NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • PM Modi to launch projects worth ₹18,600 crore in Odisha, unveil vision document

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the state-level event in Bhubaneswar today, commemorating one year of the newly elected government in Odisha. The Prime Minister’s visit is set to mark the beginning of a fresh phase of development in the state, with the inauguration and foundation laying of projects valued at over ₹18,600 crore.

    The projects span a wide range of critical sectors, including drinking water supply, irrigation, agriculture-related infrastructure, healthcare, and rural connectivity. Notable among them are new national highway segments, a new railway line, and other public infrastructure intended to improve service delivery and quality of life across Odisha.

    A landmark feature of the day’s agenda will be the flagging off of new train services extending to Boudh district—bringing it onto the national railway map for the first time. This move is expected to bolster regional connectivity and support local economic growth.

    In an effort to promote clean energy and sustainable urban transport, the Prime Minister will also flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system. Designed to serve the capital and adjoining regions, the initiative is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility while enhancing convenience for daily commuters.

    Another key highlight will be the release of the Odisha Vision Document, which presents a long-term development strategy for the state. Framed with an eye on two landmark milestones—2036, the centenary of Odisha as India’s first linguistic state, and 2047, the centenary of Indian independence—the document outlines a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth across sectors.

    Further adding to the cultural and heritage agenda of the state, the Prime Minister will launch the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana. This scheme seeks to convert the birthplaces of prominent Odia personalities into heritage villages, complete with museums, statues, interpretation centres, and libraries. It is expected to both preserve Odisha’s rich cultural history and promote heritage tourism.

    The Prime Minister will also felicitate women achievers from across Odisha. The ceremony will honour over 16.5 lakh “Lakhpati Didis”, women who have attained economic self-reliance through various government-supported livelihood initiatives.

     

     

     

     

  • PM Modi to launch projects worth ₹18,600 crore in Odisha, unveil vision document

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the state-level event in Bhubaneswar today, commemorating one year of the newly elected government in Odisha. The Prime Minister’s visit is set to mark the beginning of a fresh phase of development in the state, with the inauguration and foundation laying of projects valued at over ₹18,600 crore.

    The projects span a wide range of critical sectors, including drinking water supply, irrigation, agriculture-related infrastructure, healthcare, and rural connectivity. Notable among them are new national highway segments, a new railway line, and other public infrastructure intended to improve service delivery and quality of life across Odisha.

    A landmark feature of the day’s agenda will be the flagging off of new train services extending to Boudh district—bringing it onto the national railway map for the first time. This move is expected to bolster regional connectivity and support local economic growth.

    In an effort to promote clean energy and sustainable urban transport, the Prime Minister will also flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system. Designed to serve the capital and adjoining regions, the initiative is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility while enhancing convenience for daily commuters.

    Another key highlight will be the release of the Odisha Vision Document, which presents a long-term development strategy for the state. Framed with an eye on two landmark milestones—2036, the centenary of Odisha as India’s first linguistic state, and 2047, the centenary of Indian independence—the document outlines a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth across sectors.

    Further adding to the cultural and heritage agenda of the state, the Prime Minister will launch the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana. This scheme seeks to convert the birthplaces of prominent Odia personalities into heritage villages, complete with museums, statues, interpretation centres, and libraries. It is expected to both preserve Odisha’s rich cultural history and promote heritage tourism.

    The Prime Minister will also felicitate women achievers from across Odisha. The ceremony will honour over 16.5 lakh “Lakhpati Didis”, women who have attained economic self-reliance through various government-supported livelihood initiatives.

     

     

     

     

  • PM Modi to launch projects worth ₹18,600 crore in Odisha, unveil vision document

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will chair the state-level event in Bhubaneswar today, commemorating one year of the newly elected government in Odisha. The Prime Minister’s visit is set to mark the beginning of a fresh phase of development in the state, with the inauguration and foundation laying of projects valued at over ₹18,600 crore.

    The projects span a wide range of critical sectors, including drinking water supply, irrigation, agriculture-related infrastructure, healthcare, and rural connectivity. Notable among them are new national highway segments, a new railway line, and other public infrastructure intended to improve service delivery and quality of life across Odisha.

    A landmark feature of the day’s agenda will be the flagging off of new train services extending to Boudh district—bringing it onto the national railway map for the first time. This move is expected to bolster regional connectivity and support local economic growth.

    In an effort to promote clean energy and sustainable urban transport, the Prime Minister will also flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system. Designed to serve the capital and adjoining regions, the initiative is aimed at reducing the carbon footprint of urban mobility while enhancing convenience for daily commuters.

    Another key highlight will be the release of the Odisha Vision Document, which presents a long-term development strategy for the state. Framed with an eye on two landmark milestones—2036, the centenary of Odisha as India’s first linguistic state, and 2047, the centenary of Indian independence—the document outlines a roadmap for inclusive and sustainable growth across sectors.

    Further adding to the cultural and heritage agenda of the state, the Prime Minister will launch the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana. This scheme seeks to convert the birthplaces of prominent Odia personalities into heritage villages, complete with museums, statues, interpretation centres, and libraries. It is expected to both preserve Odisha’s rich cultural history and promote heritage tourism.

    The Prime Minister will also felicitate women achievers from across Odisha. The ceremony will honour over 16.5 lakh “Lakhpati Didis”, women who have attained economic self-reliance through various government-supported livelihood initiatives.

     

     

     

     

  • IDY 2025: PM Modi’s efforts gave yoga global recognition, says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing global recognition to yoga, inspiring countries around the world to embrace the practice with enthusiasm.

    Addressing an event at a Yoga, Meditation, and Medical Camp in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh ahead of International Yoga Day, Gupta said, “PM Modi got Yoga Day recognized on the world stage in such a way that every country in the world is adopting Yoga with great affection today… India will be able to prosper only if it remains healthy.”

    The central theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underlining the connection between individual wellness and planetary health.

    Now in its 11th year, International Yoga Day was first observed in 2015 following a resolution moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations in 2014. The inaugural celebration in New Delhi set two Guinness World Records — one for the largest yoga session and another for the most nationalities participating in a single event.

    The Centre has rolled out 10 key initiatives this year, with Yoga Sangam as the flagship event. Scheduled for June 21, from 6:30 am to 7:45 am, it will host a synchronized mass yoga demonstration at over one lakh locations nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Other events include Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Harit Yoga, and Yoga Mahakumbh.

    ANI

  • IDY 2025: PM Modi’s efforts gave yoga global recognition, says Delhi CM Rekha Gupta

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta on Friday praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for bringing global recognition to yoga, inspiring countries around the world to embrace the practice with enthusiasm.

