Category: Asia Pacific

Sanjay Jha-led delegation briefs EAM Jaishankar on Operation Sindoor outreach

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

An all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha, met External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Thursday to brief him on the support received during their five-nation diplomatic outreach on Operation Sindoor.

As part of the visit, the delegation travelled to Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia, where they presented dossiers detailing Pakistan’s alleged role in cross-border terrorism, specifically highlighting the Pahalgam terror attack. They also explained India’s military response under Operation Sindoor and its updated security doctrine, which draws no distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors.

After the meeting, JD(U) MP Sanjay Jha told IANS, “There was a very positive atmosphere in Indonesia. We received support, and their statement was in favour of India. Malaysia, however, appeared a little neutral. We noticed every country had its own approach. In many places, we got a positive response; in some, it was neutral, and in a few, there were questions. But this was the aim of our tour – to understand and share perspectives.”

“We shared with them our firm stand against terrorism,” he added.

Responding to opposition criticism over alleged losses during Operation Sindoor, he added, “The strongest message we sent globally was that India stands united. When I introduced the delegation members as being from Kerala, Assam, Bengal, Gujarat, and from different parties, it sent a strong signal that the entire nation and political spectrum was speaking in one voice. If one or two voices dissent, they should reflect on whether they are aligned with the country or somewhere else.”

BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said the meeting with the External Affairs Minister was “productive and engaging.” She noted that each delegation member provided a detailed account of their visit and that Jaishankar actively sought insights and clarifications.

Addressing concerns over the timing of the diplomatic mission, Sarangi said, “The delegation completed its work with seriousness and gave its briefing. Even today, during the meeting with the EAM, leaders like Salman Khurshid and CPI(M)’s John Brittas were present, and there was great camaraderie and unity. That’s what stood out the most.”

Apart from Jha and Sarangi, the delegation included BJP MPs Brij Lal, Hemang Joshi, and Pradan Baruah; Trinamool Congress’ Abhishek Banerjee; CPI(M)’s John Brittas; Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former diplomat Mohan Kumar.

(With inputs from IANS)

June 5, 2025
New Zealand parliament confirms unprecedented lengthy suspension of Indigenous lawmakers

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

New Zealand’s parliament agreed on historically lengthy suspensions for three Indigenous lawmakers who last year performed a haka, a traditional Maori dance, disrupting the reading of a controversial bill.

A parliamentary privileges committee in May recommended the suspension of the three Te Pati Maori parliamentarians for acting in “a manner that could have the effect of intimidating a member of the house.”

The three performed the haka last November ahead of a vote on a controversial bill that would have reinterpreted a 185-year-old treaty between the British and Indigenous Maori that still guides the country’s policy and legislation.

The government voted through the suspensions, which will see Te Pati Maori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi stood down from parliament for 21 days, and representative Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke for seven days.

While the members are suspended, they will not be paid or be able to vote on legislation.

Suspending lawmakers is rare in New Zealand’s parliament with only three members suspended in the past 10 years, according to New Zealand parliamentary services. Before Thursday, the longest suspension was for three days, according to New Zealand representatives who spoke earlier in the day.

Maipi-Clarke told parliament ahead of the vote that the suspension was an effort to stop Maori from making themselves heard in parliament.

“Are our voices too loud for this house? Is that the reason why we are being silenced? Are our voices shaking the core foundation of this house? The house we had no voice in building… We will never be silenced and we will never be lost,” she said.

Judith Collins, who heads the privileges committee and serves as attorney-general, had previously told parliament that the haka forced the speaker to suspend proceedings for 30 minutes and that no permission had been sought to perform it.

“It’s not about the haka … it is about following the rules of parliament that we are all obliged to follow and that we all pledged to follow,” Collins said.

The opposition Labour party called for a compromise and proposed censure instead of suspension.

Labour considers the suspension to be “inconsistent with the fundamental nature of this democracy,” Labour parliamentarian Duncan Webb said on Thursday.

“This decision is wildly out of step with any other decision of the privileges committee,” said Webb.

The haka was traditionally a way for Maori to welcome visiting tribes or to invigorate warriors ahead of battle. It is now performed at important events as well as ahead of matches by New Zealand’s rugby teams.

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
Millions of pilgrims gather at Mount Arafat for Hajj’s most sacred ritual as India reports safe arrival of all citizens

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Millions of Muslims from around the world assembled on the Plain of Arafat near Mecca today for the performance of Wuquf-e-Arafat, the central and most critical ritual of the annual Hajj pilgrimage that marks the spiritual pinnacle of the sacred journey.

Observed on the ninth day of Dhu al-Hijjah, Arafat Day represents the culmination of the pilgrimage experience, with participants gathering from noon to sunset at the site where Prophet Mohammed is believed to have delivered his final sermon. The ritual holds such paramount importance in Islamic tradition that missing it invalidates the entire pilgrimage.

Indian pilgrims joined the massive international gathering today, with Consul General of India in Jeddah Shri Fahed Suri confirming from Arafat that all Indian citizens have safely arrived at the sacred site and are currently engaged in prayers and supplications. The Indian Hajj Mission coordinated closely with Saudi authorities to ensure smooth pilgrim movement from their initial transfer to Arafat through their planned onward journey to Muzdalifah and Mina.

Speaking from the Plain of Arafat, Consul General Suri emphasized the spiritual significance of the gathering, describing the five sacred days spent across Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah as representing deep spiritual reflection and devotion that forms the core of the Hajj experience. He expressed gratitude to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, particularly the Ministry of Hajj and Umrah and associated service providers, for facilitating what he described as a safe and spiritually fulfilling pilgrimage.

The observance extends beyond those physically present at Arafat, with Muslims worldwide marking the day through special prayers and devotional practices. Many non-pilgrims choose to fast on Arafat Day, following the Prophet Mohammed’s encouragement for this practice. According to Islamic belief, fasting on this sacred day carries exceptional spiritual merit, with the potential to expiate sins from both the previous and coming year.

The day serves as a profound moment of spiritual renewal for pilgrims who engage in intensive prayer, supplication, and reflection while standing on the historic plain. The comprehensive logistical coordination between Indian authorities and their Saudi counterparts reflects the international cooperation required to manage the complex movement of millions of pilgrims across the sacred sites during the intensive five-day period.

June 5, 2025
India to host 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will host the Foreign Ministers of Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan for the 4th India-Central Asia Dialogue in New Delhi on June 6, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said in a press release on Wednesday.

The dialogue will focus on strengthening regional cooperation, with discussions covering trade, connectivity, technology, and development partnerships. The ministers will also exchange views on regional security and other pressing regional and global issues of mutual interest.

Ahead of the ministerial dialogue, the visiting Foreign Ministers will participate in the India-Central Asia Business Council meeting on June 5, jointly organised by the MEA and the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI).

Highlighting the significance of the relationship, the MEA noted that India and Central Asian countries, as part of each other’s extended neighbourhood, share deep-rooted historical, cultural, and people-to-people ties spanning millennia.

The relationship has grown in recent years through initiatives such as the India-Central Asia Summit, held virtually for the first time in January 2022, and the Foreign Ministers’ Dialogue. The 3rd edition of the Dialogue was also hosted by India in New Delhi in December 2021.

June 5, 2025
Trump suspends entry of international students studying at Harvard

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. President Donald Trump on Wednesday suspended for an initial six months the entry into the United States of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University, amid an escalating dispute with the Ivy League school.

Trump’s proclamation cited national security concerns as a justification for barring international students from entering the United States to pursue studies at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university.

Harvard in a statement called Trump’s proclamation “yet another illegal retaliatory step taken by the Administration in violation of Harvard’s First Amendment rights.”

“Harvard will continue to protect its international students,” it added.

The suspension can be extended beyond six months. Trump’s proclamation also directs the U.S. State Department to consider revoking academic or exchange visas of any current Harvard students who meet his proclamation’s criteria.

The directive on Wednesday came a week after a federal judge in Boston announced she would issue a broad injunction blocking the administration from revoking Harvard’s ability to enroll international students, who make up about a quarter of its student body.

The administration has launched a multifront attack on the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, freezing billions of dollars in grants and other funding and proposing to end its tax-exempt status, prompting a series of legal challenges.

Harvard argues the administration is retaliating against it for refusing to accede to its demands to control the school’s governance, curriculum and the ideology of its faculty and students.

Harvard sued after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem on May 22 announced her department was immediately revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows it to enroll foreign students.

Her action was almost immediately temporarily blocked by U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs. On the eve of a hearing before her last week, the department changed course and said it would instead challenge Harvard’s certification through a lengthier administrative process.

Nonetheless, Burroughs said she planned to issue a longer-term preliminary injunction at Harvard’s urging, saying one was necessary to give some protection to Harvard’s international students.

In an internal cable seen by Reuters that was issued a day after that court hearing, the State Department ordered all its consular missions overseas to begin additional vetting of visa applicants looking to travel to Harvard for any purpose.

Wednesday’s two-page directive said Harvard had “demonstrated a history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism,” and had “extensive entanglements with foreign adversaries,” including China.

The FBI had “long warned that foreign adversaries take advantage of easy access to American higher education to steal information, exploit research and development and spread false information,” the proclamation said.

It said Harvard had seen a “drastic rise in crime in recent years while failing to discipline at least some categories of conduct violations on campus,” and had failed to provide sufficient information to the Homeland Security Department about foreign students’ “known illegal or dangerous activities.”

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: YieldMax® Introduces Option Income Strategy ETF on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (BRK.B)

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHICAGO and MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax® announced the launch today of the following ETF:

YieldMax® BRK.B Option Income Strategy ETF (NYSE Arca: BRKC)

BRKC seeks to generate current income by pursuing options-based strategies on Berkshire Hathaway Inc. (“BRK.B”). BRKC is managed by Tidal Financial Group. BRKC does not invest directly in BRK.B.

BRKC is the newest member of the YieldMax® ETF family and like all YieldMax® ETFs, aims to deliver current income to investors. With respect to distributions, BRKC will be a Group A ETF, and its first distribution is expected to be announced on July 9^th, 2025.

Please see the table below for distribution information for all outstanding YieldMax® ETFs.

ETF Ticker¹	ETF Name	Distribution Frequency	Distribution Rate^2,4	30-Day SEC Yield³	ROC⁵
CHPY	YieldMax® Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	34.19%	0.38%	100.00%
GPTY	YieldMax® AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	33.22%	0.00%	100.00%
LFGY	YieldMax® Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF	*Weekly*	60.72%	0.00%	100.00%
QDTY	YieldMax® Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	28.07%	0.00%	100.00%
RDTY	YieldMax® R2000 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	24.42%	0.89%	95.29%
SDTY	YieldMax® S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	25.88%	0.00%	100.00%
ULTY	YieldMax® Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF	*Weekly*	78.61%	0.00%	100.00%
YMAG	YieldMax® Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs	*Weekly*	70.31%	66.50%	97.56%
YMAX	YieldMax® Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs	*Weekly*	65.04%	88.53%	92.64%
BIGY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Big 50 Option Income ETF	Monthly	12.02%	0.20%	94.52%
RNTY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Real Estate Option Income ETF	Monthly	12.13%	2.21%	93.65%
SOXY	YieldMax® Target 12™ Semiconductor Option Income ETF	Monthly	11.78%	0.17%	100.00%
ABNY	YieldMax® ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	42.01%	2.97%	93.60%
AIYY	YieldMax® AI Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	88.81%	2.97%	96.86%
AMDY	YieldMax® AMD Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	72.55%	3.09%	96.48%
AMZY	YieldMax® AMZN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	48.28%	3.09%	94.01%
APLY	YieldMax® AAPL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	30.96%	3.42%	89.96%
BABO	YieldMax® BABA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	81.51%	3.32%	96.22%
CONY	YieldMax® COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	119.22%	3.53%	80.80%
CRSH	YieldMax® Short TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	84.22%	3.08%	97.39%
CVNY	YieldMax® CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	129.09%	2.81%	99.33%
DIPS	YieldMax® Short NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	54.18%	2.78%	0.00%
DISO	YieldMax® DIS Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	50.22%	3.16%	94.89%
FBY	YieldMax® META Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	49.79%	3.21%	93.73%
FEAT	YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Featured 5 Income ETF	Every 4 weeks	51.42%	52.99%	0.00%
FIAT	YieldMax® Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	67.85%	2.93%	96.24%
FIVY	YieldMax® Dorsey Wright Hybrid 5 Income ETF	Every 4 weeks	32.36%	35.26%	0.00%
GDXY	YieldMax® Gold Miners Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	30.60%	3.38%	0.00%
GOOY	YieldMax® GOOGL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	36.93%	3.29%	81.91%
HOOY	YieldMax® HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	70.41%	–	99.33%
JPMO	YieldMax® JPM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	31.52%	3.02%	91.70%
MARO	YieldMax® MARA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	111.50%	3.30%	98.09%
MRNY	YieldMax® MRNA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	63.98%	3.20%	0.00%
MSFO	YieldMax® MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	41.10%	3.13%	92.68%
MSTY	YieldMax® MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	85.27%	1.76%	97.45%
NFLY	YieldMax® NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	47.73%	2.98%	94.49%
NVDY	YieldMax® NVDA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	131.88%	2.98%	97.93%
OARK	YieldMax® Innovation Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	50.47%	2.88%	94.42%
PLTY	YieldMax® PLTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	140.91%	2.76%	98.54%
PYPY	YieldMax® PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	55.03%	3.41%	95.28%
SMCY	YieldMax® SMCI Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	99.93%	3.05%	97.21%
SNOY	YieldMax® SNOW Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	96.99%	2.27%	97.27%
TSLY	YieldMax® TSLA Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	110.41%	2.76%	97.90%
TSMY	YieldMax® TSM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	64.34%	2.87%	95.70%
WNTR	YieldMax® Short MSTR Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	104.26%	2.89%	97.57%
XOMO	YieldMax® XOM Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	42.05%	3.62%	85.39%
XYZY	YieldMax® XYZ Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	109.59%	2.93%	98.01%
YBIT	YieldMax® Bitcoin Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	106.79%	1.54%	99.08%
YQQQ	YieldMax® Short N100 Option Income Strategy ETF	Every 4 weeks	23.18%	3.35%	86.54%

Standardized Performance & Fund details can be obtained by clicking the ETF Ticker in the table above or by visiting us at www.yieldmaxetfs.com

Performance data quoted represents past performance and is no guarantee of future results. Investment return and principal value of an investment will fluctuate so that an investor’s shares, when sold or redeemed, may be worth more or less than their original cost and current performance may be lower or higher than the performance quoted above. Performance current to the most recent month-end can be obtained by calling (833) 378-0717.

Note: DIPS, FIAT, CRSH, YQQQ and WNTR are hereinafter referred to as the “Short ETFs.”

Distributions are not guaranteed. The Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield are not indicative of future distributions, if any, on the ETFs. In particular, future distributions on any ETF may differ significantly from its Distribution Rate or 30-Day SEC Yield. You are not guaranteed a distribution under the ETFs. Distributions for the ETFs (if any) are variable and may vary significantly from period to period and may be zero. Accordingly, the Distribution Rate and 30-Day SEC Yield will change over time, and such change may be significant.

Investors in the Funds will not have rights to receive dividends or other distributions with respect to the underlying reference asset(s).

¹All YieldMax® ETFs shown in the table above (except YMAX, YMAG, FEAT, FIVY and ULTY) have a gross expense ratio of 0.99%. YMAX and FEAT have a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.99% for a gross expense ratio of 1.28%. YMAG has a management fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.83% for a gross expense ratio of 1.12%. FIVY has a Management Fee of 0.29% and Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses of 0.59% for a gross expense ratio of 0.88%. “Acquired Fund Fees and Expenses” are indirect fees and expenses that the Fund incurs from investing in the shares of other investment companies, namely other YieldMax® ETFs. ULTY has a gross expense ratio of 1.40%, and a net expense ratio after the fee waiver of 1.30%. The Advisor has agreed to a fee waiver of 0.10% through at least February 28, 2026.

²The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on June 4th, 2025. The Distribution Rate is the annual distribution rate an investor would receive if the most recent distribution, which includes option income, remained the same going forward. The Distribution Rate is calculated by annualizing an ETF’s Distribution per Share and dividing such annualized amount by the ETF’s most recent NAV. The Distribution Rate represents a single distribution from the ETF and does not represent its total return. Distributions may also include a combination of ordinary dividends, capital gain, and return of investor capital, which may decrease an ETF’s NAV and trading price over time. As a result, an investor may suffer significant losses to their investment. These Distribution Rates may be caused by unusually favorable market conditions and may not be sustainable. Such conditions may not continue to exist and there should be no expectation that this performance may be repeated in the future.

³ The 30-Day SEC Yield represents net investment income, which excludes option income, earned by such ETF over the 30-Day period ended May 31^st, 2025, expressed as an annual percentage rate based on such ETF’s share price at the end of the 30-Day period.

⁴ Each ETF’s strategy (except those of the Short ETFs) will cap potential gains if its reference asset’s shares increase in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset’s shares decrease in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF. Each Short ETF’s strategy will cap potential gains if its reference asset decreases in value, yet subjects an investor to all potential losses if the reference asset increases in value. Such potential losses may not be offset by income received by the ETF.

⁵ROC refers to Return of Capital. The ROC percentage indicates how much the distribution reflects an investor’s initial investment. The figures shown for each Fund in the table above are estimates and may later be determined to be taxable net investment income, short-term gains, long-term gains (to the extent permitted by law), or return of capital. Actual amounts and sources for tax reporting will depend upon the Fund’s investment activities during the remainder of the fiscal year and may be subject to changes based on tax regulations. Your broker will send you a Form 1099-DIV for the calendar year to tell you how to report these distributions for federal income tax purposes.

Each Fund has a limited operating history and while each Fund’s objective is to provide current income, there is no guarantee the Fund will make a distribution. Distributions are likely to vary greatly in amount.

Important Information

This material must be preceded or accompanied by the prospectus. For all prospectuses, click here.

Tidal Financial Group is the adviser for all YieldMax® ETFs.

THE FUND, TRUST, AND ADVISER ARE NOT AFFILIATED WITH ANY UNDERLYING REFERENCE ASSET.

Risk Disclosures

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Referenced Index Risk. The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Index (or the Index ETFs). This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of companies that comprised the Index or an ETF that tracks the Index, even though it does not.

Indirect Investment Risk. The Index is not affiliated with the Trust, the Fund, the Adviser, or their respective affiliates and is not involved with this offering in any way. Investors in the Fund will not have the right to receive dividends or other distributions or any other rights with respect to the companies that comprise the Index but will be subject to declines in the performance of the Index.

Russell 2000 Index Risks. The Index, which consists of small-cap U.S. companies, is particularly susceptible to economic changes, as these firms often have less financial resilience than larger companies. Market volatility can disproportionately affect these smaller businesses, leading to significant price swings. Additionally, these companies are often more exposed to specific industry risks and have less diverse revenue streams. They can also be more vulnerable to changes in domestic regulatory or policy environments.

Call Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s call writing strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in the positive price returns of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold call options and over longer periods.

Counterparty Risk. The Fund is subject to counterparty risk by virtue of its investments in options contracts. Transactions in some types of derivatives, including options, are required to be centrally cleared (“cleared derivatives”). In a transaction involving cleared derivatives, the Fund’s counterparty is a clearing house rather than a bank or broker. Since the Fund is not a member of clearing houses and only members of a clearing house (“clearing members”) can participate directly in the clearing house, the Fund will hold cleared derivatives through accounts at clearing members.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance)holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary Index (or ETFs that track the Index’s performance) securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying instrument, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

Distribution Risk. As part of the Fund’s investment objective, the Fund seeks to provide current income. There is no assurance that the Fund will make a distribution in any given period. If the Fund does make distributions, the amounts of such distributions will likely vary greatly from one distribution to the next. Additionally, monthly distributions, if any, may consist of returns of capital, which would decrease the Fund’s NAV and trading price over time.

High Index (or Index ETF) Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings. A high Index (or Index ETF) turnover rate increases transaction costs, which may increase the Fund’s expenses.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Non-Diversification Risk. Because the Fund is “non-diversified,” it may invest a greater percentage of its assets in the securities of a single issuer or a smaller number of issuers than if it was a diversified fund.

New Fund Risk. The Fund is a recently organized management investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors do not have a track record or history on which to base their investment decisions.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of call option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in increases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Call Period.

Inflation Risk. Inflation risk is the risk that the value of assets or income from investments will be less in the future as inflation decreases the value of money. As inflation increases, the present value of the Fund’s assets and distributions, if any, may decline.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, which focuses on an individual security (ARKK, TSLA, AAPL, NVDA, AMZN, META, GOOGL, NFLX, COIN, MSFT, DIS, XOM, JPM, AMD, PYPL, SQ, MRNA, AI, MSTR, Bitcoin ETP, GDX®, SNOW, ABNB, BABA, TSM, SMCI, PLTR, MARA, CVNA, HOOD, BRK.B), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GPTY)

Artificial Intelligence Risk. Issuers engaged in artificial intelligence typically have high research and capital expenditures and, as a result, their profitability can vary widely, if they are profitable at all. The space in which they are engaged is highly competitive and issuers’ products and services may become obsolete very quickly. These companies are heavily dependent on intellectual property rights and may be adversely affected by loss or impairment of those rights. The issuers are also subject to legal, regulatory and political changes that may have a large impact on their profitability. A failure in an issuer’s product or even questions about the safety of the product could be devastating to the issuer, especially if it is the marquee product of the issuer. It can be difficult to accurately capture what qualifies as an artificial intelligence company.

Technology Sector Risk. The Fund will invest substantially in companies in the information technology sector, and therefore the performance of the Fund could be negatively impacted by events affecting this sector. Market or economic factors impacting technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technological advances could have a significant effect on the value of the Fund’s investments. The value of stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology is particularly vulnerable to rapid changes in technology product cycles, rapid product obsolescence, government regulation and competition, both domestically and internationally, including competition from foreign competitors with lower production costs. Stocks of information technology companies and companies that rely heavily on technology, especially those of smaller, less-seasoned companies, tend to be more volatile than the overall market. Information technology companies are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights, the loss or impairment of which may adversely affect profitability.

Risk Disclosure (applicable only to MARO)

Digital Assets Risk: The Fund does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. The Fund does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than the Fund. Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to BABO and TSMY)

Currency Risk: Indirect exposure to foreign currencies subjects the Fund to the risk that currencies will decline in value relative to the U.S. dollar. Currency rates in foreign countries may fluctuate significantly over short periods of time for a number of reasons, including changes in interest rates and the imposition of currency controls or other political developments in the U.S. or abroad.

Depositary Receipts Risk: The securities underlying BABO and TSMY are American Depositary Receipts (“ADRs”). Investment in ADRs may be less liquid than the underlying shares in their primary trading market.

Foreign Market and Trading Risk: The trading markets for many foreign securities are not as active as U.S. markets and may have less governmental regulation and oversight.

Foreign Securities Risk: Investments in securities of non-U.S. issuers involve certain risks that may not be present with investments in securities of U.S. issuers, such as risk of loss due to foreign currency fluctuations or to political or economic instability, as well as varying regulatory requirements applicable to investments in non-U.S. issuers. There may be less information publicly available about a non-U.S. issuer than a U.S. issuer. Non-U.S. issuers may also be subject to different regulatory, accounting, auditing, financial reporting and investor protection standards than U.S. issuers.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to GDXY)

Risk of Investing in Foreign Securities. The Fund is exposed indirectly to the securities of foreign issuers selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies. Investments in the securities of foreign issuers involve risks beyond those associated with investments in U.S. securities.

Risk of Investing in Gold and Silver Mining Companies. The Fund is exposed indirectly to gold and silver mining companies selected by GDX®’s investment adviser, which subjects the Fund to the risks associated with such companies.

The Fund invests in options contracts based on the value of the VanEck Gold Miners ETF (GDX®), which subjects the Fund to some of the same risks as if it owned GDX®, as well as the risks associated with Canadian, Australian and Emerging Market Issuers, and Small-and Medium-Capitalization companies.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YBIT)

YBIT does not invest directly in Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest directly in derivatives that track the performance of Bitcoin or any other digital assets. YBIT does not invest in or seek direct exposure to the current “spot” or cash price of Bitcoin. Investors seeking direct exposure to the price of Bitcoin should consider an investment other than YBIT.

Bitcoin Investment Risk: The Fund’s indirect investment in Bitcoin, through holdings in one or more Underlying ETPs, exposes it to the unique risks of this emerging innovation. Bitcoin’s price is highly volatile, and its market is influenced by the changing Bitcoin network, fluctuating acceptance levels, and unpredictable usage trends.

Digital Assets Risk: Digital assets like Bitcoin, designed as mediums of exchange, are still an emerging asset class. They operate independently of any central authority or government backing and are subject to regulatory changes and extreme price volatility. Potentially No 1940 Act Protections. As of the date of this Prospectus, there is only a single eligible Underlying ETP, and it is an investment company subject to the 1940 Act.

Bitcoin ETP Risk: The Fund invests in options contracts that are based on the value of the Bitcoin ETP. This subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it owned shares of the Bitcoin ETP, even though it does not. Bitcoin ETPs are subject, but not limited, to significant risk and heightened volatility. An investor in a Bitcoin ETP may lose their entire investment. Bitcoin ETPs are not suitable for all investors. In addition, not all Bitcoin ETPs are registered under the Investment Company Act of 1940. Those Bitcoin ETPs that are not registered under such statute are therefore not subject to the same regulations as exchange traded products that are so registered.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to the Short ETFs)

Investing involves risk. Principal loss is possible.

Price Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the value of the underlying reference asset. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the underlying reference asset, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, the Fund is subject to the risk that the value of the underlying reference asset increases. If the value of the underlying reference asset increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses.

Put Writing Strategy Risk. The path dependency (i.e., the continued use) of the Fund’s put writing (selling) strategy will impact the extent that the Fund participates in decreases in the value of the underlying reference asset and, in turn, the Fund’s returns, both during the term of the sold put options and over longer periods.

Purchased OTM Call Options Risk. The Fund’s strategy is subject to potential losses if the underlying reference asset increases in value, which may not be offset by the purchase of out-of-the-money (OTM) call options. The Fund purchases OTM calls to seek to manage (cap) the Fund’s potential losses from the Fund’s short exposure to the underlying reference asset if it appreciates significantly in value. However, the OTM call options will cap the Fund’s losses only to the extent that the value of the underlying reference asset increases to a level that is at or above the strike level of the purchased OTM call options. Any increase in the value of the underlying reference asset to a level that is below the strike level of the purchased OTM call options will result in a corresponding loss for the Fund. For example, if the OTM call options have a strike level that is approximately 100% above the then-current value of the underlying reference asset at the time of the call option purchase, and the value of the underlying reference asset increases by at least 100% during the term of the purchased OTM call options, the Fund will lose all its value. Since the Fund bears the costs of purchasing the OTM calls, such costs will decrease the Fund’s value and/or any income otherwise generated by the Fund’s investment strategy.

Derivatives Risk. Derivatives are financial instruments that derive value from the underlying reference asset or assets, such as stocks, bonds, or funds (including ETFs), interest rates or indexes. The Fund’s investments in derivatives may pose risks in addition to, and greater than, those associated with directly investing in securities or other ordinary investments, including risk related to the market, imperfect correlation with underlying investments or the Fund’s other portfolio holdings, higher price volatility, lack of availability, counterparty risk, liquidity, valuation and legal restrictions.

Options Contracts. The use of options contracts involves investment strategies and risks different from those associated with ordinary portfolio securities transactions. The prices of options are volatile and are influenced by, among other things, actual and anticipated changes in the value of the underlying reference asset, including the anticipated volatility, which are affected by fiscal and monetary policies and by national and international political, changes in the actual or implied volatility or the reference asset, the time remaining until the expiration of the option contract and economic events.

High Portfolio Turnover Risk. The Fund may actively and frequently trade all or a significant portion of the Fund’s holdings.

Liquidity Risk. Some securities held by the Fund, including options contracts, may be difficult to sell or be illiquid, particularly during times of market turmoil.

Price Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will participate in decreases in value experienced by the underlying reference asset over the Put Period.

Single Issuer Risk. Issuer-specific attributes may cause an investment in the Fund to be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment which diversifies risk or the market generally. The value of the Fund, for any Fund that focuses on an individual security (e.g., TSLA, COIN, NVDA, MSTR), may be more volatile than a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole and may perform differently from the value of a traditional pooled investment or the market as a whole.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to CHPY)

Semiconductor Industry Risk. Semiconductor companies may face intense competition, both domestically and internationally, and such competition may have an adverse effect on their profit margins. Semiconductor companies may have limited product lines, markets, financial resources or personnel. Semiconductor companies’ supply chain and operations are dependent on the availability of materials that meet exacting standards and the use of third parties to provide components and services.

The products of semiconductor companies may face obsolescence due to rapid technological developments and frequent new product introduction, unpredictable changes in growth rates and competition for the services of qualified personnel. Capital equipment expenditures could be substantial, and equipment generally suffers from rapid obsolescence. Companies in the semiconductor industry are heavily dependent on patent and intellectual property rights. The loss or impairment of these rights would adversely affect the profitability of these companies.

Risk Disclosures (applicable only to YQQQ)

Index Overview. The Nasdaq 100 Index is a benchmark index that includes 100 of the largest non-financial companies listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market, based on market capitalization.

Index Level Appreciation Risk. As part of the Fund’s synthetic covered put strategy, the Fund purchases and sells call and put option contracts that are based on the Index level. This strategy subjects the Fund to certain of the same risks as if it shorted the Index, even though it does not. By virtue of the Fund’s indirect inverse exposure to changes in the Index level, the Fund is subject to the risk that the Index level increases. If the Index level increases, the Fund will likely lose value and, as a result, the Fund may suffer significant losses. The Fund may also be subject to the following risks: innovation and technological advancement; strong market presence of Index constituent companies; adaptability to global market trends; and resilience and recovery potential.

Index Level Participation Risk. The Fund employs an investment strategy that includes the sale of put option contracts, which limits the degree to which the Fund will benefit from decreases in the Index level experienced over the Put Period. This means that if the Index level experiences a decrease in value below the strike level of the sold put options during a Put Period, the Fund will likely not experience that increase to the same extent and any Fund gains may significantly differ from the level of the Index losses over the Put Period. Additionally, because the Fund is limited in the degree to which it will participate in decreases in value experienced by the Index level over each Put Period, but has significant negative exposure to any increases in value experienced by the Index level over the Put Period, the NAV of the Fund may decrease over any given period. The Fund’s NAV is dependent on the value of each options portfolio, which is based principally upon the inverse of the performance of the Index level. The Fund’s ability to benefit from the Index level decreases will depend on prevailing market conditions, especially market volatility, at the time the Fund enters into the sold put option contracts and will vary from Put Period to Put Period. The value of the options contracts is affected by changes in the value and dividend rates of component companies that comprise the Index, changes in interest rates, changes in the actual or perceived volatility of the Index and the remaining time to the options’ expiration, as well as trading conditions in the options market. As the Index level changes and time moves towards the expiration of each Put Period, the value of the options contracts, and therefore the Fund’s NAV, will change. However, it is not expected for the Fund’s NAV to directly inversely correlate on a day-to-day basis with the returns of the Index level. The amount of time remaining until the options contract’s expiration date affects the impact that the value of the options contracts has on the Fund’s NAV, which may not be in full effect until the expiration date of the Fund’s options contracts. Therefore, while changes in the Index level will result in changes to the Fund’s NAV, the Fund generally anticipates that the rate of change in the Fund’s NAV will be different than the inverse of the changes experienced by the Index level.

YieldMax® ETFs are distributed by Foreside Fund Services, LLC. Foreside is not affiliated with Tidal Financial Group, or YieldMax® ETFs.

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025

MIL-Evening Report: Internal tensions throw PNG anti-corruption body into crisis

By Scott Waide, RNZ Pacific PNG correspondent

Three staffers from Papua New Guinea’s peak anti-corruption body are embroiled in a standoff that has brought into question the integrity of the organisation.

Police Commissioner David Manning has confirmed that he received a formal complaint.

Commissioner Manning said that initial inquiries were underway to inform the “sensitive investigation board’s” consideration of the referral.

That board itself is controversial, having been set up as a halfway point to decide if an investigation into a subject should proceed through the usual justice process.

Manning indicated if the board determined a criminal offence had occurred, the matter would be assigned to the National Fraud and Anti-Corruption Directorate for independent investigation.

Local news media reported PNG Prime Minister James Marape was being kept informed of the developments.

Marape has issued a statement acknowledging the internal tensions within ICAC and reaffirming his government’s commitment to the institution.

Long-standing goal
The establishment of ICAC in Papua New Guinea has been a long-standing national aspiration, dating back to 1984. The enabling legislation for ICAC was passed on 20 November 2020, bringing the body into legal existence.

Marape said it was a proud moment of his leadership having achieved this in just 18 months after he took office in May 2019.

The appointments process for ICAC officials was described as rigorous and internationally supervised, making the current internal disputes disheartening for many.

Marape has reacted strongly to the crisis, expressing disappointment over the allegations and differences between the three ICAC leaders. He affirmed his government’s “unwavering commitment” to ICAC.

These developments have significant implications for Papua New Guinea, particularly concerning its international commitments related to combating financial crime.

PNG has been working to address deficiencies in its anti-money laundering and counter-terrorism financing (AML/CTF) framework, with the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) closely monitoring its progress.

Crucial for fighting corruption
An effective and credible ICAC is crucial for demonstrating the country’s commitment to fighting corruption, a key component of a robust AML/CTF regime.

Furthermore, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) often includes governance and anti-corruption measures as part of its conditionalities for financial assistance and programme support.

Any perception of instability or compromised integrity within ICAC could hinder Papua New Guinea’s efforts to meet these international requirements, potentially affecting its financial standing and access to crucial development funds.

The current situation lays bare the urgent need for swift and decisive action to restore confidence in ICAC and ensure it can effectively fulfill its mandate.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 5, 2025
Rafale fuselage production shifts to India with Tata-Dassault deal

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

French aerospace giant Dassault Aviation and Tata Advanced Systems Limited (TASL) on Thursday signed four production transfer agreements to manufacture the fuselage of the Rafale fighter aircraft in India. This marks a significant step forward in strengthening the country’s aerospace manufacturing capabilities and supporting global supply chains.

Tata Advanced Systems will set up a cutting-edge production facility in Hyderabad to manufacture key structural sections of the Rafale, including the lateral shells of the rear fuselage, the complete rear section, the central fuselage, and the front section.

The first fuselage sections are expected to roll off the assembly line in FY2028, with the facility set to deliver up to two complete fuselages per month.

“For the first time, Rafale fuselages will be produced outside France. This is a decisive step in strengthening our supply chain in India. Thanks to the expansion of our local partners, including TASL—one of the major players in the Indian aerospace industry—this supply chain will contribute to the successful ramp-up of the Rafale program and, with our support, will meet our quality and competitiveness requirements,” said Eric Trappier, Chairman and CEO of Dassault Aviation.

The signing of these contracts reflects Dassault Aviation’s strong commitment to India’s ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar’ initiatives.

This partnership aims to strengthen India’s position as a key player in the global aerospace supply chain while supporting its goal of greater economic self-reliance.

“This partnership marks a significant step in India’s aerospace journey. The production of the complete Rafale fuselage in India underscores the deepening trust in Tata Advanced Systems’ capabilities and the strength of our collaboration with Dassault Aviation,” said Sukaran Singh, CEO and Managing Director of Tata Advanced Systems Limited.

“It also reflects the remarkable progress India has made in establishing a modern, robust aerospace manufacturing ecosystem that can support global platforms,” Singh added.

IANS

June 5, 2025
Delhi CM Rekha Gupta announces addition of 280 electric buses, targets fully electric fleet by 2027

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, marking World Environment Day on Thursday, announced the addition of 280 electric buses to the city’s public transport fleet.

“We have decided to add 280 electric buses to Delhi’s fleet. By 2027, the entire fleet of buses operated by the Delhi government will be electric,” Gupta said.

“We are also introducing a new EV policy,” she added.

Highlighting the safety and comfort features of the new buses, Gupta said,
“These buses are a tremendous asset for Delhi. They are highly comfortable, equipped with cameras and a panic button. The buses also have a low floor and are air-conditioned.”

She also criticized past governments for overlooking environmental concerns.

“Delhi was deprived of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign under the last government. Our target is to plant 70 lakh trees this year,” she said.

Union Environment Minister Bhupender Yadav praised the Centre’s efforts to combat vehicular pollution, pointing to the adoption of smart EVs and hydrogen-powered buses.

“The central government is continuously working to reduce vehicular pollution. This new campaign for smart EVs and hydrogen buses is a huge step in this direction”, he said.

Yadav also reflected on the national tree-planting campaign.

“Under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign, around 109 crore people planted nearly 140 crore trees yesterday. This year, PM Modi planted a Banyan sapling. Last year, he planted a Peepal sapling. His gift of electric buses to Delhi will surely help purify the air.”

Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister flagged off 200 electric buses as part of the Delhi government’s sustainable transport initiative.

Delhi Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena, CM Rekha Gupta, Union Minister Bhupender Yadav, and Delhi Cabinet Minister Manjinder Singh Sirsa were present at the event.

(With inputs from ANI)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 4 June 2025 Departmental update Global health leaders urge action on immunization priorities at Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly

Source: World Health Organisation

During the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly, held from 19 to 27 May 2025, Member States and global health partners urged continued action on vaccine-preventable diseases—such as cervical cancer, measles, meningitis, polio, and rubella—through Assembly agenda items and side events aimed at accelerating global immunization efforts and preventing future outbreaks.

Innovation, integration and investment to outsmart outbreaks

Immunization discussions kicked off at the high-level side event, “Outsmarting Outbreaks: Innovation, Integration & Investment”, hosted by Chile, Democratic Republic of the Congo, Madagascar, Niger, Somalia, and Zambia, and supported by the Gates Foundation, the United Nations Foundation and other partners. The event underscored the alarming resurgence of measles, cholera, and polio amid escalating conflict and climate threats, urging countries to safeguard immunization progress, complete polio eradication efforts, and strengthen preparedness for emerging health risks.

Attendees shared successes and challenges, particularly from countries facing simultaneous outbreaks, while emphasizing the criticality of routine immunization, cross-sector partnerships, and innovative techniques – including wastewater monitoring and digital disease modeling for surveillance and the use of electronic registries for immunization in low-resource settings – to controlling preventable diseases and avoid outbreaks.

Discussions also emphasized the necessity of a ‘SMART’ approach—strategic, measurable, aligned, resilient, and timely collaboration—as well as innovative solutions like the AI-powered All Hazard Information Management Toolkit, to enhance rapid response capabilities. A call to action capped the event, urging concerted efforts to sustain investment in immunization programmes, build trust in vaccines through community engagement, and ensure robust pandemic preparedness, including through surveillance.

Countries reaffirm commitment to defeat meningitis

Member States praised WHO’s launch of new guidelines on meningitis diagnosis, treatment and care, and the continued rollout of new vaccines, including Men5CV, in high-burden countries. They also emphasized the strong commitment of national leaders, partners, civil society organizations and the dedicated teams supporting the road map at all levels of WHO.

Despite progress, delegates raised key challenges including vaccine affordability and equitable access, shortages in trained healthcare personnel, insufficient laboratory infrastructure, and gaps in surveillance systems.

Member States called for technical and financial support, maintaining emergency vaccine stockpiles, research and innovations, particularly of early detection, strengthened community engagement and awareness campaigns among both communities and health care workers as well as supported rehabilitation services.

Meningitis was further discussed during an official side event hosted by Mali, Nigeria and Pakistan, along with Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance on integrating solutions to defeat malaria, meningitis and polio. The event aimed to highlight how an integrated approach to elimination or eradication goals of the three diseases could maximize available resources and improve health service delivery for people and communities.

“We are at an inflection point in global health,” said Dr Sania Nishtar, Chief Executive Officer, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance in her remarks. “We all know the challenges that we face as partners in global health. Between now and 2030, we will have to work smarter, more collaboratively, and with the needs of countries at the center of everything we do.”

Attendees discussed how integration can be achieved within disease surveillance, diagnosis, treatment and long-term care, and prevention through equitable access to vaccines. Several countries presented examples of delivering polio, malaria and meningitis vaccines through integrated campaigns alongside bed net distribution. The event closed on a call for increased technical and financial support to accelerate integration across the three programmes in order to end polio, malaria, and meningitis.

^{(Left to Right) Derrick Sim, Managing Director of Vaccine Markets & Health Security at Gavi; Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO Regional Director for the Eastern Mediterranean; Dr Jo Mulligan, Senior Health Advisor,Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, United Kingdom; H.E. Dr Colonel Assa Badiallo Touré, Minister of Health and Social Development, Mali; H.E. Dr Iziaq Adekunle Salako, Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Nigeria, and Ambassador Bilal Ahmad, Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations.}

Life-saving power of measles and rubella vaccines emphasized

Amidst a global surge in measles outbreaks and with millions of children still lacking protection, global health leaders convened at a high-level side event titled “The Power of Prevention – Immunizing for a Safer, Healthier World” to deliver a unified message: these outbreaks are preventable—if we act decisively and without delay.

Co-hosted by Oman, Somalia, the Gates Foundation, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC), UNICEF, and the United Nations Foundation, on behalf of the Measles & Rubella Partnership, the side event focused on accelerating global immunization efforts and promoting equity in vaccine access.

“The Measles & Rubella Partnership has been a backbone of measles and rubella programs, surveillance and outbreak response across the world,” said Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet in her opening remarks. “Yet, these gains are fragile. Measles is making a dangerous comeback threatening communities, economies and global health security. We must remain steadfast in our commitment to investing in measles vaccination and other vaccines, investments that will lead healthier children, communities, and a more resilient future for people of all ages.”

_{Dr Razia Pendse, WHO Chef de Cabinet and Dr. Hilal bin Ali bin Halil Alsabti, Minister of Health of Oman.}

The meeting was moderated by Mr. Jarrett Barrios, senior vice-president of the American Red Cross. Dr Sania Nishtar, CEO of Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance reminded countries of what is at stake if targets for the organization’s ongoing replenishment are not met—millions of children remaining unprotected and increasing outbreaks.

A key focus of the discussion was WHO’s updated rubella vaccine recommendation, which removes the requirement for 80% measles coverage before introducing the combined measles-rubella vaccine. This policy shift allows all countries to include rubella vaccination in routine immunization—opening the door for the 13 remaining countries to introduce the vaccine, save lives, and prevent future outbreaks.

Grace Melia, an Indonesian mother who recently lost her daughter after a 12-year battle against the devastating effects of congenital rubella, concluded the event by sharing her testimonial and calling for action. “They say knowledge is power,” she said. “With all due respect, knowledge applied into action would be much more powerful. And I hope we are all here today to be part of that action.”

Reaffirmed commitments to achieving a polio-free world

During the Assembly, Member States reaffirmed their full support for achieving and sustaining a polio-free world, acknowledging WHO and its partners’ efforts to see the job done. Voicing concern about ongoing variant outbreaks and the need for interruption of wild poliovirus transmission in Afghanistan and Pakistan, Member States called for continued resourcing to the effort, and smart integration of polio functions within broader public health services. Other key themes were strengthened routine immunization – including with inactivated polio vaccine – through coordination with GAVI, and the need for strong oral polio vaccine cessation planning, the safe and secure containment of polioviruses in research and vaccine manufacturing facilities.

Read more about polio here.

World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day announced as official WHO campaign

As part of ongoing efforts to eliminate cervical cancer, the Assembly established World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day as an official WHO awareness campaign to be marked on 17 November, annually. World Cervical Cancer Elimination Day will promote actions to end the disease and protect the health of women and girls, including increasing access and update of human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccines.

Historic Pandemic Agreement

Member States formally adopted the world’s first Pandemic Agreement. The landmark decision by the World Health Assembly culminates more than three years of intensive negotiations launched by governments in response to the devastating impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic and driven by the goal of making the world safer from – and more equitable in response to – future pandemics. The agreement boosts global collaboration to ensure stronger, more equitable response to future pandemics. Next steps include negotiations on Pathogen Access and Benefits Sharing system.

—-

MIL OSI United Nations News –

June 5, 2025
Sensex Climbs Over 400 Points, Nifty Above 24,750 Ahead of RBI Meet

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian stock market closed in the green on Thursday ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s key monetary policy committee (MPC) decision on the repo rate.

At the end of trading, the Sensex was up 443.79 points (0.55 per cent) at 81,442.04, and the Nifty gained 130.70 points (0.53 per cent) to close at 24,750.90.

On Friday, the MPC’s decisions will be announced by RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra. According to experts, the Central Bank is likely to cut the repo rate by 0.25 per cent.

Meanwhile, the rally extended to mid-cap and small-cap stocks. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was up 378.35 points (0.65 per cent) at 58,303, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 index rose 175.50 points (0.96 per cent) to 18,432.60.

On a sectoral basis, IT, financial services, pharma, FMCG, metals, realty and energy ended in the green, while auto, PSU banks, media and private banks finished in the red.

According to Sundar Kewat from Ashika Institutional Equity, the Nifty traded in a volatile range as participants remained cautious ahead of the RBI’s monetary policy decision.

“Easing US treasury yields and a weakening US dollar provided some support to Indian equities, although global sentiment remains cautious amid persistent US-China trade tensions,” he added.

According to analysts, a “golden crossover” is visible on the daily chart, indicating the potential for a strong uptrend in the short term.

“Support continues to hold at 24,500; unless the Nifty breaks below this level, a serious correction is unlikely. On the contrary, a steady or even sharp recovery appears possible in the near term,” said Rupak De from LKP Securities.

The Indian rupee appreciated, driven by a rebound in risk sentiment and foreign fund inflows. The currency also benefited from the general strength observed across other regional currencies.

“Looking ahead, market participants are pricing in another interest rate cut from the RBI, buoyed by stable inflation figures. The rupee’s future trajectory will largely depend on the RBI’s upcoming policy stance and any liquidity measures it introduces,” said Dilip Parmar from HDFC Securities.

(IANS)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

News story

Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge

Latest UKHSA data shows outbreaks continuing, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 so far in May.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) today publishes its monthly update on measles cases in England, which shows outbreaks continuing, with 109 cases confirmed in April and 86 so far in May. Cases have predominantly been in unvaccinated children aged 10 years and under, with on-going outbreaks in a number of regions and London reporting almost half of all cases in the past 4 weeks.

There has also been a global increase in measles cases including Europe over the last year and the Agency is concerned, that with travelling for holidays or to visit family this summer, there is a risk this could lead to another surge of measles cases in England.

The latest measles epidemiology report on the UKHSA Data Dashboard today reports:

since 1 January there have been 420 laboratory confirmed measles cases reported in England

109 measles cases were confirmed in April and to date 86 in May (number of laboratory confirmed measles cases by month of symptom onset, data reporting lags impact on most recent 4 weeks and therefore the figures are likely to be an underestimate)

the majority (276/420, 66%) of these cases were in children aged 10 years and under, but there are also cases being reported in young people and adults

London has seen the highest number of cases overall this year (162/420, 39%) and in the last 4 weeks (35/75, 47%)

a number of other regions are also reporting outbreaks – with 25% (19/75) of cases in the North West, and 11% (8/75) in the West Midlands in the last 4 weeks

Since the introduction of the measles vaccine in 1968, at least 20 million measles cases and 4,500 deaths have been prevented in the UK.

However, measles remains endemic in many countries around the world, and with declines in MMR vaccine uptake observed over the last decade, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic, we have also seen large measles outbreaks in Europe and other countries.

An analysis by the World Health Organization (WHO) Europe and the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), reported 127, 350 measles cases in the European Region for 2024, double the number of cases reported for 2023 and the highest number since 1997.

This year outbreaks have been seen in several other European countries, including France, Italy, Spain and Germany, and WHO recently reported that Romania, Pakistan, India, Thailand, Indonesia and Nigeria currently have among the largest number of measles cases worldwide.

In England, the decline of the uptake of childhood vaccinations including MMR in the past decade (well below the WHO 95% target) means that many thousands of children are left unprotected with the risk of outbreaks linked to nurseries and schools.

London has the lowest MMR uptake rates compared with other English regions (MMR2 uptake at 5 years is just 73.3% in London compared to English average of 83.9%).

From Autumn 2023 to summer 2024, England experienced the biggest outbreak of measles since 2012, particularly affecting young children. Since the peak last year cases have declined but local outbreaks continue.

Measles is one of the most highly infectious diseases and spreads rapidly among those who are unvaccinated. The UKHSA is concerned that more outbreaks may occur again on a larger scale this summer as families with unvaccinated children and adults travel to countries where there are outbreaks.

It is important that anyone travelling for summer holidays or to visit family, especially parents of young children, check that all members of their family have received both their MMR vaccines.

Getting vaccinated means you are also helping protect others who can’t have the vaccine, including infants under 1 year and people with weakened immune systems, who are at greater risk of serious illness and complications from measles.

Dr Vanessa Saliba, Consultant Epidemiologist at the UK Health Security Agency:

It’s essential that everyone, particularly parents of young children, check all family members are up to date with 2 MMR doses, especially if you are travelling this summer for holidays or visiting family. Measles cases are picking up again in England and outbreaks are happening in Europe and many countries with close links to the UK.

Measles spreads very easily and can be a nasty disease, leading to complications like ear and chest infections and inflammation of the brain with some children tragically ending up in hospital and suffering life-long consequences. Nobody wants this for their child and it’s not something you want to experience when away on holiday.

The MMR vaccine is the best way to protect yourself and your family from measles. Babies under the age of 1 and some people who have weakened immune systems can’t have the vaccine and are at risk of more serious complications if they get measles. They rely on the rest of us getting the vaccine to protect them.

It is never too late to catch up, if you’re not sure if any of your family are up to date, check their Red Book or contact your GP practice. Don’t put it off and regret it later.

Dr Amanda Doyle, National Director for Primary Care and Community Services at NHS England, said:

Tens of thousands of additional MMR vaccinations were delivered following NHS action last year to protect children against measles, mumps and rubella, and the recent increase in cases seen in England and Europe should act as an important reminder to ensure your child is protected.

Too many babies and young children are still not protected against the diseases, which are contagious infections that spread very easily and can cause serious health problems. MMR jabs are provided free as part of the NHS routine immunisation programme – and I would encourage all parents to act on invites or check vaccination records if they think they may have missed their child’s vaccination.

The first MMR vaccine is offered to infants when they turn one year old and the second dose to pre-school children when they are around 3 years and 4 months old.

Around 99% of those who have 2 doses will be protected against measles and rubella. Although mumps protection is slightly lower, cases in vaccinated people are much less severe.

Anyone, whatever age, who has not had 2 doses can contact their GP surgery to book an appointment. It is never too late to catch-up.

It’s particularly important to check you’ve had both doses if you are:

about to start college or university

travelling overseas

planning a pregnancy

a frontline health or social care worker

if you work with young children or care for people as part of your work

For more information on measles, mumps and rubella see the UKHSA resource: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/mmr-for-all-general-leaflet

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Published 5 June 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Man Dies After Being Hit by Light Rail in Australia

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

SYDNEY, June 5 (Xinhua) — A pedestrian was killed after being hit by a light rail vehicle on Thursday in a suburb of Sydney, Australia.

NSW Police said on Thursday afternoon that emergency services were dispatched to Surry Hills, a suburb of Sydney, at around 1.15pm local time on Thursday following a report.

When police arrived, they found a man, believed to be in his 40s, trapped under the carriage. Paramedics provided him with medical assistance, but he died at the scene. Police are investigating the cause of the incident.

The state transportation agency said light rail service had been suspended. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Jim Costa Denounces Trump’s Rescission of Funds for California’s High-Speed Rail

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jim Costa Representing 16th District of California

WASHINGTON – Congressman Jim Costa (CA-21) released the following statement after the Trump Administration announced it would rescind $4 billion from California’s High Speed Rail Project. “President Trump just ripped roughly $4 billion from California’s High-Speed Rail (CAHSR). This undermines over 15,000 jobs created, growing local economies, and connecting both rural and urban communities alike. He doesn’t understand the San Joaquin Valley or the legal challenges that have delayed this project. Instead, he is stalling progress and killing good-paying jobs to score political points. While President Trump remains stuck in the past, the people of California and the Valley are focused on building a cleaner, more connected future through modern rail infrastructure. The President of the United States asked the question years ago, why America doesn’t have high-speed rail systems like those in Europe and Asia. The answer to that question is simple. He could provide the leadership to build high-speed rail corridors in America, as other countries have over the last 40 years in other parts of the world.”

MIL OSI USA News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: Albanese will need some nuance in facing a female opposition leader

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

Anthony Albanese loves a trophy, especially a human one. He prides himself on his various “captain’s pick” candidates – good campaigners he has steered into seats.

Way back in the Gillard days, he was key in persuading discontented Liberal Peter Slipper to defect. Slipper became an independent and Labor’s speaker.

The exercise helped the government’s numbers, but the bold play didn’t end well for Labor or for Slipper. The government was tarnished, and Slipper, relentlessly pursued by the Coalition and mired in controversy, eventually had to quit the speakership. The affair did produce Julia Gillard’s famous misogyny speech, however.

Now Albanese has another gee-whiz prize – Western Australian Senator Dorinda Cox, who has defected from the Greens. Cox, after being defeated in a bid for Greens deputy leader, approached Labor and the PM drove her course to being accepted into the party.

The manoeuvre makes a marginal but insignificant difference to Senate numbers – Labor will still need the Greens to pass legislation opposed by the Coalition.

Taking in Cox is a risk, and some in Labor are looking at it askance.

The prime minister’s embrace of Cox contradicts Labor’s argument when its Western Australian senator Fatima Payman defected to become an independent. It said then hers was a Labor seat and she should therefore resign. But this wouldn’t be the first time expediency trumped consistency in politics.

Cox, who is Indigenous and was spokeswoman for First Nations and resources in the last parliament, has been a fierce critic of the extending the North West Shelf gas project, which the government has just announced. Albanese says he is confident she “understands that being a member of the Labor Party means that she will support positions that are made by the Labor Party”.

She has also faced allegations of treating staff badly. Labor discounts the claims against her, saying they are overblown and a product of Greens factionalism and toxicity. Certainly, she was given a tough time by the hard-left faction represented by deputy leader Mehreen Faruqi. Labor would be wise to ensure Cox feels supported in her new party home.

Albanese perhaps calculates that the worst that can happen is there’s a blow up and she defects to the crossbench. Labor could shrug and say, she was never really one of us.

Snatching a senator from the Greens is particularly satisfying to Albanese because he hates the party so much. Last term, lower house Greens MP Max Chandler-Mather (defeated at the election) really got under his skin. More generally, the Greens held up important legislation, most notably on housing.

In the new Senate, Labor will need only the Greens to pass legislation opposed by the Coalition. How new Greens leader Larissa Waters – who replaced Adam Bandt after he lost his seat – handles the party’s relationship with the government will be crucial for the more contentious parts of Labor’s legislative program.

The usually low-key Waters will be under a lot of pressure. The Greens had a bad election, losing three lower house seats. Now they have lost a senator at the start of Waters’ watch.

Waters conceded on the Serious Danger podcast in late May that Labor had successfully run the narrative of the Greens as blockers. “So I do think we’re going to need to be quite deft in how we handle balance of power in this term, […] People want us to be constructive. They don’t just want us to roll over and tick off on any old shit. They want meaningful reforms.”

Waters will want to pick her fights carefully, and also find ways of pursuing the Greens’ agenda where the party co-operates. The first deal is likely to be on the government’s legislation to increase the tax on those with large superannuation balances, which contains the controversial provision to tax unrealised capital gains.

Opposition Leader Sussan Ley and her team will confront some of the same problems as the Greens – when to oppose and when to seek to negotiate with the government.

For his part, Albanese will have a novel challenge with Ley – what stance to adopt against the first female opposition leader, especially but not only in parliamentary clashes.

After facing two alpha male opposition leaders, Scott Morrison and Peter Dutton, a new approach will obviously be necessary. As one Labor man succinctly puts it, “Labor can’t monster a woman”. There can be no repeat of Albanese, a frontbencher a decade ago in the Shorten opposition, interjecting to urge a female colleague engaged in a stoush with Ley to “smash her”.

For Ley, trying to deal with the Liberals’ multiple difficulties in attracting women voters and candidates must be high on her agenda. Former Liberal federal president Alan Stockdale, one of the three-person group currently running the NSW division of the party, showed himself part of the problem when this week he told the NSW Liberal Women’s Council, “The women in this party are so assertive now that we may need some special rules for men to get them pre-selected”.

Stockdale said later he was being “light-hearted”. Tone deaf might be a better term. Ley jumped on him. “There is nothing wrong with being an assertive woman. In fact I encourage assertive women to join the Liberal Party.”

The jury is out on whether Ley will be able to make any sort of fist of her near-impossible job. But in the short time she’s been leader, she has shown she is willing to be assertive.

She emerged from the brief split in the Coalition looking much steadier than Nationals leader David Littleproud, even though she had to persuade her party room to accept the minor party’s policy demands.

In her frontbench reshuffle, she was willing to wear the inevitable criticism that came with dropping a couple of senior women who had under-performed.

As deputy leader, Ley adjusted her style a while before the election, toning down the aggression and sometimes wild attacks, that had characterised her performance earlier in the term. A Liberal source said she found her “line and length”. As leader, she will have others, notably deputy Ted O’Brien, to do the head-kicking, giving her room to attempt to develop a positive political persona.

Labor leaned into attacking Dutton – never afraid to name him. With Ley, Albanese might adopt the Bob Carr approach of avoiding using his opponent’s name. At least until he finds his line and length in dealing with her.

Michelle Grattan 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. Grattan on Friday: Albanese will need some nuance in facing a female opposition leader – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-albanese-will-need-some-nuance-in-facing-a-female-opposition-leader-257338

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: Result of Buyback of Government of India Dated Securities

Source: Reserve Bank of India

I. Summary Results

Aggregate amount (Face Value) notified	₹25,000.000 crore
Total amount offered (Face Value) by participants	₹27,256.022 crore
Total amount accepted (Face Value)	₹23,855.992 crore

II. Details of Each Security

Security	7.27% GS 2026	6.99% GS 2026	6.97% GS 2026	7.33% GS 2026	8.24% GS 2027
No. of offers received	26	5	36	8	13
Total amount (Face Value) offered (₹ Crore)	11,605.783	655.000	10,055.298	1,956.208	2,983.733
No of offers accepted	23	5	31	4	10
Total amount (Face Value) accepted (₹ Crore)	11,365.783	655.000	8,175.298	1,106.208	2,553.703
Cut off price (₹)	101.35	101.14	101.56	102.21	104.07
Weighted Avg Price (₹)	101.27	101.09	101.50	102.21	104.06

Ajit Prasad
Deputy General Manager
(Communications)

Press Release: 2025-2026/482

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI: MEXC IgniteX Partners with Superteam to Launch Revolutionary “IgniteX Solana Talent Lab” at Solana Summit APAC

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 05, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MEXC IgniteX, the $30 million global CSR initiative and innovation arm of MEXC Ventures, successfully announced its groundbreaking strategic partnership with Superteam, the premier talent collective driving growth across the Solana ecosystem. The collaboration was officially unveiled at the Solana Summit APAC (June 5-7, 2025) in Vietnam, where IgniteX introduced the “IgniteX Solana Talent Lab” – a comprehensive initiative designed to accelerate blockchain education and foster the next generation of Solana developers across APAC markets.

Transforming Blockchain Education Through Strategic Partnership

The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab represents a first-of-its-kind collaboration that combines MEXC IgniteX’s industry expertise and resources with Superteam’s extensive network of talented developers, creators, and operators across the Solana ecosystem. This multi-faceted program addresses the critical need for structured blockchain education while creating tangible pathways for students to enter and thrive in the Web3 industry.

“We’re thrilled to partner with Superteam to create meaningful opportunities for the next generation of blockchain innovators,” said Tracy Jin, COO of MEXC. “This collaboration goes beyond traditional educational support – we’re building a comprehensive ecosystem that nurtures talent from learning to professional deployment in the Solana space.”

Program Framework

The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab is designed as an initiative that accelerates blockchain education while supporting builders, developers, and students across APAC markets to make meaningful contributions to the Solana ecosystem. The program provides real pathways into the ecosystem for builders around the world through a combination of educational resources, mentorship opportunities, project support, and career development initiatives. By connecting talented individuals with industry experts, funding opportunities, and practical experience, the IgniteX Solana Talent Lab creates a structured pathway from learning to professional deployment within the rapidly growing Solana ecosystem, fostering the next generation of blockchain innovators and contributors.

Summit Launch Features

The launch at Solana Summit APAC will focus on the following features:
IgniteX Solana Scholars Launch Announcement:
An announcement through speech on stage featuring executives from MEXC IgniteX, Superteam leadership, and Solana ecosystem representatives, highlighting the program’s vision and commitment to blockchain education advancement.

Strategic Networking Summit:
Networking opportunities connecting MEXC representatives, Solana team members, Student Ambassadors, and broader ecosystem participants to facilitate relationship building and explore future collaboration opportunities.

Future Expansion and Impact

The IgniteX Solana Talent Lab is designed for scalable growth, with plans to expand across multiple regions and educational institutions throughout 2025 and beyond. The collaboration aims to graduate hundreds of skilled blockchain developers annually while contributing to the overall growth and decentralization of the Solana ecosystem.

About MEXC Ventures
MEXC Ventures is a comprehensive fund dedicated to driving innovation in the cryptocurrency sector through investments in L1/L2 ecosystems, strategic investments, M&A, and incubation. Upholding the principle of “Empowering Growth Through Synergy,” MEXC Ventures is committed to supporting innovative ideas and active builders.

MEXC Ventures is an investor and supporter of TON and Aptos, and looks forward to staying at the forefront of TON and Aptos innovations while actively engaging with builders to drive ecosystem growth.

About Superteam
Superteam is a cooperative of creatives, operators, and investors helping the most promising projects in the Solana ecosystem launch and grow. Focused on the “Ascending World” — India, Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and Africa — Superteam serves as a core engine of grassroots growth in Web3, connecting talented individuals with opportunities to contribute to innovative Solana projects while building sustainable careers in the decentralized economy.

Source

Contact:
Lucia Hu
lucia.hu@mexc.com

Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by MEXC. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b17fc00c-f54f-4b12-ba01-1c0e076c920b

The MIL Network –

June 5, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Punishment for Te Pāti Māori over Treaty haka stands – but MPs ‘will not be silenced’

RNZ News

Aotearoa New Zealand’s Parliament has confirmed the unprecedented punishments proposed for opposition indigenous Te Pāti Māori MPs who performed a haka in protest against the Treaty Principles Bill.

Te Pāti Māori co-leaders Debbie Ngarewa-Packer and Rawiri Waititi will be suspended for 21 days, and MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipi-Clarke suspended for seven days, taking effect immediately.

Opposition parties tried to reject the recommendation, but did not have the numbers to vote it down.

Te Pati Maori MPs speak after being suspended. Video: RNZ/Mark Papalii

The heated debate to consider the proposed punishment came to an end just before Parliament was due to rise.

Waititi moved to close the debate and no party disagreed, ending the possibility of it carrying on in the next sitting week.

Leader of the House Chris Bishop — the only National MP who spoke — kicked off the debate earlier in the afternoon saying it was “regrettable” some MPs did not vote on the Budget two weeks ago.

Bishop had called a vote ahead of Budget Day to suspend the privileges report debate to ensure the Te Pāti Māori MPs could take part in the Budget, but not all of them turned up.

Robust, rowdy debate
The debate was robust and rowdy with both the deputy speaker Barbara Kuriger and temporary speaker Tangi Utikare repeatedly having to ask MPs to quieten down.

Flashback: Te Pāti Māori MP Hana-Rawhiti Maipa-Clarke led a haka in Parliament and tore up a copy of the Treaty Principles Bill at the first reading on 14 November 2024 . . . . a haka is traditionally used as an indigenous show of challenge, support or sorrow. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone/APR screenshot

Tākuta Ferris spoke first for Te Pāti Māori, saying the haka was a “signal of humanity” and a “raw human connection”.

He said Māori had faced acts of violence for too long and would not be silenced by “ignorance or bigotry”.

“Is this really us in 2025, Aotearoa New Zealand?” he asked the House.

“Everyone can see the racism.”

He said the Privileges Committee’s recommendations were not without precedent, noting the fact Labour MP Peeni Henare, who also participated in the haka, did not face suspension.

MP Tākuta Ferris spoke for Te Pāti Māori. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Henare attended the committee and apologised, which contributed to his lesser sanction.

‘Finger gun’ gesture
MP Parmjeet Parmar — a member of the Committee — was first to speak on behalf of ACT, and referenced the hand gesture — or “finger gun” — that Te Pāti Māori co-leader Debbie Ngarewa-Packer made in the direction of ACT MPs during the haka.

Parmar told the House debate could be used to disagree on ideas and issues, and there was not a place for intimidating physical gestures.

Greens co-leader Marama Davidson said New Zealand’s Parliament could lead the world in terms of involving the indigenous people.

She said the Green Party strongly rejected the committee’s recommendations and proposed their amendment of removing suspensions, and asked the Te Pāti Māori MPs be censured instead.

Davidson said the House had evolved in the past — such as the inclusion of sign language and breast-feeding in the House.

She said the Greens were challenging the rules, and did not need an apology from Te Pāti Māori.

Foreign Minister and NZ First party leader Winston Peters called Te Pāti Māori “a bunch of extremists”. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

NZ First leader Winston Peters said Te Pāti Māori and the Green Party speeches so far showed “no sincerity, saying countless haka had taken place in Parliament but only after first consulting the Speaker.

“They told the media they were going to do it, but they didn’t tell the Speaker did they?

‘Bunch of extremists’
“The Māori party are a bunch of extremists,” Peters said, “New Zealand has had enough of them”.

Peters was made to apologise after taking aim at Waititi, calling him “the one in the cowboy hat” with “scribbles on his face” [in reference to his traditional indigenous moko — tatoo]. He continued afterward, describing Waititi as possessing “anti-Western values”.

Labour’s Willie Jackson congratulated Te Pāti Māori for the “greatest exhibition of our culture in the House in my lifetime”.

Jackson said the Treaty bill was a great threat, and was met by a great haka performance. He was glad the ACT Party was intimidated, saying that was the whole point of doing the haka.

He also called for a bit of compromise from Te Pāti Māori — encouraging them to say sorry — but reiterated Labour’s view the sanctions were out of proportion with past indiscretions in the House.

Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the prime minister was personally responsible if the proposed sanctions went ahead. Image: RNZ/Samuel Rillstone

Greens co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick said the debate “would be a joke if it wasn’t so serious”.

“Get an absolute grip,” she said to the House, arguing the prime minister “is personally responsible” if the House proceeds with the committee’s proposed sanctions.

Eye of the beholder
She accused National’s James Meager of “pointing a finger gun” at her — the same gesture coalition MPs had criticised Ngarewa-Packer for during her haka. The Speaker accepted he had not intended to; Swarbrick said it was an example where the interpretation could be in the eye of the beholder.

She said if the government could “pick a punishment out of thin air” that was “not a democracy”, putting New Zealand in very dangerous territory.

An emotional Maipi-Clarke said she had been silent on the issue for a long time, the party’s voices in haka having sent shockwaves around the world. She questioned whether that was why the MPs were being punished.

“Since when did being proud of your culture make you racist?”

“We will never be silenced, and we will never be lost,” she said, calling the Treaty Principles bill a “dishonourable vote”.

She had apologised to the Speaker and accepted the consequence laid down on the day, but refused to apologise. She listed other incidents in Parliament that resulted in no punishment.

NZ Parliament TV: Te Pāti Māori Privileges committee debate. Video: RNZ

Maipi-Clarke called for the Treaty of Waitangi to be recognised in the Constitution Act, and for MPs to be required to honour it by law.

‘Clear pathway forward’
“The pathway forward has never been so clear,” she said.

ACT’s Nicole McKee said there were excuses being made for “bad behaviour”, that the House was for making laws and having discussions, and “this is not about the haka, this is about process”.

She told the House she had heard no good ideas from the Te Pāti Māori, who she said resorted to intimidation when they did not get their way, but the MPs needed to “grow up” and learn to debate issues. She hoped 21 days would give them plenty of time to think about their behaviour.

Labour MP and former Speaker Adrian Rurawhe started by saying there were “no winners in this debate”, and it was clear to him it was the government, not the Parliament, handing out the punishments.

He said the proposed sanctions set a precedent for future penalties, and governments might use it as a way to punish opposition, imploring National to think twice.

He also said an apology from Te Pāti Māori would “go a long way”, saying they had a “huge opportunity” to have a legacy in the House, but it was their choice — and while many would agree with the party there were rules and “you can’t have it both ways”.

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi speaking to the media after the Privileges Committee debate. Image: RNZ/Mark Papalii

Te Pāti Māori co-leader Rawiri Waititi said there had been many instances of misinterpretations of the haka in the House and said it was unclear why they were being punished, “is it about the haka . . . is about the gun gestures?”

“Not one committee member has explained to us where 21 days came from,” he said.

Hat and ‘scribbles’ response
Waititi took aim at Peters over his comments targeting his hat and “scribbles” on his face.

He said the haka was an elevation of indigenous voice and the proposed punishment was a “warning shot from the colonial state that cannot stomach” defiance.

Waititi said that throughout history when Māori did not play ball, the “coloniser government” reached for extreme sanctions, ending with a plea to voters: “Make this a one-term government, enrol, vote”.

He brought out a noose to represent Māori wrongfully put to death in the past, saying “interpretation is a feeling, it is not a fact . . . you’ve traded a noose for legislation”.

This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: OSCE strengthens regional law enforcement collaboration in Central Asia

Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

Headline: OSCE strengthens regional law enforcement collaboration in Central Asia

Participants at the 2025 Regional Meeting of Heads of Law Enforcement and Security Co-operation Departments (HoLEDs), 5 June, Dushanbe. (OSCE) Photo details

The OSCE Secretariat, together with the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, convened the 2025 Regional Meeting of Heads of Law Enforcement and Security Co-operation Departments (HoLEDs) on 4 and 5 June in Dushanbe, Tajikistan.
The event brought together senior law enforcement officials from all five Central Asian OSCE field operations, alongside key international partners and stakeholders. The two-day event provided a vital platform for dialogue and co-ordination on shared security challenges including illicit drug trafficking, the misuse of small arms and light weapons, and the advancement of community policing initiatives aimed at enhancing security and resilience across the region.
In her opening remarks, Tatiana Turcan, deputy Head of the OSCE Programme Office in Dushanbe, emphasized the value of regional dialogue in strengthening security co-operation and sharing best practices. She added “it’s also an opportunity to exchange professional experiences and to discuss challenges in the region.”
“This forum plays a crucial role in enhancing the co-ordination between the TNTD/Strategic Police Matters Unit, the OSCE Central Asia field operations, and our wider network of international partners, ” added Umberto Severini, Head of the Strategic Police Matters Unit at the OSCE Transnational Threats Department.
A field visit to a Mobile Police Reception (MPR) unit – part of Tajikistan’s police reform efforts supported by the OSCE – offered a practical look at how community-oriented approaches are being implemented on the ground. Training sessions featured exchanges on project successes and challenges, as well as contributions from key international partners such as the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) and the Central Asia Drug Action Programme, 7th Phase (CADAP 7).
By fostering dialogue and operational collaboration, the Regional Meeting reinforced the OSCE’s collective contribution to strengthening law enforcement capacity, stability and community security across Central Asia.

MIL OSI Europe News –

June 5, 2025
OpenAI finds more Chinese groups using ChatGPT for malicious purposes

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

OpenAI is seeing an increasing number of Chinese groups using its artificial intelligence technology for covert operations, which the ChatGPT maker described in a report released Thursday.

While the scope and tactics employed by these groups have expanded, the operations detected were generally small in scale and targeted limited audiences, the San Francisco-based startup said.

Since ChatGPT burst onto the scene in late 2022, there have been concerns about the potential consequences of generative AI technology, which can quickly and easily produce human-like text, imagery and audio.

OpenAI regularly releases reports on malicious activity it detects on its platform, such as creating and debugging malware, or generating fake content for websites and social media platforms.

In one example, OpenAI banned ChatGPT accounts that generated social media posts on political and geopolitical topics relevant to China, including criticism of a Taiwan-centric video game, false accusations against a Pakistani activist, and content related to the closure of USAID.

Some content also criticized U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs, generating X posts, such as “Tariffs make imported goods outrageously expensive, yet the government splurges on overseas aid. Who’s supposed to keep eating?”.

In another example, China-linked threat actors used AI to support various phases of their cyber operations, including open-source research, script modification, troubleshooting system configurations, and development of tools for password brute forcing and social media automation.

A third example OpenAI found was a China-origin influence operation that generated polarized social media content supporting both sides of divisive topics within U.S. political discourse, including text and AI-generated profile images.

OpenAI has cemented its position as one of the world’s most valuable private companies after announcing a $40 billion funding round valuing the company at $300 billion.

(Reuters)

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sham Shui Po youth hostel approved

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The Home & Youth Affairs Bureau today approved a youth hostel project in Sham Shui Po that will provide up to 676 hostel places.

Named TN Residence, it is the sixth project under the Subsidy Scheme for Using Hotels & Guesthouses as Youth Hostels.

Located on 280 Tung Chau Street, the project will be launched by the Tung Wah Group of Hospitals (TWGHs) and the Hong Kong Ferry (Holdings) Company.

The TWGHs has introduced the concept of a “youth vertical community” for the project to enable youth tenants to establish a social network with mutual assistance and trust.

Another feature of the project is the V-Mile programme, which encourages youth tenants to actively participate in value-added activities and community services recognised by the TWGHs or organise activities on their own, in order to promote self-enrichment, networking and contributing to society.

The bureau said TN Residence is in close proximity to railway stations, and situated within the cultural and creative industry hub with many specialty shops and restaurants nearby.

It added that it will set up a physical platform for Youth Link members to interact with each other, in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and Tung Chau Street Temporary Market close by, creating synergy with the youth hostel project.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai welcomes President Bernardo Arévalo of Republic of Guatemala with military honors

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Details
2025-06-03
President Lai confers decoration on President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands, hosts state banquet
At noon on June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, conferred a decoration upon President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, and hosted a state banquet for President Heine and her husband at the Presidential Office. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations and speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. He also expressed hope for Taiwan and the Marshall Islands to work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges, and that together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. At the decoration ceremony, President Lai personally conferred the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon on President Heine before delivering remarks, a translation of which follows: The Marshall Islands was the first Pacific ally that I visited after taking office as president. When I arrived there, I was immediately drawn to its beautiful scenery. And I received a very warm welcome from the local people. This gesture showed the profound friendship between our two nations. I was truly touched. I also remember trying your nation’s special Bob Whisky for the first time. The flavor was as unique and impressive as the landscape of the Marshall Islands. In addition to welcoming our distinguished guests today, we also presented President Heine with the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to thank President Heine for her commitment to deepening the diplomatic partnership between our nations, and for staunchly speaking up for Taiwan in the international arena. Both I and the people of Taiwan are profoundly grateful to President Heine for her friendship and support. Over the past few years, cooperation between Taiwan and the Marshall Islands has grown ever closer. And this visit by our distinguished guests will allow our two countries to further expand areas of bilateral exchange. I have always believed that only through mutual assistance and trust can two countries build a longstanding and steadfast partnership. I once again convey my sincere aspiration that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands work together to address various challenges through an even greater diversity of exchanges. Together, we can contribute even more to peace, stability, and development throughout the Pacific region. In closing, I want to thank President Heine and First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr. for leading this delegation to Taiwan, which deepens the foundations of our bilateral relationship. May our two nations enjoy a long and enduring friendship. President Heine then delivered remarks, stating that she felt especially privileged to receive the Order of Brilliant Jade with Grand Cordon of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and humbly accepted the honor with the utmost gratitude, humility, and deep responsibility. This is a deep responsibility, she said, because she understands that since its inception in 1933, this order has been bestowed upon a select few. She then thanked President Lai for this great honor. President Heine stated that the banquet was not just a celebration of our bilateral friendship, but a true reflection of the generosity of the Taiwan spirit and a testament to the enduring ties between our nations, founded on shared values and aspirations, including a respect for the rule of law, the preservation of human dignity, and a deep commitment to democracy. President Heine stated that the Taiwan-Marshall Islands partnership continues to evolve through practical cooperation and mutual support. In recent years, she said, our countries have worked hand in hand across a range of vital sectors, including the recent opening of the Majuro Hospital AI and Telehealth Center and the ongoing and successful Taiwan Health Center, various technical training and scholarship programs, and various climate change adaptation projects in renewable energy, coastal resilience, and sustainable agriculture. President Heine emphasized that the Marshall Islands continues to be a proud and vocal supporter of Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system and other international organizations. Taiwan’s exclusion from these platforms, she said, is not only unjust, but is bad for the world, and the global community needs Taiwan’s voice and expertise. President Heine also expressed sincere appreciation to all of the Taiwanese friends who have contributed their efforts to deepening bilateral relations, including government officials, healthcare workers, teachers, engineers, and volunteers. The people of the Marshall Islands, she said, deeply appreciate and value everyone’s efforts and service. President Heine said that as we celebrate our partnership, let us look to the future with hope and determination, continue to work together, learn from one another, and support one another to champion a world where all nations can chart their own course based on peace and international law. Also attending the state banquet were Marshall Islands Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko, Minister of Finance David Paul, Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chairperson Joe Bejang, and Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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2025-06-03
President Lai and President Hilda C. Heine of Marshall Islands hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
On the morning of June 3, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for her and her husband. The leaders also jointly witnessed the signing of a letter of intent for sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft. In remarks, President Lai thanked the government and the Nitijela (parliament) of the Marshall Islands for their longstanding support for Taiwan’s international participation and for voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. President Lai said that Taiwan looks forward to continuing to deepen its diplomatic partnership with the Marshall Islands and build an even closer cooperative relationship across a range of fields, engaging in mutual assistance for mutual benefits and helping each other achieve joint and prosperous development to yield even greater well-being for our peoples. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I once again warmly welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and our guests to Taiwan. During my visit to the Marshall Islands last year, I said that Taiwan and the Marshall Islands are truly a family. When Vice President Hsiao and I took office last year, President Heine led a delegation to Taiwan. It is now one year since our inauguration, and I am delighted to see President Heine once again, just as if I were seeing family arrive from afar. Through my visit to the Marshall Islands, I gained a profound sense of the friendship between the peoples of our two nations, well-demonstrated by bilateral exchanges in such areas as healthcare, agriculture, and education. And it is thanks to President Heine’s longstanding support for Taiwan that our countries have been able to further advance collaboration on even more issues, including women’s empowerment and climate change. In recent years, the geopolitical and economic landscape has changed rapidly. We look forward to Taiwan and the Marshall Islands continuing to deepen our partnership and build an even closer cooperative relationship. In just a few moments, President Heine and I will witness the signing of several documents, including a memorandum of understanding and a letter of intent, to expand bilateral cooperation in such fields as sports, education, and transportation. Taiwan will take concrete action to work with the Marshall Islands and advance mutual prosperity and development, writing a new chapter in our diplomatic partnership. I would also like to take this opportunity to express gratitude to the government and Nitijela of the Marshall Islands. In recent years, the Nitijela has passed annual resolutions backing Taiwan’s international participation, and President Heine and Marshallese cabinet members have been some of the strongest advocates for Taiwan’s international participation, voicing staunch support for Taiwan at numerous international venues. Building on the pillars of democracy, peace, and prosperity, Taiwan will continue to work with the Marshall Islands and other like-minded countries to deepen our partnerships, engage in mutual assistance for mutual benefits, and help one another achieve joint and prosperous development. I have every confidence that the combined efforts of our two nations will yield even greater well-being for our peoples and see us make even more contributions to the world. President Heine then delivered remarks, and began by conveying warm greetings of iokwe from the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands to the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan). She said she was deeply honored to be in Taiwan for an official visit, and extended appreciation to President Lai and his government for their gracious invitation and warm welcome. President Heine stated that this year marks 27 years of diplomatic ties between our two nations, and that they are proud of this enduring friendship. This special and enduring relationship, she said, is grounded in our shared Austronesian heritage, and strengthened by mutual respect for each other’s democratic systems and our steadfast commitment to the core values of freedom, justice, and the rule of law. President Heine stated that Taiwan’s continued support has been invaluable to the people and national development of the Marshall Islands, particularly in the areas of health, education, agriculture, and climate change. She also expressed deep appreciation to Taiwan for providing Marshallese students with opportunities to study in Taiwan, and for the care extended to Marshallese who travel here for medical treatment. President Heine also announced that she would be presenting a copy of a resolution by the people and government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands reiterating their appreciation for the support provided by the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), and calling on the United Nations to take immediate action to resolve the inappropriate exclusion of Taiwan’s 23 million people from the UN system. She added that she looked forward to the bilateral discussions later that day, and to continuing the important work that both countries carry out together. After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Heine witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding sports exchanges and a memorandum of understanding regarding the Presidents’ Scholarship Fund by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Marshallese Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Kalani R. Kaneko. President Lai then presided over a launch ceremony for a loan program to purchase aircraft, marking the formal beginning of Taiwan-Marshall Islands air transport cooperation. The visiting delegation also included Council of Iroij Chairman Lanny Kabua, Minister of Finance David Paul, and Nitijela Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs and Trade Chair Joe Bejang. They were accompanied to the Presidential Office by Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands.

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2025-06-03
President Lai welcomes President Hilda C. Heine of Republic of the Marshall Islands with military honors
President Lai Ching-te welcomed President Hilda C. Heine of the Republic of the Marshall Islands and her husband on the morning of June 3 with full military honors. In remarks, President Lai thanked President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. The president said that over our 27 years of diplomatic relations, our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. And moving ahead, he said, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. The welcome ceremony began at 10:30 a.m. in the plaza fronting the Presidential Office. President Lai and President Heine each delivered remarks after a 21-gun salute, the playing of the two countries’ national anthems, and a review of the military honor guard. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: On behalf of the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), it is a great pleasure to welcome President Heine, First Gentleman Thomas Kijiner, Jr., and their delegation with full military honors as they make this state visit to Taiwan. When I traveled to the Marshall Islands on a state visit last December, I was received with great warmth and courtesy. I once again thank President Heine and the people and government of the Marshall Islands for demonstrating such high regard for our nations’ diplomatic ties. Taiwan and the Marshall Islands share Austronesian cultural traditions, and we are like-minded friends. Throughout our 27 years of diplomatic relations, we have always engaged with each other in a spirit of reciprocal trust and mutual assistance. Our cooperation in healthcare, agriculture, fisheries, education and training, and climate change has yielded many positive results. This is President Heine’s first state visit to Taiwan since taking office for a second time. We look forward to engaging our esteemed guests in in-depth discussions on issues of common concern. And moving ahead, Taiwan will continue to deepen collaboration with the Marshall Islands across all domains for mutual prosperity and growth. In closing, I thank President Heine, First Gentleman Kijiner, and their entire delegation for visiting Taiwan. I wish you all a pleasant and successful trip. A transcript of President Heine’s remarks follows: Your Excellency President Lai Ching-te, Vice President [Bi-khim] Hsiao, honorable members of the cabinet, ambassadors, distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen: It is my pleasure to extend warm greetings of iokwe on behalf of the people and the government of the Republic of the Marshall Islands. I wish to also convey my appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, for the hospitality and very warm welcome – kommol tata. This visit marks my seventh official state visit to this beautiful country. It’s a testament to my strong commitment to further deepening ties between the Republic of the Marshall Islands and the Republic of China (Taiwan). During this visit, I look forward to engaging in meaningful discussions with Your Excellency President Lai to further strengthen the bilateral relationship between our two nations and our peoples. For over a quarter-century, Taiwan has been a strong ally and friend to the Marshall Islands. Our partnership has thrived across many sectors, including education, healthcare, infrastructure, and economic development. Through Taiwan’s generous support and collaboration, we have made significant progress in improving the lives of our people, empowering our communities, and fostering sustainable growth. The Marshall Islands deeply values our partnership with Taiwan and appreciates Taiwan’s support over the years. Despite our small size and limited voice on the global stage, the Marshall Islands deeply cherishes our friendship with Taiwan, and to that end, I wish to reaffirm my government’s commitment to Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the United Nations system. Taiwan has consistently demonstrated its commitment to the principles of democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. In light of current constraints in global affairs, it is now more urgent than ever that the international community of nations recognize the fundamental rights of the 23 million Taiwanese people and recognize Taiwan’s aspiration to engage fully in global affairs. It is with this in mind that I wish to reiterate to Your Excellency President Lai, the Taiwanese people, and the world that under my government, Marshall Islands will continue to acknowledge Taiwan’s contribution on the global stage and urge like-minded countries to advocate for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement in the international arena. In closing, may I once again extend our sincere appreciation to Your Excellency President Lai, the people and government of the Republic of China (Taiwan), for your warm welcome. Also in attendance at the welcome ceremony were Charge d’Affaires a.i. Anjanette Davis-Anjel of the Embassy of the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Dean of the Diplomatic Corps and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines Ambassador Andrea Clare Bowman, and members of the foreign diplomatic corps in Taiwan.

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2025-05-29
President Lai attends 2025 Europe Day Dinner
On the evening of May 29, President Lai Ching-te attended the 2025 Europe Day Dinner. In remarks, President Lai stated that Taiwan looks forward to further establishing institutionalized mechanisms with Europe for our trade and investment ties and hopes to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the European Union, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. The president said that Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains, and noted that Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it is in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. He expressed hope to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. A transcript of President Lai’s remarks follows: Chairman [Henry] Chang (張瀚書), thank you for the invitation, and congratulations on your second term. I’m confident that under your leadership, the ECCT [European Chamber of Commerce Taiwan] will build even more bridges for cooperation between Taiwan and Europe. I would also like to thank EETO [European Economic and Trade Office] Head [Lutz] Güllner and all the European country representatives stationed in Taiwan. Your hard work over the years has helped deepen Taiwan-Europe relations and brought about such fruitful cooperation. Thank you. This year we celebrate the 75th anniversary of the Schuman Declaration. In 1950, then-French Foreign Minister Robert Schuman proposed to create a European federation dedicated to preserving peace. The declaration symbolized a new flowering in the post-war era of democracy, unity, and cooperation. As we face the geopolitical challenges and drastic economic changes of today’s world, the Schuman Declaration still speaks to us profoundly. This year is also the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II in Europe. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to advance cooperation with our democratic partners, and will join hands with Europe to build a partnership of even greater resilience and mutual trust. Europe is Taiwan’s third largest trading partner. It is also Taiwan’s largest source of foreign direct investment. Last year, bilateral trade between Taiwan and Europe totaled US$84.7 billion. This demonstrates our vibrant economic and trade ties and reflects the high levels of confidence our businesses have in each other’s markets and systems. We look forward to Taiwan and Europe further establishing institutionalized mechanisms for our trade and investment ties. And we hope to take an innovative and diverse approach to sign an economic partnership agreement with the EU, to provide a more transparent, stable, and predictable business environment for our enterprises. Today’s Taiwan has an internationally recognized democracy and a semiconductor industry vital to global security and prosperity. This enables us to play a key role in restructuring global democratic supply chains and the economic order. In particular, we see supply chains dominated by a new authoritarian bloc expanding their influence through non-market mechanisms, price subsidies, and monopolies on resources, as they seek global control of critical technologies and manufacturing capabilities. Their actions not only distort principles of market fairness, but also threaten the international community’s basic expectations for democracy, the rule of law, and corporate responsibility. In response, Taiwan will actively work alongside other democracies, including those in Europe, to jointly build resilient, promising non-red supply chains. We will also introduce an initiative on semiconductor supply chain partnerships for global democracies. This is more than a proposal for economic cooperation; it is an alliance of shared values and advanced technology. Security in the Taiwan Strait and regional peace and stability have always been issues of mutual interest for Taiwan and Europe. So here today, on behalf of all the people of Taiwan, I would like to thank the EU and European nations for continuing to take concrete actions in public support of peace and stability across the strait. Such actions are vital to regional security and prosperity. Taiwan will continue to bolster itself to achieve real peace through strength, and will work with democratic partners to safeguard freedom and democracy, thereby showing our determination for regional peace. At this critical time, Taiwan and Europe have endless potential for collaboration, whether it’s in safeguarding freedom and democracy or advancing our economic and trade relationship. I look forward to our joining hands at this strategic juncture to further strengthen our partnership and work together toward global peace, stability, and prosperity. Also in attendance at the event was British Office Taipei Representative Ruth Bradley-Jones.

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2025-05-28
President Lai meets US delegation led by Senator Tammy Duckworth
On the afternoon of May 28, President Lai Ching-te met with a delegation led by United States Senator Tammy Duckworth. In remarks, President Lai thanked the US Congress and government for their longstanding and bipartisan support for Taiwan. The president stated that Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US and jointly safeguard regional peace and stability. He pointed out that the Taiwan government has already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties and will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses. He then expressed hope of deepening Taiwan-US ties and creating more niches for both sides. A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows: I warmly welcome this delegation led by Senator Duckworth, a dear friend of Taiwan. Senator Duckworth previously visited in May last year to convey congratulations after the inauguration of myself and Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao. Your bipartisan delegation was the first group from the US Senate that I met with as president. Today, you are visiting just after the first anniversary of my taking office, demonstrating the staunch support of the US and our deep friendship. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I extend my sincere appreciation and greetings. And I invite you to come back and visit next year, the year after that, and every year. Taiwan and the US share the values of democracy and the rule of law and believe in free and open markets. Both sides embrace a common goal of peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific region. I thank the US Congress and government for their longstanding, bipartisan, and steadfast support for Taiwan. In 2021, to help Taiwan overcome the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, Senator Duckworth made a special trip here to announce that the US government would be donating vaccines to Taiwan. In recent years, Senator Duckworth has also promoted the TAIWAN Security Act, STAND with Taiwan Act, and Taiwan and America Space Assistance Act in the US Congress, all of which have further deepened Taiwan-US cooperation and steadily advanced our ties. For this, I express my deepest appreciation. I want to emphasize that the people of Taiwan have an unyielding determination to protect their homeland and free and democratic way of life. Over the past year, the government and private sector have been working together to enhance Taiwan’s whole-of-society defense resilience. The government is committed to reforming national defense, and it has proposed prioritizing special budget allocations to ensure that our defense budget exceeds three percent of GDP. This will continue to bolster Taiwan’s self-defense capabilities. Moving forward, Taiwan will continue to strengthen cooperation with the US. In addition to jointly safeguarding regional peace and stability, we also aspire to deepen bilateral trade and economic ties. At the SelectUSA Investment Summit in Washington, DC, earlier this month, Taiwan’s delegation was once again the biggest delegation attending the event – proof positive of our close economic and trade cooperation. We have already proposed a roadmap for deepening Taiwan-US trade ties. We will narrow the trade imbalance through the procurement of energy and agricultural and other industrial products from the US. We will encourage mutual investment between Taiwanese and US businesses to stimulate industrial development on both sides, especially in such industries as national defense and shipbuilding. We therefore look forward to Congress passing the US-Taiwan Expedited Double-Tax Relief Act as soon as possible, as this would deepen Taiwan-US trade ties and create more niches for business. In closing, I once again thank Senator Duckworth for making the trip to Taiwan. Let us continue to work together to elevate Taiwan-US ties. I wish you a pleasant and successful visit. Senator Duckworth then delivered remarks, saying that she is happy to be back in Taiwan and that she wanted to make sure to come back just after President Lai’s one-year anniversary of taking office to show the dedication and the outstanding friendship that we have. She noted that because no matter who is in the White House, no matter which political party is in power in Washington, DC, she has always believed that if America wants to remain a leader on the global stage, it has to show up for friends like Taiwan. Senator Duckworth mentioned that in the years that she has been coming to Taiwan since pre-COVID times, she has seen a remarkable increase in participation in its defense and the support of the Taiwanese people for defending the homeland. She then thanked Taiwan for making the commitment to its self-defense, and also for being a partner with other nations around the world. The STAND with Taiwan Act, the senator noted, is so named because the US wants to stand side by side with Taiwan. Pointing out that Taiwan is an important leader in the Indo-Pacific and on the global stage, she reiterated that there is support on both sides of the aisle in Washington for Taiwanese democracy, and added that the people of Taiwan are showing that they are willing to shore up their own readiness. Senator Duckworth said that whether it is delivering vaccines to Taiwan or making sure that the US National Guard works with Taiwan’s reserve forces or even with its civilian emergency response teams, these are all important components to the ongoing partnership between our nations. Senator Duckworth indicated that there are many great opportunities moving forward beyond our military cooperation with one another. Whether it is in chip manufacturing, agricultural investments, shipbuilding, or in the healthcare field, those investments in both nations will facilitate stability and development in both our nations. She said that is why she wants to continue the Taiwan-US relationship, underlining that they are in it for the long haul. The delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by American Institute in Taiwan Taipei Office Director Raymond Greene.

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2025-05-20
President Lai interviewed by Nippon Television and Yomiuri TV
In a recent interview on Nippon Television’s news zero program, President Lai Ching-te responded to questions from host Mr. Sakurai Sho and Yomiuri TV Shanghai Bureau Chief Watanabe Masayo on topics including reflections on his first year in office, cross-strait relations, China’s military threats, Taiwan-United States relations, and Taiwan-Japan relations. The interview was broadcast on the evening of May 19. During the interview, President Lai stated that China intends to change the world’s rules-based international order, and that if Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted. Therefore, he said, Taiwan will strengthen its national defense, prevent war by preparing for war, and achieve the goal of peace. The president also noted that Taiwan’s purpose for developing drones is based on national security and industrial needs, and that Taiwan hopes to collaborate with Japan. He then reiterated that China’s threats are an international problem, and expressed hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war. Following is the text of the questions and the president’s responses: Q: How do you feel as you are about to round out your first year in office? President Lai: When I was young, I was determined to practice medicine and save lives. When I left medicine to go into politics, I was determined to transform Taiwan. And when I was sworn in as president on May 20 last year, I was determined to strengthen the nation. Time flies, and it has already been a year. Although the process has been very challenging, I am deeply honored to be a part of it. I am also profoundly grateful to our citizens for allowing me the opportunity to give back to our country. The future will certainly be full of more challenges, but I will do everything I can to unite the people and continue strengthening the nation. That is how I am feeling now. Q: We are now coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of World War II, and over this period, we have often heard that conflict between Taiwan and the mainland is imminent. Do you personally believe that a cross-strait conflict could happen? President Lai: The international community is very much aware that China intends to replace the US and change the world’s rules-based international order, and annexing Taiwan is just the first step. So, as China’s military power grows stronger, some members of the international community are naturally on edge about whether a cross-strait conflict will break out. The international community must certainly do everything in its power to avoid a conflict in the Taiwan Strait; there is too great a cost. Besides causing direct disasters to both Taiwan and China, the impact on the global economy would be even greater, with estimated losses of US$10 trillion from war alone – that is roughly 10 percent of the global GDP. Additionally, 20 percent of global shipping passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, so if a conflict breaks out in the strait, other countries including Japan and Korea would suffer a grave impact. For Japan and Korea, a quarter of external transit passes through the Taiwan Strait and surrounding waters, and a third of the various energy resources and minerals shipped back from other countries pass through said areas. If Taiwan were invaded, global supply chains would be disrupted, and therefore conflict in the Taiwan Strait must be avoided. Such a conflict is indeed avoidable. I am very thankful to Prime Minister of Japan Ishiba Shigeru and former Prime Ministers Abe Shinzo, Suga Yoshihide, and Kishida Fumio, as well as US President Donald Trump and former President Joe Biden, and the other G7 leaders, for continuing to emphasize at international venues that peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait are essential components for global security and prosperity. When everyone in the global democratic community works together, stacking up enough strength to make China’s objectives unattainable or to make the cost of invading Taiwan too high for it to bear, a conflict in the strait can naturally be avoided. Q: As you said, President Lai, maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait is also very important for other countries. How can war be avoided? What sort of countermeasures is Taiwan prepared to take to prevent war? President Lai: As Mr. Sakurai mentioned earlier, we are coming up on the 80th anniversary of the end of WWII. There are many lessons we can take from that war. First is that peace is priceless, and war has no winners. From the tragedies of WWII, there are lessons that humanity should learn. We must pursue peace, and not start wars blindly, as that would be a major disaster for humanity. In other words, we must be determined to safeguard peace. The second lesson is that we cannot be complacent toward authoritarian powers. If you give them an inch, they will take a mile. They will keep growing, and eventually, not only will peace be unattainable, but war will be inevitable. The third lesson is why WWII ended: It ended because different groups joined together in solidarity. Taiwan, Japan, and the Indo-Pacific region are all directly subjected to China’s threats, so we hope to be able to join together in cooperation. This is why we proposed the Four Pillars of Peace action plan. First, we will strengthen our national defense. Second, we will strengthen economic resilience. Third is standing shoulder to shoulder with the democratic community to demonstrate the strength of deterrence. Fourth is that as long as China treats Taiwan with parity and dignity, Taiwan is willing to conduct exchanges and cooperate with China, and seek peace and mutual prosperity. These four pillars can help us avoid war and achieve peace. That is to say, Taiwan hopes to achieve peace through strength, prevent war by preparing for war, keeping war from happening and pursuing the goal of peace. Q: Regarding drones, everyone knows that recently, Taiwan has been actively researching, developing, and introducing drones. Why do you need to actively research, develop, and introduce new drones at this time? President Lai: This is for two purposes. The first is to meet national security needs. The second is to meet industrial development needs. Because Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines are all part of the first island chain, and we are all democratic nations, we cannot be like an authoritarian country like China, which has an unlimited national defense budget. In this kind of situation, island nations such as Taiwan, Japan, and the Philippines should leverage their own technologies to develop national defense methods that are asymmetric and utilize unmanned vehicles. In particular, from the Russo-Ukrainian War, we see that Ukraine has successfully utilized unmanned vehicles to protect itself and prevent Russia from unlimited invasion. In other words, the Russo-Ukrainian War has already proven the importance of drones. Therefore, the first purpose of developing drones is based on national security needs. Second, the world has already entered the era of smart technology. Whether generative, agentic, or physical, AI will continue to develop. In the future, cars and ships will also evolve into unmanned vehicles and unmanned boats, and there will be unmanned factories. Drones will even be able to assist with postal deliveries, or services like Uber, Uber Eats, and foodpanda, or agricultural irrigation and pesticide spraying. Therefore, in the future era of comprehensive smart technology, developing unmanned vehicles is a necessity. Taiwan, based on industrial needs, is actively planning the development of drones and unmanned vehicles. I would like to take this opportunity to express Taiwan’s hope to collaborate with Japan in the unmanned vehicle industry. Just as we do in the semiconductor industry, where Japan has raw materials, equipment, and technology, and Taiwan has wafer manufacturing, our two countries can cooperate. Japan is a technological power, and Taiwan also has significant technological strengths. If Taiwan and Japan work together, we will not only be able to safeguard peace and stability in the Taiwan Strait and security in the Indo-Pacific region, but it will also be very helpful for the industrial development of both countries. Q: The drones you just described probably include examples from the Russo-Ukrainian War. Taiwan and China are separated by the Taiwan Strait. Do our drones need to have cross-sea flight capabilities? President Lai: Taiwan does not intend to counterattack the mainland, and does not intend to invade any country. Taiwan’s drones are meant to protect our own nation and territory. Q: Former President Biden previously stated that US forces would assist Taiwan’s defense in the event of an attack. President Trump, however, has yet to clearly state that the US would help defend Taiwan. Do you think that in such an event, the US would help defend Taiwan? Or is Taiwan now trying to persuade the US? President Lai: Former President Biden and President Trump have answered questions from reporters. Although their responses were different, strong cooperation with Taiwan under the Biden administration has continued under the Trump administration; there has been no change. During President Trump’s first term, cooperation with Taiwan was broader and deeper compared to former President Barack Obama’s terms. After former President Biden took office, cooperation with Taiwan increased compared to President Trump’s first term. Now, during President Trump’s second term, cooperation with Taiwan is even greater than under former President Biden. Taiwan-US cooperation continues to grow stronger, and has not changed just because President Trump and former President Biden gave different responses to reporters. Furthermore, the Trump administration publicly stated that in the future, the US will shift its strategic focus from Europe to the Indo-Pacific. The US secretary of defense even publicly stated that the primary mission of the US is to prevent China from invading Taiwan, maintain stability in the Indo-Pacific, and thus maintain world peace. There is a saying in Taiwan that goes, “Help comes most to those who help themselves.” Before asking friends and allies for assistance in facing threats from China, Taiwan must first be determined and prepared to defend itself. This is Taiwan’s principle, and we are working in this direction, making all the necessary preparations to safeguard the nation. Q: I would like to ask you a question about Taiwan-Japan relations. After the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, you made an appeal to give Japan a great deal of assistance and care. In particular, you visited Sendai to offer condolences. Later, you also expressed condolences and concern after the earthquakes in Aomori and Kumamoto. What are your expectations for future Taiwan-Japan exchanges and development? President Lai: I come from Tainan, and my constituency is in Tainan. Tainan has very deep ties with Japan, and of course, Taiwan also has deep ties with Japan. However, among Taiwan’s 22 counties and cities, Tainan has the deepest relationship with Japan. I sincerely hope that both of you and your teams will have an opportunity to visit Tainan. I will introduce Tainan’s scenery, including architecture from the era of Japanese rule, Tainan’s cuisine, and unique aspects of Tainan society, and you can also see lifestyles and culture from the Showa era. The Wushantou Reservoir in Tainan was completed by engineer Mr. Hatta Yoichi from Kanazawa, Japan and the team he led to Tainan after he graduated from then-Tokyo Imperial University. It has nearly a century of history and is still in use today. This reservoir, along with the 16,000-km-long Chianan Canal, transformed the 150,000-hectare Chianan Plain into Taiwan’s premier rice-growing area. It was that foundation in agriculture that enabled Taiwan to develop industry and the technology sector of today. The reservoir continues to supply water to Tainan Science Park. It is used by residents of Tainan, the agricultural sector, and industry, and even the technology sector in Xinshi Industrial Park, as well as Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Because of this, the people of Tainan are deeply grateful for Mr. Hatta and very friendly toward the people of Japan. A major earthquake, the largest in 50 years, struck Tainan on February 6, 2016, resulting in significant casualties. As mayor of Tainan at the time, I was extremely grateful to then-Prime Minister Abe, who sent five Japanese officials to the disaster site in Tainan the day after the earthquake. They were very thoughtful and asked what kind of assistance we needed from the Japanese government. They offered to provide help based on what we needed. I was deeply moved, as former Prime Minister Abe showed such care, going beyond the formality of just sending supplies that we may or may not have actually needed. Instead, the officials asked what we needed and then provided assistance based on those needs, which really moved me. Similarly, when the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 or the later Kumamoto earthquakes struck, the people of Tainan, under my leadership, naturally and dutifully expressed their support. Even earlier, when central Taiwan was hit by a major earthquake in 1999, Japan was the first country to deploy a rescue team to the disaster area. On February 6, 2018, after a major earthquake in Hualien, former Prime Minister Abe appeared in a video holding up a message of encouragement he had written in calligraphy saying “Remain strong, Taiwan.” All of Taiwan was deeply moved. Over the years, Taiwan and Japan have supported each other when earthquakes struck, and have forged bonds that are family-like, not just neighborly. This is truly valuable. In the future, I hope Taiwan and Japan can be like brothers, and that the peoples of Taiwan and Japan can treat one another like family. If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem; if Japan has a problem, then Taiwan has a problem. By caring for and helping each other, we can face various challenges and difficulties, and pursue a brighter future. Q: President Lai, you just used the phrase “If Taiwan has a problem, then Japan has a problem.” In the event that China attempts to invade Taiwan by force, what kind of response measures would you hope the US military and Japan’s Self-Defense Forces take? President Lai: As I just mentioned, annexing Taiwan is only China’s first step. Its ultimate objective is to change the rules-based international order. That being the case, China’s threats are an international problem. So, I would very much hope to work together with the US, Japan, and others in the global democratic community to prevent China from starting a war – prevention, after all, is more important than cure.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rico Merkert, Professor in Transport and Supply Chain Management and Deputy Director, Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies (ITLS), University of Sydney Business School, University of Sydney

Petr Podrouzek/Shutterstock

It is finally happening. After five years of being a private company, Virgin Australia will relist on the Australian Securities Exchange (ASX) on June 24. The company is expected to raise A$685 million through the initial public offering (IPO).

So, who will benefit from Virgin Australia’s return to the share market? Having paid $3.5 billion for the bankrupt carrier back in 2020, private equity firm Bain Capital will be the most immediate winner.

Earlier this year, Bain had sold 25% of the company to Qatar Airways. Now, with the IPO, Bain will reduce its stake from about 70% down to 40%.

With Virgin’s anticipated market capitalisation close to $2.3 billion and enterprise value of reportedly up to $3.6 billion, it is now evident that Bain Capital has – with Jayne Hrdlicka at the helm of the airline – not only managed to turn the company around, but to also profit nicely from doing so.

Without Bain’s rescue at the beginning of the pandemic (which was catastrophic for airlines globally), the situation may have become quite detrimental for travellers. It also avoided having the Australian taxpayer foot the bill for a bailout.

Whether the airline’s customers end up better off will depend on what Virgin Australia ends up doing with the $685 million it raises, on top of the substantial profits it has recently been able to generate.

Stronger competition for Qantas?

Looking at the strategies of both Virgin Australia and its biggest competitor, Qantas, in recent years, it seems both have learned to love playing the duopoly game.

Based on our own calculations, Virgin controls roughly 33% of Australia’s domestic seat capacity and the Qantas group (which includes Jetstar) much of the rest on the country’s core flight network.

In the 2010s, the two airlines were out-competing themselves in adding capacity to the market, which drove down yields (or revenue per passenger) and nearly killed Virgin Australia 1.0.

Now, Qantas and Virgin have new chief executives who understand both airlines can be very profitable if they show some (capacity) discipline in how many seats they create and sell.

Better services

For that reason, it’s likely not much will change in terms of competition, at least in the domestic market. But this is only true as far as capacity is concerned.

It seems reasonable to assume Virgin’s raised capital will only support future growth if it is profitable. The majority of the funds will likely go towards fleet renewal and improvement of the airline’s product.

For consumers, this wouldn’t necessarily mean lower airfares in the domestic market. But it would mean newer aircraft and enhanced services, which is a positive for both flyers and the environment.

International departures

Virgin Australia will become a more formidable competitor to Qantas, thanks to its newly formed relationship with international partner Qatar Airways and the additional cash from relisting.

It will be interesting to observe what Qatar will do next and whether a new player – perhaps Singapore Airlines – will enter the scene and take a stake in the airline once Virgin Australia is trading publicly again.

It would not be the first time an international airline has taken a stake in Virgin Australia, and could create some interesting dynamics.

Another beneficiary is Virgin Australia’s management team, who’ve been somewhat shackled by the priority of getting the IPO off the ground. The IPO will free up management to deploy resources towards more longer-term priorities.

Many will see a significant payday – it’s estimated staff are sitting on shares that could soon collectively be worth $180 million.

Why now?

Bain Capital has timed this IPO carefully. Virgin Australia has (in tandem with Qantas) produced a stellar financial performance in the last financial year. It may deliver an even better one in the current reporting period.

To maximise returns, it is likely Bain did not want to waste the opportunity to capitalise on the moment. Global markets are still full of volatility and geopolitical uncertainty. What may diminish is the financial performance of the core business Bain Capital is trying to sell.

At $2.90 a share, Virgin Australia will have a price-to-earnings ratio (used to assess how relatively expensive a share price is) of seven times its expected earnings this financial year. This is lower than Qantas’ ratio of ten times expected earnings this financial year.

Profits are likely to remain high this year, with continuing strong demand, high yields and low jet fuel prices. The brokers and underwriting investment banks will use this to sell the story.

IPOs can sometimes deliver those already holding shares in a company significant day-one windfall profits. In this case, however, Bain’s expertise in the venture capital market means it is unlikely to leave any money on the table.

One may also argue while Virgin appears to be priced at a discount compared to Qantas, there may be legitimate reasons for the price differential, such as Qantas’ very profitable loyalty business.

Given uncertainties around demand and geopolitical tensions, there is no guarantee the share price of Qantas will remain at record highs for too long, which means the opportunity to present Virgin shares as a bargain may be short-lived.

In the long term, it is widely agreed airlines are by definition volatile investments and not necessarily something the average investor should have in their portfolio.

Moving forward

Symbolically, the decision for Virgin to use a new stock ticker – VGN instead of the old VAH – may avoid bringing back bad memories.

Five years can be a lifetime in aviation, but maybe not to bond holders who got just 10 cents in the dollar and shareholders (including the large airline partners who held equity stakes) who got nothing when the airline collapsed in 2020.

From a strategy perspective, it will be important for management to avoid history repeating itself with international airlines buying into Virgin and securing board seats.

This can be one way of influencing the strategy of the carrier’s domestic arm to funnel more passengers to their own international flights.

It is positive, for both Virgin Australia and the Australian aviation industry, that Bain Capital appears set to pull this off and that the revitalised airline is now truly Virgin Australia 2.0.

Rico Merkert and his team of PhD students receive funding from the Australian Research Council through a discovery project and various research industry project, including with Thales and Air New Zealand. He has previously worked on research with and for international airlines, including Qantas and Virgin Australia.

– ref. Virgin Australia is coming back to the share market. Here’s what this new chapter could mean – https://theconversation.com/virgin-australia-is-coming-back-to-the-share-market-heres-what-this-new-chapter-could-mean-258179

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Jackie Chan, Ralph Macchio return to ‘Karate Kid’ franchise

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

“Karate Kid: Legends,” starring Jackie Chan, one of China’s most renowned kung fu stars, will open in Chinese theaters on June 7, aiming to revive one of Hollywood’s most beloved martial arts franchises.

A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

Directed by Jonathan Entwistle, “Karate Kid: Legends” follows Ben Wang as Li Fong, a kung fu prodigy who moves to New York City with his mother. There, he finds comfort in a new friendship with a classmate and her father. That is until he attracts the unwanted attention of a formidable local karate champion. To defend himself, Li trains under kung fu master Mr. Han and the legendary Daniel LaRusso, merging their distinct styles to prepare for the ultimate martial arts showdown.

At the premiere in New York on May 27, 71-year-old Jackie Chan told reporters he still performs his own stunts, though with less intensity than in his earlier days. Chan emphasized the audiences’ demand for authenticity and reflected on his career-long mission to prove himself as an actor rather than just a fighter.

The sixth installment in “The Karate Kid” franchise reunites Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan, reprising their iconic roles – Daniel LaRusso from the original trilogy (1984-1989) and Mr. Han from the 2010 remake. Together, they mentor Li Fong, combining traditional karate with Chinese kung fu in the new adventure.

“Bringing these two legends together is beyond a producer’s dream,” producer Karen Rosenfelt said of uniting Chan and Macchio. “What’s fresh and unique about this movie is that both Mr. Han and Daniel LaRusso are training a Chinese, Mandarin-speaking boy. It is a story about family and recovering what’s important. It works as a standalone if you have never seen a ‘Karate Kid’ film, and it’s also a love letter to those who were there for ‘The Karate Kid’ in 1984.”

Macchio noted, “I’ve been careful over the years with protecting this franchise, protecting this character. The evolution of these characters, the themes in the original movie, they still stand the test of time and win over each generation.”

The film explores how Chinese kung fu and Japanese karate interact through technical fusion and a dynamic exchange of philosophies. Chan said his return to the “Karate Kid” series is driven by his hope to use cinema to promote Chinese culture globally.

He noted that karate actually evolved from Chinese kung fu, emphasizing that despite their different names, martial arts are deeply connected. By combining kung fu and karate, he said the film not only celebrates cultural heritages but also spreads a message of unity and compassion – something the world urgently needs.

Chan observes that more young people are discovering kung fu in new ways. He continues to experiment with blending different styles – from boxing to Wing Chun to acrobatics – to keep the art form dynamic. “I often tell my disciples and fellow martial artists in China that our kung fu must evolve, ” he said.

With its explosive fight choreography and heartfelt homage to Karate Kid icon Mr. Miyagi, the new film delivers a fresh yet nostalgic experience. It captivates both new audiences and longtime fans, with strong earnings. As of June 2, the film earned $47.67 million globally since it hit theaters on May 30, all before the official release in China on June 7.

A still from “Karate Kid: Legends.” [Photo courtesy of Sony Pictures Entertainment]

After an extensive global search, Ben Wang was cast as the new Karate Kid. Wang first discovered the franchise through the 2010 film, a story that mirrored his own move from Beijing to New York. This personal connection drew him to the role and he did most of his own stunts, demonstrating his potential as a rising star.

“It gets me emotional,” Wang said. “This idea of going somewhere completely new and having to start over and finding people who help you along the way. And that’s what these movies are really about. Behind kung fu and karate and all that cool stuff, it’s about finding your way, learning to fit in, and finding good teachers.”

The film’s fresh narrative approach allows the cast and crew to balance innovative storytelling with respect for the franchise’s 40-year legacy. “What we’ve made is definitely a movie with heart, humor and action,” Entwistle said. “It’s about fighting for your family, or learning what to fight for, and I think that’s the most important message. But it’s wrapped up in a real martial arts film, a real action-adventure film, with lots of heart and lots of big scenes of people learning what it means to grow up.”

MIL OSI China News –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

Headline: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics
IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

Quarterly figures

According to Kaspersky Security Network, in the first quarter of 2025:

A total of 12 million attacks on mobile devices involving malware, adware, or unwanted apps were blocked.
Trojans, the most common mobile threat, accounted for 39.56% of total detected threats.
More than 180,000 malicious and potentially unwanted installation packages were detected, which included:
- 49,273 packages related to mobile bankers
- 1520 mobile ransomware Trojans.

Quarterly highlights

Attacks on Android devices involving malware, adware, or potentially unwanted apps in the first quarter of 2025 increased to 12,184,351.

Attacks on users of Kaspersky mobile solutions, Q3 2023 – Q1 2025 (download)

This growth was largely due to the activity of Mamont banking Trojans and Fakemoney scam apps, along with the discovery of fake popular brand smartphones that came preloaded with the Triada backdoor, capable of dynamically downloading any modules from a server. Triada’s modules possess a variety of features. They can substitute URLs in the browser, block connections to specific servers, or steal login credentials for social media and instant messaging services like TikTok, WhatsApp, Line, or Telegram. A module that steals crypto from wallets is worth separate mention. We tracked down several of the scammers’ wallets, the balances suggesting that a total of at least $270,000 had been stolen. The stolen amount in TRON cryptocurrency alone was $182,000.

A profitability chart for the threat actor’s TRON wallets (download)

The first quarter saw the discovery of a new banker that attacks users in Turkey: Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Bankurt.c. It masquerades as an app for viewing pirated movies.

The Trojan uses DeviceAdmin permissions to gain a foothold in the system, obtains access to Accessibility features, and then helps its operators to control the device remotely via VNC and steal text messages.

Mobile threat statistics

The number of detected Android malware and unwanted app samples increased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024, totaling 180,405.

Detected malicious and potentially unwanted installation packages, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

Looking at the distribution of detected installation packages by type, we see that the typical frontrunners, RiskTool and adware, dropped to the third and fourth spots, respectively, in the first quarter. Banking Trojans (27.31%) and spy Trojans (24.49%) ranked as the most common threats.

Distribution of detected mobile apps by type, Q4 2024* – Q1 2025 (download)

* Data for the previous quarter may differ slightly from previously published data due to certain verdicts being retrospectively revised.

The revision was prompted by a sharp increase in Mamont banker installation packages in the first quarter. Agent.akg, which steals text messages, accounted for the largest number of spy Trojan installation packages.

Share* of users attacked by the given type of malicious or potentially unwanted apps out of all targeted users of Kaspersky mobile products, Q4 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

* The total may exceed 100% if the same users experienced multiple attack types.

The first quarter saw a sharp rise in the number of users attacked by Trojans. This was driven by a large number of detected devices preloaded with the Triada Trojan and the increased activity of Fakemoney scam apps, which tricked users into sharing their personal data by promising easy money. The increase in the number of users who encountered banking Trojans was, again, due to the activity of the Mamont family.

TOP 20 most frequently detected types of mobile malware

Note that the malware rankings below exclude riskware and potentially unwanted apps, such as adware and RiskTool.

Verdict	*% Q4 2024**	*% Q1 2025**	Difference in p.p.	Change in ranking
Trojan.AndroidOS.Fakemoney.v	30.33	26.41	–3.92	0
DangerousObject.Multi.Generic.	13.26	19.30	+6.04	0
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.db	0.08	15.99	+15.91
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.da	1.56	11.21	+9.65	+14
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.bc	10.79	7.61	–3.17	–2
Backdoor.AndroidOS.Triada.z	0.00	4.71	+4.71
Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.hf	0.00	3.81	+3.81
Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.fe	0.00	3.48	+3.47
Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.gn	2.56	2.68	+0.13	+3
Trojan-Clicker.AndroidOS.Agent.bh	0.51	2.58	+2.07	+27
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ef	0.00	2.44	+2.44
Trojan-Downloader.AndroidOS.Dwphon.a	3.40	2.19	–1.21	–2
Trojan.AndroidOS.Fakemoney.u	0.02	1.88	+1.86
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rj	3.63	1.86	–1.77	–7
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ek	0.00	1.83	+1.83
Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.ga	4.84	1.74	–3.10	–11
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.eb	0.00	1.59	+1.59
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.cb	1.09	1.56	+0.47	+4
Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.gs	3.63	1.47	–2.16	–13
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.dn	0.00	1.46	+1.46

* Unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all attacked users of Kaspersky mobile solutions.

Nearly the entire list was occupied by the aforementioned Fakemoney apps and various Mamont banking Trojan variants, along with preloaded Backdoor.AndroidOS.Triada.z, and Trojan.AndroidOS.Triada.hf malicious apps. Additionally, remaining among the most prevalent Android malware were modified messengers with the embedded Triada Trojan (Triada.fe, Triada.gn, Triada.ga, Triada.gs) and the preloaded Dwphon Trojan. What is interesting is the inclusion of the Trojan-Clicker.AndroidOS.Agent.bh sample on the list. This is a fake ad blocker that, conversely, inflates ad views.

Region-specific malware

This section describes malware families that mostly focused on specific countries.

Verdict	Country*	%**
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.a	Turkey	96.85
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.ks	India	94.36
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Coper.c	Turkey	94.29
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.jp	India	93.78
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.BrowBot.w	Turkey	92.81
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.ib	India	92.79
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Rewardsteal.lv	India	92.34
Trojan-Spy.AndroidOS.SmForw.ko	India	90.71
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.UdangaSteal.k	India	90.12
Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Hqwar.bf	Turkey	88.34
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rg	India	86.97
Trojan-Dropper.AndroidOS.Agent.sm	Turkey	82.54

* The country where the malware was most active.
** Unique users who encountered this Trojan variant in the indicated country as a percentage of all Kaspersky mobile security solution users attacked by the same variant.

The first quarter saw a somewhat smaller number of “selective” malicious apps than before. As usual, Turkey experienced a prevalence of banking Trojans: Coper, equipped with RAT capabilities enabling attackers to steal money through remote device management; BrowBot, which pilfers text messages; and the banking Trojan droppers Hqwar and Agent.sm. In India, users faced Rewardsteal banking Trojans which stole bank details by pretending to offer money. Additionally, the UdangaSteal Trojan, previously prevalent in Indonesia, and the SmForw.ko Trojan, which forwards incoming text messages to another number, also spread to India.

Mobile banking Trojans

Number of installation packages for mobile banking Trojans detected by Kaspersky, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

The increase in the number of installation packages for banking Trojans was primarily driven by Mamont. Its creators apparently follow a MaaS model, enabling any scammer to get a custom variant generated for a fee. As a result, a large number of unrelated cybercriminals are spreading distinct versions of Mamont.

When it comes to the percentage of users targeted, various versions of Mamont are also mainly at the top.

Top 10 mobile bankers

Verdict	*% Q4 2024**	*% Q1 2025**	Difference in p.p.	Change in ranking
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.db	0.41	38.07	+37.67	+18
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.da	7.71	26.68	+18.98	+1
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.bc	53.25	18.12	–35.13	–2
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ef	0.00	5.80	+5.80
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Agent.rj	17.93	4.43	–13.50	–3
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.ek	0.00	4.37	+4.37
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.eb	0.00	3.80	+3.80
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.cb	5.39	3.71	–1.67	–4
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Mamont.dn	0.00	3.48	+3.48
Trojan-Banker.AndroidOS.Creduz.q	0.00	1.43	+1.43

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Banking: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

Source: Securelist – Kaspersky

Headline: IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics

IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Non-mobile statistics
IT threat evolution in Q1 2025. Mobile statistics

The statistics in this report are based on detection verdicts returned by Kaspersky products unless otherwise stated. The information was provided by Kaspersky users who consented to sharing statistical data.

The quarter in numbers

In Q1 2025:

Kaspersky products blocked more than 629 million attacks that originated with various online resources.
Web Anti-Virus detected 88 million unique links.
File Anti-Virus blocked more than 21 million malicious and potentially unwanted objects.
Nearly 12,000 new ransomware variants were detected.
More than 85,000 users experienced ransomware attacks.
RansomHub was involved in attacks on 11% of all ransomware victims whose data was published on data leak sites (DLSs). Slightly under 11% encountered the Akira and Clop ransomware.
Almost 315,000 users faced miners.

Ransomware

The quarter’s trends and highlights

Law enforcement success

Phobos Aetor, a joint international effort by law enforcement agencies from the United States, Great Britain, Germany, France and several other countries, resulted in the arrest of four suspected members of 8Base. They are accused of carrying out more than 1000 cyberattacks around the world with the help of the Phobos ransomware. The suspects were arrested in Thailand and charged with extorting more than $16 million dollars in Bitcoin. According to law enforcement officials, the multinational operation resulted in the seizure of more than 40 assets, including computers, phones, and cryptocurrency wallets. Additionally, law enforcement took down 27 servers linked to the cybercrime gang.

An ongoing effort to combat LockBit led to the extradition of a suspected ransomware developer to the United States. Arrested in Israel last August, the suspect is accused of receiving more than $230,000 in cryptocurrency for his work with the group between June 2022 and February 2024.

Vulnerabilities and attacks, BYOVD, and EDR bypassing

The first quarter saw a series of vulnerabilities detected in Paragon Partition Manager. They were assigned the identifiers CVE-2025-0288, CVE-2025-0287, CVE-2025-0286, CVE-2025-0285, and CVE-2025-0289. According to researchers, ransomware gangs had been exploiting the vulnerabilities to gain Windows SYSTEM privileges during BYOVD (bring your own vulnerable driver) attacks.

Akira exploited a vulnerability in a webcam to try and bypass endpoint detection and response (EDR) and encrypt files on the organization’s network over the SMB protocol. The attackers found that their Windows ransomware was being detected and blocked by the security solution. To bypass it, they found a vulnerable network webcam in the targeted organization that was running a Linux-based operating system and was not protected by EDR. The attackers were able to evade detection by compromising the webcam, mounting network drives of other machines, and running the Linux version of their ransomware on the camera.

HellCat leveraged compromised Jira credentials to attack a series of companies, including Ascom, Jaguar Land Rover, and Affinitiv. According to researchers, the threat actors obtain credentials by infecting employees’ computers with Trojan stealers like Lumma.

Other developments

An unidentified source posted Matrix chat logs belonging to the Black Basta gang. The logs feature information about the gang’s attack techniques and vulnerabilities that it exploited. In addition, the logs contain details about the group’s internal structure and its members, as well as more than 367 unique ZoomInfo links that the attackers used to gather data on potential victims.

BlackLock was compromised due to a vulnerability in the threat actor’s data leak site (DLS). Researchers who discovered the vulnerability gained access to confidential information about the group and its activities, including configuration files, login credentials, and the history of commands run on the server. DragonForce, a rival ransomware outfit, exploited the same security flaw to deface the DLS. They changed the site’s appearance, and made BlackLock’s internal chat logs and certain configuration files publicly available.

The most prolific groups

This section highlights the most prolific ransomware groups by number of victims that each added to their DLS during the reporting period. RansomHub, which stood out in 2024, remained the leader by number of new victims with 11.03%. Akira (10.89%) and Clop (10.69%) followed close behind.

The number of the group’s victims according to its DLS as a percentage of all groups’ victims published on all the DLSs reviewed during the reporting period (download)

Number of new modifications

In the first quarter, Kaspersky solutions detected three new ransomware families and 11,733 new variants – almost four times more than in the fourth quarter of 2024. This is due to the large number of samples that our solutions categorized as belonging to the Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen family.

New ransomware variants, Q1 2024 – Q1 2025 (download)

Number of users attacked by ransomware Trojans

The number of unique KSN users protected is 85,474.

Number of unique users attacked by ransomware Trojans, Q1 2025 (download)

Attack geography

Top 10 countries and territories attacked by ransomware Trojans

	Country/territory*	%**
1	Oman	0.661
2	Libya	0.643
3	South Korea	0.631
4	China	0.626
5	Bangladesh	0.472
6	Iraq	0.452
7	Rwanda	0.443
8	Pakistan	0.441
9	Tajikistan	0.439
10	Sri Lanka	0.419

* Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
** Unique users whose computers were attacked by ransomware Trojans as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory

TOP 10 most common ransomware Trojan families

	Name	Verdict*	%**
1	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Gen	25.10
2	WannaCry	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Wanna	8.19
3	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Encoder	6.70
4	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypren	6.65
5	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Agent	3.95
6	Cryakl/CryLock	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Cryakl	3.16
7	LockBit	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Lockbit	3.15
8	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Phny	2.90
9	PolyRansom/VirLock	Virus.Win32.PolyRansom / Trojan-Ransom.Win32.PolyRansom	2.73
10	(generic verdict)	Trojan-Ransom.Win32.Crypmod	2.66

* Unique Kaspersky product users attacked by the specific ransomware Trojan family as a percentage of all unique users attacked by this type of threat.

Miners

Number of new modifications

In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions detected 5,467 new miner variants.

New miner variants, Q1 2025 (download)

Number of users attacked by miners

Miners were fairly active in the first quarter. During the reporting period, we detected miner attacks on the computers of 315,701 unique Kaspersky product users worldwide.

Number of unique users attacked by miners, Q1 2025 (download)

Attack geography

Top 10 countries and territories attacked by miners

	Country/territory*	%**
1	Senegal	2.59
2	Kazakhstan	1.36
3	Panama	1.28
4	Belarus	1.22
5	Ethiopia	1.09
6	Tajikistan	1.07
7	Moldova	0.90
8	Dominican Republic	0.86
9	Kyrgyzstan	0.84
10	Tanzania	0.82

* Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 50,000) Kaspersky product users.
** Unique users whose computers were attacked by miners as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

Attacks on macOS

The first quarter saw the discovery of a new Trojan loader for macOS. This is a Go-based variant of ReaderUpdate, which has previously appeared in Python, Crystal, Rust, and Nim versions. These loaders are typically used to download intrusive adware, but there is nothing stopping them from delivering any kind of Trojan.

During the reporting period researchers identified new loaders from the Ferret malware family which were being distributed by attackers through fake online job interview invitations. These Trojans are believed to be part of an ongoing campaign that began in December 2022. The original members of the Ferret family date back to late 2024. Past versions of the loader delivered both a backdoor and a crypto stealer.

Throughout the first quarter, various modifications of the Amos stealer were the most aggressively distributed Trojans. Amos is designed to steal user passwords, cryptocurrency wallet data, browser cookies, and documents. In this campaign, threat actors frequently modify their Trojan obfuscation techniques to evade detection, generating thousands of obfuscated files to overwhelm security solutions.

TOP 20 threats to macOS

(download)

* Unique users who encountered this malware as a percentage of all attacked users of Kaspersky security solutions for macOS.
* Data for the previous quarter may differ slightly from previously published data due to certain verdicts being retrospectively revised.

As usual, a significant share of the most common threats to macOS consists of potentially unwanted applications: adware, spyware tracking user activity, fake cleaners, and reverse proxies like NetTool. Amos Trojans, which we mentioned earlier, also gained popularity in the first quarter. Trojan.OSX.Agent.gen, which holds the third spot in the rankings, is a generic verdict that detects a wide variety of malware.

Geography of threats to macOS

Country/territory	Q4 2024*	Q1 2025*
Spain	1.16%	1.02%
France	1.52%	0.96%
Hong Kong	1.21%	0.83%
Singapore	0.32%	0.75%
Mexico	0.85%	0.74%
Germany	0.96%	0.74%
Mainland China	0.73%	0.68%
Brazil	0.66%	0.61%
Russian Federation	0.50%	0.53%
India	0.84%	0.51%

* Unique users who encountered threats to macOS as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

IoT threat statistics

This section presents statistics on attacks targeting Kaspersky IoT honeypots. The geographic data on attack sources is based on the IP addresses of attacking devices.

In the first quarter of 2025, the share of devices that attacked Kaspersky honeypots via the Telnet protocol increased again, following a decline at the end of 2024.

Distribution of attacked services by number of unique IP addresses of attacking devices (download)

The distribution of attacks across Telnet and SSH remained virtually unchanged compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

Distribution of attackers’ sessions in Kaspersky honeypots (download)

TOP 10 threats delivered to IoT devices:

Share of each threat uploaded to an infected device as a result of a successful attack in the total number of uploaded threats (download)

A significant portion of the most widespread IoT threats continues to be made up of various Mirai DDoS botnet variants. BitCoinMiner also saw active distribution in the first quarter, accounting for 7.32% of detections. The number of attacks by the NyaDrop botnet (19.31%) decreased compared to the fourth quarter of 2024.

Geography of attacks on IoT honeypots

When looking at SSH attacks by country/territory, mainland China’s share has declined, while attacks coming from Brazil have seen a noticeable increase. There was also a slight uptick in attacks coming from the United States, Indonesia, Australia, and Vietnam.

Country/territory	Q4 2024	Q1 2025
Mainland China	32.99%	20.52%
India	19.13%	19.16%
Russian Federation	9.46%	9.16%
Brazil	2.18%	8.48%
United States	4.90%	5.52%
Indonesia	1.37%	3.99%
Hong Kong	2.81%	3.46%
Australia	1.31%	2.75%
France	3.53%	2.54%
Vietnam	1.41%	2.27%

The share of Telnet attacks originating from China and India dropped, while Brazil, Nigeria, and Indonesia took a noticeably larger share.

Country/territory	Q4 2024	Q1 2025
China	44.67%	39.82%
India	33.79%	30.07%
Brazil	2.62%	12.03%
Russian Federation	6.52%	5.14%
Pakistan	5.77%	3.99%
Nigeria	0.50%	3.01%
Indonesia	0.58%	2.25%
United States	0.42%	0.68%
Ukraine	0.79%	0.67%
Sweden	0.42%	0.33%

Attacks via web resources

The statistics in this section are based on detection verdicts by Web Anti-Virus, which protects users when suspicious objects are downloaded from malicious or infected web pages. Cybercriminals create malicious pages on purpose. Websites that host user-created content, such as forums, as well as compromised legitimate sites, can become infected.

Countries and territories that serve as sources of web-based attacks: the TOP 10

This section contains a geographical distribution of sources of online attacks blocked by Kaspersky products: web pages that redirect to exploits, sites that host exploits and other malware, botnet C&C centers, and so on. Any unique host could be the source of one or more web-based attacks.
To determine the geographical source of web-based attacks, domain names were matched against their actual IP addresses, and then the geographical location of a specific IP address (GeoIP) was established.

In the first quarter of 2025, Kaspersky solutions blocked 629,211,451 attacks launched from online resources across the globe. Web Anti-Virus detected 88,389,361 unique URLs.

Geographical distribution of sources of web-based attacks by country/territory, Q1 2025 (download)

Countries and territories where users faced the greatest risk of online infection

To assess the risk of online infection faced by PC users in various countries and territories, for each country or territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky users on whose computers Web Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. The resulting data reflects the aggressiveness of the environment in which computers operate in different countries and territories.

These rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include Web Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

	Country/territory*	%**
1	North Macedonia	10.17
2	Albania	9.96
3	Algeria	9.92
4	Bangladesh	9.92
5	Tunisia	9.80
6	Slovakia	9.77
7	Greece	9.66
8	Serbia	9.44
9	Tajikistan	9.28
10	Turkey	9.10
11	Peru	8.78
12	Portugal	8.70
13	Nepal	8.38
14	Philippines	8.33
15	Romania	8.26
16	Sri Lanka	8.20
17	Bulgaria	8.19
18	Madagascar	8.14
19	Hungary	8.12
20	Egypt	8.12

* Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
** Unique users targeted by web-based Malware attacks as a percentage of all unique Kaspersky product users in the country/territory.

On average during the quarter, 6.46% of users’ computers worldwide were subjected to at least one web-based Malware attack.

Local threats

Statistics on local infections of user computers are an important indicator. They include objects that penetrated the target computer by infecting files or removable media, or initially made their way onto the computer in non-transparent form. Examples of the latter are programs in complex installers and encrypted files.

Data in this section is based on analyzing statistics produced by anti-virus scans of files on the hard drive at the moment they were created or accessed, and the results of scanning removable storage media. The statistics are based on detection verdicts from the OAS (on-access scan) and ODS (on-demand scan) modules of File Anti-Virus. The data includes detections of malicious programs located on user computers or removable media connected to the computers, such as flash drives, camera memory cards, phones, or external hard drives.

In the first quarter of 2025, our File Anti-Virus detected 21,533,464 malicious and potentially unwanted objects.

Countries and territories where users faced the highest risk of local infection

For each country and territory, we calculated the percentage of Kaspersky product users on whose computers File Anti-Virus was triggered during the reporting period. These statistics reflect the level of personal computer infection in various countries and territories across the globe.

The rankings only include attacks by malicious objects that belong in the Malware category. Our calculations do not include File Anti-Virus detections of potentially dangerous or unwanted programs, such as RiskTool or adware.

	Country/territory*	%**
1	Turkmenistan	47.41
2	Tajikistan	37.23
3	Afghanistan	36.92
4	Yemen	35.80
5	Cuba	32.08
6	Uzbekistan	31.31
7	Gabon	27.55
8	Syria	26.50
9	Vietnam	25.88
10	Belarus	25.68
11	Algeria	25.02
12	Bangladesh	24.86
13	Iraq	24.77
14	Cameroon	24.28
15	Burundi	24.28
16	Tanzania	24.23
17	Niger	24.01
18	Madagascar	23.74
19	Kyrgyzstan	23.73
20	Nicaragua	23.72

* Excluded are countries and territories with relatively few (under 10,000) Kaspersky product users.
** Unique users on whose computers local Malware threats were blocked, as a percentage of all unique users of Kaspersky products in the country/territory.

On average worldwide, local Malware threats were recorded on 13.62% of users’ computers at least once during the quarter.

MIL OSI Global Banks –

June 5, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gold Winner of the Edison Awards-Smart Aqua Leak Finder by the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI)

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

The Smart Aqua Leak Finder is a portable device that utilizes AI-driven acoustic technology and GPS mapping to detect underground pipe water leaks in three seconds with 98% accuracy. By minimizing repair time and water loss, it offers an innovative solution to overcome global water scarcity.

The Smart Aqua Leak Finder improves leak location precision, water flow sound analysis, and repair efficiency. The portable device, along with its mobile cloud acoustic system, detects leaks in just three seconds with 98% accuracy, exceeding the 90% of traditional manual inspections. With 5G & IoT, results are accessible on mobile devices for review. Patented in the U.S. and Taiwan, the system is compatible with various pipe types and highly scalable. Field-tested in disaster recovery, it reduces water loss, repair costs, and downtime. By streamlining workflows, this innovation eliminates the need for inspectors to wear earphones during surveys, minimizes unnecessary excavations, and offers a smart water management solution.

With the Smart Aqua Leak Finder, Taiwan Water Corporation has inspected 105,500 meters of underground pipelines and identified 564 leaks, reducing water loss by 13,404 tons per day, with projected annual savings of 4.88 million tons-an amount equivalent to nearly 2,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools. During the Hualien earthquake in April 2024, the technology quickly diagnosed leak water issues, expediting pipe repairs to resume water supply. It also won an IWA 2024 Project Innovation Award. This innovation has strong potential in optimizing water resource management in water-scarce regions and preserving infrastructure in historic European cities through non-invasive detection. It can be deployed globally for efficient water pipeline network inspection.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: International Conference on Northeast Asian Security Issues Opens in Mongolia

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

ULAN BATOR, June 5 (Xinhua) — The 10th Ulan Bator Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security opened here on Thursday.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, Mongolian Foreign Minister Batmunkhin Battsetseg stressed her country’s unwavering commitment to promoting peace, stability and cooperation in Northeast Asia. “We believe that by strengthening mutual trust and sustained dialogue, we can jointly build a more peaceful and prosperous future for the region,” she said.

The Ulaanbaatar Dialogue serves as a platform for discussion and exchange of views among various stakeholders, B. Battsetseg said, noting that it offers a neutral and inclusive space for preventive diplomacy, as well as confidence-building measures and the exchange of regional perspectives and local knowledge.

The dialogue brought together more than 200 participants from 40 countries and territories, including China, Canada, France, Japan, Kazakhstan, Russia, Singapore, the Republic of Korea, Switzerland, Uzbekistan, the United States and the United Kingdom. Representatives of the UN and the EU are also present.

Participants discuss regional security issues and the development of multilateral cooperation in Northeast Asia from different perspectives, covering the areas of energy and climate change.

The conference will end on June 6. –0–

MIL OSI Russia News –

June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Harris Releases Statement Following the Appropriations Committee Release of the FY26 Agriculture, Rural Development, FDA Bill
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Andy Harris (MD-01)

Washington, D.C. – Today, the House Appropriations Committee released the Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill. The bill will be considered in subcommittee tomorrow, June 5th at 10:30 a.m. The markup will be live-streamed and can be found on the Committee’s website.

Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Subcommittee Chairman Andy Harris said, “The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration Appropriations Bill reflects a clear, conservative commitment to fiscal responsibility while ensuring that America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities remain a top priority. This legislation also prioritizes agricultural research, rural broadband expansion, and protects our food and drug supply, all while reducing the wasteful spending of the Biden Administration era. Just as importantly, by supporting fresh, affordable, American-grown food, this bill helps Make America Healthy Again. America’s farmers feed the world, and this bill ensures they have the investment, support, and resources they deserve — while reducing the burgeoning federal deficit.”

Chairman Tom Cole said, “The prosperity of our future golden age depends on the strength and perseverance of our farmers, ranchers, and rural communities. This FY26 bill delivers targeted investments to protect U.S. agriculture and family farms, bolster agricultural research, and safeguard access to nutrition and health programs. From livestock and crops to pharmaceuticals and broadband, the legislation strengthens the agriculture economy and infrastructure across the nation. Just as our producers responsibly tend to the land, Chairman Harris has stewarded this legislation to protect core duties while upholding fiscal responsibility.”

The Fiscal Year 2026 Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Bill

The Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill provides a total discretionary allocation of $25.523 billion, which is $1.163 billion (4.2%) below the Fiscal Year 2025 enacted level.

The bill prioritizes agencies and programs that protect our nation’s food and drug supply; support America’s farmers, ranchers, and rural communities; and ensure low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs. The bill is fiscally responsible and refocuses programs on their core mission while putting the health, safety, and prosperity of American producers and consumers first.

Key Takeaways

Champions U.S. farmers, agriculture, and rural communities by:
- Continuing critical investments in agriculture research, rural broadband, and animal and plant health programs.
- Providing funds to ensure the safety of food, drugs, and medical devices.
- Ensuring low-income Americans have access to nutrition programs.
- Reining in harmful regulations proposed during the Biden Administration that dictate how poultry and livestock producers raise and market their animals.
- Increasing resources for the Food Safety and Inspection Service to fund frontline meat and poultry inspectors and bolster support for state inspection programs.
- Providing a rider to block any revised energy standards for newly constructed homes financed by USDA that would increase costs for rural, lower-income households that was proposed during the Biden Administration.
Supports the Trump Administration and mandate of the American people by:
- Allocating the President’s requested total funding of $6.8 billion for the FDA to keep food, drugs, and devices safe and for initiatives to Make America Healthy Again.
- Delivering $1.15 billion for the Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, which is a priority in the President’s budget to protect American agriculture from foreign pests and diseases.
- Codifying President Trump’s executive orders by prohibiting funding for DEI activities and ending federal censorship of free speech.
- Retaining the gene editing provision, which prohibits the “editing” of heritable genes or altering of genes that can be passed on to offspring.
- Maintaining “Buy American” provisions that maximize the federal government’s use of services, goods, products, and materials produced and offered in the United States.
- Closing the hemp loophole that has resulted in the proliferation of unregulated intoxicating hemp products, including Delta-8 and hemp flower, being sold online and in gas stations across the country.
Bolsters U.S. national security and border protections by:
- Addressing foreign ownership of U.S. agricultural land by improving the tracking system of foreign-owned land and adding the Secretary of Agriculture to the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States to review agricultural transactions, including purchases made by China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
- Directing USDA to provide transparency into research funding spent collaborating with foreign governments including China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran.
- Continuing a program to increase inspection of foreign drug manufacturing facilities in China and India.
- Providing adequate funding for land-grant universities to conduct agricultural research to ensure American producers can compete with China.
Safeguards American taxpayer dollars and preserves core functions by:
- Capturing DOGE savings by reducing salaries and expenses where appropriate to account for staffing reductions and reducing grant programs that housed canceled grants.
- Eliminating funding for the Biden-era Rural Partners Network initiative.
- Including no funds for climate hubs or climate corps.
- Eliminating funds for the Office of Urban Agriculture.
A summary of the bill is available here.
Bill text is available here.

For media inquiries, please contact Anna Adamian at Anna.A@mail.house.gov

MIL OSI USA News –
June 5, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bay area to host environmental event

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

The “National Event on the Environment Day 2025” was held in Chongqing this morning, with the Ministry of Ecology & Environment announcing that next year’s event will be jointly organised by Guangdong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and the Macau SAR.

In a handover ceremony, the ministry passed the event flag to government representatives of the places – Guangdong’s Vice-Governor Zhang Shaokang, Hong Kong’s Secretary for Environment & Ecology Tse Chin-wan and Macau’s Director of the Environmental Protection Bureau Ip Kuong-lam.

In recent years, authorities including the ministry and the Central Office of Spiritual Civilization Construction have collaborated with local governments in staging National Event on the Environment Day. The event has become an important platform for promoting and implementing President Xi Jinping’s vision of “ecological civilization”, showcasing the development of “a beautiful China”, and mobilising people from all walks of life to participate.

Government representatives of the three places today emphasised that organising the National Event on the Environment Day is an important opportunity to practice President Xi’s vision of ecological civilization and promote the development of an international first-class beautiful Greater Bay Area.

Under the ministry’s guidance, the three places will learn from the experiences of previous organising cities in striving to stage an excellent National Event on the Environment Day 2026.

Additionally, the three places will seek to deepen communication and co-operation in the ecological and environmental field, jointly build an integrated and innovative beautiful bay area, and provide more concrete support for transforming it into a strategic fulcrum for new development, a demonstration area for high-quality development and a leading region for Chinese modernisation.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

June 5, 2025

Category: Asia Pacific

Measles outbreaks continue with risk of holidays causing surge

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Local threats

Countries and territories where users faced the highest risk of local infection