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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Work requirements are better at blocking benefits for low-income people than they are at helping those folks find jobs

    Source: The Conversation – USA (2) – By Anne Whitesell, Assistant Professor of Political Science, Miami University

    Meeting work requirements to get government benefits can lead to burdensome paperwork. JackF/iStock via Getty Images Plus

    Republican lawmakers have been battling over a bill that includes massive tax and spending cuts. Much of their disagreement has been over provisions intended to reduce the cost of Medicaid.

    The popular health insurance program, which is funded by both the federal and state governments, covers about 78.5 million low-income and disabled people – more than 1 in 5 Americans.

    On May 22, 2025, the House of Representatives narrowly approved the tax, spending and immigration bill. The legislation, which passed without any support from Democrats, is designed to reduce federal Medicaid spending by requiring anyone enrolled in the program who appears to be able to get a job to either satisfy work requirements or lose their coverage. It’s still unclear, however, whether Senate Republicans would support that provision.

    Although there are few precedents for such a mandate for Medicaid, other safety net programs have been enforcing similar rules for nearly three decades. I’m a political scientist who has extensively studied the work requirements of another safety net program: Temporary Assistance for Needy Families.

    As I explain in my book, “Living Off the Government? Race, Gender, and the Politics of Welfare,” work requirements place extra burdens on low-income families but do little to lift them out of poverty.

    Work requirements for TANF

    TANF gives families with very low incomes some cash they can spend on housing, food, clothing or whatever they need most. The Clinton administration launched it as a replacement for a similar program, Aid to Families with Dependent Children, in 1996. At the time, both political parties were eager to end a welfare system they believed was riddled with abuse. A big goal with TANF was ending the dependence of people getting cash benefits on the government by moving them from welfare to work.

    Many people were removed from the welfare rolls, but not because work requirements led to economic prosperity. Instead, they had trouble navigating the bureaucratic demands.

    TANF is administered by the states. They can set many rules of their own, but they must comply with an important federal requirement: Adult recipients have to work or engage in an authorized alternative activity for at least 30 hours per week. The number of weekly hours is only 20 if the recipient is caring for a child under the age of 6.

    The dozen activities or so that can count toward this quota range from participating in job training programs to engaging in community service.

    Some adults enrolled in TANF are exempt from work requirements, depending on their state’s own policies. The most common exemptions are for people who are ill, have a disability or are over age 60.

    To qualify for TANF, families must have dependent children; in some states pregnant women also qualify. Income limits are set by the state and range from US$307 a month for a family of three in Alabama to $2,935 a month for a family of three in Minnesota.

    Adult TANF recipients face a federal five-year lifetime limit on benefits. States can adopt shorter time limits; Arizona’s is 12 months.

    An administrative burden

    Complying with these work requirements generally means proving that you’re working or making the case that you should be exempt from this mandate. This places what’s known as an “administrative burden” on the people who get cash assistance. It often requires lots of documentation and time. If you have an unpredictable work schedule, inconsistent access to child care or obligations to care for an older relative, this paperwork is hard to deal with.

    What counts as work, how many hours must be completed and who is exempt from these requirements often comes down to a caseworker’s discretion. Social science research shows that this discretion is not equally applied and is often informed by stereotypes.

    The number of people getting cash assistance has fallen sharply since TANF replaced Aid to Families with Dependent Children. In some states caseloads have dropped by more than 50% despite significant population growth.

    Some of this decline happened because recipients got jobs that paid them too much to qualify. The Congressional Budget Office, a nonpartisan office that provides economic research to Congress, attributes, at least in part, an increase in employment among less-educated single mothers in the 1990s to work requirements.

    Not everyone who stopped getting cash benefits through TANF wound up employed, however. Other recipients who did not meet requirements fell into deep poverty.

    Regardless of why people leave the program, when fewer low-income Americans get TANF benefits, the government spends less money on cash assistance. Federal funding has remained flat at $16.5 billion since 1996. Taking inflation into account, the program receives half as much funding as when it was created. In addition, states have used the flexibility granted them to direct most of their TANF funds to priorities other than cash benefits, such as pre-K education.

    Many Americans who get help paying for groceries through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program are also subject to work requirements. People the government calls “able-bodied adults without dependents” can only receive SNAP benefits for three months within a three-year period if they are not employed.

    A failed experiment in Arkansas

    Lawmakers in Congress and in statehouses have debated whether to add work requirements for Medicaid before. More than a dozen states have applied for waivers that would let them give it a try.

    When Arkansas instituted Medicaid work requirements in 2018, during the first Trump administration, it was largely seen as a failure. Some 18,000 people lost their health care coverage, but employment rates did not increase.

    After a court order stopped the policy in 2019, most people regained their coverage.

    Georgia is currently the only state with Medicaid work requirements in effect, after implementing a waiver in July 2023. The program has experienced technical difficulties and has had trouble verifying work activities.

    Other states, including Idaho, Indiana and Kentucky, are already asking the federal government to let them enforce Medicaid work requirements.

    Then-Gov. Asa Hutchinson speaks during a news conference in 2017, in Little Rock, Arkansas, calling for Medicaid work requirements.
    AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo

    What this may mean for Medicaid

    The multitrillion-dollar bill the House passed 215-214 would introduce Medicaid work requirements nationwide by late 2026 for childless adults age 19 to 64, with some exemptions.

    But most people covered by Medicaid in that age range are already working, and those who are not would likely be eligible for work requirement waivers. An analysis by KFF – a nonprofit that informs the public about health issues – shows that in 2023, 44% of Medicaid recipients were working full time and another 20% were working part time. In 2023, that was more than 16 million Americans.

    About 20% of the American adults under 65 who are covered by Medicaid are not working due to illness or disability, or because of caregiving responsibilities, according to KFF. This includes both people caring for young children and those taking care of relatives with an illness or disability. In my own research, I read testimony from families seeking work exemptions because caregiving, including for children with disabilities, was a full-time job.

    The rest of the adults under 65 with Medicaid coverage are not working because they are in school, are retired, cannot find work or have some other reason. It’s approximately 3.9 million Americans. Depending on what counts as “work,” they may be meeting any requirements that could be added to the program.

    The Congressional Budget Office estimates that introducing Medicaid work requirements would save around $300 billion over a decade. Given past experience with work requirements, it is unlikely those savings would come from Americans finding jobs.

    My research suggests it’s more likely that the government would trim spending by taking away the health insurance of people eligible for Medicaid coverage who get tangled up in red tape.

    This article was updated on May 22, 2025, with details about the House of Representatives’ passage of the budget bill.

    Anne Whitesell is a 2024-2025 PRRI Public Fellow.

    – ref. Work requirements are better at blocking benefits for low-income people than they are at helping those folks find jobs – https://theconversation.com/work-requirements-are-better-at-blocking-benefits-for-low-income-people-than-they-are-at-helping-those-folks-find-jobs-256839

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Grigoris Argeros, Professor of Sociology, Eastern Michigan University

    Detroit is still a majority Black city, but the share of white, Asian and Hispanic residents is growing. DOMINIC GWINN/Middle East Images/AFP via Getty Images

    Following decades of population loss, Detroit may finally be turning a corner.

    According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent estimates, the city saw an increase in population for both 2023 and 2024.

    An additional 11,000 people moved into the city in the years 2023 and 2024, a small gain in a city with a population of 645,705 – but one which marked a symbolic shift.

    The census data shows just over 1% growth in the past year alone and 0.7% the year before compared with a nearly 25% loss between 2000 and 2010.

    As an urban sociologist studying issues related to race and ethnicity, I am interested in how Detroit’s population is changing, and where different groups live in both the city and its suburbs.

    Analyzing population trends in the metro Detroit area using data from the U.S. Census Bureau, I wanted to understand how racial, ethnic and socioeconomic trends are unfolding, and what those changes can tell us about the evolution and vitality of Detroit.

    Black Detroiters relocate, city diversifies

    From 2010 to 2023, Detroit’s racial and ethnic makeup continued to gradually diversify even as the city was declining in population.

    While Black residents are still the majority, their proportion of the total number fell from around 84% to 79%.

    Other groups, in contrast, increased their share of the city’s population. Between 2010 and 2023, the percentage of Hispanic residents grew from 6.6% to 8.3%, the percentage of white residents grew from 8.2% to 10.7%, and the percentage of Asian residents grew from 1.3% to 1.7%.

    These shifts reflect a steady and ongoing diversification of Detroit’s population, indicative of new migration trends and shifting neighborhood dynamics.

    Suburbs in flux

    In addition to Detroit’s recent population growth, a broader story is unfolding in the city’s suburbs.

    The population of the suburban area as a whole increased 0.73% from 2023 to 2024, but growth was not evenly spread. Collectively, the outer-ring suburbs gained almost 20,000 people, increasing by 1%. Communities such as the city of Troy and Macomb Township accounted for a significant share of that growth.

    A map of Detroit and the surrounding suburbs, with shading to indicate which areas are considered to be the ‘inner’ and ‘outer’ suburbs.
    Grigoris Argeros, CC BY

    Inner-ring suburbs, such as Southfield, Warren and others, grew less vigorously – gaining just 4,000 people, or 0.31%.

    These differences highlight the necessity of complicating the conventional city-versus-suburb narrative to acknowledge the many economic and racial divisions across the metropolitan region.

    The socioeconomic statuses of residents of the inner- and outer-ring suburbs diverged between 2000 and 2020.

    My analysis of census data shows that although both subregions witnessed increases in median household incomes, the rates of change were significantly higher in the outer-ring suburbs, with a 37.7% increase versus a 16.8% increase in the inner rings.

    The data shows a similar trend in higher education attainment. Outer ring suburbs gained 7.1% more residents with college degrees or higher during this period, while the inner suburbs lost 7.5%.

    Homeownership patterns in the two suburban regions also diverged over those two decades, increasing 18% in the outer rings and decreasing 10% in the inner rings.

    The data on poverty and immigration also reveal contrasting results.

    According to my calculations of census data, inner-ring suburbs experienced a 77% increase in poverty, while the outer ring experienced a lesser, though considerable, 50.8% bump in poverty during the 2000-2020 period.

    Meanwhile, during the same time period, the foreign-born populations in the outer suburbs expanded by 24.9%, with increases of at least 10,000 in places such as Sterling Heights, Novi and Canton. In contrast, the inner suburbs saw more modest gains — around 5,000 in cities such as Dearborn Heights and Warren — while their overall foreign-born share declined by nearly 20%.

    Together, the above trends highlight the necessity of not viewing the suburban area as a monolith. These patterns reflect national trends, in which many older, inner-ring suburbs are experiencing socioeconomic stagnation or decline while newer, outer-ring suburbs continue to attract more people who have higher incomes.

    Mixed neighborhoods grow

    Residential segregation also differentiates inner and outer suburban rings.

    Segregation levels remain high in the inner suburbs, especially between white and Black residents. While outer suburbs tend to be more integrated today, the rate of change there has been more modest over the past two decades.

    Social scientists measure segregation using a tool called the “dissimilarity index.” The index represents the proportion of one group that would need to move to establish an equal distribution of the population based on their relative numbers. It ranges from 0 to 100. A score of 0 means equal distribution across neighborhoods, while a score of 100 means the two groups live in completely separate areas.

    From 2000 to 2020, white-Black segregation across the region decreased from 84.4% to 68.3% on the index, while white-Hispanic segregation decreased from 47.6% to 39.9%. Together, these numbers indicate a broader trend toward more integrated living patterns.

    In the inner-ring suburbs, segregation fell across the board. White-Black segregation went down by 15.6%; white-Asian and white-Hispanic segregation dropped even more, by 43.2% and 30.7%, respectively.

    These trends suggest that while the outer suburbs currently have lower levels of segregation, the inner suburbs are integrating more rapidly, reflecting shifting patterns of neighborhood change and increasing racial and ethnic diversity.

    Detroit has come a long way since exiting bankruptcy in 2014. Its recent population growth and increasing diversity show important signs of renewal.

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

    – ref. Metro Detroit is growing – but its suburbs are telling a more complicated story – https://theconversation.com/metro-detroit-is-growing-but-its-suburbs-are-telling-a-more-complicated-story-257875

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Sarah Burns, Associate Professor of Political Science, Rochester Institute of Technology

    President Donald Trump is seen on a monitor in the White House press briefing room on June 21, 2025, after the U.S. military strike on three sites in Iran. AP Photo/Alex Brandon

    In the wake of the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities on June 22, 2025, many congressional Democrats and a few Republicans have objected to President Donald Trump’s failure to seek congressional approval before conducting military operations.

    They note that Article 1 of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress the power to declare war and say that section required Trump to seek prior authorization for military action.

    The Trump administration disagrees. “This is not a war against Iran,” Secretary of State Marco Rubio told Fox News host Maria Bartiromo, implying that the action did not require approval by Congress. That’s the same view held by most modern presidents and their lawyers in the Office of Legal Counsel: Article 2 of the Constitution allows the president to use the military in certain situations without prior approval from Congress.

    By this reading of the text, presidents, as commander in chief, claim the power to unilaterally order the military to initiate small-scale operations for a short duration. Members of Congress may object to that claim, but they have done little to limit presidents’ unilateralism. What little they have done has not been effective.

    As I’ve demonstrated in my research, even though the 1973 War Powers Resolution attempted to constrain presidential power after the disasters of the Vietnam War, it contains many loopholes that presidents have exploited to act unilaterally. For example, it allows presidents to engage in military operations without congressional approval for up to 90 days. And more recent congressional resolutions have broadened executive control even further.

    President Franklin D. Roosevelt signs the U.S. declaration of war against Japan on Dec. 8, 1941.
    U.S. National Archives

    A long tradition of executive authority

    Presidents can even overcome the loopholes in the War Powers Resolution if the operation lasts longer than 90 days. In 2011, a State Department lawyer argued that airstrikes in Libya could continue beyond the War Powers Resolution’s 90-day time limit because there were no ground troops involved. By that logic, any future president could carry out an indefinite bombing campaign with no congressional oversight.

    While every president has bristled at congressional restraints on their actions, presidents since Franklin D. Roosevelt have successfully circumvented them by citing vague concerns like “national security,” “regional security” or the need to “prevent a humanitarian disaster” when launching military operations. While members of Congress always take issue with these actions, they never hold presidents accountable by passing legislation restraining him.

    President Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites without consulting Congress falls in line with precedent from both Democratic and Republican leaders for decades.

    Much like his predecessors, Trump did not, and likely will not, provide Congress with more concrete information about the legality of his actions. Nor are congressional lawmakers effectively holding him accountable.

    The push-and-pull between Congress and the president over military operations dates back to the 1941 Pearl Harbor attack, which led Congress to declare war on Japan. Before then, Congress had prevented the U.S. from joining World War II by enforcing an arms embargo and refusing to help the Allies prior to the attack on Hawaii. But afterward, Congress began allowing the president to take more control over the military.

    During the Cold War, rather than returning to a balanced debate between the branches, Congress continued to relinquish those powers.

    Congress never authorized the war in Korea; Harry Truman used a U.N. Security Council resolution as legal justification. Congress’ vote explicitly opposing the invasion of Cambodia didn’t stop Richard Nixon from doing it anyway. Even after the Cold War, Bill Clinton regularly acted unilaterally to address humanitarian crises or the continued threat from leaders like Saddam Hussein. He sent the military to Somalia, Haiti, Bosnia and Kosovo, among other places.

    After 9/11, Congress quickly gave up more of its power. A week after those attacks, Congress passed a sweeping Authorization for Use of Military Force, giving the president permission to “use all necessary and appropriate force against those nations, organizations, or persons he determines planned, authorized, committed, or aided the terrorist attacks that occurred on September 11, 2001.”

    In a follow-up 2002 authorization, Congress went even further, allowing the president to “use the Armed Forces … as he determines to be necessary and appropriate in order to defend national security … against the continuing threat posed by Iraq.” This approach provides few, if any, congressional checks on the control of military affairs exercised by the president.

    In the two decades since those authorizations, four presidents have used them to justify all manner of military action, from targeted killings of terrorists to the years long fight against the Islamic State group.

    Congress regularly discusses terminating those authorizations, but has yet to do so. If Congress did, the loopholes in the original War Powers Resolution would still exist.

    While President Biden claimed he supported the repeal of the authorizations, and supported more congressional oversight of military actions, Trump has made no such claims. Instead, he has claimed even more sweeping authority to act without any permission from Congress.

    As recently as 2024, Biden used the 2002 authorization as a legal rationale for the targeted killing of Iranian-backed militiamen in Iraq, a strike condemned by Iraqi leaders.

    Those actions may have ruffled congressional feathers, but they were in keeping with a long U.S. tradition of targeting members of terrorist groups and protecting members of the military serving in a conflict zone.

    Demonstrators outside the U.S. Capitol in January 2020 call on Congress to limit the president’s powers to use the military.
    AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana

    Threats of war

    During his first presidential term in 2020, Trump ordered a lethal drone strike against a respected member of the Iranian government, Major General Qassim Soleimani, the head of Iran’s equivalent of the CIA, without consulting Congress or publicly providing proof of why the attack was necessary, even to this day.

    Tensions – and fears of war – spiked but then slowly faded when Iran responded with missile attacks on two U.S. bases in Iraq.

    Now, the U.S. attacks on Iranian nuclear sites have revived both fears of war and renewed questions about the president’s authority to unilaterally engage in military action. Presidents since the 1970s, however, have effectively managed to dodge definitive answers to those questions – demonstrating both the power inherent in their position and the unwillingness among members of the legislative branch to reclaim their coequal status.

    This article is an updated version of a story published on Jan. 24, 2024.

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

    – ref. Presidents of both parties have launched military action without Congress declaring war − Trump’s bombing of Iran is just the latest – https://theconversation.com/presidents-of-both-parties-have-launched-military-action-without-congress-declaring-war-trumps-bombing-of-iran-is-just-the-latest-259636

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: People you may not know attended an ACT public school

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    In brief

    • Over the years, many well-known people have attended a Canberra public school.
    • Some attended for a short time, for university or alongside training at the Australian Institute of Sport.
    • This article lists some of these people.

    It’s no secret Canberra is a great place to live. It’s also, unsurprisingly, a great place to go to school.

    We’ve pulled together a list of well-known people who have attended an ACT public school or university.

    From actors to authors and artists to activists, plenty of impressive Aussies were educated right here in Canberra.

    Some may have stayed only a while. Some came just for uni or a sporting scholarship. Regardless, we’re happy to claim them.

    While this is not an exhaustive list, you’re bound to discover something new as you scroll.

    SCREEN AND STAGE

    Alan Alder – Ballet dancer and teacher

    Canberra High School

    Wil Anderson – Comedian and TV presenter

    University of Canberra

    Imogen Bailey – Model, actress, singer

    Melrose High School, Phillip College (now Canberra College)

    Jon Casimir – TV producer and executive

    Hawker College

    Jackie Chan – Actor

    Dickson College

    Ronny Chieng – Comedian

    Australian National University

    Gary Eck – Comedian and TV presenter

    Latham Primary School, Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Tim Ferguson – Comedian and TV presenter

    School Without Walls (now closed), Narrabundah College

    Leon Ford – Director and screenwriter

    Telopea Park School, Narrabundah College

    Hannah Gadsby – Comedian

    Australian National University

    Richard Glover – Writer and radio presenter

    Australian National University

    Alister Grierson – Director and screenwriter

    Australian National University

    Liv Hewson – Actor and playwright

    Alfred Deakin High School, Canberra College

    Matthew Le Nevez – Actor

    Telopea Park School

    Paul McDermott – Comedian and TV presenter

    Dickson College, Australian National University

    Rhys Muldoon – Actor

    Scullin Primary School (closed, now Southern Cross Early Childhood School), Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Alex O’Loughlin – Actor

    Macquarie Primary School

    Felicity Packard – Screenwriter and academic

    Lyneham High School, University of Canberra, Australian National University

    Rachel Perkins – Director, producer and screenwriter

    Melrose Primary School (now closed)

    Tanzeal Rahim – Director and writer

    University of Canberra

    Helen Razer – Radio presenter and writer

    Weston Creek High School (closed, now part of Mount Stromlo High School), Narrabundah College

    Richard Roxburgh – Actor

    Australian National University

    Ben Snow – Visual Effects, Writer, Director

    Narrabundah College, University of Canberra

    James Wan – Director

    Lake Tuggeranong College

    Mia Wasikowska – Actor

    Cook Primary School (now closed), Ainslie Primary School, Canberra High School

    Kirsty Webeck – Comedian

    Mt Stromlo High School, Narrabundah College, University of Canberra

    Sara Zwangobani – Actor

    Cook Primary School (now closed), Hawker College

    BOOKS AND NEWS

    Bettina Arndt – Journalist

    Australian National University

    Cynthia Banham – Journalist and academic

    Australian National University

    Rosemary Church – International news anchor

    University of Canberra

    Morris Gleitzman – Author

    Canberra College of Advanced Education (now the University of Canberra)

    Irma Gold – Author and podcaster

    University of Canberra

    Stan Grant – Journalist and author

    Australian National University

    Emma Grey – Author

    Garran Primary School, University of Canberra, Australian National University, Canberra Institute of Technology

    Marion Halligan – Author

    Australian National University. Marian also taught English at Canberra High School.

