NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • US strikes on Iran leave hopes for nuclear diplomacy in tatters

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran, Israel, United States, Donald Trump, missile strikes, nuclear sites,Iran, Israel, United States, Donald Trump, missile strikes, nuclear sites,In a bid to defuse the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program, foreign ministers from Europe’s top three powers hurried to meet their Iranian counterpart on Friday in Geneva.

    Those hopes collapsed on Saturday when U.S. President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran’s three main nuclear sites, in support of Israel’s military campaign.

    “It’s irrelevant to ask Iran to return to diplomacy,” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, visibly angry, told reporters in Istanbul on Sunday, promising a “response” to the U.S. strikes. “It’s not time for diplomacy now.”

    Trump, who said the U.S. airstrikes “obliterated” the sites, warned in a televised speech on Saturday the U.S. could attack other targets in Iran if no peace deal was reached and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table.

    Reuters spoke to seven Western diplomats and analysts who said the prospect of negotiations was negligible for now, with an unbridgeable gap between Washington’s demand for zero enrichment by Iran and Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear program.

    “I think the prospects of effective diplomacy at this point are slim to none,” said James Acton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think tank headquartered in Washington.

    “I’m much more worried about escalation, both in the short and the long term.”

    According to European diplomats, the three European allies – Britain, France and Germany – were not made aware of Trump’s decision to strike Iran ahead of time. French President Emmanuel Macron had promised on Saturday – just before the U.S. strikes – to accelerate the nuclear talks, following a call with his Iranian counterpart.

    One European diplomat, who asked not to be identified, acknowledged there was now no way of holding a planned second meeting with Iran in the coming week.

    In the wake of the U.S. military action, any European diplomatic role appears likely to be secondary. Trump on Friday dismissed Europe’s efforts towards resolving the crisis, saying Iran only wanted to speak to the United States.

    Three diplomats and analysts said any future talks between Iran and Washington would likely be through regional intermediaries Oman and Qatar, once Tehran decides how to respond to the U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    The attacks leave Iran with few palatable options on the table. Since Israel began its military campaign against Iran on June 13, some in Tehran have raised the prospect of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to signal Iran’s determination to accelerate enrichment, but experts say that would represent a considerable escalation and likely draw a forceful response from Washington.

    Acton, of the Carnegie Endowment, said Iran’s most obvious means for retaliation is its short-range ballistic missiles, that could be used to target U.S. forces and assets in the region. But any military response by Iran carried the risk of miscalculation, he said.

    “On the one hand, they want a strong enough response that they feel the U.S. has actually paid a price. On the other hand, they don’t want to encourage further escalation,” he said.

    EUROPEAN EFFORT ENDED IN FAILURE

    Even before the U.S. strikes, Friday’s talks in Geneva showed little sign of progress amid a chasm between the two sides and in the end no detailed proposals were put forward, three diplomats said. Mixed messaging may have also undermined their own efforts, diplomats said.

    European positions on key issues like Iran’s enrichment program have hardened in the past 10 days with the Israeli strikes and the looming threat of U.S. bombing.

    The three European powers, known as the E3, were parties to a 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned three years later during his first term.

    Both the Europeans and Tehran believed they had a better understanding of how to get a realistic deal given the E3 have been dealing with Iran’s nuclear programme since 2003.

    But the Europeans have had a difficult relationship with Iran in recent months as they sought to pressure it over its ballistic missiles programme, support for Russia and detention of European citizens.

    France, which was the keenest to pursue negotiations, has in the last few days suggested Iran should move towards zero enrichment, which until now was not an E3 demand given Iran’s red line on the issue, two European diplomats said.

    Britain has also adopted a tougher stance more in tune with Washington and that was expressed in Geneva, the diplomats said. And Germany’s new government appeared to go in the same direction, although it was more nuanced.

    “Iran has to accept zero enrichment eventually,” said one EU official.

    A senior Iranian official on Saturday showed disappointment at the Europeans’ new stance, saying their demands were “unrealistic”, without providing further details.

    In a brief joint statement on Sunday, which acknowledged the U.S. strikes, the European countries said they would continue their diplomatic efforts.

    “We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program,” it said, adding the Europeans stood ready to contribute “in coordination with all parties”.

    David Khalfa, co-founder of the Atlantic Middle East Forum, a Paris-based think tank, said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government had taken advantage of the Europeans for years to gain time as it developed its nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.

    “The European attempt ended in failure,” he said.
    However, the Europeans still have one important card to play. They are the only ones who, as party to the nuclear accord, can launch its so-called “snapback mechanism”, which would reimpose all previous UN sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in violation of the agreement’s terms.

    Diplomats said, prior to the U.S. strikes, the three countries had discussed an end-August deadline to activate it as part of a ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Tehran.

    “MULTIPLE CHANNELS” FOR U.S. TALKS

    In total, the U.S. launched 75 precision-guided munitions, including more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles, and more than 125 military aircraft in the operation against the three nuclear sites, U.S. officials said.

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday warned Iran against retaliation and said both public and private messages had been sent to Iran “in multiple channels, giving them every opportunity to come to the table.”

    Five previous rounds of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed after a U.S. proposal at the end of May called for Iran to abandon uranium enrichment. It was rejected by Tehran, leading to Israel launching its attack on Iran after Trump’s 60-day deadline for talks had expired.

    Iran has repeatedly said from then on that it would not negotiate while at war.

    Even after Israel struck, Washington reached out to Iran to resume negotiations, including offering a meeting between the Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Istanbul, according to two European diplomats and an Iranian official.

    That was rebuffed by Iran, but Araqchi did continue direct contacts with US Special envoy Steve Witkoff, three diplomats told Reuters.

    One of the challenges in engaging with Iran, experts say, is that no-one can be sure of the extent of the damage to its nuclear program. With the IAEA severely restricted in its access to Iranian sites, it is unclear whether Tehran has hidden enrichment facilities.

    A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Sunday most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow, the site producing the bulk of Iran’s uranium refined to up to 60%, had been moved to an undisclosed location before the U.S. attack there.

    Acton, of the Carnegie Endowment, said that – putting aside from the damage to its physical installations – Iran had thousands of scientists and technicians involved in the enrichment program, most of whom had survived the U.S. and Israeli attacks.
    “You can’t bomb knowledge,” said Acton.

    (Reuters)

  • US strikes on Iran leave hopes for nuclear diplomacy in tatters

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran, Israel, United States, Donald Trump, missile strikes, nuclear sites,Iran, Israel, United States, Donald Trump, missile strikes, nuclear sites,In a bid to defuse the conflict over Iran’s nuclear program, foreign ministers from Europe’s top three powers hurried to meet their Iranian counterpart on Friday in Geneva.

    Those hopes collapsed on Saturday when U.S. President Donald Trump ordered airstrikes on Iran’s three main nuclear sites, in support of Israel’s military campaign.

    “It’s irrelevant to ask Iran to return to diplomacy,” Iran’s foreign minister Abbas Araqchi, visibly angry, told reporters in Istanbul on Sunday, promising a “response” to the U.S. strikes. “It’s not time for diplomacy now.”

    Trump, who said the U.S. airstrikes “obliterated” the sites, warned in a televised speech on Saturday the U.S. could attack other targets in Iran if no peace deal was reached and urged Tehran to return to the negotiating table.

    Reuters spoke to seven Western diplomats and analysts who said the prospect of negotiations was negligible for now, with an unbridgeable gap between Washington’s demand for zero enrichment by Iran and Tehran’s refusal to abandon its nuclear program.

    “I think the prospects of effective diplomacy at this point are slim to none,” said James Acton, co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a think tank headquartered in Washington.

    “I’m much more worried about escalation, both in the short and the long term.”

    According to European diplomats, the three European allies – Britain, France and Germany – were not made aware of Trump’s decision to strike Iran ahead of time. French President Emmanuel Macron had promised on Saturday – just before the U.S. strikes – to accelerate the nuclear talks, following a call with his Iranian counterpart.

    One European diplomat, who asked not to be identified, acknowledged there was now no way of holding a planned second meeting with Iran in the coming week.

    In the wake of the U.S. military action, any European diplomatic role appears likely to be secondary. Trump on Friday dismissed Europe’s efforts towards resolving the crisis, saying Iran only wanted to speak to the United States.

    Three diplomats and analysts said any future talks between Iran and Washington would likely be through regional intermediaries Oman and Qatar, once Tehran decides how to respond to the U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear sites at Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan.

    The attacks leave Iran with few palatable options on the table. Since Israel began its military campaign against Iran on June 13, some in Tehran have raised the prospect of withdrawing from the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) to signal Iran’s determination to accelerate enrichment, but experts say that would represent a considerable escalation and likely draw a forceful response from Washington.

    Acton, of the Carnegie Endowment, said Iran’s most obvious means for retaliation is its short-range ballistic missiles, that could be used to target U.S. forces and assets in the region. But any military response by Iran carried the risk of miscalculation, he said.

    “On the one hand, they want a strong enough response that they feel the U.S. has actually paid a price. On the other hand, they don’t want to encourage further escalation,” he said.

    EUROPEAN EFFORT ENDED IN FAILURE

    Even before the U.S. strikes, Friday’s talks in Geneva showed little sign of progress amid a chasm between the two sides and in the end no detailed proposals were put forward, three diplomats said. Mixed messaging may have also undermined their own efforts, diplomats said.

    European positions on key issues like Iran’s enrichment program have hardened in the past 10 days with the Israeli strikes and the looming threat of U.S. bombing.

    The three European powers, known as the E3, were parties to a 2015 nuclear deal that Trump abandoned three years later during his first term.

    Both the Europeans and Tehran believed they had a better understanding of how to get a realistic deal given the E3 have been dealing with Iran’s nuclear programme since 2003.

    But the Europeans have had a difficult relationship with Iran in recent months as they sought to pressure it over its ballistic missiles programme, support for Russia and detention of European citizens.

    France, which was the keenest to pursue negotiations, has in the last few days suggested Iran should move towards zero enrichment, which until now was not an E3 demand given Iran’s red line on the issue, two European diplomats said.

    Britain has also adopted a tougher stance more in tune with Washington and that was expressed in Geneva, the diplomats said. And Germany’s new government appeared to go in the same direction, although it was more nuanced.

    “Iran has to accept zero enrichment eventually,” said one EU official.

    A senior Iranian official on Saturday showed disappointment at the Europeans’ new stance, saying their demands were “unrealistic”, without providing further details.

    In a brief joint statement on Sunday, which acknowledged the U.S. strikes, the European countries said they would continue their diplomatic efforts.

    “We call upon Iran to engage in negotiations leading to an agreement that addresses all concerns associated with its nuclear program,” it said, adding the Europeans stood ready to contribute “in coordination with all parties”.

    David Khalfa, co-founder of the Atlantic Middle East Forum, a Paris-based think tank, said Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei’s government had taken advantage of the Europeans for years to gain time as it developed its nuclear program and ballistic missile capabilities.

    “The European attempt ended in failure,” he said.
    However, the Europeans still have one important card to play. They are the only ones who, as party to the nuclear accord, can launch its so-called “snapback mechanism”, which would reimpose all previous UN sanctions on Iran if it is found to be in violation of the agreement’s terms.

    Diplomats said, prior to the U.S. strikes, the three countries had discussed an end-August deadline to activate it as part of a ‘maximum pressure’ campaign on Tehran.

    “MULTIPLE CHANNELS” FOR U.S. TALKS

    In total, the U.S. launched 75 precision-guided munitions, including more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles, and more than 125 military aircraft in the operation against the three nuclear sites, U.S. officials said.

    US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Sunday warned Iran against retaliation and said both public and private messages had been sent to Iran “in multiple channels, giving them every opportunity to come to the table.”

    Five previous rounds of indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran collapsed after a U.S. proposal at the end of May called for Iran to abandon uranium enrichment. It was rejected by Tehran, leading to Israel launching its attack on Iran after Trump’s 60-day deadline for talks had expired.

    Iran has repeatedly said from then on that it would not negotiate while at war.

    Even after Israel struck, Washington reached out to Iran to resume negotiations, including offering a meeting between the Trump and Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian in Istanbul, according to two European diplomats and an Iranian official.

    That was rebuffed by Iran, but Araqchi did continue direct contacts with US Special envoy Steve Witkoff, three diplomats told Reuters.

    One of the challenges in engaging with Iran, experts say, is that no-one can be sure of the extent of the damage to its nuclear program. With the IAEA severely restricted in its access to Iranian sites, it is unclear whether Tehran has hidden enrichment facilities.

    A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Sunday most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow, the site producing the bulk of Iran’s uranium refined to up to 60%, had been moved to an undisclosed location before the U.S. attack there.

    Acton, of the Carnegie Endowment, said that – putting aside from the damage to its physical installations – Iran had thousands of scientists and technicians involved in the enrichment program, most of whom had survived the U.S. and Israeli attacks.
    “You can’t bomb knowledge,” said Acton.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinhua Analytical Center Report Highlights Fruitful Results of China-Central Asia Cooperation

    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

    ASTANA, June 23 (Xinhua) — China and Central Asian countries have deepened comprehensive cooperation, achieving successful results on a wide range of issues, according to a report released by the Xinhua Think Tank on Sunday.

    Tremendous achievements have been made in developing ties in seven key areas: economic and trade exchanges, infrastructure connectivity, energy cooperation, developing sectors, capacity building for development, mutual learning among civilizations, and peace and security, according to a report titled “Developing the Central Asia-China Spirit: Achievements, Possibilities and Prospects of Regional Cooperation” released by the Xinhua News Agency Research Institute, a think tank affiliated with the Xinhua News Agency.

    From rail corridors to renewable energy, from education to cultural exchanges, China-Central Asia cooperation is delivering real benefits on the ground, laying a stronger foundation for shared growth.

    According to the report, the volume and quality of trade and economic cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has increased in recent years, and China has become Central Asia’s largest trading partner and a significant source of investment.

    To promote sustainable growth, China and Central Asian countries have expanded cooperation in science, technology and education. The Lu Ban Workshop has become a new platform for cooperation in international vocational education. Based on local development needs, the Lu Ban Workshops in Central Asia have created demand-driven training models to promote regional poverty reduction and industrialization.

    Humanitarian exchanges are also flourishing. Central Asian tourism, culture and art festivals are growing in popularity in China. Chinese films and TV dramas have become hits in Central Asia. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2 institutions join voucher plan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme has been extended to include the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FIFAH-SYSU) and Zhuhai People’s Hospital (ZHPH) in Zhuhai from June 26, the Government announced today.

     

    Together with the two additional service points, a total of 11 service points in the bay area will be allowed to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs), benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong seniors.

     

    EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 16 designated departments at the FIFAH-SYSU, and those provided by 15 designated ZHPH departments.

         

    The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme are also applicable to the two Zhuhai hospitals.

     

    Eligible people have to register with the eHealth system. The “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application will also be extended to the two hospitals from June 26, to facilitate Hong Kong citizens in using their electronic health records across the boundary.

     

    Call 2838 2311 for enquiries on the EHCV Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN Mineral Awards 2024

    Source: ASEAN

    ASEAN Set to Honour Mining Excellence at 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards in Lao PDR

     
    The spotlight will soon shine on the region’s mining sector as ASEAN prepares to honour top-performing companies in the 4th ASEAN Mineral Awards (AMA), to be announced during the 10th ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Minerals (AMMin) in the week of 29 September 2025 in Vientiane, Lao PDR.
     
    Held biennially, the AMA recognises excellence in environmentally and socially responsible mining and minerals processing practices across Southeast Asia. The prestigious awards ceremony will take place during the AMMin Gala Dinner, a highlight of the ASEAN minerals calendar.
     
    The awards celebrate companies that have demonstrated significant contributions to sustainable development in the sector—ranging from community upliftment and workforce development, to improved resource efficiency and enhanced environmental, health and safety standards.
     
    Six awards will be given across two mineral categories:
     
    Metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing (including smelting)
    Best Practices in Distribution (including transport, handling, storage)

     
    Non-metallic Minerals:

    Best Practices in Mining
    Best Practices in Processing
    Best Practices in Distribution

     
    Launched in 2017, the AMA has become a key platform for recognising regional excellence. While the first and second editions were held in 2017 and 2019 respectively, the third edition—originally planned for 2021—was postponed to 2023 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
     
    In addition to the awards, ASEAN will unveil a special AMA Handbook showcasing the achievements of winners and finalists. The publication will document real-world examples of best practices in the region’s minerals sector, serving as a reference and inspiration for future innovation.
     
    Applicants and stakeholders are encouraged to consult the official guidelines and contact their respective ASEAN Member State Focal Points for national nomination timelines and submission procedures.
     
    —

    The post ASEAN Mineral Awards 2024 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Satellite images indicate severe damage to Fordow, but doubts remain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commercial satellite imagery indicates the U.S. attack on Iran’s Fordow nuclear plant severely damaged – and possibly destroyed – the deeply-buried site and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, but there was no confirmation, experts said on Sunday.

    “They just punched through with these MOPs,” said David Albright, a former U.N. nuclear inspector who heads the Institute for Science and International Security, referring to the Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busting bombs that the U.S. said it dropped. “I would expect that the facility is probably toast.”

    But confirmation of the below-ground destruction could not be determined, noted Decker Eveleth, an associate researcher with the CNA Corporation who specializes in satellite imagery. The hall containing hundreds of centrifuges is “too deeply buried for us to evaluate the level of damage based on satellite imagery,” he said.

    To defend against attacks such as the one conducted by U.S. forces early on Sunday, Iran buried much of its nuclear program in fortified sites deep underground, including into the side of a mountain at Fordow.

    Satellite images show six holes where the bunker-busting bombs appear to have penetrated the mountain, and then ground that looks disturbed and covered in dust.

    The United States and Israel have said they intend to halt Tehran’s nuclear program. But a failure to completely destroy its facilities and equipment could mean Iran could more easily restart the weapons program that U.S. intelligence and the U.N. International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) say it shuttered in 2003.

    ‘UNUSUAL ACTIVITY’

    Several experts also cautioned that Iran likely moved a stockpile of near weapons-grade highly enriched uranium out of Fordow before the strike early Sunday morning and could be hiding it and other nuclear components in locations unknown to Israel, the U.S. and U.N. nuclear inspectors.

    They noted satellite imagery from Maxar Technologies showing “unusual activity” at Fordow on Thursday and Friday, with a long line of vehicles waiting outside an entrance of the facility. A senior Iranian source told Reuters on Sunday most of the near weapons-grade 60% highly enriched uranium had been moved to an undisclosed location before the U.S. attack.

    “I don’t think you can with great confidence do anything but set back their nuclear program by maybe a few years,” said Jeffrey Lewis of the Middlebury Institute of International Studies at Monterey. “There’s almost certainly facilities that we don’t know about.”

    Arizona Sen. Mark Kelly, a Democrat and member of the Senate intelligence committee who said he had been reviewing intelligence every day, expressed the same concern.

    “My big fear right now is that they take this entire program underground, not physically underground, but under the radar,” he told NBC News. “Where we tried to stop it, there is a possibility that this could accelerate it.”

    Iran long has insisted that its nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.

    But in response to Israel’s attacks, Iran’s parliament is threatening to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty, the cornerstone of the international system that went into force in 1970 to stop the spread of nuclear weapons, ending cooperation with the IAEA.

    “The world is going to be in the dark about what Iran may be doing,” said Daryl Kimball, executive director of the Arms Control Association advocacy group.

    ‘DOUBLE TAP’

    Reuters spoke to four experts who reviewed Maxar Technologies satellite imagery of Fordow showing six neatly spaced holes in two groups in the mountain ridge beneath which the hall containing the centrifuges is believed to be located.

    General Dan Caine, chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, told reporters that seven B-2 bombers dropped 14 GBU-57/B MOPs, 30,000-pound precision-guided bombs designed to drive up to 200 feet into hardened underground facilities like Fordow, according to a 2012 congressional report.

    Caine said initial assessments indicated that the sites suffered extremely severe damage, but declined to speculate about whether any nuclear facilities remained intact.

    Eveleth said the Maxar imagery of Fordow and Caine’s comments indicated that the B-2s dropped an initial load of six MOPs on Fordow, followed by a “double tap” of six more in the exact same spots.

    Operation Midnight Hammer also targeted Tehran’s main uranium enrichment facility at Natanz, he said, and struck in Isfahan, the location of the country’s largest nuclear research center. There are other nuclear-related sites near the city.

    Israel had already struck Natanz and the Isfahan Nuclear Research Center in its 10-day war with Iran.

    Albright said in a post on X that Airbus Defence and Space satellite imagery showed that U.S. Tomahawk cruise missiles severely damaged a uranium facility at Isfahan and an impact hole above the underground enrichment halls at Natanz reportedly caused by a Massive Ordnance Penetrator bunker-busting bomb that “likely destroyed the facility.”

    Albright questioned the U.S. use of cruise missiles in Isfahan, saying that those weapons could not penetrate a tunnel complex near the main nuclear research center believed to be even deeper than Fordow. The IAEA said the tunnel entrances “were impacted.”

    He noted that Iran recently informed the IAEA that it planned to install a new uranium enrichment plant in Isfahan.

    “There may be 2,000 to 3,000 more centrifuges that were slated to go into this new enrichment plant,” he said. “Where are they?”

    (Reuters)

  • Amit Shah chairs key anti-Naxal meetings in Chhattisgarh, lays foundation stone for forensic institutes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Sunday chaired two high-level meetings in Raipur to review and strengthen anti-Naxal strategies in Chhattisgarh, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, and Odisha. The meetings included an Inter-State Security Coordination session with top police officials from the seven Naxal-hit states and a review of the Left Wing Extremism (LWE) situation in Chhattisgarh.

    Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai, Deputy Chief Minister and Home Minister Vijay Sharma, the Union Home Secretary, Director of the Intelligence Bureau, and other senior officials were present during the discussions.

    Praising the efforts of the state leadership, Shah said the biggest achievement of the Sai government over the past 18 months has been the revival of stalled anti-Naxal operations. He credited both the CM and Deputy CM for injecting new momentum into the campaign, boosting the morale of security forces, and showing committed leadership in the fight against extremism.

    Confidently outlining the Centre’s target, Shah asserted that India will be completely free of Naxalism by March 31, 2026. “This monsoon, Naxals won’t be able to rest as usual—our forces will continue operations with full strength,” he said.

    He also urged youth involved in Naxal activities to surrender and benefit from the state’s rehabilitation policy, calling on them to rejoin mainstream society and become part of Chhattisgarh’s development journey.

    In a push to modernize the criminal justice system, Shah laid the foundation stone for the National Forensic Sciences University (NFSU) and Central Forensic Science Laboratory (CFSL) campus in Raipur and virtually inaugurated the temporary NFSU campus. He called these developments a “historic step” that will serve not just Chhattisgarh but central India in enhancing scientific investigation capabilities.

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Free support now available for rental disputes in Victoria

    Source: Australian Capital Territory Policing

    Victorian renters and rental providers now have a fast and free service to help resolve simple rental disputes.

    Launched today, Rental Dispute Resolution Victoria (RDRV) is a dispute resolution service to help settle disputes over bonds, compensation, repairs, and excessive rents.

    Victorians can access RDRV by phone, online, or in person. Experts are available to:

    • provide information
    • contact the other party to seek a resolution
    • and support both renters and rental providers throughout the process.

    The free service offers a faster, more accessible pathway to a fair outcome, and is available to anyone experiencing a rental dispute.

    It provides an alternative to more costly options, such as Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal (VCAT) hearings.

    Visit the RDRV website to learn how they can help.

    RDRV is a part of VCAT.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the National Coordinators of the Pacific Alliance (PA) meet to review cooperation and discuss its future direction

    Source: ASEAN

    The Meeting between the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the National Coordinators of the Pacific Alliance was convened on 23 June 2025 at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, in hybrid format. The Meeting exchanged views on developments in both regions, reviewed the implementation of the ASEAN–Pacific Alliance Work Plan 2021–2026, and reaffirmed the shared commitment to deepening cooperation for mutual benefit.
     
    The Meeting was attended by the CPR, National Coordinators of the Pacific Alliance, with in-person attendance of the Ambassadors and representatives from the Embassies of Pacific Alliance Member Countries in Jakarta, representatives from the ASEAN Secretariat. Timor-Leste attended as Observer.
     

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why the US strikes on Iran are illegal and can set a troubling precedent

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    After the United States bombed Iran’s three nuclear facilities on Sunday, US President Donald Trump said its objective was a “stop to the nuclear threat posed by the world’s number one state sponsor of terror”.

    US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth echoed this justification, saying:

    The president authorised a precision operation to neutralise the threats to our national interest posed by the Iranian nuclear program and the collective self-defence of our troops and our ally Israel.

    Is this a legitimate justification for a state to launch an attack on another?

    I believe, looking at the evidence, it is not.

    Was it self defence?

    Under the UN Charter, there are two ways in which a state can lawfully use force against another state:

    • the UN Security Council authorises force in exceptional circumstances to restore or maintain international peace and security under Chapter 7

    • the right of self defence when a state is attacked by another, as outlined in Article 51.

    On the first point, there was no UN Security Council authorisation for either Israel or the US to launch an attack on Iran to maintain international peace and security. The security council has long been concerned about Iran’s nuclear program and adopted a series of resolutions related to it. However, none of those resolutions authorised the use of military force.

    With regard to self defence, this right is activated if there is an armed attack against a nation. And there’s no evidence of any recent Iranian attacks on the US.

    There have been incidents involving attacks on US assets by Iranian-backed proxy groups in the region, such as the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah. In his address to the nation on Saturday night, Trump made reference to historical incidents the US believes the Iranians were responsible for over the years.

    However, none of these actions is directly related to the strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities.

    What about a preemptive strike?

    Another possible ground the US can use to mount a case for its bombardments is anticipatory or preemptive self defence.

    Both of these aspects of self defence are controversial. They have never been clearly endorsed by the UN Security Council or the International Court of Justice.

    The US has sought to assert a fairly wide-ranging, robust interpretation of the right of self defence over many years, including both anticipatory self defence and preemptive self defence (which is particularly relevant in the Iran strikes).

    The major point of distinction between the two is whether a potential attack is imminent. Anticipatory self defence is in response to an attack on the brink of happening, such as when armed forces are massing on a border. Preemptive self defence is a step further removed, before a genuine threat materialises.

    Famously, in 2002, the administration of President George W. Bush adopted what is known as the “Bush doctrine” following the September 11 terrorist attacks.

    This doctrine was framed around the notion of preemptive self defence justifying a strike on another nation. This was one of the grounds the US used to justify its military intervention of Iraq in 2003 – that Iraq’s alleged program of weapons of mass destruction posed an imminent threat to the US.

    However, this justification was widely discredited when no evidence of these weapons was found.

    Did Iran pose an imminent threat?

    With regard to Iran’s nuclear program, an imminent threat would require two things: Iran having nuclear weapons capability, and an intent to use them.

    On capability, there have been debates about Iran’s transparency with respect to its cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

    But, importantly, the IAEA is the body that has the authorisation and capability to make judgements about a nation’s nuclear program. And it said, at this point in time, Iran did not yet have nuclear weapons capability.

    As Rafael Grossi, the head of the IAEA told the BBC:

    […]whereas until the early 2000s there used to be […] a structured and systematic effort in the direction of a nuclear device, that is not the case now.

    Trump’s statement in which he referred to the US military operation against Iran’s “nuclear enrichment facilities” was particularly striking. There was no reference to weapons. So, even the language coming out of the White House does not make reference to Iran possessing weapons at this point in time.

    Trump’s address to the nation after the Iran strikes.

    Further, many states have nuclear weapons capability, but they’re not necessarily showing intent to use them.

    Iran has a long track record of aggressive rhetoric against Israel and the US. But the critical question here is whether this equates to an intent to strike.

    What about collective defence?

    Israel began its military campaign against Iran on June 13, also arguing for the need for anticipatory or preemptive self defence to counter the threat posed by Iran’s nuclear program.

    If Israel is exercising its right to self defence consistently with the UN Charter, as it claims, it can legitimately call on the assistance of its allies to mount what is known as “collective self defence” against an attack.

    On all the available evidence, there’s no doubt the Israelis and Americans coordinated with respect to the US strikes on June 22. At face value, this is a case of collective self defence.

    But, importantly, this right is only valid under international law if the original Israeli right to self defence is legitimate.

    And here, we encounter the same legal difficulties as we do with the US claim of self defence. Israel’s claim of an imminent attack from Iran is very dubious and contentious on the facts.



    Read more:
    Are Israel’s actions in Iran illegal? Could it be called self-defence? An international law expert explains

    A concerning precedent

    The overarching concern is these strikes can set a precedent. Other states can use this interpretation of the right of self defence to launch anticipatory or preemptive strikes against other nations any time they want.

    If this practice is allowed to go unchecked and is not subject to widespread condemnation, it can seen by the international community as an endorsement – that this type of conduct is legitimate.

    There are many states acquiring conventional weapons that could be seen to pose a potential threat to their neighbours or other states. And there are several states considering the acquisition of nuclear weapons.

    One example is Japan, where there has been some debate about nuclear weapons as a deterrence to future possible threats from China.

    So, how might Japan’s actions be seen by its neighbours – namely China and North Korea? And how might these countries respond in light of the precedent that’s been set by the US and Israel?

    Should Australia condemn the US strikes?

    Australia’s Foreign Minister Penny Wong has come out in support for the US action, saying “we cannot allow Iran to have a nuclear weapon”. She hasn’t, however, addressed the legality of the US strikes.

    The Albanese government should be discussing this. There’s an expectation, in particular, on the part of Labor governments, given former leader Doc Evatt’s role in the creation of the UN Charter, that they show strong support for the rules-based international order.

    Labor governments were very critical of the way in which the Howard government engaged in the US-led invasion of Iraq, asserting there was no basis for it under international law.

    Accordingly, there’s an expectation that Labor governments should be holding all states accountable for egregious breaches of international law. And, when viewed through the lens of international law, there’s no other way you can characterise the US strikes on Iran.

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from Australian Research Council

    – ref. Why the US strikes on Iran are illegal and can set a troubling precedent – https://theconversation.com/why-the-us-strikes-on-iran-are-illegal-and-can-set-a-troubling-precedent-259542

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: MIT researchers say using ChatGPT can rot your brain. The truth is a little more complicated

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vitomir Kovanovic, Associate Professor and Associate Director of the Centre for Change and Complexity in Learning (C3L), Education Futures, University of South Australia

    Rroselavy / Shutterstock

    Since ChatGPT appeared almost three years ago, the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) technologies on learning has been widely debated. Are they handy tools for personalised education, or gateways to academic dishonesty?

    Most importantly, there has been concern that using AI will lead to a widespread “dumbing down”, or decline in the ability to think critically. If students use AI tools too early, the argument goes, they may not develop basic skills for critical thinking and problem-solving.

    Is that really the case? According to a recent study by scientists from MIT, it appears so. Using ChatGPT to help write essays, the researchers say, can lead to “cognitive debt” and a “likely decrease in learning skills”.

    So what did the study find?

    The difference between using AI and the brain alone

    Over the course of four months, the MIT team asked 54 adults to write a series of three essays using either AI (ChatGPT), a search engine, or their own brains (“brain-only” group). The team measured cognitive engagement by examining electrical activity in the brain and through linguistic analysis of the essays.

    The cognitive engagement of those who used AI was significantly lower than the other two groups. This group also had a harder time recalling quotes from their essays and felt a lower sense of ownership over them.

    Interestingly, participants switched roles for a final, fourth essay (the brain-only group used AI and vice versa). The AI-to-brain group performed worse and had engagement that was only slightly better than the other group’s during their first session, far below the engagement of the brain-only group in their third session.

    The authors claim this demonstrates how prolonged use of AI led to participants accumulating “cognitive debt”. When they finally had the opportunity to use their brains, they were unable to replicate the engagement or perform as well as the other two groups.

    Cautiously, the authors note that only 18 participants (six per condition) completed the fourth, final session. Therefore, the findings are preliminary and require further testing.

    Does this really show AI makes us stupider?

    These results do not necessarily mean that students who used AI accumulated “cognitive debt”. In our view, the findings are due to the particular design of the study.

    The change in neural connectivity of the brain-only group over the first three sessions was likely the result of becoming more familiar with the study task, a phenomenon known as the familiarisation effect. As study participants repeat the task, they become more familiar and efficient, and their cognitive strategy adapts accordingly.

    When the AI group finally got to “use their brains”, they were only doing the task once. As a result, they were unable to match the other group’s experience. They achieved only slightly better engagement than the brain-only group during the first session.

    To fully justify the researchers’ claims, the AI-to-brain participants would also need to complete three writing sessions without AI.

    Similarly, the fact the brain-to-AI group used ChatGPT more productively and strategically is likely due to the nature of the fourth writing task, which required writing an essay on one of the previous three topics.

    As writing without AI required more substantial engagement, they had a far better recall of what they had written in the past. Hence, they primarily used AI to search for new information and refine what they had previously written.

    What are the implications of AI in assessment?

    To understand the current situation with AI, we can look back to what happened when calculators first became available.

    Back in the 1970s, their impact was regulated by making exams much harder. Instead of doing calculations by hand, students were expected to use calculators and spend their cognitive efforts on more complex tasks.

    Effectively, the bar was significantly raised, which made students work equally hard (if not harder) than before calculators were available.

    The challenge with AI is that, for the most part, educators have not raised the bar in a way that makes AI a necessary part of the process. Educators still require students to complete the same tasks and expect the same standard of work as they did five years ago.

    In such situations, AI can indeed be detrimental. Students can for the most part offload critical engagement with learning to AI, which results in “metacognitive laziness”.

    However, just like calculators, AI can and should help us accomplish tasks that were previously impossible – and still require significant engagement. For example, we might ask teaching students to use AI to produce a detailed lesson plan, which will then be evaluated for quality and pedagogical soundness in an oral examination.

    In the MIT study, participants who used AI were producing the “same old” essays. They adjusted their engagement to deliver the standard of work expected of them.

    The same would happen if students were asked to perform complex calculations with or without a calculator. The group doing calculations by hand would sweat, while those with calculators would barely blink an eye.

    Learning how to use AI

    Current and future generations need to be able to think critically and creatively and solve problems. However, AI is changing what these things mean.

    Producing essays with pen and paper is no longer a demonstration of critical thinking ability, just as doing long division is no longer a demonstration of numeracy.

    Knowing when, where and how to use AI is the key to long-term success and skill development. Prioritising which tasks can be offloaded to an AI to reduce cognitive debt is just as important as understanding which tasks require genuine creativity and critical thinking.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. MIT researchers say using ChatGPT can rot your brain. The truth is a little more complicated – https://theconversation.com/mit-researchers-say-using-chatgpt-can-rot-your-brain-the-truth-is-a-little-more-complicated-259450

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: ACCWS hosts closing ceremony for Bangladeshi youth leaders in Beijing

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

    The Academy of Contemporary China and World Studies (ACCWS) hosted the closing ceremony for the 2025 Delegation of Young Leaders from Bangladesh to China on June 20 in Beijing. The event marked the end of a 10-day exchange program across Guangzhou, Shanghai and Beijing. The visit was organized by ACCWS to deepen the understanding of China’s development achievements and philosophy among the younger generation of Bangladeshi leaders.

    The exchange comes as China and Bangladesh celebrate 50 years of diplomatic relations and the China-Bangladesh Year of People-to-People Exchanges, highlighting the growing importance of bilateral ties and youth engagement.

    The program brought together over 20 young representatives from Bangladeshi universities, media outlets, think tanks and political organizations. During their stay in China, the delegates participated in seminars, field visits and cultural exchanges, exploring topics such as governance, innovation, development and international cooperation.

    Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), delivers a speech at the closing ceremony in Beijing, June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]

    Yu Tao, vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), emphasized that young people are key participants in shaping the future of China-Bangladesh relations. “Young people are not only witnesses to our friendship, but also the bridge to its future,” Yu said.

    He called on delegates to strengthen people-to-people ties through mutual learning, cross-cultural storytelling and enhanced cooperation within the Global South.

    Md Abbas, journalist from The Daily Star, shares his views during the closing ceremony in Beijing, June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]

    Md Abbas, a journalist from Bangladeshi newspaper The Daily Star, described the visit as transformative. “We exchanged not just ideas, but values, visions and dreams,” Abbas said during the closing ceremony. 

    Abdul Karim, a lecturer at Noakhali Science and Technology University, expressed his admiration for China’s urban development and its long-term planning mindset.

    Liu Zongyi, director at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), speaks at the closing ceremony in Beijing, June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]

    Liu Zongyi, director of the Center for South Asia Studies and the Research Office of Major Power Relations at the Shanghai Institutes for International Studies (SIIS), and director of the Centre for China Studies (Bangladesh), encouraged delegates to view China’s experience as a reference — not a model — and adapt what they had learned to their own national context.

    “Understanding each other’s realities is the starting point for meaningful cooperation,” Liu said.

    Delegates pose for a group photo after receiving certificates at the closing ceremony in Beijing, June 20, 2025. [Photo courtesy of ACCWS]

    Participants voiced hopes of carrying the spirit of the visit back to Bangladesh, promoting dialogue, mutual respect and a closer China-Bangladesh community with a shared future.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Indian stock market trades lower amid Middle East crisis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian equity markets opened on a weak note Monday, tracking negative global cues as escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Early trade witnessed selling pressure across key sectors, including IT and auto.

    As of 9:30 am, the BSE Sensex was down by 677.10 points or 0.82%, trading at 81,731.07. The NSE Nifty declined by 204.60 points or 0.81%, settling at 24,907.75.

    The Nifty Bank index also traded lower, shedding 387.75 points or 0.69% to reach 55,865.10. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 dropped 219.45 points or 0.38% to 57,776.05, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 45.25 points or 0.25% to 18,148.95.

    According to market analysts, the worsening geopolitical crisis—triggered by reports of the US bombing three of Iran’s nuclear facilities—is unlikely to have a deep, long-term impact on the markets unless the situation escalates significantly.

    “If Iran targets and damages US defence facilities in the region or seriously harms US military personnel, Washington’s response could be massive and might aggravate the crisis. However, the current market view is that Iran’s ability to retaliate meaningfully against the US and Israel is limited,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    He added that the closure of the strategic Hormuz Strait would likely hurt Iran and its ally China more than others, reinforcing a market outlook that still supports a “buy on dips” approach.

    Among the Sensex constituents, major laggards included Infosys, HCL Tech, Hindustan Unilever, TCS, Asian Paints, Power Grid, Reliance, and ITC. On the other hand, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharti Airtel, and Trent were among the top gainers.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for the fourth consecutive day on June 20, purchasing equities worth ₹7,940.70 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹3,049.88 crore during the same session.

    “We expect our markets to open lower in reaction to global developments but may attempt to recover from the initial losses. Immediate resistance is seen at 25,222, while support has moved up to 24,800,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

    Asian markets also reflected the cautious mood, with indices in Bangkok, Japan, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Jakarta trading in the red. Only China bucked the trend by trading in the green.

    On Wall Street, the Dow Jones closed at 42,206.82 on Friday, gaining 35.16 points or 0.08%. The S&P 500 fell by 13.03 points or 0.22% to 5,967.84, while the Nasdaq declined by 98.86 points or 0.51% to end at 19,447.41.

    — IANS

  • Indian stock market trades lower amid Middle East crisis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian equity markets opened on a weak note Monday, tracking negative global cues as escalating tensions in the Middle East weighed on investor sentiment. Early trade witnessed selling pressure across key sectors, including IT and auto.

    As of 9:30 am, the BSE Sensex was down by 677.10 points or 0.82%, trading at 81,731.07. The NSE Nifty declined by 204.60 points or 0.81%, settling at 24,907.75.

    The Nifty Bank index also traded lower, shedding 387.75 points or 0.69% to reach 55,865.10. Meanwhile, the Nifty Midcap 100 dropped 219.45 points or 0.38% to 57,776.05, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 slipped 45.25 points or 0.25% to 18,148.95.

    According to market analysts, the worsening geopolitical crisis—triggered by reports of the US bombing three of Iran’s nuclear facilities—is unlikely to have a deep, long-term impact on the markets unless the situation escalates significantly.

    “If Iran targets and damages US defence facilities in the region or seriously harms US military personnel, Washington’s response could be massive and might aggravate the crisis. However, the current market view is that Iran’s ability to retaliate meaningfully against the US and Israel is limited,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    He added that the closure of the strategic Hormuz Strait would likely hurt Iran and its ally China more than others, reinforcing a market outlook that still supports a “buy on dips” approach.

    Among the Sensex constituents, major laggards included Infosys, HCL Tech, Hindustan Unilever, TCS, Asian Paints, Power Grid, Reliance, and ITC. On the other hand, Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), Bharti Airtel, and Trent were among the top gainers.

    Foreign institutional investors (FIIs) continued their buying streak for the fourth consecutive day on June 20, purchasing equities worth ₹7,940.70 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) offloaded equities worth ₹3,049.88 crore during the same session.

    “We expect our markets to open lower in reaction to global developments but may attempt to recover from the initial losses. Immediate resistance is seen at 25,222, while support has moved up to 24,800,” said Devarsh Vakil, Head of Prime Research at HDFC Securities.

    Asian markets also reflected the cautious mood, with indices in Bangkok, Japan, Seoul, Hong Kong, and Jakarta trading in the red. Only China bucked the trend by trading in the green.

    On Wall Street, the Dow Jones closed at 42,206.82 on Friday, gaining 35.16 points or 0.08%. The S&P 500 fell by 13.03 points or 0.22% to 5,967.84, while the Nasdaq declined by 98.86 points or 0.51% to end at 19,447.41.

    — IANS

  • PM Modi pays tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on Martyrdom Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on the occasion of his Martyrdom Day (Balidan Divas), recalling his unparalleled contributions to the unity and integrity of the nation.
     
    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “Heartfelt tributes to Dr. Syama Prasad Mukherjee on his Balidan Divas. He displayed exceptional courage and determination in preserving the unity of the nation. His invaluable contribution to nation-building will always be remembered with deep respect.”
     
    Union Minister J.P. Nadda also took to X to honour Mukherjee.
     
    “I pay my heartfelt tribute to the blessed son of Mother India, the pioneer of cultural nationalism, revered Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ji on his martyrdom day, who dedicated his all for the unity, integrity and self-respect of India,” he said.
     
    “Revered Dr. Shyama Prasad Ji struggled ideologically and politically throughout his life to keep Jammu and Kashmir and West Bengal an integral part of India. To keep the flame of cultural nationalism alive in the country, he presented a new idea in the form of Jana Sangh,” Nadda added.
     
    Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also paid tribute on X,  saying, “Tributes to the founder of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, revered Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, on his martyrdom day. He sacrificed everything for the unity and integrity of the country by renouncing power. His sacrifice for the nation will always be remembered.”
     
    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath also paid homage to Mukherjee, calling him a “source of inspiration.”
     
    “Tribute to the proclaimer of ‘Nahi chalenge ek desh mein do Vidhan, do Pradhan aur do Nishan’, founder-president of Bharatiya Jana Sangh, Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee ji, on his martyrdom day!” he posted on X.
    “His sacrifice, dedicated to the unity and integrity of the nation, is a source of inspiration for all Indians.”
     
    Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee, a prominent nationalist leader and a key figure in post-independence India, is remembered for his fierce opposition to Article 370 and for playing a pivotal role in the movement to integrate Jammu and Kashmir with the rest of India.

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Overseas investment decisions twice as fast

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Associate Minister of Finance David Seymour is encouraged to see overseas investment decisions being made twice as fast following his Ministerial directive letter (the letter) to Land Information New Zealand (LINZ). 

    “Last year I issued a Ministerial directive letter setting out my expectations for faster consent processing timeframes under the Overseas Investment Act (the Act),” Mr Seymour says. 

    “The letter set my expectation that LINZ, the regulator for the Act, will process 80 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframes for decisions. 

    “The financial year beginning 1 July 2024 is on track to meet my expectations. So far, LINZ has been processing 88 per cent of consent applications in half the statutory timeframe. 

    “Since this financial year began, processing times have reduced by 39 per cent faster than the previous financial year. The average timeframe has reduced from 71 working days in the last financial year, to 28 working days this financial year. 

    “The improvements to processing times are largely owed to the new risk-based approach LINZ take to verifying information and streamlining consent processes. This recognises that the majority of consent applications are low-risk and should be processed more efficiently.

    “1 July 2024 to 19 June 2025 saw 122 applications for overseas investment, decreasing from 146 in the financial year prior (both figures exclude ‘only home to live in’ applications). The decrease is explained by a significant drop in applications for residential land development due to poor property market conditions. I expect these numbers to bounce back with the rise of the property market.

    “In order to have a strong growing economy New Zealand needs to be more welcoming to investment. Long waiting times for applications was creating uncertainty and impacting the attractiveness of investing in New Zealand. This affected New Zealand businesses that rely on overseas investment for capital or for liquidity.

    “Since delegating most decision-making to LINZ and directing officials to focus on realising the benefits of overseas investment, there has been a significant improvement in processing times.

    “Feedback from investors has been overwhelmingly positive, and they have welcomed the changes to make the application process more efficient, while still giving the right level of scrutiny to high-risk transactions.

    “LINZ still has the full statutory timeframe to process 20 per cent of consent applications, which will allow them to manage complex and higher-risk applications.

    “This week will see the first reading of thee Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill as well.

    “The Bill will consolidate and simplify the screening process for less sensitive assets, introducing a modified national interest test that will enable the regulator to triage low-risk transactions, replacing the existing benefit to New Zealand test and investor test. If a national interest risk is identified, the regulator and relevant Minister will have a range of tools to manage this, including through imposing conditions or blocking the transaction. 

    The current screening requirements will stay in place for investments in farmland and fishing quota.

    “New Zealand has been turning away opportunities for growth for too long. Having one of the most restrictive overseas investment regimes in the OECD means we’ve paid the price in lost opportunities, lower productivity, and stagnant wages. This Bill is about reversing that.   

    “For all investments aside from residential land, farmland and fishing quota, decisions must be made in 15 days, unless the application could be contrary to New Zealand’s national interest. In contrast, the current timeframe in the Regulations for the benefit test is 70 days, and the average time taken for decisions to be made is 30 days for this test,” says Mr Seymour.

    “International investment is critical to ensuring economic growth. It provides access to capital and technology that grows New Zealand businesses, enhances productivity, and supports high paying jobs.

    The Bill can be read here: Overseas Investment (National Interest Test and Other Matters) Amendment Bill 171-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications open for Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies 2026/27

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund Council:

    The Sir Edward Youde Memorial (SEYM) Fund Council announced today (June 23) that applications for the SEYM Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies and the SEYM Overseas Fellowship/Scholarship for Disabled Students for the 2026/27 academic year are now open. The closing date for applications is September 5, 2025.

    The fellowships and scholarships aim at encouraging outstanding students to pursue further studies in renowned institutions overseas. Awardees should aspire to contribute to Hong Kong and be ready to give back to the community upon graduation.

    The fellowships are for overseas studies leading to postgraduate degrees either by research or coursework. The maximum value of a fellowship is HK$300,000 per year, tenable for up to three years for a doctoral degree or two years for a master’s degree. The scholarships are for overseas studies leading to undergraduate degrees. The maximum value of a scholarship is HK$280,000 per year, tenable for up to three years.

    The applicants will be responsible for fulfilling all application procedures and admission requirements of the academic institutions of their choice.

    Information notes for the applications are available on the website of the Student Finance Office of the Working Family and Student Financial Assistance Agency (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/en/resources/forms/form.htm). Applicants should submit the completed form through the GovHK website (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/sfo031/en/). For details, please visit the website of the Sir Edward Youde Memorial Fund (www.wfsfaa.gov.hk/sfo/seymf/en/whatwedo/index.htm), or call (852) 2150 6097 or (852) 2150 6098.

    Shortlisted applicants of the Fellowships and Scholarships for Overseas Studies will be invited to attend interviews in Hong Kong. The first round of interviews is scheduled for December 2025 or January 2026. If found suitable, applicants will be invited for a final interview to be held in January or February 2026. For the Overseas Fellowship/Scholarship for Disabled Students, shortlisted applicants will be invited to attend an interview in Hong Kong in January or February 2026.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Global Electronics Association Debuts; New Name Elevates IPC’s 70-Year Legacy as Voice of $6 Trillion Electronics Industry

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Electronics Standards and Certifications Leader Unveils New Vision and Mission for Supply Chain Harmonization and Advocacy, Releases Global Trade Flows Study

    BANNOCKBURN, Ill., June 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today begins a new chapter for IPC as it officially becomes the Global Electronics Association, reflecting its role as the voice of the electronics industry. Guided by the vision of “Better electronics for a better world,” the Global Electronics Association (electronics.org) is dedicated to enhancing supply chain resilience and promoting accelerated growth through engagement with more than 3,000 member companies, thousands of partners, and dozens of governments across the globe.

    “The Board’s support and approval of this transformation shows our collective recognition that the electronics industry has fundamentally changed. The Association has expanded well beyond its beginning in printed circuit boards – we’re enabling AI, autonomous vehicles, next-generation communications, and much more,” said Tom Edman, board chair of the Global Electronics Association and president and CEO of TTM Technologies. “As we chart our path forward with our new name, we will continue and elevate our efforts to build partnerships between governments and industries, foster new investment, drive innovation across the industry, and minimize disruptions in the electronics supply chain.”

    As part of its new mission, the Association is increasing resources to strengthen advocacy, deepen industry insights, and enhance stakeholder communications — all aimed at advancing and elevating the electronics industry. To champion a resilient and growing supply chain, the Association represents the entire ecosystem of diverse subsectors that contribute to this complex industry.

    “Electronics today are the backbone of all industries, which makes its supply chain crucial to economies, governments, and everyday life,” said Dr. John W. Mitchell, president and CEO of the Global Electronics Association. “Our new mission and vision position us to work more deeply with industry and our members globally to advocate for the importance of electronics in our continuously changing world.”

    The Global Electronics Association will retain the IPC brand for the industry’s standards and certification programs, which are vital to ensure product reliability and consistency. The IPC Education Foundation is now known as the Electronics Foundation, continuing to focus on solving the talent challenges for the electronics industry.

    Global Electronics Trade Flows
    The Global Electronics Association also released a trade flows study of the global electronics industry, which now represents more than $1 in every $5 of global merchandise trade.

    Key findings include:

    • Electronics supply chains are more globally integrated than any other industry, surpassing even the automotive sector in cross-border complexity.
    • Trade inputs like semiconductors and connectors now exceed trade in finished products such as smartphones and laptops, with global electronics trade totaling $4.5 trillion in 2023, including $2.5 trillion in components alone.
    • Top exporters such as China, Vietnam, and India are among the fastest-growing importers of electronic inputs, underscoring the deep interdependence embedded in global electronics production.
    • This mutual reliance challenges the viability of reshoring and decoupling strategies, as rising export powers depend on components from across the world.

    Mitchell concluded: “Our trade flows analysis reinforces that resilience, not self-sufficiency, is the foundation of competitiveness in the electronics age. No single company or country can stand alone. The complexities of the electronics ecosystem require collaboration and partnership with others. The Global Electronics Association is here to help create a vital and thriving global electronics supply chain through industry, government, and stakeholder collaboration.”

    Global Operations Supporting Entire Value Chain
    The electronics value chain supported by the Global Electronics Association – from design to final product – encompasses original equipment manufacturers, semiconductors, printed circuit boards, assembly and manufacturing services, harnesses, materials, and equipment suppliers. The Association has operations in Belgium, China, Germany, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, Taiwan, and the United States, and a presence across dozens more countries to support its members.

    About the Global Electronics Association
    The Global Electronics Association is the voice of the electronics industry, working with thousands of members and partners to build a more resilient supply chain and drive sustainable growth. We advocate for fair trade, smart regulation, and regional manufacturing, and educate on industry practices, actionable intelligence and technical innovations to empower the future. The Association collaborates with governments and companies worldwide to advance a trusted and prosperous electronics industry. Formerly known as IPC, the organization serves a $6 trillion market and operates from offices across Asia-Pacific, Europe and North and South America. Learn more at www.electronics.org.

    Contact:
    Michelle Leff Mermelstein
    Michellemermelstein@electronics.org  
    + 1 202-661-8092 

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d245e078-4a14-42eb-b999-a98d2c7cdb94

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NZ’s plan to ‘welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime’ is not a sustainable tourism policy

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Regina Scheyvens, Professor of Development Studies, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University

    Getty Images

    Attracting more Chinese tourists to New Zealand, including during the off-season, was a major part of Prime Minister Christopher Luxon’s trade agenda during his visit to China last week. As Tourism Minister Louise Upston put it: “we welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime”.

    It’s all part of the government’s plan to “turbocharge” the tourism sector with an additional NZ$13.5 million for marketing this year. The hope is this will help double the value of tourism as an export earner by 2034.

    The China visit built on the government’s Tourism Growth Roadmap which aims to attract 3.89 million visitors by 2026, and 4.78 million by 2030-34.

    Ironically, the release of the roadmap coincided with unprecedented, organised push-back against mass tourism across southern Europe this month. Fed up with the economic and cultural impact of too much “touristification”, residents of popular cities and islands in Italy, Portugal and Spain took part in coordinated protests, some even spraying tourists with water pistols.

    Before COVID upended international tourism in 2020, similar serious concerns were voiced in New Zealand about environmental degradation, crowding and congestion, and declining public support for tourism.

    But the plan to turbocharge tourism specifically aims to return international visitor arrivals to pre-COVID levels.

    From destination management to marketing

    As part of the government’s Tourism Boost Package, money generated by the International Visitor Levy (IVL) will be spent driving demand in Australia and elsewhere over the next two years.

    But this use of the visitor levy (which was raised to $100 in October last year) seems at odds with its stated purpose. According to New Zealand Immigration, “The IVL is your contribution to maintaining the facilities and natural environment you will use and enjoy during your stay”.

    Visitor levy revenue was strategically intended to support tourism regions to protect their natural environments and maintain crucial infrastructure.

    Diverting visitor levy income to fund overall tourism growth also seems to turn a deaf ear to the 2020 interim report from the Tourism Futures Taskforce and the 2023 Tourism Adaptation Roadmap from the Aotearoa Circle industry group.

    Both were widely acknowledged for their vision and ambition to create a future tourism that served the aspirations of Māori and local communities.

    There’s also a risk of the 29 Destination Management Plans developed since 2021 (with financial support from the visitor levy) being shelved in this detour from destination management to marketing.

    Anti-tourism protesters in Barcelona brandish water pistols, June 15.
    Getty Images

    Redefining tourism ‘value’

    There are several key questions about the practical implications of the government’s growth-oriented tourism development approach.

    Firstly, staff and infrastructure limitations mean destinations and business will struggle to accommodate more numbers. As the acting mayor of MacKenzie District has noted, several businesses around Tekapo were forced to operate below capacity last summer because there was no suitable housing available for the staff, only up-market holiday rentals.

    New Zealand also faces a tourism workforce crisis. Over the past ten years, there has been a 63% drop in the number of students taking tourism-related tertiary courses, and a 73% decrease in those completing hospitality courses.

    Meanwhile, from Northland to Queenstown, basic utilities such as electricity and drinking water are being stretched beyond capacity during peak visitation times.

    Secondly, there is a real risk of environmental damage from overtourism compromising the appeal of iconic attractions and destinations.

    But despite concern over growing visitor pressure at Piopiotahi/Milford Sound over the past decade, the government recently rejected a plan to manage numbers and ban cruise ships in the inner sound.

    Thirdly, there is the risk of tourism losing its social licence, as is happening in parts of Europe, given the huge burdens on small communities. As the mayor of Queenstown said recently: “When I first started as the mayor, I think it was one resident night to every 30 visitor nights. It is now one to 47.”

    Ultimately, long-term value creation through tourism can only happen when “value” is defined in more than monetary terms and in ways that deliver for all stakeholders, including businesses, visitors, communities, mana whenua and nature.

    The government’s focus on “turbocharging” economic growth through tourism now puts at risk what little progress has been made toward a sustainable tourism model and giving the regions most affected a voice.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. NZ’s plan to ‘welcome anyone, from anywhere, anytime’ is not a sustainable tourism policy – https://theconversation.com/nzs-plan-to-welcome-anyone-from-anywhere-anytime-is-not-a-sustainable-tourism-policy-259246

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Pakistan condemns Trump’s bombing of Iran – a day after nominating him for Peace Prize

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Pakistan condemned on Sunday the strikes ordered on its neighbour Iran by Donald Trump, a day after Islamabad had said it would nominate the U.S. President for the Nobel Peace Prize.

    Pakistan on Sunday said Trump’s decision to bomb Iranian nuclear facilities violated international law and that diplomacy was the only way to resolve the Iran crisis.

    “The unprecedented escalation of tension and violence, owing to ongoing aggression against Iran is deeply disturbing. Any further escalation of tensions will have severely damaging implications for the region and beyond,” Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

    Also on Sunday, Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif telephoned Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and “conveyed Pakistan’s condemnation of the U.S. attacks,” a statement from the Pakistani leader said.

    Pakistan’s information minister and the foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment on the apparent contradiction in the country’s positions over the weekend.

    In Pakistan’s biggest city, Karachi, thousands marched in protest against the U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran.

    A large American flag with a picture of Trump on it was placed on the road for demonstrators to walk over. The protesters shouted out chants against America, Israel and Pakistan’s regional enemy India.

    Pakistan on Saturday said it was nominating Trump as “a genuine peacemaker” for his role in bringing a four-day conflict with India to an end last month. It said he had “demonstrated great strategic foresight and stellar statesmanship”.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at Hong Kong Investment Funds Association 18th Annual Conference (English only) (with photos/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association 18th Annual Conference today (June 23):

    Sam (Chairman of the Hong Kong Investment Funds Association (HKIFA), Mr Sam Yu), Your excellency Mr El-Kuwaiz (Chairman of the Capital Market Authority of Saudi Arabia, Mr Mohammad El-Kuwaiz), Consul General Mr Alhimali (Consul General of Saudi Arabia in Hong Kong, Mr Mazin Hamad Mohamad Alhimali), Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong), Eddie (Chief Executive of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, Mr Eddie Yue), Julia (Chief Executive Officer of the SFC, Ms Julia Leung), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Iran Parliament Approves Strait of Hormuz Closure Following U.S. Nuclear Strikes as Global Energy Crisis Looms

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s parliament has unanimously approved a dramatic proposal to close the Strait of Hormuz—the world’s most critical oil and gas shipping route—in direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities at Fordow, Natanz, and Isfahan. While the decision signals a potentially catastrophic escalation with global repercussions, final authority to implement the closure lies with Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, which has not yet issued a formal order.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio condemned the move as “economic suicide” and warned it would provoke a strong American and allied military response. He urged China to use its influence with Tehran to prevent the closure, citing Beijing’s heavy dependence on the waterway for oil imports. Oil prices have already begun spiking on global markets, with analysts predicting a surge well above $100 per barrel if the blockade is enforced.

    The Strait of Hormuz handles approximately 20 percent of global oil exports and a significant share of liquefied natural gas shipments, making it one of the most strategically vital maritime chokepoints in the world. Senior Iranian lawmaker and Revolutionary Guards commander Esmaeil Kowsari confirmed that parliament concluded the strait should be closed but reiterated that the Supreme National Security Council holds final decision-making authority.

    Economists warn that a full closure could trigger cascading effects on global inflation and economic stability. Major economies in Asia and Europe—heavily reliant on West Asian energy supplies—face the prospect of severe supply disruptions that could cripple industrial output and consumer markets.

    The Chinese government now faces the delicate task of balancing its strategic partnership with Iran against the potentially devastating impact on its own energy security. While Beijing has not yet issued an official statement, American diplomats are actively engaging with Chinese counterparts to urge intervention before the crisis escalates further.

    In response, U.S. military forces throughout the region have been placed on heightened alert. The Pentagon is reportedly preparing for potential naval confrontations, as any sustained closure of the Strait of Hormuz would pose an existential threat to global energy security.

    The Iranian parliament’s decision marks the most serious threat to global energy supplies since the 1980s Tanker War, when Iran and Iraq targeted commercial shipping. Current tensions in West Asia have already disrupted aviation and shipping patterns, but a Hormuz closure would represent an unprecedented blow to the global economy amid an already volatile energy landscape.

  • Heavy rains lash MP, Chhattisgarh with red alerts in some areas, Gujarat also sees heavy downpours

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Central India continued to face the brunt of active monsoon systems on Sunday, as heavy rainfall lashed large parts of Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh, severely disrupting routine life.  Gujarat continues to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past several days, leading to significant water inflows into river systems and dams, particularly in Saurashtra and south Gujarat.

    More than 22 districts across Madhya Pradesh recorded considerable precipitation, resulting in waterlogging, rising river levels, and widespread emergency response measures. Amid deteriorating weather conditions, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav’s helicopter was forced to make an unscheduled landing at the Pipariya helipad in Narmadapuram district. He later continued his journey by road to the hill station of Pachmarhi with his family.

    In a separate incident, Ujjain’s Shri Mahakaleshwar Temple witnessed a structural mishap as a portion of the ceiling plaster collapsed in the temple’s tunnel complex, reportedly due to prolonged leakage from above.

    Rainfall intensity varied across districts, with Tikamgarh recording two inches of rain over nine hours, followed by 1.5 inches in Mandla, 1.4 inches in Narmadapuram, 1 inch in Gwalior, and 45 mm across Bhopal-Raisen.

    According to the India Meteorological Department (IMD), the downpour is being driven by a strong low-pressure system over the region, enhanced by a trough from the west and an active cyclonic circulation.

    These combined systems are expected to continue delivering moderate to heavy rain, particularly in eastern and northern Madhya Pradesh. A red alert has been issued for Agar Malwa, Ujjain, Shajapur, and Rajgarh for June 23. An orange alert is in place for Neemuch and Mandsaur, while several other districts, including Vidisha, Raisen, Damoh, Chhatarpur, Satna, Rewa, and Mauganj, are likely to receive heavy rain accompanied by thunderstorms.

    Forecasts for the coming days remain grim. On June 24, very heavy rainfall is anticipated in Shahdol, Sagar, Guna, Ashoknagar, and Shivpuri, with persistent showers expected in Gwalior, Datia, Vidisha, Damoh, and Katni.

    On June 25, Panna is likely to be the focal point of very heavy rain, while Guna, Ashoknagar, Sagar, Damoh, and Chhatarpur remain on the watchlist for sustained precipitation. Chhattisgarh is also under a rain alert, with cities like Bhilai experiencing high humidity and intermittent showers.

    The IMD has urged residents across both states to remain cautious through the week and follow official advisories amid the ongoing monsoon surge. Rain triggers inflows in 206 dams in Gujarat; 8 overflowing, 14 on high alert.

    Gujarat continues to experience heavy to very heavy rainfall over the past several days, leading to significant water inflows into river systems and dams, particularly in Saurashtra and south Gujarat. As per the latest update from the India Meteorological Department (IMD), an average rainfall of 15.04 mm was recorded across 159 talukas in the state in the last 24 hours ending Sunday evening.

    According to the official data released at 5 p.m. on Sunday, new water has entered 206 dams across the state, of which eight dams are currently filled to 100 per cent capacity and 14 are on high alert due to rising water levels.

    In its status report, the IMD noted that the Narmada dam currently stands at 389.96 feet, against a full reservoir level of 454.98 feet. The reservoir data further indicates that eight dams are 100 per cent full, 26 dams have reached 70 to 100 per cent capacity, 22 dams are at 50 to 70 per cent, 57 dams are between 25 to 50 per cent and 99 dams are below 25 per cent capacity.

    In addition to the 14 dams on high alert, nine have been placed on alert, and 11 are under warning status, prompting state authorities to closely monitor the situation.

    The India Meteorological Department has also issued a red alert for extremely heavy rainfall in seven districts: Banaskantha, Rajkot, Devbhoomi Dwarka, Porbandar, Junagadh, Navsari, and Valsad. These areas are expected to face intense showers and possible waterlogging.

    An orange alert is in place for a wider belt of 24 districts, including Kutch, Morbi, Amreli, Bhavnagar, Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, Mehsana, Patan, Sabarkantha, and Surat, signalling heavy rainfall with the potential for disruption.

    Meanwhile, yellow alerts have been issued for Vadodara, Chhota Udepur, and Narmada districts, indicating a possibility of moderate to heavy rain.

    The IMD has forecast continued rainfall activity across Gujarat until June 28, urging citizens to remain cautious, especially in low-lying and flood-prone areas. Authorities are on standby, and disaster response teams have been mobilised in vulnerable districts. (IANS)

  • Iran weighs retaliation against U.S. for strikes on nuclear sites

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran and Israel traded air and missile strikes as the world braced on Monday for Tehran’s response to the U.S. attack on its nuclear sites and U.S. President Donald Trump raised the idea of regime change in the Islamic republic.

    Iran vowed to defend itself on Sunday, a day after the U.S. joined Israel in the biggest Western military action against the country since its 1979 Islamic Revolution, despite calls for restraint and a return to diplomacy from around the world.

    Commercial satellite imagery indicated the U.S. attack on Saturday on Iran’s subterranean Fordow nuclear plant severely damaged or destroyed the deeply buried site and the uranium-enriching centrifuges it housed, but the status of the site remained unconfirmed, experts said.

    In his latest social media comments on the U.S. strikes, Trump said “Monumental Damage was done to all Nuclear sites in Iran.”
    “The biggest damage took place far below ground level. Bullseye!!!” he wrote on his Truth Social platform.

    Trump earlier called on Iran to forgo any retaliation and said the government “must now make peace” or “future attacks would be far greater and a lot easier.”

    The U.S. launched 75 precision-guided munitions including bunker-buster bombs and more than two dozen Tomahawk missiles against three Iranian nuclear sites, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, General Dan Caine, told reporters.

    The U.N. nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency, said no increases in off-site radiation levels had been reported after the U.S. strikes. Rafael Grossi, the agency’s director general, told CNN that it was not yet possible to assess the damage done underground.

    A senior Iranian source told Reuters that most of the highly enriched uranium at Fordow had been moved elsewhere before the attack. Reuters could not immediately corroborate the claim.

    Tehran, which denies its nuclear programme is for anything other than peaceful purposes, sent a volley of missiles at Israel in the aftermath of the U.S. attack, wounding scores of people and destroying buildings in Tel Aviv.

    But it had not acted on its main threats of retaliation, to target U.S. bases or choke off oil shipments that pass through the Strait of Hormuz.

    Attempting to strangle Gulf oil supply by closing the strait could send global oil prices skyrocketing, derail the world economy and invite conflict with the U.S. Navy’s massive Fifth Fleet based in the Gulf.

    Oil prices jumped on Monday to their highest since January. Brent crude futures rose $1.88 or 2.44% at $78.89 a barrel as of 1122 GMT. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude advanced $1.87 or 2.53% at $75.71.

    Iran’s parliament has approved a move to close the strait, which Iran shares with Oman and the United Arab Emirates. Iran’s Press TV said closing the strait would require approval from the Supreme National Security Council, a body led by an appointee of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Caine said the U.S. military had increased protection of troops in the region, including in Iraq and Syria. The U.S. State Department issued a security alert for all U.S. citizens abroad, calling on them to “exercise increased caution.”

    The United States already has a sizeable force in the Middle East, with nearly 40,000 troops and warships that can shoot down enemy missiles.

    The Israeli military reported a missile launch from Iran in the early hours of Monday morning, saying it was intercepted by Israeli defences.

    Air raid sirens blared in Tel Aviv and other parts of central Israel. Iran has repeatedly targeted the Greater Tel Aviv – a metropolitan area of around 4 million people – the business and economic hub of Israel where there are also critical military assets.

    Iranian news agencies reported air defences were activated in central Tehran districts to counter “enemy targets”, and that Israeli air strikes hit Parchin, the location of a military complex southeast of the capital.

    REGIME CHANGE

    In a post to the Truth Social platform on Sunday, Trump raised the idea of regime change in Iran.

    “It’s not politically correct to use the term, ‘Regime Change,’ but if the current Iranian Regime is unable to MAKE IRAN GREAT AGAIN, why wouldn’t there be a Regime change??? MIGA!!!” he wrote.

    Trump’s post came after officials in his administration, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, stressed they were not working to overthrow Iran’s government.

    Israeli officials, who began the hostilities with a surprise attack on Iran on June 13, have increasingly spoken of their ambition to topple the hardline Shi’ite Muslim clerical establishment.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi is expected to hold talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow on Monday. The Kremlin has a strategic partnership with Iran, but also close links with Israel.

    Speaking in Istanbul on Sunday, Araqchi said his country would consider all possible responses and there would be no return to diplomacy until it had retaliated.

    Russia’s foreign ministry condemned the U.S. attacks which it said had undermined the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons.

    “The risk of the conflict spreading in the Middle East, which is already gripped by multiple crises, has increased significantly,” it said.

    The U.N. Security Council met on Sunday to discuss the U.S. strikes as Russia, China and Pakistan proposed the 15-member body adopt a resolution calling for an immediate and unconditional ceasefire in the Middle East.

    U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres told the Security Council the U.S. bombings in Iran marked a perilous turn in the region and urged a return to negotiations over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Budget supports more homes for Canberrans

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    • This article outlines the various measures being supported by the Budget.

    The 2025-26 ACT Budget supports the delivery of more homes for Canberrans.

    Practical initiatives will:

    • boost supply
    • increase affordability
    • deliver diverse housing to suit different stages of life.

    As well as investing in affordable homes now, the Budget lays the foundations for more equitable housing in future.

    Key initiatives include:

    • an increase to the stamp duty concession threshold to above $1 million for all eligible purchasers
    • 85 new public housing dwellings delivered through community housing providers under the Housing Australia Future Fund Facility (HAFFF)
    • additional funding for the Affordable Housing Project Fund
    • 300 affordable Build-to-Rent homes
    • seven new social housing townhouses acquired in Coombs under the Social Housing Accelerator
    • ongoing investment in the Growing and Renewing Public Housing Program to maintain and expand Canberra’s public housing portfolio.

    Stamp duty concessions

    Stamp duty concessions will be expanded.

    This makes it easier for Canberrans to enter the market and find a home that suits their needs.

    From 1 July 2025, the Government will also increase the price threshold for the Home Buyer Concession Scheme, the Pensioner Duty Concession Scheme and the Disability Duty Concession Scheme.

    Price thresholds will be indexed annually to the Canberra Consumer Price Index. In 2025-26, the threshold will be $1.02 million.

    In 2025–26, eligible Canberrans looking to buy a new apartment, townhouse or a unit-titled property off-the-plan or in a suburban area (RZ1) for $1.02 million or less may be exempt from paying stamp duty.

    This exemption aims to support development of dual occupancy properties on RZ1 blocks, contributing to more housing choice, access and affordability in our suburbs.

    Reducing stamp duty will help to lower barriers to Canberrans seeking to fulfil their goal of home ownership.

    Boosting the housing supply pipeline

    The ACT Government is committed to enabling 30,000 new homes by 2030.

    This is in partnership with the Australian Government.

    Budget investment will kickstart a significant pipeline of new housing.  A range of policy initiatives and industry incentives will support this.

    The Housing Supply and Land Release Program

    • The release of Government land will support nearly 26,000 homes over the next five years.
    • Direct investment will build social and affordable housing.
    • It’s expected new planning reforms will allow thousands more homes to be delivered on leased land.

    Housing where and how Canberrans want to live

    Budget investment will make it easier for people to find the home they need.

    It will help Canberrans at all stages of life, whether they’re buying their first home, raising a family, ageing in place, or in need of supported housing.

    This includes:

    • direct investment in new social and affordable homes
    • modernising the planning system to support medium-density supply
    • targeted reforms to improve fairness and choice in the housing market.

    Streamlining planning in the ACT

    The ACT Government is also continuing the planning work needed to ensure Canberra grows in a smart, inclusive and sustainable way.

    This includes:

    • planning for new housing and community facilities in well-located areas. This applies particularly to those around town centres, local shops and public transport corridors.
    • funding to support the Construction Productivity Agenda for the ACT of the new Planning Act. This is aimed at streamlining approvals and making things clearer for developers and the community.

    Supporting apprentices in the construction industry

    The ACT Government is also investing in construction skills and trades and productivity.

    The Budget supports an increase to apprenticeship subsidies for training in six key construction trades.

    Subsidies will rise to 90 per cent. This increase builds on existing investment in electrotechnology apprenticeships.

    Investing in industry training will shape the workforce needed to build more homes.

    Developing a future construction workforce

    The ACT Government is also investing in measures to further build the workforce needed to meet housing targets. These include:

    • an increase in training subsidies to 90 per cent for carpenters, plumbers, tilers, bricklayers and other critical construction trades
    • the Try-a-Trade program in ACT public high schools to support more young women to enter the construction industry
    • a $250 cost-of-living payment to apprentices and trainees
    • an extra $250 for first-year apprentices and trainees. This complements the $10,000 payments available under the Commonwealth’s residential construction training incentive.

    The Government will also continue to progress missing middle housing reforms, as well as supporting more well-located homes close to transport, services and jobs.

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI China: SW China city brewing champion coffee culture

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

    Guiyang, in southwest China’s Guizhou Province, has earned the title “City of Coffee Champions,” a remarkable feat for a region that grows no coffee beans but fosters champion baristas and thousands of cafes.

    Its streets, lined with over 3,000 cafes boasting a density surpassing even that of east China’s Shanghai, serve as the training ground for an elite cadre of baristas dominating global competitions.

    PIONEER SHOPS TO WORLD STAGE

    Guiyang’s coffee culture started in 2005 when pioneering cafes introduced specialty coffee years before it became mainstream in China. This sparked passion in a generation of young coffee enthusiasts.

    Peng Jinyang is among the pioneers. In May 2025, the Guiyang native won the World Brewers Cup Championship in Jakarta, Indonesia. Already China’s 2024 champion, this marked the first such win for a Chinese mainland competitor since 2019.

    Peng discovered specialty coffee in a Guiyang cafe during high school. His career faced early struggles — his first coffee bean venture sold only 40 bags in its opening month. He then temporarily diversified his business before again focusing solely on coffee roasting via his Captain George brand.

    To improve his skills, Peng traveled for training purposes and learned directly from world champions. He also brought global expertise back to Guiyang by organizing workshops featuring top baristas.

    His competitive record is impressive — champion roaster at Taiwan’s Takao International Coffee Competition (2016), repeated top finishes in the China Brewers Cup Championship (CBrC), and his recent world title. His team, meanwhile, has dominated the CBrC for five consecutive years since 2020.

    Notably, Guiyang has so far nurtured more than 10 world and national titleholders.

    COMMUNITY COFFEE CULTURE

    Black Rock Coffee owner Lei Ming faced a critical choice during a 2017 business slump. Rather than close down, he opted to borrow money to renovate and deepen his coffee expertise. This risk succeeded handsomely.

    After the renovation, his customer base recovered, while Lei also transitioned from competitor to certified coffee judge. During this year’s Dragon Boat Festival, Black Rock served over 300 cups daily, with tourists making up nearly 75 percent of its patrons.

    Lei’s story echoes that of Liu Kaisheng, who started as a barista at one of Guiyang’s earliest specialty coffee cafes. Unhappy with the inconsistent bean quality, Liu taught himself roasting, progressing from temporary setups to a professional studio.

    “Focus entirely on the quality of coffee,” he said. Such dedication is common among Guiyang cafe owners — many of whom are both competition champions and certified judges.

    LOCAL FLAVORS DRIVE INNOVATION

    Guiyang’s cafes stand out through specializing in niches like roasting, brewing, latte art and creative drinks, thereby building unique identities in a crowded market.

    Innovation often carries a local flavor. Lei’s unexpected fusion, a blending of Guiyang’s fish mint with an Americano, evolved from a curiosity into a signature hit. In addition, his “One Bean, Three Ways” menu, pairing single-origin coffee with regional ingredients like fish mint, became a bestseller.

    Beyond taste, unique spaces also fuel the Guiyang coffee scene. Orchard Coffee, housed in a concrete-and-glass structure resembling an art community more than a traditional cafe, merges a roastery with an educational hub. Founder Qiang Hua, himself a top competition judge, said that “champions aren’t just about brewing well — they must elevate the entire industry and push peers forward.”

    At Good Coffee, meanwhile, artistry is evident on the cup. Cups hand-painted by owner Luo Nianyu and her team transform each serving into a unique canvas, earning the cafe a reputation as Guiyang’s “most warm-hearted.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Behind Labubu craze: China’s rise as global IP powerhouse

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

    Toys themed on Labubu, a popular furry doll from Chinese toy company Pop Mart, are pictured during the opening ceremoy of a new offline store of Pop Mart in Bangkok, Thailand, July 5, 2024. (Xinhua/Sun Weitong)

    The shop floor of a pajama factory in Jiangsu Province, east China, had stood still for some time before recently springing back to life, its resurrection kickstarted by a fluffy toy.

    “Labubu was not really my cup of tea, but now I think it is adorable,” said Qiu Zunzun, general manager of Shuofeng daily necessities company in Suzhou, jokingly.

    With its signature spiky toothed grin, Labubu has taken the world by storm. Noticing the craze, Qiu, spotted a gap in the market — outfits for collectors to dress up their fluffy friends. So, he bought some toy samples and cloth, and by the end of May, the factory was rolling out dresses for the little imp.

    “In less than 20 days we produced more than 80 kinds of doll’s dresses, with a turnover of about 170,000 yuan (about 23,643 U.S. dollars).” Qiu estimated that with orders still growing, the monthly sales revenue could reach 1 million yuan.

    The punky, cute, bunny-eared creature from China has inspired fans around the world to line up for a chance to own one. It is the latest case of Chinese IP globalization, which signals a shift in China’s role from a manufacturing hub to a source of original cultural exports, and injects vitality into traditional industries.

    CHINESE IP GOES ABROAD

    Maraid Vintena in Sydney, Australia, lined up for an hour earlier this week to check the Pop Mart Labubu vending machine in her suburb. “There are four Pop Mart vending machines near my house,” she said. “But most of the time, they’re sold out. I check their website like ten times a day… I’m really addicted, but it’s fun.”

    “As you get older, life is a little bit mundane. Something small, like a Labubu, a blind box, is like a little bit of excitement,” Vintena said, explaining why she fell in love with the doll.

    Amid the ever-growing Labubu craze, fashion brand Uniqlo has announced to partner with Pop Mart for their new collection The Monsters.

    It is not the only Chinese IP which gained recognition around the world. From the hit video game “Black Myth: Wukong” last year that amassed 1.04 million concurrent players merely an hour after its debut, to the cinematic marvel of “Ne Zha 2,” which has risen to the fifth spot on the worldwide box office chart, success of Chinese IP shows the rise of both cultural confidence and the empowerment of the country’s industrial system, said Wang Ruotong, a researcher with the Tianjin Foreign Studies University.

    Beyond the cultural sector, a number of Chinese brands have made inroads into the world-class IP categories, from the artificial intelligence (AI) to new energy vehicles and consumer technology.

    Data from China’s General Administration of Customs shows that China sustained its growth momentum on exports of new energy vehicles, with the volume of pure electric car exports topping 2 million units for the first time in 2024.

    Chinese carmaker BYD is establishing factories in Thailand and Mexico, integrating Chinese aesthetics into automotive design.

    In the AI domain, China has made holistic advancements in AI development, fostering a thriving AI industrial ecosystem. The country now hosts over 400 “little giant” firms — specialized small and medium-sized enterprises that excel in niche AI markets, including AI innovator DeepSeek.

    The vibrant growth of creative Chinese IPs has been driven by China’s booming domestic cultural consumption and a solid industrial manufacturing foundation. As China shifts from mass production to smart, high-end manufacturing, the fusion of aesthetics and craftsmanship is driving the country’s manufacturing sector to move up the global value chain.

    In 2024, China’s per-capita expenditure on education, culture, and entertainment registered 3,189 yuan, marking a 9.8-percent increase and accounting for 11.3 percent of total per-capita consumption spending, according to the National Bureau of Statistics. The continuously expanding cultural consumption market is emerging as a robust engine driving the development of China’s IP industry.

    INJECTING VITALITY INTO TRADITIONAL INDUSTRIES

    At Yiwu International Trade Market, buyers carrying black plastic bags walk from one booth to another asking “do you have dresses for Labubu?” The global frenzy for this tiny creature has offered business opportunities for China’s “world supermarket”.

    In Zhu Hui’s store, one could not only find shirts, trousers and skirts for Labubu, but also accessories like glasses and hats. “Our dresses are sold at seven to 15 yuan a piece, while the accessories are one or two yuan each,” she said.

    Zhu’s store opened only half a month ago, with number of orders increasing quickly. “At first we received orders for dozens or several hundred pieces a day, but now it is more than 10,000 pieces,” she said. Zhu has about 50 workers in her factory, all of whom are working overtime recently.

    Inspired by Labubu, other toy producers also tried to make their products more attractive.

    Sun Lijuan is manager of the Yiwu Hongsheng Toys Factory, which exports dolls to more than 80 countries and regions in South America, Middle East, Central Asia, Europe and Africa.

    “Our dolls can talk, sing and tell stories,” she said. Recently they are applying AI technology to create products to meet different needs of consumers.

    Sun told Xinhua that in recent years, they had witnessed the development of new technology which has empowered their business and helped them avoid homogeneous competition. Their toy factory was founded 13 years ago, but in recent years its turnover has been growing steadily.

    “The greatest potential for future IP to go global lies in the continuous development of content and its deep integration with technology,” said Wang Ruotong. “With the maturation of technologies such as AI and virtual reality, the presentation of IP is going towards immersive and interactive experience.”

    “China has a solid foundation in manufacturing,” she continued. “Therefore, the popularity of Labubu this time brought a huge development opportunity to this industry. I’m sure that in the future there will be more Labubus emerging.” 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 9,033.70 5.25 4.75-6.55
         I. Call Money 1,610.95 5.12 4.75-5.30
         II. Triparty Repo 4,634.75 5.17 5.00-6.25
         III. Market Repo 54.00 5.00 5.00-5.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,734.00 5.47 5.40-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 16,583.27 5.28 4.80-5.35
         II. Term Money@@ 459.00 – 5.30-5.75
         III. Triparty Repo 3,90,573.45 5.23 5.20-5.40
         IV. Market Repo 1,83,185.10 5.13 1.00-5.50
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 20/06/2025 1 Sat, 21/06/2025 2,109.00 5.75
      Fri, 20/06/2025 2 Sun, 22/06/2025 0.00 5.75
      Fri, 20/06/2025 3 Mon, 23/06/2025 550.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 20/06/2025 1 Sat, 21/06/2025 2,86,050.00 5.25
      Fri, 20/06/2025 2 Sun, 22/06/2025 0.00 5.25
      Fri, 20/06/2025 3 Mon, 23/06/2025 17,836.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,01,227.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,032.31  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,032.31  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,94,194.69  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 20, 2025 9,46,593.60  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025 9,54,173.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 20, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 30, 2025 5,84,684.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/576

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to extend to Zhuhai from June 26

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (June 23) that the Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University (FIFAH-SYSU) and Zhuhai People’s Hospital (ZHPH) in Zhuhai will launch the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme this Thursday (June 26), accepting eligible Hong Kong elderly persons to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) to pay for outpatient healthcare services at designated departments. With the two additional service points, the number of service points in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) where EHCVs can be used will increase to 11, benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong elderly persons.
     
    EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 16 designated departments at the FIFAH-SYSU, including Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Orthopedics, Department of Cardiology, Department of Neurology, Department of Gynecology, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Dermatology, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Otolaryngology – Head & Neck Surgery, Department of Stomatology, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Psychiatry and Psychology, Department of Clinical Nutrition, Health Management Center and Department of Emergency Medicine.
     
    For ZHPH, EHCVs are applicable for outpatient healthcare services provided by 15 designated departments, including Department of Internal Medicine, Department of Surgery, Department of Orthopaedics, Department of Gynecology, Department of Ophthalmology, Department of Stomatology, Department of Otorhinolaryngology, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Department of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine, Department of General Medicine, Health Management Center, Department of Dermatology, Department of Psychological Counseling and Department of Clinical Nutrition.
     
    The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme under the EHCV Scheme are equally applicable to the FIFAH-SYSU and ZHPH. In other words, when an elderly person receives designated primary healthcare outpatient services for health checks, preventive health services, and follow-up/monitoring of long-term conditions at the designated departments, the EHCV spending for that service encounter can be accumulated for the allotment of rewards. Further information and treatment flow are set out in the Annex.

         The fees for the healthcare services provided by the pilot medical institutions are denominated in Renminbi. Medical institutions will make EHCV claims for elderly persons, and the EHCV amount deducted in Hong Kong dollars will be calculated according to a monthly updated voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme. The monthly voucher conversion factor under the EHCV Scheme will be displayed at the cashier offices of the medical institutions for reference by the elderly.
     
         “Elderly persons cannot use EHCVs together with national medical insurance to pay for the fees of the same healthcare service encounter. The scope of using EHCVs on the Mainland is the same as that in Hong Kong, which does not include inpatient services, prepaid healthcare services and day surgery procedures. EHCVs cannot be used solely for the purchase of goods, medication, medical equipment or products, nor can they be redeemed for cash,” the spokesperson reminded.
     
         Hong Kong elderly persons should register with eHealth before using EHCVs at any designated service point in the GBA. To facilitate Hong Kong citizens in using electronic health records (eHRs) across the boundary in a secure manner and to enhance the continuity of healthcare services, the “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application (eHealth App) will be extended to the two hospitals from the same day (June 26). In addition, elderly persons can also use the eHealth App to check their EHCV balance and usage record, as well as access at any time important information such as their medications, allergies and adverse drug reactions stored in the eHealth App. If elderly persons wish to use EHCVs at the GBA medical institutions but they have not yet registered with eHealth, the medical institutions will instantly register them for eHealth upon their consent so that they can use EHCVs right away.
     
         If elderly persons suspect that the participating medical institutions have violated the EHCV Scheme rules, they can call the EHCV Scheme hotline (2838 2311) to provide relevant information and details to the Health Care Voucher Division of the Department of Health (DH). All suspected cases of violation of the EHCV Scheme rules or false declarations will be strictly dealt with by the DH. Furthermore, each GBA medical institution has set up an enquiry and complaint hotline. Elderly persons can also offer their views to the relevant medical institution or file complaints against the medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme to the health authority at the provincial or city level if necessary. Members of the public can visit the following thematic website (www.hcv.gov.hk/en/hcv_gba_pilot_scheme/index.html) for more information.
     
         The Government launched the Pilot Scheme in 2024 to extend the coverage of EHCVs to seven integrated medical/dental institutions in the GBA, covering Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen, and offering more convenience and flexibility to the eligible Hong Kong elderly persons. The Government announced the extension of Pilot Scheme in May 2025, further increasing the service points to cover all nine Mainland cities in GBA. With the extension of the Pilot Scheme to 12 additional medical institutions offering integrated healthcare services (including dental services), together with the two existing service points operated by the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital, eligible elderly persons can use EHCV at a total of 21 service points in the GBA cities.
     
    The Government is actively preparing the implementation of the Pilot Scheme in the remaining 10 medical institutions included in the Pilot last month. It is expected that relevant arrangements will be launched gradually in the second half of this year.
     
    Members of the public may visit the EHCV Scheme website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the hotline (2838 2311) for more information on the EHCV Scheme.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Firing practice for July 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Firing practice for July 2025 
         Red flags or red lamps will be hoisted at the firing areas before and during firing practice. For their safety, people are advised not to enter the firing area.
     
         Following are the dates and times for the firing practice sessions in July 2025:
     
    San Wai/Tai Ling Firing Range
    ————————————-
     

    DateJuly 3 (Thursday)
    July 4 (Friday)
    July 5 (Saturday)
    July 7 (Monday)
    July 8 (Tuesday)
    July 9 (Wednesday)
    July 10 (Thursday)
    July 11 (Friday)
    July 12 (Saturday)
    July 14 (Monday)
    July 15 (Tuesday)
    July 16 (Wednesday)
    July 17 (Thursday)
    July 18 (Friday)
    July 19 (Saturday)
    July 21 (Monday)
    July 22 (Tuesday)
    July 23 (Wednesday)
    July 24 (Thursday)
    July 25 (Friday)
    July 26 (Saturday)
    July 28 (Monday)
    July 29 (Tuesday)
    July 30 (Wednesday)
    July 31 (Thursday)8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pmTsing Shan Firing Range
    ——————————-
     

    DateJuly 3 (Thursday)
    July 4 (Friday)
    July 5 (Saturday)
    July 7 (Monday)
    July 8 (Tuesday)
    July 9 (Wednesday)
    July 10 (Thursday)
    July 11 (Friday)
    July 12 (Saturday)
    July 14 (Monday)
    July 15 (Tuesday)
    July 16 (Wednesday)
    July 17 (Thursday)
    July 18 (Friday)
    July 19 (Saturday)
    July 21 (Monday)
    July 22 (Tuesday)
    July 23 (Wednesday)
    July 24 (Thursday)
    July 25 (Friday)
    July 26 (Saturday)
    July 28 (Monday)
    July 29 (Tuesday)
    July 30 (Wednesday)
    July 31 (Thursday)8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pm
    8am-9pmIssued at HKT 11:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –