NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI China: Injuries reported following explosion at US Kadena Air Base in Japan’s Okinawa

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

    An explosion occurred Monday at an ammunition storage area within the U.S. military’s Kadena Air Base in Japan’s southernmost prefecture of Okinawa, resulting in injuries, local media reported.

    The blast went off at a facility that belongs to Japan’s Self Defense Forces (SDF) and is used to temporarily store unexploded ammunition, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing SDF sources.

    At around 11:20 a.m. local time, the fire department received a report about the explosion at the SDF-managed facility and that people were injured but remained conscious.

    Several SDF personnel were taken to hospital after the incident, Kyodo News said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Pop Culture Festival “Music and Laughs” Concert tickets on sale from June 10

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will present the “Music and Laughs” Concert, one of the highlights of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. Curated by award-winning veteran producer Edward Chan, the concert will feature five popular singers or artists and accomplished musicians, delivering a delightful performance. With comedy and music as the main themes, the concert weaves together elements of drama, dance, and unique stage design, offering an unforgettable evening filled with laughter and joy.
     
         Edward Chan, who has arranged and produced songs for numerous renowned pop artists, will curate tailor-made performances for Jason Chan, Jay Fung, Cath Wong, Dee@ERROR, and FatBoy@ERROR, showcasing their distinct characteristics and strengths through diverse collaborations and presentation formats. Accompanied by the Symphonic Pops Orchestra under the baton of Fung Ka-hing and a live band of rising young musicians, the concert promises a surprising and whimsical musical spark.
     
         “Music and Laughs” Concert will be staged at 8pm on July 19 and 20 at the Grand Theatre of the Hong Kong Cultural Centre. Tickets priced at $388, $688, $888 and $1,088 will be available from tomorrow (June 10) at URBTIX (www.urbtix.hk). Only Internet, mobile app and telephone (3166 1288) bookings are available on the first ticket sale day, while outlet and self-service ticketing kiosk bookings will be available from the second ticket sale day. A maximum of 10 tickets can be purchased per transaction per person on the first ticket sale day, and a maximum of 40 tickets can be purchased per transaction per person from the second ticket sale day.
     
         For programme enquiries and concessionary schemes, please call 3755 3359 or visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en/programmes/music-laughs-concert.
     
         This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. Humour has been a trendsetter in Hong Kong’s pop culture scene. The Festival features a diverse range of formats including stage performances, film screenings, thematic exhibitions, and library and outreach activities. Offering insight into the multifaceted development of Hong Kong’s pop culture along the line of “happiness”, the Festival brings audiences not only joy and laughter but also an opportunity to appreciate how pop culture can be transmitted and transformed, and how integration and breakthroughs are possible. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk/en.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestinian supporters in NZ accuse Israel of ‘state piracy’ and condemn silence

    Asia Pacific Report

    Israel’s military attack and boarding of the humanitarian boat Madleen attempting to deliver food and medical aid to the besieged people of Gaza has been condemned by New Zealand Palestinian advocacy groups as a “staggering act of state piracy”.

    The vessel was in international waters, carrying aid workers, doctors, journalists, and supplies desperately needed by the 2 million population that Israel has systematically bombed, starved, and displaced.

    “This was not a military confrontation. It was the assault of an unarmed civilian aid ship by a state acting with total impunity,” said the group Thyme4Action.

    “This is piracy, it is state terror, and it is a genocidal act of war.

    Half of the 12 crew and passengers on board are French citizens and the volunteer group includes French-Palestinian European parliamentarian Rima Hassan and Swedish climate crisis activist Greta Thunberg and two journalists.

    They all made pre-recorded messages calling for international pressure on their governments against the Israeli state. The messages were posted on the Freedom Flotilla Coalition X page.

    The group Thyme4Action said in a media release that a regime engaged in genocide would send sends drones and armed commandos to detain civilians in international waters.

    Israel’s ‘total moral collapse’
    “We are witnessing the total moral collapse of a state, supported for years by Western governments to act with utter impunity, violate our global legal system, morality and principles.

    “No amount of spin or military propaganda can hide the cruelty of deliberately starving a population, targeting children, bombing hospitals and bakeries, and then violently stopping others from bringing aid.”

    Thyme4Action said the attack on the Madleen was not a separate incident — “it is part of the same campaign to eliminate Palestinian life, hope, and survival. It is why the International Court of Justice has already ruled that Israel is plausibly committing genocide.”

    “This is not complicated,” said the statement.

    French journalist Yanis Mhandi on board the Madleen . . . “I’ve been detained by Israeli forces while doing my job as a journalist.” Image: FFC screenshot APR

    “Israel has no legal authority in international waters. Under the United Nations Convention
    on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), Israel’s boarding of a civilian aid ship beyond its territorial waters is an act of piracy, unlawful kidnapping, forcible abduction and armed
    aggression.

    Under international humanitarian law, deliberately blocking aid to a population facing
    starvation is a war crime.

    Under the Genocide Convention, when a state intentionally denies food, water, and
    medicine to a population it is bombing and displacing, this constitutes part of a genocidal
    campaign.”

    NZ silence condemned
    The advocacy group condemned the silence of the New Zealand government as being “no longer neutral”.

    The moment that the Freedom Flotilla Coalition lost communications with the Madleen as Israeli forces attacked the vessel. Image: FFC

    It demonstrated a shocking lack of respect for international law, for human rights, and for the safety of global humanitarian workers.

    “It reflects a broader decay in foreign policy — where selective outrage and Israeli
    exceptionalism undermine the credibility of everything New Zealand claims to stand for.”

    Thyme4Action called on the New Zealand government to:

    • Publicly condemn Israel’s illegal assault on the Madleen and its passengers;
    • Demand the immediate release of all aid workers, journalists, and civilians
    abducted by Israeli forces;
    • Suspend all diplomatic, military, and trade cooperation with Israel until it complies
    with international law; and
    • Support international accountability mechanisms, including referring Israel’s crimes
    to the International Criminal Court and backing enforcement of the ICJ’s provisional
    measures on genocide.

    “This has to stop. This is not just a crisis in Gaza,” said the statement.

    ‘Crisis of global morality’
    “It is a crisis of global morality, of international law, and of our basic shared humanity.

    “We stand with the people of Gaza. We stand with the brave souls aboard the Madleen, and
    we demand an end to this madness before the world forgets what it means to be human.

    “We need a government that stands for all that is right, not all that is wrong.

    “Aid is not terrorism. International waters are not Israel’s territory. And silence in the face of evil is complicity.”

    Pro-Palestinian supporters in New Zealand have held protests against the genocide and demanding a ceasefire right across the country at multiple locations for the past 87 weeks.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • The Government Of The Day Is Handicapped; It Can’t Register an FIR because there is a Judicial order: Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Motion to remove the judge is the answer? If there has been a crime, a culpable act, Why wasn’t it punished? questions VP
    Permission to file FIR Could Have Been Given on the Very First Day; It Could Have Been Given at Least After the Report, stresses VP
    Committee of Judges Can not Substitute FIR or Constitutional Removal Mechanism for Judges: Vice-President
    We Have Lost More Than Three Months, And The Investigation Has Not Even Been Initiated, says VP
    Has money influenced the Judiciary in judicial work?, questions VP
    If The Temple Of Justice Is So Sacrileged, So Tainted, So Besmirched… Then, Where Would People Go For Justice?, asks VP
    Lawyers Of The Bar Are Custodians Of The Rule of Law, says VP
    The People’s Confidence… Will Be Restored — Only By Very Thorough Investigation, Proper Investigation, Scientific Investigation, highlights VP
    Surely The Cash Will Not Come Without A Purpose. And The Purpose Can’t Be Legitimate, Says VP

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar, today said, “The Government of the day is handicapped. It can’t register an FIR. Because there is a judicial order. And that judicial order is more than three decades old. It provides virtually impregnable cover. Unless permission is accorded by a functionary at the highest level in the judiciary, an FIR can’t be registered. So I pose a question to myself, in deep pain, worried, concerned, in anguish — why was that permission not given? That was the minimum that could have been done on the earliest occasion.”

    He further said, “I have raised the issue. Ultimately, if a motion is brought to remove a judge, is that the answer? If there has been a crime, a culpable act shaking the foundations of democracy — the rule of law, why wasn’t it punished? We have lost more than three months, and the investigation has not even been initiated. Whenever you go to court, they ask why the FIR was delayed.”

    Shri Dhankhar further stated, “Does the committee of judges have a constitutional sanction? Does it have statutory sanction? Can this report result in any outcome? Can this report, by itself, be actionable? If a judge removal mechanism is there, the Constitution says this removal mechanism can be initiated either in the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha. This is the only way. Then this committee cannot substitute for an FIR investigation. Now, the separation of powers. Penal thing has to follow it. If we have to lay claim on democracy, on the rule of law, equality before law, let me tell you — even the President of India and the Governors — they have immunity from prosecution only till they are in office. No other body has it. No other in the country, no other constitutional office has this immunity, and that too while in office. Now, how can we have a mechanism that such a crime — a culpable act — revealed from a document revealed by the Supreme Court, that there was a cash haul.”

    The Vice-President said, “I find it very soothing and must congratulate you that the bar associations in the country are active on it. I hope an FIR is filed. One, that permission could have been given on the very first day. It should have been. A compulsive, expedient situation should have been there, because the mechanism evolved is the same. Second, it could have been given at least after the report. Could it have been given on the judicial side? What happened on the judicial side — it is there. I gather from the public domain — money spending.”

    Shri Dhankhar further said, “While I have appreciated the former Chief Justice for putting those documents in the public domain, so what we say, there was a cash haul, because the report says — the report was put in the public domain by the Supreme Court. Let us not destroy the idea of democracy. Let us not dilute our ethical standards so low. Let us not decimate integrity.”

    Interacting with members of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in Chandigarh today, the Vice-President said, “Judicial system at the moment, because of a very painful incident that happened mid-March in Delhi at the residence of a sitting judge, there was a cash haul, obviously tainted, unaccounted, illegal. And unexplained! The intervention is very significant. One, it appeared in the public domain after 6-7 days. Imagine if it had not appeared. So, we don’t know whether it is isolated or if there are other instances. Now, whenever tainted, unaccounted, unexplained cash haul is there, the system has to move to find out whose money is this? And what is the money trail? Where did this loose cash come from? Are there big sharks? Has the money influenced the Judiciary in judicial work? All these issues are agitating not only the minds of lawyers but also people on the street. But let the lid be blown off the can of worms. Let these skeletons in the cupboards come out. Why was there no FIR? Why has there been no investigation at all?”

    Shri Dhankhar stated, “I’m so happy that our Bar associations are picking up the issue. But the confidence of the people is very fundamental in all institutions. All I am saying is, the thought that it will die down, that it will not get media attention, that people have short memories, and those actors, sharks who are culpable, postures that indicate the highest criminality. We must not be sparing them. The people’s confidence, I’m sure, will be restored — I don’t know to what extent — but only by very thorough investigation, proper investigation, scientific investigation — the investigation that will expose, to public satisfaction, the original source of money, the money trail, the people involved, the beneficiaries, and the purpose.”