    Sonya Heaney – Author

    Melrose High School, University of Canberra

    Jack Heath – Author

    Lyneham High School, Narrabundah College

    Ingrid Jonach – Author

    University of Canberra

    Emma Macdonald – Journalist

    North Ainslie Primary School, University of Canberra

    Andrew Marlton aka First Dog on the Moon – Cartoonist

    Yarralumla Primary School

    Karen Middleton – Journalist

    Belconnen High School, Hawker College

    Garth Nix – Author

    Turner Primary School, Lyneham High School, Dickson College

    Dan O’Malley – Author

    Garran Primary School

    Sarah Oakes – Editor and Journalist

    University of Canberra

    Debra Oswald – Screenwriter and author

    Australian National University

    Stephanie Owen Reeder – Author

    University of Canberra

    Jamila Rizvi – Author and journalist

    Lyneham High School, Hawker College

    Brendan Shanahan – Author and journalist

    Narrabundah College, Australian National University

    Kimberley Starr – Author

    Garran Primary School

    Gabrielle Tozer – Author and Journalist

    University of Canberra

    Karen Viggers – Author and vet

    Australian National University

    Sam Vincent – Author and journalist

    University of Canberra

    Amanda Whitley – HerCanberra founder

    University of Canberra

    SPORTS

    Suzy Batkovic – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Darren Beadman – Jockey

    Garran Primary School, Lyneham High School

    Michael Bevan – Cricketer

    Stirling College (became part of Canberra College)

    Abby Bishop – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Justin Blumfield – AFL player

    Melrose High School

    Andrew Bogut – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Edwina Bone – Hockey player

    University of Canberra

    Caroline Buchanan – BMX and mountain bike rider

    Duffy Primary School, Lanyon High School, Erindale College

    Liz Cambage – Basketballer

    UC SSC Lake Ginninderra (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Bradley Clyde – Rugby league player

    Hawker College

    Matthew Dellavedova – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Brennon Dowrick – Gymnast

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra), University of Canberra

    Danté Exum – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Linley Frame – Swimmer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    George Gregan – Rugby union player

    University of Canberra

    Aaron Hamill – AFL player

    Fadden Primary School, Melrose High School, Phillip College (became part of Canberra College)

    Lincoln Hall – Mountain climber

    Telopea Park School, Australian National University

    Shane Heal – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    James Hird – AFL player

    Ainslie Primary School

    Andrew Illie – Tennis player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Joe Ingles – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Lauren Jackson – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Stephen Larkham – Rugby Union player and coach

    Australian National University

    Scott Miller – Swimmer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Patty Mills – Basketballer

    Lanyon High School, UC SSC Lake Ginninderra

    Joanne Morgan – Netballer and coach

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Cameron Myers – Athlete

    UC SSC Lake Ginninderra

    Lucas Neill – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Rennae Stubbs – Tennis player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Petria Thomas – Swimmer and Commonwealth Games Chef de Mission

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra), University of Canberra

    Marianna Tolo – Basketballer

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Emily Van Egmond – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Mark Viduka – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Todd Woodbridge – Tennis player and commentator

    Lyneham High School, Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Ned Zelic – Soccer player

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    MUSIC

    Peter Blakeley – Singer and songwriter

    Hughes Primary School

    Peter Casey – Musical director

    Cook Primary School (now closed)

    Matt Cooper, Matt Parkitny, Alex Pearson, Joel Tyrrell, Trenton Woodley – Hands Like Houses band members

    Melba High School and Copland College (amalgamated to become Melba Copland Secondary School) and Canberra High School between them

    Martin Craft – Sidewinder band member

    Narrabundah College

    Cameron Emerson-Elliott, Toby Martin – Youth Group band members

    Narrabundah College

    Frank Gambale – Guitarist

    Canberra High School

    Peter Garrett – Midnight Oil band member and former politician

    Australian National University

    Adam Hyde, Reuben Styles – Peking Duk band members

    Lyneham High School and Dickson College between them

    Hayley Jensen – Singer and songwriter

    Australian National University, University of Canberra

    Steven Kilbey – The Church band member

    Lyneham High School

    Lisa Moore – Pianist

    Telopea Park School

    Tim Omaji aka Timomatic – Singer, songwriter and dancer

    Narrabundah College

    Tim Rogers – Musician, You Am I band member

    Australian National University

    Sally Whitwell – Classical pianist and composer

    Australian National University

    AND STILL MORE

    Jess Cochrane – Artist

    Mt Stromlo High School

    Stefania Ferrario – Activist and model

    Telopea Park School, Narrabundah College

    Rosalie Gascoigne – Artist

    Australian National University

    Bob Hawke – Former Prime Minister of Australia

    Australian National University

    Tziporah Malkah (formerly Kate Fischer) – Model and actress

    Narrabundah College

    Sam Mostyn – Current Governor General of Australia

    South Curtin Primary School (became Curtin Primary School), Woden Valley High School (became part of Alfred Deakin High School), Narrabundah College

    Hetti Perkins – Art curator, writer and activist

    Melrose Primary School (now closed)

    Patricia Piccinini – Artist

    Narrabundah College

    Sam Prince – Zambreros founder, entrepreneur and doctor

    Lake Ginninderra College (now UC SSC Lake Ginninderra)

    Kevin Rudd – former Prime Minister of Australia

    Australian National University

    Gough Whitlam – Former Prime Minister of Australia

    Telopea Park School

    A COUPLE OF NOTABLE MENTIONS FROM OVER THE BORDER

    David Campese – Rugby Union player and commentator

    Queanbeyan High School

    Mark Webber – Formula One driver and commentator

    Isabella Street Primary School, Karabar High School

    ENROL YOUR CHILD IN AN ACT SCHOOL

    Today, more than 50,000 students are enrolled across the ACT’s 92 public schools.

    To find a school or enrol your child, visit the ACT Education website.

    To apply for university in Canberra, you’ll typically apply through the Universities Admissions Centre (UAC) or directly to the university.

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    MIL OSI News –

  • Massive turnout for Amarnath Yatra ticket collection in Jammu amid tight security

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Devotees gathered in large numbers at Saraswati Dham in Jammu on Monday to collect tickets for the Amarnath Yatra, slated to begin on July 3. 

    Speaking to IANS, many people expressed unwavering faith in India’s security forces and emphasized that fear would not deter them from fulfilling their spiritual aspirations.

    Shakshdeep Jha, who arrived from Mumbai with a group of 15 pilgrims, shared his excitement, saying, “I am very happy to be here. We will carry on the Yatra through the Pahalgam route.”

    When asked about any apprehensions following the recent Pahalgam attack, he replied firmly, “We do not fear anything. Our forces are there to protect us. As long as we have our forces, we can go anywhere without fear. People should come here in large numbers without any fear.”

    Another pilgrim, Deepak Sharma from Uttar Pradesh, spoke of his determination despite the rainy weather. “Even though it’s raining, we are very excited to be here. Right now, we will collect our tickets and proceed for the Yatra through the Pahalgam route,” he said.

    He added that the large turnout of pilgrims would send a message of unity and resilience — “a slap in the face of terrorists.”

    Maya Kaul, another devotee, echoed similar sentiments. “We are six people and will go through the Pahalgam route. We have full confidence in our forces, and there is no need to be afraid. I urge people to come in large numbers to the Amarnath Yatra.”

    Among those standing in long queues amid the heavy rain was a group of 120 people from Bihar.

    A devotee from Darbhanga said, “We are so excited to be here. We cannot express our joy. All the arrangements are excellent. We have complete faith in the Indian Army and are confident they will ensure the Yatra proceeds smoothly.”

    Kajal Wangmare from Maharashtra said she had been standing in line since 3 a.m. “It’s raining, but we are just happy to be here. We know we will have a memorable pilgrimage and return with happy memories,” she told IANS.

    Vikramjeet from Delhi also shared his thoughts, saying, “We are very excited. I also want to send a message to everyone: there is no need to be afraid. The arrangements here are very good, and we are not facing any problems. We believe in our Army, and we are not afraid of anything.”

    Meanwhile, security forces on Monday carried out an extensive joint mock drill along the Jammu–Srinagar National Highway as part of the final preparations for the annual Yatra.

    The exercise aimed to ensure the safety and readiness of the security forces and civil administration ahead of the pilgrimage. Buses were escorted under full security cover during the drill to test the coordination and preparedness of various security units.

    The exercise simulated emergency scenarios such as landslides and other natural disasters, focusing on rapid response, evacuation, and medical aid for stranded pilgrims.

    The simulation involved rescuing trapped vehicles, administering immediate first aid to the injured, and coordinating swift relief efforts through integrated disaster response and security teams.

    The first batch of pilgrims will be flagged off from the Jammu base camp on July 2. The Yatra will commence the following day via both the Pahalgam and Baltal routes.

    —IANS

  • 88 pc global firms now have dedicated AI budgets; focus shifts to intelligent agents: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 88 per cent of global enterprises now have dedicated budgets for Artificial Intelligence (AI), with nearly two-thirds of them spending over 15 per cent of their overall tech budgets on AI projects, a new report said on Monday.

    This major investment push marks a clear shift from early experimentation with Generative AI to building intelligent, goal-oriented systems known as AI agents, according to data compiled by Nasscom.

    Titled ‘Enterprise Experiments with AI Agents – 2025 Global Trends,’ the report provides a comprehensive look at how companies across the globe are preparing for the next phase of AI adoption.

    Sangeeta Gupta, Senior Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer at Nasscom, said that enterprises are at a crucial turning point.

    “AI agents represent the next evolution of enterprise AI — one that requires philosophical shifts in how we view work, intelligence, and autonomy,” she said.

    However, she also emphasised that scaling AI systems responsibly would require strong trust, data readiness, and continuous human oversight.

    Based on responses from over 100 companies across 8–9 global regions and more than 10 industries, the study shows how enterprises are moving beyond passive data analysis to more active AI systems that can perform tasks and make decisions with human oversight.

    The report shows that businesses are strengthening their AI foundation through investments in GenAI tools, data infrastructure, and flexible processes.

    Many companies have already formed specialised AI teams and are working with advanced platforms, upgrading their tech setups to support the deployment of AI agents.

    However, despite high awareness of Generative AI, only half of the surveyed companies are fine-tuning large language models (LLMs) or foundation models for their own needs.

    One of the biggest highlights of the report is the growing interest in Agentic AI — systems designed to act independently while still being monitored by humans.

    About 62 per cent of companies are experimenting with such AI agents, mainly for internal tasks such as IT operations, HR, and finance.

    External uses, like customer service, are still limited, with only 31 per cent of enterprises using Agentic AI in those areas.

    However, looking ahead, 88 per cent of companies plan to set aside budgets specifically for Agentic AI systems in 2025.

    The report also reveals that most companies are being cautious. Around 77 per cent are designing Agentic AI systems with a ‘human-in-the-loop’ model to ensure oversight and adaptability.

    Only 46 per cent are testing fully autonomous agents. Manufacturing companies appear to be ahead in adoption, using AI for robotics, quality control, and other operational areas.

    When it comes to benefits, companies believe AI agents can help in making faster decisions and responding better to market changes, the report said.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government welcomes publication of annual report of Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government welcomes publication of annual report of Process Review Panel for the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority 
         A spokesman for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The PRP has conducted a thorough review of the internal procedures and operational guidelines relating to the MPFA’s performance of its core regulatory activities, including the approval and registration of Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) trustees, schemes and funds, regulation of MPF trustees and intermediaries, regulation of occupational retirement schemes, and handling of complaints. The Report’s observations and suggestions will help ensure the fair and consistent exercise of regulatory powers by the MPFA, thereby strengthening public confidence and contributing to the continuous improvement of Hong Kong’s retirement protection system.
     
         “We would like to express sincere gratitude to the PRP Chairman, Mr Eugene Fung, SC, and members of the PRP for their dedication in providing comprehensive and insightful comments and recommendations to enhance the work of the MPFA and the operation of the MPF System,” the spokesman added.
     
         The PRP is an independent panel established by the Chief Executive to review and advise the MPFA on the adequacy and consistency of its internal procedures and operational guidelines relating to the MPFA’s regulation of MPF intermediaries. Since November 2021, the PRP has been renamed and taken on an expanded role to review the internal procedures of all the MPFA’s core regulatory activities.
     
    Issued at HKT 17:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL releases new information on globalization of scam centres

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    • Victims have been trafficked into criminality from more than 60 countries around the world
    • West Africa is emerging as a potential regional hub for online scam centres

    LYON, France: Human trafficking-fueled scam centres have expanded their global footprint, according to a new crime trend update released by INTERPOL.

    As of March 2025, victims from 66 countries were trafficked into online scam centres, with no continent left untouched.

    Seventy-four percent of human trafficking victims were brought to centres in the original ‘hub’ region of Southeast Asia, according to analysis of the crime trend using data from relevant INTERPOL Notices issued in the past five years.

    However, online scam centres have increasingly been observed in other regions, including the Middle East, West Africa – which could be developing into a new regional hub – and Central America.

    While approximately 90 percent of human trafficking facilitators were from Asia, 11 per cent were from South America or Africa.

    Eighty per cent of facilitators were men, and 61 per cent were aged between 20 and 39 years old.

    Global crisis

    Initially concentrated in a handful of Southeast Asian countries, the centres are estimated to have drawn in hundreds of thousands of human trafficking victims, typically through false job ads, detaining them in compounds and forcing them to carry out online social engineering scams.

    While not every person committing fraud in a scam centre is a victim of human trafficking, those held against their will are often subject to extortion through debt bondage, as well as beatings, sexual exploitation, torture and rape.

    Online scams engineered by the centres target a second set of globally-dispersed victims, who often suffer debilitating financial and emotional damage.

    Since 2023, INTERPOL has documented how this double-edged crime trend has evolved from a regional threat in Southeast Asia to a global crisis, issuing an Orange Notice to signal its serious and imminent threat to public safety.

    In 2024, a global operation coordinated by INTERPOL uncovered dozens of cases in which trafficking victims were deceived and coerced into committing fraud, with national police officers raiding an industrial-scale scam centre in the Philippines.

    In the same year, an INTERPOL operation saw police dismantle a scam centre in Namibia, where 88 youths were forced to conduct scams.

    Growing use of AI

    The INTERPOL update also highlights how emerging technologies and convergence with other major crime areas could transform human trafficking-fueled scam centres as the crime trend continues to evolve.

    The use of artificial intelligence has been observed in a growing number of scamming cases.

    AI has been used to develop convincing fake job ads that attract human trafficking victims as well as generate online photos or profiles through ‘deepfake’ technology for sextortion and romance scams, among other social engineering schemes.

    Moreover, reports analysed by INTERPOL show that the same routes used to traffic victims to scam centres can be used to traffic drugs, firearms and protected wildlife species.

    The areas where scam centres have emerged in Southeast Asia are also key hubs for the trafficking of endangered species such as tigers or pangolins, making criminal diversification likely.

    Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, said:

    “The reach of online scam centres spans the globe and represents a dynamic and persistent global challenge.”

    “Tackling this rapidly globalizing threat requires a coordinated international response. We must increase the exchange of information between law enforcement in the growing number of countries affected and strengthen partnerships with NGOs that help victims and technology companies whose platforms are being exploited.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Qifu Technology Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qifu Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: QFIN; HKEx: 3660) (“Qifu Technology” or the “Company”), a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China, today announced that the following proposed resolutions submitted for shareholder approval have been duly adopted at its annual general meeting of shareholders held today:

    1. as a special resolution, THAT, the English name of the Company be changed from “Qifu Technology, Inc.” to “Qfin Holdings, Inc.”;
    2. as a special resolution, THAT, the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company currently in effect be amended and restated by the deletion in their entirety and by the substitution in their place of the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association in the form attached as Appendix I to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting;
    3. as an ordinary resolution, THAT, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP shall be re-appointed as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration for the year ending December 31, 2025; and
    4. as an ordinary resolution, THAT, Mr. Xiangge Liu shall be re-elected as a director of the Company at the Annual General Meeting and retain office until his retirement pursuant to the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

    About Qifu Technology

    Qifu Technology is a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China. By leveraging its sophisticated machine learning models and data analytics capabilities, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of technology services to assist financial institutions and consumers and SMEs in the loan lifecycle, ranging from borrower acquisition, preliminary credit assessment, fund matching and post-facilitation services. The Company is dedicated to making credit services more accessible and personalized to consumers and SMEs through Credit-Tech services to financial institutions.

    For more information, please visit: https://ir.qifu.tech.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Qifu Technology may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in announcements made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including the Company’s business outlook, beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, which factors include but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies, changes in laws, rules and regulatory environments, the recognition of the Company’s brand, market acceptance of the Company’s products and services, trends and developments in the credit-tech industry, governmental policies relating to the credit-tech industry, general economic conditions in China and around the globe, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in Qifu Technology’s filings with the SEC and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Qifu Technology does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Qifu Technology
    E-mail: ir@qfin.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Qifu Technology Announces Results of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHANGHAI, China, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Qifu Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: QFIN; HKEx: 3660) (“Qifu Technology” or the “Company”), a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China, today announced that the following proposed resolutions submitted for shareholder approval have been duly adopted at its annual general meeting of shareholders held today:

    1. as a special resolution, THAT, the English name of the Company be changed from “Qifu Technology, Inc.” to “Qfin Holdings, Inc.”;
    2. as a special resolution, THAT, the Third Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association of the Company currently in effect be amended and restated by the deletion in their entirety and by the substitution in their place of the Fourth Amended and Restated Memorandum and Articles of Association in the form attached as Appendix I to the Notice of the Annual General Meeting;
    3. as an ordinary resolution, THAT, Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Certified Public Accountants LLP shall be re-appointed as the auditor of the Company to hold office until the conclusion of the next annual general meeting of the Company and to authorize the Board to fix their remuneration for the year ending December 31, 2025; and
    4. as an ordinary resolution, THAT, Mr. Xiangge Liu shall be re-elected as a director of the Company at the Annual General Meeting and retain office until his retirement pursuant to the Company’s memorandum and articles of association.

    About Qifu Technology

    Qifu Technology is a leading AI-empowered Credit-Tech platform in China. By leveraging its sophisticated machine learning models and data analytics capabilities, the Company provides a comprehensive suite of technology services to assist financial institutions and consumers and SMEs in the loan lifecycle, ranging from borrower acquisition, preliminary credit assessment, fund matching and post-facilitation services. The Company is dedicated to making credit services more accessible and personalized to consumers and SMEs through Credit-Tech services to financial institutions.

    For more information, please visit: https://ir.qifu.tech.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    Any forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates” and similar statements. Among other things, the business outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Qifu Technology may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), in announcements made on the website of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including the Company’s business outlook, beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, which factors include but not limited to the following: the Company’s growth strategies, changes in laws, rules and regulatory environments, the recognition of the Company’s brand, market acceptance of the Company’s products and services, trends and developments in the credit-tech industry, governmental policies relating to the credit-tech industry, general economic conditions in China and around the globe, and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks and uncertainties is included in Qifu Technology’s filings with the SEC and announcements on the website of the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and Qifu Technology does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please contact:

    Qifu Technology
    E-mail: ir@qfin.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Vessel operators must pass medical

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Marine Department today announced a new requirement in applications for local certificates of competency (CoC), or their revalidation, whereby a medical fitness certificate issued by a recognised medical practitioner must be submitted.

     

    To enhance marine safety, the department has revised the eligibility criteria for local CoCs. Introducing a medical fitness certificate requirement will ensure certificate holders are physically fit to operate vessels.

     

    The new requirement involves two categories of people. Category I covers all applicants for initial issuance or revalidation of any grade of local CoC. Category II only covers coxswains and engine operators in charge of passenger vessels and “high-risk vessels” carrying substances such as gases, noxious liquid substances or oil.

     

    All applicants for issuance or revalidation of local CoCs must submit a medical fitness certificate issued by a registered medical practitioner recognised by the department together with their application form.

     

    Once issued, the local certificates will remain valid until the holder reaches the age of 65. Holders of local certificates who wish to revalidate their CoCs after reaching 65 will have to pass a medical assessment every three years.

     

    After reaching the age of 71, a holder must pass a medical assessment every year to revalidate the CoC.

     

    Considering the higher marine safety risks involved, all coxswains and engine operators of high-risk vessels need to undergo a medical assessment every five years to ensure they are physically fit to operate the relevant vessels.

     

    Operators of high-risk vessels must submit a copy of their medical fitness certificate to the Marine Department for record after obtaining the certificate. This requirement will be implemented with the addition of a new licensing condition to the Operating Licences of high-risk vessels.

     

    The department conducted extensive consultations with the industry regarding the new arrangements, and received support from stakeholders including the Legislative Council Economic Development Panel, the Local Vessels Advisory Committee, trade associations, trade unions and fishermen’s associations.

     

    Click here for details concerning the latest requirements for local CoCs.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Establishing a new model of integrity and green energy, “Green Energy Transparency, Integrity in Action” seminar series launches in Taichung.

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    To promote low-carbon industrial transformation and corporate integrity governance simultaneously, the Bureau of Industrial Parks (BIP) of the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MOEA) has held four “Green Energy Transparency, Integrity in Action” seminars across the Taipei, Taichung, Tainan, and Kaohsiung-Pingtung branches. The first session was held on May 22 at the Taichung Branch, focusing on the challenges and opportunities of SMEs in energy transformation. The seminar was hosted by Ji Shih-Tsung, Director of the Taichung Branch, and gathered representatives from government, industry, and academia to explore how to implement transparency and integrity in the process of green energy development and work together to establish a corporate model that combines integrity and sustainability.
    In his opening remarks, Ji Shih-Tsung, director of the Taichung Branch, stated that promoting integrity and green energy development in tandem has been a key objective of the BIP. By integrating the forces of industry, government, and academia through the practical sharing platform, BIP could not only assist companies in strengthening their ESG concepts, but also guide the park towards a green development path with greater international competitiveness.
    The Bureau of Industrial Parks pointed out that enterprises in the parks are increasingly focused on carbon fees, green electricity procurement, and carbon neutrality models. In response to this trend, the seminar spotlighted how SMEs can effectively implement low-carbon transformation while ensuring transparency and integrity in corporate governance. Through diverse case studies and expert insights, the event offered participants actionable strategies for achieving sustainable development.
    The seminar invited many heavyweight speakers and benchmark companies in the green energy industry to participate in the event, including Transparency International Chinese Taipei (TICT), which has long been deeply involved in promoting corporate integrity, as well as Sunny Founder and TCC Green Energy Corporation, which have outstanding performance in the field of solar energy and renewable energy. These corporate representatives shared their achievements in green power trading, integrity governance, and corporate social responsibility practices, covering practical experience from development process transparency to supply chain ESG management. Through experience exchange, participants were able to gain a deeper understanding of how green power introduction and ethical management reinforce one another to create a win-win development model for businesses and society.
    The topics discussed at the seminar also align closely with Taiwan’s recent sustainable policies. As global supply chains impose stricter requirements on environmental, social and corporate governance (ESG) standards, companies are placing greater emphasis on the integrity and transparency of their suppliers when making decisions on green electricity procurement and energy usage. The ability of green energy companies to disclose openly sustainability data has now become a crucial factor in corporate partnerships and procurement strategies.
    In addition, TICT delivered an in-depth analysis of monitoring mechanisms in the green energy sector, helping attending companies better understand current regulations and potential risks while enhancing their institutional resilience. This cross-sector collaboration and knowledge sharing also contribute to the industry’s deeper grasp of sustainable governance practices.
    Looking ahead, the Bureau of Industrial Parks stated that BIP would continue to uphold principles of integrity and efficiency, actively building cross-disciplinary exchange platforms. By doing so, it seeks to support enterprises in parks in meeting the challenges of international sustainability and equip them for a stable and successful transition.

    Spokesman: Mr. Liu Chi-Chuan (Deputy Director General, BIP)
    Contact Number: 886-7-3613349, 0911363680
    Email: lcc12@bip.gov.tw

    Contact Person: Hsu, Chen-Hsiung (Government Ethics Office, BIP)
    Contact Number: 886-7-3611212 ext. 631
    Email: logan521018@bip.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Mr. Marcelo Elizondo Secretary and Member of the Board, Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (Argentina) Mr. Andrew McKellar CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Australia) Mr. Atef Al Khaja CEO, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bahrain)   Mr. Tom Laveren CEO, Voka Chamber of Commerce Mechelen-Kempen (Belgium)   Mr. Jean Pierre Antelo President, CAINCO (Bolivia) Ms. Maria Bustamante President, FIESC Chamber of Foreign Trade (Brazil)  Mr. Daniel Campos Caramori Vice-President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canada)  Mr. José Ovidio Claros Polanco President, Bogota Chamber of Commerce (Colombia)  Ms. Rim Siam President of the Economic Business Women Council, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Egypt)   Ms. Leticia Escobar President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador (El Salvador)  Mr. Giorgi Pertaia President, Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Georgia)  Mr. Volker Treier Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Board Member, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany)   Mr. Ashish Vaid Past President, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (India)  Mr. Mohammad Khazaee Torshizi Senior Advisor to the President, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (Iran) Ms. Gilit Rubinstein CEO, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (Israel)  Mr. Dario Gallina Past President, Torino Chamber of Commerce (Italy)  Mr. Aigars Rostovskis President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Latvia)   Mr. Katsuya Igarashi Executive Director, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Japan)  Dr. Erick Rutto President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kenya)  Mr. Rabih Sabra Director General, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Lebanon)   Ms. Charlotte Parkhill Chair, Auckland Business Chamber (New Zealand)   Mr. Gabriel Idahosa President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nigeria)  Mr. Trajan Angeloski President, Macedonian Chamber of Commerce (North Macedonia)  Ms. Tamader Al Thani Director of International Relations and Chamber Affairs, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Qatar)  Mr. Ovidiu Ioan Silaghi Secretary General, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (Romania)  Mr. Marko Cadez President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (Serbia)   Ms. Melanie Veness CEO and Chairperson, PMCB and Association of South African Chambers (South Africa)  Mr. Seong Woo Lee Vice-President, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (South Korea)  Mr. Adolfo Díaz-Ambrona Secretary General, Spain Chamber of Commerce (Spain)  Mr. Izzet Volkan Chairman of the Board, Corlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Türkiye)  Mr. Salem Al Shamsi Vice-President for International Relations, Dubai Chambers (United Arab Emirates)   Mr. Gennadiy Chyzhykov President, Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (Ukraine)  Mr. Ahmed M. El Wakil President, Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) (Transnational)  Mr. Yousef Khalawi Secretary General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (Transnational)  Mr. Natalio Mario Grinman President, Ibero-American Association of Chambers of Commerce (AICO) (Transnational)  Mr. Peter McMullin President, Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) (Transnational)  Mr. Ben Butters CEO, Eurochambres (Transnational)  Dr. Khaled Hanafy Secretary General, Union of Arab Chambers (Transnational) 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

    Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association

    Headline: Media release: East coast gas market review an opportunity to strengthen investment and increase supply – Australian Energy Producers

    Australian Energy Producers welcomes the Federal Government’s review of the east coast gas market to deliver the natural gas needed to power the economy, put downward pressure on prices, and remain a reliable export partner. 

    Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said industry supported the Government’s commitment to consolidating and streamlining regulations and creating a long-term stable regulatory environment to facilitate investment in new supply. 

    “The review is an opportunity to future-proof the east coast gas market and ensure reliable and affordable gas supply for Australian households and manufacturers,” Ms McCulloch said.

    “Natural gas will play a critical role in Australia’s energy mix for decades to come. The east coast gas market needs to be fit-for-purpose to support continued investment in our abundant gas resources and avoid projected shortfalls.  

    Ms McCulloch said the review should focus on delivering new gas supply by streamlining regulation, restoring market signals, and eliminating duplicative and onerous reporting requirements. 

    “The Government’s Future Gas Strategy makes clear that natural gas will remain critical to Australia’s energy security through to 2050 and beyond. This requires a strong, stable and competitive east coast gas market that encourages investment and timely supply.” 

    The ACCC’s latest report on the east coast gas market released today underscores the urgent need to remove barriers to new gas supply to avoid forecast gas shortfalls. It found “the east coast has sufficient gas reserves and resources to meet projected domestic demand for at least the next decade”, but “a combination of policy, technical and commercial factors over the past 15 years has impeded their development”. 

    “Australian gas producers are committed to delivering the reliable and affordable gas supply Australians need, and we look forward to working constructively with government, gas users and stakeholders throughout the review,” Ms McCulloch said. 

    Media Contact: 0434 631 511

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Intellias strengthens cloud transformation capabilities as one of only 19 Google Cloud DevOps specialists worldwide

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Intellias, a global software engineering and digital consulting company, today announced that it has earned the highly coveted Google Cloud DevOps Specialization. Fewer than one percent of all Google Cloud partners—just 19 out of more than 2,300 worldwide—hold this distinction, underscoring the firm’s leadership in cloud-native engineering and DevOps delivery.

    Becoming a Specialized partner elevates the company’s status within the Google Cloud Partner Advantage Program, providing the business with a significant endorsement for the work it does across North America, Latin America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan and Asia-Pacific. For Intellias, the recognition affirms a long-term strategy of investing in advanced engineering talent, rigorous best practices, and deep Google Cloud expertise.

    “Achieving the DevOps Specialization proves we can translate advanced engineering into real business value,” said Regina Viadro, SVP Global Head of Digital Technology Services and President, North America at Intellias. “Our clients trust us to modernize critical infrastructure and reduce time to impact—and this credential validates that trust.”

    Dmytro Vedetskyi, Head of Cloud and DevOps at Intellias, added: “Earning the Google Cloud DevOps Specialization is a significant achievement that showcases our team’s extensive technical expertise and demonstrated ability to deliver impactful results for clients. This recognition is more than just a successful audit — it stands as a testament to Google Cloud’s trust in us as a strategic partner. It underscores our ongoing commitment to innovation, excellence, and the strength of our technology-driven professional team.”

    The Google Cloud DevOps Specialization is the program’s highest technical credential. To qualify, partners must pass an independent technical assessment, present verified customer success stories, and maintain a team of certified engineers.

    What this means for clients

    With the specialization in place, Intellias clients can expect:

    • Faster time-to-market: Automated CI/CD pipelines that shorten release cycles and speed new-feature delivery.
    • Higher reliability: Cloud-native architectures and Site Reliability Engineering (SRE) practices that improve uptime and performance.
    • Lower operational overhead: Infrastructure-as-code and automated provisioning that cut manual effort and reduce costs.
    • Future-proof scalability: Modern DevOps toolchains built on Google Cloud that grow seamlessly with business demand.

    Intellias will continue to expand its DevOps and cloud services portfolio, helping organizations re-architect legacy systems, adopt cloud-first strategies, and innovate at startup speed, all while maintaining enterprise-grade security and governance.

    Notes to editors

    About Intellias

    Intellias is a global software engineering and digital consulting company. Operating as a trusted technology partner to top-tier organizations, the firm helps companies operating in North America, Europe, and the Middle East accelerate their pace of sustainable digitalization and embrace innovation at scale. For more than 20 years, Intellias has been building mission-critical projects and delivering measurable outcomes to ensure lasting change for its clients, such as HERE Technologies, TomTom, ZEEKR, HelloFresh, and Travis Perkins.

    Olha Kolomiichuk – olha.kolomiichuk@intellias.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Inspiring Ruth is national dementia award winner

    Source: City of Coventry

    Our adult social care services are celebrating after three colleagues and partners were recognised in the National Dementia Care Awards for 2025, held last week in London

    The colleagues are all a part of the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH).

    Ruth Chauhan won her category of “Inspirational person with dementia” for her work at CDPH.

    Ruth is a key member of the CDHP, and as a person living with a dementia, she really does show that you can live well with dementia.

    As well as delivering services through Amba Care Solutions, a company set up by Ruth and her husband Jay, she also dedicates her time to the hub, running two very successful sessions.

    On a Monday, she runs Meaningful Moments whereby for people with dementia and at the same time a session for carers.

    Her target group is people from the Asian communities, to try and make our services more accessible to a wide range of people.

    Ruth is also a member of the CDPH ‘Culturally Inclusive’ group where the aim is to reach out to underserved communities, she volunteers her time and expertise whenever it is needed.

    Ruth has also provided dementia training to some of our partners including the Police, Fire Service and Lions Club of Coventry Godiva.

    Ruth said: “It was an honour just to be nominated – thanks April Ross. I couldn’t quite believe it when they announced my name as the winner. This award is for everyone who overcomes the difficulties that come with a cognitive impairment.

    “If I can inspire just one person to believe that by embracing a ‘new normal’ you can overcome anything and make a difference, then all the challenges I face every day are worth it.”

    Terri Hallinan, who is the manager of a residential care home for people with Dementia (Eric Williams House) was shortlisted for the Registered Manager in Dementia Care award, Terri was nominated for her excellent leadership skills and dedication to enhancing the lives of people with dementia under her care. The nomination highlighted Terri’s commitment to creating a culturally inclusive environment. Terri said: “It was such a joy to be shortlisted and to attend a night filled with celebration and inspiration. Being surrounded by so many passionate people reminded me just how powerful kindness, dedication, and teamwork can be in making a real difference every day.

    Shashi Prasad (Lions Club for Coventry Godiva) was also shortlisted for the Diversity and Dementia award, which recognised Shashi’s role as chair of the Culturally Inclusive sub-group which sits under the Coventry Dementia Partnership Hub (CDPH) work.

    Shashi’s role is integral to raising awareness of dementia in global majority communities, seeking to break down stigmas around dementia. This group’s work was publicised in a worldwide Common Age report. Shashi has worked with the Council to create dementia awareness videos in different languages as part of raising awareness.

    Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services, said: “This is wonderful news. Coventry really does have many amazing people working in care or as carers or engaging with care services. There is so much love and joy in the services I witness every day, which proves you can live to your potential, whatever your circumstances. Congratulations to Ruth, Terri and Shashi.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “China-Central Asia Spirit” to Open New Horizons for Regional Cooperation in Modernization – Expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 30 (Xinhua) — The “China-Central Asia Spirit” not only reflects the consensus reached by China and Central Asian countries during long-term cooperation, but also demonstrates their firm determination to deepen cooperation for common development, said Sun Zhuangzhi, director of the Institute of Russia, East Europe and Central Asia at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences (CASS).

    On May 17, the 2nd China-Central Asia Summit was held in Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan, where the “China-Central Asia Spirit” was put forward, characterized by mutual respect, mutual trust, mutual benefit, mutual assistance and the promotion of joint modernization through high-quality development.

    Sun Zhuangzhi noted that since the establishment of diplomatic relations for more than 30 years, China and the Central Asian countries have always adhered to the principles of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit in various areas of cooperation. And the introduction of the “China-Central Asia Spirit” came at the most opportune moment. It not only summarizes the experience of developing relations between China and the countries of the region, but also sets guidelines for future cooperation.

    Sun Zhuangzhi stressed that advancing joint modernization through high-quality development is a key component of the “China-Central Asia Spirit” and the common goal of long-term cooperation between the two sides.

    “It sets a clear path for building a community of shared destiny for China and Central Asia, embodying genuine mutual benefit and common gain,” he said, adding that this is a path of sustainable development that is fundamentally different from the Western traditional model of modernization.

    According to him, China and the Central Asian states are currently experiencing a key period of development and revival. And the desire for national revival and modernization coincides between the parties.

    Sun Zhuangzhi also pointed out that against the backdrop of the acceleration of tectonic processes of global transformation unseen in a century, the advancement of the “China-Central Asia Spirit” has practical significance and is of contemporary value.

    He stressed that the “China-Central Asia Spirit”, which is a “stabilizer” and “compass” in the development of relations between the two sides, helps overcome external interference and uncertainties.

    “Especially in recent years, amid geopolitical turbulence, China and Central Asian countries need a unifying concept like the ‘China-Central Asia Spirit’ more than ever. It will open up new horizons for regional cooperation in modernization and bring greater stability and positive energy to the world,” the expert said.

    Deepening the China-Central Asia mechanism and putting forward the China-Central Asia Spirit will also give strong impetus to the joint construction of the Belt and Road Initiative, Sun said.

    “They will stimulate deeper regional cooperation within the framework of this initiative and will bring great benefits for the development of both the region and other countries participating in the initiative,” he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia launches major electric vehicle battery project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    JAKARTA, June 30 (Xinhua) — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Sunday attended a groundbreaking ceremony for a major electric vehicle battery manufacturing mega project in Karawang, West Java province.

    The project, with a total investment of US$6 billion, covers nickel mining and processing, battery material production, battery assembly and recycling.

    Indonesia is currently the world’s largest producer of nickel and has the largest proven reserves of the metal, which is a key component in electric vehicle batteries.

    The project is being implemented by state-owned mining company PT Aneka Tambang (Antam), state-owned investment holding company PT and Indonesia Battery Corporation (IBC) together with China’s Ningbo Contemporary Brunp Lygend Co., Ltd. (CBL).

    “This groundbreaking ceremony is a testament to the seriousness of our leaders’ commitment to working with our partners and friends in China. We can work together on a program that I think is a tremendous, remarkable breakthrough,” Prabowo Subianto said in his speech at the ceremony.

    Indonesian Energy and Mineral Resources Minister Bahlil Lahadalia said the project is expected to create 35,000 jobs and contribute up to $42 billion a year to Indonesia’s GDP.

    He also noted that the plant will be able to produce batteries for 300,000 cars, which will help reduce Indonesia’s fuel imports by about 300,000 kiloliters per year.

    Bahlil Lahadalia added that the project is in line with the president’s vision for a more equitable national development. Although the project will start in Java, about three-quarters of the total investment is planned for North Maluku province. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: CryptoMiningFirm Launches GreenMine 2.0: A Next-Generation, AI-Powered, Carbon-Neutral Cloud Mining Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CryptoMiningFirm, a global innovator in green cloud mining solutions, today announced the official launch of its next-generation platform, GreenMine 2.0, a fully automated and carbon-neutral cloud mining ecosystem. With this release, CryptoMiningFirm aims to democratize cryptocurrency mining by eliminating traditional entry barriers such as hardware investment, technical expertise, and high electricity costs.

    Leveraging AI-driven automation, renewable energy, and a zero-threshold onboarding model, GreenMine 2.0 empowers users globally to generate passive income through the mining of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other top digital currencies — directly from their mobile devices.

    Bitcoin Nears All-Time Highs as Cloud Mining Demand Surges

    CryptoMiningFirm’s announcement comes amid a dramatic surge in Bitcoin prices, which recently rose to $107,340, edging closer to its historical high of $111,917. The rally has been fueled by strong inflows into spot ETFs — with BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounting for over $1.3 billion in net inflows in a single week — and growing expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

    “With global interest in cryptocurrency reigniting, there’s no better time to introduce a smarter, cleaner way to mine digital assets,” said Jane Doe, CEO of CryptoMiningFirm. “We built GreenMine 2.0 so that anyone, anywhere — with no technical skills or capital investment — can tap into the world of crypto mining and start earning immediately.”

    Key Features of CryptoMiningFirm’s GreenMine 2.0

    1. Zero Entry Barrier:

    Users can register in under a minute and receive a free welcome bonus worth $10–$100, allowing them to mine without any upfront investment. The platform guarantees a minimum daily earning of $0.60 from this bonus alone.

    2. Smart Mining Automation:

    The platform’s AI intelligently selects the most profitable cryptocurrencies to mine in real time based on network difficulty, market volatility, and block rewards. Mining is completely automated — no hardware, no coding, and no daily intervention required.

    3. Carbon-Neutral Infrastructure:

    GreenMine 2.0 is powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, including solar and wind sources. The company has also implemented thermal recovery systems that redirect excess heat into local community heating projects, aligning with ESG best practices.

    4. Transparent & Flexible Plans:

    With more than 10 mining contracts available, users can choose between short-term high-yield plans or longer-term value accumulation. Contracts support a wide array of cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, and XRP.

    5. App-Enabled Wealth Management:

    Available on both iOS and Android, the CryptoMiningFirm app allows users to monitor real-time earnings, manage contracts, and withdraw funds in just a few taps. Withdrawals are processed in under 60 seconds, with support for over 10 cryptocurrencies.

    A Sustainable Model for Global Crypto Adoption

    CryptoMiningFirm’s cloud-based model solves one of the most pressing challenges in traditional mining: environmental impact. By leveraging globally distributed data centers powered by clean energy, the company eliminates the massive carbon footprint typically associated with crypto mining.

    In addition to zero hardware requirements, the company operates with no hidden fees, offers round-the-clock support, and ensures 100% platform uptime — features that have quickly made it a top choice for both beginners and crypto veterans.

    “GreenMine 2.0 is more than a mining platform. It’s a financial empowerment tool,” said Jane Doe. “Whether you’re a student in India, a remote worker in Kenya, or a retiree in Canada — you can now participate in the crypto economy without risks or restrictions.”

    New Referral and Affiliate System

    To further expand its global user base, CryptoMiningFirm has introduced a referral program that offers up to 4.5% in commissions, capped at $10,000 per referral. This system enables users to monetize their networks while contributing to the adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) tools worldwide.

    Upcoming Roadmap & Expansion

    The company plans to roll out several enhancements in the coming months, including:

    • Smart contract-based earnings verification for transparency and auditability
    •  Staking-as-a-Service modules to complement mining income
    •  AI portfolio rebalancing tools to help users maximize ROI across digital assets

    Localized data centers in Latin America and Southeast Asia to reduce latency and boost regional performance

    CryptoMiningFirm is also working on integrating Fiat-to-Crypto payment gateways, allowing users to fund accounts via credit cards or bank transfers and further easing access for first-time crypto users.

    Industry Recognition and Compliance

    With its focus on transparency, CryptoMiningFirm adheres to international KYC/AML standards and has undergone multiple third-party audits of its smart contract framework and platform code. The firm is registered in multiple jurisdictions and complies with local data privacy and digital asset laws.

    The company’s current user base spans over 80 countries, with the largest adoption seen in the U.S., Nigeria, India, and Brazil. More than 120,000 active users have joined the platform since its soft launch earlier this year.

    About CryptoMiningFirm

    Founded in 2020, CryptoMiningFirm is a leading provider of green cloud mining solutions that allow individuals and institutions to generate passive income from cryptocurrencies without the need for technical expertise or hardware investments. The company is committed to reshaping the crypto mining landscape through innovation, sustainability, and global accessibility.

    For more information, visit the official website: https://cryptominingfirm.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • Nirmala Sitharaman embarks on official visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil for high-level multilateral engagements

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister Nirmala Sitharaman embarked on an official six-day visit to Spain, Portugal, and Brazil on Monday.

    Leading a delegation from the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, Sitharaman is set to participate in a series of high-level multilateral and bilateral engagements during the visit, which runs from June 30 to July 5, the Ministry of Finance said in a statement.

    During her visit to Seville, Spain, the Finance Minister will represent India at the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), organised by the United Nations. She is scheduled to deliver India’s national statement at the conference, reaffirming India’s commitment to sustainable development and inclusive growth.

    In addition, Sitharaman will deliver the keynote address at the International Business Forum Leadership Summit, themed “From FFD4 Outcome to Implementation: Unlocking the Potential of Private Capital for Sustainable Development.” Her engagements in Spain will also include bilateral meetings with senior ministers from Germany, Peru, and New Zealand, as well as discussions with the President of the European Investment Bank (EIB).

    Following her engagements in Spain, the Finance Minister will travel to Lisbon, Portugal, where she is expected to meet with her Portuguese counterpart for bilateral discussions. She will also engage with prominent investors and members of the Indian diaspora to deepen economic and cultural ties between India and Portugal.

    The final leg of her visit will take place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. There, Sitharaman will represent India at the 10th Annual Meeting of the New Development Bank (NDB), where she serves as India’s Governor. She will also attend the first BRICS Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors Meeting (FMCBG), reinforcing India’s active role in shaping the economic agenda of the BRICS bloc.

    As part of the NDB’s flagship event, the Finance Minister will speak at the Governors Seminar on “Building a Premier Multilateral Development Bank for the Global South,” highlighting India’s vision for inclusive financial institutions. She is also scheduled to hold bilateral meetings on the sidelines with her counterparts from Brazil, China, Indonesia, and Russia, focusing on key areas of mutual economic interest and multilateral cooperation.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU has completed an internship program for foreign specialists in the field of engineering InteRussia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The Novosibirsk State University has completed the InteRussia internship program for foreign engineering specialists, which ran from June 2 to 27. Akademgorodok was visited by 17 students from 14 countries, including Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Tanzania. This was the first experience for the university in holding such a long event with the participation of young researchers from different countries.

    The internship was organized by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.

    Adelina Kozulina, an employee of the NSU Education Export Department and coordinator of the InteRussia international internship, summed up the results of the project and commented:

    — This is our second experience of holding an international internship Interussia together with the Gorchakov Fund. I think that this time the experience was very positive. The guys were friendly and sociable, they really successfully integrated into our team and the academic atmosphere. It was very easy to interact and communicate with them. This time we had a wider geography, the participants came from different countries. For the NSU Education Export Department, this was a very interesting experience.

    For a month, young researchers were trained at the university in two promising areas – “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The event resulted in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.

    Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and the head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted at the school’s closing ceremony:

    — I am glad that we successfully held and completed this school, which involved very talented young researchers. Thanks to this internship, you not only learned something new, but also got imbued with the special atmosphere of Akademgorodok. You made new contacts and will continue to work together. I am sure that you can become those who will shape our good future with artificial intelligence both in healthcare and in other areas.

    Artur Pogosov, professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics Physics Department of NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics at NSU Physics Department, thanked the participants for their energy, attention and curiosity:

    — Quantum mechanics and quantum computing is an amazing and complex field of knowledge, based on deep philosophical ideas. As a rule, our students spend an entire academic year to master this area. For you, it was rather a quick and unexpected jump. But even this short period allowed you to see the complexity, beauty and mystery of the quantum world. I wish you success in your further studies, research, a brilliant career and future.

    The school participants thanked the organizers and noted the special friendly atmosphere that had developed during the internship. They also expressed confidence that they would interact and continue their joint research work.

    Annageldi Khydyrov, Turkmenistan:

    — I work as a leading programmer and developer in the field of AI. This is not my first trip to Russia. This time I chose the direction of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”. My experience here will be very helpful for my further research. The professors taught at the highest level, we not only studied theory, but also practiced. Previously, I was little familiar with the use of AI in medicine, thanks to this internship, new horizons of understanding opened up for me. We became very close friends with all the participants, I am sure that we will continue to cooperate.

    Bashar Firas Issaf Al-Sayegh, Jordan:

    — I chose quantum technologies because I have a basic background in physics and am currently deciding in which area to continue my studies and research. This international internship allowed me to make a choice regarding the topic of my master’s and later doctoral dissertations. This concerns the technical side and training. I would also like to note the social aspect. It was a wonderful experience for all participants. We met people from all over the world, we talked about our cultures, languages, traditions, heritage and religions. This is a unique experience for me as well, because now I know that there are people on this planet who have the same ambitions, needs and human feelings. I am returning home more confident and with a stock of interesting stories.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • GST turns eight: Unified tax system delivers record ₹22 lakh crore collection

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) will complete eight years since its rollout on July 1, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic integration journey.

    Introduced in 2017 to replace a maze of indirect taxes, GST was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a path-breaking legislation for New India.” Over time, the reform has reshaped tax compliance, improved business efficiency and bolstered government revenues.

    In 2024–25, gross GST collections touched a record ₹22.08 lakh crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.4 per cent. This is more than double the ₹11.37 lakh crore collected in 2020–21, when average monthly collections stood at ₹95,000 crore. By contrast, the average monthly figure in 2024–25 has risen sharply to ₹1.84 lakh crore, reflecting both economic formalisation and improved compliance.

    A recent report by Deloitte, titled GST@8, noted that the past year has been particularly strong for GST performance. The report pointed to government-led reforms, clearer guidelines for taxpayers and steady technological upgrades of the GST portal as key reasons for the record collection figures.

    The tax structure itself is designed to balance simplicity with revenue needs. GST rates in India are distributed across four primary slabs: 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Special rates apply in select cases—such as 3 per cent on gold, silver and jewellery, 1.5 per cent on cut and polished diamonds and 0.25 per cent on rough diamonds. A GST Compensation Cess, levied on goods like tobacco products and aerated drinks, continues to support states facing revenue gaps post-GST transition.

    Since its launch in July 2017, the number of active GST registrations has climbed significantly, reaching over 1.51 crore by April 30, 2025. This growth reflects greater tax base coverage and increased formalisation across sectors. Alongside this, the dual GST model—comprising Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state trade—has ensured equitable revenue distribution between the Centre and states.

    From ₹14.83 lakh crore in collections in 2021–22 to ₹18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23 and ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, the GST revenue trajectory underscores a steady rise in compliance and economic activity. Sector-specific exemptions, including those for healthcare and education, have kept essential services affordable, while digital compliance through the GSTN portal has simplified filing for businesses large and small.

  • GST turns eight: Unified tax system delivers record ₹22 lakh crore collection

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Goods and Services Tax (GST) will complete eight years since its rollout on July 1, marking a significant milestone in the country’s economic integration journey.

    Introduced in 2017 to replace a maze of indirect taxes, GST was hailed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi as “a path-breaking legislation for New India.” Over time, the reform has reshaped tax compliance, improved business efficiency and bolstered government revenues.

    In 2024–25, gross GST collections touched a record ₹22.08 lakh crore, registering a year-on-year growth of 9.4 per cent. This is more than double the ₹11.37 lakh crore collected in 2020–21, when average monthly collections stood at ₹95,000 crore. By contrast, the average monthly figure in 2024–25 has risen sharply to ₹1.84 lakh crore, reflecting both economic formalisation and improved compliance.

    A recent report by Deloitte, titled GST@8, noted that the past year has been particularly strong for GST performance. The report pointed to government-led reforms, clearer guidelines for taxpayers and steady technological upgrades of the GST portal as key reasons for the record collection figures.

    The tax structure itself is designed to balance simplicity with revenue needs. GST rates in India are distributed across four primary slabs: 5 per cent, 12 per cent, 18 per cent and 28 per cent. Special rates apply in select cases—such as 3 per cent on gold, silver and jewellery, 1.5 per cent on cut and polished diamonds and 0.25 per cent on rough diamonds. A GST Compensation Cess, levied on goods like tobacco products and aerated drinks, continues to support states facing revenue gaps post-GST transition.

    Since its launch in July 2017, the number of active GST registrations has climbed significantly, reaching over 1.51 crore by April 30, 2025. This growth reflects greater tax base coverage and increased formalisation across sectors. Alongside this, the dual GST model—comprising Central GST (CGST), State GST (SGST) for intra-state transactions and Integrated GST (IGST) for inter-state trade—has ensured equitable revenue distribution between the Centre and states.

    From ₹14.83 lakh crore in collections in 2021–22 to ₹18.08 lakh crore in 2022–23 and ₹20.18 lakh crore in 2023–24, the GST revenue trajectory underscores a steady rise in compliance and economic activity. Sector-specific exemptions, including those for healthcare and education, have kept essential services affordable, while digital compliance through the GSTN portal has simplified filing for businesses large and small.

  • The Dalai Lama, a tireless advocate for Tibet and its people

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.

    Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

    He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

    But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.

    The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.

    In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.

    The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.

    He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.

    FLIGHT INTO EXILE

    The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.

    China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.

    The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.

    The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.

    Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.

    In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.

    But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.

    He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.

    “According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.

    (Reuters)

  • The Dalai Lama, a tireless advocate for Tibet and its people

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Dalai Lama, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism, has often called himself a simple monk, but for more than 60 years armed with little more than charm and conviction, he has managed to keep the cause of his people in the international spotlight.

    Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, fled into exile in India in 1959 with thousands of other Tibetans after a failed uprising against Chinese rule. Since then, he has advocated for a non-violent “Middle Way” to seeking autonomy and religious freedom for Tibetan people, gaining the 1989 Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts.

    He has met with scores of world leaders, while inspiring millions with his cheerful disposition and views on life such as “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”

    But his popularity irks China which views him as a dangerous separatist, with one former Communist Party boss describing him as “a jackal” and having “the heart of a beast”.

    The Dalai Lama turns 90 on Sunday, a particularly important birthday as he has flagged that he may say more about a potential successor around then. Tibetan tradition holds that the soul of a senior Buddhist monk is reincarnated in the body of a child upon his death.

    In a book, “Voices for the Voiceless”, published earlier this year, he said Tibetans worldwide want the institution of the Dalai Lama to continue after his death and specified that his successor would be born in the “free world”, which he described as outside China.

    The statements were his strongest yet about the likelihood of a successor. In previous years, he has also said that his successor might be a girl and it is possible that there might be no successor at all.

    He has, however, stated that any successor chosen by China, which has piled pressure on foreign governments to shun him, will not be respected.

    FLIGHT INTO EXILE

    The Dalai Lama was born Lhamo Dhondup in 1935 to a family of buckwheat and barley farmers in what is now the northwestern Chinese province of Qinghai. At the age of two, he was deemed by a search party to be the 14th reincarnation of Tibet’s spiritual and temporal leader after identifying several of his predecessor’s possessions.

    China took control of Tibet in 1950 in what it called “a peaceful liberation” and the teenage Dalai Lama assumed a political role shortly after, travelling to Beijing to meet Mao Zedong and other Chinese leaders. Nine years later, fears that the Dalai Lama could be kidnapped fuelled a major rebellion.

    The subsequent crackdown by the Chinese army forced him to escape disguised as a common soldier from the palace in Lhasa where his predecessors had held absolute power.

    The Dalai Lama fled to India, settling in Dharamshala, a Himalayan town where he lives in a compound next to a temple ringed by green hills and snow-capped mountains. There, he opened up his government-in-exile to ordinary Tibetans with an elected parliament.

    Disillusioned with how little he had gained from his efforts to engage with Beijing, he announced in 1988 that he had given up on seeking full independence from China, and instead would be seeking cultural and religious autonomy within China.

    In 2011, the Dalai Lama announced he would relinquish his political role, handing over those responsibilities to an elected leader for the Tibetan government-in-exile.

    But he remains active and these days, the Dalai Lama, clad in his customary maroon and saffron robes, continues to receive a constant stream of visitors.

    He has had a number of health problems, including knee surgery and walks with difficulty. Despite that, he expects to live for a long time yet.

    “According to my dream, I may live 110 years,” he told media in December.

    (Reuters)

  • Char Dham Yatra resumes after 24-hour suspension amid heavy rainfall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Monday after a 24-hour suspension was lifted, officials said, as weather conditions slightly improved in parts of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage had been halted due to continuous rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides across key routes.

    Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the development, saying, “The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted.” District Magistrates across the Yatra route have been asked to regulate vehicular movement depending on local weather conditions, he added.

    The suspension was imposed on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Ydamunotri road in Uttarkashi district. 

    The cloudburst occurred near an under-construction hotel, where 29 workers had taken shelter. Twenty of them were rescued. Debris from the site blocked multiple points along the Yamunotri National Highway, affecting access to the shrine. Authorities later cleared the route, officials said.

    Elsewhere, roads remained blocked in several parts of the state. Landslides disrupted traffic on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The Sonprayag–Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag — a key segment for Kedarnath-bound pilgrims — also remained closed.

    Heavy rain has continued in Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and nearby districts. With rivers flowing dangerously close to the danger mark, the administration has issued fresh advisories urging people living near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

    The Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, sees lakhs of devotees each year. This year’s yatra has been frequently affected by extreme weather conditions.

    -IANS

  • Char Dham Yatra resumes after 24-hour suspension amid heavy rainfall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Char Dham Yatra resumed on Monday after a 24-hour suspension was lifted, officials said, as weather conditions slightly improved in parts of Uttarakhand. The pilgrimage had been halted due to continuous rainfall and the heightened risk of landslides across key routes.

    Garhwal Divisional Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey confirmed the development, saying, “The 24-hour ban on the Char Dham Yatra has been lifted.” District Magistrates across the Yatra route have been asked to regulate vehicular movement depending on local weather conditions, he added.

    The suspension was imposed on Sunday as a precautionary measure following a cloudburst near Silai on the Barkot-Ydamunotri road in Uttarkashi district. 

    The cloudburst occurred near an under-construction hotel, where 29 workers had taken shelter. Twenty of them were rescued. Debris from the site blocked multiple points along the Yamunotri National Highway, affecting access to the shrine. Authorities later cleared the route, officials said.

    Elsewhere, roads remained blocked in several parts of the state. Landslides disrupted traffic on the National Highway near Nandprayag and Bhaneropani. The Sonprayag–Munkatiya road in Rudraprayag — a key segment for Kedarnath-bound pilgrims — also remained closed.

    Heavy rain has continued in Chamoli, Pauri Garhwal, Dehradun, Rudraprayag and nearby districts. With rivers flowing dangerously close to the danger mark, the administration has issued fresh advisories urging people living near riverbanks to stay alert and take necessary precautions.

    The Char Dham Yatra, which includes pilgrimages to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Gangotri and Yamunotri, sees lakhs of devotees each year. This year’s yatra has been frequently affected by extreme weather conditions.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Samsung Launches Galaxy M36 5G in India, Introduces Advanced AI Innovations in Mid-Segment Smartphones

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung, India’s largest consumer electronics brand, today announced the launch of Galaxy M36 5G, the latest addition to the immensely popular Galaxy M Series. Designed for young Indian consumers, Galaxy M36 5G packs in a suite of AI innovations along with several segment-leading features such as 50MP OIS triple camera, Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection and 6 generations of Android upgrade.
     
    “As part of our commitment to bring meaningful innovations that empower customers’ lives, we are launching the Galaxy M36 5G with segment-leading features and bringing AI innovations at an affordable price point. The stylish & durable Galaxy M36 5G complements our consumers’ lifestyle and with the introduction of Circle to Search with Google and Gemini Live, we are furthering the democratization of mobile AI across the Galaxy ecosystem,” said Akshay S Rao, Director, MX Business, Samsung India.
     
    Democratization of AI
    Galaxy M36 5G will come with Circle to Search with Google, furthering the democratization of mobile AI to even more devices in the Galaxy ecosystem. Built upon Samsung-Google collaboration, Circle to Search brings a seamless search experience to Galaxy users for images, texts and music.  Additionally, it will also introduce new AI experience with Gemini Live, bringing real-time visual conversations with AI to Galaxy users. Through AI-powered assistance, Galaxy users can more naturally engage in conversational interactions that make everyday tasks easier.
     
    All New Design And Monster Durability
    With design at its forefront, Galaxy M36 5G is only 7.7mm slim with a premium camera deco and features segment-leading Corning® Gorilla® Glass Victus®+ protection- making it extremely tough as well as ergonomic. The segment leading protection not only withstands accidental slips and falls but also ensures that users are absolutely worry-free from scratches. Galaxy M36 5G features a 6.7” Full HD+ Super AMOLED display with 120Hz refresh rate and Vision Booster technology making it the perfect device for an unparalleled viewing and smooth scrolling experience even in the outdoor conditions with bright sunlight. Galaxy M36 5G will be available in three vibrant and flaunt worthy colours- Velvet Black, Serene Green and Orange Haze.
     
    Advanced Camera
    Galaxy M36 5G will come with advanced 50MP OIS triple camera to shoot sharp photos and videos. The OIS (Optical Image Stabilization) ensures that videos are shake-free and images are blur-free, allowing users to capture their favorite moments while on the move.  The cameras on Galaxy M36 5G are designed for vivid shots—even in low light, thanks to its Auto Night Mode that takes the Nightography feature to a different level. Users will also be able to record 4K videos on both front and rear cameras, capturing a wide range of colours for true-to-life output. Galaxy M36 5G will serve as a complete package with fantastic features like Photo Remaster and Object Eraser to take user experience to a whole new level. Galaxy M36 5G will also sport a 13MP high-resolution front camera for detailed, sharper selfies.
     
     
    Monster Performance
    Powered by 5nm-based Exynos 1380 processor, Galaxy M36 5G is fast and power-efficient. Equipped with a large vapor cooling chamber, the device will ensure efficient heat dissipation, providing users with a lag-free gaming experience and super smooth processing. With the ultimate speed and connectivity of 5G, users can stay fully connected wherever they go, experiencing faster downloads, smoother streaming, and uninterrupted browsing.
     
    Galaxy M36 5G packs in 5000mAh battery that enables long sessions of browsing, gaming and binge watching. Galaxy M36 5G allows users to stay connected, entertained and productive without interruption. The device supports 25W fast charging, giving more power in less time.

    Galaxy Experiences
    Setting new industry benchmarks, Galaxy M36 5G will offer segment’s best 6 generations of Android upgrades and 6 years of security updates, ensuring a future-ready experience. Galaxy M36 5G will come with One UI 7 out of the box.
     
    One UI 7 comes with a simple, impactful and emotive design, bringing streamlined and cohesive experience to Galaxy users. A simplified home screen, redesigned One UI widgets and lock screen allow users to intuitively and seamlessly customize their devices. For added convenience, Now Bar provides real-time updates that matter most right on the lock screen.
     
    Galaxy M36 5G will also feature one of Samsung’s most innovative security features: Samsung Knox Vault. The hardware-based security system offers comprehensive protection against both hardware and software attacks. It will also include Samsung’s innovative Tap & Pay feature with Samsung Wallet allowing consumers to make secure payments effortlessly.
     

    Product
    Variant
    Introductory Price
    Offers

    Galaxy M36 5G
    6GB+128GB
    INR 16499
     
     
    Including INR 1000 Instant Bank Discount
     

    8GB+128GB
    INR 17999

    8GB+256GB
    INR 20999

     
     
    Galaxy M36 5G will be available on Samsung.com, Amazon and at select retail stores staring July 12, 2025.
     
     
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Pre-Recorded Remarks at the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue 2025

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered a pre-recorded message at the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue 2025 which convened in Mahabalipuram, Chennai, India. Bringing together policymakers, port authorities, and tourism leaders, the event explores how cruise tourism can boost connectivity, economic growth, and people-to-people exchanges between ASEAN and India. In his remarks, Dr. Kao lauded the potential of cruise tourism as a catalyst for regional collaboration under the ASEAN–India Year of Tourism 2025. 
     

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Pre-Recorded Remarks at the ASEAN–India Cruise Dialogue 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: Airbus eyes further growth with Chinese market

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

    Guests attending the delivery ceremony of the 700th A320 family aircraft assembled by Airbus Tianjin to Chengdu Airlines pose for a group photo in front of the A320neo aircraft in Tianjin, north China, July 8, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Forty years after delivering its first aircraft to the Chinese mainland, Airbus is eyeing further growth in the biggest single-country market for its aircraft.

    Currently, about 2,200 Airbus planes are in service in China, accounting for more than 50 percent of China’s civil aviation market, compared with less than 10 percent in 1995, according to Airbus China.

    Despite decades of rapid development, China’s aviation industry is far from saturation and still has huge potential for growth, said George Xu, Airbus executive vice president and CEO of Airbus China. Airbus estimates that China will need approximately 9,000 new planes over the next 20 years.

    As an example of high-tech cooperation between China and Europe, the collaboration between Airbus and China encompasses research and development, manufacturing and final assembly, operational support, dismantling, and recycling after retirement.

    Since its launch in 2008, the Tianjin Airbus A320 Family Final Assembly Line (FAL) has produced about one-third of the more than 2,000 Airbus aircraft currently in service in China’s fleet, and has also delivered planes to customers in Europe, Asia and the Middle East. The second A320 Family FAL in Tianjin is expected to be completed by the end of this year and start production early next year, which is expected to double its production capacity in China.

    Currently, approximately 200 suppliers in China support the production of Airbus’ commercial aircraft, with the total value of such industrial cooperation exceeding 1 billion U.S. dollars a year, according to Airbus China.

    As part of the celebrations marking 40 years of Airbus’ business in China, a refurbishment project for the first Airbus aircraft — an A310 — that was delivered to China in 1985 and retired in 2006, was jointly launched by Airbus, the China Civil Aviation Science Popularization Foundation, and the Civil Aviation Museum in Beijing on June 25.

    Cooperation between Airbus and China is a win-win model, which not only has contributed to China’s aviation industry and the global aviation industry chain but also has significantly increased Airbus’ market share in China, while enhancing its competitiveness and industrial resilience, said Xu.

    “China’s suppliers, such as Aviation Industry Corporation of China and many private enterprises, have shown strong competitiveness. On the basis of competitiveness, we will deepen cooperation with various suppliers and cooperate with China’s supply chain to achieve a win-win situation,” said Xu. “I believe that China will play a very important role in helping to strengthen the global aviation supply chain in the future.”

    In the future, there is much potential to be tapped in terms of cooperation in decarbonization, digitalization and intelligence, said Xu, adding that China has many strengths in these areas.

    “Airbus is committed to being a trustworthy long-term partner of China’s civil aviation and contributing more to the high-quality development of China’s civil aviation,” Xu said. 

    MIL OSI China News –