    Addressing an event at a Yoga, Meditation, and Medical Camp in Delhi’s Shalimar Bagh ahead of International Yoga Day, Gupta said, “PM Modi got Yoga Day recognized on the world stage in such a way that every country in the world is adopting Yoga with great affection today… India will be able to prosper only if it remains healthy.”

    The central theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underlining the connection between individual wellness and planetary health.

    Now in its 11th year, International Yoga Day was first observed in 2015 following a resolution moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations in 2014. The inaugural celebration in New Delhi set two Guinness World Records — one for the largest yoga session and another for the most nationalities participating in a single event.

    The Centre has rolled out 10 key initiatives this year, with Yoga Sangam as the flagship event. Scheduled for June 21, from 6:30 am to 7:45 am, it will host a synchronized mass yoga demonstration at over one lakh locations nationwide. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will lead the celebrations from Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh. Other events include Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Harit Yoga, and Yoga Mahakumbh.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Basic housing units bill published

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Basic Housing Units (BHUs) Bill, which introduces a regulatory regime for the letting of subdivided units (SDUs) in residential buildings, was published in the Government Gazette today.

    The bill is aimed at tackling the issue of substandard SDUs and ensuring reasonable and safe living conditions in SDUs.

    It requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards. These relate to minimum internal floor area and headroom, fire safety, structural safety, lighting and ventilation, toilet provision, water supply points, and water and electricity meters.

    In addition, obtaining BHU recognition is a prerequisite for letting SDUs out for habitation. Anyone who lets out an unrecognised SDU will be held criminally liable. Tenants will not be held liable. 

    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 this system, a 36-month grace period will be provided to allow for necessary alteration works and applications for BHU recognition.

    Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs following the expiry of the grace period, and new SDUs entering the market must all obtain recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation.

    The bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first and second readings on July 9.

    The Government said it will make every effort to facilitate LegCo’s scrutiny and strive to have the bill passed as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Prime Minister to inaugurate railway, power, and housing projects in Siwan, Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh, beginning his tour with a public programme in Bihar’s Siwan district, on Friday. At around noon, PM is scheduled to lay the foundation stone and inaugurate a series of development projects, addressing the gathering on the occasion.

    In Siwan, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the Vaishali–Deoria railway line, a project worth over ₹400 crore, and will flag off a new train service along this route. Additionally, in a move to strengthen regional connectivity, he will flag off a Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah—an important link for North Bihar.

    In line with India’s “Make in India – Make for the World” campaign, PM Modi will flag off the first export locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra Plant. The locomotive, which will be shipped to the Republic of Guinea, is equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, and regenerative braking technologies.

    In alignment with efforts to clean and rejuvenate the Ganga, the Prime Minister will also inaugurate six sewage treatment plants under the Namami Gange programme. These plants, developed at a cost of over ₹1,800 crore, are intended to meet the sanitation needs of towns situated along the river and improve the overall water quality.

    Additionally, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a series of water supply and sanitation projects worth over ₹3,000 crore. These initiatives span several towns in Bihar and aim to ensure the delivery of clean and safe drinking water to local populations.

    Addressing the power sector, the Prime Minister will initiate the installation of a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) across 15 grid substations in Bihar, including those in Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan. With capacities ranging from 20 to 80 MWh per substation, the BESS facilities are expected to help electricity distribution companies manage demand more efficiently by feeding stored electricity into the grid during peak hours.

    In the housing sector, PM Modi will release the first instalment under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) to more than 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar. To mark the occasion, he will also hand over keys to a few recipients as part of a Grih Pravesh ceremony for over 6,600 newly constructed houses under the scheme.

    Following his engagements in Siwan, PM Modi will travel to Odisha and Andhra Pradesh to continue his official tour on June 21.

     

  • US top diplomat Rubio discussed Israel-Iran war with key partners

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio met British foreign minister David Lammy on Thursday and held separate calls with Australian Foreign Minister Penny Wong, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot and Italian Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani to discuss the war between U.S. ally Israel and its regional rival Iran.

    KEY QUOTES

    The U.S. State Department said that Rubio and the foreign ministers agreed that “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

    Lammy said the same on X while adding that the situation in the Middle East “remained perilous” and a “window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.”

    WHY IT’S IMPORTANT

    The air war between Iran and Israel – which began on June 13 when Israel attacked Iran – has raised alarms in a region that was already on edge since the start of Israel’s military assault on Gaza in October 2023.

    President Donald Trump will decide in the next two weeks whether the U.S. will get involved in the war, the White House said on Thursday. Trump has kept the world guessing on his plans, veering from proposing a swift diplomatic solution to suggesting Washington might join the fighting on Israel’s side.

    The White House said late on Thursday that Trump will take part in a national security meeting on Friday morning.

    CONTEXT

    Israel, which is the only country in the Middle East widely believed to have nuclear weapons, said it struck Iran to prevent Tehran from developing its own nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear program is peaceful, has retaliated with its own strikes on Israel.

    Iran is a party to Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty while Israel is not.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, the Human Rights Activists News Agency says. Israel says at least two dozen Israeli civilians have died in Iranian attacks.

    The foreign ministers of Britain, France, Germany and the European Union were due to meet in Geneva with Iran’s foreign minister on Friday to try to de-escalate the conflict.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on June 20, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.58
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.94
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on June 20, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/567

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on June 20, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on June 20, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.58
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.94
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on June 20, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/567

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • PM Modi to visit Bihar, Odisha, Andhra Pradesh for key development initiatives and Yoga Day celebrations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will embark on a two-day visit to Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh starting Friday.

    During his visit to Bihar and Odisha on Friday, the Prime Minister will inaugurate a series of major development projects aimed at boosting infrastructure and regional growth.

    On Saturday, he will travel to Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, where he will lead the International Yoga Day – Mass Yoga Demonstration.

    Sharing details of his upcoming engagements, PM Modi said on X: “Over the next two days, I will be attending programmes in Bihar, Odisha, and Andhra Pradesh. These programmes cover a wide range of sectors.”

    Bihar: Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Clean Energy Push

    In Bihar, the Prime Minister will inaugurate the new Vaishali–Deoria railway line project worth over ₹400 crore and flag off a new train service on this route. In a significant boost to regional connectivity, he will also flag off the Vande Bharat Express between Patliputra and Gorakhpur via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah.

    Taking forward the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ vision, PM Modi will flag off a state-of-the-art locomotive built at the Marhowra Plant for export to the Republic of Guinea. This marks the first export locomotive from this factory, equipped with high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion systems, microprocessor-based control systems, ergonomic cab designs, and regenerative braking technology.

    Reinforcing his commitment to the conservation and rejuvenation of the Ganga, the Prime Minister will inaugurate six Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange project, worth over ₹1,800 crore, aimed at serving the sanitation needs of the region.

    He will also lay the foundation stone for water supply, sanitation, and STP projects across various towns in Bihar, worth over ₹3,000 crore, to provide clean and safe drinking water to residents.

    In a major initiative to modernize power infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS) in Bihar. These standalone BESS units will be installed at 15 grid substations across locations like Muzaffarpur, Motihari, Bettiah, and Siwan, with each unit having a capacity of 20 to 80 MWh. This initiative will help reduce electricity costs for distribution companies and benefit consumers by supplying stored energy back to the grid during peak demand.

    As part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U), PM Modi will release the first instalment to over 53,600 beneficiaries in Bihar. He will also hand over keys to selected beneficiaries, symbolizing the Grih Pravesh (housewarming) ceremony for more than 6,600 completed homes under the scheme.

    Odisha: Development Projects and Cultural Heritage

    From Bihar, the Prime Minister will proceed to Bhubaneswar, Odisha, to mark one year of the current state government. He will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for projects worth over ₹18,600 crore, spanning sectors such as drinking water, irrigation, agriculture infrastructure, healthcare, rural roads and bridges, national highways, and railway expansion.

    In a significant move, he will flag off new train services extending rail connectivity to Boudh district for the first time—marking its integration into the national railway network.

    In line with the government’s clean energy and urban mobility goals, PM Modi will also flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, promoting sustainable and eco-friendly urban transport.

    The Prime Minister will unveil the Odisha Vision Document, which outlines a forward-looking development roadmap leading up to 2036—when Odisha celebrates 100 years as India’s first linguistic state—and 2047, marking 100 years of India’s independence.

    To honour the legacies of eminent Odias, PM Modi will launch the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’, an initiative to transform the birthplaces of prominent personalities into cultural heritage sites with museums, statues, interpretation centres, libraries, and public spaces. This effort aims to promote cultural tourism while preserving Odisha’s rich heritage.

    Celebrating women’s empowerment, PM Modi will felicitate women achievers under the Lakhpati Didi initiative, which has enabled more than 16.5 lakh women in Odisha to achieve financial self-reliance and prosperity.
    Andhra Pradesh: International Yoga Day Celebration

    On June 21, the Prime Minister will lead the International Yoga Day celebrations from the beachfront of Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, joining nearly five lakh participants in the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP) session.

    Simultaneously, Yoga Sangam events will be held at more than 3.5 lakh locations across India. This year’s special initiatives include contests such as Yoga with Family and youth-centric programmes under Yoga Unplugged, launched through platforms like MyGov and MyBharat to encourage mass participation.

    The theme for this year’s International Day of Yoga is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health”, reflecting the interconnectedness of human well-being and planetary health. It aligns with India’s ancient philosophy of “Sarve Santu Niramaya” (May all be free from disease).

    Since 2015, when the United Nations General Assembly adopted India’s proposal to observe June 21 as International Day of Yoga, PM Modi has led the celebrations from iconic locations including New Delhi, Chandigarh, Lucknow, Mysuru, New York (UN Headquarters), and Srinagar.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Thousands of schoolchildren in Panipat take part in marathon ahead of IDY 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the run-up to the 11th International Day of Yoga, thousands of schoolchildren from across Panipat participated in a marathon on Friday to promote awareness about the benefits of yoga.

    The event, flagged off by nodal officer Sneh Lata at Shivaji Stadium, was part of a district-level rehearsal for Saturday’s celebrations.

    “Tomorrow marks the 11th International Yoga Day, and Agriculture Minister Shyam Singh Rana will be present as the chief guest. Today’s marathon is more than just a physical exercise — it carries a message,” said Lata. “These children are helping raise awareness about the value of yoga in everyday life.”

    District Education Officer Rakesh Boora said that over 4,000 students from 22 schools will take part in Saturday’s programme. “Yoga is a time-tested tool for improving physical and mental well-being. Our students are helping take that message to the community,” he said.

    The central theme for this year’s International Yoga Day is “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” underlining the connection between individual wellness and planetary health.

    Now in its 11th year, International Yoga Day was first observed in 2015 following a resolution moved by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the United Nations in 2014. The inaugural celebration in New Delhi set two Guinness World Records — one for the largest yoga session and another for the most nationalities participating in a single event.

    This year, the Centre has lined up 10 key initiatives including Yoga Sangam, a nationwide demonstration drive at 1 lakh locations. Other events include Yoga Bandhan, Yoga Park, Harit Yoga, and Yoga Mahakumbh.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Stanley (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appeal for information on missing man in Stanley (with photo)   
    Cheng Chi-yan Samuel, aged 37, went missing after he was last seen in Stanley last night (June 19). His family made a report to Police today.
       
    He is about 1.68 metres tall, 68 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a square face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a red cap, a grey layering short-and-long-sleeved T-shirt, green trousers, red and black sneakers and carrying a black crossbody bag and a khaki backpack.

    Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories South on 3661 1174 or 6103 4963 or email to rmpu-nts-2@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
    Issued at HKT 12:27

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Ahmedabad: NCC cadets promote health, environment through yoga

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the run-up to the International Day of Yoga, over 1,000 NCC cadets and Armed Forces personnel gathered on Friday at the NCC Group headquarters in Ahmedabad, sending a powerful message of unity, health, and environmental consciousness.

    The event, held ahead of the global celebration on June 21, echoed this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” with participants performing various asanas in unison, symbolising the harmony between human health and planetary well-being.

    Speaking to IANS, an NCC cadet said, “Yoga Day is celebrated not just in India but across the world. It benefits both our health and the environment. It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves and our planet.”

    Another cadet noted, “All of us NCC cadets are proud to celebrate Yoga Day. But yoga isn’t just about one day — it’s a lifestyle. It strengthens the body and the mind. We must make it part of our daily routine.”

    This year marks the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga since it was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations in 2014. June 21, the summer solstice, was chosen to symbolise balance and harmony.

    The main event, Yoga Sangam, is scheduled for Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Vijaya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Krishna district, Visakhapatnam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations.

    In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is expected to lead a yoga session along the banks of the Yamuna, with events planned at 11 locations across the capital.

    IANS

  • Ahmedabad: NCC cadets promote health, environment through yoga

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In the run-up to the International Day of Yoga, over 1,000 NCC cadets and Armed Forces personnel gathered on Friday at the NCC Group headquarters in Ahmedabad, sending a powerful message of unity, health, and environmental consciousness.

    The event, held ahead of the global celebration on June 21, echoed this year’s theme, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” with participants performing various asanas in unison, symbolising the harmony between human health and planetary well-being.

    Speaking to IANS, an NCC cadet said, “Yoga Day is celebrated not just in India but across the world. It benefits both our health and the environment. It’s a reminder to take care of ourselves and our planet.”

    Another cadet noted, “All of us NCC cadets are proud to celebrate Yoga Day. But yoga isn’t just about one day — it’s a lifestyle. It strengthens the body and the mind. We must make it part of our daily routine.”

    This year marks the 11th edition of the International Day of Yoga since it was first proposed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and adopted by the United Nations in 2014. June 21, the summer solstice, was chosen to symbolise balance and harmony.

    The main event, Yoga Sangam, is scheduled for Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:45 a.m. at the Vijaya Institute of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Krishna district, Visakhapatnam, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi set to lead the celebrations.

    In Delhi, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta is expected to lead a yoga session along the banks of the Yamuna, with events planned at 11 locations across the capital.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Banking: International Day of Yoga celebrated at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

    Source: ASEAN

    JAKARTA, 20 June 2025 – At the initiative of the Indian Mission to ASEAN, the International Day of Yoga was held at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, and participated by ASEAN Secretariat staff and members of the diplomatic corps.
     
    Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for Community and Corporate Affairs, Nararya Sanggramawijaya Soeprapto, kicked off the occasion with his welcoming remarks, emphasising the significance of yoga for both individual and collective well-being. He underscored ASEAN’s commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles and cross-cultural understanding, as demonstrated by today’s celebration.
     
    Yoga, originating in ancient India, has transcended geographical boundaries and become a cherished practice worldwide, including in ASEAN Member States. Its holistic approach – combining physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation, offers a multitude of benefits.  From improving flexibility and strength to reducing stress and enhancing mental clarity, yoga empowers individuals to achieve a harmonious balance between mind, body and spirit.
     
    ****

     
    Photo credit : Indian Mission to ASEAN
    The post International Day of Yoga celebrated at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: PM Luxon meets with President Xi Jinping

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Prime Minister Christopher Luxon has met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing.
    “My meeting with President Xi was a valuable opportunity to reflect on the depth and breadth of this important relationship, and to reaffirm our bilateral ties,” Mr Luxon says.
    “I outlined how our strong and innovative economic relationship has grown to cover a broad range of areas. Our trade and economic links are complementary and contribute to prosperity in both countries. These links also directly support New Zealand’s ambition to grow our economy.
    “We discussed the diversity of our people-to-people ties – from business, education, to cultural and science – and how they help build mutual understanding. I also welcomed progress made in increasing aviation links and tourism connections between our two countries.”
    Mr Luxon emphasised the importance of open, direct dialogue at the leader level to navigate some challenging regional and global developments. 
    “Engaging to share perspectives is more important than ever in a rapidly changing world. Where we have different views, our comprehensive and mature relationship allows New Zealand and China to speak frankly and constructively.
    “I raised the importance to New Zealand of the international rules-based system, as well as the key role that China can play in helping to resolve global challenges, such as the war in Ukraine,” Mr Luxon says. 
    Mr Luxon reaffirmed New Zealand’s direct interest in the maintenance of peace, security and prosperity in the Pacific, our enduring support for Pacific-led priorities, and the central role of the Pacific Islands Forum. 
    “I also discussed the necessity of a stable region and reduced tensions in the Indo-Pacific” Mr Luxon says.
    While in Beijing, Mr Luxon will also meet with Premier Li Qiang and National People’s Congress Chairman Zhao Leji.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Marshals Capture Two Memphis First-Degree Murder Fugitives in One Day

    Source: US Marshals Service

    Memphis, TN – The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) captured two Memphis first-degree murder fugitives, in different states, on the same day.

    In the early morning of June 17, 2025, the USMS Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force (TRVFTF) arrested Marco, McGhee, 19, at a residence in the 200 block of First Avenue in Memphis.

    McGhee’s alleged crime is related to a call around 4 p.m., on October 15, 2024, when the Memphis Police Department (MPD) responded to a shooting in the 1400 block of Bellevue Boulevard. Officers found a man suffering from multiple gunshot wounds in the front room of a residence. Following an investigation by MPD, McGhee was indicted, and a warrant was issued on June 6, 2025, through Shelby County Criminal Court for First-Degree Murder.

    In an unrelated crime, the USMS arrested Kaylon Spivey, 24, also on the morning of June 17, 2025, in Indiana. The TRVFTF developed information and provided investigative leads to the Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force. They arrested Spivey in the 5000 block of Keystone Avenue in Indianapolis where he was working at a fast-food restaurant.

    Spivey’s alleged crimes stem from a shooting investigation on September 6, 2020, when MPD responded to a shooting at Gill Avenue and Pillow Street. An unresponsive male was found with multiple gunshot wounds. Following an investigation by MPD, Spivey was indicted, and warrants were issued on April 28, 2025, through Shelby County Criminal Court for First-Degree Murder, Carjacking, and Especially Aggravated Robbery.

    Tyreece Miller, U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Tennessee said, “We commend the investigative work of the Memphis Police Department in solving these two heinous crimes. The U.S. Marshals Service will continue to support our partners in removing dangerous offenders from the streets, no matter where they think they can hide.”

    The U.S. Marshals Service Two Rivers Violent Fugitive Task Force is a multi-agency task force within Western Tennessee. The TRVFTF has offices in Memphis and Jackson, and its membership is primarily composed of Deputy U.S. Marshals, Shelby, Fayette, Tipton, and Gibson County Sheriff’s Deputies, Memphis and Jackson Police Officers, Tennessee Department of Correction Special Agents and the Tennessee Highway Patrol. Since 2021, the TRVFTF has captured over 3,000 violent offenders and sexual predators.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Israel-Iran air war enters second week as Europe pushes diplomacy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and Iran’s air war entered a second week on Friday and European officials sought to draw Tehran back to the negotiating table after President Donald Trump said any decision on potential U.S. involvement would be made within two weeks.

    Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying it aimed to prevent its longtime enemy from developing nuclear weapons. Iran retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel. It says its nuclear programme is peaceful.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, said the Human Rights Activists News Agency. Those killed include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists. Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have died in Iranian missile attacks. 

    Israel has targeted nuclear sites and missile capabilities, and sought to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, according to Western and regional officials.

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

    Iran has said it is targeting military and defence-related sites in Israel, although it has also hit a hospital and other civilian sites.

    Israel accused Iran on Thursday of deliberately targeting civilians through the use of cluster munitions, which disperse small bombs over a wide area. Iran’s mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

    With neither country backing down, the foreign ministers of Britain, France and Germany along with the European Union foreign policy chief were due to meet in Geneva with Iran’s foreign minister to try to de-escalate the conflict on Friday.

    “Now is the time to put a stop to the grave scenes in the Middle East and prevent a regional escalation that would benefit no one,” said British Foreign Minister David Lammy ahead of their joint meeting with Abbas Araqchi, Iran’s foreign minister.

    U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio also met Lammy on Thursday and held separate calls with his counterparts from Australia, France and Italy to discuss the conflict.

    The U.S. State Department said that Rubio and the foreign ministers agreed that “Iran can never develop or acquire a nuclear weapon.”

    Lammy said the same on X while adding that the situation in the Middle East “remained perilous” and a “window now exists within the next two weeks to achieve a diplomatic solution.”

    Russian President Vladimir Putin and Chinese President Xi Jinping both condemned Israel and agreed that de-escalation is needed, the Kremlin said on Thursday.

    The role of the United States remained uncertain. Lammy also met Trump’s special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, on Thursday in Washington, and said they had discussed a possible deal.

    Witkoff has spoken with Araqchi several times since last week, sources say.

    The White House said Trump will take part in a national security meeting on Friday morning. The president has alternated between threatening Tehran and urging it to resume nuclear talks that were suspended over the conflict.

    Trump has mused about striking Iran, possibly with a “bunker buster” bomb that could destroy nuclear sites built deep underground. The White House said Trump would decide in the next two weeks whether to get involved in the war.

    That may not be a firm deadline. Trump has commonly used “two weeks” as a time frame for making decisions and has allowed other economic and diplomatic deadlines to slide.

    With the Islamic Republic facing one of its greatest external threats since the 1979 revolution, any direct challenge to its 46-year-long rule would likely require some form of popular uprising.

    But activists involved in previous bouts of protest say they are unwilling to unleash mass unrest, even against a system they hate, with their nation under attack.

    “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)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Foreign Ministry: Hong Kong’s attractiveness as an international financial center is constantly increasing

    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) — Hong Kong is becoming increasingly attractive as an international financial center, with a growing magnetic attraction for foreign enterprises and individuals to invest and do business, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on Thursday, commenting at the request of the media on Hong Kong’s rise in the World Competitiveness Index 2025 released by the International Institute for Management Development (IMD) in Lausanne, Switzerland.

    Hong Kong rose to third place in the annual ranking, returning to the top three for the first time since 2019.

    The IMD yearbook was a “recognition of Hong Kong’s unique position and advantages, as well as the prospects of the ‘one country, two systems’ concept,” Guo Jiakun said.

    Hong Kong continues to be one of the freest economies and one of the most competitive regions in the world, he noted, citing data according to which the financial holding Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX) ranked first in the world in terms of funds raised in the first half of 2025 – US$14 billion. Hong Kong’s overseas tourist flow increased by 18 percent in the first 5 months of 2025 compared to the same period last year; several large international companies redomiciled to Hong Kong.

    All this is “a vote of confidence in Hong Kong from the international community,” said a spokesman for the Chinese Foreign Ministry.

    Pointing to the upcoming 5th anniversary of the National Security Law in Hong Kong, Guo Jiakun expressed confidence that with the institutional guarantee of “one country, two systems”, the unique advantage of supporting the motherland and having extensive connections with the world, as well as a more secure environment that supports high-quality development, Hong Kong will definitely have a brighter future.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government published the Betting Duty (Amendment) Bill 2025 in the Gazette today (June 20).

         The Bill seeks to amend the Betting Duty Ordinance (Cap. 108) and relevant subsidiary legislation to provide for a regulatory framework for basketball betting, which includes granting the power to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs to issue a licence for conducting basketball betting and to impose licensing conditions; the calculation and collection of betting duty (which is charged at 50 per cent of the net stake receipts, same as that for the football betting duty); and expanding the functions of the Betting and Lotteries Commission to cover matters relating to the regulation of basketball betting.

    A spokesman for the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau said, “As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. The Government adopts a multipronged strategy to address gambling-related problems, including law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, public education on the harms of gambling addiction, provision of counselling and support services for people in need, as well as regulation of gambling activities through legislation. On the regulation of gambling activities through legislation, the policy objective of providing authorised gambling outlets is to address the public demand for certain gambling activities, preventing people from turning to illegal operators.”

    The spokesman added, “If the Bill is enacted, we will, by making reference to the current regime of horse race betting and football betting, issue a licence for basketball betting to the Hong Kong Jockey Club, and to impose licensing conditions so as to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people.

         “We will continue to closely collaborate with the Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee to strengthen publicity and counselling for young people. To this end, in addition to the existing four funded counselling centres, we will allocate additional resources to establish a new centre dedicated to providing counselling and support services for youth. Public education efforts will also be strengthened to emphasise to young people that participating in illegal gambling or placing bets with an illegal bookmaker is already a criminal offence.”

    The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council for first reading on July 2.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on June 19, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,99,265.81 5.18 3.50-6.55
         I. Call Money 14,174.25 5.26 4.70-5.35
         II. Triparty Repo 3,96,475.35 5.18 5.14-5.25
         III. Market Repo 1,86,372.11 5.16 3.50-6.24
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,244.10 5.47 5.38-6.55
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 60.04 5.21 5.00-5.30
         II. Term Money@@ 440.50 – 5.50-6.00
         III. Triparty Repo 1,275.00 5.24 5.15-5.29
         IV. Market Repo 750.00 5.40 5.40-5.40
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 19/06/2025 1 Fri, 20/06/2025 1,323.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 19/06/2025 1 Fri, 20/06/2025 3,22,568.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,21,245.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,157.31  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     7,157.31  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,14,087.69  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 19, 2025 9,46,312.30  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 27, 2025 9,54,173.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 19, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 30, 2025 5,84,684.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/566

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Prime Minister Modi to launch multiple development projects in Bihar today

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit the Siwan district of Bihar today (Friday), where he will inaugurate and lay the foundation stone of multiple infrastructure and development projects. 

    The Prime Minister will address a public gathering after the launch event, scheduled around 12 noon. In a significant push for railway infrastructure, PM Modi will inaugurate the Vaishali–Deoria railway line project, built at a cost of over Rs 400 crore.

    A new train service will also be flagged off on this route. The visit will also witness the flagging off of the Patliputra-Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express, via Muzaffarpur and Bettiah, marking a new chapter in high-speed rail connectivity in North Bihar.

    In a major milestone under the ‘Make in India – Make for the World’ initiative, PM Modi will flag off the first export locomotive manufactured at the Marhowra Plant. The locomotive is destined for the Republic of Guinea and features high-horsepower engines, advanced AC propulsion, regenerative braking, and microprocessor-based controls.

    In alignment with his commitment to Ganga rejuvenation, the Prime Minister will inaugurate six new Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) under the Namami Gange program, collectively worth Rs 1,800 crore. These projects aim to significantly reduce pollution and improve sanitation in towns across Bihar.

    PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone for STPs, sanitation, and water supply projects worth over Rs 3,000 crore in several towns of the state, ensuring safe and clean drinking water for thousands of households.

    Taking a leap in renewable energy efficiency, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for a 500 MWh Battery Energy Storage System (BESS). These standalone storage units will be installed at 15 substations, including Siwan, Muzaffarpur, Bettiah, and Motihari, with capacities ranging from 20 MWh to 80 MWh.

    Continuing support to housing for all, the Prime Minister will release the first instalment of assistance to more than 53,600 beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U).

    Additionally, PM Modi will hand over keys to select beneficiaries of 6,600 newly completed houses, marking their Grih Pravesh (housewarming). This visit marks PM Modi’s second trip to Bihar in less than a month and his fifth this year, reflecting the Centre’s growing focus on Bihar’s development in the lead-up to the state assembly elections. (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Matariki Weekend rail closure – getting one step closer to CRL

    Source: Auckland Transport

    Date: 13 June 2025

    Major rail upgrades to bring more frequent and reliable services mean no trains will be running from Friday 20 June to Monday 23 June 2025, as essential upgrade works are carried out across the city’s rail lines over the extended Matariki long weekend.

    This closure across the Eastern, Western, Southern, and Onehunga Lines is needed so that KiwiRail, City Rail Link Limited and AT can continue vital network upgrade works ahead of the City Rail Link opening in 2026.

    No trains will operate during this period, including on Monday 23 June, a standard weekday. People should also be aware there will be changes to train services during the upcoming winter school holidays.

    To support passengers, AT will operate frequent all-stop rail replacement bus services throughout the rail closure period. For some passengers AT’s regular scheduled bus services will also be a good alternative. 

    AT’s Group Manager Rail Services Mark Lambert says closures like this are needed to get the wider Auckland rail network ready for the faster, more frequent train services that will come when the City Rail Link opens.

    “We understand this closure will be disruptive—especially with Monday being a regular workday—but it is a necessary step to ensure the future reliability and efficiency of our rail network,” Mr Lambert says.

    “We’ve timed this work over a long weekend to reduce disruption for our passengers as much as possible, and we’re doing everything we can to keep people moving.”

    The upgrade work includes track renewals, foundation upgrades and drainage improvements as part of KiwiRail’s Rail Network Rebuild programme, the installation of fibre optic cables across the rail network, and maintenance work at train stations that would be too disruptive to undertake when services were running.

    “The work AT and our partners are doing now will help unlock the benefits of the City Rail Link and transform how people move around our city,” Mr Lambert says.

    “We know that for many people this is likely to be frustrating. But this is a once-in-a-generation upgrade, so we’re asking Aucklanders to bear with us just a little longer so we can deliver a faster, more reliable, and more frequent rail service for everyone.”

    KiwiRail Chief Metro and Capital Programme Officer Dave Gordan says: “KiwiRail is progressing works at pace especially on the Southern Line where we still have more to do to improve foundations and drainage to ensure our network is resilient.” 

    “Our teams will be working night and day to get as much completed as possible during the four days.”

    Notes to the editor:

    Extended Matariki weekend rail closure

    • The extended rail closure over Matariki weekend extends from Friday 20th June to Monday 23rd June.
    • Buses will replace trains on all lines, with all-stops rail replacement buses stopping at or near every train station.
    • Newmarket and Remuera stations will be fully closed during this period to enable work to progress more quickly on station maintenance projects.
    • Information for passengers about the closure and alternative transport options is being shared widely across AT’s customer communication channels and at stations.
    • The AT Journey Planner (on the AT Mobile app or AT website) is the easiest way for people to plan their journeys while train services aren’t running.

    Partial rail closure during the winter school holidays

    • There will be also changes to train services from 28 June to 13 July during the winter school holidays.
    • Parts of the Southern Line will be closed for essential drainage works and reduced frequencies will be in place for the rest of the Southern Line, the Eastern Line, and the Western Line.
    • The Onehunga Line will retain its all-day 30-minute service during this period.
    • Rail replacement buses, including an express service will serve closed parts of the Southern Line as we do our best to keep passengers moving.

    The City Rail Link will bring Auckland closer together

    • City Rail Link will double the number of Aucklanders within a 30-minute train journey to the central city and increase rail capacity by at least 50 per cent on its opening day. 
    • It will also significantly cut journey times – for example Henderson to the city centre in just 35 minutes (save 24 minutes). Another example is Maungawhau Station (formerly Mt Eden) to Waitematā (Britomart) in under 10 minutes, which is about half the current time. 
    • Trains will run more frequently – every four minutes through the central city, every five minutes from all stations north of Puhinui on the Southern and Eastern Lines, every 8 minutes on the Western Line from Henderson and every 10 from Pukekohe.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 34 Youth Leaders Champion Diverse Environmental Causes

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Singapore, 20 June 2025 – The National Environment Agency (NEA) celebrated the graduation of the second cohort of the YOUth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Leaders Programme today. Minister for Sustainability and the Environment, Ms Grace Fu, commended the 34 graduates and urged perseverance and resilience towards Singapore’s green and sustainability agenda.

    Empowering Youths for Sustainability

    2          Introduced in 2023, the YES Leaders Programme is part of NEA’s YOUth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Movement, a nationwide initiative designed to engage youths, nurture their interest in environmental issues, and deepen their knowledge of sustainability within Singapore’s context. Through the YES Movement, NEA collaborates with partners and stakeholders to create meaningful opportunities for youths to contribute to a Clean & Green Singapore. The programme also supports the Singapore Green Plan 2030’s Sustainable Living pillar by fostering active green citizenry among youths [1].

    3          The YES Leaders Programme empowers passionate youths with the skills and knowledge to lead impactful environmental projects in their communities. Over the past year, the 34 YES Leaders successfully championed 16 projects, addressing diverse sustainability challenges. Their graduation marks not an end but a beginning, as NEA pledges continued support for their future environmental initiatives.

    4          Mr Loo Deliang, Head of the Sustainability Strategy Unit for the National University of Singapore’s University Campus Infrastructure and a YES Advisor, said, “Seeing passionate youths bring their ideas to life, from the drawing board to real-world practice, is deeply satisfying. As educational institutions, we should provide our campuses as real-world canvases for young people to realise their passion and ideas.”

    5          Mr Shane Tan Tsiat Siong, an Institute of Higher Learning (IHL) mentor from the Singapore University of Social Sciences, said, “The YES Leaders Programme offers a purposeful learning ground for young environmental stalwarts to pursue their passions and curiosity as change-makers of today and tomorrow.”

    6          Ms Samantha Thian, Founder of Seastainable and a YES Advisor, added, “As a strong advocate for youth development, it has been deeply meaningful to support the YES Leaders Programme over the past two years. This programme equips young leaders with the tools, networks, mentorship, and courage to think outside the box and take bold action to rethink sustainability in Singapore.”

    Championing Diverse Environmental Causes

    7          The second cohort of YES Leaders, with diverse academic backgrounds and interests, embarked on projects that engaged the community on topics such as public hygiene, energy efficiency, waste reduction, and environmental sustainability.

    • Beyond the Flush! – Led by Chia Howie, Su Ying Da, and Ma Shu Hang William from Singapore Polytechnic, this project focuses on improving public toilet hygiene. Their innovative prototypes, SHIELD (a barrier for urinals) and Bidet+ (an affordable built-in bidet for male and female toilets), aim to reduce spillage and improve cleanliness.
    • Bite the change: The future of food – Led by Nadhira Fateen Safeel from Singapore University of Social Sciences, this project promotes food sustainability within the community through interactive educational events. It features hands-on cooking session that teach participants simple steps on food scrap repurposing and at-home composting via workshop. Supported by a targeted social media campaign, the initiative engaged over 200 students and staff, equipping participants with skills and awareness to foster long-term sustainable food habits aligned with Singapore’s broader food sustainability goals.
    • Green Grow Gang – Launched by Natalee Chan, Cheyenne Lee, Pang Yu Fei, and Zoe Wong from ITE College West, this project transforms discarded fruit scraps, such as watermelon rinds, into biodegradable flower pots. To date, 56 batches of pots have been produced, tested, and refined for durability and plant compatibility.
    • Developing Net Zero Energy Resource Pack for Primary Schools – Led by Goh Tian Ning and Lim Xin Quan from the National University of Singapore’s Students’ Association for Visions of the Earth (NUS SAVE), this project developed a resource pack featuring classroom slides and a self-guided tour of NUS’ School of Design & Environment 4 (SDE4), a net-positive energy building. The pilot programme also empowered over 25 primary school students, inspiring them to adopt energy-saving habits and understand the differences between net-zero and conventional buildings.

    8          Graduates have continued their sustainability journey beyond YES Leaders Programme. For example:

      • Lim Xin Quan from NUS and Nadhira Fateen Safeel from SUSS from Cohort 2 have joined hands to kick start Planet Pages, a social-environmental project that seeks to facilitate book donations in Singapore and channel it to nooks in needy communities at remote areas overseas.
      • Sophia Ding from Cohort 1 has continued to develop Green Doctor Programme. Her team collected a total mass of 109.2kg of medical blisters from 6 health care institutions over a 6-month period. Her team is continuously looking for ways to improve outcomes and is now conducting a Life Cycle Analysis of their approach and developing plans to scale up their operations.

    Welcoming the Next Cohort

    9          The graduation ceremony also marked the start of the third YES Leaders Programme cohort’s journey. NEA welcomed 37 YES leaders-in-training, nominated by their institutions of higher learning and selected through a rigorous process. Starting 25 June 2025, the new cohort will participate in learning opportunities with policy makers and campaign developers from government agencies, and experts from corporate and non-governmental partners, including CapitaLand, MeTech, EnviroGreen, Chye Thiam Maintenance, Razer, Pan Pacific Hotel Group, Sustainable Living Lab, and Our Tampines Hub. The third cohort will be embarking on their own projects to engage the community to develop innovative ideas on sustainable living.

    Launch of YES Festival

    10        NEA, with the support of CapitaLand, also launched the inaugural YES Festival (YES Fest) at Funan from 20–22 June 2025. This mini-carnival, organised with the involvement of YES Leaders and student volunteers, offers everyone an opportunity to learn about sustainability through project showcases and hands-on workshops conducted by YES Leaders. The event begins at 12 noon on Friday, 20 June 2025. More information and registration for complimentary workshops are available at go.gov.sg/yesfestsg2025.

    —————————————–

    [1] For more information on the YES Movement, visit go.gov.sg/yesmovement.

     

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

    About the Youth for Environmental Sustainability (YES) Leaders Programme

    Launched in September 2023, the NEA YES Leaders Programme provides a platform for passionate and active youth leaders to learn from local policy makers, regulators, developers of national campaigns and programmes, as well as industry experts. They will develop key knowledge surrounding sustainability issues and approaches in Singapore, and build their skills to develop and run sustainability projects within their Institutes of Higher Learning (IHLs) and communities. In addition, NEA YES Leaders will also receive guidance from YES Advisors, comprising individuals who are accomplished in driving sustainability initiatives in local contexts.

    YES Advisor Loo Deliang is currently the Head of Sustainability Strategy Unit for the National University of Singapore’s University Campus Infrastructure. Responsible for spearheading the implementation of the Campus Sustainability Roadmap 2030 and its sustainability programmes, he oversees campus infrastructure sustainability, sustainability roadmap development and implementation, engineering and technology for decarbonisation, and sustainability reporting and disclosure.

    He was awarded the Public Service Medal in 2019 and NEA’s “Ecofriend Award” in 2022 for his community work to promote environmental stewardship

    YES Advisor Pek Hai Lin is currently senior manager for sustainability at the Singapore Institute of Technology. Since her time with NGO Zero Waste SG in 2017, she has led several projects and initiatives driving the circular economy in Singapore and Southeast Asia. In 2019, she was awarded the NEA EcoFriend for coordinating the Bring Your Own Singapore movement which had since onboarded more than 135 partner brands and 1,000 retail and F&B outlets. Her work at SIT has since broadened to look at Environment, Social and Governance impact, and through her commitment to further sustainable development, she hopes to continue to engage people and organisations to relook and disrupt business as usual.

    YES Advisor Samantha Thian is currently serving as Deputy Head of Operations at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Working Group II Technical Support Unit, hosted at Singapore Management University. Samantha is also the founder of Seastainable, a social enterprise sustainability consultancy that she founded in 2017.

    Recognised by Forbes 30 Under 30 Asia (Social Impact) and the NEA EcoFriend Awards in 2021, Samantha has represented Singapore at the G20 Youth Summit (Y20), as part of Singapore’s COP28 and 29 Youth Delegations, and various regional climate forums.

    YES Advisor Veerappan Swaminathan is the founder and director of Sustainable Living Lab (SL2), a consultancy that helps organisations innovate for environmental, economic, and social sustainability. He is also the CEO and director of edm8ker, which trains teachers to impart “maker education” to youths. Additionally, Veera contributes to various initiatives and platforms that promote sustainability, innovation, and social impact. Repair Kopitiam is one such initiative that he had started, to promote the habit of repairing items and combat today’s ‘buy-and-throw’ culture. He received the NUS Outstanding Young Alumni Award in 2019, 2018 Joseph Jaworski Next Generation Foresight Asia Special Award, the EcoFriend Award 2016, the Young Enterprise For Sustainable Development Award 2015, and the President’s Challenge Youth Social Enterprise Award 2015.

     

    Annex A : YES Leaders Programme Graduates and Projects

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Homicide investigation launched after death in Tūrangi

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A woman has died following an incident in Tūrangi this morning.

    Emergency services were called to an address on Hinerangi Street at about 6:30am, where the victim was found deceased.

    A homicide investigation is underway and a scene guard is at the property.

    We would like to hear from any witnesses, or anybody with CCTV footage from the incident.

    You can contact Police via 105, either over the phone or online.

    Please reference the file number 250620/6721.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Order 2025 takes effect upon gazettal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government published in the Gazette today (June 20) the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Order 2025 (the Amendment Order), which takes effect on the same day. The Amendment Order aims to put the Hong Kong Investment Corporation Limited (HKIC) and three financial infrastructure-related institutions (namely, the Hong Kong FMI Services Limited (HKFMI), the OTC Clearing Hong Kong Limited (OTC Clear) and the CMU OmniClear Limited (CMU OmniClear)) under the regulatory regime of the Prevention of Bribery Ordinance (Cap. 201) (the Ordinance).
     
         The Amendment Order specifies the HKIC, the HKFMI, the OTC Clear and the CMU OmniClear as public bodies that are subject to various restrictions under the Ordinance. Furthermore, persons doing business with the four public bodies are subject to the relevant sections of the Ordinance.
     
         A spokesperson for the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau said, “The HKIC is entrusted by the Government to support the development of innovation and technology, as well as strategic industries in Hong Kong through investment. The other three financial infrastructure-related institutions have public functions to manage and operate financial market infrastructures. In view of the important role played by the four public bodies in Hong Kong’s financial system and economic development, it is in the public interest to cover them under the regulation of the Ordinance.”
     
         The Amendment Order will be tabled at the Legislative Council on June 25 for negative vetting.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: District Cooling Services Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2025 gazetted today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​The Government today (June 20) published in the Gazette the District Cooling Services Ordinance (Amendment of Schedules 1 and 2) Notice 2025. The Notice seeks to revise the service area of the Kai Tak District Cooling System (DCS) and include the DCS in Kwu Tung North New Development Area (Kwu Tung North) and Tung Chung New Town Extension (East) (Tung Chung East) in the scope of the District Cooling Services Ordinance (Cap. 624) (the Ordinance).
     
    A spokesperson for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, “The amendments will adjust the service area of the Kai Tak DCS by including the redevelopment area surrounded by To Kwa Wan Road, Ma Tau Kok Road, Mok Cheong Street and Kowloon City Road, as well as potential user buildings of the DCS surrounded by Wang Kwong Road and Kai Cheung Road, so that the Kai Tak DCS may serve more non-domestic developments in the vicinity. In addition, the two DCS projects in Kwu Tung North and Tung Chung East are expected to be completed in 2026 and 2027 respectively. The amendments will include the two DCS projects in the scope of the Ordinance, including their capacity charge rates and consumption charge rates, to ensure the timely provision of district cooling services in Kwu Tung North and Tung Chung East. The charges, which are subject to annual adjustments according to the changes in the Composite Consumer Price Index and electricity tariff, aim to recover the capital cost and the operating cost of the DCS respectively.”
     
    The Government will table the Notice before the Legislative Council at its sitting on June 25. Upon the completion of negative vetting, the amendments will come into effect on September 5.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Registered General Building Contractor and its Authorized Signatory disciplined for negligent or misconduct

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Registered Contractors’ Disciplinary Board has completed a disciplinary inquiry under the Buildings Ordinance (BO) and decided that a Registered General Building Contractor (RGBC) and its Authorized Signatory (AS) should be disciplined for having been negligent and/or misconducted themselves in building works (including foundation and superstructure works).

         The Board ordered the RGBC to be fined $170,000, and the AS be reprimanded. Also, the RGBC and its AS are to pay $148,200 extra in total, being the costs of the Board and the Buildings Department (BD) for conducting the inquiry. 

         The Board’s written decision and order issued on June 10, was published in the Gazette today (June 20). Details are available at the following link: www.gld.gov.hk/egazette/pdf/20252925/egn202529253644.pdf.

         The case involved a construction site at Tai Shu Ha Road West in Yuen Long. Upon investigation by the BD, it was found that the RGBC and its AS had knowledge of the construction of unauthorised concrete walls below the ground floor of all houses and the club house at the site, which deviated from the approved plans in a material way. In view of the investigation results, the BD notified the Board for its consideration of disciplinary action against the RGBC and its AS under the provisions of sections 13(1) and 13(3) of the BO.

         A spokesperson for the BD reiterated that any registered contractors who have been negligent or have misconducted themselves in building works may be subject to disciplinary action under the BO.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: ASEAN secretary-general calls for pioneering forward-looking partnership with China

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

    ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn delivers a speech during the Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations in Jakarta, Indonesia, June 19, 2025. The forum, held under the theme “New Areas, New Engines, New Opportunities” on Thursday, brought together officials, diplomats, and business leaders to explore new paths for inclusive and sustainable growth. [Photo/Xinhua]

    ASEAN and China must pioneer a forward-looking partnership, anchored in resilient and equitable value-chain integration as well as climate and tech-responsive infrastructure, to chart a more inclusive and sustainable course in today’s fragmented world, said ASEAN Secretary-General Kao Kim Hourn here on Thursday.

    Speaking at the Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations, Kao highlighted five strategic areas he believed to be pivotal in redefining the future of ASEAN-China relations: digital economy, green transition, supply chain connectivity and resilience, transport connectivity, and tourism cooperation.

    The ASEAN-China partnership has delivered substantial economic achievements. Two-way trade surged dramatically from 105.9 billion U.S. dollars in 2004 to 770 billion dollars in 2024, accounting for 20 percent of ASEAN’s total trade, Kao said.

    Both ASEAN and China attach great importance to cooperation in emerging industries, and advance it as a priority area, said Chinese Ambassador to ASEAN Hou Yanqi.

    “We must implement the consensus reached by our leaders and deepen cooperation in areas such as digital economy, digital transformation, scientific and technological innovation, artificial intelligence, big data, and smart cities,” said Hou.

    The development and growth of emerging areas require a more open, inclusive and orderly international economic and trade environment, Hou added.

    The Jakarta Forum on ASEAN-China Relations, held under the theme “New Areas, New Engines, New Opportunities” on Thursday, brought together officials, diplomats, and business leaders to explore new paths for inclusive and sustainable growth. 

    MIL OSI China News –