Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos Australia: JACKBIT Ranked #1 for Real Money Pokies for Australian Players!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BRISBANE, Australia, May 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In the fast-evolving world of online gambling, JACKBIT has been recognized as the top choice among the best online casinos in Australia in 2025. In a highly competitive iGaming landscape, JACKBIT surges ahead with its player-friendly features, particularly its no KYC policy and instant crypto withdrawals, earning it the number one spot among the best online casinos Australia offering real value for Aussie players.

    “We’re thrilled to be named a leader among the best online casinos Australia for 2025. At JACKBIT, we’ve focused on creating an experience that puts players first, with seamless crypto payouts, exciting bonuses, and a massive game selection. It’s all about delivering trust, fairness, and fun,” said a JACKBIT spokesperson.

    Australian online casino fans know that fast payouts and diverse games are key to a great experience. These features are especially appealing for players wanting to dive into real money pokies without delays or complications.

    Recognizing this demand, JACKBIT has elevated its offerings in 2025, with tailored features designed for both new players and seasoned gamblers alike. JACKBIT sets a new standard among the best online casinos Australia with its instant crypto rewards and access to top pokies and table games, no lengthy verification needed.

    ✅SIGN UP WITH JACKBIT TO GET 100 NO-WAGERING FREE SPINS!

    How to Sign Up at JACKBIT – The Best Real Money Online Casino in Australia

    Joining JACKBIT is fast, easy, and takes less than five minutes. Just follow these simple steps to get started at one of Australia’s top crypto-friendly online casinos:

    1. Visit the Official JACKBIT Website
    Open your preferred browser and head to the official JACKBIT site to begin the signup process.

    2. Click “Sign Up.”
    Look for the “Sign Up” or “Register” button, usually located in the top-right corner. Click it to launch the registration form.

    3. Enter Basic Details
    Fill in a few essentials like your email, a secure password, and choose your preferred currency (crypto or fiat). No long forms – just the basics.

    4. Deposit Funds Using Your Preferred Method
    Once your account is created, choose a deposit method. JACKBIT supports both cryptocurrencies and traditional payment options. Fund your account to start playing.

    5. Claim Your Welcome Bonus
    New players can unlock a 30% Rakeback and 100 Free Spins. Don’t forget to activate this offer to maximize your first play session.

    6. Explore the Casino & Sportsbook
    With your bonus ready and account funded, explore JACKBIT’s massive game library of over 7,000 titles, or place bets in the fully loaded sportsbook.

    7. Confirm You’re of Legal Age
    Before registering, make sure you’re of legal gambling age in your jurisdiction – typically 18 or 19 years old. JACKBIT promotes safe and responsible gaming.

    JACKBIT’s Bonuses: A Game-Changer for Aussie Gamblers

    Bonuses are a big deal when choosing the best online casino Australia, and JACKBIT doesn’t disappoint. Its welcome offer is a 30% rakeback plus 100 free spins with no wagering requirements, meaning you keep what you win.

    This is a rare gem among the best online casinos Australia, as most platforms impose hefty wagering conditions. Whether you’re spinning the reels of the best online pokies or betting on sports, this bonus gives you a head start.

    JACKBIT keeps the rewards coming with a variety of promotions:

    • Weekly $10,000 Giveaways: Compete for cash prizes and up to 10,000 free spins every week.
    • VIP Rakeback Program: Earn up to 30% rakeback based on your loyalty tier, rewarding long-term play.
    • Pragmatic Drops & Wins: Join tournaments with a €2,000,000 prize pool for slots and table games.
    • Sports Welcome Bonus: Get a 100% bonus up to $100 with insurance for sports betting fans.
    • NBA Playoffs Cashback: Special offers for basketball enthusiasts.
    • Social Media Bonuses: Follow JACKBIT’s channels for exclusive free spins and rewards.

    These promotions make JACKBIT a top online casino for value, catering to both casual players and high rollers. Always review the terms to understand any conditions. Claim your welcome bonus and start winning at JACKBIT!

    ✅CLICK HERE TO CLAIM YOUR 30% RAKEBACK + 100 FREE SPINS!

    A Comprehensive Review Focused on the Player

    The review process that crowned JACKBIT as the top choice among the best online casinos Australia was player-centric, evaluating key factors that matter most to Aussie gamblers. The criteria included:

    • License: Ensuring the platform operates under a reputable authority.
    • Fairness: Verifying that game outcomes are unbiased and audited.
    • Quality of Games: Assessing the variety and quality of the game library.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: Evaluating the value and fairness of offers.
    • Payment Methods: Checking for flexible, secure, and fast options.
    • Online Security: Confirming robust data protection measures.
    • Mobile Experience: Testing accessibility on smartphones and tablets.
    • Quality of Sportsbook: Reviewing betting options and odds.
    • KYC: Assessing ease of verification processes.
    • Deposit and Withdrawal Limits: Analyzing flexibility for all players.
    • Customer Support: Measuring responsiveness and helpfulness.

    JACKBIT excelled across all these areas, earning its place as the best payout online casino and a trusted online casino in Australia for 2025. “JACKBIT offers over 6,600 games from leading providers, which is one of the largest libraries among the best online casinos Australia,” noted the review team. “This vast selection ensures an exceptional experience, especially for fans of real money pokies.”

    Here’s a detailed breakdown of why JACKBIT, the best online casino Australia, was chosen as the top online casino:

    • License: Licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring regulatory compliance.
    • Fairness: Games are audited by independent firms, with RNG technology guaranteeing unbiased outcomes.
    • Quality of Games: Over 6,600 titles from providers like NetEnt, Microgaming, Pragmatic Play, and Play’n GO.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: 30% rakeback + 100 free spins with no wagering, plus weekly giveaways and tournaments.
    • Payment Methods: Supports AUD, crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Tether), Visa, MasterCard, and e-wallets with instant crypto payouts.
    • Online Security: Uses 128-bit SSL encryption and secure servers with no history of data breaches.
    • Mobile Experience: Fully optimized HTML5 website for seamless play on Android and iOS.
    • Quality of Sportsbook: Covers 30+ sports and esports with competitive odds and exclusive bonuses.
    • KYC: No KYC required for crypto users, simplifying the signup process.
    • Limits for Deposits and Withdrawals: Minimum deposit of $50, withdrawals from $50, with a $25,000 weekly cap.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 support via live chat, email, and social media with fast response times.

    The review team expressed their excitement in finding a platform that delivers what Aussie players deserve: “JACKBIT scores high in every category, offering a safe, exciting, and fair experience that sets it apart among the best online casinos Australia.”

    Best Online Casino Australia: Game Selection

    JACKBIT’s game library is a standout, offering over 6,600 titles from industry leaders like Microgaming, NetEnt, Pragmatic Play, and Evolution Gaming. This vast selection makes it the best online casino Australia for game variety. Fans of real money pokies will find plenty to love, with popular titles including:

    • Book of Dead (Play’n GO): An Egyptian-themed adventure with free spins and high payouts.
    • Starburst (NetEnt): A vibrant slot with frequent wins and stunning visuals.
    • Mega Moolah (Microgaming): A progressive jackpot slot known for life-changing prizes.
    • Gonzo’s Quest (NetEnt): Features cascading reels and exciting multipliers.

    Beyond the best online pokies, JACKBIT offers classic table games like blackjack, roulette, poker, and baccarat. The live casino, powered by Evolution Gaming, delivers an authentic experience with professional dealers and HD streaming. Games like live blackjack, roulette, and unique titles like Dream Catcher bring the casino floor to your screen.

    Sports fans aren’t left out, as JACKBIT’s sportsbook covers over 30 sports, including AFL, NRL, basketball, and esports. With intuitive filters and a user-friendly interface, finding your favorite game is easy, whether you’re on desktop or mobile. Explore over 6,600 games at JACKBIT now!

    ✅CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT AND START WINNING TODAY!

    Payment Methods: Fast, Flexible, and Secure

    JACKBIT shines as a best payout online casino with payment options designed for Aussies. It supports both fiat and crypto, ensuring flexibility:

    Payment Method Fast Deposit Fast Withdrawal Processing Time
    Visa/MasterCard Yes Yes 3-5 business days
    E-Wallets Yes Yes 1-2 business days
    Bank Transfer Yes Yes 3-5 business days
    Bitcoin Yes Yes Instant
    Ethereum Yes Yes Instant
    Tether Yes Yes Instant
    Binance Coin Yes Yes Instant
    Solana Yes Yes Instant

    With a minimum deposit of $50 and instant crypto withdrawals, JACKBIT ensures quick access to winnings. The no KYC policy for crypto users adds convenience, making it the best online casino Australia.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO DEPOSIT AND PLAY AT JACKBIT NOW!

    Security and Fairness: Play with Peace of Mind

    JACKBIT operates under a Curacao eGaming Commission license, ensuring compliance with strict standards. Advanced 128-bit SSL encryption protects player data, and RNG technology guarantees fair game outcomes. Regular audits by independent firms reinforce its credibility, making JACKBIT the best online casino Australia.

    Mobile Experience: Game on the Go

    JACKBIT’s HTML5-powered website is fully optimized for mobile devices, offering seamless play on Android and iOS without an app. Whether you’re spinning pokies or betting on sports, the responsive design ensures a smooth experience, making JACKBIT the best online casino Australia for mobile gaming.

    Customer Support: Always Ready to Help

    JACKBIT provides 24/7 support via live chat, email (support@jackbit.com), and social media. The professional team responds quickly, ensuring players get help when needed. This dedication enhances JACKBIT’s status as a top online casino among the best online casinos Australia.

    JACKBIT Promotes Responsible Gambling

    Responsible gambling is a priority at JACKBIT, which offers tools like deposit limits, self-exclusion, and access to support organizations. The platform uses technology to detect problematic gambling patterns, providing assistance to ensure a safe experience. “Safety is key among the best online casinos Australia, and JACKBIT’s commitment to responsible gambling is why it stands out,” said the review team.

    Why JACKBIT is the Best in 2025, But What About 2026?

    “After our in-depth review, JACKBIT is clearly the best online casino in Australia for 2025,” said the review team. “But the iGaming world moves fast, with new platforms emerging constantly. We’ll revisit our analysis in 2026 to see if JACKBIT holds its crown or if another contender takes the lead among the best online casinos Australia.”

    To celebrate its top ranking, JACKBIT is offering new players a 30% rakeback plus 100 free spins with no wagering requirements.

    Player Reviews: What Aussies Say

    JACKBIT has earned a 4-star rating on Trustpilot based on hundreds of reviews.

    • “The instant crypto withdrawals are a game-changer,”- Jake from Brisbane.
    • “I love the huge pokie selection,” – Sarah from Perth.
    • “I’ve tried a bunch of online casinos, but Jackbit’s interface and payout speed are unbeatable. Cashed out in under 10 minutes with zero hassle!” – Liam, Melbourne
    • “Jackbit’s live dealer games make it feel like a real casino night from home. Plus, their crypto bonuses are the best I’ve seen in Australia.” – Emily, Adelaide

    These testimonials highlight why JACKBIT is the best online casino Australia.

    Tips for Maximizing Your JACKBIT Experience

    To get the most out of JACKBIT, consider these tips:

    • Use AUD: Avoid conversion fees by depositing in Australian dollars.
    • Try Demo Mode: Test games for free to hone your skills before betting real money.
    • Play Blackjack: Its low house edge makes it ideal for better odds.
    • Set Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your budget.

    Comparing JACKBIT to Other Platforms

    Compared to other best online casinos Australia, JACKBIT’s no KYC policy, instant crypto payouts, and 6,600+ games give it an edge. While competitors offer similar features, JACKBIT’s blend of speed, variety, and player-focused policies makes it unmatched.

    ✅CLICK HERE TO JOIN JACKBIT NOW & GET EXCLUSIVE REWARDS!

    Final Thoughts About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    JACKBIT is likely the best online casino in Australia for 2025, delivering an unmatched mix of games, bonuses, and fast payouts. It’s no KYC policy, and instant crypto withdrawals appeal to players who value privacy and speed. Whether you’re chasing jackpots on real money pokies, enjoying live dealer games, or betting on sports, JACKBIT has it all.

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About The Best Online Casinos Australia

    1. Why are online casinos popular among Australian players in 2025?

    Online casinos have gained immense popularity among Aussie players due to their accessibility, wide variety of real money games, fast payouts, and crypto-friendly options. The ability to play from anywhere and take advantage of generous welcome bonuses has made them a top entertainment choice in Australia.

    2. Is it legal to play at online casinos in Australia?

    While operating an online casino from within Australia is restricted, Australian players are legally allowed to access and play at offshore online casinos. Make sure the platform is licensed and regulated by a reputable international authority to ensure safety.

    3. What types of games can I play at Australian online casinos?

    Top Australian online casinos offer a broad selection, including pokies (slots), blackjack, roulette, baccarat, video poker, and live dealer games. Many platforms, like Jackbit, also include crypto games and instant-win titles.

    4. Are mobile casinos reliable for real money gaming in Australia?

    Yes, most top online casinos are fully optimized for mobile play. Whether you use Android or iOS, you can enjoy smooth gameplay, secure transactions, and full access to bonuses and game libraries directly from your smartphone or tablet.

    5. How fast are withdrawals at Australian online casinos?

    Withdrawal speeds depend on the method used. Crypto withdrawals are often processed within minutes, while traditional banking methods may take 1–5 business days. Platforms like Jackbit are known for instant or same-day crypto payouts.

    6. What bonuses can I claim at the best Aussie online casinos?

    Australian players can access a range of promotions such as welcome bonuses, no-deposit offers, free spins, cashback, and reload bonuses. Always read the terms and wagering requirements before claiming.

    7. How do I choose the best online casino for my needs?

    Look for licensed casinos with strong reputations, a wide range of games, fast payouts, responsive customer support, and user-friendly interfaces. Reading reviews and checking forums can also help you make an informed decision.

    8. What tools are available to help players gamble responsibly?

    Top Australian online casinos offer responsible gambling tools like deposit limits, session timers, self-exclusion options, and access to support resources. These tools are essential to maintaining healthy gaming habits.

    Email: support@jackbit.com

    Disclaimer & Affiliate Disclosure

    The information in this article is for informational and promotional purposes only and is not legal, financial, or professional advice. While we strive for accuracy, no warranties are made regarding completeness or timeliness. Readers should verify information independently. The publisher, affiliates, and contributors are not liable for errors, omissions, or losses from using this content.

    This article may contain affiliate links. Clicking these links and making a deposit may earn us a commission at no extra cost to you. These relationships do not affect our editorial integrity, and all evaluations are based on independent research.

    Online gambling is for those of legal age (19+ in Australia). Gambling carries financial risks and may lead to addiction. Play responsibly and seek help if needed. All trademarks are the property of their respective owners. This content is not endorsed by any brands unless stated.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/485f0d51-c3ad-496c-a269-ceba1851cf4e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/392641a0-20e8-45a8-856a-abfa70f0adc5

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI USA: Republican Tax Plan Fails in Budget Committee as Rep. Peters Urges Fiscal Sanity

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Peters (52nd District of California)

    Washington, D.C — Today, the House Budget Committee rejected the Republican tax plan, which will kick 13.7 million Americans off of their healthcare, by a vote of 21-16, with all Democrats and five Republicans voting against. During the committee’s consideration of the bill, Representative Peters urged his colleagues who have traditionally preached fiscal conservatism to reject the bill because it adds to the massive government debt and annual deficits. Many of the Republicans who voted no echoed Rep. Peters’ fiscal concerns. The Budget Committee is expected to reconsider the legislation on Sunday evening.

     

    During his remarks, Rep. Peters stated, “Unfortunately, this is from a budget perspective, a disaster for the United States, despite the flowery language you hear. Every year this country has been racking up $2 trillion of debt because we don’t pay our expenses. And that means, the national debt, unless we do something about that, will grow from 36 to 38 to 40 to 42 trillion. And despite all the cuts you hear about, none of them are applied to lowering that annual deficit number that adds to our national debt, not any of them.” 

     

    He continued, “Scott Besant, the Treasury Secretary, says we need to get our deficits down to 3% of GDP to dig out of this hole. Today, without this law, that’s going to take about $7 trillion of savings and revenues over the next 10 years. But when you add in the cost of this bill, this budget busting bill, that number goes to $11 to $12 trillion, we’re going to have to save over the next 10 years. This is not going in the right direction at all. 

     

    And he concluded, “The tax gap, the difference between what is owed and what we collect, is $697 billion. And what are we doing about that? We see DOGE cutting the IRS’s ability to collect taxes. This is irresponsible. It’s the wrong thing to do budget. We need a bipartisan process that deals with this honestly, with revenues and cuts. We don’t have it. Please vote this down.” 

     

    Representative Peters is the co-author of the Fiscal Commission Act, legislation to create a bicameral, and open-doored commission to tackle our nation’s long-term debt, help us avoid automatic and across-the-board cuts to Social Security and Medicare, and secure a more prosperous future for our children. 

     

    CA-50 Medicaid Facts:  

    1.       156,100 people in the district rely on Medicaid for health coverage—that’s 20 percent of all district residents. 

    a.       34,700 children in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

    b.       17,700 seniors in the district are covered by Medicaid. 

    c.       64,900 adults in the district have Medicaid coverage through Medicaid expansion—that includes pregnant women who are able to access prenatal care sooner because of Medicaid expansion, parents, caretakers, veterans, people with substance use disorder and mental health treatment needs, and people with chronic conditions and disabilities. 

    2.       At least five hospitals in the district had negative operating margins in 2022. These hospitals would be especially hard-hit by cuts to Medicaid. For example: 

    a.       Scripps Mercy Hospital had a negative 25.3 percent operating margin—and nearly 22 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    b.       Sharp Coronado Hospital had a negative 3.5 percent operating margin—and over 36 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    c.       University of California San Diego Medical Center had a negative 2.4 percent operating margin—and nearly 19 percent of its revenue came from Medicaid. 

    3.       There are 54 health center delivery sites in the district that serve 529,944 patients. 

    4.       Those health centers and patients rely on Medicaid—statewide, 69 percent of health center patients rely on Medicaid for coverage. 

    5.       Health centers will not be able to stay open and provide the same care that they do today, with more uninsured and underinsured patients. They are already operating on thin margins—in 2023, nationally, nearly half of health centers had negative operating margins. 

    6.       Medicaid cuts put health centers at risk, including: 

    a.       Family Health Centers of San Diego 

    b.       Neighborhood Healthcare 

    c.       North County Health Project 

    d.       San Diego American Indian Health Centers 

    e.       St. Vincent De Paul Village 

      

    ### 

    MIL OSI USA News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government’s Budget fails Māori

    Source: Green Party

    The Government has failed Māori and ignored its Te Tiriti obligations with its Budget, says Te Mātāwaka, the Green Party’s Māori and Pasifika Caucus. 

    “This Budget has no ambition for Māori and ignores te Tiriti o Waitangi. We deserve better and can do much better,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

    “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is a promise of protection, for our whānau and our whenua. A promise this Government has broken before and has broken again today with this Budget.

    “This Budget builds on the Government’s legacy of the Treaty Principles Bill, the disestablishment of Te Aka Whai Ora and the repeal of 7AA.

    “Budget 2025 strips the Māori Development fund by nearly $10 million, cuts funding to Whakaata Māori even deeper and leaves Whānua Ora with even less than what it was given in the last Budget which we know was far from enough. The cuts made to Māori housing today are also an absolute disgrace.

    “Christopher Luxon has clearly given up on even pretending to care about Māori, failing to show up at Waitangi and now failing to provide anything of substance for our communities with this Budget.

    “A Green Government will uphold te Tiriti o Waitangi in everything we do. We are here to honour the promises Aotearoa was founded upon.

    “We will fill the gaps in our health system that have failed our people across generations by bringing back Te Aka Whai Ora and rolling out free GPs across Aotearoa, especially in hard-to-reach communities. 

    “Our Hoki Whenua Mai policy means land back for tangata whenua and protection against further acquisitions from the Crown.

    “We can do all of this and more by making this a one-term Government, by demanding the rich pay their fair share, and by embedding te Tiriti o Waitangi as the poutokomanawa of our whare ora,” says Marama Davidson. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget 2025 delivers little to nothing for our youngest

    Source: Green Party

    The Government’s Budget offers little more than crumbs for our tamariki, while real issues in the ECE system are ignored.

    The Government’s Budget offers little more than crumbs for our tamariki, while real issues in the ECE system are ignored.

    “We would make ECE free, this Government has failed whānau by making it even more unaffordable. Our tamariki deserve better,” says Green Party spokesperson for Māori Education and Early Childhood Education Benjamin Doyle (they/them).

    “Every child in Aotearoa deserves an education that sets them up for success. That demands an ECE system that places tamariki at the heart.

    “Today’s minuscule offering in the Budget – an inflation adjustment of 0.5 per cent – isn’t enough to cover inflation. Effectively, ECE is getting a 1.6 per cent cut. 

    “While puna and kōhanga reo appear to receive marginal funding increases at first glance, a failure to match inflation or consider compounding under-funding year on year means there are real world cuts for both providers.

    “Instead of investing into our children’s critical early years, the Government continues to prop up a profit-driven system that relies on overcharging parents, underpaying kaiako and, as a result, short-changing our tamariki.

    “There’s no relief for whānau today. No overhaul for teachers who have been loudly calling for just that. No bold vision or imagination from our Government.

    “Our Green Budget clearly showed how we can cover the full cost of delivering quality ECE, ending subsidies to corporations and instead supporting community-based and public centres that prioritise the needs of our kids, not the interests of shareholders.

    “Poipoia te kākano kia puāwai. We must nurture our tamariki from day one, so they can flourish and thrive,” says Benjamin Doyle

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: ‘Growth Budget’ growing inequality and fuelling climate crisis

    Source: Green Party

    Budget 2025 represents a significant step backwards for Aotearoa, with the Government adding fuel to the fire when it comes to the climate and inequality crises, says the Green Party. 

    “This Budget is bad news for people and planet,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

    “Christopher Luxon clearly has no ambition for this country and not a care in the world when it comes to the climate crisis. This Budget will see more and more people living on the street, it will mean thousands more families struggling to put food on the table and it will result in more children growing up in poverty.

    “With cuts to Kiwi Saver, housing for the ‘right people,’ instead of all people and taking away money from whānau with babies, this Government has well and truly put its cards of cruelty on the table. We do not have to accept this and we can fight for a future where everyone has what they need on a planet with thriving nature and a stable climate.

    “A Green Government will do things differently. Instead of opening gas fields in the middle of the climate crisis, pushing people into poverty and punishing them for it, we will rapidly reduce emissions, reduce the cost of living and improve our quality of life,” says Marama Davidson.

    Green Party co-leader Chlöe Swarbrick says, “This is even worse than a BS budget. Not only is the Government shredding public services and giving up on reducing child poverty, they’re pouring oil and gas all over the climate crisis fire.

    “Resilient energy supply means investing in distributed renewable energy, not burning public money to subsidise new gas fields and fossil fuel executive profits.

    “Somehow even more bewildering, these very moves could compromise our Free Trade Agreements with the UK and EU. So much for ‘responsible economic managers.’

    “Last week, the Greens released our budget to show how we can reduce the cost of living, increase the quality of life and rapidly reduce climate changing emissions.

    “Today, the Government said ‘yeah,nah,’ to a liveable future for all of us,” says Chlöe Swarbrick.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Marine Department strengthens publicity of Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance ahead of Dragon Boat Festival

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Marine Department strengthens publicity of Marine Safety (Alcohol and Drugs) Ordinance ahead of Dragon Boat Festival 
         The Ordinance stipulates that any person involved in operating a vessel or performing designated duties relating to the safety and security of a vessel, or the protection of the marine environment, commits an offence if he/she is under the influence of alcohol or drugs to such an extent that he/she becomes incapable of having proper control of the vessel concerned or performing designated duties properly, or has an alcohol level exceeding the prescribed limit in the person’s body, or has any specified illicit drugs in the person’s body. Upon conviction, the maximum penalty is a fine of $25,000 and imprisonment for three years as well as disqualification from operating or performing designated duties on board or operating a vessel in Hong Kong waters for life.
     
         A spokesman for the MD said, “As everyone on board a dragon boat (including the helmsman, drummer, and paddlers) must work together to propel and navigate the boat, they are all considered as persons operating the boat under the Ordinance and are subject to the regulation of the Ordinance.” The MD urges members of the public not to paddle dragon boats while under the influence of alcohol or drugs in order to avoid accidents caused by impaired judgment and alertness, which may endanger their own safety and the safety of other people at sea.
     
         The MD has earlier briefed 11 sports associations or dragon boat competition organisations, and issued letters to organisers of dragon boat races, explaining the scope of the Ordinance. In order to strengthen publicity on the Ordinance, the MD also displayed banners at popular dragon boat venues, such as Shing Mun River in Sha Tin and typhoon shelters, as well as distributed posters and leaflets to dragon boat associations and paddlers.
     
         Water sports are popular among the public in summer. The MD therefore also reminds members of the public that individuals operating non-motorised vessels such as kayaks are subject to regulations under the Ordinance as well. Regular swimmers using buoyancy devices such as swimming rings and floating beds in a normal manner are not considered as operating vessels.
     
         The MD is actively helping members of the public to better understand the contents of the Ordinance through a series of promotional activities, including distributing leaflets to the public, displaying posters and banners at water sports hotspots, organising briefings for maritime industry players and stakeholders, and broadcasting a TV Announcement in the Public Interest (API) and a radio API. Members of the public are welcome to browse the MD’s websiteIssued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • PM Modi inaugurates Amrit Bharat Deshnoke Railway Station, flags off Bikaner-Mumbai train service

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the redeveloped Amrit Bharat Deshnoke Railway Station and flagged off the Bikaner-Mumbai train service in Rajasthan’s Bikaner district on Thursday. He also inspected an exhibition at the railway station and interacted with the students, who gifted him some paintings.