    The Vice-President recollected, “If you know a famous case — Sarwan Singh v. State of Punjab, 1957 — the gap between establishing the truth is sometimes very thin. The distance between ‘may be true’ and ‘must be true’ is very thin. But this thin distance has to be negotiated by evidence of unimpeachable veracity. So I put innocence at a very high level. I am not aware of who is guilty. But one thing is for sure — a crime of great enormity, shaking the foundations of the Judiciary and democracy, has taken place. I hope it will be addressed”

    Shri Dhankhar stated, “As a former President of the Rajasthan High Court Bar Association, probably this is the first time this happened — that we got together. So lawyers in such bodies are watchdogs of democracy. And in democracy, nothing matters more than proper investigation, proper findings, getting to the source, the original source of the tainted, unaccounted, illegal cash. Surely the cash will not come without a purpose. And the purpose can’t be legitimate. Lord Denning, a great judge, quoted Fuller. Fuller is from 350 years from now: “Be ye never so high, the law is above you.” Now, those who have to enforce the law are also subject to the law.”

    Highlighting that courts are a temple of justice, Shri Dhankhar said, “For lawyers, nothing is more important than the purity of the system where you work. That is why we call it the temple of justice. Now, if the temple of justice is so sacrileged, so tainted, so besmirched that people come very close to losing faith, then where would people go for justice? Before we inflict more injuries on the soul of Bharat — it’s written in a sense of democracy — I hope things will take shape.

    He further said, “All I’m saying is that our judges need protection. Because judges make tough decisions. Judges decide against the Executive. The Executive in any democracy is a mighty power. So judges have to be fearless and independent. They cannot be subjected in a routine way. But now what has happened is — even judges’ premises are sacrosanct. Any crime happening therein is not subject to investigation unless a sanction is given.”

    The Vice-President said, “Now, if this institution is clouded, smoked, then one gets an idea. We don’t know how many skeletons are in the cupboard. Then another worry — stories are going around. Names are floating on whose money is it? Maybe it is not their money. So, proper investigation will also save the reputation of many, many who are being doubted. Because a criminal investigation must nab only the accused and prove the guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. Because people can’t put pressure. Bar associations can. We have a role to play in this society. You are stakeholders. Ultimately, you’ll be the sufferers. You help people access courts. Members of the bar, you do your utmost to secure the dispensation of justice in the right way. If faith in what you are assisting with is shaken, there will be no way.”

    Signifying the importance of the Bar Association, the Vice-President said, “The Body of Lawyers and Bar Associations is, in a sense, custodians of the rule of law. They are watchdogs of democracy, and when the system is challenged, there is an obligation on members of the Bar. There have been times when lawyers play a key role, and that is why in our democracy, we have a separation of powers, which means the Executive will do its role, the Legislature will do its role, and the Judiciary will do its role. The critical issue is, judgments have to be given by judges. They can’t be scripted by the Legislature. I am Chairman, Rajya Sabha, you can’t script a judgment. Am I right? Similarly, the job that we do can’t be done by the Executive or the Judiciary.”

    Shri Dhankhar further said, “The Bar Association of the Punjab and Haryana High Court is unique in the entire country. Two States, One Union Territory, very, very important Bar Association. The same is about the Bar Council. I had the good fortune to be the President of my association in Rajasthan, but that was the presidency of the bench at Jaipur. You are the president in the complete right. Whenever I have appeared in the Punjab and Haryana High Court, it has always been a pleasure to come to this place because the Bar has a long tradition. Members of the Bar have been instrumental in getting us freedom. During the freedom struggle, top lawyers ignored their real practice in fiscal terms and devoted themselves to the nation.”

    Highlighting the importance of a democratic society, Shri Dhankhar said, “In a democratic society, the rule of law and equality in law are compromised — seriously, severely, if some people are above the law, beyond scrutiny, beyond investigation. Secondly, yours is a very important High Court, covering a huge jurisdictional area of two states and a Union Territory. The Chief Justice of the High Court, apart from judicial work, also has to do administrative work. And the administrative work is very large. Same about Haryana.”

    The Vice-President said, “I believe the greatest power of Indian citizens is to be treated as innocent till proven guilty. So I don’t want to suggest someone is guilty. But let the investigation be there. It should be proved. Definitely. We don’t know how many people will be there once we break the curtain.”

    He further added, “Purpose is equally important because if it is related to judicial work, if judgment can be influenced by money bags, that day at least, I do not wish to see. And no Member of Parliament would love to see it—unless one is part of it.”

    In conclusion, Shri Dhankhar said, “Let me tell you, I have travelled all over the world. On intelligence, our judges are the best. In hard work, our judges are the best. When they lose confidence in everybody — the executive, and I would say even in organizations to which I belong, but they trust the Judiciary. Because they know, a judge is a reincarnation of God. He will do justice. And there also, they draw a distinction. A sitting judge, in public perception, I don’t subscribe to it, carries greater weightage than a judge under oath will certainly do justice.”

  • Ayushman Bharat scheme led to historic development in health in last 11 years: Nadda

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The flagship Ayushman Bharat – Jan Arogya scheme has led to historic development in the health sector in the last 11 years, said Union Health Minister JP Nadda on Monday.

    In a post on X, Nadda elucidated the progress made by the country in various fields under the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government over the last decade.

    “In the last 11 years, there has been historic development in all areas, including education, health, transport, infrastructure, and defense,” Nadda said.

    The Union Minister noted how every section of society has been uplifted due to unprecedented initiatives, such as the “Ayushman Bharat – Jan Arogya” by the government.

    As of May 30, more than 41.02 crore Ayushman Cards have been created in 33 states and union territories.

    The AB-PMJAY has emerged as one of the world’s largest publicly funded health insurance schemes. It has enabled 8.59 crore hospital admissions worth Rs 1,19,858 crore, ensuring access to secondary and tertiary care without pushing families into debt, according to an official statement by the government.

    Further, the number of Jan Aushadhi Kendras rose to 16,469, as of May 30, from just 80 in 2014. It brought essential medicines within reach of the common citizen.

    “Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Narendra Modi ji, India has made remarkable progress in every field in the last 11 years. From becoming the fourth largest economy globally to international diplomacy, unprecedented work has been done on the upliftment of every section including farmers, women, youth, elderly, laborers, businessmen, infrastructure development, and inclusive policies,” Nadda said.

    Other initiatives that contributed to the growth of the country include Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, PM Jan Dhan, Mudra Yojana, Drone Didi, self-help groups, and self-employment scheme.

    These have uplifted “crores of citizens across the country to come out of the poverty line and live a life of dignity,” the Minister said.

    He stated that the 11 years of the Modi government have been dedicated to “service, good governance and welfare of the poor”, which is enabling the country to rapidly progress towards building a ‘developed India’.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • India celebrates 11 years of PM Modi’s leadership: A decade of transformative governance and inclusive growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks 11 years at the helm of the Indian government, the nation reflects on a decade defined by unprecedented transformation, inclusive development, and governance rooted in the spirit of Seva (service).

    Under PM Modi’s leadership, India has not only surged economically and technologically but also redefined its global standing and internal governance priorities. The slogan 11 Years of Seva has come to symbolize a period of speed, scale, and selfless public service, touching every section of Indian society—from farmers to youth, from marginalized communities to women, and from remote villages to global forums.

    India’s GDP has more than tripled over the last decade—from ₹105 lakh crore ($2.1 trillion) in 2013–14 to over ₹330 lakh crore ($4.2 trillion) in 2024–25. The country’s export capacity saw a 91% surge, hitting $890 billion in total exports this year. Initiatives like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Schemes attracted ₹1.61 lakh crore in investments and created over 11.5 lakh jobs across 14 sectors.

    Infrastructure witnessed massive upgrades. National highway length grew from 91,287 km in 2014 to 1,46,204 km in 2024. Operational airports more than doubled to 157. In the Northeast alone, ₹81,000 crore has been invested in railway projects, with 1,728 km commissioned—up 159% from the previous decade.

    Agriculture saw a budgetary increase of nearly six times, with Minimum Support Prices (MSPs) rising substantially for major crops. Over ₹3.68 lakh crore has been directly transferred to over 11 crore farmers under PM-KISAN, while institutional credit to agriculture nearly tripled.

    Women emerged as key stakeholders in this growth journey. The Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam has secured one-third reservation for women in legislatures, and women now constitute 43% of STEMM enrollments and over 2 crore MSME entrepreneurs. Self-help groups (SHGs) have grown to 90.9 lakh, transforming grassroots leadership.

    Health and Digital Transformation

    Healthcare underwent a seismic shift. Ayushman Bharat has issued over 36 crore health cards, saving citizens ₹1.25 lakh crore in medical costs. India added nearly 400 new medical colleges, doubled MBBS seats, and saw a sharp decline in maternal and infant mortality rates.

    Telemedicine service eSanjeevani delivered over 36 crore consultations—making it the world’s largest digital health platform. Aadhaar-enabled DBT schemes transferred over ₹43 lakh crore directly to beneficiaries, while UPI transactions crossed ₹214 lakh crore, with India now handling nearly half of global real-time payments.

    Global Positioning and Defence Prowess

    India has transitioned from a major arms importer to an emerging defence exporter, with defence exports soaring from ₹1,941 crore in 2014 to ₹23,662 crore in 2024. Indigenous platforms like the Vande Bharat trains and advanced defence drones have solidified India’s technological edge.

    India’s role on the global stage also evolved, leading humanitarian missions like Operation Ganga, Brahma, Kaveri, and Vande Bharat to rescue citizens and deliver aid globally.

    Sustainability and Green Growth

    The green revolution under PM Modi’s governance is visible in the 3,400% rise in solar power capacity (from 2.82 GW to 100+ GW), the planting of over 142 crore trees, and the creation of 282 new protected ecological areas. The ₹19,744 crore National Green Hydrogen Mission aims to position India as a global clean energy hub.

    Peace and Integration in the Northeast

    Violence in the Northeast has reduced significantly—insurgency-related incidents fell by 70%, and over 10,500 insurgents have surrendered. The Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) has been revoked in large parts of the region, as development replaces discord. PM Modi has visited the region 78 times—more than all previous prime ministers combined.

    Youth, Innovation, and Digital Bharat

    With 1.61 lakh startups recognized and India now ranking third globally in the unicorn count, the youth have become central to India’s innovation ecosystem. Over 2.27 crore youth have been trained under Skill India, and more than ₹2 lakh crore has been invested in their skilling and employment.

    India’s digital backbone also saw remarkable growth—with average data usage per person rising 325 times, from 70 MB in 2014 to 22.8 GB in 2025, and mobile phone production scaling from 5.8 crore units to over 33 crore annually.

    From eradicating open defecation and improving healthcare access to transforming India into a startup and manufacturing powerhouse, the past 11 years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi have laid the foundation for a Viksit Bharat (developed India).

  • MIL-OSI China: US economic growth slows amid rising trade barriers

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

    This photo taken on March 29, 2023 shows the White House in Washington, D.C., the United States. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) released its latest Economic Outlook on June 3, projects global GDP growth to decelerate from 3.3% in 2024 to 2.9% for both this year and the next. The United States economy is expected to see a significant slowdown, with growth dropping to 1.6% in 2025 and 1.5% in 2026. So, what’s behind this slowdown? Let’s take a closer look at the role of trade barriers.

    First, let’s get a handle on the current state of trade barriers. In recent years, the U.S. has been at the forefront of implementing a series of protectionist trade measures. These include imposing tariffs and erecting various trade barriers. For example, on May 23, U.S. President Donald Trump proposed directly imposing a 50% tariff on EU products starting from June 1. Products manufactured or produced in the U.S. would be exempt from this tariff. However, according to the latest news, after a phone call between President Trump and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, it was decided to postpone the implementation of the 50% tariff on EU products until July 9. While the intention might have been to shield domestic industries and jobs, the reality has turned out to be quite different.

    Trade barriers have had a profound impact on U.S. exports. As a major export-oriented economy, the U.S. relies heavily on international markets for many of its industries. However, these barriers have diminished the competitiveness of U.S. products abroad. In retaliation for U.S. protectionist moves, other countries have also raised tariffs on U.S. goods. This has left U.S. exporters grappling with higher costs and shrinking market shares. Take U.S. agricultural exports, for example. Due to retaliatory tariffs from other nations, U.S. agricultural products have found it increasingly difficult to penetrate international markets. In 2024, the export value of U.S. soybeans was $24.5 billion, lower than the $27.7 billion in 2023 and the record high of $34.4 billion in 2022. This has led to a drop in domestic agricultural prices and a decline in farmers’ incomes.

    Trade barriers have also wreaked havoc on supply chains. In today’s globalized world, many U.S. industries depend on intricate global supply chains. These barriers have caused these supply chains to fracture and reconfigure. Numerous companies have had to scramble to find new suppliers, incurring additional costs and experiencing reduced production efficiency. For instance, U.S. manufacturing firms often rely on imported components. Trade barriers have disrupted the supply of these parts, forcing companies to spend more time and money seeking alternatives. This not only affects production but also drives up product prices. The manufacturing PMI for May shows that the prices index was as high as 69.4%. Although it slightly decreased compared to last month, it still remained at a high level, indicating that raw material costs have been rising for eight consecutive months.

    Trade barriers have led to a decline in business investment. Amid the uncertainty of the trade environment, many companies have become wary of future market prospects. They fear that escalating trade barriers could further erode their profits. As a result, they have cut back on investments in new projects and equipment. This not only hampers long-term corporate development but also has a negative impact on economic growth. For example, some U.S. tech companies had planned to expand production, but they have had to either delay or shelve these plans due to the impact of trade barriers. Green energy projects have also been suspended to varying degrees, with major clean energy projects not being spared. Flagship projects that have been put on hold include the $1 billion solar panel factory in Oklahoma by Italy’s Enel Green Power, the $2.3 billion battery storage facility in Arizona by South Korea’s LG Energy Solution, and the $1.3 billion lithium refinery in South Carolina by the world’s largest lithium miner, U.S.-based Albemarle.

    Lastly, trade barriers have eroded consumer confidence. Consumers are a vital part of the economy, and their spending behavior directly affects economic growth. Trade barriers have caused product prices to rise, increasing the cost of living for consumers. For example, in April 2025, the U.S. CPI increased by 3.4% year on year. At the same time, trade barriers have led to job losses, with unemployment in the U.S.at 4.2% in April, heightening consumers’ concerns about the economic outlook. This has led consumers to cut back on spending, which in turn has had a negative impact on economic growth.

    So, what does the future hold for the U.S. economy in the face of these trade barriers? In the short term, the U.S. economy is likely to continue facing the pressure of slower growth. The impact of trade barriers won’t vanish overnight, and companies will need time to adapt to the new trade landscape. In the long run, the U.S. will need to reassess its trade policies and seek more open and cooperative trade relations. Only by strengthening international cooperation and reducing trade barriers can sustainable economic growth be achieved.

    In summary, trade barriers are a key factor in the projected U.S. economy slowdown. They have affected U.S. exports, disrupted supply chains, reduced business investment and eroded consumer confidence. The U.S. must take proactive measures to address these challenges. 

    The author is an associate professor in economics at Beijing International Studies University.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 15 killed in Malaysia road accident

    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

    KUALA LUMPUR, June 9 (Xinhua) — At least 15 people were killed when a bus carrying students collided with a multi-purpose vehicle on the East-West Highway in Malaysia’s Perak state early Monday, authorities said.

    The clash, which was reported at 1:10 p.m. local time, left 48 people injured, 13 of whom were found dead at the scene, civil defense forces said in a statement.

    Two more victims died in hospital, Malaysia’s Bernama news agency reported.

    Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim expressed condolences to the families of all those killed in the plane crash and instructed the Ministry of Higher Education to coordinate the provision of appropriate assistance to the families of the victims. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India embraces cashless revolution in last 11 years: FM Nirmala Sitharaman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday said that India is embracing a cashless revolution with world-class digital initiatives like Unified Payments Interface (UPI).

    “In the last 11 years, India has seen a remarkable journey under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. From making life easier for the common citizen to boosting business confidence, it’s been a decade of real and visible change,” the Finance Minister said on a post on X.

    “India is embracing a cashless revolution! With Rs 70,000 Cr+ worth UPI transactions daily and 59.6 crore transactions in a single day, digital payments are now the norm,” the minister added.

    India today is not just the fastest-growing major economy, but also a key global voice on pressing issues like climate action and digital innovation.

    In the month of May, UPI posted a robust growth by processing 18.68 billion transactions, up from 17.89 billion in April. As per data by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), the UPI transactions mark a 33 per cent year-on-year (YoY) surge compared to 14.03 billion transactions in the same month last year.

    The UPI transactions rose to Rs 25.14 lakh crore (by value) last month, a 5 per cent increase from Rs 23.95 lakh crore in April. This reflects a 23 per cent rise from Rs 20.45 lakh crore in May last year. The average daily transaction volume stood at 602 million, while the average daily transaction value reached Rs 81,106 crore.

    The UPI has strengthened its dominance in India’s digital payments system with its share in the total transaction volume rising to 83.7 per cent in 2024-25 from 79.7 per cent in the previous financial year.

    The RBI’s annual report shows that UPI facilitated 185.8 billion transactions during 2024-25, which represents a 41 per cent year-on-year increase. In value terms, UPI transactions rose to Rs 261 lakh crore from Rs 200 lakh crore in FY24.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Keeping the grass growing and the Fieldays traffic flowing

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    Here’s what road users need to know:

    State Highway 21 (SH21) Airport Road, State Highway 1 (SH1) and State Highway 1C (SH1C) interchange at Tamahere are likely to be severely congested from tomorrow, Tuesday 10 through to Sunday 15 June, and motorists should plan ahead. Long queues and delays can be expected.

    “We know that Fieldays attracts thousands of people every year, so we’ve planned for the inundation of traffic to Mystery Creek and surrounding state highways, by making some changes to help traffic flow,” says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi Waikato Journey Manager, Andrew Brosnan.

    “This year, there will be a closure of the SH21 northbound lane, between the SH21 Airport Road – Raynes Road intersection and the event. This lane will be closed from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 6pm on Wednesday, Thursday and Friday to reduce tailbacks on SH1 during the morning and afternoon traffic peaks.

    “Tamahere Interchange will be closed between 6am and 11am,” Mr Brosnan says.

    Alternative routes for people travelling through the area but not to Fieldays are to use State Highway 3 (SH3) and SH1C. People travelling from SH1 to Fieldays on SH21 Airport Road will not be affected. Through-traffic is limited to people living around SH21 Airport Road and school traffic including local school buses and parents travelling to and from Tamahere School and Tamahere Educare.

    “Attendees should also consider taking the bus. There are several free services travelling to and from Fieldays every day,” Mr Brosnan says.

    Regional buses and Hamilton City buses can be taken free to the Hamilton Transport Centre, and then out to Gate 1 at Fieldays, Mystery Creek with a valid 2025 Fieldays ticket which must be presented to the driver.

    Regional buses include those from Raglan, Cambridge, Te Awamutu, Paeroa, Te Aroha, Morrinsville, Huntly, Taumarunui, Te Kūiti and Tokoroa. Buses to Fieldays will depart from Hamilton Transport Centre approximately every 30 minutes from 7am to 11am returning from 1pm to 5.30 pm.

    Visit fieldays.co.nz/attend-fieldays/getting-to-fieldays for more information.

    While the event is on, people are encouraged to use alternative routes or travel arrangements between Tuesday 10 and Sunday 15 June.

    Check Journey Planner before heading to Fieldays or if travelling through the area.

    You can get real-time updates on traffic conditions around Mystery Creek at https://www.journeys.nzta.govt.nz/regions/waikato/traffic-dashboard

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Modi 3.0 driving new India towards security, self-reliance and development: Amit Shah

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Monday said that India, under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, is moving decisively towards becoming a secure, self-reliant, and developed nation.

    In a post on X, Amit Shah highlighted the achievements of the Modi government over the past 11 years, stating that the era has marked a significant transformation in India’s internal security and national confidence.

    “’11 Years of Seva’ has also proved to be a milestone for national security. Naxalism is on its last legs, peace has been established in Jammu and Kashmir and the Northeast, and India now responds to terrorist attacks by entering terrorists’ homes. This shows the changing picture of India under the Modi government,” Shah wrote.

    He further asserted that with the beginning of Modi 3.0, the nation is “rapidly progressing towards development and self-reliance with the power of reform, perform and transform.” The Home Minister said that the vision for India becoming number one across all sectors remains steadfast and will continue to bring “positive changes in the lives of the countrymen”.

    Earlier on Sunday, addressing the state, district, and mandal-level office bearers of the Tamil Nadu BJP in Madurai, Shah extended his remarks, calling 2024 a “historic milestone” for the BJP and its dedicated cadre.

    “It is a truly remarkable year, as Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji secured a third consecutive term, an extraordinary achievement,” he said.

    Shah noted the BJP’s first-ever majority government in Odisha, describing it as a “historic mandate” in a state, where the party had never previously held strong support. He also highlighted significant victories in Haryana and Maharashtra, where the BJP returned to power and secured its biggest-ever win, respectively.

    Looking ahead, Shah pointed to a political turning point in 2025, where the BJP ousted Arvind Kejriwal’s AAP government to establish its own in Delhi after a gap of 27 years. He also forecasted political transformations in Tamil Nadu and West Bengal in 2026, expressing confidence that both states are on the path toward forming NDA-led governments.

    With the Modi government completing its 11 years, Home Minister Shah underlined a renewed push for national security, development, and political expansion, reinforcing the BJP’s mission of building a ‘New India’ through what he called the mantra of “Reform, Perform, and Transform”.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Global: 2-million-year-old pitted teeth from our ancient relatives reveal secrets about human evolution

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ian Towle, Research Fellow in Biological Anthropology, Monash University

    Ian Towle / The Conversation

    The enamel that forms the outer layer of our teeth might seem like an unlikely place to find clues about evolution. But it tells us more than you’d think about the relationships between our fossil ancestors and relatives.

    In our new study, published in the Journal of Human Evolution, we highlight a different aspect of enamel. In fact, we highlight its absence.

    Specifically, we show that tiny, shallow pits in fossil teeth may not be signs of malnutrition or disease. Instead, they may carry surprising evolutionary significance.

    You might be wondering why this matters. Well, for people like me who try to figure out how humans evolved and how all our ancestors and relatives were related to each other, teeth are very important. And having a new marker to look out for on fossil teeth could give us a new tool to help fit together our family tree.

    Uniform, circular and shallow

    These pits were first identified in the South African species Paranthropus robustus, a close relative of our own genus Homo. They are highly consistent in shape and size: uniform, circular and shallow.

    Initially, we thought the pits might be unique to P. robustus. But our latest research shows this kind of pitting also occurs in other Paranthropus species in eastern Africa. We even found it in some Australopithecus individuals, a genus that may have given rise to both Homo and Paranthropus.

    Uniform, circular and shallow pitting on teeth may be a previously undetected clue about evolutionary relationships.
    Towle et al. / Journal of Human Evolution

    The enamel pits have commonly been assumed to be defects resulting from stresses such as illness or malnutrition during childhood. However, their remarkable consistency across species, time and geography suggests these enamel pits may be something more interesting.

    The pitting is subtle, regularly spaced, and often clustered in specific regions of the tooth crown. It appears without any other signs of damage or abnormality.

    Two million years of evolution

    We looked at fossil teeth from hominins (humans and our closest extinct relatives) from the Omo Valley in Ethiopia, where we can see traces of more than two million years of human evolution, as well as comparisons with sites in southern Africa (Drimolen, Swartkrans and Kromdraai).

    The Omo collection includes teeth attributed to Paranthropus, Australopithecus and Homo, the three most recent and well-known hominin genera. This allowed us to track the telltale pitting across different branches of our evolutionary tree.

    What we found was unexpected. The uniform pitting appears regularly in both eastern and southern Africa Paranthropus, and also in the earliest eastern African Australopithecus teeth dating back around 3 million years. But among southern Africa Australopithecus and our own genus, Homo, the uniform pitting was notably absent.

    A defect … or just a trait?

    If the uniform pitting were caused by stress or disease, we might expect it to correlate with tooth size and enamel thickness, and to affect both front and back teeth. But it doesn’t.

    What’s more, stress-related defects typically form horizontal bands. They usually affect all teeth developing at the time of the stress, but this is not what we see with this pitting.

    The uniform, even nature of the pitting suggests a genetic origin rather than environmental factors such as malnutrition or disease.
    Towle et al. / Journal of Human Evolution

    We think this pitting probably has a developmental and genetic origin. It may have emerged as a byproduct of changes in how enamel was formed in these species. It might even have some unknown functional purpose.

    In any case, we suggest these uniform, circular pits should be viewed as a trait rather than a defect.

    A modern comparison

    Further support for the idea of a genetic origin comes from comparisons with a rare condition in humans today called amelogenesis imperfecta, which affects enamel formation.

    About one in 1,000 people today have amelogenesis imperfecta. By contrast, the uniform pitting we have seen appears in up to half of Paranthropus individuals.

    Although it likely has a genetic basis, we argue the even pitting is too common to be considered a harmful disorder. What’s more, it persisted at similar frequencies for millions of years.

    A new evolutionary marker

    If this uniform pitting really does have a genetic origin, we may be able to use it to trace evolutionary relationships.

    We already use subtle tooth features such as enamel thickness, cusp shape, and wear patterns to help identify species. The uniform pitting may be an additional diagnostic tool.

    For example, our findings support the idea that Paranthropus is a “monophyletic group”, meaning all its species descend from a (relatively) recent common ancestor, rather than evolving seperatly from different Australopithecus taxa.

    And we did not find this pitting in the southern Africa species Australopithecus africanus, despite a large sample of more than 500 teeth. However, it does appear in the earliest Omo Australopithecus specimens.

    So perhaps the pitting could also help pinpoint from where Paranthropus branched off on its own evolutionary path.

    An intriguing case

    One especially intriguing case is Homo floresiensis, the so-called “hobbit” species from Indonesia. Based on published images, their teeth appear to show similar pitting.

    If confirmed, this could suggest an evolutionary history more closely tied to earlier Australopithecus species than to Homo. However, H. floresiensis also shows potential skeletal and dental pathologies, so more research is needed before drawing such conclusions.

    More research is also needed to fully understand the processes behind the uniform pitting before it can be used routinely in taxonomic work. But our research shows it is likely a heritable characteristic, one not found in any living primates studied to date, nor in our own genus Homo (rare cases of amelogenesis imperfecta aside).

    As such, it offers an exciting new tool for exploring evolutionary relationships among fossil hominins.

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

    – ref. 2-million-year-old pitted teeth from our ancient relatives reveal secrets about human evolution – https://theconversation.com/2-million-year-old-pitted-teeth-from-our-ancient-relatives-reveal-secrets-about-human-evolution-258390

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Measles cases are surging globally. Should children be vaccinated earlier?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Meru Sheel, Associate Professor, Infectious Diseases, Immunisation and Emergencies (IDIE) Group, Sydney School of Public Health, University of Sydney

    EyeEm Mobile GmbH/Getty Images

    Measles has been rising globally in recent years. There were an estimated 10.3 million cases worldwide in 2023, a 20% increase from 2022.

    Outbreaks are being reported all over the world including in the United States, Europe and the Western Pacific region (which includes Australia). For example, Vietnam has reportedly seen thousands of cases in 2024 and 2025.

    In Australia, 77 cases of measles have been recorded in the first five months of 2025, compared with 57 cases in all of 2024.

    Measles cases in Australia are almost all related to international travel. They occur in travellers returning from overseas, or are contracted locally after mixing with an infected traveller or their contacts.

    Measles most commonly affects children and is preventable with vaccination, given in Australia in two doses at 12 and 18 months old. But in light of current outbreaks globally, is there a case for reviewing the timing of measles vaccinations?

    Some measles basics

    Measles is caused by a virus belonging to the genus Morbillivirus. Symptoms include a fever, cough, runny nose and a rash. While it presents as a mild illness in most cases, measles can lead to severe disease requiring hospitalisation, and even death. Large outbreaks can overwhelm health systems.

    Measles can have serious health consequences, such as in the brain and the immune system, years after the infection.

    Measles spreads from person to person via small respiratory droplets that can remain suspended in the air for two hours. It’s highly contagious – one person with measles can spread the infection to 12–18 people who aren’t immune.

    Because measles is so infectious, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends two-dose vaccination coverage above 95% to stop the spread and achieve “herd immunity”.

    Low and declining vaccine coverage, especially since the COVID pandemic, is driving global outbreaks.



    Read more:
    What are the symptoms of measles? How long does the vaccine last? Experts answer 6 key questions

    When are children vaccinated against measles?

    Newborn babies are generally protected against measles thanks to maternal antibodies. Maternal antibodies get passed from the mother to the baby via the placenta and in breast milk, and provide protection against infections including measles.

    The WHO advises everyone should receive two doses of measles vaccination. In places where there’s a lot of measles circulating, children are generally recommended to have the first dose at around nine months old. This is because it’s expected maternal antibodies would have declined significantly in most infants by that age, leaving them vulnerable to infection.

    If maternal measles antibodies are still present, the vaccine is less likely to produce an immune response.

    Research has also shown a measles vaccine given at less than 8.5 months of age can result in an antibody response which declines more quickly. This might be due to interference with maternal antibodies, but researchers are still trying to understand the reasons for this.

    A second dose of the vaccine is usually given 6–9 months later. A second dose is important because about 10–15% of children don’t develop antibodies after the first vaccine.

    In settings where measles transmission is under better control, a first dose is recommended at 12 months of age. Vaccination at 12 months compared with nine months is considered to generate a stronger, longer-lasting immune response.

    In Australia, children are routinely given the measles-mumps- rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12 months and the measles-mumps-rubella-varicella (MMRV, with “varicella” being chickenpox) vaccine at 18 months.

    Babies at higher risk of catching the disease can also be given an additional early dose. In Australia, this is recommended for infants as young as six months when there’s an outbreak or if they’re travelling overseas to a high-risk setting.

    A new study looking at measles antibodies in babies

    A recent review looked at measles antibody data from babies under nine months old living in low- and middle-income countries. The review combined the results from 20 studies, including more than 8,000 babies. The researchers found that while 81% of newborns had maternal antibodies to measles, only 30% of babies aged four months had maternal antibodies.

    This study suggests maternal antibodies to measles decline much earlier than previously thought. It raises the question of whether the first dose of measles vaccine is given too late to maximise infants’ protection, especially when there’s a lot of measles around.

    Should we bring the measles vaccine forward in Australia?

    All of the data in this study comes from low- and middle-income countries, and might not reflect the situation in Australia where we have much higher vaccine coverage for measles, and very few cases.

    Australia’s coverage for two doses of the MMR vaccine at age two is above 92%.

    Although this is lower than the optimal 95%, the overall risk of measles surging in Australia is relatively low.

    Nonetheless, there may be a case for broadening the age at which an early extra dose of the measles vaccine can be given to children at higher risk. In New Zealand, infants as young as four months can receive a measles vaccine before travelling to an endemic country.

    But the current routine immunisation schedule in Australia is unlikely to change.

    Adding an extra dose to the schedule would be costly and logistically difficult. Lowering the age for the first dose may have some advantages in certain settings, and doesn’t pose any safety concerns, but further evidence would be required to support this change. In particular, research is needed to ensure it wouldn’t negatively affect the longer-term protection that vaccination offers from measles.

    Making sure you’re protected

    In the meantime, ensuring high levels of measles vaccine coverage with two doses is a global priority.

    People born after 1966 are recommended to have two doses of measles vaccine. This is because those born before the mid-1960s likely caught measles as children (when the vaccine was not yet available) and would therefore have natural immunity.

    If you’re unsure about your vaccination status, you can check this through the Australian Immunisation Register. If you don’t have a documented record, ask your doctor for advice.

    Catch-up vaccination is available under the National Immunisation Program.

    Meru Sheel receives funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

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

    – ref. Measles cases are surging globally. Should children be vaccinated earlier? – https://theconversation.com/measles-cases-are-surging-globally-should-children-be-vaccinated-earlier-257942

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Donald Rothwell, Professor of International Law, Australian National University

    On October 7 2023, more than 1,000 Hamas militants stormed into southern Israel and went on a killing spree, murdering 1,200 men, women and children and abducting another 250 people to take back to Gaza. It was the deadliest massacre of Jews since the Holocaust.

    That day, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the country, “Israel is at war”. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) immediately began a military campaign to secure the release of the hostages and defeat Hamas. Since that day, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, mostly women and children.

    Israel has maintained its response is justified under international law, as every nation has “an inherent right to defend itself”, as Netanyahu stated in early 2024.

    This is based on the right to self-defence in international law, which is outlined in Article 51 of the 1945 United Nations Charter as follows:

    Nothing in the present Charter shall impair the inherent right of individual or collective self-defence if an armed attack occurs against a Member of the United Nations[…]

    At the start of the war, many nations agreed Israel had a right to defend itself, but how it did so mattered. This would ensure its actions were consistent with international humanitarian law.

    However, 20 months after the October 7 attacks, fundamental legal issues have arisen around whether this self-defence justification still holds.

    Can Israel exercise self-defence ad infinitum? Or is it now waging a war of aggression against Palestine?

    Self-defence in the law

    Self-defence has a long history in international law.

    The modern principles of self-defence were outlined in diplomatic exchanges over an 1837 incident involving an American ship, The Caroline, after it was destroyed by British forces in Canada. Both sides agreed that an exercise of self-defence would have required the British to demonstrate their conduct was not “unreasonable or excessive”.

    The concept of self-defence was also extensively relied on by the Allies in the second world war in response to German and Japanese aggression.

    Self-defence was originally framed in the law as a right to respond to a state-based attack. However, this scope has broadened in recent decades to encompass attacks from non-state actors, such as al-Qaeda following the September 11 2001 terror attacks.

    Israel is a legitimate, recognised state in the global community and a member of the United Nations. Its right to self-defence will always remain intact when it faces attacks from its neighbours or non-state actors, such as Hamas, Hezbollah or the Houthi rebels in Yemen.

    However, the right of self-defence is not unlimited. It is constrained by the principles of necessity and proportionality.

    The necessity test was met in the current war due to the extreme violence of the Hamas attack on October 7 and the taking of hostages. These were actions that could not be ignored and demanded a response, due to the threat Israel continued to face.

    The proportionality test was also met, initially. Israel’s military operation after the attack was strategic in nature, focused on the return of the hostages and the destruction of Hamas to eliminate the immediate threat the group posed.

    The legal question now is whether Israel is still legitimately exercising self-defence in response to the October 7 attacks.

    This is a live issue, especially given comments by Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz on May 30 that Hamas would be “annihilated” unless a proposed ceasefire deal was accepted.

    These comments and Israel’s ongoing conduct throughout the war raise the question of whether proportionality is still being met.

    A test of proportionality

    The importance of proportionality in self-defence has been endorsed in recent years by the International Court of Justice.

    Under international law, proportionality remains relevant throughout a conflict, not just in the initial response to an attack.

    While the law allows a war to continue until an aggressor surrenders, it does not legitimise the complete destruction of the territory where an aggressor is fighting.

    The principle of proportionality also provides protections for civilians. Military actions are to be directed at the foreign forces who launched the attack, not civilians.

    While Israel has targeted Hamas fighters in its attacks, including those who orchestrated the October 7 attacks, these actions have caused significant collateral deaths of Palestinian civilians.

    Therefore, taken overall, the ongoing, 20-month military assault against Hamas, with its high numbers of civilian casualties, credible reports of famine and devastation of Gazan towns and cities, suggests Israel’s exercise of self-defence has become disproportionate.

    The principle of proportionality is also part of international humanitarian law. However, Israel’s actions on this front are a separate legal issue that has been the subject of investigation by the International Criminal Court.

    My aim here is to solely assess the legal question of proportionality in self-defence and international law.

    Is rescuing hostages in self-defence?

    Israel could separately argue it is exercising legitimate self-defence to rescue the remaining hostages held by Hamas.

    However, rescuing nationals as an exercise of self-defence is legally controversial. Israel set a precedent in 1976 when the military rescued 103 Jewish hostages from Entebbe, Uganda, after their aircraft had been hijacked.

    In current international law, there are very few other examples in which this interpretation of self-defence has been adopted – and no international consensus on its use.

    In Gaza, the size, scale and duration of Israel’s war goes far beyond a hostage rescue operation. Its aim is also to eliminate Hamas.

    Given this, rescuing hostages as an act of self-defence is arguably not a suitable justification for Israel’s ongoing military operations.

    An act of aggression?

    If Israel can no longer rely on self-defence to justify its Gaza military campaign, how would its actions be characterised under international law?

    Israel could claim it is undertaking a security operation as an occupying power.

    While the International Court of Justice said in an advisory opinion last year that Israel was engaged in an illegal occupation of Gaza, the court expressly made clear it was not addressing the circumstances that had evolved since October 7.

    Israel is indeed continuing to act as an occupying power, even though it has not physically reoccupied all of Gaza. This is irrelevant given the effective control it exercises over the territory.

    However, the scale of the IDF’s operations constitute an armed conflict and well exceed the limited military operations to restore security as an occupying power.

    Absent any other legitimate basis for Israel’s current conduct in Gaza, there is a strong argument that what is occurring is an act of aggression. The UN Charter and the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court prohibit acts of aggression not otherwise justified under international law.

    These include invasions or attacks by the armed forces of a state, military occupations, bombardments and blockades. All of this has occurred – and continues to occur – in Gaza.

    The international community has rightly condemned Russia’s invasion as an act of aggression in Ukraine. Will it now do the same with Israel’s conduct in Gaza?

    Donald Rothwell receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    – ref. Can Israel still claim self-defence to justify its Gaza war? Here’s what the law says – https://theconversation.com/can-israel-still-claim-self-defence-to-justify-its-gaza-war-heres-what-the-law-says-257822

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Mona Mashhadi Rajabi, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, University of Technology Sydney

    Jade Gao/Getty Images

    When US President Donald Trump introduced sweeping new tariffs on Chinese imports the goal was to bring manufacturing back to American soil and protect local jobs.

    However, this process of re-shoring is complex and requires years of investment and planning – far too slow for the world of ultra-fast fashion, where brands are used to reacting in weeks, not years.

    Many clothing companies started to move production out of China during Trump’s first term. They relocated to countries such as Vietnam and Cambodia when the initial China-specific tariffs hit.

    This trend accelerated with the newer “reciprocal” tariffs. Instead of re-shoring production, many fashion brands are simply sourcing from whichever country offers the lowest total cost after tariffs. The result? The ultra-fast fashion machine adapted quickly and became even more exploitative.

    From Guangzhou to your wardrobe in days

    Platforms such as Shein and Temu built their success by offering trend-driven clothing at shockingly low prices. A $5 dress or $3 top might seem like a bargain, but those prices hide a lot.

    Much of Shein’s production takes place in the so-called “Shein village” in Guangzhou, China, where workers often sew for 12–14 hours a day under poor conditions to keep pace with the demand for new items.

    When the US cracked down on Chinese imports, the intention was to make American-made goods more competitive. This included raising the tariff on Chinese goods as high as 145% (since paused), and closing the “de minimis” loophole, which had allowed imports under US$800 to enter tariff-free.

    But these tariffs did not halt ultra-fast fashion. They just rerouted production to countries with lower tariffs and even lower labour costs. The Philippines, with a comparatively low tariff rate of 17%, emerged as a surprising alternative. However, the country can’t provide the industrial scale and infrastructure to match what China can offer.

    So why does Australia matter?

    Much of the cheap fashion previously bound for the US is now flooding other markets, including Australia.

    Australia still allows most low-value imports to enter tax-free, and platforms such as Shein and Temu have taken full advantage. Australian consumers are among the most frequent Shein and Temu buyers per capita globally.

    Just 3% of clothing is made in Australia and most labels rely on offshore manufacturing. This makes Australia an ideal target market for ultra-fast fashion imports. We have high purchasing power, lenient import rules and strong demand for low-cost style, especially due to the cost-of-living crisis.

    The hidden costs of cheap clothes

    The environmental impact of fast fashion is well known. However, amid the chaos of Trump’s tariff announcements, far less attention has been paid to how these policies – together with the retreat from climate commitments – worsen environmental harms, including those linked to fast fashion.

    The irony is that the tariffs meant to protect American workers have, in some cases, worsened conditions for workers elsewhere. Meanwhile, consumers in Australia now benefit from faster delivery of even cheaper goods as Temu, Shein and others have improved their shipping capabilities to Australia.

    Australian consumers send more than 200,000 tonnes of clothing to landfill each year. But the deeper problem is structural. The entire business model is built on exploitation and environmental damage.

    Factory workers bear the brunt of cost-cutting. In the race to stay competitive, many manufacturers reduce wages and overlook hazardous working conditions.

    Will ethical fashion ever compete?

    Fixing these problems will require a global rethink of how fashion operates.
    Governments have a role in regulating disclosures about supply chains and enforcing labour standards.

    Brands need to take responsibility for the conditions in their factories, whether directly owned or outsourced. Transparency is essential.

    Alternatives to fast fashion are gaining traction. Clothing rentals are emerging as a promising business model that help build a more circular fashion economy. Charity-run op shops have long been a sustainable source of second-hand clothing.

    Australia’s new Seamless scheme seeks to make fashion brands responsible for the full life of the clothes they sell. The aim is to help people buy, wear and recycle clothes in a more sustainable way.

    Consumers also matter. If we continue to expect clothes to cost less than a cup of coffee, change will be slow. Recognising that a $5 t-shirt has hidden costs, borne by people on the factory floor and the environment, is a first step.

    Some ethical brands are already showing a better way and offer clothes made under fairer conditions and with sustainable materials. These clothes are not as cheap or fast, but they represent a more conscious alternative especially for consumers concerned about synthetic fibres, toxic chemicals and environmental harm.

    Trump reshuffled the deck, but did not change the game

    Trump’s trade rules aim to re-balance global trade in favour of American industry, yet have cost companies more than US$34 billion in lost sales and higher costs. This cost will eventually fall on US consumers. In ultra-fast fashion, it mostly exposed how fragile and exploitative the system already was.

    Today, brands such as Shein and Temu are thriving in Australia. But unless we address the systemic inequalities in fashion production and rethink the incentives that drive this market, the true cost of cheap clothing will continue to be paid by those least able to afford it.

    Mona Mashhadi Rajabi receives funding from the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Accounting and Finance Association of Australia and New Zealand (AFAANZ), and a Business Research Grant from the University of Technology Sydney.

    Lisa Lake previously received funding from NSW Department of Education Innovation and Collaboration grant to establish the Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Fashion + Textiles.

    Martina Linnenluecke receives funding from The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) and the Australian Research Council. Her work is also supported by a Strategic Research Accelerator Grant from the University of Technology Sydney (UTS).

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

    – ref. How Trump’s trade war is supercharging the fast fashion industry – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-trade-war-is-supercharging-the-fast-fashion-industry-257727

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Does U.S. law allow Trump to send troops to quell protests?

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump has deployed National Guard troops to California after two days of protests by hundreds of demonstrators against immigration raids, saying that the protests interfered with federal law enforcement and framing them as a possible “form of rebellion” against the authority of the U.S. government.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday said he had formally requested that the Trump Administration rescind “its unlawful deployment of troops in Los Angeles County” and return them to his command.

    WHAT LAWS DID TRUMP CITE TO JUSTIFY THE MOVE?

    Trump cited Title 10 of the U.S. Code, a federal law that outlines the role of the U.S. Armed Forces, in his June 7 order to call members of the California National Guard into federal service.

    A provision of Title 10 – Section 12406 – allows the president to deploy National Guard units into federal service if the U.S. is invaded, there is a “rebellion or danger of rebellion” or the president is “unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States.”

    WHAT ARE NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS ALLOWED TO DO UNDER THE LAW CITED IN TRUMP’S ORDER?

    An 1878 law, the Posse Comitatus Act, generally forbids the U.S. military, including the National Guard, from taking part in civilian law enforcement.

    Section 12406 does not override that prohibition, but it allows the troops to protect federal agents who are carrying out law enforcement activity and to protect federal property.

    For example, National Guard troops cannot arrest protesters, but they could protect U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement who are carrying out arrests.

    WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR FREEDOM OF SPEECH?

    The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution guarantees the right to assembly, freedom of speech and the press.

    Experts have said that Trump’s decision to have U.S. troops respond to protests is an ominous sign for how far the president is willing to go to repress political speech and activity that he disagrees with or that criticizes his administration’s policies.

    IS TRUMP’S MOVE SUSCEPTIBLE TO LEGAL CHALLENGES?

    Four legal experts from both left- and right-leaning advocacy organizations have cast doubt on Trump’s use of Title 10 in response to immigration protests calling it inflammatory and reckless, especially without the support of California’s Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom, who has said Trump’s actions would only escalate tensions.

    The protests in California do not rise to the level of “rebellion” and do not prevent the federal government from executing the laws of the United States, experts said.

    Title 10 also says “orders for these purposes shall be issued through the governors of the States,” but legal experts said that language might not be an obstacle. Legislative history suggests that those words were likely meant to reflect the norms of how National Guard troops are typically deployed, rather than giving a governor the option to not comply with a president’s decision to deploy troops.

    COULD CALIFORNIA SUE TO CHALLENGE TRUMP’S MOVE?

    California could file a lawsuit, arguing that deployment of National Guard troops was not justified by Title 10 because there was no “rebellion” or threat to law enforcement. A lawsuit might take months to resolve, and the outcome would be uncertain. Because the protests may be over before a lawsuit is resolved, the decision to sue might be more of a political question than a legal one, experts said.

    WHAT OTHER LAWS COULD TRUMP INVOKE TO DIRECT THE NATIONAL GUARD OR OTHER U.S MILITARY TROOPS?

    Trump could take a more far-reaching step by invoking the Insurrection Act of 1792, which would allow troops to directly participate in civilian law enforcement, for which there is little recent precedent.

    Casting protests as an “insurrection” that requires the deployment of troops against U.S. citizens would be riskier legal territory, one legal expert said, in part because mostly peaceful protests and minor incidents aren’t the sort of thing that the Insurrection Act were designed to address.

    The Insurrection Act has been used by past presidents to deploy troops within the U.S. in response to crises like the 1794 Whiskey Rebellion and the rise of the Ku Klux Klan in the immediate aftermath of the American Civil War. The law was last invoked by President George H.W. Bush in 1992, when the governor of California requested military aid to suppress unrest in Los Angeles following the Rodney King trial.

    But, the last time a president deployed the National Guard in a state without a request from that state’s governor was 1965, when President Lyndon Johnson sent troops to protect civil rights demonstrators in Montgomery, Alabama.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Recording the roots: Oral history brings Kirks Bush to life

    Source: Auckland Council

    Kirks Bush in Papakura has been transformed from a neglected area into a cherished native forest, thanks to dedicated local volunteers. 

    A new oral history project, led by historian Janine Irvine and funded by Papakura Local Board, is preserving the stories behind this community effort. 

    The project honours the environmental, emotional, and cultural legacy of those who restored Kirks Bush—and calls for new volunteers to continue the work.

    For more than 30 years, a quiet transformation has taken place in Papakura at Kirks Bush. Once known as a place to avoid, this pocket of native forest has slowly become a sanctuary thanks to the tireless efforts of volunteer group Friends of Kirks Bush.  

    Now through the Kirks Bush Oral History project, those decades of dedication are being formally recognised, recorded, and preserved.  

    Led by historian Janine Irvine, and funded by Papakura Local Board, the project aims to capture and protect the stories for those who have played a role in reclaiming and restoring Kirks Bush.

    Papakura Local Board Chair Brent Catchpole says local iwi – Te Ākitai Waihoua recognised the importance of preserving the stories and contributions of the Friends of Kirk Bush.   

    “The board are pleased to see the oral history come to fruition; Kirks Bush is a living taonga nestled in the heart of Papakura with a rich history and fond memories for local residents. 

    “I commend the Friends of Kirks Bush and all the community partners involved for their dedication to preserving this very special urban ngāhere that we all get to enjoy today.”  

    The oral histories are more than a record of volunteer labour; they’re a testament to community resilience and long-term commitment. From those who have spent countless hours pulling weeds, removing graffiti, advocating for improvements and kauri protection, this project is a chance to have their experiences formally acknowledged and archived for future generations.  

    In the Oral History of Kirks Bush, Muriel Nacey describes how rewarding it was to see people become more confident about walking in the Bush as conditions improved.  

    For Margaret Gane Kirks Bush offered her a kind of pause or reset from daily life. “They speak to me about something far bigger than me,” she describes, recalling the feeling of walking beneath the tall tree canopy.  

    “I come out and my life is so much more in perspective. Those trees have lived through things I have not seen.” she says  

    Kirks Bush survival amid Auckland’s urban sprawl is rare, and its transformation into a place of safety, learning, and connection is thanks to those who cared enough to act. 

    The Oral History of Kirks Bush ensures that this care is not forgotten. It recognises the decades of quiet mahi and honours those who made a long-term commitment to the land.  

    Many of the founding friends of Kirks Bush have now retired or passed on, and new volunteers are needed to carry this important work forward, to care for and nurture this very special place. 

    Become a Friend of Kirks Bush by volunteering today! 

    Contact Margeret Gane 

    Phone: 022 158 8064 

    Email:  margaretjgane@gmail.com 

    Listen here: Friends of Kirks Bush Collection – Oral History – Kura 

    Stay connected

    Sign up for your Local Board E-news and get the latest news and events direct to your inbox each month. Or follow us on Facebook.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Political divide widens as Trump deploys National Guard to Los Angeles

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Republicans and Democrats traded barbs on Sunday after President Donald Trump deployed the National Guard to Los Angeles amid massive protests against increasing and divisive immigration raids.

    “Important to remember that Trump isn’t trying to heal or keep the peace. He is looking to inflame and divide,” Democratic Senator Chris Murphy said in one of the most direct rebukes.

    “His movement doesn’t believe in democracy or protest – and if they get a chance to end the rule of law they will take it.”

    Democratic Senator Cory Booker condemned Trump for deploying troops without California’s approval, warning it would only escalate tensions. On NBC’s “Meet the Press” he accused Trump of hypocrisy, and noted the president’s inaction on January 6, 2021 when thousands of his supporters raided the U.S. Capitol and his subsequent pardons for those arrested.

    Footage showed at least a half dozen military-style vehicles and riot shields on Sunday at the federal building in Los Angeles with federal law enforcement firing gas canisters to disperse demonstrators protesting against the ICE crackdown.

    California Governor Gavin Newsom and Trump sparred over the protests, with Newsom condemning the federal response as an overreach, saying Trump wants “a spectacle,” while the president accused Newsom of failing to maintain order.

    Republican House Speaker Mike Johnson on Sunday defended Trump’s decision and said he had no concern about the National Guard deployment, adding, “One of our core principles is maintaining peace through strength. We do that in foreign affairs and domestic affairs as well. I don’t think that’s heavy handed.”

    Republican Senator James Lankford said Trump is trying to de-escalate tensions, pointing to scenes of protesters throwing objects at law enforcement.

    He recalled similar unrest in 2020 in Seattle and Portland, where National Guard backed local law enforcement amid racial justice protests.

    The protests against the raids have become the latest focal point in a national debate over immigration, protest rights, and the use of federal force in domestic affairs. It also has fueled discussion on the boundaries of presidential power and the public’s right to dissent.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel promises to prevent Greta Thunberg’s aid boat from entering Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel has promised to stop a charity ship from entering the Gaza Strip with international activists and humanitarian aid, including Swedish climate activist Greta Thunberg. The pro-Palestinian Freedom Flotilla Coalition (FFC) organized the British-flagged yacht Madleen, which left Sicily on June 6 and is presently sailing off the coast of Egypt, slowly making her way toward Gaza.

    Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant on Sunday instructed the military to stop the vessel. “I instructed the IDF to act so that the Madleen does not reach Gaza,” Gallant said in a statement. He also directly addressed Thunberg and her fellow activists, calling them “antisemitic” and accusing them of promoting Hamas propaganda. “You’d better turn back, because you will not reach Gaza,” he warned.

    Thunberg, who has denied accusations of antisemitism, said her participation aims to draw attention to what she described as Israel’s “illegal siege and escalating war crimes” in Gaza, and to highlight the urgent humanitarian needs of the civilian population. The boat’s voyage, she added, is a peaceful attempt to challenge the blockade imposed by Israel since 2007.

    The FFC stated on Saturday that the Madleen had entered Egyptian waters and was approaching Gaza, as the war between Israel and Hamas entered its 21st month.

  • England chase down big total to seal T20I series against Windies

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Jos Buttler top-scored for England again as they chased down an imposing target and beat West Indies by four wickets in the second T20I on Sunday to take a 2-0 lead and seal the three-match series, continuing their excellent form under new captain Harry Brook.

    Former captain Buttler’s 47 from 36 balls at Bristol’s County Ground came on the back of his 96 in the first T20I in Durham and set the platform for England to hunt down West Indies’ total of 196-6 with nine balls to spare.

    It was a second straight series victory for England under the captaincy of Brook after they secured a 3-0 series sweep in the one-dayers.

    Jacob Bethell hit a thrilling 26 from 10 balls, which included three sixes, as England spread the runs throughout the team with Ben Duckett (30), Brook (34) and Tom Banton (30) providing solid backup.

    “We had a lot of fun out there,” said Brook. “They had a very good finish. We stuck to our plans through the middle really well. They didn’t get away.

    “We had a discussion before going out to bat that it was only a matter of a couple of big overs. We chased the score beautifully. It was a very good performance.”

    England, who won the toss and chose to bowl, got off to the perfect start with Luke Wood, who was the hosts’ standout bowler with 2-25 in his first appearance since September 2023, striking Evin Lewis on the pads with the day’s first delivery, but the tourists quickly steadied the ship.

    Shai Hope took the fight to England with 49 off 38 balls, while Johnson Charles started patiently before he also fell just short of his half century, with 47 from 39 deliveries.

    The West Indies innings threatened to stall at that point but a rollicking finish peppered with sixes from Rovman Powell, Romario Shepherd and Jason Holder saw them power to a healthy total, even considering the County Ground’s short boundaries.

    “I thought we were a few runs short, with the dimensions and the pitch being a decent one,” said West Indies captain Shai Hope.

    “I don’t think we capitalised on the middle overs with the spin, but whatever we have on the board we have to defend it… We have to try and bounce back, win the game and finish the tour strong, setting the tone as a team.”

    BATTING DEPTH

    England lost Jamie Smith for four in the second over as he tried to hit one down the ground but was caught by Holder. That brought Buttler to the crease and he wasted little time in taking the attack to the tourists, with England ending the powerplay on 58-1.

    The hosts’ progress was interrupted as they were reduced to 72-2 when Duckett fell after a brisk 30 from 18 balls trying to smash Shepherd for six only to draw a superb diving catch from Powell who plucked the ball out of the air on the run.

    Buttler was handed a reprieve in the 10th over when Charles fumbled and dropped what should have been an easy take in the deep but the England batsman did not last much longer.

    He was out for trying to sweep Akeal Hosein and his dismissal offered redemption for Charles, who this time held on to the catch.

    Brook was then caught at long-off as Powell pulled off another good catch off the bowling of Roston Chase, before England stepped up a gear.

    Four sixes in six balls turned momentum in their favour with Banton hitting Gudakesh Motie over the rope before Bethell dished out a double punishment to Alzarri Joseph.

    Yet after another ball sailed for six in the same over, Joseph got his revenge, taking the wicket of Bethell, who was out when he was caught behind by Chase attempting a reverse lob.

    That left England on 169 for five after 16 overs and by the time Will Jacks (7) was caught by Chase off Joseph England needed just nine runs from 16 balls.

    They moved comfortably within striking distance before Brydon Carse hit the winning runs, swinging at a delivery from Holder that looped back over the wicketkeeper for four.

    With the final match of the series to come in Southampton on Tuesday, England can wrap a second straight clean sweep.

    “It’s nice to win any series, especially off the back of the ODIs keeping the momentum going,” said player-of-the-match Wood. “Hopefully we can make it 3-0 in a few days’ time.”

    (Reuters)

  • China’s May exports slow, deflation deepens as tariffs bite

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    China’s May export growth slowed to a three-month low as U.S. tariffs slammed shipments, while factory-gate deflation deepened to its worst level in two years, heaping pressure on the world’s second-largest economy on both the domestic and external fronts.

    The global trade war and the swings in China-U.S. trade ties have in the past two months sent Chinese exporters, along with their business partners across the Pacific, on a roller coaster ride and hobbled world growth.

    Exports expanded 4.8% year-on-year in value terms in May, slowing from the 8.1% jump in April and missing the 5.0% growth expected in a Reuters poll, customs data showed on Monday, despite a lowering of U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods which had taken effect in early April.

    Imports dropped 3.4% year-on-year, deepening sharply from the 0.2% decline in April and worse than the 0.9% downturn expected in the Reuters poll.

    Exports had surged 12.4% year-on-year and 8.1% in March and April, respectively, as factories rushed shipments to the U.S. and other overseas manufacturers to avoid U.S. President Trump’s hefty levies on China and the rest of the world.

    While exporters in China found some respite in May as Beijing and Washington agreed to suspend most of their levies for 90 days, tensions between the world’s two largest economies remain high and negotiations are underway over issues ranging from China’s rare earths controls to Taiwan.

    Trade representatives from China and the U.S. are meeting in London on Monday to resume talks after a phone call between their top leaders on Thursday.

    “Export growth was likely stalled by heavy customs inspections in May due to tightened export control efforts,” said Xu Tianchen, senior economist at the Economist Intelligence Unit, noting that rare earth exports nearly halved last month, while electric machinery exports also slowed significantly.

    Underscoring the U.S. tariff impact on shipments, customs data showed that China’s exports to the U.S. slumped 34.5% year-on-year in May in value terms, widening from a 21% drop the previous month. Imports to the U.S. also lost further ground, dropping 18.1% from a 13.8% slide in April.

    China’s May trade surplus came in at $103.22 billion, up from the $96.18 billion the previous month.

    Other data, also released on Monday, showed China’s import of crude oil, coal, and iron ore dropped last month, underlining the fragility of domestic demand at a time of rising external headwinds.

    Beijing in May rolled out a series of monetary stimulus measures, including cuts to benchmark lending rates and a 500 billion yuan low-cost loan program for supporting elderly care and services consumption.

    The measures are aimed at cushioning the trade war’s blow to an economy that relied on exports in its recovery from the pandemic shocks and a protracted property market slump.

    China’s markets showed muted reaction to the data. The blue-chip CSI300 Index CSI300 and the benchmark Shanghai Composite Index SSEC were up around 0.2%.

    DEFLATIONARY PRESSURES

    Producer and consumer price data, released by the National Bureau of Statistics on the same day, showed that deflationary pressures worsened last month.

    The producer price index fell 3.3% in May from a year earlier, after a 2.7% decline in April and marked the deepest contraction in 22 months, while consumer prices extended declines, having dipped 0.1% last month from a year earlier.

    Cooling factory activity also highlights the impact of U.S. tariffs on the world’s largest manufacturing hub, dampening faster services growth as suspense lingers over the outcome of U.S.-China trade talks.

    Sluggish domestic demand and weak prices have weighed on China’s economy, which has struggled to mount a robust post-pandemic recovery and has relied on exports to underpin growth.

    Retail sales growth slowed last month as spending continued to lag amid job insecurity and stagnant new home prices.

    U.S. coffee chain Starbucks said on Monday it would lower prices of some iced drinks by an average of 5 yuan in China.

    The core inflation measure, excluding volatile food and fuel prices, registered a 0.6% year-on-year rise, slightly faster than a 0.5% increase in April.

    However, Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, said the improvement in core prices looks “fragile”, adding “we still think persistent overcapacity will keep China in deflation both this year and next.”

    (Reuters)

  • India’s inclusive development journey: 11 years of transformative social welfare under ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Marking eleven years of transformative governance under the banner of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas,” the Government of India has unveiled an extensive account of its welfare-driven initiatives that have reshaped the socio-economic landscape of the nation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in a statement released by the Press Information Bureau (PIB), said, “Bharat is changing, and it is changing rapidly. People’s self-confidence, their trust in the government, and the commitment to build a new Bharat is visible everywhere.”

    Over the past decade, the government has focused on complete saturation of welfare schemes, ensuring no eligible citizen is left behind. This approach has led to the expansion of access to essential services such as clean water, housing, electricity, sanitation, healthcare, and social security, significantly improving the lives of millions across the country.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission has brought tap water to over 15.59 crore rural households, achieving full coverage in eight states and three union territories. In the housing sector, nearly 4 crore homes have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), with over 90 lakh homes under the urban component now owned by women. Rural electrification has also seen remarkable progress, with 2.86 crore homes electrified under the SAUBHAGYA scheme. As a result, the average daily electricity supply in rural areas has risen from 12.5 hours in 2014 to 22.6 hours in 2025.

    The Swachh Bharat Mission has transformed sanitation across India, resulting in the construction of 12 crore household toilets and the declaration of over 5.64 lakh villages as Open Defecation Free (ODF) Plus. In the realm of healthcare, the Ayushman Bharat scheme now covers 55 crore individuals, while the Ayushman Vay Vandana scheme provides additional support for all citizens aged 70 and above. Free ration distribution through the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY) has benefited 81 crore citizens since its launch during the COVID-19 pandemic, with a financial commitment of ₹11.80 lakh crore until 2028.

    Efforts to ensure clean cooking fuel have reached a milestone with 10.33 crore LPG connections distributed under the Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana. Additionally, the PM SVANidhi scheme has extended loans to 68 lakh street vendors, helping formalize 76.28 lakh vendors into the economic mainstream. In the field of entrepreneurship, India now boasts 1.57 lakh recognized startups and 118 unicorns, reflecting the vibrancy of its innovation ecosystem. Worker welfare has also been strengthened, with more than 30.86 crore unorganised workers registered on the eShram portal, of whom over half are women.

    India’s anti-poverty efforts have been globally recognized. The World Bank’s Spring 2025 Poverty and Equity Brief reports that 171 million people have been lifted out of extreme poverty, with the rate falling from 16.2 percent in 2011–12 to just 2.3 percent in 2022–23. The UNDP’s Multidimensional Poverty Index also shows a dramatic decline from 53.8 percent in 2005–06 to 16.4 percent in 2019–21, underscoring gains in health, education, and living standards.

    Rural consumption indicators further reflect these improvements. The average monthly per capita expenditure in rural areas has nearly tripled, increasing from ₹1,430 in 2011–12 to ₹4,122 in 2023–24. Urban spending has shown similar growth, rising from ₹2,630 to ₹6,996 in the same period.

    The government’s empowerment initiatives have particularly benefitted women, artisans, and marginalized communities. The Pradhan Mantri Mudra Yojana has disbursed ₹33.33 lakh crore in loans to over 52 crore accounts, with 68 percent allocated to women. The Stand-Up India scheme continues to support SC/ST and women entrepreneurs through substantial bank financing. The PM Vishwakarma Yojana has provided toolkits, collateral-free loans, and training support to 2.37 million artisans. Meanwhile, the Lakhpati Didi initiative, aiming to make three crore rural women economically self-reliant, builds on the success of over 10 crore women joining self-help groups nationwide.

    Social security has expanded through schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Shram Yogi Maandhan (PM-SYM), which now offers assured monthly pensions to 51.35 lakh unorganised workers. Insurance schemes PMJJBY and PMSBY cover over 75 crore citizens, offering low-cost life and accident insurance.

    Inclusivity remains a central pillar of the government’s approach. Sixty percent of current Union Ministers hail from minority communities. Nearly 44 percent of rural homes built under PMAY-G have been allotted to SC/ST households. More than half of all scholarship recipients come from SC/ST/OBC backgrounds. In education, the number of Eklavya Model Residential Schools sanctioned for tribal students has grown fourfold since 2014, now totaling 477. Eleven Tribal Freedom Fighter Museums are being developed to honor the contributions of tribal leaders, while Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas is celebrated annually to commemorate the legacy of Bhagwan Birsa Munda.

    To improve last-mile delivery, the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra has reached 2.6 lakh gram panchayats and over 4,000 urban bodies across the country, promoting the saturation of welfare schemes. The Aspirational Districts Programme (ADP), focused on 112 of India’s most backward districts, has already shown measurable improvements in key sectors like health, education, and basic infrastructure.

    As Bharat approaches its centenary of independence, the government reiterates its commitment to building a developed, inclusive, and self-reliant nation. The results of the past eleven years, driven by policy innovation, data-driven governance, and community participation, represent not only progress but a vision of Viksit Bharat that is within reach.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Jobs at US’s Largest Port Halved Amid Tariff Controversy – Media

    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

    LOS ANGELES, June 8 (Xinhua) — The number of jobs at the Port of Los Angeles, the largest and busiest port in the United States, has been cut in half due to President Donald Trump’s tariffs that have crippled trade with the Asia-Pacific region, local media reported Saturday.

    Over the last 25 shifts, only 733 jobs were available for the 1,575 dockworkers seeking work, the Los Angeles Times reported, citing Port of Los Angeles Executive Director Gene Seroka, adding that the port handled 25 percent less cargo than projected for May.

    “They haven’t been laid off, but they’re working a lot less than they were before,” Seroka said. “We’ve actually seen a decline in work since the tariffs were put in place, in May,” he added.

    J. Seroka attributed the job losses to the decrease in the volume of cargo passing through the port.

    The Port of Los Angeles has been the largest container port in the United States every year since 2000. In California alone, nearly 1 million jobs are tied to trade through the port. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • PM Modi highlights 11 years of transformative governance, invites citizens to explore India’s journey via NaMo App

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi has highlighted India’s extraordinary development trajectory over the past eleven years, attributing the nation’s transformation to the power of good governance and the collective efforts of 140 crore citizens.

    Reflecting on the achievements of the NDA Government, the Prime Minister stated that the past decade has seen rapid changes across diverse sectors, driven by the guiding philosophy of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Sabka Vishwas, Sabka Prayas. He emphasized that India’s progress has been marked by scale, speed, and sensitivity—making development both inclusive and people-centric.

    “From economic growth to social upliftment, our focus has been all-round and inclusive,” Shri Modi said. “India today is not only the fastest-growing major economy but also a key voice in the global arena, particularly on issues like climate action and digital innovation.”

    He further noted that these eleven years have significantly improved the “Ease of Living” for citizens, ushering in a new era of governance that is transparent, accountable, and transformative.

    Proud of the collective achievements but with an eye on the future, the Prime Minister said, “We look ahead with hope, confidence, and a renewed resolve to build a Viksit Bharat (Developed India).”

    To bring the story of India’s transformation closer to the people, PM Modi encouraged citizens to engage with the NaMo App, which offers an interactive experience of the government’s journey. The app features games, quizzes, surveys, and multimedia content that showcases the country’s progress across sectors.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister shared links to the government’s “Vikas Yatra,” urging citizens to explore the curated content that includes infographics, articles, and videos on the NaMo App and official website. The initiative is part of the broader campaign marking #11YearsOfSeva.

    Through these platforms, the Prime Minister aims to deepen public understanding of India’s development story and inspire greater citizen participation as the country moves forward with its vision of becoming a developed nation by 2047.

  • Prince of Clay Alcaraz battles back from the brink to retain French Open crown

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz battled from the brink of a first Grand Slam final loss to outlast Jannik Sinner in a French Open title clash for the ages on Sunday and keep his crown, cementing his status as the Prince of Clay in Roland Garros’ post-Rafa Nadal era.

    In a scintillating showdown between the torch-bearers of a new generation, the 22-year-old saved three match points in the fourth set to win 4-6 6-7(4) 6-4 7-6(3) 7-6(10-2) and continue his dominance over Sinner with his fifth straight victory and end the Italian’s 20-match winning run at the majors.

    Alcaraz showed his steely determination to win the epic in five hours and 29 minutes – the longest final at Roland Garros – and soaked up the roaring ovation from a thoroughly entertained Parisian crowd long used to 14-times champion Nadal’s reign.

    “I’m just really happy to be able to make history with you in this tournament,” Alcaraz told Sinner after collecting the Musketeers’ Cup.

    “I’m sure you’re going to be champion not once, but many times. It’s a privilege to share the court with you in every tournament, making history with you.”

    Victory made him only the second man since tennis turned professional in 1968 to win all of his first five Grand Slam singles finals after Swiss great Roger Federer but Alcaraz was more enthralled with an achievement he shared with fellow Spaniard and 22-times major champion Nadal.

    “The coincidence of winning my fifth Grand Slam at the same age as Nadal, that’s destiny,” Alcaraz told reporters.

    “It’s a stat I’m going to keep forever … It’s a huge honour. Hopefully it’s not going to stop like this.”

    Alcaraz and Sinner, who have lifted seven out of the last eight Grand Slams to stamp their authority in the men’s game, were locked in a fierce battle full of dramatic momentum shifts in the first major final between two men born in the 2000s.

    Sunday’s five-hour-plus fiesta was the second-longest Grand Slam final in the Open Era and marked only the third time since 1968 that a player saved a match point en route to victory in a Grand Slam final.

    Alcaraz matched Argentine Gaston Gaudio’s 2004 French Open feat and Serbian Novak Djokovic’s Wimbledon comeback in 2019.

    Playing his first Grand Slam after serving a three-month ban after a doping case, top seed Sinner held serve in a tense five-deuce opening game lasting 12 minutes.

    However, the 23-year-old was broken in the fifth game when he fired a forehand wide, before hitting back from 2-3 and going on to snatch an intense opening set following an unforced error by Alcaraz.

    ON THE ROPES

    Relentless pressure from the baseline allowed Sinner to go a break up early in the second set and the top seed began to apply the squeeze on Alcaraz, who was on the ropes trailing 1-4 on a sunbathed Court Philippe Chatrier.

    An aggressive Alcaraz came out fighting and drew loud cheers when he drew level after 10 games and then forced a tiebreak but Sinner edged ahead with a blistering forehand winner and doubled his lead after the clock ticked past two hours.

    Alcaraz, who had never come back from two sets down before, battled hard in the hope of avoiding heartbreak in a major final and pulled a set back before saving three match points at 3-5 down in the fourth, later restoring parity following the tiebreak.

    He traded breaks in a high-quality decider but prevailed in the super tiebreak to become the third man to capture back-to-back Roland Garros titles this century after Nadal and Gustavo Kuerten.

    “He was born to play these kind of moments,” said Alcaraz’s coach Juan Carlos Ferrero.

    “Every time we were in these situations, even when he was younger in the challengers … he always went for it.”

    Sinner was left to digest how he let slip a golden chance to win claycourt’s blue riband event following hardcourt triumphs at the U.S. Open and Australian Open.

    Alcaraz fell to the red dirt before Sinner went over to his side of the court to congratulate him and the Spaniard then ran to the heaving stands to hug his team and celebrate.

    “CARLOS II, PRINCE OF CLAY,” the French Open posted on X.

    Sinner had a contemplative look, sitting on his bench as his rival rejoiced, and was gracious in defeat when he congratulated him during the trophy ceremony.

    “We tried our best today, we gave everything … an amazing tournament even though it’s very difficult now,” Sinner said.

    “It’s a big privilege for me to play here … I won’t sleep very well tonight but it’s okay.”

    (Reuters)

     

  • Portugal’s emotional Ronaldo rejoices in winning Nations League

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Portugal skipper Cristiano Ronaldo shed tears of joy as they won their second Nations League title on Sunday, insisting that winning trophies with his country beats all club honours.

    Ronaldo’s 138th international goal in the second half took the final to penalties after a 2-2 draw with Spain, with the substituted 40-year-old forward looking on from the sidelines as Portugal netted all five spot kicks to claim the title.

    The triumph, which left the five-times Champions League winner in tears, was Ronaldo’s third on the international stage, accompanying his 2016 European Championship and 2019 Nations League winners’ medals.

    “What a joy,” Ronaldo told Sport TV. “First of all for this generation, which deserved a title of this magnitude, for our families. My children came here, my wife, my brother, my friends.

    “Winning for Portugal is always special. I have many titles with clubs, but nothing is better than winning for Portugal. It’s tears. It’s duty done and a lot of joy.

    “When you talk about Portugal it is always a special feeling. Being captain of this generation is a source of pride. Winning a title is always the pinnacle in a national team.”

    Ronaldo’s future remains uncertain. He said last week he did not plan to play at the Club World Cup in the United States, which starts later this month, despite being courted by clubs taking part in the 32-team tournament.

    The Al-Nassr forward said he had several offers from other teams to play in the U.S., while his side’s sporting director, Fernando Hierro said last month they were negotiating with Ronaldo over a contract extension but faced competition from clubs eager to sign the five-times Ballon d’Or winner.

    For now, however, he is only focused on celebrating his latest triumph, having played in the final with an injury.

    “It’s beautiful,” he added. “It’s for our nation. We are a small people, but with a very big ambition.

    “The future is short term. Now is the time to rest well. I had the injury and that was the maximum, the maximum … I pushed, because for the national team you have to push.”

    (Reuters)

  • Australia favourites to retain WTC crown against South Africa

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Australia will have to dust off the cobwebs but are still fancied to successfully defend their World Test Championship crown against equally ring-rusty South Africa in the final at Lord’s, starting on Wednesday.

    The five-day clash comes on the heels of a plethora of limited overs cricket over the last five months and both teams have been scrambling to prepare for a high-profile return to the red-ball game.

    Australia have not played a test since beating Sri Lanka in Galle in February when they made sure of a top-two finish in the standings from results for the 2023-25 WTC cycle.

    South Africa were assured of top place when they won their last test against Pakistan at home in January to book a first-ever finals appearance.

    It came on the back of a run of seven successive wins, but the fact they did not play against the Aussies or England has seen their achievement dismissed as too easy.

    Former England captain Michael Vaughan said they reached the final “on the back of beating pretty much nobody,” which was a result of the lopsided test schedule where Australia, England, and India dominate and South Africa elect to play more financially lucrative limited-overs internationals.

    But an upset win for South Africa could change that.

    “It’s the biggest thing in this team’s existence. It’s the biggest thing for South African cricket at the moment,” said their coach Shukri Conrad.

    SELECTION CHOICES

    Australia have been warming up with training sessions at Beckenham in Kent as they grapple with selection choices.

    They must pick between Scott Boland or Josh Hazlewood to join skipper Pat Cummins, left-armer Mitchell Starc and spinner Nathan Lyon in the attack’

    The top batting order is likely to be changed with Cameron Green set to return for his first test in more than a year. He will likely bat third with Marnus Labuschagne opening alongside Usman Khawaja, while Steve Smith will come in at No. 4.

    South Africa’s planned four-day warm-up scrimmage with Zimbabwe at Arundel last week was largely washed out but did hint at Wiaan Mulder moving up the order to No.3 in a batting lineup that has been inconsistent over the last two years.

    Their hopes rest instead on a fiery bowling attack where Kagiso Rabada features after serving a one-month ban for recreational drug use.

    Australia won the last WTC final by beating India at The Oval two years ago. New Zealand were the inaugural winners in 2021.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Investment to showcase New Zealand to world

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment (MBIE)

    The Government’s Tourism Boost invested funding into Tourism New Zealand to drive international visitor numbers in the short term. This additional funding will encourage more visitors from New Zealand’s core markets of Australia, the United States and China over the medium to longer term.

    This is the first investment in the Government’s Tourism Growth Roadmap, which sets the path for Government and industry to work together and double the value of tourism exports by 2034.

    International visitors bring billions of dollars into the economy. This investment is expected to deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors, generating around $300 million in spending.

    Funding comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy (IVL) for 2025/26.

    Read the Minister’s announcement:

    Additional funding to attract 72,000 more visitors to New Zealand(external link) — Beehive.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man arrested following building site burglaries

    Source: New Zealand Police

    A 42-year-old man has been arrested and charged following an investigation into a series of burglaries across North Canterbury and Selwyn.

    On Monday 9 June, three search warrants were executed, two at residential addresses and one at a storage unit.

    CCTV supplied by the public and from building sites helped identify the person of interest; acknowledged by Police as being crucial in bringing this investigation to a successful conclusion.

    Burglaries at building sites cause significant disruption and financial loss to builders, contractors, and future homeowners.

    Police urge the public to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious activity around construction sites.

    The man has been bailed to appear on 13 June at Christchurch District Court.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • Indian stock market opens in green, IT and PSU banks lead

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Monday amid positive global cues, as buying was seen in the IT, PSU banks and auto sectors in the early trade.

    At around 9.26 am, Sensex was trading 379.01 points or 0.46 per cent up at 82,568 while the Nifty added 116.15 point or 0.46 per cent at 25,119.20.

    Nifty Bank was up 273.35 points or 0.48 per cent at 56,851.75. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 59,405.95 after rising 395.65 points or 0.67 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 18,711.90 after climbing 129.45 points or 0.70 per cent.

    According to analysts, the monetary bazooka fired by the RBI last week will keep the market spirits alive in the near-term.

    But this may not be sufficient to sustain the rally, and more important is the trend in earnings growth, they added.

    “Q4 results indicate better earnings growth for midcaps. FY26 earnings are unlikely to reach mid teens, which is necessary for the market to remain resilient and move up,” said Dr VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist, Geojit Investments Ltd.

    Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, Bajaj Finance, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank, Kotak Mahindra Bank and Infosys were the top gainers. Whereas, Titan, Tata Steel and Eternal were the top losers.

    After a positive opening, Nifty can find support at 25,000, followed by 24,900 and 24,800. On the higher side, 25,100 can be an immediate resistance, followed by 25,200 and 25,300, said experts.

    Given the current market dynamics and lingering global uncertainties, traders are advised to maintain a disciplined approach. It is prudent to avoid taking large overnight positions and instead focus on short-term trading opportunities, backed by strict stop-losses and robust risk management, said Hardik Matalia from Choice Broking.

    The foreign institutional investors (FIIs) purchased equities worth Rs 1,009.71 crore on June 6, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) extended their buying on the 14th day, as they bought equities of Rs 9,342.48 crore on the same day.

    In the Asian markets, Hong Kong, Bangkok, China, Seoul and Japan were trading in green.

    In the last trading session, Dow Jones in the US closed at 42,762.87, up 443.13 points, or 1.05 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 61.06 points, or 1.03 per cent, at 6,000.36 and the Nasdaq closed at 19,529.95, up 231.51 points, or 1.20 per cent.

    (IANS)