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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – With the onset of the rainy season, the situation of earthquake victims in Mandalay is becoming increasingly critical

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Mandalay (Agenzia Fides) – Three months after the devastating earthquake of March 28, 2025, the area around Mandalay in north-central Myanmar has been hit by heavy rains and thunderstorms for more than three weeks. Due to the persistent rains and aftershocks, some buildings already damaged by the earthquake have collapsed, causing further difficulties for the affected communities. This is according to a report by the Emergency Rescue Team for humanitarian assistance of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, sent to Fides, which states: “Many people are still spending the night outdoors or in makeshift shelters. Many houses have been damaged or destroyed by the earthquake, forcing families to sleep outdoors. In and around Mandalay, people are using tarpaulins, tents, or bamboo structures to protect themselves from the weather. Access to clean water, sanitation, and essential goods remains limited, and local assistance is barely sufficient to meet the urgent needs of the affected communities.”With the onset of the monsoon, the report states, the situation for earthquake victims is likely to become even more difficult: “The makeshift shelters, often made of tarpaulin or bamboo, will not be able to withstand heavy rains and winds. We fear that flooding and poor sanitation will increase the risk of waterborne diseases, especially for children and the elderly. Without urgent assistance in providing more permanent shelters and improving sanitation conditions, the safety and well-being of large segments of the population will be seriously threatened during the rainy season.”Meanwhile, the diocese has provided undamaged structures and church buildings or rooms to house the displaced. “Makeshift tents have been set up by earthquake victims at the St. Michael’s Parish complex in Mandalay. Among those affected are not only Catholics but also Buddhists. Their homes were severely damaged and have not yet been repaired,” the report states.Volunteers from the diocesan team are distributing humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims, others have taken charge of the repair of damaged church buildings, and still others are leading emergency relief teams. Priests and religious who share the fate of the refugees are still sleeping outside their usual residence, for example, in the courtyard of the archbishop’s complex. Fr. Peter Kyi Maung, secretary of the archdiocese, explains: “Our rooms were damaged by the earthquake and are not safe at the moment. We have made ourselves comfortable sleeping places with simple sheets and mosquito nets in the open areas of the complex. Until the necessary repairs are carried out, we have no choice but to continue living in these makeshift conditions. But all the volunteers and faithful are working hard every day to improve the situation bit by bit. The Lord gives us the strength to continue.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI Europe: From Mongolia to the Apostolic memory of Rome: The “ad limina Petri” pilgrimage of a small missionary Church

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 19 June 2025

    by Gianni ValenteLess than three years ago, Peter’s successor came to visit them in Ulaanbaatar, even traveling in a wheelchair. Now, some of them have come from there to visit Peter, venerate his memory, and also greet his new Successor. In total, there are 26 people, including their bishop, the missionary Cardinal Giorgio Marengo. Among them are Cecilia, from the Prefecture’s media office, and Amanda, head of the spirituality house. Also present is Amaraa, a driver who does everything, and Zulaa, the cook. In addition, there is the treasurer Andrea, a Salesian brother from Vietnam, and the Korean priest Peter Hong with the 10 parishioners of St. Mary’s Church. A small remnant of the the Catholic community in Mongolia, almost 1,500 souls scattered among those 3.5 million fellow Buddhists, Muslims, and non-believers. From June 15 to 18, they made their Jubilee pilgrimage to the Eternal City, passing first through Turin and then arriving in Assisi. A journey to the apostolic sources of the Church of Rome, undertaken by the sons and daughters of a small and young missionary Church. Days tinged with gratitude, full of many surprising experiences with a reality in which they were also able to recognize something familiar.One does not become a Christian aloneBefore leaving Ulaanbaatar, the pilgrims had studied the history and treasures of Rome’s four papal basilicas, thus preparing themselves to better understand everything they were about to see and hear. Their first fraternal encounter in the Italian capital took place with the parish community of St. Jude Thaddeus, a Roman church dedicated to the apostle of the same name, located in the Appio Latino neighborhood and entrusted to Cardinal Giorgio Marengo. After Mass, they shared a communal lunch in a fraternal atmosphere. In that environment, the simple and profound faith of the Mongolian Catholics made itself felt with clear and direct words, full of apostolic authenticity. “To bring the message of Jesus to Mongolia,” explained Rufina Chamingerel, “the Church did not send parcels of books, but people, like living books.”Saint Peter came from Jerusalem to Rome, where he was martyred. “The Gospel comes from outside,” Pope Leo recalled last Saturday, evoking the figure of Saint Irenaeus, the great theologian who came from Asia Minor and died a martyr as Bishop of Lyon. Rufina echoed that same thing today: “We could not have converted to Christianity on our own if the missionaries had not arrived. The faith has reached us because missionaries, both men and women, have arrived here too.”On Sunday afternoon, led by Cardinal Marengo, the Mongolian pilgrims visited the Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major – Rome’s Bethlehem – which houses the relics of the Nativity of Jesus, the icon of the mary Salus Populi Romani, and now the remains of Pope Francis. “At one point,” Rufina recalled, “Pope Francis wanted to come to Mongolia in person. He, who was the Pope, wanted to visit us as a missionary. His presence among us moved us deeply and gave us great comfort in the faith.”Peter’s Tomb and Pope LeoDuring the visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo led his Mongolian friends to the tomb of the Apostle Peter to pray together. There, in the heart of a memory guarded for almost two thousand years, they savored the intimate spiritual affinity that unites the small Christian community of Mongolia with the heart of the Church of Rome and with the events recounted in the Acts of the Apostles: words, gestures, joys, and tribulations of those who saw Jesus and lived with Him. Rufina, like Cecilia and many other Mongolian converts, bears the name of a Roman martyr from the early centuries. Her name was suggested by a nun after having told her the story of the young Rufina, daughter of Senator Astrius, killed along with her sister Secunda during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian. What awakened in her the desire to be baptized, she recalls today, were the parish priest’s homilies: “He described a life and a reality that I felt I had longed for since I was a child. Now I am on my way. In the first steps, one experiences the enthusiasm of the beginning. Then, little by little, I realize that it is necessary to ask each day to begin again.” “We must live our daily lives in faith, with all their challenges. The important thing is that I perceive more and more clearly the dialogue between my daily life and faith.”Thus, in Mongolia too, the mystery of hearts that become Christians happens again by grace. In the young Church of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, a precious experience is quietly blossoming for the entire universal Church, which today more than ever needs to recognize itself as nascent and humbly look back on the origins of Christianity.Even Pope Leo was able to embrace the witness of these new Catholics and find solace in their faith when he welcomed the Mongolian pilgrims on Tuesday, June 17, at the Apostolic Palace.”We were very happy to meet Pope Leo. “We recalled the dimension of the Church in Mongolia as a ‘nascent Church,’ as Pope Francis had also described it,” Cardinal Giorgio Marengo told Fides. “It was beautiful to recall with him Pope Francis’s trip to Mongolia. We thanked our Mongolian faithful present during this pilgrimage for their witness of faith, knowing that for them, the choice to become Christians is not at all easy. We asked Pope Leo to pray for us and asked him to come to Mongolia too.”The Mission of the Church and prayer for the NovenaOn Wednesday, June 18, the pilgrims from Mongolia met with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, at the historic Palace of Propaganda Fide.The experience of the small ecclesial community in Mongolia seems to be able to provide valuable insights for the entire Church, beginning with those who, by virtue of their condition and vocation, are more directly involved in the apostolic and missionary work of the Church. This is what emerges from the words and images used by Rufina, head of the Pastoral Office of the Apostolic Prefecture in Ulaanbaatar, when asked about her work. “We support Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the missionaries, the parishes; we help them continue their service, taking into account what is needed day by day, moment by moment.” Sometimes it is a matter of finding a small prayer, writing a brief catechesis, doing a translation, or preparing a meeting,” she explains.The daily effort consists of recognizing what ecclesial life needs, grasping real needs, and trying to respond to them. “In recent weeks,” Rufina continues, giving concrete images of her daily work, “we have mobilized so that all the parishes in the prefecture share the same prayers for the Pentecost Novena.”These are simple initiatives, inspired by the shared treasure of the universal Church, that nourish the faith of a growing community. This same simplicity is also revealed in the requests of the faithful. “Those who have recently converted to Christianity always ask us for simple, essential things for their journey in faith. Twenty years ago,” Rufina recalls, “when I was a young catechist, we were delighted to find a useful image for catechesis. Now, with the Internet, there are more possibilities, but we continue to respond to the needs that concrete reality poses to us.”In Mongolia, ecclesial works are not born from a desire for protagonism or abstract voluntarism. They flourish only to respond to real needs, with a perseverance that can only be based on gratitude. (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
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  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) (www.AfDB.org), demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries. 

    Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development. 

    The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent. 

    Key findings from the 2024 ERI: 

    • Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance. 
    • A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022.  
    • Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024.  
    • Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33. 
    • The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground. 

    Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge. 

    “The 2024 ERI shows that Africa’s regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. 

    For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade. 

    As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development. 

    Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges 

    While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations.  

    The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness:  

    • Strengthening regulatory independence 
    • Enhancing accountability mechanisms 
    • Promoting transparency and predictability 
    • Improving stakeholder participation 
    • Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies. 

    “The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group. 

    Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies.  

    The full ERI 2024 report will be available here (https://apo-opa.co/4kPeDmZ). 

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact: 
    Gertrude Kitongo
    Communication and External Relations Department 

    Technical Contact: 
    Callixte Kambanda
    Manager, Energy Policy, Regulations, and Statistics 
    email: c.kambanda@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. 

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, New Zealand should place greater emphasis on cooperation 2025-06-20 19:03:40 Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling on both sides to place greater emphasis on cooperation.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

      BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping met with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon in Beijing on Friday, calling on both sides to place greater emphasis on cooperation.

      For more than 50 years, since the establishment of diplomatic ties, China-New Zealand relations have long been at the forefront of China’s relations with Western developed countries, Xi said.

      As the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership enters its second decade, both sides should work to grow the partnership and bring more benefits to the two peoples, he said.

      Xi stressed that China and New Zealand should place greater emphasis on cooperation in bilateral relations, leverage their complementary strengths, deepen trade and investment cooperation, and explore potential for cooperation in scientific and technological innovation, climate change, and infrastructure.

      He encouraged both sides to strengthen exchanges in education, culture, youth and at non-governmental and sub-national levels. 

      Chinese President Xi Jinping meets with New Zealand’s Prime Minister Christopher Luxon, who is on an official visit to China, at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, capital of China, June 20, 2025. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • Iran says no nuclear talks under Israeli fire, Trump considers options

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

    A week after it began attacking Iran, Israel’s military said it had carried out new strikes on dozens of military targets overnight, including missile production sites and a research organisation involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran.

    Iran launched at least one new barrage of missiles early on Friday, striking near residential apartments, office buildings and industrial facilities in the southern city of Beersheba.

    The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on “whether or not to go” with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday there was no room for negotiations with Israel’s superpower ally the United States “until Israeli aggression stops”.

    But he was due to meet European foreign ministers in Geneva later on Friday for talks at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Two diplomats said before the meeting involving France, Britain, Germany and the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Araqchi would be told the U.S. is still open to direct talks. Expectations for a breakthrough are low, diplomats say.

    Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks.

    Reuters could not independently verify the death toll from either side. Details of casualties in the latest strikes were not immediately known.

    CIVILIANS KILLED

    Both sides say they are attacking military and defence-related targets, but civilians have also been caught in the crossfire and each has accused the other of hitting hospitals.

    An Iranian news website said a drone had struck an apartment in a residential building in central Tehran on Friday, but did not give details.

    Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations so far pose only limited risks of contamination, experts say. But they warn that any attack on the nuclear power station at Bushehr could cause a nuclear disaster.

    Israel says it is determined to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but that it wants to avoid any nuclear disaster in a region that is inhabited by tens of millions of people and produces much of the world’s oil.

    The meeting in Geneva was due to start on Friday afternoon. The Swiss city is where an initial accord was struck in 2013 to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. A comprehensive deal followed in 2015.

    Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018. A new series of talks between Iran and the U.S. collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12.

    Trump has alternated between threatening Tehran and urging it to resume nuclear talks. His special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say.

    The Middle East has been on edge since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked it in October of 2023, triggering the Gaza war, and Israel has been fighting on several fronts against Iran’s regional allies.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday of further action against Iranian ally Hezbollah, a day after the Lebanese militant group suggested it would come to Iran’s aid.

    Western and regional officials say Israel is trying to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday “the downfall of the regime … may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.”

    Iranian opposition groups think their time may be near, but activists involved in previous protests say they are unwilling to unleash mass unrest with their nation under attack, and Iranian authorities have cracked down hard on dissent.

    “How are people supposed to pour into the streets? In such horrifying circumstances, people are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets,” said Atena Daemi, a prominent activist who spent six years in prison before leaving Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • Four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in a decade, says PM Modi in Siwan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting his government’s sustained efforts to uplift the poor and dismantle the legacy of deprivation left by previous regimes.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering in Siwan district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore, the Prime Minister said his government had delivered tangible results where previous governments had offered only slogans.
     
    “For decades, the country heard only slogans about poverty eradication,” PM Modi said. “But in the past ten years, a record 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty. Institutions like the World Bank have also acknowledged this achievement.”
     
    He noted that Bihar, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has played a pivotal role in this national transformation. “More than half of Bihar’s population once lived in extreme poverty,” he said. “But in the last ten years alone, nearly four crore people in the state have moved out of poverty. This is a remarkable turnaround.”
     
    PM Modi noted that for decades after independence, it wasn’t a lack of effort that held the poor back, but the absence of opportunities to move ahead. He said that even basic services were entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, turning routine tasks into major challenges. “People had to approach MPs just to get a gas connection, and bribes or personal contacts were often the only way to secure employment,” he said. He added that these conditions impacted Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities the most.
     
    He accused previous governments of turning the dreams of the poor into an opportunity for a select few families to accumulate wealth. “They sold dreams of poverty eradication, but only a handful became millionaires and billionaires,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, the government has worked tirelessly to remove every hurdle from the path of the poor. “As a result, visible and impactful outcomes are now before the nation,” he said. Over four crore poor families across India have been provided with pucca houses under government schemes, he added, with another three crore houses planned. In Bihar alone, more than 57 lakh houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including over 1.10 lakh homes in Siwan district.
     
    He also noted that housing installments were disbursed for over 50,000 families in Bihar today. “What makes me proud is that a majority of these homes are registered in the names of women. Women who never had any property in their names are today becoming proud homeowners,” he said.
     
    PM Modi said that the Centre was not only providing housing, but also ensuring food, electricity, and water for every household. “More than 12 crore new households in the country have been connected with tap water. In Siwan alone, over 4.5 lakh families received water connections for the first time,” he said. He added that efforts were underway to ensure every rural household has access to clean drinking water and that urban infrastructure is being upgraded through the approval of new pipeline and sewage treatment projects across multiple cities in Bihar.
     
    Taking aim at previous administrations, the Prime Minister said their record on development was dismal. “Whenever these parties speak of development, people are reminded of shuttered shops, stalled businesses, and collapsed industries,” he said, accusing them of promoting a climate of lawlessness, corruption, and mafia control. “They have always been anti-Bihar and anti-investment. That is why they have never been able to win the trust of Bihar’s youth,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that all the developmental efforts currently underway are driven by a vision to create a better life for the poor, the backward, and the middle class. “These projects are not just infrastructure initiatives. They are steps towards restoring dignity, ensuring justice, and securing the future for generations to come,” PM Modi added.

  • Bihar made engines will now power trains in Africa: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Bihar’s youth are closely observing the transformation taking place across the state, citing the Marhowra Locomotive Factory as an example of the government’s development model. Addressing a gathering in Siwan, PM Modi said that the first engine manufactured at the Marhowra facility is now being exported to Africa. 
     
    “The same Saran district that was once dismissed as backward is now exporting engines to Africa. This is a proud moment for Bihar,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the engines made in Bihar, now powering trains abroad, marks a significant milestone and reflects the broader transformation underway in the state. PM Modi said that Bihar is steadily becoming a hub for ‘Made in India’ manufacturing and noted that the state’s local produce e.g. makhana, fruits, and vegetables will reach international markets alongside industrial goods produced by local factories.
     
    “The products created by the youth of Bihar will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
     
    PM Modi stated that infrastructure investments across the state are contributing to Bihar’s progress. He said new developments are taking place in roadways, railways, air travel, and inland waterways. Citing the recent expansion of train services, Modi said Bihar is regularly receiving new trains, including Vande Bharat Express services.
     
    He announced that before the onset of the holy month of Sawan, the newly launched Patna–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express has established a direct rail link between Baba Hariharnath’s land and the land of Baba Gorakhnath. He added that this new route would be especially beneficial for devotees in Purvanchal, offering a convenient travel option to visit places of religious and cultural importance. PM Modi said the train will also connect sites associated with the life of the Buddha, including his place of penance and the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar.
     
    The Prime Minister said that these infrastructure developments will support industrial growth and also contribute to the tourism sector. He said that the state’s presence on the global tourism map will improve, bringing with it new employment opportunities for the youth.
     
    PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for all, saying that the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ reflects the true spirit of the Constitution. He contrasted this with what he described as the “family-first” model of the previous regime. PM Modi accused previous governments of using power for the benefit of their own families, and said this had harmed the lives of millions of families across Bihar and the country.
     
    Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, PM Modi said that the architect of the Constitution had consistently spoken out against dynastic politics. He criticised certain parties for dishonouring Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing to a recent incident in which his photograph was allegedly disrespected. “Posters have appeared across Bihar demanding an apology, but it is unlikely to come,” PM Modi said. He claimed that these political parties do not respect Dalits or Mahadalits, and added, “While they keep Dr. Ambedkar’s photograph at their feet, I carry him in my heart.”
     
    He said the people of Bihar would remember the way Baba Saheb had been treated. The Prime Minister added that the groundwork for Bihar’s development had already been laid through the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and said it is now the responsibility of the NDA alliance to take the state forward.
     

  • MIL-OSI Banking: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

    LDC trade interests
    At the meeting of the WTO Sub-Committee on LDCs on 16 June, members considered   several LDC related proposals, including those on LDC graduation, LDC accessions and the future of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). They exchanged views on the latest proposal on LDC graduation, which focuses on three areas: subsidies, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights and agriculture. A communication on strengthening the implementation of the LDC accession guidelines was submitted by India and Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group.
    Members exchanged views on the future of the EIF, an Aid for Trade programme aimed at enhancing  LDC  integration  into global trade, which was implemented in two phases (2008 to 2015 and 2016 to 2022). Delegations considered the report of the EIF Task Force that included a set of proposed recommendations for a third phase covering the period from 2025 to 2031.
    An experience-sharing session in the Sub-Committee on LDCs explored new pathways for LDC trade growth. United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presented its 2024 report “Leveraging carbon markets for development”. Capital-based officials from Bangladesh and The Gambia shared insights on accessing green investment and leveraging trade-related climate finance for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of key export sectors, including textiles and agriculture. The European Union and the LDC Fund for the Global Environmental Facility shared examples of support offered to LDCs with a view to achieving sustainable development and  transitioning to net zero for greenhouse gas emissions.
    Aid for Trade
    At the Aid for Trade session of the Committee on Trade and Development on 17 June, members continued sharing experiences on trade policy and regulatory support. Capital-based officials from Canada, China, Japan and Lao PDR participated in the discussion.
    Members welcomed Canada’s Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development, implemented by Cowater International, which supports developing economies in defining negotiating positions and implementing trade agreements. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) highlighted Japan’s “co-creation” approach, which involves collaboration with the private sector, civil society and other donors. It was also noted that the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) would be held in August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.
    China and Lao PDR shared   South-South cooperation initiatives, including efforts to improve quarantine capacity and trade readiness.  Investments in railway infrastructure between the two countries were also acknowledged. UNCTAD’s efforts in measuring South-South flows were highlighted.
    Members reviewed a communication from Australia and Barbados proposing a draft ministerial decision titled “Reinforcing members’ commitment to Aid for Trade”. The proposal, set against the backdrop of declining official development assistance, calls for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and the establishment of a digital platform on existing trade-related technical assistance and capacity building programmes.
    During the experience-sharing session, key trends and challenges in global value chain (GVC) integration for developing economies were explored. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted that global trade remains resilient, though uncertainty remains. Professor Juan Carlos Hallak, University of Buenos Aires, emphasized the importance of public-private sectoral roundtables in Latin America. He recommended a bottom-up approach that begins with trade facilitation and regulatory reforms before tackling more complex issues such as investment and technology.
    The Lowy Institute, Australia, highlighted Southeast Asia’s trade openness and manufacturing diversification, while stressing the need to boost services productivity and ease regulatory barriers. PrimeSilicon Technology showcased Bangladesh’s experience in supplying digitally delivered services in the semiconductor value chain. The B20, represented by Ms. Trudi Makhaya, outlined three policy priorities: restoring trust in multilateral trade, advancing African integration through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting a climate-responsive trading system.
    Revitalizing trade and development work
    At the Committee on Trade and Development meeting on 18 June, the Secretariat presented a note on the implementation of the special and differential treatment provisions in the Agreement on Agriculture and the TRIPS Agreement. Members appreciated the Secretariat’s efforts in analysing special and differential treatment provisions. Members also explored how to revitalize trade and development deliberations.  Follow-up to the WTO Development Retreat was also discussed.
    Members   reviewed a communication from China titled “ Heightened Trade Turbulence and Responses from the WTO”. Other topics included the development aspects of the work programme on electronic commerce and duty-free, quota-free market access for LDCs. The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development, Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo of South Africa, will consult members on a request by the co-convenors of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement to discuss progress made on the needs assessments under the WTO Committee on Trade and Development.
    Technical assistance
    The Secretariat presented the 2024 WTO Technical Assistance Report, highlighting four key results related to i) implementing WTO agreements; ii) accompanying new accessions; iii) advancing academic research; and iv) reaching out to various stakeholders. It was noted that in 2024 the Secretariat expanded its curriculum to include technical assistance activities on transparency in customs valuation and import licensing. As a result, 35 draft customs valuation notifications were received, with 22 circulated. The Secretariat also acknowledged technical assistance support to facilitate the WTO accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste.
    On academic research, the WTO Chairs Programme saw a 13 per cent increase in WTO-related courses and a 16 per cent increase in trade-related research.  Five new universities joined the programme in 2024. However, due to budget constraints, the full potential of outreach activities to various stakeholders is yet to be fully explored.
    Members exchanged views on preparations for the next biennial WTO Technical Assistance and Training plan (2026 – 2027). The Secretariat provided an update on its ongoing work, including insights from beneficiaries. The Secretariat also highlighted that in view of limited resources, evolving approaches in the delivery of technical assistance and various funding scenarios were being considered going forward. Members welcomed the Secretariat’s efforts and expressed willingness to engage further in developing the WTO technical assistance plan.
    The next WTO Development Week is scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 November 2025.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parent Seminar on Admission Arrangements for Nursery (K1) Classes in Kindergartens for the 2026/27 School Year; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: Parent-child code – (Parental Responsibilities) (Chinese version only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The EDB will conduct 5 parent seminars in July this year to explain the details of the “2026/27 K1 Admission Arrangements”. Parent seminar coded “2427” will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation services available in Urdu, Hindi and Nepali. There will also be a session where a non-Chinese speaking (NCS) guest shares his personal experience in learning the Chinese Language, and parents of NCS children are welcome to join. Other seminars will be conducted in Cantonese. For details, please visit https://www.edb.gov.hk/parentstalks_eAdmission Arrangements for Nursery (K1) Classes in KindergartensParents’ Talks

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Situation in the Philippines in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    Philippines © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On 26 June, DROI jointly with AFET will hold an exchange of views on the situation in the Philippines in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights after the general elections of 12 May 2025, with speakers from academia, civil society, and the European External Action Service.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 8 out of 10 Indian support taxing oil and gas corporations to pay for climate damages, global survey finds 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, 19 June 2025 – A global survey shows a strong support for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental damage. 80% Indian respondents believe the fossil fuel corporations should be taxed for environmental damage they cause.  The data from the survey reflects a growing public consensus that the industries driving the climate crisis should be held financially accountable for the destruction they caused. 

    A remarkable 86% of people support government spending on climate disaster relief–provided it is funded by tax on coal, oil, and gas polluters. Notably, 89% of BJP supporters and 82% of Congress (INC) supporters agree on the need to increase taxes on oil and gas corporations to support those hit hardest by extreme weather events, highlighting rare cross-party unity on climate accountability.   

    The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched today at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to mobilise at least US$ 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries. 

    Selomi Garnaik, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace India said: “Communities in developing countries are paying the price for a crisis they did not cause, while fossil fuel companies continue to profit. The science is clear—over a century of burning coal, oil, and gas has fueled the climate damage we face today. This new survey reveals strong public support for making polluters pay. As we head into COP30, governments have a clear public mandate to act- stand with the people, not the polluters, and make fossil fuel companies pay for the harm they have caused.”

    The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that governments make oil, gas and coal corporations – not the people – pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.

    The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.

    The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.

    The survey’s findings published today reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.

    Key findings of the survey include:

    • 81% of people surveyed globally would support taxes on the oil, gas, and coal industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires. 
    • 87% of people surveyed in India support channeling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. 
    • 68% of people surveyed globally felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry. 

    Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: “Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.” 

    The Polluters Pay Pact demonstrates popular support for the campaign to make polluters pay. The campaign is being waged throughout 2025 in countries worldwide and in critical international forums, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), and negotiations for a UN tax convention that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share for their pollution.

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Statistics available here. 

    Additional background information available here.

    [2] Learn more about the Polluters Pay Pact: polluterspaypact.org

    [3] Additional quotes here from people around the world who are backing the Polluters Pay Pact, including first responders, local administration, youth, union representatives and people bringing climate cases to courts. 

    Contacts: 

    For Greenpeace India:
    Nibedita Saha, Media Officer, [email protected]

     For Greenpeace International: 

    Tal Harris, Greenpeace International, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, [email protected], +41-782530550

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RM of BTS Debuts as Samsung Electronics’ Art TV Global Ambassador at Art Basel in Basel 2025

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics announced that RM of 21st century pop icons BTS has been named the new global ambassador for Samsung Art TVs earlier this week. RM joined Samsung at Art Basel in Basel 2025 to celebrate creativity, share his passion for art and spotlight how Samsung Art TVs and Samsung Art Store are making curated art experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    
    ▲ RM’s interview at Samsung ArtCube during Art Basel in Basel 2025
     

    ▲ RM admires artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM engages with a piece by Basim Magdy.

     

    ▲ RM stops to look at artwork inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM checks out a piece on display at ArtCube.

     
    As an artist, collector and cultural voice, RM has long expressed his love for visual art — often sharing museum visits, artist insights and his own growing collection with the global audience. At Samsung’s ArtCube lounge, he reflected on what it means to live with art in a digital age, why accessibility matters and how technology is opening new doors for global discovery.
     

    ▲ RM participates in a talk session at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
     
    Art, Technology and the Everyday
    “When I connect with a piece of art, it’s like having a silent conversation,” said RM. “Samsung Art TV lets those conversations happen anywhere. It makes it easier for people to discover artists, reflect on their own emotions and build a personal connection with the art they choose to live with.”
     
    Known for his thoughtful approach to art and culture, RM took the opportunity to share his personal reflections. He spoke about how art has influenced his worldview and how platforms like Samsung Art TV offer an opportunity for everyone to make art a part of their daily lives.
     

    ▲ RM views the artwork on display inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM snaps a photo inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM creates a personalized selfie in the artistic style of Marc Dennis.

     

    ▲ RM reflects on artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM observes a piece by Kun-Yong Lee.

     
    Through the Samsung Art TV’s expansive discovery features and curated collections, RM shared that he’s been exposed to a wider world of creativity — sparking curiosity and reshaping how he thinks about visual culture. He reflected on how digital platforms like Samsung Art Store are helping viewers break out of their comfort zones and pre-set tastes shaped by algorithms.
     
    “Every space has a mood,” RM shared during the talk session. “And sometimes a single artwork or a frame can shift that feeling. I love that Samsung Art TV gives people the freedom to discover and live with art in a way that fits their everyday rhythm.”
     
    A Personal Vision for the Future    
    RM also confirmed he is actively searching for a physical space to house his growing collection, an idea he’s hinted at in previous interviews. This gallery, he explained, would be rooted in a desire to connect East and West, past and present as well as personality and universality.
     
    “I want to bring everything together into one space,” he said. “Maybe I’ll call it ‘rkive’ like my Instagram. It won’t be easy, but I want to try.”
     

    ▲ RM shares his thoughts on art during a talk session held at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
    He expressed hope that, one day, his collection could be shared digitally through Samsung Art TV, reaching people around the world — especially those who can’t visit museums or galleries. “Unless you live in Seoul, it’s not easy to access museums or galleries to experience art in Korea.” He added that it would be great to have an ‘art bridge’ through Samsung Art TV one day, that would allow someone to “press a button and be led into a new world of art.”
     
     
    Reimagining Art for Everyone
    Samsung’s partnership with RM is rooted in a shared belief that technology can be a bridge to meaningful experiences. Whether it’s discovering a new artist, reinterpreting a classic or simply finding beauty in a quiet moment, Samsung Art TVs bring emotional and artistic depth to any space.
     
    “RM’s sincerity and influence make him a natural partner for Samsung Art TV,” said Sofia Monteiro, Curator at Samsung Art Store Europe. “He’s someone who doesn’t just appreciate art — he lives with it. And that reflects exactly what our platform is all about.”
     
    
    ▲ “Talk With RM” at Art Basel in Basel
     
    Through Samsung Art TVs, Samsung continues to redefine how people connect with art, turning walls into ever-evolving canvases and living spaces into curated galleries.
     
     
    RM and Samsung Invite the World To Live With Art
    As Samsung’s Art TV ambassador, RM continues to champion a more personal connection to art, design and culture. His partnership encourages art lovers everywhere to see creativity not as something reserved just for galleries but as something to bring into everyday life.
     
     
    About RM of BTS
    RM (Kim, Namjun) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and leader of 21st century pop icons BTS. His discography includes solo mixtapes “RM” (March 2015) and “mono.” (October 2018), as well as solo albums “Indigo” (December 2022) and “Right Place, Wrong Person” (May 2024), which showcase his remarkable versatility across genres. As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Lil Nas X, HONNE, Mahalia and more. On May 24, 2024, RM released his critically-acclaimed second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish HealthTech delegation heads to Japan

    Source: Scottish Government

    Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.

    A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.

    The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.

    Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.

    Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

    As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.

    “This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.

    “Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”

    Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:

    “Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”

    Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:

    “Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”

    Background

    Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:

    • Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
      • Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
      • Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
      • Chairing a company pitching session
      • Hosting a networking reception
    • Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
    • Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
    • A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
    • A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland

    The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.

    Further information on Scotland’s healthtech presence at Expo.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Zhao Leji Meets with New Zealand Prime Minister

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 20 (Xinhua) — Zhao Leji, chairman of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPC), met with New Zealand Prime Minister Christopher Lacson in Beijing on Friday.

    Zhao Leji noted that under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, the China-New Zealand comprehensive strategic partnership has maintained good momentum of development and brought benefits to the peoples of the two countries.

    China is willing to develop traditional friendship with New Zealand, strengthen mutual understanding and trust, adhere to win-win cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and continuously enrich the content of relations between the two countries, he said.

    Zhao Leji added that the NPC is willing to work with the New Zealand Parliament to deepen friendly exchanges, strengthen cooperation within multilateral mechanisms and provide legal guarantees for practical cooperation between the two countries to implement the consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries.

    K. Lacson, in turn, noted that New Zealand firmly adheres to the one-China policy, and the relations between the two countries have continuously achieved high-quality development. New Zealand is willing to strengthen exchanges and cooperation with China in trade, economic, humanitarian and other fields.

    New Zealand is also willing to strengthen exchanges with Chinese legislatures and make joint efforts to respond to global challenges, he concluded. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission———–
    Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal———–
    Secretary for Justice (ex-officio member)
    Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor
    Madam Justice Carlye Chu Fun-ling
    Mr Victor Dawes, SC 
    Mr Roden Tong Man-lung
    Mr Carlson Tong
    Mr Philip Chen Nan-lok
    Professor Nancy Ip Yuk-yu
    Issued at HKT 15:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint announcement of People’s Bank of China and Hong Kong Monetary Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

    To deepen financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and to meet the demand of residents in both places for secure, efficient and convenient cross-boundary remittance service, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have jointly pushed forward the cooperation between the China National Clearing Center (CNCC) and the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) in linking the faster payment systems in the Mainland and Hong Kong (hereafter referred to as Payment Connect). It is hereby announced that:

    1. Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS). It supports real-time cross-boundary payment services for residents in both places, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the two places.

    2. Payment Connect supports the participating institutions of the faster payment systems in both places to provide convenient remittance services in Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar for residents in both places under the current account. It also supports the participating institutions in both places, on the basis of implementing relevant policies, to provide instant remittance services for salary disbursements, payments of tuition fees and medical bills, as well as other use cases beneficial to the integration of the two places.

    3. Payment Connect represents another key measure of the Central Government in supporting the development of Hong Kong. It brings convenience to people’s daily lives, deepens financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and enhances the efficiency and service quality of cross-boundary payments between the two places. It also facilitates economic and trade activities and flow of people, benefits Hong Kong in elevating its competitive edge, and reinforces its position as an international financial centre and a global offshore Renminbi business hub.

    4. Under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Boundary Linkage of Payment Systems between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the PBoC and the HKMA will establish an effective collaboration mechanism for the Payment Connect to ensure the related services are operated in an orderly manner and comply with the respective legal and regulatory requirements in the two places.

    5. The CNCC and HKICL, having regard to the operation procedures and risk management principles, will coordinate with participating institutions to provide secure and efficient cross-boundary payment services to residents in both places, ensuring the smooth operation of the system and its transactions, while actively coordinating in resolving issues which may arise.

    6. Institutions participating in the Payment Connect shall strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and cross-boundary payment settlement.

    7. Payment Connect will be launched on June 22, 2025.

    Note: This is a translated version of the official announcement in Chinese.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DCS at Canada Day Reception (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Canada Day Reception today (June 20):

    Consul General Reeves (Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Charles Edwin Reeves), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department repatriates 56 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations from June 18 to today (June 20). A total of 56 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were illegal immigrants and overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. The persons removed comprised 28 men and 28 women. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment as well as former foreign domestic helpers.
     
         The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.

         Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East from June 15 to 19 to introduce and promote the developments and strengths of Hong Kong’s infrastructure development, learn about the development opportunities of the infrastructure and construction market in the Middle East and strengthen mutual ties and co-operation.
     
    In his keynote presentation at the first Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit in Abu Dhabi of the UAE on June 17 (Abu Dhabi time), Mr Lau introduced the latest infrastructure developments in Hong Kong, as well as the experience, opportunities and strengths brought by the adoption of innovative technologies in the implementation of infrastructure projects, including proactively promoting high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction, spearheading the digital transformation of the construction industry and adopting innovative procurement approaches to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international infrastructure centre. During the summit, Mr Lau met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre of the Government of the UAE, H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, to share strategies and initiatives for taking forward infrastructure projects in both places. Both parties will also enhance co-operation in infrastructure development in both places.
     
    Mr Lau met with the President of the Public Works Authority of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, in Doha, Qatar, on June 18 (Doha time). They exchanged views on taking forward infrastructure projects and each learned about the challenges and experience of both places. Both parties plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, with a view to strengthening the exchange of professional knowledge and experience in taking forward major infrastructure projects and realising complementary advantages in both places. The areas of collaboration may include the promotion of a public-private partnership approach, collaboration with foreign investment, smart construction and innovative technologies, technical capability building and professional knowledge exchanges, thereby enhancing productivity, cost management and project performance of the construction industry in both places, as well as laying a foundation for seeking further collaboration in the future.
     
        On June 19 (Riyadh time), Mr Lau visited two major development projects, Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and met with senior members of the projects to learn about the planning and progress of the work. They also shared experiences in taking forward major infrastructure projects.
     
    During his visit to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, Mr Lau called on local officials, visited major infrastructure development projects and met with industry representatives to exchange views on issues related to infrastructure development, including the achievements of the introduction of advanced construction materials and technologies from the Mainland to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong would serve as a “super connector” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, support and take forward the development of the Belt and Road Initiative with a view to making significant contributions to the high-quality development of the country.
     
    Mr Lau concluded his visit on June 19 (Riyadh time) and returned to Hong Kong today (June 20).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Basic Housing Units Bill gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Basic Housing Units Bill gazetted 
         The Bill requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards of living conditions, including internal floor area, headroom, fire safety, structural safety (i.e. loading), lighting and ventilation, toilet, water supply point, as well as water and electricity meters, and to obtain BHU recognition before they are allowed to be let out for habitation. There would be criminal liability on the person who lets out unrecognised SDUs, while the tenants concerned will not be held liable.
     
         A Government spokesperson said, “As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the Government will set up a 12-month registration system for residential flats with pre-existing SDUs, under which a 36-month grace period will be provided to SDUs in registered flats for carrying out necessary alteration works and making applications for BHU recognition. Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs with grace period expired, as well as new SDUs entering the market must apply for recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation.”
     
         The spokesperson added, “Since the establishment of the Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units in October 2023, the Government has extensively consulted various stakeholders on the handling of the SDU issue. A two-month stakeholder consultation exercise was conducted in December 2024 on the legislative proposals for the BHU regulatory regime. The LegCo Panel on Housing was also consulted in December 2024 and March 2025 respectively. During the period, nearly 40 engagement sessions were organised with nearly 700 participants met, and a total of some 2 200 written submissions of views (including around 1 600 template submissions) were received. Stakeholders generally supported the policy objective and legislative framework of the BHU regulatory regime. The Bill has suitably reflected the views received. Overall speaking, stakeholders and society have responded positively to the legislative proposals.”
     
         The Government will make every effort to facilitate the LegCo’s scrutiny work and strive for the LegCo’s passage of the Bill as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026, which represents a significant milestone in eradicating substandard SDUs.
    Issued at HKT 9:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Indian missions in Riyadh and Doha to mark International Day of yoga with community events

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga tomorrow in partnership with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.

    The event, to be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, will see participation from students of the International Indian Public School and Al Alia International Indian School. In Jeddah, celebrations took place a day earlier with students from the International Indian School showcasing their enthusiasm for yoga and its unifying spirit.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with the Indian Sports Centre, will observe International Day of Yoga 2025 on June 21 at Ideal Indian School, Doha. The event will bring together members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners for an evening dedicated to well-being and cultural exchange. Highlights will include a rhythmic yoga display by children, a yoga quiz, a challenge session, guided meditation, and a mass yoga practice based on the Common Yoga Protocol.

  • Sensex rallies over 1,000 points, Nifty breaches 25,100

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market witnessed a powerful rally on Friday, with benchmark indices closing significantly higher, buoyed by widespread buying across sectors and strong investor sentiment.

    The BSE Sensex surged 1,046.30 points to settle at 82,408.17, while the NSE Nifty jumped 319.15 points, ending the day at 25,112.40. Among the Nifty 50 constituents, 44 stocks ended in the green, with only 6 closing in the red, indicating broad-based market strength.

    Commenting on the market action, Sundar Kewat, Technical and Derivatives Analyst at Ashika Institutional Equity – Ashika Stock Broking, noted, “In a bullish session, the Nifty opened flat at 24,787 and briefly dipped to 24,783 before staging a sharp rally. The index gained momentum right from the opening tick and scaled an intraday high of 25,078, closing firmly in the green.”

    Kewat highlighted the widespread sectoral participation, with Construction, PSU Banks, Financial Services, Auto, and Metal stocks leading the gains. The broader markets mirrored this optimism, as the Nifty Midcap 100 rose over 1 per cent, and Smallcap stocks continued to attract buying interest.

    On the derivatives front, market breadth remained robust with 186 advancing stocks versus 36 declining. Noteworthy open interest build-up was seen in Kaynes Technology, Mankind Pharma, Hero MotoCorp, JSW Steel, and LTIMindtree, signaling increased trader participation and bullish sentiment.

    Adding to the positive outlook, Rupak De, Senior Technical Analyst at LKP Securities, said, “Nifty moved up sharply after three days of consolidation, resuming its short-term rally. Moreover, the index has reclaimed the 21-day EMA, which could provide further momentum for an upward move.”

    De added, “Support is now placed at 24,850, and the index remains a ‘buy on dips’ as long as it holds above this level. On the higher side, it may continue advancing towards 25,350 and beyond.”

    With upbeat technical indicators and sector-wide buying, Friday’s market performance reflects growing investor confidence and sets the stage for continued momentum in the sessions ahead.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Answer to a written question – Urgent humanitarian response in Myanmar following devastating earthquake – E-001385/2025(ASW)

    Source: European Parliament

    The EU increased its 2025 humanitarian budget for Myanmar by EUR 13 million, bringing the total to EUR 46 million[1]. This helped humanitarian organisations to launch life-saving assistance, including food, cash, shelter and emergency supplies.

    The EU also set up Humanitarian Air Bridges, with 10 flights, delivering 609.7 metric tonnes of assistance, including pre-positioned stocks from ReliefEU.

    The Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM)[2] was activated; in-kind donations from several Member States further supported relief efforts.

    The Emergency Response Coordination Centre (ERCC)[3] assisted the overall coordination effort activating amongst others the Copernicus Emergency Management Service for impact and need assessment.

    Following a need-based and principled approach, the EU delivers life-saving emergency assistance including shelter, clean water and sanitation, physical and mental healthcare, comprehensive protection services, food and cash assistance, while preparing to engage in early rehabilitation in coordination with development actors.

    Long-term development assistance is planned through EU programmes and will continue to support most vulnerable populations in line with the 2021 Council Conclusions[4].

    This support is delivered in a humanitarian-development-peace nexus approach, focusing on identified development priority areas[5]. Life-saving humanitarian assistance continues to be severely needed and not sufficiently covered.

    To ensure an effective delivery of both humanitarian and development assistance in a protracted crisis like Myanmar, the international community must continue advocating for a cessation of all hostilities, in the interest of the Myanmar population.

    • [1] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/where/asia-and-pacific/myanmarburma_en#facts–figures .
    • [2] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/eu-civil-protection-mechanism_en.
    • [3] https://civil-protection-humanitarian-aid.ec.europa.eu/what/civil-protection/emergency-response-coordination-centre-ercc_en.
    • [4] https://data.consilium.europa.eu/doc/document/ST-6287-2021-INIT/en/pdf.
    • [5] Notably on peace, governance, education, livelihoods and green growth.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel says it hit dozens of military targets in Iran, including nuclear research site

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military said on Friday it carried out strikes on dozens of military targets in Iran overnight, including the Organization of Defensive Innovation and Research that it said is involved in Iran’s nuclear weapons development.

    An industrial plant in northern Iran was damaged in an attack, Iranian media reported on Friday, hours after Israel issued a warning for residents to move away from nearby areas.

    Earlier media reports said the plant in the Sefidrud industrial area was involved in the production of carbon fiber, which can be used in the manufacturing of weapons systems such as missile bodies.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi launches key development projects in Bihar, flags off first export locomotive from Marhowra Plant

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    rime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated a series of development projects in Bihar, with a focus on rail connectivity, sanitation, power infrastructure, and affordable housing.

    The highlight of the Prime Minister’s visit to the Saran district was the flagging off of a state-of-the-art export locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant. Manufactured under the “Make in India – Make for the World” initiative, the locomotive will be exported to the Republic of Guinea, marking the plant’s first international dispatch.

    These advanced locomotives feature high-horsepower engines, AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomically designed cabs, and regenerative braking technology, showcasing India’s growing capabilities in rail manufacturing.

    As part of efforts to enhance regional connectivity, PM Modi also flagged off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur, passing through Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, significantly boosting rail access in North Bihar.

    In addition, he inaugurated the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, a project valued at over ₹400 crore, and flagged off a new train service along the route to strengthen connectivity across the region.

    Under the Namami Gange programme, the Prime Minister inaugurated six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) with a combined investment of over ₹1,800 crore. These plants aim to enhance sanitation and water quality in towns situated along the Ganga River.

    PM Modi also laid the foundation stone for a series of water supply and sanitation projects worth more than ₹3,000 crore, which are set to benefit several towns across Bihar by ensuring access to safe and clean drinking water.

    In a major step toward modernizing the state’s energy infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) project. These standalone units will be installed at 15 grid substations in locations including Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. With storage capacities ranging from 20 to 80 MWh, the BESS installations are expected to help electricity distribution companies meet peak demand more efficiently and reduce procurement costs, ultimately passing on the benefits to consumers.

    On the housing front, PM Modi released the first instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U) to more than 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar. He also handed over keys to select recipients as part of a Grih Pravesh ceremony, marking the completion of over 6,600 new houses built under the scheme.

  • China can’t decide whether we are a country, Taiwan foreign minister says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China has no right to decide whether or not Taiwan is a country given it chooses its own government, Foreign Minister Lin Chia-lung said on Wednesday, adding that he would be happy to shake the hand of his Chinese opposite number in friendship.

    China views democratically-governed Taiwan as its own territory and has stepped up military and political pressure to assert those claims, including increasing the intensity of war games, saying the island is one of its provinces with no right to be called a state.

    Taiwan President Lai Ching-te and his government strongly reject that view, and have offered talks with China multiple times but have been rejected. China calls Lai a “separatist”.

    Asked by Reuters what he would say to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi should they ever meet, Lin said that given the opportunity he would definitely shake hands with him.

    “What the nature is of cross-Taiwan Strait relations can be discussed, but we are all human. First, extend the hand of friendship. If he shook my hand, that would be a good start,” he said at a press briefing to mark the first anniversary of Lai taking office. “If he takes his hand back, that’s his problem.”

    Taiwan’s formal name is the Republic of China, the name of the government which in 1949 fled to the island after losing a bloody civil war with Mao Zedong’s communists, who established the People’s Republic of China.

    “Whether or not Taiwan is a country is not up to Wang Yi, nor the People’s Republic of China, to say. The whole world sees us as a country. We choose our governments democratically. It is our business what our name is.”

    China’s foreign ministry did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    The chances Lin and Wang could meet are low. Neither government recognises the other, officials do not visit each other, and Taiwan is not a member of most international bodies due to China’s objections.

    Lai on Tuesday reiterated an offer to talk to China, saying he sought peace but that the island must also boost its defences.

    China responded by saying his comments were a “two-faced tactic” that were a “waste of effort and doomed to fail”.

    Taiwan’s government has warned that Beijing could mark the anniversary with more military drills.

    (Reuters)