace. Your commitment to democratic ideals and inclusive progress truly makes Ghana a beacon of inspiration for the entire African continent,” he added.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited the Nkrumah Memorial Park in Ghana’s Accra and paid tribute to Dr Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President and a revered leader of the African independence movement.

    “Earlier today, I had the honour of paying tribute to our visionary and statesman and the beloved son of Ghana, Dr. Kwame Nkrumah. He once said that the forces that unite us are greater than the superimposed influences that keep us apart. His words continue to guide our shared journey…” the Prime Minister said.

    During his visit, he was accompanied by the Vice President of Ghana, Prof. Naana Jane Opoku-Agyemang. The Prime Minister laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence in honour of Dr Nkrumah’s lasting contributions to freedom, unity, and social justice.

    Ghana marks the first stop on PM Modi’s five-nation tour from July 2 to 9, which includes visits to Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

    This is the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to Ghana in over 30 years. The trip is expected to deepen the India-Ghana partnership and signal New Delhi’s continued engagement with Africa and the Global South.

    (ANI)

  • PM Modi receives Ghana’s highest civilian award, now honoured by 24 countries

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a five-nation tour, was on Wednesday conferred with Ghana’s highest civilian award — the Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana.

    The honour was bestowed during his landmark visit to the West African nation, the first by an Indian Prime Minister in over three decades.

    With this, PM Modi has now received the highest civilian honours from 24 countries, the most by any Indian leader. These prestigious accolades include Russia’s Order of St. Andrew, the UAE’s Zayed Medal, France’s Grand Cross of the Legion of Honour, the Maldives’ Rule of Nishan Izzuddin, as well as similar recognitions from Nigeria, Cyprus, Fiji, and others.

    Accepting the award, PM Modi dedicated it to the 1.4 billion citizens of India, particularly its youth, rich cultural traditions, and diversity. He also highlighted the deep-rooted ties between India and Ghana, built on a shared foundation of democratic values and mutual respect.

  • Sensex, Nifty end lower amid consolidation, investors await India-US trade deal

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock markets ended lower on Thursday after a day of cautious trading, as late selling pressure erased earlier gains. Investors remained watchful amid hopes of a possible trade agreement between the US and India.

    The Sensex touched an intra-day high of 83,850 in early trade but eventually closed 170.22 points or 0.2 per cent lower at 83,239.7. Similarly, the Nifty also slipped by 48.1 points or 0.19 per cent, settling at 25,405.3 by the end of the session.

    Markets traded volatile on the weekly expiry day and ended marginally lower, continuing the ongoing consolidation phase, said Ajit Mishra of Religare Broking Limited.

    After an initial uptick, the Nifty oscillated sharply in both directions while remaining within Wednesday’s trading range, ultimately closing at 25,405.30.

    “However, the overall trend remains bullish and is expected to stay intact unless the index decisively breaks below the 25,200-mark. On the upside, the 25,650–25,750 zone is likely to act as an immediate hurdle,” Mishra mentioned.

    On the Sensex, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Bajaj Finserv, Bajaj Finance, Trent, and State Bank of India were among the top losers. On the other hand, Maruti Suzuki India, Infosys, NTPC, Asian Paints, Hindustan Unilever, and Eternal were among the top gainers — helping limit the downside.

    Broader markets showed subdued trends. The Nifty Midcap100 index managed to hold on to slight gains and closed flat with a positive bias. Following suit, the Nifty Smallcap100 index ended the day 0.26 per cent higher.

    In contrast, the Nifty Smallcap100 index ended the day 0.26 per cent lower.

    Among sectoral indices, the Nifty PSU Bank index was the biggest loser, falling 0.89 per cent due to selling pressure in stocks like Punjab National Bank, Union Bank of India, UCO Bank, and Central Bank of India.

    Other sectors such as metals, realty, banking, and financial services also ended lower.

    However, some pockets of the market saw buying interest. Sectors like media, auto, pharma, healthcare, consumer durables, oil & gas, and FMCG managed to close in the green.

    Market experts said that investors are likely to remain cautious in the coming sessions, keeping a close eye on global trade developments, FII activity and key economic cues.

    Meanwhile, the Indian rupee strengthened to its highest point in a month, primarily due to anticipated foreign capital inflows and a positive outlook on an impending trade agreement with the US.

    “In the near term, the spot USD/INR exchange rate is expected to find support at 84.95, while encountering resistance at 85.70,” Dilip Parmar of HDFC Securities stated.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: how two once hot-button issues this week barely sparked media and political interest

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Political and news cycles often work in a certain and predictable way. Issues flare like bushfires, then rage for weeks or even months, until they are finally extinguished by action or fade by being overtaken by the next big thing.

    On two very different fronts this week, we’re reminded how these cycles work.

    During the last term, the opposition constantly hammered the government over its handling of the former immigration detainees released after the High Court found they couldn’t be held indefinitely. These included people who had committed murder, child sex offences and violent assaults.

    On Sunday, Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke admitted in a television interview that the legislation the government passed to re-detain some of these people was, in effect, impossible to use. Burke’s comments attracted only limited attention.

    The other reminder of an old story came when the Federal Court ordered a militant Muslim preacher to remove inflammatory lectures from the internet. He had lost a case brought by the Executive Council of Australian Jewry under Section 18C for the Racial Discrimination Act. More than a decade ago, political passions ran high in conservative circles about the alleged evils of 18C.

    First to the Burke admission. Burke told Sky he had “a lot of resources” dedicated to trying to get applications to court for preventative detention orders. But “no one has come close to reaching the threshold that is in that legislation”. Burke insisted he was “not giving up”, but there is little reason to believe things will change. The opposition has suggested amending the preventative detention legislation, but Burke says that would hit a constitutional obstacle.

    For a long time, the government had kept saying it was working up cases to put to the court (and given the impression action was close). But, realising the difficulty, it also passed legislation facilitating the deportation of these people to third countries. There are now three former detainees due to be deported to Nauru, following a financial agreement with that country. But there’s a hitch: their deportations are tied up in court appeals. (They are, however, able to be held in detention while the cases proceed.)

    The challenge still presented by the former detainees in the community is no small matter, despite the political storm having calmed and the media interest dissipating.

    In evidence in Senate estimates in March, the Department of Home Affairs said 300 people had been released from immigration detention as at the end of February. Of these, 104 had offended since release, and 30 were incarcerated (including on remand). Some 83 had only a state or territory criminal charge; seven only a Migration Act charge; 14 people had both a Migration Act charge and a state or territory charge. In recent weeks, one former detainee is alleged to have murdered a photographer in Melbourne.

    The political context can be very relevant to whether the embers of an old issue re-spark into something major.

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s decision last year to put Burke into home affairs was something of a political masterstroke. If Clare O’Neil and Andrew Giles had still been in their former respective portfolios of home affairs and immigration, the present failure to deal more successfully with the former detainees would have been a much bigger issue. Burke is skilled at throwing a blanket over contentious areas.

    On the other side of politics, James Paterson was moved out of home affairs to become shadow finance minister in Sussan Ley’s reshuffle. Paterson pursued the former immigration detainees relentlessly. The new spokesmen, Andrew Hastie (home affairs) and Paul Scarr (immigration) haven’t hit their strides yet, and what they have said on the issue hasn’t grabbed much attention.

    The government would have been under more pressure on the issue if parliament were sitting. But the new parliament doesn’t meet until July 22.

    When it does, one of the new arrivals will be a former face, Liberal MP Tim Wilson. Way back when, Wilson was a player in the story of 18C. For him, the way 18C resurfaced this week contains more than a little irony.

    In February 2014, Wilson took up his post of Human Rights Commissioner, appointed by the Abbott government with the special brief of promoting freedom of speech. (He was even dubbed the “freedom commissioner”.)

    The Abbott government was strongly opposed to section 18C of the Racial Discrimination Act, which made it unlawful to “offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate” a person or group because of their race or ethnicity.

    The assault on 18C ran into vigorous opposition from ethnic and other groups, including the Executive Council of Australian Jewry. In the end, then prime minister Tony Abbott retreated. Wilson was disappointed, tweeting: “Disturbed to hear the government has backed down on 18c and will keep offensive speech illegal. Very disturbed.”

    In his 2025 bid for election, Wilson – who had been member for Goldstein from 2016-2022 – was helped by the Jewish vote, after the rise of antisemitism.

    The debate about free speech has moved on a great deal since the days of the Abbott government, when conservatives were particularly agitated about 18C following a court judgement against journalist Andrew Bolt relating what he has written about some fair-skinned Indigenous people.

    Today’s debate is in the context of “hate speech” associated with the Middle East conflict. Hate-crime laws have provoked another fierce round of controversy about the appropriate limits to put on “free speech”.

    The Executive Council of Australian Jewry brought its case under the 18C civil law against preacher William Haddad, from Western Sydney, after no action was taken by the authorities under the criminal law.

    Haddad described Jews as “a treacherous people, a vile people”, among other offensive remarks, that included saying: “The majority of banks are owned by the Jews, who are happy to give people loans, knowing that it’s almost impossible to pay it back”. Haddad argued in his defence his lectures drew on religious writings, relating them to contemporary events, and were delivered for educational purposes.

    Finding against Haddad, Judge Angus Stewart said the lectures conveyed “disparaging imputations about Jewish people and that in all the circumstances were reasonably likely to offend, insult, humiliate and intimidate Jews in Australia”.

    Reflecting on this week’s decision, George Brandis – who was attorney-general during the 18C furore – says, “My view hasn’t changed. It should not in a free country be either criminally or civilly actionable to say something that merely offends. However, in this case the conduct went far beyond mere offence, to intimidation. It did not require 18C to get the redress that was sought in the case.”

    Wilson does not wish to re-enter the debate. The new opposition industrial relations spokesman says his focus is “my portfolio responsibilities”.

    It’s likely many of those who fought 18C years ago hold to their original view, while having to applaud the judgement made under it this week. That’s another irony.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: how two once hot-button issues this week barely sparked media and political interest – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-how-two-once-hot-button-issues-this-week-barely-sparked-media-and-political-interest-259686

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public consultation on Legislative Council Election proposed guidelines commences (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Public consultation on Legislative Council Election proposed guidelines commences (with photos/video) 
         The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today (July 3) released the proposed guidelines on election-related activities in respect of the Legislative Council (LegCo) Election for public consultation. The consultation will last for 30 days until August 1.
     
         The 2025 LegCo General Election will be held on December 7. Before each general election, the EAC will review and update the guidelines.
     
         The Chairman of the EAC, Mr Justice David Lok, said at a press conference today, “These guidelines aim to explain in simple language the provisions under current electoral legislation with a view to reminding candidates and other relevant persons of the regulations and requirements of the electoral legislation; and to promulgate a code of conduct based on the fair and equal treatment principles in respect of election-related activities which are not covered by the legislation.”
     
    The proposed guidelines are prepared on the basis of the current guidelines for the LegCo Election (October 2021 edition), with appropriate amendments which are mainly composed of four categories: (1) to reflect the amended electoral legislation, such as the procedures if electronic counting arrangements are adopted in functional constituency elections; (2) to reflect the latest electoral arrangements and facilitation measures, for instance, electors could log on to an online system to check information such as their allocated polling stations, and candidates could submit election forms via electronic means, etc; (3) to further elaborate the contents of the guidelines to enable candidates and other relevant persons to have a clearer understanding of the areas which they should pay attention to; and (4) to align with the amendments already made to the other guidelines on election-related activities.
     
    Mr Justice Lok said, “To enable the public to better understand the requirements of the relevant electoral legislation and the code of conduct formulated by the EAC for the conduct of election-related activities, we have also enhanced the proposed guidelines by, for example, explaining the relevant electoral arrangements in the form of tables, consolidating the contents of the chapters, etc, with a view to making the proposed guidelines more concise and easy to comprehend.”

         The proposed guidelines can be downloaded from the EAC website (www.eac.hk 
    Members of the public are welcome to make written representations on the proposed guidelines to the EAC Secretariat by email (    eacenq@eac.hk 
         The EAC will hold a public forum from 7pm to 9pm on July 18 (Friday) at the School Hall, 4/F, Kowloon Tong Government Primary School, 6 Tim Fuk Road, Kowloon Tong. Members of the public are welcome to attend to express views. The last admission time of the public forum is 8pm.
     
         For enquiries, please call 2891 1001.
    Issued at HKT 19:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Mahama confers Ghana’s highest honour on Indian Prime Minister (PM)

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    President John Dramani Mahama has, on behalf of the government and people of Ghana, conferred the State Honour of Officer of the Order of the Star of Ghana on Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who is on a two-day official visit.

    The award presentation took place at a state banquet held in honour of the visiting Prime Minister on Wednesday. The citation accompanying the award praised Prime Minister Modi’s decades of dedicated service, emphasising his exemplary integrity, visionary governance, and steadfast commitment to human progress.

    It further recognised his significant efforts in uplifting his nation and extending a hand of partnership to the world, including Ghana. The honour specifically acknowledged his distinguished leadership, his substantial contribution to global development, and his deep commitment to strengthening the vital bilateral relationship between Ghana and India.

    – on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister pays tribute at Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi visited the Nkrumah Memorial Park in Accra, Ghana, and paid tribute to Dr. Kwame Nkrumah, Ghana’s founding President and a revered leader of the African independence movement. He was accompanied by the Vice President of Ghana, H.E. Prof. Naana Jane Opoku- Agyemang. Prime Minister laid a floral wreath and observed a moment of silence in honour of Dr. Nkrumah’s lasting contributions to freedom, unity, and social justice.

    2. ​The tribute paid by Prime Minister reflects India’s deep respect for Ghana’s rich history and reaffirms the strong bonds of friendship and cooperation between the two countries.

    – on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs – Government of India.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung TV Plus Expands Content Lineup with B4U Channels, Bringing Blockbuster Movies and Music to Indian Audiences

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung TV Plus, India’s leading free ad-supported streaming television (FAST) service, has announced the addition of four popular B4U channels – B4U Movies, B4U Music, B4U Kadak and B4U Bhojpuri to its dynamic content lineup. This partnership further strengthens the robust catalogue of Samsung TV Plus, now boasting over 125+ FAST channels, and brings a fresh wave of premium entertainment to Indian viewers.
     
    “Our mission is to deliver unmatched access and exceptional value to both our audiences and advertisers on the Samsung TV Plus platform. By introducing new FAST Channels from the house of B4U, we aim to enhance access to the latest from the world of entertainment. This collaboration with B4U underscores our dedication to this vision,” said Kunal Mehta, Head of Partnerships, Samsung TV Plus India.
     
    B4U Network, a pioneer in the Indian broadcasting landscape with a global footprint in over 100+ countries, is renowned for its rich library of Hindi movies, chart-topping music, and vibrant regional content. For more than two decades, B4U has captivated audiences across generations and geographies, making it a household name in entertainment.
     
    Johnson Jain, Chief Revenue Officer, B4U said, “Connected TV (CTV) has emerged as a significant force in the Indian media landscape, revolutionizing how audiences consume content. In line with this, our approach has pivoted on reaching a broader and more diverse audience base. We are delighted to announce our collaboration with Samsung TV Plus, bringing our curated set of channels to their platform. Through this partnership, we aim to engage viewers with high-quality entertainment — featuring top-tier movies and the best in music — delivered seamlessly on a premium CTV experience”
     
    This partnership reinforces the positioning of Samsung TV Plus, as one of India’s fastest-growing free content destinations providing curated entertainment for the evolving preferences of India’s digital-first viewers. With the integration of B4U’s acclaimed channels, Samsung TV Plus continues to redefine home entertainment, offering Indian consumers unparalleled access to blockbuster movies, trending music, and regional favourites, all for free.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Members Across India Join First-Ever Virtual Samsung Members Connect to Explore the Galaxy AI Universe

    Source: Samsung

     
    From the Himalayas to the coasts, Samsung Members came together for a one-of-a-kind virtual celebration of innovation, connection, and community.
     
    For the very first time, Samsung Members Connect went virtual—and what a success it was! On 25th June 2025, thousands of Galaxy users from every corner of India joined in from the comfort of their homes to be part of an experience that brought the best of Galaxy right to their screens.
     
    JB Park, President & CEO, Samsung Southwest Asia addressing the Samsung Members during the live connect
     
    A Nationwide Celebration of Galaxy AI and Innovation
    In response to the growing requests from Members across India, Samsung reimagined its flagship community engagement event—breaking geographical barriers and creating an inclusive platform where anyone with a Galaxy device could participate.
     
    The result? A dynamic, content-rich experience that immersed participants in the latest innovations across Galaxy AI, the Galaxy Ecosystem, Samsung Wallet, Samsung Health, SmartThings, and more.
     
    Samsung Members Connect has always been about celebrating the people who use and shape Samsung’s innovations and technology. This year, Samsung opened the experience to every Galaxy user in India, no matter where they are. The overwhelming participation and love the event received reaffirm Samsung’s belief in the power of community and innovation.
     
    Ridhi Chugh, General Manager, Multi Device Experience sharing the nuances of SmartThings for Home AI with members
     
    Power-Packed Sessions. Passionate Participants.
    The virtual event featured curated sessions led by Samsung experts, offering deep dives into the latest Galaxy AI-powered features—from creative content generation to smarter communication and productivity tools.
     
    Participants also explored how the Galaxy Ecosystem works seamlessly across phones, tablets, wearables, and even smart homes. Engaging demonstrations showcased how SmartThings and Samsung Health are shaping connected and healthier lifestyles.
     
    The camera deep-dive, always a crowd favorite, gave Members valuable tips on unlocking the pro-level capabilities of their Galaxy cameras—turning everyday users into creators.
     
    Anshul Subramanian, Engineer, Android Application talking the Galaxy AI Visual Experience
     
    Community. Interaction. Surprises.
    What truly set this event apart was the energy and enthusiasm of the Galaxy community.  Interactive Q&A sessions kept the engagement high throughout the day. Lucky draws, exclusive giveaways, and surprise shoutouts added moments of delight and joy.
     
    Several Members shared how being part of this virtual event made them feel seen, heard, and connected—especially those attending a Samsung event for the first time.
    “This year, Samsung Members Connect was an incredible experience. It was my deep dive into innovation, smart living and the ever-evolving Galaxy Ecosystem – I walked away inspired and informed,” said Yash Agarwal, a Samsung Member.
     
    “As someone living in a small town, I’ve always wanted to be part of Members Connect. Joining virtually today made me feel like I was right there with the rest of the Galaxy family,” said Vedant Kalore, a Samsung Member.
     
    Looking Ahead
    With the success of the first-ever virtual Samsung Members Connect, the brand has set a new benchmark in community engagement—where every Galaxy user, regardless of geography, has a front-row seat to innovation.
     
    This event wasn’t just a showcase of cutting-edge tech—it was a celebration of the people who bring Galaxy to life.
     
    Until next time, keep exploring, creating, and connecting—with Galaxy by your side.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • India’s GDP growth projected at 6.4-6.7% for FY26: CII

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) has projected India’s real GDP growth to remain in the range of 6.4% to 6.7% in the financial year 2025-26, reiterating the country’s position as the fastest-growing major economy globally.

    Speaking at an industry event in New Delhi on Thursday, CII President Rajiv Memani observed that India continues to be a bright spot amid heightened global economic and geopolitical uncertainty. “Competitiveness is India’s passport to prosperity. But it must be earned through reform, innovation and trust,” Memani said.

    He added that CII remains committed to partnering with the government and industry to strengthen India’s position as a competitive and globally connected economy. “India’s internal growth momentum is resilient enough to weather external shocks,” he said.

    Memani stressed that India must anchor its growth in competitiveness, driven by scale, productivity, innovation and resilience, especially at a time when global trade and technology dynamics are changing rapidly.

    To meet the country’s developmental and infrastructure requirements while maintaining fiscal prudence, CII has suggested calibrated disinvestment of public sector enterprises (PSEs). The industry body noted that PSEs account for nearly 10% of India’s total market capitalisation, estimated at around ₹55 lakh crore.

    “Divesting about 10% of this market capitalisation could potentially generate ₹5 lakh crore, which could be channelled towards enhancing public capital expenditure, retiring government debt, setting up a Sovereign Wealth Fund for overseas strategic investments and acquiring critical technologies,” Memani said.

    To address the challenges faced by India’s ‘missing middle’, CII has proposed a Capital Support Scheme aimed at assisting small and medium-sized enterprises in the manufacturing sector undertaking R&D, technology adoption and job creation.

    Further, to improve the cost efficiency of businesses, CII has suggested the formation of a dedicated taskforce to recommend policies for ensuring land availability at affordable rates, thereby strengthening the competitiveness of the manufacturing sector.

    Highlighting India’s energy transition goals, CII called for sector-specific strategies, including for mobility, and advocated the proactive creation of Green Hydrogen and Renewable Energy hubs. The industry body also plans to launch a dedicated Mission on Energy Transition to encourage industries to shift towards low-carbon alternatives.

    (IANS)

  • Trump visits Iowa to kick off America’s 250th anniversary, reassure farmers on trade

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump travels to Iowa on Thursday to kick off celebrations marking America’s 250th anniversary next year and to tout recent trade and legislative actions to heartland voters who helped propel his return to the White House.

    Trump will deliver a campaign-style speech at the Iowa State Fairgrounds in Des Moines, a familiar stop for presidential candidates in the early primary state. Trump won Iowa’s 2024 Republican caucuses by a historically large margin and carried the state by 13 percentage points in the general election.

    His latest visit comes ahead of a Friday deadline he set for Congress to pass his sweeping tax and spending legislation, a cornerstone of his second-term domestic agenda that touches everything from immigration to energy policy.

    In remarks mixing patriotism and policy, Trump will aim to reassure Iowa’s voters that his administration is defending their interests and delivering tangible results, according to a person with knowledge of the speech.

    Trump’s trade policies have whipsawed agricultural communities in Iowa, creating economic uncertainty and testing loyalties. Iowa farmers have been hit hard, especially with China’s retaliatory tariffs slashing soybean exports and prices.

    In a Truth Social post on Tuesday announcing his trip, Trump called Iowa “one of my favorite places in the world.”

    “I’ll also tell you some of the GREAT things I’ve already done on Trade, especially as it relates to Farmers. You are going to be very happy with what I say,” Trump said.

    At recent Republican town halls in Iowa, tensions flared as farmers and constituents pressed congressional leaders, including Republican Senator Chuck Grassley, to push back against Trump’s retaliatory tariffs.

    Some Republicans also worry that deep cuts to the Medicaid health program in their sweeping tax bill will hurt the party’s prospects in the 2026 midterm elections.

    Trump has made several memorable trips to the Iowa State Fairgrounds. In 2015, the reality TV star and presidential candidate gave children rides on his personal helicopter as he aimed to overshadow Democratic rival Hillary Clinton.

    In 2023, Trump’s private jet buzzed low over the crowds in another flashy power move, stealing the spotlight from primary rival Ron DeSantis as he campaigned on the ground below.

    (Reuters)

  • Nobody except Dalai Lama can decide his successor: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Kiren Rijiju on Thursday said that no one but the Dalai Lama himself has the authority to decide his successor.

    He emphasized that the selection of the next Dalai Lama will follow “established convention” and be guided by the spiritual leader’s own wishes.

    Rijiju, along with Union Minister Rajiv Ranjan, is scheduled to visit Dharamshala as a representative of the Indian government to attend celebrations marking the Dalai Lama’s 90th birthday on July 6.

    The remarks come a day after the Dalai Lama said that only the Gaden Phodrang Trust, a non-profit organization he established to uphold the institution and tradition of the Dalai Lama, holds the authority to recognize his future reincarnations, categorically rejecting any role for China in the process.

    “The process by which a future Dalai Lama is to be recognized has been clearly established in the 24 September 2011 statement,” he said, referring to guidelines that entrust the Gaden Phodrang Trust with the task. “They should consult the various heads of the Tibetan Buddhist traditions and the reliable, oath-bound Dharma Protectors who are inseparably linked to the lineage of the Dalai Lamas.”

    “I hereby reiterate that the Gaden Phodrang Trust has sole authority to recognize the future reincarnation; no one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,” he added.

    China, which considers the Dalai Lama a “separatist” for his long-standing advocacy for Tibetan autonomy, continues to insist it must approve any future reincarnation. On Wednesday, Beijing reiterated that the selection must take place in China through a centuries-old ritual.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives farewell call from Ambassador of Ireland to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a farewell call from the Ambassador of Ireland to ASEAN, H.E. Pádraig Francis, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They exchanged views on ASEAN-Ireland relations. During the call, Dr. Kao conveyed his appreciation to Ambassador Francis for his tireless efforts in promoting closer relations between ASEAN and Ireland and in supporting the ASEAN-European Union (EU) Dialogue Relations throughout his tenure.

     
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives farewell call from Ambassador of Ireland to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –