NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • June 25, 1975, Lest We Forget

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Fifty years ago, on this day, the Constitution of India was put in abeyance. The political leadership, trusted to usher a new social and economic future for the citizens, conflicted with the judiciary, and the Emergency was announced.

    Fundamental rights were taken away overnight. Political opposition was put behind bars. Young voices were chased away into oblivion, and the frightened citizens of India were left to reminisce about the ugly days of British rule, for such were the dictatorial and draconian measures of the government.

    The Emergency was a setback for a young republic, rediscovering its civilisational place in a rapidly transforming world.

    Even when the Indian citizens languished for basic necessities, they always had their fundamental rights; the right to express their opinions, the right to question their governments, the right to demand better facilities, the right to practice their religion, the right to access information via press, and the right to be critical of the government. With one proclamation, all those rights were discarded, leaving millions of citizens in a limbo.

    For the people, the period was plagued with uncertainty. Many leaders, who were indefinitely jailed, were refused trial. Some have confessed that they were not even allowed to meet their family members. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh once narrated how he could not meet his mother in her final days, because he was jailed. The press, unable to function on principle, printed blank pages as a mark of protest.

    The Emergency of 1975 is the story of India’s democratic character being strangled. Within this larger story, there were millions of stories, unheard, unacknowledged, and unfortunately forgotten.

    Even when people had nothing, they had their rights, and they snatched away at the whims and fancies of one party. In a world oscillating between communism and democracy of the west, India, under the political leadership of 1975, was forced to choose a path that would usher an irreversible stain on our history.

    A democracy flourishes because of people’s trust in the institutions. From the election commission to the judiciary, these are the pieces in the larger puzzle that come together for the country to function perfectly. The Emergency diluted the criticality of these institutions. Elections were delayed. The judgement of the Allahabad High Court was set aside. When mass sterilisations were carried out in the name of population control, people did not have an institution to turn to.

    Many defenders of the Emergency proclaim that the Emergency was announced to curb possible anarchy, but in hindsight, it ushered in an era of silent anarchy within the country.

    Fifty years later, the fourth largest economy of the world must not forget the lessons from the Emergency. When a political entity loses control and conviction, it turns to the institutions, even while in opposition. Some leaders blame the election commission when the results do not go in their favour. Some pin the blame on the judiciary, and if all else fails, the media is made the scapegoat. Such political entities must be discarded.

    Our democracy’s strength is derived from its institutions, for these empower our citizens as well. Today, a citizen, even if in disagreement with the government, can walk upto the Supreme Court if their fundamental rights are violated. Today, a citizen, irrespective of their place in the socio-economic pyramid, can voice their criticism against the government. Despite the election results, the political opposition continues to flourish in our country. This is what democracy is all about- a voice for all.

    The Emergency serves as a lesson in political governance as well. Leadership must not be used to trample upon people’s rights, but to uplift those who need it the most. A leader should be able to elevate everyone’s socio-economic status, be it through financial inclusion, better infrastructure, or more economic opportunities.

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was a young RSS worker during the Emergency, has taken all the right lessons from the Emergency. In his policy pursuits, he has empowered the people through an array of welfare programmes. Not letting dissent or disagreement come in the way of welfare, the Prime Minister has ensured everyone moves along the path of welfare. Dissent can be an exception, but delivery has been made a routine exercise.

    Fifty years, lest we forget the horrors of the Emergency and the people who made the brave sacrifice. Many stories and people are forgotten, and their stories never surfaced, but they all were equal stakeholders in the cause of the country. They all were equally suffering under the tyranny of a government that violated its constitutional obligations and duties.

    (Tushar Gupta is a Delhi-based journalist and a political commentator)

  • Piyush Goyal chairs review meeting on PLI scheme

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday chaired a high-level review meeting on the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, underlining its critical role in making India “Aatmanirbhar” in the manufacturing sector. During the meeting, held with representatives from all concerned ministries, Goyal emphasized that India must focus on sectors where it holds a competitive edge globally and proactively address the challenges faced by various stakeholders to boost the country’s exports.

    Highlighting the need for self-reliance in the key sectors covered under the PLI Scheme, Goyal stressed the importance of building quality skilled manpower over quantity. He urged ministries to work in collaboration with the National Industrial Corridor Development Corporation (NICDC) to resolve infrastructure bottlenecks. The minister also called for a well-defined roadmap for the next five years, both in terms of attracting investment and disbursing incentives under the scheme.

    The PLI Scheme, currently at various stages of implementation across 14 key sectors, has attracted investments worth ₹1.76 lakh crore and generated production and sales exceeding ₹16.5 lakh crore. This, in turn, has created over 12 lakh direct and indirect jobs as of March 2025. So far, a cumulative incentive of ₹21,534 crore has been disbursed under the scheme across 12 sectors including large-scale electronics manufacturing, IT hardware, bulk drugs, medical devices, pharmaceuticals, telecom and networking products, food processing, white goods, automobiles and auto components, specialty steel, textiles, and drones and drone components.

    The impact of the scheme has been significant in driving domestic manufacturing, creating employment, increasing exports, and fostering innovation. In the pharmaceutical drugs sector, the scheme has generated cumulative sales worth ₹2.66 lakh crore, including ₹1.70 lakh crore in exports within the first three years. In FY 2024-25 alone, eligible product exports stood at ₹67,000 crore—around 27 per cent of the country’s total pharma exports. Notably, 40 percent of the total investment in the sector, amounting to ₹15,102 crore, has been directed towards research and development. As of March 2025, the domestic value addition in the pharmaceutical sector stood at an impressive 83.7 per cent.

    In the bulk drugs sector, the PLI Scheme has played a transformative role by enabling India to become a net exporter of bulk drugs, with exports worth ₹2,280 crore in FY 2024-25, a reversal from the net import position of ₹1,930 crore in FY 2021-22. This shift has significantly reduced the gap between domestic manufacturing capacity and the demand for critical drugs.

    The food processing sector has also seen strong results, reporting investments worth ₹9,032 crore, which have resulted in production and sales of ₹3,80,350 crore and generated employment for 3,40,116 people. The scheme has encouraged the use of domestically grown agricultural products, thereby benefiting rural and underdeveloped areas and supporting farmers’ incomes. A majority of the beneficiaries are MSMEs, with 70 MSMEs directly enrolled and 40 more serving as contract manufacturers for larger firms. The value-added marine product segment has seen sales grow at a CAGR of 22 per cent during the PLI period. Additionally, the launch of the PLI Millet Scheme has led to a 25-fold increase in the sales of millet-based products in FY 2024-25 compared to the base year of FY 2020-21. Millet procurement by PLI beneficiaries increased from 4,081 metric tonnes in 2022-23 to 16,130 metric tonnes in 2024-25, boosting rural household incomes.

    In the textiles sector, exports of Indian man-made fibre (MMF) textiles reached US$ 6 billion in FY 2024-25, up from US$ 5.7 billion in the previous fiscal year. Exports of technical textiles also increased significantly, rising to US$ 3,356.5 million in FY 2024-25 from US$ 2,986.6 million in FY 2023-24.

  • MIL-OSI: China Medical System Holdings Limited: Proposed Secondary Listing on the Singapore Exchange

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, CHINA, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The board of directors of China Medical System Holdings Limited (the “Company”, together with its subsidiaries, the “Group”) announces the proposed secondary listing of the Company’s ordinary shares (“Shares”) on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited (the “SGX-ST”) by way of introduction (the “Proposed Secondary Listing”). The Proposed Secondary Listing, if proceeded, will not involve issuance of new shares, and the Shares will continue to be primarily listed and traded on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange thereafter.

    The Company has submitted, on a confidential basis, an application to the SGX-ST in relation to the Proposed Secondary Listing. As of the date of this announcement, the Company has not received the eligibility-to-list letter (“ETL”) from the SGX-ST in respect of the Proposed Secondary Listing.

    On June 24, 2025, the Company received the Notice of Overseas Issuance and Listing Filing from the China Securities Regulatory Commission (the “CSRC”) in respect of the Proposed Secondary Listing. 

    The Directors believe that upon completion of the proposed secondary listing on the SGX-ST, the Group will be able to attract funds focusing on Asia-Pacific investments and local capital in Southeast Asia, thereby optimizing the shareholder structure. At the same time, it will also have a more profound impact on the Group’s business development in Southeast Asia and the Middle East. The Group has established Singapore as its regional headquarters for its Southeast Asia and Middle East business, and has set up companies in Singapore covering the entire pharmaceutical value chain of R&D, manufacturing, commercialization and investment, including CMS R&D as the international independent R&D company, PharmaGend as the pharmaceutical manufacturing CMO/CDMO company, Rxilient as the pharmaceutical development, registration and commercialization company, and Singapore Venture Capital as the industrial investment company. These companies work together to provide Southeast Asian patients with more high-quality and affordable treatment options, contribute to the development of the pharmaceutical industry chain in Southeast Asia, enhance the Group’s global reputation and market position, promote the implementation of the Group’s “Glocalization” strategy, and bring additional growth to the Group.

    The Company will make further announcements with respect to the Proposed Secondary Listing as and when necessary in compliance with the applicable laws and regulations.

    The Proposed Secondary Listing is subject to the SGX-ST granting an ETL and the fulfilment of any conditions set out in the ETL. As such, there is no assurance that the Proposed Secondary Listing will proceed to completion. Shareholders and potential investors of the Company are advised to exercise caution when dealing in the securities of the Company.

    About CMS
    CMS is a platform company linking pharmaceutical innovation and commercialization with strong product lifecycle management capability, dedicated to providing competitive products and services to meet unmet medical needs.

    CMS focuses on the global first-in-class (FIC) and best-in-class (BIC) innovative products, and efficiently promotes the clinical research, development and commercialization of innovative products, enabling the continuous transformation of scientific research into clinical practices to benefit patients.

    CMS deeply engages in several specialty therapeutic fields, and has developed proven commercialization capabilities, extensive networks and expert resources, resulting in leading academic and market positions for its major marketed products. CMS continues to promote the in-depth development of its advantageous specialty fields and expand business boundaries. While strengthening the competitiveness of the cardio-cerebrovascular/gastroenterology business, CMS independently operates its skin health and ophthalmology businesses, aiming to gain leading positions in specialty therapeutic fields, whilst enhancing the scale and efficiency. At the same time, CMS has expanded its business territory to the Southeast Asian market, striving to become a “bridgehead” for global pharmaceutical companies to enter the Southeast Asian market, further escorting the sustainable and healthy development of the Group.

    CMS Disclaimer and Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release is not intended to promote any products to you and is not for advertising purposes. This press release does not recommend any drugs, medical devices and/or indications. If you want to know more about the diagnosis and treatment of specific diseases, please follow the opinions or guidance of your doctor or other medical and health professionals. Any treatment-related decisions made by healthcare professionals should be based on the patient’s specific circumstances and in accordance with the drug package insert.

    This press release which has been prepared by CMS does not constitute any offer or invitation to purchase or subscribe for any securities, and shall not form the basis for or be relied on in connection with any contract or binding commitment whatsoever. This press release has been prepared by CMS based on information and data which it considers reliable, but CMS makes no representation or warranty, express or implied, whatsoever, and no reliance shall be placed on, the truth, accuracy, completeness, fairness and reasonableness of the contents of this press release. Certain matters discussed in this press release may contain statements regarding the Group’s market opportunity and business prospects that are individually and collectively forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and assumptions that are difficult to predict. Any forward-looking statements and projections made by third parties included in this press release are not adopted by the Group and the Company is not responsible for such third-party statements and projections.

    Media Contact

    Brand: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    Contact: CMS Investor Relations

    Email: ir@cms.net.cn

    Website: https://web.cms.net.cn/en/home/

    Source: China Medical System Holdings Ltd.

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi’s space reforms mark a key turning point, sector may hit $40B in 10 years: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • Sensex, Nifty rise for 2nd day as geopolitical tensions ease, oil prices fall

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets extended their gains for the second straight day on Wednesday, supported by strong buying in media and technology shares.

    Investors were relieved after crude oil prices dropped and tensions between Iran and Israel eased following a ceasefire.

    The Sensex closed 700.4 points higher at 82,755.51, gaining 0.85 per cent. The Nifty also rose by 200.40 points to settle at 25,244.75, up 0.8 per cent.

    Titan Company, M&M, Infosys, Power Grid, TCS and Bharti Airtel emerged as the top gainers on the Sensex, with gains of up to 3.6 per cent.

    On the other hand, BEL, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Axis Bank were the major laggards, falling as much as 3 per cent.

    The broader markets saw a positive trend as well. The Nifty MidCap index gained 0.44 per cent, while the Nifty SmallCap index jumped 1.5 per cent.

    Among sectoral indices, Nifty Media was the top performer with a 1.99 per cent rise, followed by Nifty IT which went up 1.64 per cent, and Nifty Consumer Durables which gained 1.43 per cent.

    Market sentiment improved due to the drop in oil prices and reduced geopolitical risk, which helped boost risk appetite among investors.

    Analysts believe that these developments have brought temporary relief to the markets, despite continued selling by foreign investors.

    Vinod Nair of Geojit Financial Services, said that the easing of tensions in the Middle East and the softening of crude oil prices have played a key role in the market’s recovery.

    “Indian equity markets have staged a recovery, supported by easing geopolitical tensions in the Middle East and a moderation in crude oil prices,” Nair stated.

    He added that domestically, a favourable monsoon forecast, and moderating inflation are further underpinning the optimism.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Rupee traded flat near 86.10 after a sharp rally of over 0.75 seen in the previous session, taking a breather within a narrow range of 86.00-86.15.

    “Market participants are now eyeing upcoming triggers from the US, including the PCE Price Index and GDP data later this week. The Rupee is expected to trade in a range of 85.70 to 86.25,” Jateen Trivedi of LKP Securities mentioned.

    (IANS)

  • Cabinet approves revised Jharia Master Plan with ₹5,940 crore financial outlay

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved the Revised Jharia Master Plan (JMP), aimed at tackling long-standing issues of fire, land subsidence, and the rehabilitation of affected families in the Jharia Coalfield. The total financial outlay for this revised plan is ₹5,940.47 crore.

    The revised JMP adopts a phased approach to address fire and subsidence and rehabilitate affected families on a priority basis, starting with the most vulnerable sites. A strong emphasis is placed on sustainable livelihood generation to support resettled communities, ensuring they are not only housed but also economically empowered.

    As part of the rehabilitation strategy, skill development programmes will be introduced to enhance the employability of those displaced. Additionally, rehabilitated families—both Legal Title Holders (LTH) and Non-Legal Title Holders (Non-LTH)—will receive a Livelihood Grant of ₹1 lakh and will have access to credit support of up to ₹3 lakh through an institutional credit pipeline.

    The plan also includes the development of robust infrastructure and amenities at all resettlement sites, including roads, electricity, water supply, sewerage, schools, hospitals, skill-development centres, and community halls. These provisions will be implemented according to the recommendations of the Committee for Implementation of the Revised Jharia Master Plan, ensuring a holistic and humane approach to rehabilitation.

    Furthermore, a Jharia Alternative Livelihoods Rehabilitation Fund will be set up to support livelihood-related activities, and skill-development initiatives will be conducted in collaboration with Multi-Skill Development Institutes in the region. These measures aim to promote self-reliance and sustainable income-generation opportunities for all displaced families, making the Revised JMP a significant step toward long-term socioeconomic progress.

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA to Welcome Fourth Private Astronaut Mission to Space Station

    Source: NASA

    As part of NASA’s efforts to expand access to space, four private astronauts are in orbit following the successful launch of the fourth all private astronaut mission to the International Space Station.
    A SpaceX Dragon spacecraft lifted off at 2:31 a.m. EDT Wednesday from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida, carrying Axiom Mission 4 crew members Peggy Whitson, former NASA astronaut and director of human spaceflight at Axiom Space as commander, ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) astronaut and pilot Shubhanshu Shukla, and mission specialists ESA (European Space Agency) project astronaut Sławosz Uznański-Wiśniewski of Poland and HUNOR (Hungarian to Orbit) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
    “Congratulations to Axiom Space and SpaceX on a successful launch,” said NASA acting Administrator Janet Petro. “Under President Donald Trump’s leadership, America has expanded international participation and commercial capabilities in low Earth orbit. U.S. industry is enabling astronauts from India, Poland, and Hungary to return to space for the first time in over forty years. It’s a powerful example of American leadership bringing nations together in pursuit of science, discovery, and opportunity.”
    A collaboration between NASA and ISRO allowed Axiom Mission 4 to deliver on a commitment highlighted by President Trump and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to send the first ISRO astronaut to the station. The space agencies are participating in five joint science investigations and two in-orbit science, technology, engineering, and mathematics demonstrations. NASA and ISRO have a long-standing relationship built on a shared vision to advance scientific knowledge and expand space collaboration.
    This mission serves as an example of the success derived from collaboration between NASA’s international partners and American commercial space companies.
    Live coverage of the spacecraft’s arrival will begin at 5 a.m., Thursday, June 26, on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms, including social media.
    The spacecraft is scheduled to autonomously dock at approximately 7 a.m. to the space-facing port of the space station’s Harmony module.
    Once aboard the station, Expedition 73 crew members, including NASA astronauts, Nicole Ayers, Anne McClain, and Jonny Kim, JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi, and Roscosmos cosmonauts Kirill Peskov, Sergey Ryzhikov, and Alexey Zubritsky will welcome the astronauts.
    The crew is scheduled to remain at the space station, conducting microgravity research, educational outreach, and commercial activities for about two weeks before a return to Earth and splashdown off the coast of California.
    The International Space Station is a springboard for developing a low Earth economy. NASA’s goal is to achieve a strong economy off the Earth where the agency can purchase services as one of many customers to meet its science and research objectives in microgravity. NASA’s commercial strategy for low Earth orbit provides the government with reliable and safe services at a lower cost, empowers U.S. industry, and enables the agency to focus on Artemis missions to the Moon in preparation for Mars while also continuing to use low Earth orbit as a training and proving ground for those deep space missions.
    Learn more about NASA’s commercial space strategy at:
    https://www.nasa.gov/commercial-space
    -end-
    Josh FinchHeadquarters, Washington202-358-1100joshua.a.finch@nasa.gov
    Anna SchneiderJohnson Space Center, Houston281-483-5111anna.c.schneider@nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    Office of the Governor – News Release – Governor Green Amends Intent-to-Veto List

    Posted on Jun 24, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom, Office of the Governor Press Releases

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI
    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
     
    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR
    KE KIAʻĀINA
     

    GOVERNOR GREEN AMENDS INTENT-TO-VETO LIST 
     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    June 24, 2025

    HONOLULU – Governor Josh Green, M.D., today added SB 935, Relating to Government, to the 2025 Intent-to-Veto list transmitted to Legislative leadership by the statutorily required June 24 deadline. SB 935 is one of the more complex pieces of legislation to emerge from the 2025 session. By including this bill on the list, it allows the Governor to have the time to make an informed and well-researched decision. The addition of the bill brings the number of bills on the Intent-to-Veto list to 20, as compared to the record number of bills Governor Green has signed from the past session.

    Again, Governor Green is not required to veto every bill indicated on the Intent-to-Veto list, but cannot veto a bill that is not included. The release of this list provides additional time to continue ongoing discussions with key stakeholders concerning implementation and impact. Due to the record-setting number of bills enrolled to the governor this legislative session, potential changes to the state’s federal funding and reduced revenue projections from the Council on Revenues, additional time to analyze bills will ensure each bill is given the nuanced, thoughtful consideration it deserves. Governor Green has until July 9 to issue final vetoes. All other bills will become law by July 9.

    “Let me be clear: of the 320 bills passed by the Legislature this session, 20 are on our Intent-to-Veto list,” said Governor Green. “Our team has completed a review of every measure and the overwhelming majority of legislation will become law. Each bill on today’s list is based on thorough legal and fiscal analysis, and as always, was guided by what will best serve the people of Hawai‘i, protect our resources and strengthen our future.”

    To date, Governor Green has signed more than 200 bills into law benefiting the people and ‘āina of Hawai‘i, with core themes including environmental stewardship, educational access and success, as well as public safety. These represent key focus areas so far; additional bills awaiting signature will build upon this foundation to address state priorities. The remaining bills are on track to become law by July 9.

    Over 300 bills were reviewed by state departments and agencies, the Attorney General and the Governor in the last month. The Governor has until July 9 to issue final vetoes from the list, to sign them into law, or to allow them to become law without his signature.

    The following bills are being considered for vetoes, line-item vetoes, or reductions. Note that line-item vetoes only apply to fiscal bills.

    Fiscal Bills:

    HB126: RELATING TO PROPERTY FORFEITURE

    Bill Description: Increases transparency and accountability surrounding property forfeiture. Clarifies which property is subject to forfeiture. Amends the authorized disposition of forfeited property and the proceeds thereof. Requires the Attorney General to adopt rules necessary to carry out the purpose of the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act. Repeals language that requires the Hawaiʻi Omnibus Criminal Forfeiture Act to be construed liberally.

    Veto Rationale: Asset forfeiture serves as a powerful deterrent against and punishment for criminal activity. The one-year deadline to return seized property for which the owner has not been charged with a covered offense, significantly weakens the efficacy of this dual deterrent and punishment. Many covered offenses, including felonies, often involve complex investigations that extend beyond a year, rendering this bill’s one-year deadline for law enforcement to file charges unrealistic. Seized property can serve as critical evidence in investigations, and its return before an investigation’s completion would severely hamper the investigation as well as the administration of justice at large.

    HB300: RELATING TO THE STATE BUDGET

    Bill Description: Appropriates funds for the operating and capital improvement budget of the Executive Branch for fiscal years 2025-2026 and 2026-2027.

    Veto Rationale: Potential shifts in federal funding, coupled with recent projections from the Hawaiʻi Council on Revenues, require the state to reevaluate its budget to ensure essential services and priorities remain supported. Specific line-item reductions based on program feasibility, stability, and sustainability will help the state enter the fiscal year with a balanced budget and sound financial plan.

    HB302: RELATING TO CANNABIS
    Bill Description: Part I: Authorizes DOH to inspect qualifying patient medical records held by the physician, advanced practice registered nurse, or hospice provider who issued a written certification for the qualifying patient. Amends and adds definitions for purposes of the medical use of cannabis law. Clarifies the conditions of use for the medical use of cannabis. For purposes of issuing written certifications, authorizes the establishment of a provider-patient relationship via telehealth and limits the maximum amount of fees that can be assessed by providers. Authorizes the sale of hemp products and accessories for the medical use of cannabis at retail dispensing locations, except in waiting rooms. Clarifies transportation requirements for certain inter-dispensary sales of cannabis and manufactured cannabis products. Part II: Establishes criminal penalties for the unlicensed operation of a medical cannabis dispensary. Part III: Authorizes expenditures from the Medical Cannabis Registry and Regulation Special Fund to fund programs for the mitigation and abatement of nuisances related to illegal cannabis and hemp products and medical cannabis dispensaries and appropriates funds from the Special Fund to the AG’s Drug Nuisance Abatement Unit for these purposes, including establishing positions. Part IV: Beginning 1/1/2028, prohibits the cultivation of cannabis without a cannabis cultivator license issued by DOH.

    Veto Rationale: This administration remains committed to Hawai‘i’s existing medical cannabis program and supports efforts to expand access to medical cannabis for any medical condition. Although this bill’s authorization of medical cannabis certifications via telehealth expands access to medical cannabis, provisions authorizing the inspection of patients’ medical records without warrant constitute a grave violation of privacy. Given that the federal government classifies cannabis as a Schedule I substance, patients’ reasonable fears of repercussions based upon information gained from inspection of their personal medical records may deter patients from participating in the medical cannabis program.

    HB496: RELATING TO MĀMAKI TEA

    Bill Description: Prohibits the use of certain words and misleading Hawaiian imagery, place names, and motifs on the label of a consumer package that contains or includes tea or dried leaves from the plant Pipturus albidus, unless 100% of the tea or dried leaves were cultivated, harvested, and dried in the state. Appropriates funds for a Measurement Standards Inspector position.

    Veto Rationale: While the intent of this measure is to ensure consumer protection and reliable Made in Hawai‘i labeling, the bill imposes overly strict labeling requirements that could harm small businesses and māmaki producers who responsibly blend leaves from multiple sources. Prohibiting the labeling of products composed of less than 100% māmaki tea as “māmaki” ignores the economic contributions of and impacts to producers who mix or process māmaki with other herbs, undermining producers who support local māmaki farmers while meeting broader demand.

    HB796: RELATING TO TAX CREDITS

    Bill Description: Requires that income tax credits existing on 12/31/2025 or established or renewed after 12/31/2025 include a five-year sunset or an annual one-third reduction, beginning with the sixth year of the credit.

    Veto Rationale: This bill would have a significant long-term impact on income tax credits across a variety of industries, including film and television, research, and renewable energy. These tax credits are critical to supporting economic development and diversification, particularly within growing and emerging sectors. Categorically sunsetting income tax credits will not only disincentivize future investors from doing business in Hawai‘i, but will destabilize existing businesses that currently rely upon these tax credits.

    HB1369: RELATING TO TAXATION

    Bill Description: Amends and repeals certain exemptions under the general excise tax and use tax laws.

    Veto Rationale: The amendments to the general excise tax and use tax contained in this bill would impact sugarcane producers, commercial fishing vessels and securities exchanges. Removing the specific tax exemptions afforded to these entities would provide little financial benefit to the state while harming, in particular, sugarcane producers.

    SB583: RELATING TO NAMING RIGHTS

    Bill Description: Allows the naming rights of the Stadium Facility and Convention Center Facility to be leased to any public or private entity. Requires any revenues derived from advertising or marketing in or on the Stadium Facility or Convention Center Facility to be deposited into the appropriate special fund of the facility. Authorizes the display of the name of any entity that leased the naming rights to a stadium operated by the Stadium Authority on the exterior of the stadium.

    Veto Rationale: Pursuant to section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution, each bill may only contain one subject, which must pertain to the bill’s title. The exemption of concessions in the stadium facility and Convention Center from typical concession procurement procedures may violate section 14, article III, of the Hawai‘i State Constitution since the exemption appears to fall outside the titular scope of the bill, naming rights.

    SB589: RELATING TO RENEWABLE ENERGY

    Bill Description: Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish an installation goal for customer-sited distributed energy resources in the state. Requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish tariffs to achieve the installation goal and for grid services programs, microgrids and community-based renewable energy. Ensures that certain levels of compensation are provided for solar and energy storage exports from customer-sited distributed energy resources as part of grid service programs and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish grid service compensation values. Clarifies when a person who constructs, maintains, or operates a new microgrid is not considered a public utility. Authorizes wheeling of renewable energy and requires the Public Utilities Commission to establish policies and procedures to implement wheeling and microgrid service tariffs.

    Veto Rationale: Maintaining Hawai‘i’s leadership in clean energy through established goals and initiatives remains a priority. The Public Utilities Commission has already opened or plans to open proceedings relating to microgrid services tariffs and customer-sited distributed energy resources and grid services. The mandates contained in this bill therefore risk duplication and delay of already existing efforts.

    Non-Fiscal Bills:

    HB235: RELATING TO TRAFFIC SAFETY

    Bill Description: Requires the Department of Transportation, after the City and County of Honolulu educates the public and adjusts any systems, to expand the use of photo red light imaging detector systems and automated speed enforcement systems to locations on the North Shore of O‘ahu.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Transportation has developed specific criteria for the selection of communities within which to implement traffic safety systems. This criteria incorporates data-driven crash, citation and traffic volume metrics, which ensure communities are chosen based on need and potential for greatest impact. Ignoring this criteria in favor of legislatively mandated location selection threatens the integrity of the photo red light imaging detector system and automated speed enforcement system programs.

    HB800: RELATING TO GOVERNMENT

    Bill Description: Provides for the transfer of certain parcels in the Liliha Civic Center area and Iwilei Fire Station area from various state agencies to the City and County of Honolulu. Provides for the transfer of the parcel of land upon which Ali‘i Tower is sited from the City and County of Honolulu to the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Exempts the lands transferred to the Department of Land and Natural Resources from the definition of public lands for purposes of Chapter 171, HRS.

    Veto Rationale: The land transfers provided in the bill would negatively impact the City and County of Honolulu, which relies upon Ali‘i Tower’s land lease revenues and office spaces. Additionally, the state would face indeterminate additional costs, as Ali‘i Tower’s age likely necessitates capital improvements and ongoing maintenance. Although the intent of this bill is to reduce the state’s reliance on private commercial office space, no analysis exists identifying the amount of office space the acquisition of Aliʻi Tower would provide the state.

    HB958: RELATING TO TRANSPORTATION

    Bill Description: Establishes safe riding behaviors for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of high-speed electric devices in certain locations. Establishes labeling and signage requirements for electric bicycles. Prohibits the operation of a moped or electric motorcycle in certain locations. Amends the definition of “bicycle” for purposes of county vehicular taxes. Defines “electric bicycle” in place of “low-speed electric bicycle.” Defines “electric micro-mobility device” and requires the same regulations as electric foot scooters to apply to electric micro-mobility devices. Prohibits a person under the age of 16 from operating a class 3 electric bicycle. Authorizes a person under the age of 14 to operate class 2 electric bicycles under supervision. Prohibits a person from riding a class 3 electric bicycle on a sidewalk. Authorizes a person to ride a class 1 or class 2 electric bicycle on a sidewalk under certain circumstances. Prohibits a person from operating a bicycle or electric foot scooter under the age of 18 without a helmet. Repeals the requirement that moped drivers use bicycle lanes and substitutes the term “motor-driven cycle” with the term “motor scooter.”

    Veto Rationale: While mopeds and motorcycles are exempt from the prohibition established within this bill, on “high-speed electric devices” driving on public roadways, electric cars are not exempt. Such a prohibition would likely violate the Commerce Clause and Equal Protection Clause of the United States Constitution and conflict with the administration’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

    HB1296: RELATING TO THE MAJOR DISASTER FUND

    Bill Description: Establishes timely notice and reporting requirements to the Legislature by the Governor regarding the transfer of appropriations to the Major Disaster Fund. Effective 7/1/2025. Sunsets 7/1/2026.

    Veto Rationale: The administration is committed to the transparent, efficient management of state funds. During times of emergency, flexibility and the quick release of funds is necessary to respond to rapidly changing situations. This bill disrupts the delicate balance between reporting requirements facilitating government transparency and fiscal flexibility undergirding efficient response and recovery efforts. Placing additional administrative oversight over funds expended for emergencies jeopardizes public safety.

    SB15: RELATING TO HISTORIC PRESERVATION

    Bill Description: Amends the definition of “historic property” to require that the property is over 50 years old and meets the criteria for inclusion in the Hawaiʻi Register of Historic Places. Excludes proposed projects on existing residential property and proposed projects that are in nominally sensitive areas from the State’s Historic Preservation Program review, under certain circumstances.

    Veto Rationale: Exempting proposed projects on any existing residential property from historic preservation review fails to consider properties that have never undergone such a review and may contain historically significant artifacts or iwi kūpuna. This categorical exclusion increases the risk for desecration of iwi kūpuna and historical resources. Although Governor Green supports amending the historic preservation review process to facilitate housing production, a more nuanced approach to protecting iwi kūpuna is needed, such as that advanced in SB 1263.

    SB31: RELATING TO PROPERTY

    Bill Description: Authorizes a person who discovers a recorded discriminatory restrictive covenant to take certain actions, without liability, to invalidate the covenant. Defines discriminatory restrictive covenant.

    Veto Rationale: By enabling any person, including those without any interest in the specified real property, to record a statement that a real property’s title includes a discriminatory restrictive covenant, this bill provides a statutorily authorized mechanism for the circulation of disinformation. This disinformation has the potential to negatively affect the marketability of a property. Because the person who recorded the statement claiming a discriminatory restrictive covenant exists is waived of any liability, no recourse is available to those who suffer financial loss due to inaccurate claims concerning their property’s title.

    SB38: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Requires the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation to provide counties with an opportunity to comment on certain housing development projects. Prohibits the legislative body of a county from imposing stricter conditions than the Hawaiʻi Housing Finance and Development Corporation, stricter area median income requirements, or a reduction in fee waivers to housing development proposals that would increase the cost of the project.

    Veto Rationale: County councils have expressed concerns that this bill hampers their ability to work with developers to modify housing projects to reflect the specific needs of their communities. While the administration supports measures intended to facilitate the production of affordable housing, further dialogue with the counties on this measure’s implementation is required.

    SB66: RELATING TO HOUSING

    Bill Description: Establishes procedures and requirements for single-family and multifamily housing project applicants to apply for an expedited permit, including requirements for completeness of expedited permit applications, duties of licensed professionals and the counties during construction, and applications for owner-builder exemptions. Takes effect 7/1/2026. Sunsets 6/30/2031.

    Veto Rationale: By allowing any qualified professional to determine a project’s impact on historical resources, this bill permits a project proponent to evaluate and determine the impact of its own projects on historical resources. This is a conflict of interest that allows for self-serving determinations, undermines the authority and purpose of regulatory agencies’ independent evaluations, and increases risk to iwi kūpuna.

    SB104: RELATING TO CORRECTIONS

    Bill Description: Beginning 7/1/2026, restricts the use of restrictive housing in state-operated and state-contracted correctional facilities, with certain specified exceptions. Establishes a restrictive housing legislative working group to develop and recommend more comprehensive laws, policies and procedures regarding restrictive housing for members of vulnerable populations by 1/8/2027. Requires the Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission to review restrictive housing placements on an annual basis. Authorizes the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, by 12/1/2027, to implement policies and procedures recommended by the restrictive housing working group related to committed persons. Requires interim and final reports to the Legislature and Hawaiʻi Correctional System Oversight Commission.

    Veto Rationale: The Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation has policies in place governing the use of restrictive housing. These policies and procedures comply with National Institute of Corrections and American Correctional Association standards. Rather than improve the health and safety of those in the department’s care, the implementation of certain requirements proposed in this bill will jeopardize the safety, security and good governance of the department’s facility, negatively impacting inmates. In lieu of this measure and to address stakeholders’ concerns, the department is working with the Hawaiʻi Correctional Systems Oversight Commission to amend its policies and procedures.

    SB447: RELATING TO A DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH PILOT PROGRAM

    Bill Description: Establishes a Hiring Pilot Program within the Department of Health, which includes an amended hiring procedure for delegated position classifications, certain flexibilities regarding minimum qualifications for positions having a salary range at or below SR-10, the ability to directly hire certain individuals into a civil service position if certain conditions are met, and the authority to make certain temporary appointments at the merited civil service pay scale without step limitation. Applies to recruitments initiated before 7/1/2028. Requires annual reports to the Legislature. Sunsets 7/1/2028.

    Veto Rationale: The governor strongly supports efforts to streamline the state’s hiring process to address our workforce vacancies, especially those in our state’s public health sector. However, this bill conflicts with state civil service law, undermining the state’s merit-based civil service system. Disparities in hiring, classification and compensation throughout the state are expected to occur should this bill become law.

    SB1102: RELATING TO THE AIRCRAFT RESCUE FIRE FIGHTING UNIT

    Bill Description: Specifies the appointment processes and terms for the Fire Chief of the Hawaiʻi State Aircraft Rescue Fire Fighting Unit of the Airports Division of the Department of Transportation.

    Veto Rationale: The appointment process proposed in the bill is inconsistent with the selection process for other department leadership positions. Further, due to the need to obtain legislative approval for the appointment of the Fire Chief, following the appointment process contained in this bill may delay the appointment of this critical leadership position, impacting airport operations, safety and readiness.

    # # #

    Media Contacts:  
    Erika Engle
    Press Secretary
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawai‘i
    Office: 808-586-0120
    Email: [email protected] 

    Makana McClellan
    Director of Communications
    Office of the Governor, State of Hawaiʻi
    Cell: 808-265-0083
    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: LT. GOVERNOR LUKE SIGNS BILL EXPANDING PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS TO INCLUDE 2-YEAR-OLDS, SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    LT. GOVERNOR LUKE SIGNS BILL EXPANDING PRESCHOOL OPEN DOORS TO INCLUDE 2-YEAR-OLDS, SUPPORT WORKING FAMILIES

    Updates Will Reach More Families and Remove Barriers for Child Care Providers

    HONOLULU — Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke, serving as Acting Governor, today signed into law Act 203 (House Bill 692), a major expansion of the state’s Preschool Open Doors (POD) tuition subsidy program.

    The new law, which takes effect on January 1, 2026, expands eligibility to include 2-year-olds and removes burdensome accreditation requirements for child care providers—reducing barriers and increasing child care capacity across Hawaiʻi.

    Administered by the state’s Department of Human Services (DHS), POD provides monthly child care and preschool tuition subsidies to qualifying low- to middle-income families. This legislation marks another milestone in the state’s Ready Keiki plan, led by Lt. Governor Luke, to ensure universal access to early learning by 2032.

    In addition to the legislation, Lt. Governor Luke signed updated administrative rules (HAR 17-799) that further expand access to Preschool Open Doors. These changes take effect June 27, 2025, just in time for the open enrollment period starting July 1, 2025.

    “We know that far too many working families fall into the gap—they earn too much to qualify for help but still struggle to afford quality child care. For the first time, a family of four making about $180,000 can qualify for Preschool Open Doors,” said Lt. Governor Luke. “This expansion directly addresses that gap and brings us closer to our goal of making early learning truly accessible for all Hawaiʻi families.”

    POD Expansion Highlights:

    Act 203 (House Bill 692)

    • Expands eligibility to 2-year-olds
    • Allows DHS to make co-payments optional, allowing some qualifying families to receive full tuition subsidies
    • Removes the accreditation requirement for providers, which can be costly, time-consuming, and require frequent renewals
    • Allows DHS to adopt year-round, first-come, first-served enrollment

    Administrative Rules 17-799

    • Raises income eligibility to 500% of the federal poverty level (for example, a family of four earning up to $184,896 is now eligible)
    • Grants presumptive eligibility for families experiencing homelessness or domestic violence, providing temporary support for up to two months while documentation is gathered
    • Caps co-payments at 3% of income, or a maximum of $45 per month

    These updates build on a series of recent improvements to the POD program. In January 2024, new rules extended eligibility to 3-year-olds, increased income thresholds, and reduced co-pays. In July 2024, the program moved to a year-round application with designated priority and open enrollment periods, making it easier for families to apply when they’re ready.

    Today Lt. Governor Luke also signed into law Act 204 (House Bill 329) which clarifies the responsibilities of the School Facilities Authority, and Act 205 (Senate Bill 423) which adds the president of the Head Start Association of Hawaiʻi to the state’s Early Learning Board.

    Ryan Yamane, Department of Human Services director said, “These updates demonstrate our continued commitment to supporting Hawaiʻi’s families by expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care during the most critical years of a child’s development.”

    Families across the state are already seeing the real impact of Preschool Open Doors. The Hawaiʻi Children’s Action Network Speaks! (HCAN Speaks), which testified in strong support of House Bill 692, emphasized how meaningful these changes will be for working parents. “This is a game-changer for families across the state,” said Deborah Zysman, HCAN Speaks! executive director. “Preschool Open Doors has long been a lifeline for many, but these changes mean that even more parents, especially those who have struggled to get help, can finally access the support they need.”

    DHS will begin accepting applications for the next Preschool Open Doors open enrollment period starting July 1, 2025.

    Interested families may apply online here, or request an application from PATCH by visiting patchhawaii.org, calling (808) 791-2130, or toll-free at (800) 746-5620. PATCH can also help families find a preschool that meets their needs.

    ###

    RESOURCES
    Courtesy Office of the Lt. Governor
     Link to Press Conference Photos
     Link to Press Conference Recording
    Link to Press Conference Visuals

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Powers India Blockchain Tour in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Mumbai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW DELHI, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has joined the 2025 edition of the India Blockchain Tour (IBT) as the exclusive “Powered by” partner for the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai chapters. The collaboration brings a sharper focus to blockchain education and real-world applications across three major cities through curated networking and knowledge-sharing events in the second half of the year.

    Organized by Octaloop, IBT 2025 will span eight cities and feature key voices across policy, investment, development, and product. Hyderabad (June 28), Ahmedabad (July 13), and Mumbai (August 3) will serve as the core cities supported by Bitget, with each stop designed to bring together a local mix of talent and curiosity. Interactive sessions, product showcases, and discussion forums will create an accessible entry point into blockchain technology and digital assets, particularly for students, developers, and working professionals.

    “India is a key market for us. Whether it’s working with regulators or engaging directly with blockchain developers, we’re actively building here. As one of the top global exchanges, we see this tour as an opportunity to meet people on the ground and strengthen the trust that drives long-term growth,” said Jyotsna Hirdyani, Head of South Asia at Bitget.

    This multi-city roadshow marks a return to on-ground activation for Bitget in India, building on the success of its 2023 “India Learns Crypto” initiative. That campaign launched with packed meetups in Delhi and Mumbai, drawing hundreds of attendees and leading to sustained community interest in educational forums. The Delhi session alone brought together over 140 participants, while the Mumbai event hosted over 300. Featuring a blend of speaker panels, partner collaborations, and open Q&A, the series gained traction as a trusted forum for blockchain learning.

    India’s role in the global crypto and blockchain landscape continues to expand—marked by growing developer activity, rising user interest in self-custody and DeFi, and increasingly visible local startup innovation. The tour provides a natural format to channel this momentum into more structured learning and collaboration, while offering platforms for emerging voices and projects to gain visibility.

    The choice of Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai reflects a broader pattern in India’s web3 evolution. These cities are known for their concentration of technical universities, strong fintech ecosystems, and a rising number of first-time blockchain users. Engaging them through direct, city-level programming allows for a sharper local pulse—one that online campaigns often miss.

    As the tour continues across India through the end of the year, Bitget’s participation aims to serve as a touchpoint for those seeking practical exposure to blockchain—beyond market cycles. With a focus on accessibility and relevance, the collaboration intends to build tangible outcomes for the people who will shape India’s next wave of digital innovation.

    To join us on the tour, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2825994b-e83a-4a7f-9249-25191557f84a

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Powers India Blockchain Tour in Hyderabad, Ahmedabad and Mumbai

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW DELHI, June 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has joined the 2025 edition of the India Blockchain Tour (IBT) as the exclusive “Powered by” partner for the Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai chapters. The collaboration brings a sharper focus to blockchain education and real-world applications across three major cities through curated networking and knowledge-sharing events in the second half of the year.

    Organized by Octaloop, IBT 2025 will span eight cities and feature key voices across policy, investment, development, and product. Hyderabad (June 28), Ahmedabad (July 13), and Mumbai (August 3) will serve as the core cities supported by Bitget, with each stop designed to bring together a local mix of talent and curiosity. Interactive sessions, product showcases, and discussion forums will create an accessible entry point into blockchain technology and digital assets, particularly for students, developers, and working professionals.

    “India is a key market for us. Whether it’s working with regulators or engaging directly with blockchain developers, we’re actively building here. As one of the top global exchanges, we see this tour as an opportunity to meet people on the ground and strengthen the trust that drives long-term growth,” said Jyotsna Hirdyani, Head of South Asia at Bitget.

    This multi-city roadshow marks a return to on-ground activation for Bitget in India, building on the success of its 2023 “India Learns Crypto” initiative. That campaign launched with packed meetups in Delhi and Mumbai, drawing hundreds of attendees and leading to sustained community interest in educational forums. The Delhi session alone brought together over 140 participants, while the Mumbai event hosted over 300. Featuring a blend of speaker panels, partner collaborations, and open Q&A, the series gained traction as a trusted forum for blockchain learning.

    India’s role in the global crypto and blockchain landscape continues to expand—marked by growing developer activity, rising user interest in self-custody and DeFi, and increasingly visible local startup innovation. The tour provides a natural format to channel this momentum into more structured learning and collaboration, while offering platforms for emerging voices and projects to gain visibility.

    The choice of Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, and Mumbai reflects a broader pattern in India’s web3 evolution. These cities are known for their concentration of technical universities, strong fintech ecosystems, and a rising number of first-time blockchain users. Engaging them through direct, city-level programming allows for a sharper local pulse—one that online campaigns often miss.

    As the tour continues across India through the end of the year, Bitget’s participation aims to serve as a touchpoint for those seeking practical exposure to blockchain—beyond market cycles. With a focus on accessibility and relevance, the collaboration intends to build tangible outcomes for the people who will shape India’s next wave of digital innovation.

    To join us on the tour, please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform. Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2825994b-e83a-4a7f-9249-25191557f84a

    The MIL Network –

  • Cabinet approves Pune Metro Phase-2 expansion to boost urban connectivity

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved Phase-2 of the Pune Metro Rail Project, which includes two new corridors: Vanaz to Chandani Chowk (Corridor 2A) and Ramwadi to Wagholi/Vitthalwadi (Corridor 2B). These corridors are extensions of the existing Vanaz–Ramwadi line developed under Phase-1.

    The two elevated corridors will together span 12.75 km, incorporating 13 stations and connecting rapidly developing suburban areas such as Chandani Chowk, Bavdhan, Kothrud, Kharadi, and Wagholi. The project is expected to be completed within four years.

    With an estimated cost of Rs. 3,626.24 crore, the project will be jointly funded by the Government of India, the Government of Maharashtra, and external bilateral/multilateral agencies. It aligns with Pune’s Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), aiming to create a continuous Chandani Chowk to Wagholi east-west metro corridor and strengthen mass transit options in the city.

    Once completed, the new corridors will serve major IT hubs, business zones, educational institutions, and residential neighborhoods, significantly improving public transport accessibility and increasing overall metro ridership. Integration at the District Court Interchange Station with Line-1 (Nigdi–Katraj) and Line-3 (Hinjewadi–District Court) will offer seamless multimodal travel across the Pune metropolitan area.

    The long-term vision for Pune’s urban transport also includes the integration of intercity bus services. Passengers arriving from cities such as Mumbai and Bengaluru will be able to connect through Chandani Chowk, while those coming from Ahilya Nagar and Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar will find convenient links at Wagholi. This is expected to reduce congestion on major city roads like Paud Road and Nagar Road, offering citizens safer, faster, and greener travel options.

    Projected incremental daily ridership for the expanded Line-2 corridor is estimated at 0.96 lakh in 2027, rising to 2.01 lakh by 2037, 2.87 lakh by 2047, and 3.49 lakh by 2057.

    The project will be executed by Maharashtra Metro Rail Corporation Limited (Maha-Metro), which is responsible for all civil and electro-mechanical work. Pre-construction activities such as topographical surveys and detailed design consultations have already begun.

  • Russia says it is too early to assess US bomb damage to Iranian nuclear facilities

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Wednesday that it thought it was too early for anyone to have an accurate picture of the extent of damage inflicted on Iran’s nuclear facilities by U.S. bombing last weekend.

    Asked if Russia had its own information on the degree of damage, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said: “No. I don’t think that anyone can have realistic data now. It’s probably too early, we need to wait until such data appears.”

    U.S. President Donald Trump said at the weekend that the strikes had “obliterated” Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    However, three sources with knowledge of the matter told Reuters that a preliminary U.S. intelligence assessment had determined that the attacks had set back Tehran’s programme by only a matter of months.

    Russia has condemned the strikes on Iran, with which it signed a strategic cooperation agreement in January, as illegal, unjustified and unprovoked.

    Peskov said Russia had indications that there were open communications channels between Washington and Tehran, adding that Moscow was closely monitoring developments and still talking to Iran itself.

    -Reuters

  • PM Modi’s decision to open space sector “greatest turning point”, industry could grow to over $40 billion in decade: Jitendra Singh

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Wednesday hailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s decision to open up the space sector to private players as a “turning point” that sparked a “miraculous” transformation. He projected that the sector could grow to USD 40–45 billion in a decade, and added that experiments conducted by astronaut Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla during the Axiom-4 mission will help prepare for future Indian space missions, including Chandrayaan-4 and the Bharat Space Station, planned for 2035.

    Singh noted that one of the biggest milestones in India’s space programme came when the private sector was allowed to participate. “I think one of the greatest turning points in India’s space journey has been PM Modi’s path-breaking decision to allow the private sector to step in. The change has been miraculous. The transformation in the last 4–5 years — there are thousands of crores of investments happening from the private sector,” he told ANI.

    Singh further said that India’s space sector is set for rapid growth in the coming years. “Our future projections indicate that in about 8–10 years, we might grow 4–5 times, reaching about USD 40–45 billion. Opening up the space sector to the private sector was a very courageous decision, which could have been taken only by a political dispensation with tremendous conviction and willpower,” the Union minister said.

    Referring to India’s growing ambitions in space exploration, Singh said the recent Axiom Mission 4 would provide valuable experience for future Indian missions.

    “I think it will also be a good experience for future missions. This, coupled with Chandrayaan-4 and missions like the Bharat Space Station, which we plan to have by 2035, and for long-duration stays in space or microgravity conditions — what arrangements need to be put in place will also be learned through the experiments conducted by Shubhanshu,” Singh said.

    Earlier today, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also hailed the successful launch of the Axiom Mission 4, stating that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla carries the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indian citizens.

    “We welcome the successful launch of the Space Mission carrying astronauts from India, Hungary, Poland, and the US. The Indian astronaut, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, is on his way to becoming the first Indian to go to the International Space Station. He carries with him the wishes, hopes, and aspirations of 1.4 billion Indians. Wish him and the other astronauts all the success!” PM Modi posted on X.

    Following the successful lift-off of Axiom Mission 4, Singh also saif on X that India’s rise to the status of a “Viksit Bharat” had begun through its space exploration.

    “Congratulations, Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla — you are the first Indian astronaut to embark on a mission to the International Space Station. Indeed, a proud moment for India! ISRO’s growing global collaborations, after the reforms introduced by the government headed by PM Narendra Modi, have placed India at the forefront of space exploration,” Singh wrote.

    He added that Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla would carry out seven important experiments designed by Indian institutes. The minister also took the opportunity to remember and honour the visionaries behind India’s space ambitions, Vikram Sarabhai and Satish Dhawan.

    The Axiom Mission 4 was launched aboard a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 am Eastern Time (noon IST). 

    ANI

  • IMD predicts heavy rainfall across India till July 1

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Wednesday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall across many parts of northwest, central, east, and northeast India over the next seven days, with isolated instances of extremely heavy rainfall expected over Gujarat and Odisha.

    The southwest monsoon has further advanced into the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea and extended into additional areas of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. According to the IMD, conditions remain favourable for further advancement of the monsoon into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the rest of West Uttar Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

    Extremely heavy rainfall, exceeding 20 cm in 24 hours, is likely to occur at isolated locations in Gujarat and Odisha on June 25. Very heavy rainfall is also anticipated in several regions, including Konkan and Goa, the ghat areas of Madhya Maharashtra and Tamil Nadu, East and West Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Haryana, Punjab, Madhya Pradesh, Coastal and Interior Karnataka, Kerala, West Uttar Pradesh, Jammu and Kashmir, Sub-Himalayan West Bengal and Sikkim, Bihar, Jharkhand, and parts of East Uttar Pradesh.

    This sustained rainfall activity is expected to continue until at least July 1, bringing both relief to parched regions and concerns over potential flooding and waterlogging in vulnerable areas.

  • Delhi to witness rain, cloudy skies till June 28: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The southwest monsoon has made further progress on Wednesday, advancing over the remaining parts of the north Arabian Sea and into additional areas of Rajasthan, West Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, and Punjab. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has indicated that conditions are favourable for its further advance into more parts of Rajasthan, Punjab, Haryana, Delhi, and the remaining regions of West Uttar Pradesh within the next 24 hours.

    As Delhi-NCR brace for the monsoon’s full arrival, the weather forecast from June 25 to 28 predicts predominantly cloudy skies with varying intensities of rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds.

    On June 25, Delhi is expected to experience light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, with gusty winds reaching 30 to 40 kmph. Daytime temperatures are likely to remain between 33°C and 35°C, which is 2 to 4 degrees below normal for this time of year.

    The cooling trend will continue through June 26, with very light to light rainfall and thunderstorms expected. Minimum temperatures will range between 26°C and 28°C, dipping 1 to 2 degrees below normal, while maximum temperatures will remain in the 33°C to 35°C range. Winds will predominantly blow from the southeast, with speeds varying between 15 to 25 kmph.

    Similar weather conditions are forecast for June 27, with light rain and thunderstorms persisting. Temperatures are expected to remain consistent, with the mercury ranging from 26°C to 28°C at night and 33°C to 35°C during the day. Winds will shift in direction throughout the day, starting from the east and moving to the southeast and northeast by evening, with generally low wind speeds.

    On June 28, Delhi is likely to experience very light to light rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Temperatures are expected to dip further, with highs between 32°C and 34°C and lows between 25°C and 27°C. Both maximum and minimum temperatures are forecast to remain below normal by 3 to 5 degrees and 1 to 3 degrees, respectively. Winds will be light and variable, predominantly from the northwest throughout the day.

    The continued advance of the monsoon and the accompanying rainfall will provide much-needed relief from the summer heat while keeping temperatures below seasonal norms across the national capital region.

  • Cabinet approves establishment of International Potato Centre’s South Asia Regional Centre in Agra

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Union Cabinet on Wednesday approved a proposal from the Department of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare to establish the South Asia Regional Centre (CSARC) of the International Potato Centre (CIP) in Agra, Uttar Pradesh.

    This significant move aims to enhance food and nutritional security, boost farmers’ incomes, and create employment opportunities through improved potato and sweet potato productivity, better post-harvest management, and value addition. The upcoming centre will be located in Singna, Agra, and is expected to play a transformative role in the potato sector.

    India’s potato industry holds substantial potential to generate jobs across various segments, including production, processing, packaging, transportation, marketing, and the broader agricultural value chain. Recognizing this opportunity, the new CSARC will serve as a hub for advanced research and innovation tailored to the needs of South Asia.

    The centre will focus on developing high-yielding, climate-resilient, and nutrient-rich varieties of potato and sweet potato. These innovations are expected to significantly contribute to sustainable agricultural development, not only within India but across the broader South Asian region.

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: NZ law change restores balance – fairer rules for partial strikes

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government has passed a change to the Employment Relations Act that reinstates the ability for employers to make pay deductions during partial strikes – making the system fairer for all, Workplace Relations and Safety Minister Brooke van Velden announced today. 

    “These changes will help both employers and unions to return to the bargaining table and restores the law to what it was before the previous government removed this option in 2018.  

    “I
    acknowledge the right of workers to strike in
    support of their collective bargaining claims, the right to strike remains,” says Ms van Velden.  

    “The changes were needed to ensure a fairer bargaining process and minimise the disruption partial strikes have caused to public and
    customer services. 

    “The key benefit for all workers and the public is less disruption
    to our communities – partial strikes had serious impacts on Kiwi families,
    students, patients, and other workers across our workplaces,” says Ms van
    Velden.  

    Some
    of the impacts included MRI and nuclear
    medicine technologists limiting scans, around 50 per cent fewer procedures were
    done. That meant delays in early cancer treatment, growing waitlists, increased
    outsourcing costs and pressure on front-line staff to pick up the work of others participating in the partial strikes. 

    In
    2023, teachers took partial strike action, refusing to teach certain year
    levels on specific days. This disrupted student learning and made it hard for
    some parents to work.  

    “Rebalancing collective bargaining settings will support the
    Government’s priority to deliver better public services, by reducing disruption and maintaining a high quality of
    service,” says Ms van Velden.  

    This
    new law allows for pay to
    be deducted during partial strikes, but it’s up to each affected employer to decide how they respond to partial
    strikes when they occur. 

    Note to Editors: 

    What
    is partial strike and what did it mean prior to this change     

    A
    partial strike is industrial action that would normally involve turning up to
    work but refusing to partake in parts of the job. Until now, if an employee was on a partial strike, their employer could not deduct their pay unless they suspended the employee or issued a lockout notice.  

    Other
    noted impacts on the communities:     

    • Since mid-September 2024, NZDF PSA union members have been ‘working-to-rule’, and from November, they have been taking coordinated breaks and stopped working at heights or off-site. In response, the Minister of Defence has authorised uniformed personnel to cover civilian work in some selected areas.
    • In September 2024, train operators in Wellington began work-to-rule industrial action including refusing shift changes, leading to disruption for travellers. 

    What
    these changes mean     

    • Employers can respond to a partial strike by either: 
    • reducing an employee’s pay by a proportionate amount, calculated in accordance with a specified method
      that is based on identifying the work that the
      employee will not be performing due to the strike, or 
    • deducting 10 percent of their wages. 

     

    • Employers will have to provide written notification to employees that they will be reducing their pay before the deduction is made (the amount of deduction is not required in the notice).
    • If the union believes the employer has incorrectly applied a pay deduction, the union must advise the employer of that as soon as practicable, after receiving the employer’s information on how they calculated the specified pay deduction if relevant. The union can apply to the Employment Relations Authority, who can determine whether the employer has correctly applied the deduction. 
    • Employers do not have to deduct pay in response to partial strikes – this simply provides an additional tool for how they can respond to a partial strike, if it works for them. 

     

     

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Post-secondary edu reform passed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government welcomed the passage of the Post Secondary Colleges (Amendment) Bill 2025 by the Legislative Council today, which aims to enhance the regulatory and quality assurance mechanisms of self-financing post-secondary institutions.

     

    The goal of the bill is to facilitate the healthy and sustainable development of the self-financing post-secondary education sector.

     

    The bill, which amends the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance, reforms the regulatory regime for the self-financing post-secondary education sector to improve governance, ensuring the quality, transparency and accountability of self-financing institutions, the Government explained.

     

    In addition, the bill suitably removes barriers, including rationalising the arrangements for self-financing institutions to award degrees, and enhance efficiency and effectiveness. Furthermore, it forges a unified regulatory framework to promote coherence in quality assurance, governance, positioning and overall co-ordination.

     

    Secretary for Education Choi Yuk-lin said that the passage of the bill signifies an important milestone for the development of the self-financing sector.

     

    “We envisage that the enhanced regulatory framework can further support the capacity expansion and quality enhancement of the self-financing sector, with a view to harnessing its advantages in terms of flexibility and diversity to cultivate talent for the country and Hong Kong, and make more proactive contributions towards Hong Kong’s development into an international post-secondary education hub and building China into a leading country in education.”

     

    The Post Secondary Colleges (Amendment) Ordinance 2025 will be published in the Government Gazette on July 4. For relevant institutions that are not currently registered under the Post Secondary Colleges Ordinance, there will be a transitional period of around three years, until July 31, 2028, for them to complete the registration procedures.

     

    The Education Bureau, in collaboration with the Hong Kong Council for Accreditation of Academic & Vocational Qualifications, will maintain close liaison with self-financing institutions to ensure the smooth implementation of the enhanced regulatory framework and transitional arrangements.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Nations act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity: VP recalls Savarkar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of the government today-VP
    Amid perpetual decline of global multilateralism, VP advocates that India give up romanticism and focus on economic growth
    Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat-VP
    Even the Fabian socialists of the 50’s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain-VP
    When we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents-VP

    The Vice-President, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today recalling V. D. Savarkar stated that, “ Browsing through the pages of ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’. I felt the imprint of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the author’s thought……..Savarkar, despite all the untenable misgivings and untenable misgivings in extremity, remains a celebrated thinker who stood at the wee hours of the post-war order. Savarkar, a staunch realist, believed in a post-war world where nations would act only in pursuit of their own interests not based on idealism, morality or international solidarity. Imagine how prophetic he has been. Look around last fortnight, last three months. All this has been seen by all of us.  He rejected  pacifist or utopian internationalism and emphasized that India must safeguard its sovereignty through strength, not by relying on Western-dominated institutions like the League of Nations or later the United Nations, both ignoring due place to one-sixth of humanity”.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937150170770395176

    Speaking at the launch of the book ‘New World: 21st Century Global Order in India’ by Shri Ram Madhav, Shri Dhankhar highlighted, “Friends, today, strengthening Bharat is the governing philosophy and resolve of this government. It is steadfast, firm, non-negotiable, and notwithstanding the critics — it is spinally strong. The nation has never ever projected its stand so firmly. Let us not be misguided by the distraction — who said what. The government, and India and its people, stand firmly for the nation — nation first and our nationalism….Those who take a stand for momentary situations are not in the psych or groove of Bharat. Once we attain strength inwards, we can shape our strategic environment outwards”.

    “I could not agree more with lamentations of the author Dr. Ram Madhav. He highlights a perpetual decline of global multilateralism and prescribes India to give up romanticism and focus on economic growth”, he added.

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153830573265148

    Underlining the roots of strategic thinking in the nation, he stated, “George Tanham, an American thinker, three decades ago, in a treatise effectively suggested that there is absence of a strategic thinking in India on account of its Hindu philosophical roots and there were takers of it. But with Shri Ram Madhav’s  volume, George Tanhan stands corrected. He couldn’t be more wrong. His analysis is far distanced from the ground reality over the centuries in this country…..The principle ‘Rajadharma’ (or ethical statecraft) and ‘Dharmayudha’ (just war) in Mahabharata; Dhamma diplomacy in Ashokan edicts; and the Mandala Theory of Kautilya are all examples of theorizing strategic environments — all feast to the intellect.These philosophies have ever been relevant, but in our contemporaneous challenging times, these are the need of the global order.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937153363382297062

    He further underlined, “These are times when we are easily misunderstood. The travesty of it is that when you say these things, hypocritically psychopancy overtakes the traction to denude you of your position by exactly pointing a finger which normally should be pointed towards them. Friends, even the Fabian socialists of the  50s cannot disagree with the direction of the country as we strive to attain. And what do we strive to attain? We are not creating Bharat, it was not born on 15th August 1947. We only got rid of colonial power ‘सर्वे भवन्तु सुखिनः, सर्वे सन्तु निरामयाः’ that is our philosophy. May all beings be happy, may all beings be free from illness.”

    Emphasizing the peace loving nature of Bharat, he stated, “Friends, this country has always stood for global peace and harmony,  never having engaged at any time in its history in expansionism. The contemporaneous global scenario today is alarmingly concerning and also equally worrisome, particularly for peace-loving nations like Bharat….As Bharat achieves universal well-being for all citizens, we become role models for others. We lead by example, not by proclamation. We already lead in areas like digital public infrastructure where global South nations can follow our path. It was the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Modi that during G20 the concerns of Global South could be put on the radar. It happened for the first time. It was for the first time during G20 that African Union was put at par with European Union in the membership of G20. I would call it a game-changing development. And therefore, when we assess the progress of Bharat, our outlook must be very broad, not dictated by isolated incidents.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1937159904042823989

    Urging careful approach, he said, “ Friends, the pathway to Bharat’s rise would require careful trading. There are forces that are determined to make our life difficult. There are forces within the country and outside. These sinister forces, pernicious to our interests, want to strike by dividing us on issues even like language. Which country in the world can take pride of the language richness as Bharat. Look at our classical languages, their number. In parliament, 22 such languages allow and afford opportunity anyone to express in them. It would require many such thinkers to come together and debate and discuss challenges and opportunities and aid policymakers in making right strategic choices. Evolution of policies must take place now with a little more representative character. India’s Think tanks, they are available in various formats, different political parties. It is required that there be convergence…..the political temperature has to come down. There has to be greater dialogue amongst political parties. I firmly believe we have no enemies in the country. We have enemies outside. And some who are enemies within a small fraction, they are rooted to outside forces, inimical to Bharat.”

  • South Korea: Rival parties clash during confirmation hearing for PM nominee

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    South Korean rival political parties clashed on Wednesday as they disagreed over the eligibility of Prime Minister nominee Kim Min-seok during the second and final day of his confirmation hearings. 

     

    The main opposition People Power Party demanded the nominee submit evidence to clarify allegations surrounding his wealth and family, while the ruling Democratic Party protested the PPP’s baseless attacks were disrupting a thorough vetting of his abilities.

     

    “The hearing cannot proceed like this,” PPP Rep. Bae June-young, ranking member of the confirmation hearing committee, said, demanding that the nominee submit records of the tax and other payments he claimed to have made the previous day.

     

    Bae also demanded immigration records and a report card proving that Kim did earn a master’s degree at China’s Tsinghua University.

     

    “I will provide what I can and what is necessary,” the nominee answered.

     

    DP Rep. Chai Hyun-il shot back, however, by citing the cases of former prime ministers under PPP-affiliated administrations, such as Han Duck-soo, Hwang Kyo-ahn and Chung Hong-won, saying various documents went unsubmitted during their confirmation hearings.

     

    “Was it an invasion of privacy then but vetting now?” he protested.

     

    The prime minister is the only Cabinet position that requires parliamentary consent for appointment. Other minister nominees undergo the confirmation process, but consent is not necessary for their appointment by the president.

     

    The PPP is unlikely to agree to adopting a report, which is a step in the confirmation process, as it has consistently questioned Kim’s eligibility and demanded his withdrawal.

     

    During the first day of hearings Tuesday, the PPP grilled the nominee over the source of his income amid large differences between his reported wealth and spending, as well as allegations surrounding his son’s college admissions and his own studies at Tsinghua University, Yonhap news agency reported.

     

    The DP defended the nominee while highlighting his professional aptitude to serve in the number 2 government role.

     

    The motion for a prime minister’s confirmation passes by majority approval, with a majority of lawmakers present.

     

    The DP can single-handedly pass Kim’s motion as it currently holds a parliamentary majority with 167 out of 298 seats.

    Kim, a four-term lawmaker of the DP and a former top campaign aide to President Lee Jae Myung, shared his thoughts on some of Lee’s campaign pledges, such as a 4.5-day workweek.

    “The overall direction was proposed, and the execution plans have to be discussed additionally,” he said. “Reducing the number of working days can be considered in line with global trends and human nature.”

    On the pledge to raise the retirement age, Kim said it is a matter requiring comprehensive discussions and social acceptance.

    “If I become prime minister, I think it could be worth commissioning a full-scale study by a state-run think tank,” he said.

    The PPP has called for extending the hearings by a day to better vet the nominee, while the DP has maintained they should be completed on Wednesday before finalising the confirmation next week.

    –IANS

  • Trump says damage from Iran strikes severe despite “inconclusive” intelligence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that the damage to Iranian nuclear sites from missile strikes over the weekendwas severe, though he also acknowledged that the available intelligence on the matter was inconclusive.

    His comments followed reports by Reuters and other media outlets on Tuesday revealing that the U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency had assessed that the strikes had set back Iran’s nuclear program by just a few months, despite administration officials saying the program had been obliterated.

    “The intelligence was very inconclusive,” Trump told reporters before joining a NATO summit in The Hague. “The intelligence says we don’t know. It could’ve been very severe. That’s what the intelligence suggests.”

    Later, during the same round of comments, Trump argued that Iran’s nuclear deal had been set back “basically decades, because I don’t think they’ll ever do it again”.

    Trump was sitting alongside Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who both also cast doubt on the reliability of the DIA assessment.

    Rubio said the U.S. was opening an investigation into the leak of the DIA report. He also suggested the report’s contents had been misrepresented in the media.

    (Reuters)

  • Pant, Duckett hit career-highs in latest ICC Test rankings

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Rishabh Pant and England’s Ben Duckett have achieved career-best ratings in the latest ICC Men’s Test Batting Rankings following their impressive performances with the bat in the first Test at Headingley, according to the official ICC website.

    Pant became just the second wicket-keeper after Zimbabwe’s Andy Flower to score two centuries in the same Test match, scoring 134 and 118 in the thrilling Leeds contest that England won by five wickets. He earned a career-best rating, moving up one spot to seventh overall in the Test batting rankings.

    Duckett claimed Player of the Match honors for his innings of 62 and 149, also achieving a new career-best rating by jumping five places to eighth in the updated Test batting rankings.

    Duckett’s England teammates Ollie Pope (up three spots to 19th) and Jamie Smith (up eight places to 27th) also gained ground in this week’s rankings update. Meanwhile, India captain Shubman Gill moved up five spots to 20th overall after his century in the first innings of the match.

    England veteran Joe Root remains the No.1-ranked Test batter, with teammate Harry Brook his closest challenger.

     

    The drawn first Test between Sri Lanka and Bangladesh also saw a host of players improve their positions in the batting rankings, with Mushfiqur Rahim leading the way after his innings of 163 in Galle.

    Rahim gained 11 spots to reach 28th among Test batters, while teammate Najmul Hossain Shanto surged 21 places to 29th after scoring two centuries in the same match.

    There was little change in the latest Test bowlers’ rankings, with India’s pace spearhead Jasprit Bumrah maintaining his top position after another five-wicket haul in the Headingley Test.

    There was also joy for England captain Ben Stokes, who gained three spots to move up to fifth in the Test all-rounder rankings, following his strong contributions with both bat and ball in the same Test.

    Changes were also seen in the latest T20I rankings after the completion of the tri-series between Scotland, Nepal, and the Netherlands, which the hosts won in Glasgow.

    Netherlands’ dasher Michael Levitt rose 16 spots to 14th, and Scotland all-rounder Brandon McMullen moved up 20 places to joint-38th on the latest T20I batters list, while spinner Mark Watt climbed two spots to 38th in the T20I bowlers’ rankings.

    Nepal spinner Lalit Rajbanshi also made notable progress, jumping 29 places to 54th following his four wickets in the tri-series. 

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Schools champion climate education in drive to towards Net Zero

    Source: Scotland – City of Aberdeen

    Members of the Education and Children’s Services Committee were today (Tuesday 24 June) updated on the significant strides made by Aberdeen schools in educating young people about Climate Change, Biodiversity and the city’s Net Zero ambitions during the 2024-25 school session.

    The report, which detailed a wide range of impactful events and initiatives delivered across schools, as well as the continued efforts of the Youth Climate Change Group, was approved by committee with the exception of recommendation 2.3.  The full report can be viewed here.

    Councillor Martin Greig, convener, of the Education and Children’s Services Committee, said: “Our schools are playing a vital role in preparing young people to meet the challenges of the climate emergency. Through innovative learning and strong partnerships, we are empowering the next generation to lead the way towards a more sustainable and equitable future for Aberdeen and beyond.”

    Councillor Jessica Mennie, vice-convener of the Education and Children Services Committee, said: “The enthusiasm and creativity shown by our young people in tackling climate change is truly inspiring. By embedding sustainability into everyday learning and supporting youth-lead initiatives, we are not only educating but also encouraging future leaders to help shape a greener Aberdeen.”

    Aberdeen’s schools continue to embrace the Learning for Sustainability (LfS) agenda, integrating sustainable development, biodiversity, climate change, outdoor learning, and global citizenship into the Curriculum for Excellence.

    These themes are explored through interdisciplinary learning, project-based learning, science, social studies, and outdoor education, empowering young people to take meaningful action for a better future. Aberdeen now has 11 schools that are recognised as Eco Schools and awarded Green Flag status by Keep Scotland Beautiful.

    St Joseph’s RC School won the Scottish Fair Trade ‘In the Bag’ award in recognition of its 10-year commitment to fair and ethical trade, including being the first school in Scotland to commit to supporting and working with communities in India.

    The Youth Climate Change Group remains a vital platform for pupil voice and leadership and the committee thanked pupils for their significant efforts in promoting and actioning environmental work in school and citywide.

    Committee members agreed that this important area of focused activity should continue and instructed the Chief Officer for Education and Lifelong Learning to support the Youth Climate Change Group to collate and share a yearly summary of the most impactful projects in their schools, through means to be determined by the group, to inspire other young people across the city.

    The committee agreed that representatives from the Youth Climate Change Group should be invited to present the Climate Change report to committee in subsequent years.

    In partnership with the City Development and Regeneration Service, the Education Service will launch the ABZ Pipeline – a new initiative designed to create curriculum-linked pathways into the renewable sector.  This programme will connect learners with employers, offering real-world experiences and helping pupils align their career planning with Aberdeen’s green economy.

    Aberdeen for a Fairer World (AFW) continues to play a key role in supporting schools with climate-related activities. Their work includes developing projects with local authorities, ETZ, and employers, identifying skills and employment opportunities, and assessing the impact of in-school activities.

    A comprehensive record of school participation during Climate Week North East 2025 will be published in the summer term.

    Beyond the classroom, pupils are engaging in film screenings, workshops, barista events, and Fair Trade initiatives – demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and community action.  These efforts also contribute to wider achievement and support National Qualifications.

    These initiatives also align with the Local Outcome Improvement Plan (LOIP) Stretch Outcome 13, which aims to reduce Aberdeen’s carbon emissions by at least 61% by 2026. As the city works towards Net Zero by 2045, the continued focus on climate education and youth engagement is essential to building a resilient, sustainable future.

    The committee instructed the Chief Officer of Education and Lifelong Learning to provide a progress update within one calendar year. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Second stage of China’s largest offshore gas field commissioned

    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 25 (Xinhua) — China National Offshore Oil Corp. (CNOOC) said Wednesday that the second phase of its Shenhai-1 (Deepwater-1) gas field in the South China Sea has begun production, marking the completion of the country’s largest such project.

    According to the corporation, annual gas production at this field is expected to exceed 4.5 billion cubic meters, reaching the maximum design value.

    The geological reserves of the Shenhai-1 field amount to more than 150 billion cubic meters. Gas production has been carried out here since June 2021, when the first stage of the project was commissioned.

    Natural gas produced at the field is transported to coastal terminals in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, Sanya City in Hainan Province and Zhuhai City in Guangdong Province, supplying key economic regions and integrating into the state gas pipeline network.

    Shenhai-1 is the country’s most complex deepwater gas field project. It is being developed under the highest temperatures and pressures ever encountered in inland shelf exploration. The maximum operating depth exceeds 1,500 m, and the deepest wells are 5,000 m.

    Project manager Liu Kang said the production infrastructure and technology system formed as part of the project will help carry out comprehensive deep-sea oil and gas exploration in the future, increasing the role of marine resources in ensuring the country’s energy supply. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join

    To promote “Sport for All”, the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the Sport For All Day (SFAD) 2025 on August 3 (Sunday). The public is welcome to join. The LCSD promotes “Stay Active, Healthy and Happy!” encouraging people of different ages and abilities to participate in regular sports and physical activities. With Hong Kong cohosting the 15th National Games (NG), the 12th National Games for Persons with Disabilities (NGD) and the 9th National Special Olympic Games (NSOG) with the Guangdong Province and the Macao Special Administrative Region for the first time, SFAD 2025’s theme, “Coalescing together for the National Games”, echoes these national sports events together with members of the public. On August 3, the LCSD will open a number of leisure facilities for public use free of charge, including indoor badminton courts, volleyball courts, basketball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, fitness rooms, activity rooms, dance rooms, etc; outdoor tennis courts, bowling greens, archery ranges, golf facilities, etc; and public swimming pools and water sports centres (craft hiring). On the same day (from 2pm to 6pm), a series of free recreation and sports programmes promoting the items of the 15th NG, the 12th NGD and the 9th NSOG (such as golf, fencing, rugby sevens and triathlon) will be conducted at designated sports centres across the 18 districts. Activities will cover fitness items, health talks, sports demonstrations and a fun day for families, children, 25/06/2025, 11:04 LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400251p.htm#:~:text=LCSD to hold Sport For All Day 2025 and invite public to join&text=To promot… 1/2 youngsters, the elderly and persons with disabilities. The arrangements for booking leisure facilities and distributing free activity coupons will be announced in midJuly. To further promote “Sport for All” in the community, the LCSD continues to collaborate with the Sports Federation & Olympic Committee of Hong Kong, China (SF&OC), and is joining hands with the China Hong Kong Paralympic Committee (HKPC) to launch various activities at the SFAD 2025 prime venue. Many organisations will also open up their facilities or roll out recreation and sports programmes on August 3 for the public free of charge. The latest SFAD 2025 information will be provided on the dedicated website (www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/sfad). SFAD 2025 is co-organised by the SF&OC, the HKPC, Department of Health, the Sports Medicine Team of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, the Sports Medicine and Health Science Alumni Association of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, and the Physical Fitness Association of Hong Kong, China. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 11:05 NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29

    The Transport Department (TD) today (June 25) said that, to facilitate the holding of concerts at the Kai Tak Sports Park (KTSP) on the evenings of June 27 to 29, special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented to provide convenience for spectators to travel to and from the KTSP. Concertgoers from the Mainland are urged to purchase tickets in advance, plan their journeys early and use the MTR or cross-boundary coach services. During the event period, as the traffic in the vicinity of the KTSP is expected to be heavy, concertgoers should opt for public transport, avoid driving or taking private cars (including cross-boundary private cars). The TD has co-ordinated with local and cross-boundary public transport operators to strengthen their services during dispersal. The MTR will enhance the interval between trains of the Tuen Ma Line (TML). Franchised bus companies will provide a total of 11 special bus routes at the Sung Wong Toi Road Pick-up/Drop-off Area (PUDOA) to Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) Public Transport Interchange (PTI), the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HZMB) Hong Kong Port and Airport, and major districts across the territory. In addition, the KTSP will arrange cross-boundary coach services during dispersal to facilitate travellers’ return to the Mainland via the Lok Ma Chau/Huanggang (LMC/HG) Port, the HZMB and the Shenzhen Bay Port. Passengers should purchase tickets in advance. On-site ticket 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 1/3 sales will not be available during dispersal. They should refer to the operators’ website (Eternal East Bus: www.myeebus.com/eebusfans; CTG Bus: m.hkctgbus.com/#/layout/home) for the latest ticket information. For taxi services, the Kai Tak Stadium Taxi PUDOA will be open for taxi pick-up and drop-off. The Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA will be open for taxi drop-off only during admission (4pm to 7pm) and suspended from taxi pick-up/drop-off during dispersal. The expected waiting time will be longer amid an outflux of spectators and passengers’ patience is appreciated. Concertgoers who plan to return to the Mainland on the same day after the concert should pay special attention that, if they use the Lo Wu Control Point, they should catch the last relevant MTR TML train departing from Sung Wong Toi Station at 10.59pm and Kai Tak Station at 11.01pm, followed by interchanging at Tai Wai Station on the East Rail Line (ERL) to Lo Wu Station. Travellers should plan their journeys ahead and arrive at the station platform in advance. Travellers who opt for LMC/HG Port (operating 24 hours daily) may also take the ERL to Sheung Shui Station and then KMB route No. 276B or N73, or take the special bus route No. SP12 directly at the Sung Wong Toi Road PUDOA to the Lok Ma Chau (San Tin) PTI, and transfer to the LMC-HG crossboundary shuttle bus (Yellow Bus) for their journey to the Mainland. A spokesman for the TD said that, as a large number of travellers may use the LMC/HG Port after the concert, and concerts will also be held at AsiaWorld-Expo on the evening of June 28, the Port is expected to be very busy. Travellers’ patience is appreciated. To ensure the smooth operation 25/06/2025, 11:06 Special traffic and transport arrangements for Kai Tak Sports Park concerts on June 27 to 29 https://www.info.gov.hk/gia/general/202506/25/P2025062400590p.htm 2/3 of public transport services, dedicated public transport lanes will be arranged at the LMC/HG Port after midnight during the event period when necessary for the smooth operation of the Yellow Bus and crossboundary coach services as well as effective dispersal of a large number of crossboundary travellers. Other cross-boundary private cars and their passengers are expected to have a longer clearance time. The TD has steered operators to reserve standby vehicles and manpower to meet passengers’ demand. Spectators are advised to heed the real-time information via the on-site broadcast and the “Easy Leave” platform (easyleave.police.gov.hk) as well as the latest traffic news through the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the “HKeMobility” mobile application and radio and television broadcasts. Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025 Issued at HKT 10:00 NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ7: Safety of building works

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ7: Safety of building works 
    Question:
     
    The Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) regulates building contractors registered under the Ordinance (registered contractors) to ensure the safety of building works. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) given that under section 13(1) of Cap. 123, the Buildings Department (BD) can refer convicted cases involving building works by registered contractors to the Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board (Disciplinary Board) for its consideration of taking disciplinary actions against the contractors, of the number of convicted cases, which involved injuries and deaths at the sites of the building works, referred by the BD to the Disciplinary Board for follow-‍up in each of the past 10 years and this year to date; among such referral cases, of the following information on each of those cases where disciplinary proceedings were completed: (i) the date of incident, (ii) the nature of incident, (iii) the number of injuries and/or deaths involved, (iv) the name of the contractor involved, (v) the type of registration of the contractor involved, (vi) the date on which the court handed down its judgment, (vii) the penalties imposed by the court, (viii) the date on which the BD commenced examination of the case, (ix) the date on which the BD referred the case to the Disciplinary Board, (x) the date on which the Disciplinary Board commenced a hearing of disciplinary proceedings, (xi) the date on which the Disciplinary Board made its determination, and (xii) the penalties imposed by the Disciplinary Board (if applicable);
     
    (2) given that the Government has established a referral mechanism for the Hong Kong Housing Authority and the Development Bureau to refer cases of registered contractors with poor performance in public sector projects to the BD for disciplinary actions, of the number of referral cases received by the BD in each of the past 10 years and this year to date, and among such cases, the number of those involving poor performance in construction safety;
     
    (3) in respect of the referral cases involving poor performance in construction safety mentioned in (2), of the criteria based on which the BD considers whether or not to take disciplinary actions against the contractors involved, and whether any indicator is set on the time required for handling such cases; the number of cases in which disciplinary actions were required upon the BD’s consideration in each of the past 10 years and this year to date, as well as the longest, shortest and average time taken from the BD’s receipt of such case referrals to its official commencement of disciplinary proceedings;
     
    (4) given that the BD can institute criminal prosecutions against registered contractors for offences relating to building works under Cap. 123, of the number of cases in which the BD instituted prosecutions against registered contractors involving injuries and deaths at the sites of the building works in each of the past 10 years and this year to date; among such prosecution cases, the following information on each of the convicted cases: (i) the date of the incident, (ii) the nature of the incident, (iii) the number of injuries and/or deaths involved, (iv) the name of the contractor involved, (v) the type of registration of the contractor involved, (vi) the date on which the BD commenced its investigation, (vii) the date on which the BD instituted prosecution, (viii) ‍the date on which the court handed down its judgment, (ix) the penalties imposed by the court, (x) whether the authorities have lodged appeals against the penalties imposed, and (xi) the penalties imposed by the court following the appeal (if applicable);
     
    (5) given that in the reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 15, 2023, the Government indicated that the authorities would review Cap. 123 to study the feasibility of undertaking prosecution and disciplinary actions in parallel against registered contractors involving in building works safety incidents, of the progress and outcome of the relevant study;
     
    (6) as there are views that the practice of submitting supplementary information repeatedly by some contractors when applying for renewal of registration is suspected to be delaying the vetting and approval process, which may enable contractors with poor performance in construction safety to continue to carry out works during the vetting and approval process and hence pose risks to the occupational safety and health of frontline workers, whether the Government will consider reviewing and enhancing the relevant application procedures for renewal of registration, so as to enhance the processing efficiency; and
     
    (7) given that the authorities indicated in the paper submitted to this Council in December last year that they would amend Cap. 123 to enhance building safety by, among others, enhancing the registration and disciplinary systems for registered contractors, etc, with the target of introducing the relevant bill into this Council in the first half of next year, whether the authorities will explore expediting the relevant legislative amendment work?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Government attaches great importance to the safety and quality of building works. In so far as private development projects are concerned, the Buildings Department (BD), by virtue of the Buildings Ordinance (BO) (Cap. 123), requires the registered building professionals (RBPs) (including Authorized Persons (APs), registered structural engineers (RSEs), registered geotechnical engineers (RGEs), etc) and the registered contractors (RCs) responsible for building works to properly supervise the building works in accordance with the respective supervision plans prepared by them and submitted to the BD under the Code of Practice for Site Supervision 2009, so as to ensure that the works comply with the BO. In addition to complying with the BO itself and its subsidiary regulations, the building works should also comply with the approved plans of the works concerned, as well as any conditions imposed or orders made by the BD under the BO. When the RBP and RC apply for the Occupation Permit (OP), they should certify that the new building has been completed in accordance with the provisions of the BO and its regulations and the plans approved, and ensure that the building is in compliance with regulations and structurally safe.
     
    The BD adopts a three-pronged approach in regulating RCs who are found to have irregularities or misconduct, including: (i) instigating prosecutions against the RCs concerned; (ii) conducting disciplinary proceedings; and (iii) re-assessment of the ability and competence of the RCs concerned during renewal applications to determine whether to accept the relevant renewal applications.
     
    The replies to the various parts of the question are as follows:
     
    (1) If any RBPs or RCs have been negligent or have misconducted themselves in their professions or in any building works, the case will be referred to the relevant disciplinary board for conducting disciplinary proceedings. In the past 10 years up to May this year, there were five completed disciplinary cases involving injuries and fatalities out of a total of 33 cases referred by the BD to the Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board for disciplinary action in respect of the RCs prosecuted and convicted in building works. Details of the cases are set out in Annex I.
     
    (2) and (3) The Works Branch of the Development Bureau (DEVB), the BD and the Housing Department (HD) established a referral mechanism in 2002 with an aim to target very serious breaches of contract or offences by RCs registered under the BO in the course of carrying out Government public works or public housing projects. While the RCs have been penalised under the contract or prosecuted and convicted under the law, the Works Branch of the DEVB or the HD still considers it necessary to refer the cases to the BD for the disciplinary board’s consideration of further disciplinary action after inquiries. This shows that the referral mechanism targets very serious cases, where the RCs concerned have to be referred to the BD’s disciplinary board for follow-up action having regard to the fact that the punitive actions taken under the contract or the law have not been sufficient to penalise the RCs concerned. Very serious breaches of contract or offences include blatant or repeated disregard of the contractor’s duties where the consequence of the breach is very serious so as to warrant the imposition of different levels of sanctions, or the RCs are considered after investigation to have obviously permitted or connived at the breach. The threshold for referral is very high. As for ordinary breaches of contract or offences by contractors, such as poor performance and misconduct, the Works Branch of the DEVB and the HD would handle in accordance with the contract, legislation and other established regulatory mechanisms. In the past 10 years, there was no case meeting the threshold for referral to the BD under public works or public housing projects.
     
    (4) According to section 40(2B) of the BO, if the BD, after investigation, finds that building works have been carried out in such a manner as to cause or likely to cause injury to any person or damage to any property, the BD may institute prosecution against the persons directly concerned with the works (including RCs, RSEs, RGEs, APs, etc). In the past 10 years and up to May this year, there were six convicted cases involving injuries and fatalities upon completion of prosecution out of a total of 139 cases instituted by the BD under section 40(2B) of the BO in relation to building works. Details of the cases are set out in Annex II.
     
    (5) and (7) The Government has completed the systematic review of the BO. Proposals were put forth to amend the BO in December 2024 and a two-month public consultation was conducted. The proposals to enhance the registration and disciplinary systems are set out below:
     
    (i) regarding the processing of renewal applications by RCs, we propose to extend the renewal period from the current three years to a maximum of five years in response to the industry’s aspiration for a longer operation period to encourage long-term investment and healthy development of the industry. On the other hand, we propose to empower the Building Authority (BA) to approve a shorter renewal period than the current three years in order to strengthen monitoring of certain contractors. We also propose that the BA can be empowered to impose conditions (e.g. requiring a more stringent site supervision regime) upon registration renewal having regard to the contractor’s individual circumstances to enhance the existing registration system;
     
    (ii) on the handling of disciplinary cases, we propose to increase the number of members of the relevant disciplinary board panel to expedite the formation of disciplinary board and inquiry. We also propose to increase the maximum fine for disciplinary sanction from $250,000 to $400,000, and to allow the disciplinary board to impose more than one sanction for each charge (in addition to a fine, consideration may also be given to ordering a reprimand and/or removing the contractor from the register at the same time) so as to enhance the deterrent effect; and
     
    (iii) during the systematic review of the BO, the BD has examined the feasibility of undertaking prosecution and disciplinary actions in parallel. After due consideration and consulting legal advice, it is considered that this may affect criminal investigation or prosecution, including the possibility of obstructing relevant persons from assisting in criminal investigation. Therefore, it is considered not appropriate to undertake prosecution and disciplinary actions in parallel. Notwithstanding this, the BD has taken steps to shorten the procedure of referral, with an aim to refer the case to the Department of Justice within four months after case conviction details are received, so that the disciplinary proceedings can commence as soon as possible.
     
    The public consultation was completed in February 2025. The Government is now reviewing the specific proposals taking into account views received, as well as working on the drafting of the amendments to the BO. The drafting involves careful review of and amendments to the BO and its subsidiary legislation, and it is necessary to take time to clarify certain legal issues. We will complete the drafting work as early as practicable, targeting to introduce the amendment bill into the Legislative Council in the first half of 2026.
     
    (6) The BD conducts review of the contractors’ registration system from time to time, with a view to enhancing and streamlining the relevant procedures. After consulting the industry, the BD has implemented a series of streamlining measures for processing registration and renewal applications since April this year, including requiring contractors to submit the necessary supplementary information within 28 days after the BD’s issuance of a letter requesting for supplementary information. Otherwise, their applications would be rejected. This measure intends to prevent unnecessary delay and enhance the efficiency of the BD’s processing of registration applications.
    Issued at HKT 17:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SFST looks for more co-operation opportunities with AIIB member states at its 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors in Beijing (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SFST looks for more co-operation opportunities with AIIB member states at its 10th Annual Meeting of Board of Governors in Beijing  
         Speaking at the side event on “Implementing the International Financial Reporting Standards – Sustainability Disclosure Standards (ISSB Standards) from the Ground Up: The AIIB Journey”, Mr Hui noted that while the AIIB is one of the first multilateral development banks to adopt the ISSB Standards, Hong Kong was also confirmed by the International Financial Reporting Standards Foundation earlier this month as among the initial set of jurisdictions having set a target of fully adopting the ISSB Standards.
     
         He said, “By aligning with a global standard, we ensure international comparability of our data. This not only boosts investor confidence but also creates a strong foundation for new opportunities. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government will continue to work in collaboration with financial regulators and stakeholders to support the pragmatic implementation of the ISSB Standards through enhancing capacity building and promoting the use of technological solutions.”
     
         This afternoon, Mr Hui also spoke on “Fostering Development and Infrastructure Connectivity” at the Governors’ Business Roundtable. He shared with delegations from other member states Hong Kong’s efforts in fostering development in sustainable finance as well as developing diverse and innovative financial products. The latter includes the roll-out of the Infrastructure Bond Programme and the issuance of infrastructure loan-backed securities by the Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) with the AIIB as an anchor investor. He told the delegations that a third issuance by the HKMC can be expected this year.
     
         At the AIIB President’s Reception and the Special Session of the Board of Governors’ meeting held yesterday (June 24), Mr Hui met with the President of the AIIB, Mr Jin Liqun, and the President-elect of the AIIB, Ms Zou Jiayi. He also met financial officials of other member states to update them on Hong Kong’s latest developments in green and sustainable finance, and the recent vibrant financial market situation.
     
         In addition, Mr Hui held bilateral meetings separately with delegations from Egypt, Germany and Poland on the sidelines of the Annual Meeting to explore opportunities for further co-operation.
     
         During his stay in Beijing, Mr Hui met with the President of the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China, Mr Liu Jun, and the Chief Financial Officer of the China Construction Bank, Mr Sheng Liurong. He will return to Hong Kong tonight.
    Issued at HKT 17:41

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMC Annual Report 2024

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKMC Annual Report 2024

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

    The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC) today (June 25) published its Annual Report for 2024. The Report mainly reviews the business performance, financial position, as well as the environmental, social and governance initiatives of the HKMC in 2024.

    The Report is now available on the HKMC website (www.hkmc.com.hk).

    Ends/Wednesday, June 25, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –