Category: Asia Pacific

  • Rashtrapati Bhavan to host National Literary Conference on May 29-30

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Rashtrapati Bhavan is set to host a two-day national literary conference titled “How Much Has Literature Changed?” at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on May 29 and 30. The event is being organized in collaboration with the Sahitya Akademi under the Ministry of Culture.
     
    President Droupadi Murmu will inaugurate the conference at the Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on Thursday. The inaugural session will also be attended by Union Minister for Culture and Tourism, Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, alongside eminent literary figures from across the country.
     
    The conference will feature multiple thematic sessions, delving into the nuances of modern literary expression. Key sessions include Poets’ Meet – Straight from the Heart, which will focus on the personal and political dimensions of poetry, and Feminist Literature of India: Breaking New Grounds, which will examine the evolving voice of women in Indian literary discourse.
     
    Other sessions such as Change in Literature vs. Literature of Change and New Directions of Indian Literature in Global Perspective will reflect on the interplay between literature and societal transformation, as well as India’s literary presence on the global stage.
     
    The conference will conclude with a cultural narrative session centred around the life and legacy of Devi Ahilyabai Holkar, highlighting her contributions to India’s social and cultural fabric.
  • MIL-OSI Video: UN Ocean Conference: “Curtain Raiser” Briefing | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (Video News)

    Secretary-General of the Third UN Ocean Conference (UNOC3) Li Junhua said, “The future of the ocean is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the decisions and the actions we are making now.”

    Today (27 May), Li Junhua, together with High-level representatives from France and Costa Rica briefed the press about the upcoming UN Ocean Conference.

    He said, “The ocean—our planet’s life-support system—is in a state of emergency. The evidence is overwhelming: rising temperatures, acidifying waters, plastic choking marine life, disappearing habitats, and the relentless overexploitation of resources.”

    He continued, “The health of the ocean is declining, and with it, the well-being of the human being. We actually depend on our ocean supply lines. However, there is still time to change our course—if we act collectively.”

    He said, “From 9 to 13 June 2025, the global community will gather in Nice, France, for the Third United Nations Ocean Conference, or UNOC3. This will not be just another routine gathering. We hope that it is a pivotal opportunity to accelerate action and mobilize all stakeholders across sectors and borders.”

    He also said, “UNOC3 will culminate in the adoption of the “Nice Ocean Action Plan” – a concise, action-oriented declaration, along with new and expanded voluntary commitments. This plan will be our collective blueprint to advance SDG 14: to conserve and sustainably use the ocean, seas, and marine resources.”

    He concluded, “The future of the ocean is not predetermined. It will be shaped by the decisions and the actions we are making now. Let us choose a healthy, resilient ocean—for our generation, and also for generations to come.”

    French Ambassador Jérôme Bonnafont stated, “The goal for this conference in Nice, for France, is a Nice Agreement that would be for the oceans what the Paris Agreement was for the climate ten years ago.”

    Maritza Chan Valverde, Permanent Representative of Costa Rica to the United Nations, said, “Accelerating action means cutting decision-making time from years to months, mobilizing all actors, engaging 195 governments, more than 1,000 cities, more 500 corporations and billions of citizens simultaneously. This is an opportunity for the United Nations to be together and to show that we can deliver as one.”

    She concluded, “The third United Nations Ocean Conference will either reverse ocean decline by 2030 or document humanity’s failure to act. Five days, one ocean, a unique opportunity.”

    The high-level 2025 United Nations Conference to Support the Implementation of Sustainable Development Goal 14: Conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development (the 2025 UN Ocean Conference) will be co-hosted by France and Costa Rica and held in Nice, France, from 9 – 13 June 2025.

    The overarching theme of the Conference is “Accelerating action and mobilizing all actors to conserve and sustainably use the ocean”.

    The Conference will involve all relevant stakeholders, bringing together Governments, the United Nations system, intergovernmental organizations, international financial institutions, other interested international bodies, non-governmental organizations, civil society organizations, academic institutions, the scientific community, the private sector, philanthropic organizations, Indigenous Peoples and local communities and other actors to assess challenges and opportunities relating to, as well as actions taken towards, the implementation of Goal 14.

    The Conference will build on the previous UN Ocean Conferences, hosted by Sweden and Fiji in 2017 in New York and by Portugal and Kenya in 2022 in Lisbon.

    The Nice Ocean Action Plan, made up of a political declaration and a list of voluntary commitments from stakeholders, will be adopted following international discussions during the Conference.

    Website: https://sdgs.un.org/conferences/ocean2025

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2Rj3skYyiw

    MIL OSI Video

  • Operation Sindoor outreach: Baijayant Panda-led delegation to convey India’s stance against terrorism in Saudi Arabia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The all-party Indian parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Baijayant Jay Panda in Saudi Arabia, is set to present India’s strong stance against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism in Riyadh.

    The delegation arrived in Riyadh early on Wednesday (Indian time) and later interacted with India’s Ambassador to Saudi Arabia, Suhel Khan, at the India House.

    Later, the delegation also offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi’s statue at the Indian Embassy in Riyadh.

    “Along with my colleagues from the all-party delegation, offered floral tributes to Mahatma Gandhi, honouring his timeless message of peace, non-violence & tolerance. We also had a detailed interaction with Ambassador Suhel Khan, reaffirming India’s resolute stand against terrorism and commitment to global peace,” Panda posted on X.

    During the three-day visit, the delegation will interact with a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders, business and media representatives. They will also engage with members of the Indian community, the Indian Embassy in Riyadh said in a statement.

    Earlier on Tuesday, the delegation arrived in Riyadh on the third leg of their four-nation tour to highlight the significance of Operation Sindoor and India’s continued fight against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism after concluding successful engagements in Kuwait and Bahrain.

    The delegation was received by Abdulrahman Sntian A. Alharbi, Chairman of the Saudi-India Parliamentary Friendship Committee of the Shura Council.

    “India’s stand on terrorism is resolute and uncompromising — a message we bring to Saudi Arabia with our all-party delegation. Appreciate the warm welcome by Abdulrahman Alharbi, Chair of the Saudi Arabia-India Friendship Committee of the Sura Council, as we begin key engagements to strengthen our growing partnership,” Panda posted on X.

    The delegation, led by Panda, includes BJP MP Nishikant Dubey, BJP MP Phangnon Konyak, BJP MP Rekha Sharma, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) MP Asaduddin Owaisi, BJP MP Satnam Singh Sandhu, former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, and former Indian diplomat Harsh Vardhan Shringla.

    During the visit, the delegation will interact with a cross-section of political dignitaries, government officials, thought leaders, business and media representatives. They will also engage with members of the Indian community.

    As part of their concluding day of engagements in Kuwait on Tuesday, the delegation undertook a series of media engagements and cultural visits aimed at strengthening bilateral ties and highlighting India’s united stance against terrorism.

    “The delegation concluded its highly productive visit to Kuwait by effectively conveying India’s message of ‘Zero Tolerance’ and ‘New Normal’ against terrorism to a variety of interlocutors in Kuwait, including the Government, civil society, media, think tanks, opinion-makers and members of the Indian community,” said the Indian Embassy in Kuwait.

    (IANS)

  • MSP for paddy, pulses, oilseeds raised ahead of Kharif season

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Wednesday approved an increase in the Minimum Support Prices (MSP) for 14 Kharif crops for the 2025–26 marketing season.

    Among the crops that saw the highest MSP hike, nigerseed received the biggest absolute increase of ₹820 per quintal, followed by ragi at ₹596 per quintal, cotton at ₹589 per quintal, and sesamum at ₹579 per quintal. For paddy, the staple crop, the MSP has been raised by ₹69 per quintal.

    In the pulses category, the MSP of tur (arhar) has been raised by ₹450, moong by ₹86, and urad by ₹400 per quintal. Among oilseeds, the support prices for groundnut, sunflower seed, and soybean have been increased by ₹480, ₹441, and ₹436 respectively. The move is expected to support better price realization for farmers and reduce dependence on imports.

    The increase is in line with the Union Budget 2018-19 announcement of fixing MSPs at a minimum of 1.5 times the all-India weighted average cost of production. According to the government, the expected margin for farmers over their cost of production is estimated to be highest in bajra at 63 per cent, followed by maize and tur at 59 per cent each, and urad at 53 per cent. For the remaining crops, the margin is estimated to be at least 50 per cent.

    The government stated that in recent years it has consistently promoted the cultivation of pulses, oilseeds, and nutri-cereals, also known as Shree Anna, by offering comparatively higher MSPs. This is intended to not only improve farmers’ income but also to encourage nutritional security and crop diversification.

    Data shared by the government highlights a significant increase in procurement and financial support to farmers over the last decade. From 2014-15 to 2024-25, procurement of paddy stood at 7,608 lakh metric tonnes (LMT), compared to 4,590 LMT during 2004-05 to 2013-14. For all 14 Kharif crops combined, procurement during the same period was 7,871 LMT, as against 4,679 LMT in the previous decade.

    The MSP payout to paddy farmers surged to ₹14.16 lakh crore in the last decade, as compared to ₹4.44 lakh crore during 2004-05 to 2013-14. Similarly, the total MSP amount paid for all 14 Kharif crops was ₹16.35 lakh crore, a sharp rise from ₹4.75 lakh crore during the earlier period.

    India follows a three-season cropping calendar: Kharif crops, which are monsoon-dependent, are sown in June-July and harvested in October-November; Rabi crops are sown post-monsoon in October-November and harvested from January onwards; and summer crops are grown between the Rabi and Kharif seasons.

  • Sensex, Nifty slip amid valuation concerns; FMCG drags indices

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market ended in the red for the second consecutive session on Wednesday, weighed down by premium valuations and mixed global cues.

    The BSE Sensex slipped 239.31 points, or 0.29 per cent, to close at 81,312.32, while the NSE Nifty dropped 73.75 points, or 0.30 per cent, settling at 24,752.45.

    The decline was primarily driven by FMCG stocks, with the Nifty FMCG index ending nearly 1.5 per cent lower. Other sectoral indices such as Nifty Auto, Pharma, Metal, Realty, Infra, Commodity, and Healthcare also closed in negative territory.

    Midcap and smallcap indices showed mixed trends. The Nifty Midcap 100 fell slightly by 13 points to 57,141, whereas the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose by 58 points, or 0.33 per cent, to 17,784.

    Analysts attributed the subdued market sentiment to a lack of support from foreign institutional investors (FIIs) and the prevailing premium valuations.

    “Domestic indices remained rangebound with a negative bias due to limited FII support and stretched valuations,” said Vinod Nair, Head of Research at Geojit Financial Services.

    He added that key economic indicators such as a favourable monsoon forecast, a benign inflation outlook, and expectations of a strong Q4 GDP could help cushion downside risks. However, earnings visibility needs to improve alongside macroeconomic fundamentals to ensure stability in market direction, Nair noted.

    Volatility eased, with the India VIX falling 2.79 per cent to 18.02, reflecting a drop in market uncertainty.

    “Technically, the Nifty formed a red candle on the daily chart, indicating weakness. However, it continues to trade above its 21-day Exponential Moving Average (21-DEMA), which is currently around 24,570. As long as it holds above this level, a pullback move remains possible,” said Hrishikesh Yedve, Technical and Derivative Analyst at Asit C. Mehta Investment Interrmediates Ltd (a Pantomath Group company).

    He noted that the index may face stiff resistance near the 25,000–25,100 zone in the near term.

    Meanwhile, the Indian rupee traded flat around 85.40 against the US dollar, as the dollar index remained stable near the 99.45 mark.

    “With key global economic data due this week—including the US Fed meeting minutes, Q4 GDP data, and the Core PCE Price Index—the rupee’s movement will largely depend on foreign fund flows in the secondary market,” said Jateen Trivedi, VP Research Analyst at LKP Securities.

    Gold prices traded firm, finding strong support in the $3,280–$3,300 range on Comex. On the domestic front, MCX gold gained Rs 600, supported by a base around the Rs 95,000 level.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Toll changes set to be implemented

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government will substantially reduce tolls when it takes over the Tai Lam Tunnel (TLT) at 0.00am on Saturday.

    In addition, the HKeToll free-flow tolling service will begin from 5am on the same day.

    Outlining the takeover arrangements today, the Transport Department said that the TLT will briefly cease operating for five minutes at 0.00am on May 31 to facilitate the updating of toll collection facilities. Thereafter, manual or Autotoll toll collections will be in operation until 3am.

    From 3am to 5am, the tunnel will be fully closed for switchover works. It will reopen at 5am, when motorists can start using HKeToll without having to stop or queue to make payments.

    As May 31 falls on a public holiday, fixed tolls will be applied throughout the day for private cars and motorcycles, of $18 and $7.2 respectively. The same fees also apply on Sundays.

    Starting from June 2, tolls for private cars during the peak, normal and off-peak time slots from Monday to Saturday will be $45, $30 and $18 respectively.

    For motorcycles, the toll for all time slots is set at 40% of the private car toll, which is between $7.2 and $18.

    Taxis and other commercial vehicles, such as goods vehicles and buses, will continue to have a fixed toll on all days, set at $28 for taxis and $43 for other commercial vehicles.

    The new tolls for all vehicle types will be lower than the existing tolls by between 22% and 80%, the department highlighted.

    To facilitate the launch of HKeToll, temporary traffic and transport arrangements will take place in phases in the tunnel vicinity from 1am on May 31, with the tunnel and all slip road entrances being fully closed from 3am to 5am. Motorists should opt for Tuen Mun Road during the full closure.

    During the tunnel’s temporary closure, the bus stops at the toll plaza will be suspended. As a result, three overnight bus routes – namely KMB Route Nos. N269 and N368, and Long Win Bus Route No. NA43 – will be diverted via Yuen Long Highway and Tuen Mun Road. Temporary bus stops will be set up at the “Tuen Mun Road Bus-Bus Interchange”.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ3: Addressing measures of United States aimed against China’s shipping industry

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Yim Kong and a reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):

    Question:

    Last month, the United States released the findings of the “Section 301 Investigations” under the Trade Act of 1974 and announced that port fees would be imposed on vessels owned or controlled by Chinese entities (including Hong Kong entities), including vessels whose owner or operator is headquartered in Hong Kong and vessels of which more than 25 per cent of the equity interest is held by a citizen or citizens or the Government of Hong Kong. Hong Kong is the fourth largest shipping register in the world, with over 1 100 maritime-related companies currently operating here. Some preliminary analyses have pointed out that such maritime companies will be faced with risks such as an upsurge in operating costs and a decline in market competitiveness, and ship leasing and ship financing businesses will also be affected by knock-on impacts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether the Government has systematically assessed the negative impact of the aforesaid measures of the United States on Hong Kong’s shipping and maritime-related industries, and formulated a cross-departmental collaboration plan to safeguard Hong Kong’s status as an international shipping centre, as well as companies’ legitimate rights and interests;

    (2) whether it will provide targeted relief measures to the affected companies engaged in shipping, ship leasing and so on, or provide certain financial support for them to adjust their route deployments; and

    (3) whether it has proactive measures to attract “non-US” ship operators or relevant high-end maritime service providers to carry on developing their business in Hong Kong?

    Reply:

    President,

    The United States (US) Government announced on April 17 this year the results of its Section 301 Investigations against Chinese maritime, logistics and ship building industries and decided to impose port fees on vessels owned or operated by Chinese (including Hong Kong and Macao) companies, and vessels built in China for the use of US ports. The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government has immediately issued a press release to express its strong opposition to the decision, particularly for the fact that the measures are blatantly discriminatory, deliberately dividing the international maritime community and undermining the spirit of international solidarity and co-operation.

    The HKSAR Government is highly concerned about the incident and the Transport and Logistics Bureau (TLB) has been maintaining close liaison with the industry to assess the situation and respond as needed. With regard to the various parts of Hon Yim’s question, my reply is as follows:

    (1) The US authorities has announced that the port fees will take effect on October 14 this year. For a vessel of 50 000 net tonnage, it will be charged US$2.5 million per entry into a US port, thereafter increased annually reaching US$7 million in April 2028. Each vessel will be charged up to a maximum of five times per year. The fees are indeed detrimental to others without beneficial to oneself, not only undermining the interests of the US port industry, cargo owners and consumers but also unfairly increasing the costs of Hong Kong’s shipping companies on their business operations routing to and from the US ports.

    Hong Kong is an international maritime centre supported by our country. Over the years, Hong Kong has attracted shipping companies of different capital backgrounds from all over the world to operate in the city by virtue of our “one country, two systems”, bilingual common law as well as a free and open business environment. Each of these shipping companies has its own specific business portfolio and clientele. The extent to which they will be affected would depend on the share of the US market in their respective portfolios and their scope for adjusting shipping routes and business portfolios. It is therefore difficult to generalise the situation.

    Recently, we have been visiting the shipping companies one after another, and the industry has reflected that the business environment in Hong Kong is indeed unrivalled and that the Hong Kong’s ship registry has brought an edge to their ships in terms of quality assurance and international reputation. The industry is striving to identify solutions to the incident, and we do not underestimate the pressure faced by them due to various commercial considerations. On the strength of our country’s strong backings, the HKSAR Government will render its full support to the Hong Kong’s shipping companies to cope with the challenges. At the same time, we urge the industry to stay confident and avoid making hasty decisions under short-term geopolitical pressures at the expense of the long-term development opportunities in Hong Kong.

    (2) We understand from the affected companies that they consider financial subsidies from the Government neither financially sustainable nor an effective solution to the problem. In contrast, the industry hopes that the Government can better consolidate the edges for the maritime sector operating in Hong Kong.

    In recent years, the Government has introduced a number of measures to enhance the competitiveness of the maritime industry, which has indeed saved up for a rainy day and enhanced the industry’s resilience in coping with the complex external circumstances. We will capitalise on our strengths via a systematic and proactive approach to reinforce the local maritime industry chain internally as well as to expand market opportunities in our country and the world externally. We would have four key areas of work in future, including strengthening the maritime ecosystem, leading the industry to seize the opportunities arising from green shipping, deepening Hong Kong’s role as an international exchange platform, and expanding opportunities in Mainland and overseas markets:

    (i) Strengthening the maritime ecosystem, including the introduction of a half-rate tax concession for commodity traders and enhancement of the existing tax concessions for the maritime industry, for which the legislative bill is to be submitted to the Legislative Council in the first half of next year; continuing to provide green cash incentives and implementing the Block Registration Incentive Scheme for Hong Kong-registered ships;

    (ii) Supporting and leading the industry to seize the opportunities arising from green shipping. The TLB has promulgated the Action Plan on Green Maritime Fuel Bunkering at the end of last year, with a view to promoting Hong Kong into a high-quality green maritime fuel bunkering centre by, inter alia, providing collaborative platforms for catalysing green maritime fuel supply and trading, thereby equipping the industry to cope with the international trend of green transition.

    (iii) Deepening Hong Kong’s role as an international exchange platform for facilitating interfaces between the local and overseas industry and expanding global business opportunities. The Government has been actively deepening collaborations with the international maritime organisations. The Hong Kong Maritime Week last year has been one of the most international editions ever where the key organisations like the International Chamber of Shipping and the International Maritime Organization had staged events in Hong Kong. These organisations have confirmed their continued participation in the Hong Kong Maritime Week this year and there would also be other international organisations staging events in Hong Kong for the first time.

    (iv) Assisting and leading Hong Kong shipping companies to expand opportunities in Mainland and overseas markets, capitalising on Hong Kong’s connectivity. This include establishing a “rail-sea-land-river” intermodal transport system with the Mainland for securing more cargo sources for Hong Kong, as well as utilising the port community system to be launched in January next year for connecting with the international maritime community, thereby assisting the industry to further enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

    In addition, the Government will soon set up the Hong Kong Maritime and Port Development Board to be chaired by a non-official and provided with dedicated team and resources for enhancing its research, promotion and manpower training capabilities, so as to provide more effective support to the Government in promoting the development of Hong Kong’s maritime industry.

    (3) The aforementioned measures will significantly enhance Hong Kong’s business environment and attractiveness, reinforcing Hong Kong’s position as an international maritime centre. We will continue to step up external promotion on the advantages of operating in Hong Kong through the Marine Department’s service points located in seven different continents and Invest Hong Kong’s network at home and abroad. The Marine Department will also set up a new dedicated team in the Middle East in the fourth quarter of this year for targeted promotion towards the emerging markets there.

    Thank you, President.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 28, 2025
    Issued at HKT 18:25

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Oil spill sighted at Silverstrand Beach

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Oil spill sighted at Silverstrand BeachIssued at HKT 16:50

    Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

    The Leisure and Cultural Services Department said today (May 28) that because of an oil spill, Silverstrand Beach in Sai Kung District has been closed until further notice. Beachgoers are advised not to swim at the beach.

    The red flag was hoisted earlier at the beach due to big waves.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 28, 2025
    Issued at HKT 16:50

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Temporary closure of Yuen Long Swimming Pool

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Temporary closure of Yuen Long Swimming PoolIssued at HKT 15:02

    The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 28) that, due to suspension of water supply resulting from a water pipe burst in the vicinity, Yuen Long Swimming Pool in Yuen Long District has been temporarily closed until further notice.

    Ends/Wednesday, May 28, 2025
    Issued at HKT 15:02

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Young Innovators Take Centre Stage as Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow’ Rolls Through Hyderabad and Bengaluru

    Source: Samsung

     
    Samsung’s Solve for Tomorrow Season 4 has made its way to South India, fueling a wave of youth-driven innovation. Across the dynamic campuses of Hyderabad and the bustling tech hubs of Bengaluru, students are uniting to envision a brighter future for their communities, armed with empathy, purpose, and the principles of design thinking.  
     
    Samsung ‘Solve for Tomorrow 2025’ will provide INR 1 crore to the top four winning teams to support the incubation of their projects, along with hands-on prototyping, investor connects, and expert mentorship from Samsung leaders and IIT Delhi faculty.
     
    At the University of Hyderabad, hundreds of students immersed themselves in a design thinking workshop, challenging the status quo and uncovering solutions to everyday problems.  
     
    “For me, the turning point was when the instructor said, ‘There are countless problems in the world, but only a few who take action to solve them,’” said R. Deepika, a Business Analytics student. “That statement inspired me to become one of those problem-solvers and create meaningful impact.”   
     
    Mukta, a Healthcare and Hospital Management student, also experienced a shift in perspective. “This session taught me to think like an entrepreneur. A simple idea can transform the world, and now I’m determined to bring mine to life,” she said.  
     
    The momentum didn’t stop in there. At KG Reddy Engineering College in Hyderabad, D. Ganesh Reddy, a BTech Computer Science Engineering student, left the workshop with a clear understanding of how technology can address local challenges.  
     
    “The session showed me that student ideas can lead to real-world change if we approach them with curiosity and structure,” he said.  
     
    Similarly, over 500 students from top institutions like Jain University, Dr. Chandrama Dayanand Sagar Institute of Medical Education and Research, and Kempowda Institute of Medical Sciences gathered to explore design thinking and innovation in action.  
     
    “This workshop opened my eyes to the problems in my own community,” said Joel J, a second-semester B.Tech student. “For the first time, I realized I could be the one to solve them.”  
     
    A Movement for Innovation  
    Across these cities, the workshops have done more than generate ideas—they’ve sparked confidence. Confidence that young minds, with the right mindset and guidance, can drive transformative change.  
     
    As Solve for Tomorrow continues its journey across India, it’s not just expanding its reach—it’s unlocking new possibilities. From Hyderabad to Bengaluru and soon to regions like the North-East, the program is cultivating a future powered by student-led innovation.  
     
    Applications are open, and the next generation of problem-solvers is already in motion.  
     
    Let the ideas flow.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Europe: New EU strategy for secure, prosperous and resilient Black Sea region

    Source: European Commission

    European Commission Press release Brussels, 28 May 2025 Today the EU is putting forward a new strategy for a stable and secure Black Sea region. This Strategy aims to boost connections and growth, by linking Europe with the South Caucasus, Central Asia, and beyond. Amidst Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the strategy will also reinforce the EU’s geopolitical role as a reliable actor in the Black Sea region.

    MIL OSI Europe News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment to Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Expert Group announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointment to Chief Executive’s Policy Unit Expert Group announced 
         The Head of the CEPU, Dr Stephen Wong, expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Expert Group members for putting forth their views and suggestions proactively, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise, insights and research findings in their respective fields over the past year. These contributions have provided important references for the Policy Address.
     
         Dr Wong said, “In addition to plenary meetings, the interaction between the CEPU and Expert Group members took various forms in the past year, including forums, seminars, sharing sessions, group discussions, individual meetings, visits and written exchanges, etc. The CEPU also invites universities and think tanks from the community that have received funding support under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme to organise opening and concluding seminars. Members of the Expert Group are invited to provide views from their industry perspectives to enhance the applicability of the research studies. They also serve as external examiners for the two funding schemes, assisting in vetting relevant research proposals and advising on funding applications.”
     
         Dr Wong continued, “I look forward to maintaining close liaison and co-operation with Expert Group members in the coming year, and to working together to assist the HKSAR Government on the 2024 Policy Address goal of ‘Reform for Enhancing Development and Building Our Future Together’.”
     
         As an advisory body, the CEPU Expert Group was established in May 2023 and consists of members of different backgrounds including business, finance, professional, think-tanks and academia to provide expert views and new ideas to the CEPU on various topics. To facilitate the work of the Expert Group and its conduct of more focused discussions, members of the Expert Group are assigned into three broad streams, namely the Economic Advancement Expert Group, the Social Development Expert Group and the Research Strategy Expert Group. For details of the events of the Expert Group, please refer to the website of the CEPU:
    (www.cepu.gov.hk/en/whats_new/index.html 
         The full membership of the Expert Group is as follows (listed in alphabetical order of surnames):

    Economic Advancement Expert GroupMrs Bonnie Chan Woo
    Dr Haywood Cheung
    Mr Hong Xiaoyuan
    Mr Peter Kung
    Mr Adam Kwok
    Mr Peter Lai
    Mr David Lau
    Dr Martin Lee
    Ms Nisa Leung
    Mr Laurence Li, SC
    Mr Li Xiguang
    Mr Dowson Tong
    Mr Patrick Tsang
    Dr Levin Wang
    Mr Allen Yeung
    Mr Samuel Yung
    Mr Jonathan Zhu
     
    Social Development Expert GroupDr Eugene Chan
    Mr Kevin Chan
    Mr Nicholas Chan
    Mr Chen Shaobo
    Mr Albert Lee
    Mr Edward Liu
    Ms Anthea Lo
    Ms Lo Po-man
    Mr Lo Wing-hung
    Dr Lewis Luk
    Dr Ma Jun
    Dr Chloe Suen
    Mr Tai Hay-lap
    Dr Stephen Tai
    Mr Tang Fei
    Mr Xu LinProfessor Thomas Chan
    Mr Chang Ka-mun
    Professor Christopher Chao
    Dr Francis Cheung
    Dr Chow Man-kong
    Dr Chow Pak-chin
    Dr Guo Wanda
    Professor Alfred Ho
    Dr Henry Ho
    Professor Huang Ping
    Professor Lau Pui-king
    Professor Lau Siu-kai
    Professor Dennis Lo
    Professor Francis Lui
    Professor Terry Lum
    Professor Mao Zhenhua
    Professor Charles Ng
    Professor Naubahar Sharif
    Dr Wang Fuqiang
    Professor Richard Wong
    Professor Wong Yuk-shan
    Professor Xiao Geng
    Professor Zheng Yongnian
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ17: Coping with extreme weather

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ17: Coping with extreme weather 
    Question:
     
    There are views pointing out that in recent years, Hong Kong has been affected time and again by localised rainstorms, super typhoons and even very hot weather, thereby exposing the safety as well as lives and properties of members of the public to a greater risk. On coping with extreme weather, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the respective numbers of weather warnings and signals issued by the Hong Kong Observatory (HKO) in each of the past five years (set out by type of weather warnings and signals);
     
    (2) in order to cope with extreme weather (including super typhoons and severe rainstorms) that may occur in Hong Kong, of the details of the interdepartmental drills conducted and contingency plans drawn up by various government departments so far this year (including the number of government departments and personnel involved); whether various government departments have put in place a comprehensive contingency mechanism for coping with extreme weather to assist members of the public and disseminate the relevant information in a timely manner;
     
    (3) given that in the past, flooding and landslides frequently occurred in some districts (including Chai Wan, Wong Tai Sin, Wan Chai, Yuen Long and Tsim Sha Tsui) during rainstorm, whether the authorities have increased the supporting staff for flood and disaster prevention work specifically for those districts; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) whether the authorities will formulate a mechanism to require the relevant government departments to take corresponding measures in the districts concerned simultaneously when the Localised Heavy Rain Advisory was issued by the HKO, e.g. strengthening local flood monitoring and deploying manpower to clear the drains, with a view to preventing the occurrence of localised large-scale flooding;
     
    (5) given that the 2023 Policy Address indicated that the Drainage Services Department would complete the “Strategic Planning Study on Flood Management against Sea Level Rise and Extreme Rainfall” and develop a forward-looking strategy, of the progress of the relevant work and the findings of the Study; whether the Government has set aside resources for the implementation of the recommendations of the Study and the construction of the relevant infrastructure facilities; and
     
    (6) whether it has further stepped up public education on disaster preparedness, e.g. regularly arranging for members of the public and students to participate in disaster prevention exercise, and teaching members of the public the corresponding measures to take when extreme weather and even natural disasters occur; if so, of the details; if not, whether it will strengthen such efforts in the future?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The responses to the various parts of the question are as follows:
     
    (1) Based on the information provided by the Environment and Ecology Bureau and the Hong Kong Observatory, the number of various warnings and signals issued by the Observatory in the past five years is set out below:
     
    (i) Number of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signals issued

    Year (ii) Number of Thunderstorm Warning, Special Announcement on Flooding in the northern New Territories, Rainstorm Warning Signal and Landslip Warning issued

    Year(iii) Number of other warning and signal issued

    Year(2) After consultation with the Security Bureau and the Home Affairs Department, our reply is as follows:
     
    The Government has implemented the following measures in relation to emergency response mechanisms, interdepartmental drills, and the provision of timely assistance and dissemination of relevant information:
     
    To address extreme weather events, the Security Bureau has formulated the Contingency Plan for Natural Disasters, which sets out the Government’s strategies, organisational framework, and alerting system for dealing with natural disasters, as well as the functions and responsibilities of Government bureaux/departments, public utility companies, and non-governmental organisations in the events of natural disasters. When major natural disasters happen, the Security Bureau will immediately activate the Emergency Monitoring and Support Centre to co-ordinate a comprehensive response and collaborate the actions of relevant departments and organisations (including their emergency control centres) to ensure the incidents are handled swiftly and effectively.
     
    In the event of super typhoons or other large-scale natural disasters, the Chief Secretary for Administration will convene an interdepartmental Steering Committee meeting for provisioning high-level co-ordination and supervision in the various stages of preparedness, contingency and recovery as well as setting priorities for various tasks, thereby enabling the normal daily living of the community to resume as quickly as practicable. If a natural disaster has caused extreme and widespread impacts, such as widespread flooding, severe landslides, or severe disruption to public transportation services, the Steering Committee will consider making an “extreme conditions” announcement to advise members of the public to remain in their original safe locations.
     
    The Security Bureau has been organising interdepartmental drills to enhance communication and collaboration among various government departments under different extreme weather conditions. Through the drills with various testing scenarios, the departments’ emergency plans will be refined. As at May 18 this year, the Security Bureau and relevant departments had conducted a total of 10 drills related to extreme weather, involving 33 policy bureaux and departments, with a total of 960 participants. For areas vulnerable to flooding or seawater inundation, the respective District Offices will also conduct interdepartmental drills before the typhoon season to strengthen co-ordination among departments, enhance response capabilities and raise residents’ understanding of response arrangements.
     
    The Government will also, as appropriate, disseminate to the public the latest weather forecasts, natural disaster alerts, and related information including flooding, landslides, and traffic arrangements for affected roads through the Information Services Department, the media and social media platforms.
     
    (3) The Drainage Services Department (DSD) is currently taking forward 15 major drainage improvement works and it is anticipated that these projects will be completed progressively by 2030. These projects include works in the abovementioned areas of concern, namely Chai Wan, Wong Tai Sin, Yuen Long, and Tsim Sha Tsui (Note). In recent years, the DSD has also completed a number of minor works in these districts, including improvement works to the drainage systems near Chai Wan Road roundabout and in Wong Tai Sin.
     
    The DSD has identified around 240 locations prone to blockage in Hong Kong. Whenever the Hong Kong Observatory forecasts severe rainstorm, the DSD will arrange and deploy resources to step up their inspections and, where necessary, carry out immediate clearance of blocked drains to ensure proper functioning of the drainage system.
     
    In relation to landslides, apart from conducting regular inspections of slopes under their maintenance responsibilities, relevant government departments need to additionally carry out special inspections for government man-made slopes adjacent to sole accesses to community or important livelihood facilities before each wet season. This helps minimise the potential impact on people’s lives due to incidents on these slopes. The relevant inspections were completed before the wet season this year. On the other hand, the Geotechnical Engineering Office will remind private owners to complete all regular slope inspections and the necessary slope maintenance before the onset of wet season through letters, social media posts, television promotional videos, radio broadcasts and media briefings, etc.
     
    (4) The DSD has been working closely with the Hong Kong Observatory and has implemented the “Just-in-time Clearance” arrangement since 2020. Under this arrangement, when the Observatory forecasts severe rainstorms, the DSD will immediately deploy manpower to inspect locations prone to blockage and clear any blocked drains, thereby reducing the risk of flooding during heavy rainstorms. Since 2022, the DSD has taken proactive measures to further enhance its preparatory measures following the Hong Kong Observatory’s issuance of the Localised Heavy Rain Advisory. During periods of heavy rainstorms, the DSD, depending on the rainfall severity, will increase the number of emergency response teams to 180 teams. These teams are deployed to various districts to promptly handle flooding incidents so as to minimise the impact of flooding on the public.
     
    The DSD also adopts innovative technologies, including the deployment of powerful pumping robots, piloting artificial intelligence-based flood monitoring systems, and the use of new flood monitoring devices, such as Flood Monitoring Devices, and dissemination of real-time water level information.
     
    (5) The DSD completed the “Strategic Planning Study on Flood Management Against Sea Level Rise and Extreme Rainfall”, and the findings and recommendations were presented at the meeting of the Panel on Development held on May 27, 2025. Please refer to the relevant document for details www.legco.gov.hk/yr2025/english/panels/dev/papers/dev20250527cb1-904-4-e.pdf 
    (6) To enhance public awareness of disaster preparedness, departments under the Security Bureau carry out publicity and education through websites, social media platforms, and carnival events. In addition, the DSD promotes awareness of the risks associated with extreme weather and the corresponding measures to the public and stakeholders through a variety of channels, including TV promotional videos, publications, and outreach education programmes. The DSD also assists the property management sector to understand appropriate actions to take during flooding incidents. The Civil Engineering and Development Department also formulates action plans to address floods in low-lying coastal areas, maintains communication with residents and raises awareness of climate change through various activities. Furthermore, the Geotechnical Engineering Office promotes public awareness of slope safety through public education and publicity activities, including exhibitions and talks in shopping malls and schools, and providing maintenance advice to private slope owners.
     
    Note: Major drainage improvement works in Chai Wan, Wong Tai Sin, Yuen Long and Tsim Sha Tsui include: (i) Drainage improvement works in Eastern District – phase 1, (ii) Drainage improvement works in Wong Tai Sin, (iii) Yuen Long Barrage Scheme, (iv) Improvement of Yuen Long Town Nullah (town centre section), (v) Drainage improvement works at Yuen Long – stage 2 and (vi) Drainage Improvement Works in Tsim Sha Tsui.
    Issued at HKT 17:12

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH organises International Medical Device Regulatory Forum to promote advancement of health through research and technology (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    DH organises International Medical Device Regulatory Forum to promote advancement of health through research and technology  
    Addressing the opening ceremony, the Director of Health, Dr Ronald Lam, said, “Given the rapid development of AI technology, the DH is committed to developing a regulatory framework in Hong Kong to help healthcare workers and members of the public choose safe and reliable medical devices. The DH has issued guidance on cybersecurity and AI medical devices in 2023 and 2024 to help manufacturers navigate and follow the voluntary Medical Device Administrative Control System (MDACS), which was introduced by the DH. To date, 22 AI medical devices have been listed in the MDACS, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and electrocardiography (ECG) systems.
     
    “The HKSAR Government is committed to developing Hong Kong as a hub for health and medical innovation. The soon-to-be-established Hong Kong Centre for Medical Products Regulation will conduct independent evaluations on the safety, quality, and efficacy of medical products based on clinical data. In addition, with the development of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone, Hong Kong will leverage its unique advantages under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and serve as a ‘super connector’, linking Mainland China and the global market. This will create opportunities for entrepreneurs to thrive while supporting our country in enhancing its new quality productive forces in the health field,” said Dr Lam.
     
    “The emergence of innovative medical devices is bringing revolutionary changes to the healthcare industry. Multinational and cross-border collaborations are required to enable the development of a regulatory system that aligns with the rapid advancement in medical technology. The CUHK is delighted to partner with the DH in hosting the first forum to strengthen co-operation in medical innovation. The goal is to enhance health and medical industry standards by engaging leaders and pioneers in the field,” said the Dean of the Faculty of Medicine of the CUHK, Professor Philip Chiu.
     
    Today’s forum featured keynote speeches by representatives of medical device regulatory authorities from Hong Kong, the Mainland, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, as well as local and Hungarian academia. The forum focused on trends in the medical device industry, international regulatory co-ordination mechanisms and breakthroughs in AI technology in the healthcare sector. Participants proactively engaged in discussions, sharing their insights and experiences.
     
    The DH will continue to promote exchanges between governments, industry, and academia through various means to strengthen international collaboration networks, and lay a solid foundation for Hong Kong to develop into an international medical innovation hub.
    Issued at HKT 18:50

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Borrowing on the part of foreign domestic helpers

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Borrowing on the part of foreign domestic helpers 
    Question:
     
         The Government has indicated that the borrowing problems of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) not only affect their own financial well-being, but also bring much trouble to their employers. It has been reported that in recent years, there have been instances where employers or former employers of FDHs are harassed by money lenders or financial intermediaries as FDHs default on loans. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the annual number of cases received by the Companies Registry from FDH employers, in 2024 and this year to date, in which harassment was allegedly inflicted on them by licensed money lenders during debt recovery from their FDHs;
     
    (2) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on November 27 last year, the Government indicated that it was formulating specific measures for public consultation along such directions as reviewing the existing regulations on money lenders and enhancing publicity and education, and it planned to commence such consultation in the first half of this year, of the progress of the public consultation on such new measures and the actual implementation timetable;
     
    (3) as the revised Code of Practice for Employment Agencies (CoP) promulgated by the Labour Department (LD) in May last year requires employment agencies to, when making an application for a licence and renewal of a licence, inform the LD of whether they are associated with any financial institution, of the number of employment agencies that have made such declarations to LD since the revision of CoP;
     
    (4) given that in reply to a question raised by a Member of this Council on January 8 this year, the Government indicated that only about 90 licensed money lenders had joined or were in the process of joining “Credit Data Smart” (CDS), a Credit Reference Platform, how the authorities plan to encourage the remaining licensed money lenders to join CDS so that the affordability of borrowers (including FDHs) for unsecured personal loans can be more accurately assessed by the industry; and
     
    (5) as it is learnt that some FDHs have successfully applied for loans using their former employers’ addresses despite the completion of their agreements, whether the authorities have plans to address this issue, such as requiring financial institutions to verify with the authorities whether the FDH has an employment relationship with the employer declared by him or her before approving the loan?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Government is very concerned about the borrowing issue of foreign domestic helpers (FDHs) and will strictly regulate licensed money lenders (money lenders) and step up publicity and education etc, to better protect the interests of FDHs and their employers. In consultation with the Labour and Welfare Bureau, Companies Registry (CR) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA), the reply to various parts of the question is as follows:
     
    (1) In 2024 and 2025 (as at April), the CR received 11 and four complaints respectively on the alleged harassment of employers of FDHs by licensed money lenders due to debt collection in relation to the FDHs. The CR referred the cases concerned to the Police for handling.
     
    (2) The Government has been closely monitoring the market situation in the money lending sector to continuously review and enhance the prevailing regulatory measures. In 2021, we enhanced the licensing conditions of money lenders, including requiring money lenders, before entering into a loan agreement for an unsecured personal loan, to undertake an assessment of the borrower’s repayment ability and have due regard to the assessment outcome, and requiring money lenders to immediately cease to use a referee’s information after they are informed or aware that the written consent was in fact not signed by the referee. In 2022, we lowered the statutory interest rate cap and the threshold of extortionate rate from 60 per cent to 48 per cent and from 48 per cent to 36 per cent respectively.
     
         To step up efforts in addressing the issue of excessive borrowing, we will commence a public consultation this June on enhancing regulation of unsecured personal loans and strengthen protection for loan referees etc, and will consult the Legislative Council Panel on Financial Affairs in July. After the consultation period, we will collate and summarise the views to be received to finalise relevant measures and formulate relevant legislative proposals.
     
    (3) To enhance the protection for job seekers and employers, the Labour Department (LD) promulgated the revised Code of Practice (CoP) for Employment Agencies on May 9, 2024. The revised CoP requires employment agencies (EAs) to declare, when applying for a licence or licence renewal, whether they operate any financial institution on the same premises as EAs, and whether the EA licensee or the person intending to be the licensee is at the same time the responsible person of any financial institution.
     
         As at April 2025, the LD received and processed declarations from 3 362 EAs during applications for a licence or licence renewal in accordance with the aforementioned requirement. Among the 3 362 EAs, 41 EAs declared affiliations with financial institutions.
     
    (4) To encourage more money lenders to join the Credit Data Smart (CDS), the Government and the HKMA have been working closely with the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Association of Restricted Licence Banks and Deposit-taking Companies, and the Hong Kong S.A.R. Licensed Money Lenders Association Limited to research into and provide different solutions, as well as to organise briefing sessions on the CDS and proactively invite money lenders that have not joined the CDS to meetings.
     
         Furthermore, under the strong support and promotion of the HKMA, the platform operator (i.e. Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited) has developed an interface, namely the “Common Module”, which provides an effective, lower-cost, and more convenient way for money lenders to connect to the CDS, saving the need to establish their own application programming interfaces (API).
     
         The Government and the HKMA will continue to co-operate with the industry to develop enhancement measures to assist more money lenders in joining the CDS, so as to build a more comprehensive database.
     
    (5) To address situation of employers or former employers being harassed due to borrowing of their FDHs, the licensing conditions of the current money lenders licence have clearly set out the relevant regulatory requirements. According to licensing condition 10 of the money lenders licence, a money lender and his debt collector shall only recover debts from the person who is in law indebted to him. A money lender and his debt collector shall not, while trying to locate the whereabouts of debtors, harass anyone, adopt unlawful or improper debt collection practices. Therefore, if a FDH employer or former employer discovers that his/her residential address is used improperly and feels harassed, he/she may lodge a complaint with the money lender concerned and request immediate cessation of his improper debt collection behaviours.
     
         Money lenders should strictly comply with the licensing conditions in carrying on their business. Any breach of the licensing conditions during the course of business is an offence under the Money Lenders Ordinance. Upon conviction, offenders are subject to a maximum fine of $100,000 and imprisonment for two years. If the Registrar of Money Lenders (Registrar) and the Police consider that a money lender has ceased to be a fit and proper person to carry on business as such, they may apply to the Licensing Court for revocation of his licence or refusal of his licence renewal application. Therefore, if there is any complaint against a money lender for improperly harassing a FDH employer or former employer, the complaint may serve as a ground for the Registrar or the Police to apply to the Licensing Court for revocation of his licence, or make an objection against his licence renewal application.
     
         In addition, we will step up promotional and educational efforts targeting the FDH community, reminding FDHs that they could not provide their employers’ or former employers’ addresses as the borrower’s contact address without seeking their prior consent. We will also strengthen co-operation with the LD and non-governmental organisations to ensure that the relevant messages are effectively conveyed.
    Issued at HKT 16:21

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special traffic and transport arrangements in Southern District and Tai Po during Tuen Ng Festival holidays

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Transport Department (TD) today (May 28) reminded members of the public that the following special traffic and transport arrangements will be implemented in Southern District and Tai Po during the Tuen Ng Festival holidays (May 30 to 31) to facilitate the holding of dragon boat races.

    Southern District 
    (i) Road closures 
    B. Public transport arrangements 
    (i) Road closures
     
         Dai King Street, Dai Hei Street and the section of Dai Kwai Street south of Dai Cheong Street will be temporarily closed to all vehicular traffic, except for taxis, emergency vehicles and those vehicles authorised by the police officers on site, from 6pm on May 30 to 5pm on May 31.
     
    B. Public transport arrangements
     
    (i) Bus route diversion and suspension of bus stops 
         For details of the special traffic and public transport arrangements, members of the public may visit the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk 
         Due to road closures, the TD anticipates that traffic in the areas concerned will become significantly congested. Motorists are advised to avoid driving to the above areas affected by the road closures. In case of traffic congestion, motorists should exercise patience and drive with care, and follow the instructions of the Police on site.
     
         The TD appeals to members of the public to make use of public transport services as far as possible to avoid traffic congestion and unnecessary delay. The TD and the Police will closely monitor the traffic situation and implement appropriate measures when necessary. The Police may adjust the traffic arrangements, subject to the prevailing crowd and traffic conditions in the areas. The public should pay attention to the latest traffic news through radio, television or “HKeMobility”.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SCED to attend Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SCED to attend Asia-Pacific Telecommunity Ministerial Meeting in Tokyo 
    During the two-day (May 30 and 31) meeting, Mr Yau and participating ministers will attend discussion sessions on various topics related to information and communications technology development, including sustainable digital infrastructure and accessibility, inclusive digital innovation and growth, secure and trusted digital environment, and empowering the Asia-Pacific industry’s role in digital transformation. The Ministerial Meeting will adopt a joint statement at the end of the meeting to further foster regional collaboration.
     
    The APT is an intergovernmental organisation with the aim of promoting information and communication technology development in the Asia-Pacific region. The APT now has 38 members, four associate members and 140 affiliate members from private companies and academia.
     
    During his stay in Tokyo, Mr Yau will also meet with government officials of Japan and business leaders to promote Hong Kong’s business advantages and opportunities.
     
    Mr Yau will return to Hong Kong on the evening of May 31. The Under Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Dr Bernard Chan, will be the Acting Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development during Mr Yau’s absence.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ13: Public housing estates with supply of centralised liquefied petroleum gas

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ13: Public housing estates with supply of centralised liquefied petroleum gas 
    Question:

         It is learnt that there are 15 public housing estates (PHEs) under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) that are installed with centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply. The previous arrangements for renewal of LPG suppliers were such that existing suppliers with satisfactory performance would be eligible for renewal. Subsequently, with reference to the experience in private housing developments, and taking into account public views and the Competition Commission’s recommendations, the HA decided in August 2017 that tenders should be invited for awarding new contracts for the supply of centralised LPG to PHEs upon expiry of the existing contracts. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council: 

    PHE(2) whether it has compiled statistics on the total annual supply of domestic piped LPG to the PHEs and shared HOS estates mentioned in (1) over the past five years, as well as the annual average price of LPG in such PHEs and HOS estates; of the comparison between such average LPG prices and the corresponding town gas prices during the same period; and

    (3) whether the owners’ committees or residents of the PHEs mentioned in (1) have requested the HA to replace the gas supply system (e.g. ‍natural gas)? 
         Our reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hok-fung is as follows:
     
    (1) At present, 15 public rental housing (PRH) estates under the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) are equipped with centralised liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) supply systems. According to the past policy, prior to 2017, on the premise of ensuring that residents of the estates could enjoy safe and stable centralised LPG supply services, the HA would renew the contract with the existing supplier upon expiry of the contract if the supplier’s performance had been satisfactory during the contract period. In the light of public views and the Competition Commission’s advice of 2016, the Commercial Properties Committee of the HA approved in 2017 that new contracts would be awarded by tender instead for centralised LPG supply upon expiry of the existing contracts. Accordingly, the HA arranged bundled tendering for the LPG supply contracts for two PRH estates (i.e. Wah Fu (II) Estate and Nga Ning Court) as a trial in 2018. The new contracts were successfully awarded and the handover work was completed smoothly. Since 2019, the new supplier has commenced the supply of LPG for the two estates for a contract term of 10 years. 

    PRH estatesHong Kong IslandHong Kong LimitedCheung ChauHong Kong LimitedTai PoTai PoHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedNorth DistrictHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedTuen MunHong Kong LimitedLantau IslandHong Kong LimitedKowloonPeng ChauLantau IslandTuen MunHong Kong LimitedYuen Long(2) and (3) As for the amount of supply of domestic centralised LPG to the PRH estates and HOS estates with shared LPG storage tanks, the concerned LPG suppliers indicated that the relevant information was commercially confidential and therefore could not be disclosed. Moreover, the LPG consumption varies depending on a number of factors such as the number of occupants in the household, seasons, the living style of the residents and the efficiency of the gas appliances. The estimated average LPG consumption for a 3-person household is around seven cubic metre per month.
     
         To protect the interests of the centralised LPG consumers in the PRH estates and HOS estates with shared LPG storage tanks, the HA has stipulated in the centralised LPG supply contracts that the LPG prices charged by the suppliers shall not be higher than the market rate. For the benefit of residents, the HA will also require in the tender documents for LPG supply that LPG suppliers must provide free annual inspection of gas appliances and waive the minimum charge and the monthly fee for the maintenance service plan provided to domestic tenants/occupiers using the LPG supply service. We have meetings with LPG suppliers every six months and will review the relevant LPG prices by making reference to the domestic centralised LPG prices published by local LPG suppliers to ensure compliance with the relevant requirements. In April 2025, the latest average price of domestic centralised LPG published by LPG suppliers in April 2025 was $47.34 per cubic metre.
     
         As for the town gas price for household customers for the same period, with effect from August 1, 2024, the charge ranges from 27.60 cents to 28.55 cents per megajoule, plus a fuel cost adjustment. In addition, the minimum basic charge for each household customer is $20 and the monthly maintenance charge is $10. Town gas is charged based on the energy unit of megajoule, while LPG is generally charged per cubic metre for consumption. As the unit of measurements, basis of calculation and charging scheme of these two gas types are different; the heat efficiency of LPG and town gas appliances are different; and these two gas types vary in aspects such as calorific value, it is not possible to make a direct comparison of their prices.

         So far, there is no request for the replacement of LPG supply systems from the tenants of PRH estates or IO’s committees of the HOS estates.
    Issued at HKT 12:25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ19: Traffic incidents involving animals

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ19: Traffic incidents involving animals 
    Question:
     
         Under the Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374), the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to animals not in the vehicle, and the Government included cats and dogs in the definition of “animal” under the Ordinance in 2021. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the following information in respect of traffic accidents involving vehicles hitting animals in each of the past five years: (i) the number of animals being hit (set out in the table below a breakdown by the type of animals (i.e. (a) horses, (b) cattle, (c) ass, (d) mules, (e) ‍sheep, (f) pigs, (g) goats, (h) cats and (i) dogs)), (ii) the number of reports received by the Government on such accidents, and (iii) ‍among these accidents, the number and percentage of cases involving hit-and-run drivers, (iv) the number of such accidents investigated by the Government under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), and (v) among them, the number of prosecutions instituted;
     

    Year(2) of the current handling procedures adopted by the government departments concerned upon receipt of cases of animals being hit by vehicles; the number of such cases in which animal carcasses were handled directly by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department in each of the past five years, and their percentage in the total number of cases involving animals being hit by vehicles;
     
    (3) as there are views that the deterrent effect of the existing legislation on accidents involving vehicles hitting animals is inadequate, whether the authorities will introduce fixed penalty or incorporate a demerit point system; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) whether the Government will allocate additional resources to assist in rescuing animals hit and injured by vehicles; and
     
    (5) whether the Government will review the legislation to include more local wild animals (including but not limited to monkeys and wild pigs) in the definition of “animal” under Cap. 374; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
    The Road Traffic Ordinance (Cap. 374) (the Ordinance) provides that the driver of a vehicle shall stop if an accident involving that vehicle occurs whereby damage is caused to specified animals not in the vehicle. Drivers are also required to provide particulars, including name and address, to any police officer or any person having reasonable grounds for requiring the information. Otherwise, the driver must report the accident to the Police as soon as possible and in any case no later than 24 hours after the accident. The Government amended the definition of specified animals under the Ordinance on November 7, 2021 to include cats and dogs. Currently, specified animals include horse, cattle, ass, mule, sheep, pig, goat, cat and dog.
     
    Having consulted the Transport and Logistics Bureau and the Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF), the reply to the question from the Hon Chan Hak-kan is as follows:
     
    (1) In the past five years, the HKPF has received a total of 933 reports of vehicle hitting the specified animals (details set out at the Table below), 147 of them involved driver failing to stop after hitting the animals. The HKPF does not maintain breakdown of statistics by the type of animals, cases investigated under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Ordinance (Cap. 169), and the prosecution number.
     

    Year(as at April 30) 
    For the drivers involved, if such person did not stop after the accident, or provide particulars to police officers or report to the Police in accordance with the requirements of the Ordinance, the HKPF will investigate and follow up according to the established mechanism; and will instigate prosecution if there is sufficient evidence.
     
    As regards the disposal of animal carcasses, upon receipt of referrals from departments or reports from the public, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) will arrange for contractors to collect animal carcasses at the scene and deliver them to the landfills of the Environmental Protection Department for disposal. The FEHD does not maintain a breakdown of animal carcasses collected in traffic accidents.
     
    (3) Under the Ordinance, a driver failing to stop upon a relevant accident is liable to a fine at level 3 ($10,000) and imprisonment for 12 months, whereas failing to provide particulars and report to the Police according to the requirements of the Ordinance is liable to a fine at level 4 ($25,000) and imprisonment for six months. In general, enforcement by fixed penalty notices is targeted at cases which are simple, straightforward, clear-cut and capable of being easily established, but whether a driver has complied with the Ordinance requires further investigation of the Police, hence it is more appropriate to prosecute by issuing summonses. As regards demerit point system, considering the existing penalties have a certain deterrent effect, we do not intend to include the above offences in demerit point system at this stage, but will timely review them as necessary.
     
    (5) The Ordinance requires drivers to stop if they hit a specified animal, with the intent of facilitating livestock owners to seek compensation from the drivers concerned for the loss incurred. The Government’s inclusion of cats and dogs as specified animals under the Ordinance in 2021 aimed to enable cats and dogs injured in traffic accidents to receive timely treatment. As regards whether other wild animals will be included, making reference to the legislation in some overseas jurisdictions, similar stopping and reporting requirements generally only cover animals that are commonly kept by people but not wild animals. In fact, a number of stakeholders raised at the public consultation for amending the Ordinance in 2021 that if monkeys and wild pigs are to be included as specified animals, the drivers may suddenly stop their vehicles and lead to road traffic safety problems. The Government will closely monitor the implementation of the Ordinance and strive to strike a balance between safeguarding animal welfare and the safety of road users, and will timely review whether there is room to further enhance the Ordinance.
    Issued at HKT 11:45

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Arts and cultural activities and mega events

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ21: Arts and cultural activities and mega events 

     (by event date)($)  (the fair)
     
    829 633
    (other side programmes)   ** Actual grant amount to be finalised upon the submission of audited report by the grantee after the event

    ​The six events attracted a total attendance of around 1.5 million and were well received, allowing a large number of public and tourists to understand and learn the profound traditional Chinese culture through the events.
    Issued at HKT 11:36

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ11: Provision and planning of car parking space

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by the Hon Vincent Cheng and a written reply by the Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Ms Mable Chan, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):

    Question:
    Reply:(2) The car parks at West Kowloon Government Offices and Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, managed by the GPA, provide 50 and 263 PC parking spaces respectively and operate under commercial principles by contractors. At Cheung Sha Wan Government Offices, some parking spaces are available for public use throughout the day, while others are open only during non-office hours due to departmental needs. The car park at West Kowloon Government Offices is open to the public during non-office hours.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ1: Protection for food delivery workers of digital platforms

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ1: Protection for food delivery workers of digital platforms 
    Question:
     
         There are views that food delivery workers on Hong Kong’s digital platforms (platforms) are not covered by various forms of labour protection. This situation lags behind that in both the Mainland and the West. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as the Government indicated in November last year that it would propose a direction to strengthen the protection of platform workers, which “may include proposals that can only be implemented by legislation”, of the scope of the protection and legislative details being considered by the authorities, and when the legislative proposals are expected to be introduced into this Council;
     
    (2) given that the Supreme People’s Court issued guiding cases last year, pointing out that the key to determining whether there is a labour relationship between enterprises and workers is to establish whether there are “facts surrounding the employment”, which constitute dominant labour management, whether the authorities have drawn reference from such cases to formulate the relevant safeguarding direction; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that; and
     
    (3) as it has been reported that some Mainland enterprises have paid the “five insurances and one housing fund” for platform delivery workers so that they are protected by law in the event of old age, illness, work-‍related injury, unemployment, maternity and so on, whether the authorities have encouraged Hong Kong platform enterprises to follow suit, such as making Mandatory Provident Fund contributions for platform delivery workers?
     
    Reply:

    President,
     
         The Government is concerned about the protection for digital platform workers (platform workers) and has established a Liaison Group comprising representatives from the Government, platform companies, and labour organisations to explore suitable proposals to enhance the protection for platform workers. In response to the Member’s question, the reply is provided below:
     
    (1) The Labour Department (LD) completed statistical surveys and conducted consultations last year, including the Thematic Household Survey, an opinion survey for platform workers, as well as focus group meetings to collect data on the working conditions of platform workers and their views on protection matters. The results of the above surveys revealed that platform workers were most concerned about work injury compensation. In addition, the LD organised a retreat in November last year to facilitate representatives from the Government, platform companies, labour sector, academics and the insurance industry to express and exchange views on how to protect platform workers, including issues of work injury compensation.
     
         Having regard to the data and views collected from the above surveys and through various channels, the Government will introduce a proposal for further enhancing the rights and benefits of platform workers within this year, and will consider reinforcing the protection for platform workers through legislative means. In collaboration with platform companies and other stakeholders through the Liaison Group, the Government will continue to take forward the work on protection for platform workers. 
         In Hong Kong, the court has also established a series of factors to distinguish whether an individual is classified as a self-employed person, an independent contractor or an employee. Relevant factors include whether the purported employer exercises control over the purported self-employed person’s work; and whether the purported self-employed individual can hire helpers to assist with the work, whether he provides his own equipment or tools, and whether he bears the financial risk over his/her business. If in essence there exists an employer-employee relationship, even if an employer claims that an employee is a self-employed person or a contractor, the employer must fulfill the responsibilities under labour legislation in respect of that employee, including bearing the criminal liability for violating provisions of employment rights.
     
         We will continue to monitor the policies and measures in the Mainland and other places on the protection for platform workers, and contemplate how to formulate appropriate policies to strengthen the protection for platform workers with regard to the local circumstances. 
         In accordance with the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Ordinance, employees and self-employed persons aged 18 to 64 (save for exempt persons) are required to join the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) Scheme. If a platform worker is an employee as defined in the Employment Ordinance, the platform company as the employer is obliged to enrol these employees in an MPF scheme and arrange employer and employee mandatory contributions. If a platform worker is a self-employed person, he is required to arrange his own enrolment in an MPF scheme and make mandatory contributions.
     
         The Government will continue to encourage platform companies to adopt suitable measures to improve the welfare of platform workers through the Liaison Group.
    Issued at HKT 11:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Public benefits received by residents of public housing estates

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Dr the Hon Ngan Man-yu and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):

    Question: 
         The WFSFAA reviews and streamlines the application and vetting procedures of the WFA Scheme and the School Textbook Assistance Scheme (STAS) from time to time. With respect to the WFA Scheme, the WFSFAA provides households which got approved WFA previously with application forms prefilled with basic household information, and requires less documentary proof in their subsequent applications. The WFSFAA provides reference materials for applicants such as guidance notes, checklist of documents required for the application and sample application forms. The WFSFAA sets up mobile information booths at various locations (including PHEs), and provides service counters (Note 2) and a 24-hour telephone enquiry hotline to answer public enquiries and offer assistance in filling out application forms.
     
         In addition, the WFSFAA adopts a household-based application form to facilitate the submission of a consolidated application by families concerned for all eligible children attending primary or secondary schools or kindergartens / child care centres for applicable student financial assistance (including the STAS). Apart from providing enquiry hotlines and counter services, the WFSFAA also maintains close contact with schools with a view to offering assistance to applicants in need. 
         Since the introduction of the WFA Scheme in April 2018, the Government has reviewed the WFA Scheme at various times and implemented a number of enhancement measures, including relaxing the eligibility criteria by extending the Scheme to singleton households and allowing household members to aggregate their working hours to apply for WFA. In addition, the Government has increased the rates of allowance under the WFA Scheme thrice to further alleviate the burden of grassroots working families (including those living in PHEs). 
         The Government has launched the Strive and Rise Programme since 2022 which focuses on lifting secondary school students from underprivileged families (including those in PHEs) out of intergenerational poverty. Through tripartite collaboration of the Government, the business sector and the community, the Scheme broadens student participants’ horizons, reinforce their self-confidence, develop a positive life attitude, set goals for their future and strive for upward mobility. 
    Note 2: The service counters are located at the HA customer service centre in Lok Fu and the WFSFAA office in Kwun Tong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ10: Arts and mega events

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Dominic Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Culture, Sports and Tourism, Miss Rosanna Law, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):

    Question: There are views that while Hong Kong has successfully hosted international mega events such as Art Basel Hong Kong in recent years, Singapore has introduced many large-scale events (e.g. concerts by world-renowned singers) through cross-departmental collaboration and dedicated mechanisms, also with notably significant results. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Manpower of Police

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Following is a question by Dr the Hon So Cheung-wing and a reply by the Secretary for Security, Mr Tang Ping-keung, in the Legislative Council today (May 28):

    Question: 
    (1) As at March 31, 2025, the numbers of vacancies for the grades of rank and file, inspectorate officers and gazetted officers (i.e. Superintendents and above) in the HKPF were 5 500, 236 and 29 respectively. The overall number of vacancies was 5 765, representing a vacancy rate of about 17.4 per cent, which is similar to the figures over the past three years. 
    (i) The HKPF has implemented the “SmartView”, under which closed circuit televisions are installed in phases at various locations across the territory where crime rate and pedestrian flow are higher. This initiative makes use of technologies to enhance the effectiveness in preventing and fighting crime. As at end-April 2025, “SmartView” has assisted the HKPF in detecting 282 criminal cases and arresting 513 persons. The HKPF utilised the “Crowd Size Analysis System” for the first time during the 2024 Halloween events in Lan Kwai Fong. The system used AI and video analytic functions to perform real-time crowd density assessments. 
    Thank you, President.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine and suspected cannabis buds at airport (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs seizes suspected methamphetamine and suspected cannabis buds at airport  
    The first case involved a 37-year-old woman who arrived in Hong Kong from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, yesterday. During customs clearance, Customs officers found a batch of suspected methamphetamine, weighing about 6kg, concealed inside some tea leaf packaging bags in her check-in suitcase. She was subsequently arrested.
     
    After an investigation, the arrested person has been charged with one count of trafficking in a dangerous drug. The case will be brought up at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts tomorrow (May 29).
     
    The second case involved a 21-year-old male passenger who arrived in Hong Kong from Bangkok, Thailand, this morning. During customs clearance, about 12kg of suspected cannabis buds were seized from his check-in suitcase. The man was subsequently arrested. The dangerous drugs were packed in plastic bags and vacuum bags and were mix-loaded with personal belongings.
     
    The investigation of the second case is ongoing.
     
    Customs will continue to step up enforcement against drug trafficking activities through intelligence analysis. The department also reminds members of the public to stay alert and not participate in drug trafficking activities for monetary return. They must not accept hiring or delegation from another party to carry controlled items into and out of Hong Kong. They are also reminded not to carry unknown items for other people.
     
    Customs will continue to apply a risk assessment approach and focus on selecting passengers from high-risk regions for clearance to combat transnational drug trafficking activities.
     
    Under the Dangerous Drugs Ordinance, trafficking in a dangerous drug is a serious offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and life imprisonment.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected drug trafficking activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 18:55

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Anti-tax evasion bill passed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today welcomed the Legislative Council’s passage of a bill which seeks to tackle tax evasion risks arising from the digitalisation of the economy.

    The Inland Revenue (Amendment) (Minimum Tax for Multinational Enterprise Groups) Bill 2024, formulated in accordance with the Base Erosion & Profit Shifting 2.0 (BEPS 2.0) package promulgated by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation & Development, introduces the global minimum tax (GMT) and the Hong Kong minimum top-up tax (HKMTT) starting January 1, 2025.

    It is estimated that the new regimes will bring in an additional revenue of about $15 billion per year from 2027-28 to the Hong Kong SAR Government.

    Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Christopher Hui said the implementation of the GMT and the HKMTT highlights Hong Kong’s staunch support to international co-operation in tackling cross-border tax evasion, and safeguards Hong Kong’s taxing rights.

    “With the 15% GMT for in-scope multinational enterprise (MNE) groups in place, countries and regions can no longer compete for capital and investment by simply lowering their corporate income tax rates.

    “With a fairer global taxation environment, our unique advantages such as ‘one country, two systems’, excellent connectivity, first-class infrastructure, mature financial markets, quality talent pools, East-meets-West vibes etc will become even more accentuated to showcase Hong Kong as a premier destination for doing business.”

    Under BEPS 2.0, MNE groups with an annual consolidated revenue of 750 million euros or above in at least two of the four fiscal years immediately preceding the current fiscal year will need to pay a GMT of at least 15% on profits derived from every jurisdiction in which they operate.

    By imposing the HKMTT, the Hong Kong SAR Government will have the first priority in collecting top-up tax from entities of an MNE group with an effective tax rate (ETR) in Hong Kong below 15%, in order to raise the ETR to 15%. Otherwise, the top-up tax may be collected by other BEPS 2.0-implementing jurisdictions in which the group also operates. Moreover, Hong Kong’s taxing rights would then be ceded to other jurisdictions.

    The Hong Kong SAR Government added that the GMT and HKMTT regimes have incorporated a number of features to facilitate compliance by in-scope MNE groups.

    The Inland Revenue Department has set up a dedicated team to provide technical support and answer enquiries about BEPS 2.0. The department will also publish online guidance addressing common concerns.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI: YieldMax™ ETFs Announces Distributions on CVNY, CONY, YMAG, YMAX, ULTY, and Others

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, MILWAUKEE and NEW YORK, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — YieldMax™ today announced distributions for the YieldMax™ Weekly Payers and Group C ETFs listed in the table below.

    ETF Ticker1 ETF Name Distribution Frequency Distribution per Share Distribution Rate2,4 30-Day
    SEC Yield3
    ROC5 Ex-Date & Record Date Payment Date
    CHPY YieldMax™ Semiconductor Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.3860 96.94% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    GPTY YieldMax™ AI & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.2895 33.82% 0.00% 100.00% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    LFGY YieldMax™ Crypto Industry & Tech Portfolio Option Income ETF Weekly $0.4906 62.59% 0.00% 100.00% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    QDTY YieldMax™ Nasdaq 100 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3115 38.15% 0.00% 100.00% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    RDTY YieldMax™ R2000 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.3538 40.76% 0.00% 97.17% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    SDTY YieldMax™ S&P 500 0DTE Covered Call ETF Weekly $0.2578 30.71% 0.00% 100.00% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    ULTY YieldMax™ Ultra Option Income Strategy ETF Weekly $0.0954 79.40% 0.00% 100.00% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    YMAG YieldMax™ Magnificent 7 Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.2929 97.28% 70.00% 96.58% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    YMAX YieldMax™ Universe Fund of Option Income ETFs Weekly $0.2149 81.04% 95.10% 81.23% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    ABNY YieldMax™ ABNB Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.3871 41.70% 3.22% 93.60% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    AMDY YieldMax™ AMD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.4233 70.38% 3.31% 96.48% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    CONY YieldMax™ COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.7351 106.24% 3.39% 80.80% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    CVNY YieldMax™ CVNA Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $4.5659 125.74% 2.37% 99.33% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    FIAT YieldMax™ Short COIN Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.2667 65.81% 1.14% 96.24% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    HOOY YieldMax™ HOOD Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $3.3036 99.33% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    MSFO YieldMax™ MSFT Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.5498 40.29% 3.26% 92.68% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    NFLY YieldMax™ NFLX Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.6832 46.84% 2.79% 94.49% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    PYPY YieldMax™ PYPL Option Income Strategy ETF Every 4
    weeks
    $0.5507 53.61% 3.54% 95.28% 5/29/25 5/30/25
    Weekly Payers & Group D ETFs scheduled for next week: CHPY GPTY LFGY QDTY RDTY SDTY ULTY YMAG YMAX AIYY AMZY APLY DISO MSTY SMCY WNTR XYZY YQQQ
     

    Standardized Performance and 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, 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.

    2 The Distribution Rate shown is as of close on May 27, 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`t 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 April 31, 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 (applicable to all YieldMax ETFs referenced above, except the Short ETFs)

    YMAX, YMAG, FEAT and FIVY generally invest in other YieldMax™ ETFs. As such, these two Funds are subject to the risks listed in this section, which apply to all the YieldMax™ ETFs they may hold from time to time.

    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 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 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.

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

    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), 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.

    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.

    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.

    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.

    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 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.

    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.

    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.

    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 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. 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.

    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.

    © 2025 YieldMax™ ETFs

    The MIL Network

  • Golden archer, greater spirit: Harvinder Singh honoured with Padma Shri

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Para-archer Harvinder Singh was conferred the Padma Shri by President Droupadi Murmu at Rashtrapati Bhavan on Tuesday, honouring his trailblazing achievements in Indian para-archery and his inspiring journey of resilience and success.
     
    Born on February 25, 1991, in a remote village in Haryana, Harvinder Singh defied early life challenges to etch his name in India’s sporting history. A childhood medical mishap resulted in a permanent disability in his left leg, but this adversity became the foundation of his unyielding determination.
     
    Taking up archery in 2012 under the mentorship of coach Jiwanjot Singh Teja, Harvinder’s rise was swift and inspirational. His international debut came in 2017, and within a year, he created history by clinching India’s first-ever gold medal in para-archery at the 2018 Asian Para Games in Jakarta, Indonesia. He triumphed in the Men’s Individual Recurve (Open category), a feat that placed him firmly on the global map.
     
    Harvinder Singh’s accomplishments only grew from there. At the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, he became the first Indian archer to win a Paralympic medal, securing bronze. He followed this with another bronze in the Men’s Team Recurve event at the 2022 Asian Para Games in Hangzhou, China.
     
    However, it was his golden performance at the 2024 Paris Paralympic Games that truly defined his legacy. With a commanding win in the Men’s Recurve Archery (Open category), Harvinder Singh delivered India’s first-ever gold medal in para-archery at the Paralympic level—a moment of immense pride for the nation.
     
    Beyond the sporting arena, Harvinder Singh has also excelled in academics. He holds a Master’s degree in Economics from Punjabi University, Patiala, and is currently pursuing a PhD in the same field, embodying the spirit of all-round excellence.
     
    His contributions have previously been recognised with the Arjuna Award in 2021 and the Bhim Award by the Haryana government in 2022. Now, with the conferment of the Padma Shri, Shri Harvinder Singh joins the ranks of India’s most respected civilian honourees.
  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Expert group members reappointed

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced the reappointment of 59 members of the Chief Executive’s Policy Unit (CEPU) Expert Group for one year, starting from May 30.

    CEPU Head Stephen Wong thanked the expert group members for putting forth their views and suggestions proactively, as well as for their generous sharing of expertise, insights and research findings in their respective fields over the past year. He said their contributions have provided important references for the Policy Address.

    Mr Wong added that he looks forward to maintaining close liaison and co-operation with the expert group members in the coming year, and working together to assist the Government on the 2024 Policy Address goal of “Reform for Enhancing Development & Building Our Future Together”.

    He noted that the interaction between the CEPU and expert group members took various forms in the past year, which included plenary meetings, forums, seminars, sharing sessions, group discussions, individual meetings, visits and written exchanges.

    “The CEPU also invites universities and think tanks from the community that have received funding support under the Public Policy Research Funding Scheme and the Strategic Public Policy Research Funding Scheme to organise opening and concluding seminars.

    “Members of the expert group are invited to provide views from their industry perspectives to enhance the applicability of the research studies. They also serve as external examiners for the two funding schemes, assisting in vetting relevant research proposals and advising on funding applications.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News