    Earlier, he landed at Nal Airbase in Bikaner and proceeded directly to the Karni Mata Temple in Deshnok. PM Modi offered prayers at the famous temple. Upon his arrival, the Prime Minister was received by Rajasthan Governor Haribhau Bagde, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, and Union Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal. Temple authorities welcomed him with a replica of the Karni Mata Temple, and he also offered ‘prasad’ and a donation at the sanctum.

    This is his first visit to Rajasthan following India’s attack on terror launch pads in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) on May 7. He will also address a large public meeting in Palana village near Bikaner.

    His total stay in Bikaner is scheduled for 3 hours and 25 minutes. This visit is reminiscent of his public address in Churu, delivered on the morning of the airstrikes following the Pulwama attack.

    The Prime Minister will depart for Palana village by road, a journey of about 8 kilometres. A massive crowd of over one lakh people is expected at the public meeting venue, where elaborate seating arrangements and a large pandal have been set up.

    During the event, PM Modi will inaugurate 103 Amrit Stations nationwide and lay the foundation stone for various development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore. These projects include 1,000 km of electrified railway tracks, seven major road projects, three vehicle underpasses, a PowerGrid transmission project and 900 km of national highways in Rajasthan. After the public meeting, the Prime Minister will return to Nal Airport by helicopter around 12.30 p.m. and depart for Delhi at around 1.15 p.m. (IANS)

  • Jitin Prasada urges innovation, new varieties to boost tea sales

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Commerce Minister Jitin Prasada on Thursday called for a renewed push to brand and market Indian teas, aiming to reassert India’s leadership in tea exports.

    Speaking at a convention in New Delhi to mark International Tea Day, Prasada emphasized the cultural and economic importance of tea in India and urged the industry to adopt innovation-driven strategies.

    Prasada called for developing new varieties of tea that appeal to younger and niche consumers. He stressed the need to ensure that all stakeholders — from growers to end consumers — benefit from better infrastructure and support.

    Commerce Secretary Sunil Barthwal underlined the need for enhanced “tea literacy” through awareness campaigns that showcase the unique attributes of Indian teas.

    The event featured several panel discussions on themes such as “Organic Teas: The Sustainable Way Ahead,” “Global Consumption Patterns – New Age Teas and Youth Connect,” and “India Teas – Looking Ahead.”

    In a statement, the Ministry of Commerce said the deliberations aimed at shaping “a brighter future for Indian tea through extensive branding and marketing initiatives in addition to quality control measures.”

    A highlight of the convention was the India Tea Appreciation Zone, where producers, exporters, small tea growers (STGs), farmer producer organisations (FPOs), and startups showcased a diverse range of teas. Offerings included premium single-origin teas from Darjeeling, Assam, Nilgiri, Kangra, and Sikkim, as well as innovative blends and flavoured teas — from classic masala chai to modern infusions — curated to appeal to evolving global tastes.

  • Indian All-Party Delegation Begins UAE Visit, Reaffirms Commitment to Counter-Terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An Indian all-party delegation arrived in the United Arab Emirates early Thursday morning, marking a significant step in New Delhi’s diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor. The initiative aims to engage key international partners on counter-terrorism cooperation and regional security concerns.
     
    Leading the delegation is Shiv Sena MP Dr. Shrikant Shinde. The team comprises a diverse group of Indian parliamentarians, including BJP MPs Bansuri Swaraj, Atul Garg, and Rajya Sabha member Manan Kumar Mishra, BJD’s Sasmit Patra, IUML MP E.T. Mohammed Basheer, senior BJP leader S.S. Ahluwalia, and former Ambassador Sujan Chinoy. Their collective presence signals a unified national stance on the global fight against terrorism.
     
    During their two-day stay in the UAE, the delegation will participate in high-level meetings in Abu Dhabi, beginning with an interaction with Sheikh Nahayan Mabarak Al Nahyan, UAE Minister of Tolerance and Coexistence. They are also scheduled to hold discussions at the Federal National Council with Dr. Ali Rashid Al Nuami and other senior council members.
     
    Additional meetings have been arranged with officials from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National Media Office. The delegation will engage with local media through an interaction with The National newspaper and participate in a session with strategic political affairs analyst Amjad Taha.
     
    A significant component of the visit includes outreach to the Indian diaspora community, with an event planned at the Indian Embassy’s auditorium in Abu Dhabi. This engagement reflects India’s emphasis on maintaining strong connections with its overseas communities while advancing diplomatic objectives.
  • MIL-OSI: Nokia and Three Sweden expand access to fast broadband through 5G Fixed Wireless Access for improved connectivity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    Nokia and Three Sweden expand access to fast broadband through 5G Fixed Wireless Access for improved connectivity

    • New options for high-speed broadband where fiber is unavailable.
    • Stronger local market presence for Nokia in Fixed Wireless Access (FWA).
    • Nokia FastMile 5G Gateway 2 brings faster high-performance broadband delivery.

    22 May 2025
    Espoo, Finland: Nokia has been selected by Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden) to supply its high-performance Fixed Wireless Access (FWA) technology towards Three’s Business to Business (B2B) customers. The collaboration enables Three Sweden to offer faster, more accessible, reliable high-capacity broadband to households and small businesses across the country – particularly in areas not yet covered by fiber networks.

    This milestone deployment brings a new, trusted Western vendor into the Swedish FWA market and strengthens Nokia’s position in one of the most competitive broadband markets in Europe. With Nokia’s FastMile 5G Gateway 2, users will benefit from easier access to reliable, high-speed internet where fiber is not available or would be too expensive to deploy. For consumers and businesses, this means the ability to stream, work, study and connect faster than ever before, even in hard-to-reach or underserved areas.

    “Our goal is to give customers broadband they can trust, which is fast, reliable and ready to support whatever they want to do online. Nokia’s solution gives us the quality and performance we need, and it’s backed by a company we know we can trust to scale with us,” said Patrik Flodin, Product Manager at Three Sweden.

    “Welcoming Three Sweden as a new customer is a significant moment in our FWA journey. This project reflects our shared ambition to deliver dependable, high-performance broadband experiences using mobile networks as the foundation. With one of the best 5G FWA solutions in the market, Nokia supports operators who want to scale fixed, wireless and mobile broadband quickly and cost-effectively,” added Peter Wennerström, Country Manager for Sweden at Nokia.

    This cooperation reinforces Nokia’s commitment to supporting service providers across Europe as they address the digital divide and offer high-performance connectivity to more users more efficiently.

    Multimedia, technical information and related news
    Product Page: Fixed Wireless Access

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About Hi3G Access AB (known as ‘Three’ in Sweden)
    Three Scandinavia (Hi3G Access AB) was founded in December 2000 with the vision of creating an entirely new platform for mobile communication. Today, Three owns and operates 3G, 4G, and 5G mobile networks in Sweden and Denmark and has approximately 2,000 employees. Three Scandinavia, part of the global 3 Group with operations in eleven countries, is owned by Hong Kong-based CK Hutchison (60%) and Swedish Investor AB (40%). Learn more about Three at www.tre.se and about the 3 Group at www.three.com.

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Follow us on social media
    LinkedIn X Instagram Facebook YouTube

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Wu Lei returns for China’s critical World Cup qualifiers

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

    Star forward Wu Lei is set to return to the national team from injury as China announced a 27-player roster on Thursday for the upcoming 2026 FIFA World Cup Asian qualifiers against Indonesia and Bahrain.

    Wu Lei (L) of China controls the ball during an international freindly match between New Zealand and China in Auckland, New Zealand, March 23, 2023. (Xinhua/Guo Lei)

    Wu, who had been sidelined for months with a severe knee injury, missed six consecutive World Cup qualifying matches since last October. He returned to the pitch in April and scored his first goal of the season last Saturday.

    Also included in the squad for the first time is 29-year-old naturalized midfielder Yang Mingyang from Chengdu Rongcheng. Yang previously represented Switzerland at youth international level.

    China is scheduled to face Indonesia away on June 5 before hosting Bahrain in Chongqing on June 10.

    With two rounds remaining, China and Bahrain both sit on six points, three behind group leader Indonesia. The Chinese team must win both matches to qualify for the playoff round of the Asian qualifiers.

    The 27-man roster is as follows:

    Goalkeepers: Yan Junling, Liu Dianzuo, Wang Dalei;

    Defenders: Jiang Guangtai, Wei Zhen, Yang Zexiang, Zhu Chenjie, Han Pengfei, Hu Hetao, Li Lei, Wu Shaocong, Wang Shiqin;

    Midfielders: Xu Haoyang, Yang Mingyang, Cao Yongjing, Sai Erjiniao, Huang Zhengyu, Xie Wenneng, Wang Shangyuan;

    Forwards: Wu Lei, Liu Ruofan, Liu Chengyu, Wei Shihao, Wang Ziming, Zhang Yuning, Lin Liangming, Wang Yudong.

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Green light for Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment to start in early 2026

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    The Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment, the largest-ever construction project to be led by the City of Greater Bendigo, will proceed.

    A flythrough video released today highlights stage one of the redevelopment and how it will transform the Gallery and deliver on the original scope of the project, which includes a second floor blockbuster exhibition space, an innovative learning centre, theatrette and Traditional Owner Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural materials.

    The City is seeking to deliver stage one for $45M and will call for expressions of interest in June for a head contractor for the project.

    The Gallery is expected to remain open until November this year while the procurement process takes place. Construction is expected to start in early 2026 and take approximately two years to complete, with the aim of re-opening in early 2028.

    To complete the project in its entirety, the City and Gallery will continue to seek $15M from the Federal Government to deliver stage two. An application for $15M still sits with the Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program, as the process was not completed before the Federal election.

    Stage two includes a dedicated gallery for Australian art (an additional 400m² of gallery space that was not part of the original project scope) and an elevated hospitality offering, featuring an improved café/restaurant incorporated into a redesigned sculpture annex and second floor function facility and terrace.

    To deliver stages one and two during the planned construction period, Federal funding would need to be confirmed by the end of this year. Although any additional funding secured would always be accommodated.

    The total project cost remains $54M. All funds raised to date have been put towards construction, however if Federal funding is secured it would mean some of the already committed funds can be reallocated to future programming for the new gallery spaces.

    City Chief Executive Officer Andrew Cooney said the Gallery redevelopment was an investment in the cultural and economic future of the region.

    “It is exciting to make this announcement today and confirm this city-defining project is going ahead. Over the past several months we have worked to refine the project scope and I am so pleased we can move forward with the budget available and deliver a fantastic outcome, with the option of a second stage should additional funding be secured,” Mr Cooney said.

    “Today’s announcement intends to give certainty to our community, particularly the many businesses that benefit from the tourism generated by the Gallery. The project will cement the Gallery’s reputation as a leading cultural institution in Australia and will trigger increased visitation to our region.

    “This news is also expected to encourage greater private sector investment in our city centre. Business owners can now be confident about the project’s future, factoring this into their current operations or potentially plan for other complementary business ventures.”

    Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said a number of small changes to the design had achieved important savings for the project.

    “This project will meet key objectives and realise our original vision to deliver ‘The People’s Gallery’ – a place that empowers the Bendigo and broader Victorian community through accessibility, education, shared economic benefit and celebrating Traditional Owners. The redevelopment will establish the Gallery as an international, world-class cultural facility for future generations,” Ms Bridgfoot said.

    “Savings were achieved by rearranging some of the features of the redevelopment, reducing back of house areas and locating offsite storage. Other minor structural changes also helped save on material and engineering costs.

    “The project was granted the necessary planning permits from the City and Heritage Victoria in 2024 to proceed, and has been reviewed favourably by the Office of the Victorian Architect.”

    As part of the redevelopment, the Gallery will become a trusted Place of Keeping for Dja Dja Wurrung cultural material and the façade of the building will feature a design by a Dja Dja Wurrung artist.

    Dja Dja Wurrung Group Chief Executive Officer Rodney Carter said he was excited by the opportunities presented by the redevelopment.

    “The Gallery’s commitment to celebrating and preserving Dja Dja Wurrung culture and art is a significant benefit that supports outcomes across the Closing the Gap framework. We look forward to continuing our partnership with the Gallery through a dedicated Place of Keeping, and fully support additional funding for the redevelopment to be fully realised,” Mr Carter said.

    It is widely recognised the Gallery is an important economic driver for Greater Bendigo and both the City and Gallery continue to plan for event attraction that will support tourism and businesses during the closure.

    “In the coming months, the City and Gallery look forward to announcing a family-friendly exhibition that will be staged in partnership with the Discovery Science and Technology Centre from March to November next year, as well as sharing highlights of the 2026 major events and activation calendar,” Ms Bridgfoot said.

    “Gallery staff are also planning now for how they will continue to deliver a public program that allows residents, visitors and students to engage with the arts in other locations while the Gallery is closed.

    “For now, it is business as usual and residents and visitors are encouraged to visit the Frida Kahlo – In her own image exhibition before it closes on Sunday July 13.”

    The construction budget is made up of $21M from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board and $9.35M from philanthropic donations, and is enough for the project to proceed.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Generous benefactors lead Bendigo Art Gallery philanthropic campaign

    Source: New South Wales Ministerial News

    A dedicated philanthropic fundraising campaign has ensured the Bendigo Art Gallery redevelopment can proceed.

    Led by the Sidney Myer Fund and The Ian Potter Foundation, contributing $4M and $3M respectively, together with a number of private donors, the philanthropic campaign has achieved a total of $9.35M to date. The largest private donation of $1.5M has come from arts philanthropist, Dr Mark Nelson, who has connections to the Bendigo region.

    The campaign, driven by the Gallery and a philanthropic fundraising committee chaired by Andrew Myer AM, has generated the largest-ever private investment in the development of civic infrastructure owned and operated by the City of Greater Bendigo.

    Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said this incredible financial support reflected the value of the Gallery to Greater Bendigo and to the state of Victoria.

    “Two of Australia’s most respected philanthropic foundations connected to the arts have embraced the opportunity to support our redevelopment, recognising the vital connection of culture and creativity to our community and the local economy,” Cr Metcalf said.

    “In particular, we are delighted to have the support of the Sidney Myer Fund, a name that has had a long connection to Bendigo and also to the Gallery, including the Sidney Myer Work on Paper Gallery added in 2014.

    “We sincerely thank Andrew Myer for chairing the fundraising committee and for his incredible enthusiasm for this project and the legacy it will leave.

    “Philanthropy is an incredible, living gift for those in the fortunate position to contribute in this way, and the City and Gallery are truly grateful to the foundations and individuals who have kindly chosen to contribute to this next chapter in the history of our esteemed Gallery.”

    Sidney Myer Fund Chairman Andrew Myer AM said his grandfather, Sidney Myer, opened the first Myer store in Bendigo 125 years ago and the city had been part of his family’s DNA ever since.

    “My grandfather believed strongly that art, culture and creativity were vital to a good life, and that everyone in the community deserved to have access. Bendigo Art Gallery puts that belief into action and the Sidney Myer Fund is delighted to be able to support this major redevelopment that will serve the people of Bendigo for decades to come,” Mr Myer said.

    The Ian Potter Foundation CEO Paul Conroy said the Foundation was delighted to support a regional gallery with such a strong reputation.

    “The redevelopment plans are impressive and focus on the Gallery’s ability to grow visitation and participation, including education programs. Investing in this project strengthens this community asset that will provide further benefits for the wider Bendigo community through access to the arts, increased tourism and subsequent economic growth,” Mr Conroy said.

    Bendigo Art Gallery Director Jessica Bridgfoot said this level of philanthropic support was unprecedented for Bendigo Art Gallery.

    “It is an acknowledgement of the transformative impact arts and culture can have on a regional community and we truly appreciate our donors’ investment in the Gallery and Greater Bendigo,” Ms Bridgfoot said.

    “During the construction phase, residents and patrons of the Gallery will have the opportunity to be part of this exciting project and make a philanthropic contribution of their own, with further details to be shared on how these funds will be used.

    “At the heart of this project has been a vision to ensure the redevelopment delivers ‘The People’s Gallery’ – a space that is dynamic, inviting, accessible and inspiring for all who visit.

    “We know the Gallery is treasured by our community and there will be many people, no matter the size of their donation, who will want to contribute to this transformative project for the Gallery and Greater Bendigo.”

    The construction budget is made up of $21M from the Victorian Government, $9M from the City of Greater Bendigo, $4M from the Gallery Board and $9.35M from philanthropic donations, and is enough for the project to proceed. 

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-Evening Report: Floods, fires and even terrorist attacks: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mitchell Sarkies, Senior Lecturer, Horizon Fellow and NHMRC Emerging Leadership Fellow at the Sydney School of Health Sciences, University of Sydney

    Floodwaters have engulfed large parts of New South Wales, with at least one person dead and almost 50,000 evacuated after days of heavy rainfall in a “one-in-500-year” flood event. The scale of the disaster is still unfolding and affected communities will be recovering for some time to come.

    One question worth asking is: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes?

    A growing body of research, including our own, has looked at how hospitals might contend with disasters like floods, bushfires, heatwaves, cyclones or even mass injury events such as a stadium collapse. The answer? There’s room for improvement.

    Australia is already prone to natural disasters, which are expected to become more frequent and severe as the climate changes.

    Research around the world shows hospital administrators can better plan for how they’d cope if a disaster or terrorist attack wiped out their hospital’s capacity to function normally.

    When flood strikes, large parts of the hospital stop working

    In March 2022, rapidly rising floodwaters on Australia’s east coast posed an imminent threat to Ballina Hospital, on the NSW far north coast.

    With a few hours’ notice, staff safely evacuated the whole hospital to a nearby high school. This included 55 patients, essential equipment, supplies and medications.

    Our study documented this remarkable achievement via seven interviews with doctors and nurses integral to the evacuation.

    Several key themes emerged:

    • communication was disrupted: there was no mobile phone reception. Field hospital staff requested a satellite phone, but it was sent without any battery charge or a charging device
    • staff shortages: flooded roads prevented doctors and nurses from reaching the hospital. However, they could get to the high school field hospital, which still had road access
    • managing volunteers was tricky: community support was praised. However, there were so many volunteers, security was called to ensure volunteers didn’t get into spaces that would compromise the patient confidentiality, privacy and safety
    • patient tracking was a challenge: it was hard to keep track of vulnerable evacuated patients with cognitive decline or behavioural impairment
    • transport had to be improvised: cars, buses and taxis were used to transport equipment, medication and supplies
    • triage for patient transfers and discharging was crucial: health professionals prioritised less critical patients first, as they often make up the majority. By swiftly addressing their needs, staff could then concentrate on the smaller group of patients requiring intensive care.

    Some workers, dealing with their own personal losses during the evacuation, had to be sent home. One staff member told us:

    There were a couple of nursing staff who also lived within the flood risk area, and they had children at home, so we needed to let them go home.

    Another said:

    We did end up with almost too many people wanting to help, which is lovely, but it becomes a problem because we don’t need this many people.

    A third staff member said:

    Everybody was accounted for. We had a list of patients at one end and then when they got there, they put a new list of who was there and who was coming; that was all written on a big whiteboard.

    Disaster simulation: when a semi-trailer crash causes a stadium collapse

    Natural disasters aren’t the only kind of catastrophe for which hospitals must prepare.

    Our research has also looked at how hospitals might contend with a human-made disaster such as a mass casualty or injury event.

    Our team studied a mass casualty simulation exercise at one of Australia’s largest public hospitals.

    More than 200 hospital staff participated in the three‐hour long exercise, which simulated a semi‐trailer crashing into a stadium grandstand. Some 120 “patients” were taken to the hospital with crush, burn, smoke inhalation and other injuries.

    In the simulation, clinicians had to adapt quickly. New patients were continuously coming via the ambulance ramp and private cars.

    Participants had to make rapid collective decisions on treatment and transfers based on patient conditions and severity.

    During the exercise, additional random disruptive scenarios were introduced to test the clinicians’ ongoing responses. This included the city mayor repeatedly calling the Hospital Emergency Operations Centre for updates.

    Some key challenges included:

    • some of the hypothetical patients died from a lack of critical care equipment
    • an overwhelming number of minor injuries had to be managed
    • clinicians were uncertain about how many casualties were en route to the hospital and how many beds to make available for them
    • a shortage of orderlies to accompany transfers from the emergency department to surgical theatres or for scans
    • difficulties in keeping track of patients and bed allocations.

    We also observed hospital staff adapting to the situation. This included:

    • paediatricians treating adult patients with minor injuries
    • staff fast‐tracking triage
    • staff manually ventilating patients using a specialised resuscitation balloon when mechanical ventilation equipment was unavailable
    • running scans and imaging in batches instead of individually, due to the limited number of orderlies.

    A growing body of research

    Research shows that despite many hospitals having excellent, longstanding hospital disaster management plans, things can still go wrong. After the Fukushima nuclear accident in Japan, nearly half of evacuated stroke and renal failure patients died in vehicles or on arrival to another hospital.

    Learning from hospital responses to disasters can help hospitals prepare for the future.

    Overall, our research shows many Australian hospitals have excellent disaster preparedness planning. However, some areas require improvement well before disaster strikes. Adapting on-the-fly as your hospital is inundated with floodwater or struck by another disaster means things have been left too late.

    Faran Naru is the recipient of a Macquarie University Research Excellence Scholarship (20203593). He works for the Australian government’s National Emergency Management Agency. This article reflects his work as a researcher, not the views of his employer.

    Janet Long, Jeffrey Braithwaite, Kate Churruca, and Mitchell Sarkies do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. Floods, fires and even terrorist attacks: how ready are our hospitals to cope when disaster strikes? – https://theconversation.com/floods-fires-and-even-terrorist-attacks-how-ready-are-our-hospitals-to-cope-when-disaster-strikes-257318

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Algeria officially becomes member country of New Development Bank

    Source: New Development Bank

    Algeria has officially become a new member country of the New Development Bank (NDB).

    On May 19, 2025, Algeria deposited its instrument of accession, in line with the provisions of the Articles of Agreement of the New Development Bank.

    “On behalf of New Development Bank, I truly congratulate Algeria for joining the Bank. Algeria plays an important role not only in the economy of Northern Africa, but also at a global scale, and will definitely contribute to enhancing NDB’s position in the global financial arena,” said H.E. Mrs. Dilma Rousseff, NDB President.

    “Rich in natural resources, with a dynamic economy and strategic geographic position, Algeria has immense potential for growth and development. NDB is fully committed to becoming a reliable and trustworthy partner for Algeria, supporting its sustainable development agenda,” said President Dilma Rousseff.

    “The New Development Bank is a financial institution mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects. It is a platform for collaboration and knowledge sharing among its member countries. Together with Algeria, we will work to finance impactful projects that drive progress, improve lives, and contribute to development,” added President Dilma Rousseff.

    “We are delighted to announce the formalization of Algeria’s membership of the New Development Bank and thus becoming a full member of this prestigious international financial institution,” said H.E. Mr. Abdelkrim Bouzred, Minister of Finance of the People’s Democratic Republic of Algeria. “This membership is a testament to our belief in this institution’s vital role in financing global development, and its status as a key player capable of providing alternative and innovative solutions to promote the growth and resilience of its member countries’ economies.”

    “I remain convinced that my country’s membership of the NDB will create promising opportunities for collaboration and mutual support,” said Mr. Abdelkrim Bouzred.

    NDB’s membership expansion is in line with the Bank’s strategy to become a leading provider of solutions for infrastructure and sustainable development for emerging market economies and developing countries (EMDCs).

     

    Background information

    Established in 2015 by BRICS countries (Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa), the New Development Bank is a multilateral development bank aimed at mobilizing resources for infrastructure and sustainable development projects in BRICS and other EMDCs. Complementing the ongoing efforts of other multilateral and regional financial institutions, NDB aims to contribute to global growth and development by helping address the needs and aspirations of EMDCs.

    Since its establishment in 2015, NDB approved over 120 investment projects totalling USD 40 billion and spanning several key areas, including clean energy and energy efficiency, transport infrastructure, environmental protection, water supply and sanitation, social infrastructure and digital infrastructure.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam Kikuta Yutaka, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They exchanged views on ASEAN-Japan relations, including Japan’s collaboration with Brunei Darussalam that contributes to the strengthening of ASEAN-Japan cooperation and advancing the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives Ambassador of Japan to Brunei Darussalam appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks

  • World is surprised seeing development in India, says PM Modi in Bikaner

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and laid the foundation for several major development projects worth over Rs 26,000 crore in Rajasthan’s Bikaner on Thursday. 
     
    He also inaugurated 102 redeveloped railway stations across 86 districts in 18 states and Union Territories under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme at a cost of approximately Rs 1,100 crore.
     
    These include a mix of major and minor stations spread across Andhra Pradesh, Assam, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Jharkhand, Karnataka, Kerala, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Puducherry, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Uttar Pradesh, and West Bengal.
     
    Addressing the public rally, PM Modi said, “Today, I came in front of you all after seeking the blessings of Karni Mata. Due to the blessings of Karni Mata, our resolution of Viksit Bharat is strengthening. Just a few minutes back, the inauguration and foundation stone of development projects worth Rs 26,000 crore were laid. I congratulate the people of Rajasthan for this.”
     
    “To make a Viksit Bharat, today, an extensive campaign is ongoing to develop a modernised infrastructure in the country. To modernise the roads, highways, trains and railway stations, work has been done with an unprecedented pace in the last 11 years. Today, the amount spent by the nation on these infrastructural developments is six times what was used before,” he said.
     
    “Today, even the world is surprised seeing the developmental works being carried out by India,” PM Modi said, giving examples of Chenab Bridge, Arunachal Pradesh’s Sela Tunnel, Mumbai’s Atal Setu and Pamban Bridge in South India.
     
    The Prime Minister also said that today, India is “modernising” its train network by introducing trains like Vande Bharat, Amrit Bharat and Namo Bharat trains, which shows the “new pace and progress of the country’s technology.”
     
    Earlier in the day, the Prime Minister also offered prayers at the sacred Karni Mata Temple, followed by a visit to the newly redeveloped Deshnoke railway station.
     
    This station is one of the 103 stations revamped under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
     
    PM Modi also flagged off the new Bikaner-Mumbai Express train.
     
    Under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme, railway stations across the country are being upgraded to offer enhanced passenger facilities, accessibility for Divyangjan (persons with disabilities), and culturally rich designs.
     
    A total of 103 stations, modernised for Rs 1,100 crore, were inaugurated by the Prime Minister. These include eight stations in Rajasthan — Fatehpur Shekhawati, Deshnok, Bundi, Mandalgarh, Gogamedi, Rajgarh, Govindgarh, and Mandawar-Mahua Road.
     
    The Deshnoke station, in particular, has been designed to reflect local architectural traditions, including temple-style arches and decorative pillars.
     
    As part of this vision, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for the 58 km Churu-Sadulpur rail line and dedicated the electrification of key railway sections, including Suratgarh-Phalodi (336 km), Phulera-Degana (109 km), Udaipur–Himmatnagar (210 km), Phalodi–Jaisalmer (157 km), and Samdari–Barmer (129 km).
     
    In terms of road infrastructure, the Prime Minister launched projects aimed at both enhancing civilian connectivity and strengthening national security.
     
    This includes laying the foundation for three vehicular underpasses on NH-58 in Pushkar, as well as the widening of NH-11 and NH-70.
     
    Additionally, he dedicated seven major national highway projects worth Rs 4,850 crore, which are expected to improve military mobility and boost the regional economy.
     
    The Prime Minister’s visit also emphasised India’s commitment to clean energy. He laid the foundation stone for several solar power initiatives, including a 300 MW ground-mounted solar project by NEEPCO in Bikaner and a 100 MW project by SJVN in Nawa.
     
    Solar projects in Didwana and Kuchaman were also initiated. Transmission systems under Powergrid’s Sirohi and Mewar divisions were launched to enhance grid connectivity.
     
    Furthermore, he inaugurated three key power infrastructure projects — Power Grid Neemuch Transmission System, a power evacuation project in Bikaner, and capacity expansion of the Fatehgarh-II Power Station.
     
    Among other projects, the 500 MW Kalasar and 300 MW Shimbhu Ka Bhurj solar power plants will play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s renewable energy framework, supported by indigenous solar PV modules under the “Make in India” mission.
     
    Strengthening regional connectivity further, the Prime Minister launched the upgradation and maintenance of 12 state highways covering 757 km under the Rajasthan State Highway Development Programme, with a total investment of Rs 3,240 crore.
     
    Prominent routes include Mangaliyawas-Padukalan (State Highway-102), Beawar-Tehla-Alniyawas (SH-59 and SH-104), and Dantiwada-Pipar-Merta City (SH-21).
     
    Plans are in place for the future upgradation of another 900 km of roadways, including the Gotan-Sathin Highway, linking industrial and border areas more efficiently.
     
    To bolster the state’s healthcare infrastructure, the Prime Minister also inaugurated four new nursing colleges in Rajsamand, Pratapgarh, Bhilwara, and Dholpur.
     
    These institutions will help strengthen the healthcare workforce and improve access to quality medical education across Rajasthan.
     
    In addition, two electrical substations — 132 kV GSS Rajpura in Bikaner and 132 kV GSS Sarda in Udaipur — will be inaugurated to improve power distribution in the region.
     
    These upgrades are a vital part of ensuring a stable and reliable energy supply across the state.
     
    –IANS
  • CAQM invokes Stage-I of GRAP in NCR to curb worsening air quality

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has invoked Stage-I of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) across the entire National Capital Region (NCR), as Delhi’s air quality continues to linger in the ‘Poor’ category with no significant signs of improvement.

    According to the daily Air Quality Index (AQI) bulletin by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Delhi’s AQI on May 21 stood at 213—placing it in the ‘Poor’ category. Over the past two days, the AQI has been hovering slightly above the 200 mark, with only marginal improvements predicted by forecasts from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD) and the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology (IITM).

    The poor air quality has been primarily attributed to variable wind conditions.

    In response, the Sub-Committee met to assess the situation and, based on current data and forecasts, decided to invoke all measures under Stage-I of GRAP across the NCR. The primary aim of this preemptive action is to prevent further deterioration of the region’s air quality and to avoid slipping into more severe air quality categories.

    Stage-I of GRAP includes a 27-point action plan to be implemented by various agencies including the Pollution Control Boards of the NCR states and the Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC). These measures primarily focus on controlling dust from construction and demolition (C&D) activities, ensuring proper waste management, intensifying mechanized road cleaning, enforcing emission norms, and promoting cleaner fuels and transportation options.

    Some of the immediate steps include strict enforcement of dust mitigation at C&D sites, regular removal of municipal and industrial waste, increased use of anti-smog guns and water sprinkling on roads, prohibition of open waste burning, and stringent vehicle emission checks. Agencies have also been directed to regulate industrial emissions, ensure use of approved fuels, and penalize violations rigorously.

    To support these efforts, citizens have been urged to comply with the GRAP Stage-I Citizen Charter. This includes maintaining vehicle fitness and pollution control certificates, avoiding the use of outdated vehicles, refraining from open burning or the use of firecrackers, reporting pollution-related activities through mobile applications like 311 App, Green Delhi App, and SAMEER, and adopting eco-friendly habits such as tree plantation and unified commuting.

    Additionally, eateries and restaurants are required to switch to electricity or clean fuel-based appliances, avoiding the use of coal or firewood in tandoors. DISCOMs have been instructed to minimize power outages to reduce reliance on diesel generator sets.

    The CAQM has also called for widespread dissemination of information related to pollution levels, measures being taken, and avenues for public complaints through mobile apps, social media, and bulk SMS campaigns. Agencies have been asked to ensure swift redressal of complaints to bolster public participation in tackling the pollution crisis.

    The Commission emphasized that it would closely monitor the air quality situation and review the implementation of these measures. Depending on the evolving AQI trends and future forecasts, further stages of GRAP could be activated if necessary.

    With the air quality situation in a precarious state, the CAQM has reiterated the urgent need for collective responsibility, both from authorities and citizens, to ensure timely and effective action to safeguard public health and the environment in the National Capital Region.

  • MIL-Evening Report: Too many people with back pain call ambulances or visit the ED. Here’s why that’s a problem

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Vella, Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Institute for Musculoskeletal Health, University of Sydney

    Rose Marinelli/Shutterstock

    Around 4 million Australians experience back problems and people are increasingly calling ambulances and presenting to emergency departments to manage back pain.

    Yet most of these cases of back pain don’t require emergency care. Back pain is a symptom rather than a disease. When symptoms last more than 12 weeks it is referred to as chronic back pain. The most common form of back pain is non-specific back pain – this term is given when no tissue or structure can be identified as the cause.

    Non-specific back pain usually best managed in primary care, by GPs and allied health professionals.

    Once people with non-serious back pain contact emergency health services, they are more likely to receive care that isn’t recommended and is considered low-value and, sometimes, harmful.

    This may include unnecessary laboratory investigations, such as blood tests, and imaging, such as x-rays, CT scans or MRIs. One-third of imaging requests for back pain in emergency departments aren’t clinically warranted and are judged as inappropriate.

    However, in some instances it is recommended that people with back pain contact an ambulance or present to the emergency department. This includes when back pain is a result of trauma, when people live alone without access to carers, when people have other complex presentations, and when people show signs of potentially serious conditions.

    Unnecessary hospital admissions are costly to the health system and can cause patients harm. Almost one in four (24%) of those admitted to hospital for back pain acquire infections or experience falls.

    Medications prescribed in hospital can also have negative consequences for the patient. Nearly one in ten patients with back pain are still taking opioids after discharge, with risk of dependency and overdose. One in three patients continue to use opioids one month after their emergency department visit.




    Read more:
    Opioids don’t relieve acute low back or neck pain – and can result in worse pain, new study finds


    The influx of back pain presentations to emergency health services also has ramifications for emergency department overcrowding and ambulance ramping. This means other ambulance patients cannot enter the emergency department and results in longer waiting times.

    Why is this happening?

    In primary health care, the management of back pain is well established in clinical practice guidelines. But emergency health services don’t have guidelines specific to low back pain. This is likely due to the lack of evidence from these settings (though the evidence-base has increased over the past five years).

    The lack of specific guidance means there is a high likelihood of people both missing out on the right care and receiving the wrong care.

    A key challenge for emergency clinicians is discriminating between patients with back pain that require emergency care from those who do not.

    One Australian study found 38% of patients in the emergency department who were initially diagnosed with non-serious back pain were later found to have a specific pathology, such as an infection, during hospital admission. In cases such as these, further diagnostic investigation and emergency care is necessary.

    But nearly half of ambulance and emergency department patients without serious pathology receive unnecessary care. Our recent study found 81% of people who presented to ambulance service with non-traumatic back pain were transferred to the emergency department.

    If you call an ambulance or go to an emergency department for non-specific back pain, you’re more likely to receive unnecessary care.
    Shutterstock

    Once in the emergency department, 46% of ambulance patients received opioids, 59% received imaging and 50% were admitted. However, it’s unclear what proportion actually required emergency department care.

    Clinicians are required to make quick decisions about patient care. For paramedics, limited scope of medications and access to community health services, particularly outside of business hours, ultimately leaves them with no other option but to transport the patient to hospital.

    Emergency department clinicians have to manage people with complex presentations and multiple conditions and address patient expectations about opioids and imaging. This can influence their decisions about care.

    How can emergency back pain care be improved?

    A key area for improvement is reducing the use of opioids. An New South Wales trial reduced opioid use for back pain in emergency departments by 43% by introducing a new model of care. The model involved clinician education, implementation of non-opioid provisions such as heat packs, and timely referrals to outpatient services such as specialist back clinics.

    This approach will now be scaled up to include 44 emergency departments across NSW. If successful, it could be rolled out across the country.

    Virtual hospitals have also been implemented to reduce in-person presentations to emergency departments for back pain, which often means people with back pain can receive care while remaining in their home. However, the effectiveness and safety of this new service has not yet been established, though research is underway.

    The Australian government has promised to open more Urgent Care Clinics, where people with urgent but not life-threatening complaints can be managed by a doctor, nurse, or in some cases, a physiotherapist. The service allows people with back pain to still receive in-person care while diverting them away from the emergency department. But while they seem like a good idea, we have little or no evidence on their value.

    To reduce the burden that back pain places on emergency health services, changes need to be made across all health system-levels. But these changes must be backed by reliable research evidence.

    Better information for patients and clinicians

    The general public needs to be aware when and where to seek appropriate care for back pain. This can be achieved through successful health promotion initiatives.

    For clinicians, specific guidelines for back pain need to be developed and implemented into ambulance and hospital emergency departments to improve decision-making and reduce unnecessary care escalation. Policymakers, health service managers and stakeholders need to revise current policy to align with the most recent evidence.

    Additionally, easy-to-access referral pathways need to be developed between emergency health and community health services to keep people with non-serious back pain out of hospital, to reduce their risk of receiving unnecessary and costly care.

    Simon Vella receives grant funding from HCF Research Foundation, Health Service Research Grant Scheme and the Australian Chiropractors Education Research Foundation. Simon is a board member of Chiropractic Australia Research Foundation.

    Christopher Maher has a research fellowship from National Health and Medical Research Council, grants from National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, New South Wales Health, Ramsay Hospital Research Foundation, HCF Research Foundation, ArthritisAustralia, Australian Rheumatology Association, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, and Sao Paulo Research Foundation.

    Gustavo Machado has an investigator grant from the National Health and Medical Research Council. He also holds research grants from the National Health and Medical Research Council, Medical Research Future Fund, and HCF Research Foundation.

    ref. Too many people with back pain call ambulances or visit the ED. Here’s why that’s a problem – https://theconversation.com/too-many-people-with-back-pain-call-ambulances-or-visit-the-ed-heres-why-thats-a-problem-255776

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Greenpeace response to refusal of North West Shelf reconsideration request

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    SYDNEY/PERTH, Thursday 22 May 2025 — In response to the refusal of Greenpeace’s reconsideration request for Woodside’s North West Shelf project extension, Geoff Bice, WA Campaign Lead at Greenpeace Australia Pacific, said: 

    “We are deeply disappointed the impacts to Scott Reef and the threatened species that call it home will not be considered by the Minister in regards to Woodside’s proposal to extend the lifespan of its North West Shelf project. 

    “The primary purpose of Woodside’s North West Shelf extension is to process gas from the Browse gas field underneath Scott Reef — the Minister should be looking at these gas mega projects as a whole, rather than broken into arbitrary pieces.

    “The North West Shelf facility is one of Australia’s dirtiest and most polluting fossil fuel projects — the decision to refuse Greenpeace’s reconsideration request brings Woodside one step closer towards drilling for dirty gas at Scott Reef. 

    “If we are serious about tackling climate pollution and protecting nature, we should be closing down polluting fossil fuel facilities when they come to their end of life, not extending them to allow for new gas fields to open. Greenpeace and our supporters will continue fighting to protect Scott Reef from Woodside’s destructive plans.”

    -ENDS-

    For more information or interviews contact Kate O’Callaghan on 0406 231 892 or [email protected]

    MIL OSI NGO

  • Operation Sindoor: Indian parliamentary team in Tokyo to rally support against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A high-level all-party parliamentary delegation, led by Janata Dal (United) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha, reached Tokyo on Thursday as part of a five-nation diplomatic outreach under ‘Operation Sindoor’. The initiative is aimed at highlighting India’s firm stance against cross-border terrorism following the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam.

    “An All-Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Hon’ble MP Sanjay Kumar Jha has arrived in Tokyo and was welcomed by Ambassador Sibi George. India’s unwavering stand against cross-border terrorism, as demonstrated in Operation Sindoor, will be highlighted in all engagements,” the Indian Embassy in Japan said in a post on X.

    The nine-member delegation includes a diverse political representation with BJP MPs Dr. Hemang Joshi, Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, and Pradan Baruah; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee; and Ambassador Mohan Kumar. The tour, which spans Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, the Republic of Korea, and Singapore, aims to brief international partners about India’s decisive response to terrorism and its broader anti-terror framework.

    The group was briefed at the Indian Embassy, where George provided a detailed overview of Japan’s stance and reaction to the recent terror attack. He noted that Japan was among the first nations to respond to the attack, underscoring Tokyo’s solidarity with India in the fight against terrorism.

    “Our parliamentary delegation is here to strongly present India’s position on cross-border terrorism,” George said. “This engagement is crucial in setting the tone for strong international messaging against terrorism.”

    BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi expressed optimism about the outreach’s effectiveness, saying, “The visit started with an in-depth discussion at the Indian Embassy in Japan. We were briefed by Ambassador Sibi George on Japan’s perspective regarding the Pahalgam attack. This diplomatic outreach, initiated by Prime Minister Modi’s government, is a well-thought-out exercise to communicate India’s united stand to the global community.”

    Jha emphasized the need to expose what he called Pakistan’s state policy of sponsoring terrorism. “Terrorism is a part of Pakistan’s state policy. Operation Sindoor is a reflection of our resolve. We want the world to know that India will not tolerate terrorist activities supported and perpetrated by Pakistan. Enough is enough,” he said before departing from India.

    CPI(M) MP John Brittas, part of the delegation, noted that the initiative demonstrates national consensus on the issue of terrorism. “We are united as a nation in condemning terrorism in all forms. Our delegation’s purpose is to project that unity and resolve globally.”

    The delegation is set to hold discussions with senior Japanese government officials, including the Foreign Minister, and engage with key policymakers and diplomatic figures. Similar high-level meetings are scheduled throughout the other four countries on the tour.

    India launched Operation Sindoor in response to the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack, carrying out precision strikes on terror infrastructure in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoJK). In retaliation to subsequent Pakistani aggression, the Indian Armed Forces targeted Pakistani airbases. Following a call from Pakistan’s Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) to his Indian counterpart, both nations have agreed to halt further military actions.

    ANI

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Budget to increase energy hardship

    Source: Green Party

    Budget 2025 delays our transition to a low emissions and low-cost energy network, this will put even more pressure on households, businesses and the climate. 

    “This Budget doesn’t leave enough to keep the lights on, let alone spark the transition towards a low-emissions and low-cost electricity network,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Energy, Scott Willis.

    “Stripping $56 million from the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority comes on top of last year’s vicious cut. This cut is effectively delivering energy hardship to those who are already struggling.

    “Aotearoa can be a country where every home is powered with clean, green affordable energy that lowers our emissions and lowers costs on households. However, this will require action and ambition, something that is completely missing in this Budget. 

    “A meagre $2 million for households to counter energy hardship is a joke when we know there’s some 110,000 households doing it tough.

    “Since the Government has come into power we have seen the preservation of an energy market that prioritises profit and fossil fuels over our communities and the climate. This Budget further cements that direction and opens the door wide open to more fossil fuelled climate disasters. 

    “A Green Government would separate the gentailers that are dominating the energy market and invest $4.8 billion in renewables over four years directly in new renewable energy and storage to benefit both people and planet in the long and short term. We can have cleaner, cheaper, smarter power with the right political will.  

    “Through a mix of grants and interest-free loans, our Green Budget would create a Clean Power Payment to help people cover the upfront cost of zero carbon upgrades and energy efficiency.

    “It’s not inevitable that thousands of people have to choose between heating and eating. Our energy network needs to work for us, instead of serving shareholders. 

    “We can build a more sustainable and affordable energy network that puts people and planet before the profits of our gentailers,” says Scott Willis.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Housing crisis will rage on with Budget 2025

    Source: Green Party

    Budget 2025 makes clear that the Coalition Government has no long-term plan to help communities most in need of public housing.

    “This Budget treats housing like a game of monopoly, where a select few get homes while others are left out in the cold,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Housing, Tamatha Paul. 

    “By cutting more money from social and transitional housing, the Māori Housing Programme and emergency housing, this Government for landlords has abandoned all hope of solving the housing crisis. 

    “The callous decision to completely scrap emergency housing is paired with scaling down the long-term solutions of public housing. It’s clear this Government simply doesn’t care about people forced to sleep on the streets.

    “When we hear the Minister talking about housing the ‘right people’ you know the Government is only looking out for a select few. Everybody needs housing – nobody can live a meaningful, fulfilling life without it.

    “We need to ensure everyone has a home, but the Government has pulled the pin on large-scale public housing projects by Kāinga Ora that would have made a big dent in the backlog of people waiting for homes. This includes homeless whānau, people living in tents and those in overcrowded homes. Now families are left prey to the market which has more interest in profit than well-being.

    “Public housing is as vital as public health and public education. It’s a human right – one this Government is denying.

    “Under our Green Budget, we would build 35,000 new public homes in five years to clear the public housing waitlist and ensure everyone can live in a warm, healthy home because we don’t believe anybody should be left on the street.

    “The housing crisis in Aotearoa is spiralling out of control amid rising poverty and homelessness. But instead of fixing it, the Government is making excuses. It’s time to empower Kāinga Ora to build big, and build fast,” says Tamatha Paul.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Minister for the Environment missing in action in Budget 2025

    Source: Green Party

    Budget 2025 makes it crystal clear that this Government has no interest in protecting nature or securing a liveable future for our tamariki.

    Budget 2025 makes it crystal clear that this Government has no interest in protecting nature or securing a liveable future for our tamariki.

    “Our environment is in crisis. This Budget proves the Government simply does not care,” says the Green Party’s spokesperson for Environment, Lan Pham.

    “They have no understanding that their so-called ‘laser-focus’ on the economy makes them blind to the indisputable fact that there is no economy without a functional environment.

    “Not only is there no new funding in Budget 2025 for environmental protection, but they’ve taken cuts further than we even thought possible. They’ve raided the waste levy and initiatives which were designed to provide at least some basic level of protection for te taiao.

    “While our communities are crying out for action, the Minister for the Environment is nowhere to be seen. 

    “We needed bold investment and courageous action today. Instead, we got cut after cut after cut. 

    “It doesn’t have to be this way. Our Green Budget, with our Green Jobs Guarantee and expanded Jobs for Nature package, would provide credible support for green infrastructure, oceans, native forests, conservation, and climate resilience, allowing nature to flourish and thrive. 

    “A better path was possible today. Instead, the Government chose to plunder our whenua and hand it to the highest bidder,” says Lan Pham.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: RUBIS: Evolutions at the Supervisory Board and its Committees – Communication following the requests received for the inclusion of resolutions to the agenda of the Shareholders’ Meeting of 12 June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Paris, 22 May 2025, 7:45am

    1.  The Supervisory Board announces the cooptation of Antoine Sautenet and reorganises its specialised Committees following Nils Christian Bergene’s departure

    Following Nils Christian Bergene’s departure on 15 May 2025, the Supervisory Board decided at its meeting on 21 May 2025, upon the Compensation, Appointments and Governance Committee’s recommendation, to coopt Antoine Sautenet, Head of Sustainable Development at Michelin, as independent member of the Supervisory Board.

    Antoine Sautenet joins the Board, effective 21 May 2025 and subject to ratification by the upcoming Shareholders’ Meeting, for the remainder of Nils Christian Bergene’s term of office, i.e., until the end of the Shareholders’ Meeting to be held in 2027 to approve the financial statements for the 2026 fiscal year. Antoine Sautenet’s profile was identified during the appointment process to enrich the work of the Board. He will bring his expertise to the Board, particularly in the areas of corporate social and environmental responsibility (CSR) and climate issues.

    Upon the Supervisory Board’s recommendation, the Managing Partners have included a new resolution to the agenda of the next annual Shareholders’ Meeting scheduled for 12 June 2025 and invites shareholders to ratify this co-optation in accordance with applicable regulations.

    The composition of the Board Committees has also been adjusted to reflect the new composition of the Board, in line with the Board succession plan. Alberto Pedrosa (independent member) has been appointed, with immediate effect, Chairman of the Audit and CSR Committee, which Marc-Olivier Laurent (independent member) joins as ex officio member in his capacity as the new Chairman of the Board. Benoît Luc (independent member) joins the Compensation, Appointments and Governance Committee, replacing Nils Christian Bergene. The Audit and CSR Committee and the Compensation, Appointments and Governance Committee comprise 100% independent members.

    2.  The Supervisory Board issued a positive opinion on the two proposed resolutions submitted by Compagnie Nationale de Navigation (CNN), which the Managing Partners have consequently approved, upon the Supervisory Board’s recommendation

    As indicated in its press release dated 16 May 2025, Rubis received on 15 May 2025, from Compagnie Nationale de Navigation (CNN), a request to add two resolutions to the agenda. These resolutions pertain to the appointment of Patrick Molis and Anne Lauvergeon as members of the Supervisory Board, for a term of three years.

    The Supervisory Board, which met on 21 May 2025, expresses a favourable opinion regarding the appointment of these two candidates. The Board believes that the proposals to appoint Patrick Molis and Anne Lauvergeon, as independent members, do not alter the overall composition of the Supervisory Board and were submitted following discussions between the Company and CNN, a shareholder with a 9.3% stake, demonstrating CNN’s willingness to engage in a constructive dialogue, to which the Supervisory Board, representing shareholders, is sensitive.

    It was also noted that CNN, which has engaged in a constructive manner and has a significant stake in the Company’s share capital, supports all the resolutions proposed by the Managing Partners and endorsed by the Supervisory Board.

    Patrick Molis also expressed his desire to contribute to the ongoing improvement of the functioning of the Supervisory Board following the strengthening of its duties formalised in October 2024 and, in this regard, proposed the appointment of a new independent member, Anne Lauvergeon.

    Finally, committed to complying with the corporate governance rules applicable to the Group, the Supervisory Board emphasised that the members of the Compensation, Appointments and Governance Committee had the opportunity to interview both candidates.

    The Managing Partners added these two draft resolutions to the agenda of the Shareholders’ Meeting of 12 June 2025 and decided to approve these two nominations, following the favourable opinion of the Supervisory Board, on its own composition, which it has always followed. Shareholders are therefore also invited to approve the two draft resolutions submitted to the vote of the Shareholders’ Meeting of 12 June 2025, at the initiative of CNN.

    Consequently, if the resolutions proposed or approved by the Supervisory Board are adopted, the Supervisory Board will be composed, following the Shareholders’ Meeting of 12 June 2025, of 14 members, including 13 independent members (i.e., 93%) and six women (i.e., 43%).

    3.  Request for amendment to the by-laws relating to the methods used to calculate the dividend of the General Partners

    At its meeting on 20 May 2025, the Managing Partners reviewed a request to include a draft resolution submitted by a shareholder1 representing approximately 2.78% of Rubis’ share capital, dated 17 May 2025 and brought to Rubis’ attention on 19 May 2025, aimed at amending Article 56 of Rubis’ by-laws relating to the methods used to calculate the dividend of the General Partners, so as to provide that the Total Shareholder Return (TSR) would now be calculated on the basis of the highest of the average of the opening prices of the last 20 trading days of all the fiscal years preceding the Relevant Fiscal Year, without any time limit.

    Rubis reiterates its strong commitment to ensuring the best possible alignment between the interests of all shareholders and those of the General Partners, and notes that the current Total Shareholder Return formula, calculated by reference to the three financial years preceding the financial year in which a possible dividend payment to General Partners is determined, is the result of an evolution proposed in line with expressed expectations. It was approved with very wide support by shareholders, representing 99.8% of the votes cast at the Extraordinary Shareholders’ Meeting of 9 December 2020.

    This method currently in force ensures a certain stability in the assessment of Rubis’ performance and is consistent with the structural shift in the valuation of European companies operating in the fossil fuel sector. It is moreover recalled that this method did not result in any dividend distributions to General Partners for fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023.

    Considering the complexity and sensitivity of each of the parameters on which the formula is based, any new evolution to the General Partners dividend mechanism requires in-depth simulations and analysis to measure its direct and indirect effects, with a view to proposing a formula that protects the interests of shareholders and all other Rubis stakeholders.

    Acknowledging in particular the absence of approval by the General Partners for this proposed amendment to the by-laws, which therefore could not be implemented in accordance with the provisions of the French Commercial Code, the Managing Partners had no option but to conclude that the proposed resolution should not be included on the agenda of the Shareholders’ Meeting scheduled to be held on 12 June 2025.

    However, following discussions with this shareholder as part of its shareholder engagement, to which it pays close attention, Rubis will conduct an in-depth analysis of a possible evolution to the methods for calculating the dividend of the General Partners, which could be submitted, as appropriate, upon completion of this analysis and under an appropriate corporate governance framework, at the annual Shareholders’ Meeting to be held in 2026.

    The resolution proposals submitted by CNN, along with their statements of reasons and the opinions of the Supervisory Board and the Managing Partners, are covered in an Addendum that complements the main Notice of Meeting for the Shareholders’ Meeting. This Addendum is available on Rubis’ website: https://www.rubis.fr/en/investors/shareholders-meetings/.

    BIOGRAPHY OF ANTOINE SAUTENET

    With a PhD in international law and a master’s degree in economics from the École normale supérieure in Rennes, Antoine Sautenet is currently Michelin Group’s Director of Sustainable Development. He is responsible for orchestrating the social and environmental aspects of the Group’s CSR performance.

    Within the Michelin Group, Antoine Sautenet previously held various positions in charge of public affairs and international trade in North America (Michelin representative in Canada) (2019 to 2022), Asia (Thailand) (2016 to 2019) and Europe (Paris) (2013 to 2016). He was also a project officer at the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a research associate at the Asia Centre of the French Institute for International Relations (IFRI).

    BIOGRAPHY OF PATRICK MOLIS

    Patrick Molis is the Chairman of CNN, a successor to Navale Worms, a historical branch of the Worms Group founded in the 19th century and specialising in shipping and logistics, particularly oil.

    CNN was acquired in 1999 by Patrick Molis, and has developed in land-based oil logistics (Compagnie Industrielle Maritime, TRAPIL), specialised shipping on ro-ro vessels for the benefit of Arianespace, Airbus, the French Armed Forces, air transport with Héli-Union, a company operating helicopters for transport to oil and gas platforms and maintenance in operational conditions of helicopters for the benefit of the French Armies.

    The historical operations have been gradually sold and CNN has focused on acquiring stakes in the industrial, maritime, logistics, energy, aeronautics and defense sectors.

    Patrick Molis, through CNN, also participated in the refinancing and takeover of the Arc Group, the world’s leading glassmaker, concluded in April 2025.

    He is an Officer of the French National Order of Merit and a Knight of the Légion d’honneur.

    BIOGRAPHY OF ANNE LAUVERGEON

    Anne Lauvergeon has led the French nuclear industry for a decade, as Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of Areva NC from June 1999 to July 2011, then Chairwoman of the Management Board (Directoire) of Areva from July 2001 to June 2011.

    From 1997 to 1999, she was a member of the Executive Committee of Alcatel, in charge of international and industrial investments; from 1995 to 1997, Managing Partner of Lazard Frères & Cie. In 1990, she was assigned as a special advisor for international economy and foreign trade at the French Presidency, then from 1991 to 1995, Deputy Secretary General and sherpa to the French President for the organisation of international summits (G7/G8).

    She was ranked twice by Time Magazine among the 100 most influential people in the world. She also has more than 30 years of experience on Boards of Directors and co-chairs the Medef State Simplification and Reform Commission.

    She is an Officer of the French National Order of Merit and an Officer of the Légion d’honneur.

    Media Relations Contact
    RUBIS – Communication RUBIS – Clémence Mignot-Dupeyrot, Head of IR
    Tel. : + 33 (0)1 44 17 95 95

    presse@rubis.fr

    Tel. : + 33 (0)1 45 01 87 44

    investors@rubis.fr


    1 The funds Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund, Tweedy, Browne Value Fund, Tweedy, Browne Worldwide High Dividend Yield Value Fund et Tweedy, Browne International Value Fund II – Currency Unhedged.

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI: Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Euronext launches an offering of bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (“OCEANEs”) for a nominal amount of €425 million

    Amsterdam, Brussels, Dublin, Lisbon, Milan, Oslo and Paris – 22 May 2025 – Euronext (ISIN Code: NL0006294274) (the “Company”), the leading European capital market infrastructure, announces today the launch of an offering of senior unsecured bonds due 2032 convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares of the Company (“OCEANEs”) (the “Bonds”), by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (as defined below)), for a nominal amount of €425 million (the “Offering”).

    On 17 April 2025, the Company entered into a bridge loan facility with, among others, affiliates of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering, to finance the acquisition of Admincontrol. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used by the Company for the repayment of a portion of such bridge financing and general corporate purposes.

    Main terms of the Bonds

    The Bonds will be issued with a denomination of €100,000 each (the “Principal Amount”), will be convertible and/or exchangeable into new and/or existing shares of Euronext (the “Shares”) and are expected to pay a fixed coupon at a rate between 1.5% and 2.0% per annum, payable semi-annually in arrear on 30 May and 30 November of each year (or on the following business day if this date is not a business day), and for the first time on 30 November 2025.

    The initial conversion price of the Bonds will be set between 30% and 35% above the Company’s reference share price on the regulated market of Euronext in Paris (“Euronext Paris”)1. The final terms and conditions of the Bonds are expected to be determined following the completion of the bookbuilding process later today, and settlement and delivery of the Bonds is expected to take place on 30 May 2025 (the “Issue Date”).

    Unless previously converted, exchanged, redeemed or purchased and cancelled, the Bonds will be redeemed at par on 30 May 2032 (or on the following business day if such date is not a business day) (the “Maturity Date”).

    The Bonds may be redeemed prior to the Maturity Date at the option of the Company, under certain conditions.

    In particular, the Bonds may be fully redeemed early at par plus any accrued interest at the Company’s option, subject to a prior notice of at least 30 (but not more than 60) calendar days, (i) at any time from 20 June 2030 (inclusive), if the arithmetic average, calculated over a period of 10 consecutive trading days chosen by the Company from among the 20 consecutive trading days preceding the day of the publication of the early redemption notice, of the daily products on each of such 10 consecutive trading days of the volume weighted average price of the Shares on Euronext Paris over the applicable conversion price on each such trading day, exceeds 130%; or (ii) at any time if 80% or more in principal amount of the Bonds issued (which shall, for the avoidance of doubt, include any tap issues of the Bonds) have been converted/exchanged and/or redeemed and/or purchased by the Company and cancelled.

    Bondholders will be granted the right to convert or exchange the Bonds into new and/or existing Shares (the “Conversion/Exchange Right”) which they may exercise at any time from the 41st day (inclusive) following the Issue Date up to the 7th business day (inclusive) preceding the Maturity Date or, as the case may be, the relevant early redemption date.

    The conversion ratio of the Bonds will be set at the Principal Amount divided by the prevailing initial conversion price, subject to standard adjustments, including anti-dilution and dividend protections, as described in the terms and conditions of the Bonds. Upon exercise of their Conversion/Exchange Right, holders of the Bonds will receive at the option of the Company new and/or existing Shares, carrying in all cases all rights attached to existing Shares as from the date of delivery.

    Application will be made for the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM in Paris to occur within 30 calendar days from the Issue Date.

    Legal framework of the Offering and placement

    The Bonds will be issued by way of a placement to qualified investors only (within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”)) (excluding the United States of America, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa), pursuant to the authorization granted by the Company’s annual general meeting held on 15 May 2025 (15th and 16th resolution), without an offer to the public (other than to qualified investors) in any country.

    Existing shareholders of the Company shall have no preferential subscription rights, and there will be no priority subscription period in connection with the issuance of the Bonds or any underlying new Shares to be issued upon conversion.

    Intentions of existing shareholders

    The Company is not aware of the intention of any of its main shareholders to participate in the Offering.

    Lock-up undertaking

    In the context of the Offering, the Company will agree to a lock-up undertaking with respect to its Shares and securities giving access to share capital of the Company for a period starting from the announcement of the final terms of the Bonds and ending 90 calendar days after the Issue Date, subject to certain customary exceptions or waiver from the joint global coordinators appointed in the context of the Offering.

    Dilution

    For illustrative purposes, considering a nominal amount of €425 million, a reference share price of €145.02 and a 32.5% conversion premium corresponding to the mid-point of the marketing range, the potential dilution would represent approximately 2.1% of the Company’s outstanding share capital, if the Conversion/Exchange Right was exercised for all the Bonds and the Company decided to deliver new Shares only upon exercise of the Conversion/Exchange Right.

    Available information
            
    Neither the offering of the Bonds, nor the admission of the Bonds to trading on Euronext AccessTM is subject to a prospectus approved by the Stichting Autoriteit Financiële Markten (AFM) in Netherlands or the Autorité des marchés financiers (AMF) in France. No key information document required by the PRIIPs Regulation or the UK PRIIPs Regulation (as defined below) has been or will be prepared. Detailed information about Company, including its business, results, prospects and the risk factors to which the Company is exposed are described in the Company’s universal registration document for the financial year ended 31 December 2024, filed with the AFM on 28 March 2025 and the Company’s first quarter 2025 results press release which includes the unaudited financial statements of the Company as at and for the three months ended 31 March 2025, which are all available on the Company’s website (https://www.euronext.com/en/investor-relations).

    Important information

    This press release does not constitute or form part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for or to sell securities to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Japan, Canada or South Africa or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer is unlawful, and the Offering of the Bonds is not an offer to the public in any jurisdiction (other than to qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation) or an offer to retail investors as such term is defined below.

    CONTACTS  

    ANALYSTS & INVESTORS ir@euronext.com

    Investor Relations        Aurélie Cohen                 

            Judith Stein        +33 6 15 23 91 97          

    MEDIA – mediateam@euronext.com 

    Europe        Aurélie Cohen         +33 1 70 48 24 45   

            Andrea Monzani         +39 02 72 42 62 13 

    Belgium        Marianne Aalders         +32 26 20 15 01                 

    France, Corporate        Flavio Bornancin-Tomasella        +33 1 70 48 24 45                 

    Ireland        Catalina Augspach        +33 6 82 09 99 70                

    Italy         Ester Russom         +39 02 72 42 67 56                 

    The Netherlands        Marianne Aalders         +31 20 721 41 33                 

    Norway         Cathrine Lorvik Segerlund        +47 41 69 59 10                 

    Portugal         Sandra Machado        +351 91 777 68 97                                 

    About Euronext  

    Euronext is the leading European capital market infrastructure, covering the entire capital markets value chain, from listing, trading, clearing, settlement and custody, to solutions for issuers and investors. Euronext runs MTS, one of Europe’s leading electronic fixed income trading markets, and Nord Pool, the European power market. Euronext also provides clearing and settlement services through Euronext Clearing and its Euronext Securities CSDs in Denmark, Italy, Norway and Portugal.

    As of March 2025, Euronext’s regulated exchanges in Belgium, France, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway and Portugal host nearly 1,800 listed issuers with €6.3 trillion in market capitalisation, a strong blue-chip franchise and the largest global centre for debt and fund listings. With a diverse domestic and international client base, Euronext handles 25% of European lit equity trading. Its products include equities, FX, ETFs, bonds, derivatives, commodities and indices.

    For the latest news, go to euronext.com or follow us on X and LinkedIn.

    Disclaimer

    This press release is for information purposes only: it is not a recommendation to engage in investment activities and is provided “as is”, without representation or warranty of any kind. While all reasonable care has been taken to ensure the accuracy of the content, Euronext does not guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Euronext will not be held liable for any loss or damages of any nature ensuing from using, trusting or acting on information provided. No information set out or referred to in this publication may be regarded as creating any right or obligation. The creation of rights and obligations in respect of financial products that are traded on the exchanges operated by Euronext’s subsidiaries shall depend solely on the applicable rules of the market operator. All proprietary rights and interest in or connected with this publication shall vest in Euronext. This press release speaks only as of this date. Euronext refers to Euronext N.V. and its affiliates. Information regarding trademarks and intellectual property rights of Euronext is available at www.euronext.com/terms-use.

    © 2025, Euronext N.V. – All rights reserved. 

    The Euronext Group processes your personal data in order to provide you with information about Euronext (the “Purpose”). With regard to the processing of this personal data, Euronext will comply with its obligations under Regulation (EU) 2016/679 of the European Parliament and Council of 27 April 2016 (General Data Protection Regulation, “GDPR”), and any applicable national laws, rules and regulations implementing the GDPR, as provided in its privacy statement available at: www.euronext.com/privacy-policy. In accordance with the applicable legislation you have rights with regard to the processing of your personal data: for more information on your rights, please refer to: www.euronext.com/data_subjects_rights_request_information. To make a request regarding the processing of your data or to unsubscribe from this press release service, please use our data subject request form at connect2.euronext.com/form/data-subjects-rights-request or email our Data Protection Officer at dpo@euronext.com.

    Disclaimer

    The contents of this announcement have been prepared by and are the sole responsibility of the Company.

    The information contained in this announcement is for information purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness or completeness.

    This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction.

    This announcement is an advertisement and not a prospectus within the meaning of Prospectus Regulation.

    This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, Bonds to any U.S. person or to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. The Bonds and the Shares, if any, to be issued upon exercise of the Conversion/Exercise Right (together, the “Securities”) referred to herein may not be offered or sold in the United States, or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons unless registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 (the “Securities Act”) or offered in a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    In addition, until 40 days after the commencement of the Offering, an offer or sale of Bonds within the United States by a dealer (whether or not it is participating in the Offering) may violate the registration requirements of the Securities Act.

    The offer and sale of Securities referred to herein has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. Subject to certain exceptions, the Bonds referred to herein may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Securities in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa or Japan or elsewhere.

    In member states of the European Economic Area (the “EEA”), this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (“Qualified Investors”). In the United Kingdom this announcement and any offer is directed exclusively at persons who are “qualified investors” within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (“EUWA”) (i) who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the “Order”), (ii) who fall within Article 49(2)(A) to (D) of the Order, or (iii) to whom it may otherwise lawfully be communicated (all such persons together with Qualified Investors in the EEA being referred to herein as “Relevant Persons”). This document is directed only at Relevant Persons and must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Any investment or investment activity to which this document relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons.

    This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, “forward-looking statements”. These forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, including the terms “believes”, “estimates”, “plans”, “projects”, “anticipates”, “expects”, “intends”, “may”, “will” or “should” or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company’s and its group’s business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth or strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made.

    Each of the Company, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and their respective affiliates expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

    Each of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering is acting exclusively for the Company and no-one else in connection with the Offering. They will not regard any other person as their respective client in relation to the Offering and will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to their respective clients, nor for providing advice in relation to the Offering, the contents of this announcement or any transaction, arrangement or other matter referred to herein.

    In connection with the Offering, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may take up a portion of the Bonds in the Offering as a principal position and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell for their own accounts such Bonds and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Offering or otherwise. Accordingly, references to the Bonds being issued, offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any issue or offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates acting in such capacity. In addition, the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may enter into financing arrangements (including swaps, warrants or contracts for differences) with investors in connection with which the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering and any of their affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Bonds and/or Shares. The joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering do not intend to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

    None of the joint bookrunners appointed in the context of the Offering or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available, or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.

    Information to Distributors: Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended and supplemented (“MiFID II”) and local implementing measures (together, the “Product Governance Requirements”), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any “manufacturer” (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Bonds have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that: (i) the target market for the Bonds is eligible counterparties and professional clients only, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) all channels for distribution of the Bonds to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling or recommending the Bonds (a “distributor”) should take into consideration the manufacturers’ target market assessment; however, a distributor (for the purposes of the Product Governance Requirements) is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Bonds (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers’ target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels.

    The target market assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual or legal selling restrictions in relation to any offering of the Bonds.

    For the avoidance of doubt, the target market assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Bonds.

    PRIIPs Regulation / Prospectus Regulation / Prohibition of sales to EEA and UK retail investors – The Bonds are not intended to be offered, sold or otherwise made available to and should not be offered, sold or otherwise made available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK. For these purposes, a “retail investor” means (a) in the EEA, a person who is one (or more) of: (i) a retail client as defined in point (11) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive (EU) 2016/97 as amended or superseded (the “Insurance Distribution Directive”), where that customer would not qualify as a professional client as defined in point (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation and (b) in the UK, a person who is one (or more) of (i) a retail client within the meaning of Regulation (EU) No. 2017/565 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (ii) a customer within the meaning of the provisions of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 of the UK (the “FSMA”) and any rules or regulations made under the FSMA to implement Directive (EU) 2016/97, where that customer would not qualify as a professional client, as defined in point (8) of Article 2(1) of Regulation (EU) No. 600/2014 as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA or (iii) not a Qualified Investor as defined in Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No 1286/2014 (as amended, the “EU PRIIPs Regulation”) or the EU PRIIPS Regulation as it forms part of UK domestic law by virtue of the EUWA (the “UK PRIIPS Regulation”) for offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to retail investors in the EEA or UK has been prepared and therefore offering or selling the Bonds or otherwise making them available to any retail investor in the EEA or the UK may be unlawful under the EU PRIIPs Regulation and/or the UK PRIIPs Regulation.


    1 The reference share price will be equal to the volume-weighted average price (VWAP) of the Shares recorded on Euronext Paris from the launch of the Offering today until the determination of the final terms (pricing) of the Bonds on the same day.
    2 i.e. Euronext’s share price on Euronext Paris, at close of trading on 21 May 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: As the Million Paws Walk takes its last lap, other charity fundraising events face serious challenges

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Matthew Wade, Lecturer in Social Inquiry, La Trobe University

    The RSPCA has announced this Sunday’s Million Paws Walk will be their last. The event has been celebrated across Australia since 1994, with more than 765,000 people and their 410,000 dogs having “laced up and leashed up” to raise money for animal welfare.

    Participation and fundraising have declined in recent years, with the RSPCA conceding

    The community fundraising landscape has changed dramatically since 2020, with rising costs and current cost of living pressures making it increasingly hard to sustain the event.

    They aren’t alone. A number of charitable events – and for-profit events such as music festivals – have been struggling to stay afloat.

    Regional charity events have been particularly impacted. For example, the Cancer Council’s popular Relay for Life was once a mainstay of regional towns. But while there were 194 Relay for Life events across Australia in 2015, this year there will only be 44.

    Unfortunately, our research indicates many events haven’t recovered from the triple whammy of COVID disruptions, rising costs and falling returns.

    Savvy strategy amid mounting challenges

    Contrary to any hasty assumptions about “wasteful” charities, our interviews with leaders from across 16 Australian charities suggest these organisations are relentlessly pragmatic.

    While advocacy and community engagement are important, almost all our participants made clear that fundraising is the top priority, with success measured “purely in dollars”.

    This single-minded focus is necessary to serve a charity’s core purpose.

    According to one charity event operations manager, their most impactful mental health programs “won’t run unless we’re providing that money for them”. Any unsuccessful event is thus quickly overhauled or jettisoned entirely.

    Charities also try to “gamify” fundraising to make it more exciting for participants. Public leaderboards, virtual badges and physical rewards can incentivise participants to fundraise. However, adopting these strategies can present technical and logistical hurdles, especially for smaller charities.

    Increasing burnout and trouble reaching youth

    Mass participation fundraising events are facing compounding challenges that ingenuity can’t resolve. The proportion of Australians donating to charities has steadily declined since 2011.

    And although overall numbers are gradually recovering, there are still fewer people formally volunteering today than at the peak in 2018.

    One charity CEO told us staff and volunteers were facing “a lot of burnout, because progress is slow, getting money in the door is hard”.

    Adding to these woes are difficulties in recruiting younger people as participants and volunteers. Even reaching them can be tricky. While many charities rely on Facebook, younger people are gravitating to platforms such as TikTok. Resource-limited charities can struggle to make the leap to build new audiences.

    While expressing immense gratitude, a fundraising manager at one of Australia’s biggest charities noted their volunteers “tend to skew quite older”.

    A CEO of a health-based charity likewise observed difficulty in finding long-term volunteers for future event planning, as people “aren’t necessarily wanting to give that high level of commitment”.

    Volunteer support is essential in making mass participation fundraisers feasible. One event fundraising coordinator told us, “There would be a lot more that would be going ahead if we had the volunteers to run them.”

    Some charities partner with schools to get young people more involved. Well-known examples include the Heart Foundation’s Jump Rope for Heart and World Vision’s 40 Hour Famine. Others, such as Kids in Philanthropy, are wholly dedicated to giving children the opportunity to perform acts of service.

    Rising costs and compliance hurdles

    While far from begrudging small businesses, our interviewees said key suppliers, such as food vendors and stage hire, are declining, raising prices, and sometimes proving less reliable. Only occasionally do charities receive “special treatment” via discounts or other favours.

    One event manager said, “Every year we have to make sacrifices and cuts.” This can impact participants’ experience, and therefore fundraising outcomes.

    Our respondents spoke mostly favourably about their relationships with local councils. But some lamented councils were less willing to provide small grants or in-kind support, such as waiving permit fees, compared to the past. And unpredictable concessions can make it hard to budget and plan for the long term.

    A number of interviewees highlighted traffic-related costs as a major and volatile drain on event budgets.

    An event manager from a youth-focused charity bemoaned that, due to regulation changes, their traffic control quote “went from $30,000 to $45,000 a month before the event”.

    Such fees can prevent events from growing to accommodate more participants, as moving locations and routes can drastically increase compliance costs.

    Similarly, one respondent noted how the cost of first aid “went through the roof post-COVID”.

    Another suggested popular fundraisers should be categorised as “hallmark” events in which state governments partially cover risk-management costs, such as police and ambulance services.

    Of course, participants’ wellbeing is non-negotiable for charities, and any reputational damage can have severe long-term consequences.

    This can even mean cancelling entire events due to risky weather conditions, with devastating impacts on fundraising outcomes.

    What will we lose if events disappear?

    The end of the iconic Million Paws Walk rings alarm bells for mass participation fundraising. The loss of these joyous occasions doesn’t just impact charities.

    These events offer social benefits, health benefits, and a profound therapeutic effect for participants directly affected by the cause.

    They are also an entry point for people to support charitable causes. For the time-poor and cash-strapped, a fun run is often more manageable than regular donations or volunteering commitments.

    The Million Paws Walk will be sorely missed, but let’s hope it isn’t the first of many. Events such as the Mother’s Day Classic, MS Australia’s Gong Ride, the Mito Foundation’s Bloody Long Walk and Neuroblastoma Australia’s Run2Cure, among others, serve vital fundraising and advocacy purposes.

    Catherine Palmer receives funding from the Australian Research Council.

    Kevin Filo, Matthew Wade, and Nicholas Hookway do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. As the Million Paws Walk takes its last lap, other charity fundraising events face serious challenges – https://theconversation.com/as-the-million-paws-walk-takes-its-last-lap-other-charity-fundraising-events-face-serious-challenges-257125

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Health centre contracts awarded

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The service contract for Eastern District Health Centre (DHC) has been awarded to the Society for Rehabilitation, while the Yan Chai Hospital Board has been awarded the future service contract for Kwai Tsing DHC, the Health Bureau announced today. 

    Under the new contract, the existing Eastern DHC Express will be upgraded and the new DHC is expected to commence operations in the fourth quarter of this year. The existing service contract for Kwai Tsing DHC will expire in the third quarter. 

    The service contracts for the two DHCs were awarded via open tenders and will last for three years.

    The core centre of Eastern DHC will be located at Siu Sai Wan Health Integrated Building. It will comprise a floor area of about 1,000 sq m, which is about three times the size of the current Eastern DHC Express.

    The core centre will have additional consultation rooms, rehabilitation facilities and an audio-visual assessment room, and will include facilities for enhanced health education activities. The Society for Rehabilitation is to establish two satellite centres in the district within the first year of operation.

    The core centre of Kwai Tsing DHC will remain on 30/F, Tower 2 of Kowloon Commerce Centre, with main services including chronic disease management and community rehabilitation services being unchanged.

    Yan Chai Hospital Board is required to establish four satellite centres in the district within the first year of operation.

    Together with Eastern DHC, plus the two DHCs in Central & Western and Yau Tsim Mong Districts, the total number of DHCs across the city will increase to 10 this year.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Underwriting Auction for sale of Government Securities for ₹27,000 crore on May 23, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on May 23, 2025 (Friday).

    As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:

    (₹ crore)
    Security Notified Amount MUC amount per PD Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
    6.75% GS 2029 15,000 358 358
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 286 286

    The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on May 23, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.

    The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/387

    MIL OSI Economics