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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Maritime Security [bilingual, as delivered. Scroll down for all-English and all-French]

    Source: United Nations – English

    thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    ******

    [All-English]

    I thank the presidency of Greece for convening today’s open debate on the importance of strengthening maritime security through international cooperation.

    This debate underscores first of all that the basic condition to preserve maritime security is the respect by all countries of the UN Charter and international law as reflected in the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. 

    Mr. President,
     
    From time immemorial, maritime routes have bound the world together.

    They have long been the primary means for the trade and transport of not only people, goods and commodities, but also cultures and ideas.
     
    All of humanity depends on the world’s oceans and seas — from the oxygen we breathe, to the biodiversity that sustains all life, to the economies, trade and jobs supported by maritime industries.

    Today’s debate shines a light on a fundamental fact:

    Without maritime security, there can be no global security.

    But maritime spaces are increasingly under strain from both traditional threats and emerging dangers.

    From challenges around contested boundaries…

    To the depletion of natural resources at sea…
    To escalating geopolitical tensions fanning the flames of competition, conflict and crime.

    Over the years, this Council has sought to address a range of threats that undermine maritime security and global peace.  

    From piracy, armed robbery, trafficking and organized crime…

    To destructive acts against shipping, offshore installations and critical infrastructure…

    To terrorism in the maritime domain, which poses a significant threat to international security, global trade and economic stability.

    No region is spared.  

    And the problem is getting worse.

    After a modest global decrease in reported piracy and armed robbery incidents in 2024, the first quarter of 2025 saw a sharp upward reversal.

    According to the International Maritime Organization, reported incidents rose by nearly half — 47.5 per cent compared to the same period in 2024.

    Incidents in Asia nearly doubled — especially in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore.

    In the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden, attacks by the Houthis on commercial vessels have disrupted global trade and increased tensions in an already volatile region. 

    The Gulf of Aden and the Mediterranean Sea remain treacherously active routes for migrant smuggling and the trafficking of weapons and human beings.

    The Gulf of Guinea continues to grapple with piracy, kidnappings, armed robbery at sea, oil theft, illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing, and the illicit trafficking of drugs, weapons, and people.

    Heroin from Afghanistan continues to reach East Africa through the Indian Ocean.

    Cocaine moves through the coasts of the Western Hemisphere and across the Atlantic Ocean to West Africa and European ports.

    And cyber-attacks are a fast-emerging security threat for ports and shipping companies.

    Facing these and other threats, the world’s maritime routes and the people depending on them are sending a clear SOS.

    Mr. President,

    Across the UN system, our agencies are supporting many regional initiatives that are gathering partners around maritime security across the globe.  

    This includes initiatives to address insecurity from the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea, to the Gulf of Guinea and the Persian Gulf.

    It includes efforts to ensure safe navigation in the Black Sea.

    It includes our work to help countries build strong maritime forces and legal systems.

    It includes efforts to tackle armed robbery against ships in Asia, and fight piracy off the coast of Somalia. 

    It includes our support of the Yaoundé Architecture for Maritime Security — an interregional, multi-level coordination mechanism to counter piracy in West and Central Africa — which has seen a decline in piracy from 81 incidents in 2020 to just 18 last year.

    And the International Maritime Organization continues to play a fundamental role in de-escalating tensions at sea and bringing together Member States and the shipping industry to find solutions.

    Looking ahead, action is needed in three key areas.

    First — respect for international law.   
     
    Respect for international law is the anchor of maritime security.

    The international legal regime for maritime security — with the UN Charter and the Convention on the Law of the Sea at its core — strikes a careful balance between States’ sovereign rights, jurisdictions and freedoms, and their duties and obligations.  

    And it provides a strong cooperative framework for addressing crimes at sea and ensuring accountability.

    However, this framework is only as strong as States’ commitment to full and effective implementation. 
     
    All States must live up to their obligations.

    And they must resolve any differences in relation to maritime security in accordance with the UN Charter.  

    Second — we need to intensify efforts to address the root causes of maritime insecurity.  
     
    Threats to maritime security cannot be addressed without also addressing issues like poverty, a lack of alternative livelihoods, insecurity, and weak governance structures. 

    Across the United Nations family, we’re working with impoverished coastal communities to develop new opportunities for decent and sustainable work.

    Collectively, we must do more to reduce the likelihood that desperate people will turn to crime and other activities that threaten maritime security and degrade our ocean environment.

    We must help developing countries build their capacity to deal with these threats through technology, training, capacity-building, judicial reforms, and modernized naval forces, marine police units, maritime surveillance and port security. 
    And we need to ensure that our oceans and seas can continue thriving, and support humanity’s economic, social, cultural and environmental development for generations to come.

    The upcoming Oceans Conference in Nice will provide an important moment for the countries of the world to take action.

    And third — throughout, we need partnerships.

    We must involve everyone with a stake in maritime spaces. 

    From coastal communities to governments and regional groups.

    To shipping companies, flag registries, the fishing and extraction industries, insurers and port operators.

    To this very Council, which has drawn attention to maritime security and the need for collective action, de-escalation, and cooperation. 

    And to civil society groups focused on women and girls, who are disproportionately affected by challenges like piracy and human trafficking.

    As threats to maritime security are becoming more complex and interconnected, enhanced coordination and stronger maritime governance are essential.

    Mr. President, 
     
    The UN system stands ready to continue to support this Council and all Member States in ensuring peaceful, secure and prosperous maritime spaces for generations to come. 
     
    Let’s take action to support and secure maritime spaces, and the communities and people counting on them.

    Thank you.

    *****
    [All-French]

    Je remercie la présidence grecque d’avoir organisé le débat public d’aujourd’hui sur l’importance du renforcement de la sûreté maritime par la coopération internationale aux fins de la stabilité mondiale.

    Ce débat souligne tout d’abord que la condition fondamentale pour préserver la sécurité maritime est le respect par tous les pays de la Charte des Nations unies et du droit international tel qu’il est reflété dans la Convention des Nations Unies sur le droit de la mer. 

    Monsieur le Président,

    Depuis des temps immémoriaux, les routes maritimes unissent le monde.

    Elles sont depuis toujours le principal vecteur d’échanges commerciaux et de transport des personnes, des biens et des marchandises, mais aussi de diffusion des cultures et des idées.

    L’humanité tout entière dépend des océans et des mers de la planète, non seulement pour l’oxygène que nous respirons et la biodiversité qui permet à la vie d’exister, mais aussi parce qu’ils sont vitaux pour les économies, le commerce et les emplois liés aux industries maritimes.

    Le débat d’aujourd’hui met en lumière un fait fondamental :

    Sans sûreté maritime, il ne saurait y avoir de sécurité mondiale.

    Mais les espaces maritimes sont de plus en plus menacés par des périls anciens et nouveaux.

    Des difficultés liées à des frontières contestées…

    À l’épuisement des ressources naturelles de l’océan…

    En passant par l’escalade des tensions géopolitiques qui attisent les flammes de la concurrence, des conflits et de la criminalité.

    Au fil des ans, ce Conseil s’est efforcé de répondre à une série de menaces qui compromettent la sûreté maritime et la paix mondiale.

    La piraterie, le vol à main armée, le trafic et le crime organisé…

    Les actes de destruction visant le transport maritime, les installations situées au large des côtes et les infrastructures critiques…

    Mais aussi le terrorisme maritime, qui fait peser une terrible menace sur la sécurité internationale, le commerce mondial et la stabilité économique.

    Aucune région n’est épargnée.

    Et le problème ne cesse de s’aggraver.

    Après une modeste diminution des actes de piraterie et des vols à main armée signalés à l’échelle mondiale en 2024, un fort regain a été enregistré au premier trimestre de 2025.

    Selon l’Organisation maritime internationale, le nombre d’attaques a augmenté de près de moitié (47,5 %) par rapport à la même période en 2024.

    En Asie, il a presque doublé, en particulier dans les détroits de Malacca et de Singapour.

    En mer Rouge et dans le golfe d’Aden, les attaques menées par les houthistes contre des navires commerciaux ont perturbé les échanges mondiaux et accru les tensions dans une région déjà instable.

    Le golfe d’Aden et la mer Méditerranée restent des itinéraires périlleux utilisés pour le trafic de migrants et d’armes et pour la traite des personnes.

    Le golfe de Guinée demeure aux prises avec la piraterie, les enlèvements, les vols à main armée en mer, le vol de pétrole, la pêche illicite, non déclarée et non réglementée, et le trafic de drogues, d’armes et d’êtres humains.

    L’héroïne en provenance d’Afghanistan continue d’arriver en Afrique de l’Est par l’océan Indien.

    La cocaïne passe par les côtes des Amériques et traverse l’océan Atlantique pour atteindre l’Afrique de l’Ouest et les ports européens.

    Les cyberattaques, qui sont en pleine expansion, constituent une menace pour la sécurité des ports et des compagnies maritimes.

    Alors que se multiplient les périls, des routes maritimes du monde et des populations qui en dépendent nous parvient un message de détresse.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Les organismes des Nations Unies soutiennent de nombreuses initiatives régionales qui rassemblent des partenaires du monde entier autour de la sûreté maritime.

    Il s’agit notamment de projets de lutte contre l’insécurité maritime, du golfe d’Aden à la mer Rouge, et du golfe de Guinée au golfe Persique…

    Des efforts visant à garantir la sécurité de la navigation en mer Noire…

    De l’action que nous menons pour aider les pays à bâtir leurs forces maritimes et à se doter de systèmes juridiques solides…

    Des efforts déployés pour lutter contre les vols à main armée dont sont victimes des navires en Asie et contre la piraterie qui sévit au large des côtes somaliennes…

    Et du soutien que nous apportons à l’Architecture de Yaoundé pour la sécurité maritime, mécanisme de coordination interrégional à plusieurs niveaux destiné à combattre la piraterie en Afrique de l’Ouest et en Afrique centrale, qui a permis de porter le nombre d’actes de piraterie de 81 en 2020 à seulement 18 l’année dernière.

    L’Organisation maritime internationale continue en outre de jouer un rôle fondamental pour ce qui est de désamorcer les tensions en mer et d’aider les États Membres et le secteur du transport maritime à trouver des solutions concertées.

    Pour l’avenir, des mesures devront être prises dans trois domaines clés.

    Premièrement, le respect du droit international.

    Le respect du droit international est la condition première de la sûreté maritime.

    Le régime juridique international en la matière, fondé sur la Charte des Nations Unies et la Convention sur le droit de la mer, établit un équilibre délicat entre les droits souverains, la juridiction et les libertés des États, d’une part, et leurs devoirs et obligations, d’autre part.

    Il constitue également un cadre de coopération solide permettant de lutter contre les crimes commis en mer et de veiller à ce que les responsabilités soient établies.

    Toutefois, son efficacité dépend de la volonté des États d’en assurer la mise en œuvre pleine et effective.

    Tous les États doivent respecter leurs obligations.

    Et ils doivent résoudre tout différend relatif à la sûreté maritime conformément à la Charte des Nations Unies.

    Deuxièmement, nous devons redoubler d’efforts pour nous attaquer aux causes profondes de l’insécurité maritime.

    On ne saurait conjurer les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime sans affronter également des problèmes tels que la pauvreté, l’absence de moyens de subsistance, l’insécurité et la faiblesse des structures de gouvernance.

    L’ensemble du système des Nations Unies s’emploie, aux côtés des communautés côtières pauvres, à créer de nouvelles possibilités de travail décent et durable.

    Collectivement, nous devons faire davantage pour réduire la probabilité que des personnes désespérées se tournent vers la criminalité et d’autres activités qui menacent la sûreté maritime et dégradent notre environnement océanique.

    Nous devons aider les pays en développement à renforcer leur capacité de faire face à ces menaces par la technologie, la formation, le renforcement des institutions et la mise en œuvre de réformes judiciaires, ainsi que par la modernisation des forces navales, des unités de police maritime, de la surveillance maritime et de la sécurité portuaire.

    Et nous devons veiller à ce que nos océans et nos mers puissent continuer de prospérer et de soutenir le développement économique, social, culturel et environnemental de l’humanité pour les générations à venir.

    La prochaine Conférence sur l’océan, qui se tiendra à Nice, sera pour les pays du monde entier une occasion décisive de passer à l’action.

    Et troisièmement, nous avons besoin de partenariats à tous les niveaux.

    Nous devons associer toutes les parties concernées par les espaces maritimes à l’action menée dans ce domaine.

    Des populations côtières, aux gouvernements, en passant par les groupes régionaux, les compagnies maritimes, les registres d’immatriculation du pavillon, les industries de la pêche et de l’extraction, les compagnies d’assurance et les exploitants portuaires.

    Sans oublier ce Conseil, qui a appelé l’attention sur la sûreté maritime et la nécessité d’agir de manière collective, d’assurer la désescalade et de promouvoir la coopération.

    Ainsi que les groupes de la société civile qui œuvrent en faveur des femmes et des filles, touchées de manière disproportionnée par des fléaux tels que la piraterie et la traite des personnes.

    Alors que les menaces qui pèsent sur la sûreté maritime deviennent de plus en plus complexes et interconnectées, il est essentiel d’améliorer la coordination et de renforcer la gouvernance maritime.

    Monsieur le Président,

    Le système des Nations Unies est prêt à continuer d’aider ce Conseil et tous les États Membres à garantir des espaces maritimes pacifiques, sûrs et prospères pour les générations à venir.
     
    Agissons pour préserver et sécuriser les espaces maritimes, ainsi que les communautés et les personnes qui en dépendent.

    Je vous remercie.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: North District Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    North District Hospital announces incident of nurse suspected to have been indecently assaulted 
    A nurse was suspected to have been indecently assaulted in a medical ward at 4.10pm today. Upon receiving the report from the nurse, the hospital reported the incident to the Police immediately. A 59-year-old male patient was subsequently arrested by the Police in the ward.
     
    NDH is highly concerned about the incident. The hospital strongly condemns the suspected indecent acts against its staff, resolutely adopts a zero-tolerance attitude towards this incident, and will follow up seriously while fully co-operating with the Police’s investigation. The hospital has expressed sympathy and provided support to the nurse concerned.
     
    The hospital has reported the incident to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System.
    Issued at HKT 22:59

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mediation body to be set up in HK

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government today said it will make full preparations for the signing ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of The International Organization for Mediation to be held in the city on May 30.

    Nearly 60 countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, and about 20 international organisations including the United Nations will send senior representatives to attend the signing ceremony for the convention.

    A global forum on international mediation will be held in the afternoon to discuss topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes.

    In 2022, China and nearly 20 like-minded countries jointly initiated the establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed). The negotiations on the convention have successfully concluded and a unanimous consensus has been reached to establish the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong.

    The IOMed will be the world’s first intergovernmental international legal organisation dedicated to resolving international disputes through mediation, and will be an important mechanism for upholding the principles of the Charter of the United Nations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/CHINA – The Diocese of Fuzhou commemorates the 400th anniversary of the arrival of the Jesuit Giulio Aleni, the “Confucius of the West,” who came to tell “the story of Jesus”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Fuzhou (Agenzia Fides) – It has been 400 years since the Jesuit Giulio Aleni, known as the “Confucius of the West,” landed in Fuzhou (now the capital of Fujian Province) to tell “the story of Jesus.” Today, the Diocese of Fuzhou paid tribute to this witness of the Gospel with a seminar held from May 16 to 17 and with the inauguration of a statue of him in the Cathedral of Saint Dominic, during a ceremony presided over by Bishop Joseph Cai Bingrui.The seminar dedicated to Giulio Aleni—who introduced neophytes to meditation on the mysteries of Jesus’ life based on Gospel passages, according to the Ignatian method—was attended by scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong, and Italy. The personality and contribution of the Italian Jesuit missionary, who was also an astronomer, man of letters, geographer, and mathematician, were the focus of several presentations.Priest and scholar Peter Zhao, of the Diocese of Beijing, presented a paper on “The Contribution of Father Giulio Aleni to the Life of the Province and to Cultural Exchange”; Professor Lin Jinshui spoke on the theme “From Matteo Ricci to Giulio Aleni”; and Dr. Jiang Wei spoke on “The Specificities and Consonances of Catholic Art in Portuguese India, the Spanish Philippines, and China during the late Ming and early Qing Dynasty.” Finally, the scholars took a guided tour of Father Aleni’s “places” in the Fuzhou area.Giulio Aleni was born in the Italian province of Brescia, Lombardy, in 1582. He joined the Society of Jesus in 1610 and was sent to China, where, after landing in Macau, he dedicated forty years of his life to proclaiming Christ among the Chinese. In fulfilling his mission, he also dedicated himself to teaching mathematics, which he considered a useful tool for connecting with the highest cultural circles of Chinese society. He was provincial of the Jesuit province of Huanan (southern China), and during his mission, he built more than 20 churches and administered the sacrament of baptism to 10,000 new Chinese Christians. In 1649, fleeing the soldiers of the Qing court, he took refuge in Yanping, where he died in May. His tomb is located on Mount of the Cross in Fuzhou. In his missionary work, Father Aleni adopted the ideas and practices followed by his Jesuit confrere Matteo Ricci, and published some twenty scientific, philosophical, spiritual, and doctrinal works.During his missionary years, he was, after Ricci, the best expert of the Chinese language among his fellow community members. His work “The True Origin of All Things” (1628), dedicated to the question of Creation, was widely recognized and reprinted numerous times. In 1635, with the work “True Exposition of the Words and Works of the Incarnate Lord of Heaven,” Aleni recounted the life of Jesus. Also of great value and interest are the texts of the 325 conversations he held with Chinese writers. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN attends Working Dinner hosted by Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening attended a Working Dinner hosted by Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN Kiya Masahiko, in Jakarta. Both sides took the opportunity to exchange views on ASEAN-Japan cooperation, including ways to further enhance the ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN attends Working Dinner hosted by Ambassador of Japan to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Seven killed by mushroom poisoning in Laos

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    VIENTIANE, May 20 (Xinhua) — Health authorities in northern Laos’ Sainyabuli Province have issued an urgent warning about poisonous wild mushrooms after seven people were reported killed, calling on the public to remain vigilant and take preventive measures to avoid further fatalities.

    The provincial health department issued a warning on May 16 that poisonous mushrooms had killed seven people and sickened 32 others in the province, the Lao News Agency reported on Tuesday.

    Local authorities have been instructed to work closely with health officials to monitor and report mushroom poisoning cases promptly. They are also encouraged to conduct public awareness campaigns on the risks of eating wild mushrooms. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kim, Meeks Bill to Strengthen U.S.-Indo-Pacific Strategy Passes House

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Young Kim (CA-39)

    Washington, DC – Today, the House passed the Strengthening the Quad Act (H.R. 1263), a bipartisan bill led by Rep. Young Kim (CA-40) and House Foreign Affairs Committee Ranking Member Gregory Meeks (NY-05) to reaffirm the United States’ commitment to the Quadrilateral Dialogue (Quad) with Japan, Australia, and India. 

    The Strengthening the Quad Act: 

    • Directs the State Department to develop a long-term Quad strategy focused on regional security, economic growth, and democratic resilience; and, 
    • Establishes a Quad Inter-Parliamentary Working Group to enhance legislative collaboration among the U.S., Japan, Australia, and India.   

    “The Quad is vital to advancing America’s interests and countering shared threats in the Indo-Pacific region,” said Rep. Young Kim. “I am glad the House can come together to show our support for our Indo-Pacific partners by passing the Strengthening the Quad Act, and I’ll keep fighting to get this across the finish line.” 

    Watch Rep. Kim speak on the House floor in support of the bill HERE.

    Additional original cosponsors of this bill include Rep. Ami Bera (CA-06), Ranking Member of the East Asia and Pacific Subcommittee, Rep. Bill Huizenga (MI-04), Chairman of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee, and Rep. Sydney Kamlager-Dove (CA-37), Ranking Member of the South and Central Asia Subcommittee.  

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Yoga Sangam 2025: India gears up for historic wellness celebration

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over 1,000 entities have already registered on the Yoga Sangam portal, setting the stage for what promises to be India’s largest-ever wellness celebration on June 21 — the 10th International Day of Yoga (IDY). The theme for 2025, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects India’s global leadership in promoting holistic well-being.

    Participation spans all corners of the country, including schools, colleges, corporates, NGOs, Resident Welfare Associations, government departments, and community groups from all 28 States and 7 Union Territories. Each group has pledged to follow the Common Yoga Protocol (CYP), representing national unity through coordinated breath and movement. More than one lakh venues are expected to host yoga sessions — from the snow-capped Himalayas to the southern tip of Kanyakumari.

    The initiative encourages individuals and institutions to host yoga sessions and contribute to a national wave of wellness. Participants can earn recognition as community wellness ambassadors and receive official certificates of appreciation.

    To take part, visit yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam, register your organisation, conduct your Yoga Sangam event on June 21, and upload participation details after the event.

    India’s Wellness Diplomacy: Ayush at Osaka Expo 2025

    India’s presence at the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan, is garnering praise for showcasing the country’s rich traditions of holistic health. The Ministry of Ayush, in collaboration with the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO), Embassy of India in Tokyo, Consulate General of India in Osaka-Kobe, and the Heartfulness Institute, has been hosting daily yoga sessions at the India Pavilion — Bharat — from May 2 through October 13.

    So far, 55 sessions have been held, engaging over 2,100 participants, including Japanese nationals and international visitors. The inaugural session on May 2, attended by Ambassador Sibi George and Consul General Chandru Appar, coincided with Japan’s Golden Week and attracted a large audience.

    The upcoming Yoga Week from June 15 to 21 will culminate in a mega celebration of International Day of Yoga, featuring multiple daily sessions in various formats. From June 29 to July 5, the India Pavilion will also spotlight traditional medicinal plants, herbs, and Ayush-based wellness products. On June 30, a dedicated B2B meet and road show will promote investment opportunities and global partnerships in Ayush healthcare.

  • MIL-OSI Global: Labour governments have always struggled with immigration – here’s what Keir Starmer could learn from them

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Erica Consterdine, Senior Lecturer in Public Policy, Lancaster University

    The government has outlined its plans to reduce net migration to the UK. The proposals are generally restrictive: scrapping social care visas, tightening work visas, longer residency requirements, tougher English tests and restructuring student visas.

    While Reform’s recent success at the local elections hardened Keir Starmer’s rhetoric in announcing the changes, the thrust of this policy was to be expected. But will the political calculation pay off?

    Immigration has long been a headache for Labour. It is a topic that cuts across the party’s ideological factions – its protectionist roots, its universalist values, and its market-friendly third way leanings. Each of these calls for a different approach on immigration.

    Labour’s record on immigration is historically patchy. Previous Labour governments have been responsible for some of the most deplorable immigration acts, including the racially discriminatory 1968 act, which restricted non-white immigration in a betrayal of Kenyan Asians fleeing persecution.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The British public then was far more illiberal on immigration than it is today. Trade unions were historically anti-immigrant, perceiving foreign labour as a threat to wages and job displacement. Labour, like their Tory counterparts, mostly operated on a bipartisan consensus of limiting immigration, on the idea that this was better for cohesion.

    This is exemplified in the Hattersley equation (named for former MP Roy Hattersley), a bipartisan political consensus that lasted from the postwar years up until Thatcher’s government. The compromise was between restrictive immigration policy and liberal integration measures (the Race Relations Act) to appease Labour’s liberal base.

    New Labour embraced the Thatcherite, neoliberal agenda, with Tony Blair declaring that there is no alternative to globalisation and therefore immigration. Framing immigration as an economic good, and humanitarian mobility as the bogeyman, Labour’s regime radically transformed the immigration system from one of the most restrictive in Europe to one of the most liberal labour regimes. But this was never for the benefit of migrants – it was simply economic calculation.

    We know what happened next: the political battleground, the cursed net migration target, Brexit and the lurches to the right ever since. In opposition, Labour has never been able to resolve this.

    Starmer’s approach

    A sticking point since 2010 has been traditionally working-class Labour constituents, viewed as “left behind” due to globalisation, and who now make up the red wall. The narrative goes that these voters have drifted rightwards due to dissatisfaction with immigration.

    But overall, Labour voters are still more positive than Conservatives towards immigration. A regressive policy on migrant rights could lose Labour some of its voter base.

    What’s more, net migration is likely to decrease over Labour’s term anyway, due to changes made by the last government and the tailing off of unprecedented migration from bespoke humanitarian schemes, like the one for Ukrainians. Arguably, Starmer’s reforms weren’t strictly necessary.

    Starmer could have framed the same policies around a softer rhetoric, one that embraces multicultural Britain while making the case for reforming the labour market. The enemy could have easily been cast as the Conservative government that neglected investment in the people at the expense of global corporations.

    Data from the Institute of Public Policy Research suggests that the UK public has become softer on immigration, but they want fairness. The easy way out here was to praise the benefits that immigration can bring while emphasising the need for control to maximise those benefits.

    Denigrating the current system as a “squalid chapter” of history is playing to Reform voters – arguably a foolish move, given that evidence shows you can’t beat the far right at its own game.

    Will the proposals work?

    If these proposals do reduce migration, it will come at a high cost for the country, not least in the consequences for the higher education and social care sectors. It may even increase irregular migration, as more people go underground in their attempts to reach Britain.

    The crux of the government’s problem is promising to reduce immigration in a system dependent on labour market flexibility. The proposals would make the UK extortionately expensive for both applicants and the employers who sponsor them, and make it economically unviable for the sectors that rely on foreign labour to recruit.

    A more social democratic immigration policy would invest in training, skills and wages of domestic workforces, while providing rights to the migrants who already reside here.

    Labour’s policy does not do this. It curtails rights significantly, for example in the doubling of the waiting period to apply for the right to stay indefinitely, and the plans to review how the right to family life is applied. Both of these are arguably counterproductive to the aims of integration and out of step with other countries.

    The theory behind the government reforms is that migrant workers will be replaced by the economically inactive domestic labour force – a win-win. Aside from the suspect simplicity of this equation, it will require more than sticks on employers and migrants. It necessitates a radical overhaul of the system, the economic model and a more interventionist state to move towards a coordinated market economy, one with more organisation and regulation on the labour market.

    Despite the government’s significant majority, a disciplined cabinet and an infighting opposition, the government appears reluctant to make such dramatic change, wedded to the existing paradigms of neoliberal free markets in a quest for growth in stagnating economies. If it wants its plans to work, Labour will have to be bolder and provide carrots to go with the sticks.

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

    – ref. Labour governments have always struggled with immigration – here’s what Keir Starmer could learn from them – https://theconversation.com/labour-governments-have-always-struggled-with-immigration-heres-what-keir-starmer-could-learn-from-them-256737

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin Pizza Day Meets Trump Dinner: HTX Unveils One Million USDT in Rewards!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — HTX, a leading global cryptocurrency exchange, is leading the charge in a unique dual celebration on May 22, as Bitcoin Pizza Day coincides with the Trump Dinner. This moment, where history meets the present, is drawing global attention. In celebration of this special occasion, HTX has proudly partnered with diamond sponsors JUST Protocol, SunPump, APENFT, BitTorrent, and WINkLink, alongside platinum sponsors Levva and ChainGPT, to launch a series of Pizza Day-themed promotions across multiple business lines, including Spot, Futures, Earn, and Community, boasting a total prize pool of nearly 1 million USDT. Whether you’re a new or existing HTX user, you’ll discover exclusive opportunities and exciting benefits throughout these events.

    Event 1: HTX Pizza Day Celebration: 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts with Seven Project Partners

    Get ready for Pizza Fest! From May 13 to May 26, HTX is joining forces with seven esteemed partner projects—SunPump, APENFT, JUST Protocol, WINkLink, BitTorrent, Steem, and MEVerse—to deliver a 14-day Pizza Day Celebration packed with over 200,000 USDT in Surprise Gifts. During the event, users can claim daily gifts on the HTX App, distributed at 02:00 (UTC) daily. On May 22 at 12:00 (UTC), Bitcoin Pizza Day, HTX will drop even more Surprise Gifts featuring bigger rewards, distributed in the form of tokens, Cashback Vouchers, Futures Trial Bonuses, Margin Interest Vouchers, and APY Booster Coupons.

    * View details: https://www.htx.com/support/105001328825783?invite_code=rdmu6223&inviter_id=11353960

    Event 2: Join the Pizza Day Celebration to Discover Four Amazing Benefits and Grab Your Share of $200,000

    From May 20 at 10:00 (UTC) to May 25 at 10:00 (UTC), HTX invites both new and existing users to join the four-tiered rewards event and share a total prize pool of up to $200,000. See below for details:

    1. New users who sign up and complete any spot, futures, or margin trade during the event will receive a welcome package that includes a 20 DOGE airdrop, APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn, and Margin Interest Vouchers.

    2. Users will receive 15 USDT for their first successful referral. By inviting more friends, they’ll unlock Mystery Boxes worth up to 1,500 USDT each, containing popular cryptos like $BTC, $TRUMP, and $HTX. Additionally, they can earn up to another 1,500 USDT when their invitees reach the trading volume target.

    3. Eligible returning users who complete spot trading on HTX will have a chance to win BTC in a lucky draw. Additionally, after funding their USDT-M Futures account, they can earn APY Booster Coupons for SmartEarn.

    4. Users who trade designated cryptos in spot or futures, or create spot grid trading strategies, will have a chance to share $30,000 in $HTX.

    * View details: https://www.htx.com.co/en-us/mars/activity-center?callId=174728142724462

    Event 3: Take the BTC Pizza Day Quiz at HTX Square and Win Your Share of 200 USDT

    From May 16 at 02:00 (UTC) to May 23 at 15:59 (UTC), HTX Square is launching a quiz challenge where users can win rewards. Participants who follow HTX Square in the HTX Community and answer all the quiz questions correctly will have the opportunity to share the 200 USDT prize pool.

    * View details: https://square.htx.com/btc-pizza-day-celebration-take-the-quiz-win-rewards-2/

    Event 4: HTX Earn Bonanza for BTC Pizza Day: Enjoy Up to 10% APY on Popular Assets

    Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the HTX Earn Bonanza from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 19 to 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX is launching this special campaign featuring Earn products for both new and existing users. First-time subscribers at HTX Earn can enjoy New User Exclusive products with 100% APY. All users can subscribe to Fixed, Flexible, and Shark Fin products with 14 designated cryptocurrencies, including USDT, and earn up to 10% APY on HTX Earn. Additionally, participants who meet the net subscription increase requirement will each receive a 5% APY Booster Coupon for the USDT Flexible product.

    * View details: https://www.htx.com.ec/en-us/support/95001601423089

    Event 5: HTX Affiliates Pizza Day Special: Team Up & Trade with Your Invitees to Win a Full Case of Kweichow Moutai

    Celebrate Bitcoin Pizza Day with the limited-time HTX Affiliates Special Event, running from 10:00 (UTC) on May 20 to 10:00 (UTC) on May 25. HTX Affiliates can refer friends to sign up using an exclusive invitation link or code and form a trading team with invitees. Once the team reaches the required trading volume, rewards will be unlocked. The top prize is a 6-bottle case of Kweichow Moutai Flying Fairy.

    * View details: https://www.htx.com.de/en-us/support/35001621553884

    Event 6: HTX Convert Contest Now Live with 10,000 USDT Up for Grabs

    Don’t miss the HTX Convert Contest! It runs from 16:00:00 (UTC) on May 14 to 15:59:59 (UTC) on May 31. Trade designated cryptos on HTX Convert and reach a total trading volume of ≥500 USDT during the event to qualify for a share of the 5,000 USDT prize pool, with the top individual reward of up to 1,000 USDT. Complete 10 or more trades to unlock an additional prize pool — the more trades made, the bigger the share. Additionally, first-time converters on HTX Convert can also join an exclusive 2,000 USDT prize pool for new users, with up to 20 USDT per person available.

    * View details: https://www.htx.com.ec/en-us/support/25001446791888

    May 22 isn’t just about commemorating Bitcoin’s first “real-world transaction”; it is also a day for the global crypto community to celebrate the growth of the crypto industry and to share in its rewards. To honor this special day, HTX is launching a multifaceted celebration featuring diverse events that boost user engagement, elevate the festive atmosphere, and fully showcase the platform’s dynamic ecosystem.

    Pizza’s on the table and the party’s heating up. Join HTX today and experience the biggest crypto event of the year!

    About HTX

    Founded in 2013, HTX has evolved from a virtual asset exchange into a comprehensive ecosystem of blockchain businesses that span digital asset trading, financial derivatives, research, investments, incubation, and other businesses.

    As a world-leading gateway to Web3, HTX harbors global capabilities that enable it to provide users with safe and reliable services. Adhering to the growth strategy of “Global Expansion, Thriving Ecosystem, Wealth Effect, Security & Compliance,” HTX is dedicated to providing quality services and values to virtual asset enthusiasts worldwide.

    To learn more about HTX, please visit HTX Square or https://www.htx.com/, and follow HTX on X, Telegram, and Discord.

    For further inquiries, please contact Ruder Finn Asia, glo-media@htx-inc.com.

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fc6cf35-38b5-4b16-8b54-5298d501bfe3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Global: International Booker prize 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Helen Vassallo, Associate Professor of French and Translation, University of Exeter

    From a longlist of 13, six novels have been shortlisted for the 2025 International Booker prize. Our academics review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 20.

    Under the Eye of the Big Bird by Hiromi Kawakami, translated by Asa Yoneda

    Hiromi Kawakami’s Under the Eye of the Big Bird offers us glimpses of one imagined future for earth and humanity.

    Its vision could be described as post-apocalyptic. After unspecified cataclysmic events, humans exist only in tiny, scattered communities and extinction seems imminent. But this is also a beautiful, if dreamlike, world and one in which humanity still has the potential for astonishing growth and change.

    Each chapter introduces something new and startling to the reader. Many of the tropes are familiar – cloning, superpowers, mutation, AI. Yet they are configured in unfamiliar ways and prompt reflections on the nature of humanity and our relationship with the rest of creation – as well as on time, religion and the possibility of an afterlife.

    Despite grappling with so many huge questions, Under the Eye of the Big Bird is an accessible and absorbing novel. And, although tragedy is never far away, there remains humour – and hope.

    Sarah Annes Brown, Professor of English Literature

    Heart Lamp by Banu Mushtaq, translated by Deepa Bhasthi

    Banu Mushtaq’s Heart Lamp shines a light on the lives of Muslim women in rural India. In a bold and memorable translation from Kannada by Deepa Bhasthi, this quietly powerful collection of short stories opens up the intimate space of domestic rituals and family tensions.

    Mushtaq’s fervent advocacy of women’s rights is evident in the compassion with which she brings to life the women in the stories: from the lack of autonomy suffered by young girls forced into wedlock to the indignity of an older woman obliged to accept her husband taking a second wife or a widow whose son arranges a new marriage for her, the women’s lives are dictated by men.

    Heart Lamp is perhaps best summed up in the final story, “Be a Woman Once, O Lord!” Throughout these stories, Mushtaq invites us – and whichever male deity might be listening – to walk in the shoes of women overlooked by an unquestioned patriarchal hierarchy.

    Helen Vassallo, Associate Professor of French and Translation

    A Leopard-Skin Hat by Anne Serre, translated by Mark Hutchinson

    Published in France in 2008 as Un chapeau léopard, A Leopard-Skin Hat is a novel about a friendship spanning 20 years between a woman called Fanny and a man known throughout only as “the Narrator”. He is not, though, the narrator of the novel. Rather, an unknown storyteller tells us how the Narrator sees Fanny gradually lose the fight against madness (the novel’s word) and, in the end, death.

    This is a novel about the mystery of other people, about how unknowable others are to us. It explores how we narrate to try to understand people who are not us, but whom we love. What is most extraordinary about Serre’s novel is the way it shows us two friends doing very ordinary things – going out for dinner, going on holiday, walking in the countryside and swimming in lakes – but shows us through this the strangeness and complexity of friendship, love and life.

    Leigh Wilson, Professor of English Literature

    Perfection by Vincenzo Latronico, translated by Sophie Hughes

    Perfection is a slim account of the way that time “disappears” for Anna and Tom, an expat couple living in Berlin as creative freelancers in the 2010s.

    Written in homage to Georges Perec’s Things: The Story of the Sixties (1965), the novel opens with an overbearing description of the items in their apartment, moving in and out of the characters’ dissatisfaction with the aesthetic, social, creative, economic and political routes open to them in 120 pages spanning a little over 10 years.

    As international elections, the European refugee crises and climate catastrophe dance in and out of their peripheral vision, Anna and Tom find neither satisfaction with their current moment nor successfully imagine a better one. As such, Latronico gently, but with an increasing sense of fatalism, considers the stagnation of a millennial creative class whose views on influence, status, power and happiness remain deeply linked to the “new emotions” of digital mediation.

    By Rachel Sykes, Associate Professor in Contemporary Literature and Culture

    On The Calculation of Volume I by Solvej Balle, translated by Barbara Haveland

    In On The Calculation of Volume, a woman, Tara Selter, finds herself trapped in an endlessly repeating day, November 18. Volume I, the first of seven books, recounts the first 365 days of this time loop, with Tara attempting to make sense of her predicament, to explain it to her husband – who is still bound by the normal rules of time – and to try to fix whatever has initiated this situation.

    As the novel continues, it becomes less focused on the novelty of the situation and more on the philosophical questions it raises: the alternate claustrophobia and liberation of replaying the same day; how our friends and partners sometimes feel like they inhabit a different reality; the way in which time pulls things and people apart; of the importance we place in the idea of “tomorrow”.

    What’s remarkable about Balle’s novel is how compulsive it is – even though we know time is standing still, we still want to know what will happen next.

    David Hering, Senior Lecturer in English Literature

    Small Boat by Vincent Delecroix, translated by Helen Stevenson

    Vincent Delecroix’s Small Boat is a slim, bruising novel that centres on a real horror: the drowning of 27 migrants in the English Channel in November 2021. In a small, inflatable craft, they reached out over crackling radio lines, asking for help that never came.

    Small Boat focuses not on the migrants themselves, but on a French coastguard operator who spent that night on the radio, fielding their calls for rescue. Delecroix’s brilliance lies in showing how violence at the border is carried out not by villains, but by workers. It was not evil that allowed those people to die in the water, it was a string of decisions made by people in warm rooms who believed they were doing their jobs.

    In a world ever more brutal towards those who flee war, hunger and despair, Delecroix’s novel is a necessary – and merciless – indictment. It reminds us that the shipwreck is not theirs alone. It is ours too.

    Fiona Murphy, Assistant Professor in Refugee and Intercultural Studies

    The authors 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. International Booker prize 2025: six experts review the shortlisted novels – https://theconversation.com/international-booker-prize-2025-six-experts-review-the-shortlisted-novels-255464

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: In ‘Paying For It,’ ex-lovers reimagine friendship, family and the meaning of sex work

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ummni Khan, Associate Professor, Department of Law and Legal Studies, Carleton University

    Emily Lê and Daniel Beirne star in the film that sees director and multidisciplinary artist Sook-Lin Yee adapt the graphic memoir of her ex-lover, Chester Brown, for the screen. (Wilding Pictures & Hawkeye Pictures)

    The film Paying For It, Sook-Yin Lee’s live-action adaptation of cartoonist Chester Brown’s 2011 graphic memoir, reveals unexpected overlaps between paid sexual encounters and romantic relationships.

    Lee, a boundary-shattering artist working across film, music, acting and broadcast, has never shied away from taboo. With Paying For It, she takes on sex work, romance and the messy labour of chosen family by adapting her ex-lover’s memoir for the screen.

    ‘Paying For It,’ graphic memoir by Chester Brown.
    (Drawn & Quarterly)

    In my 2019 article “Chester Brown and the Queerness of Johns,” I analyze Brown’s original book, which traces his pivot from monogamy with Lee to regularly seeing sex workers in the late 1990s.

    Both a memoir and a manifesto, the book pairs accounts of paid sex with arguments for decriminalizing sex work, voiced through debates with friends and a detailed appendix. In my analysis, I frame Brown’s memoir as a queer intervention, one that disrupts heteronormative ideals of romantic relations, intimate exchanges and sexual propriety.

    Lee’s cinematic version of Paying For It affirms Brown’s stance, but filters the story through her own perceptions and snapshots of her love life. In doing so, she traces how she and Brown reinvented their relationship, while portraying his encounters with sex workers with nuance and care.

    Drawing on my research in sexuality — including scholarship on sex work, client surveillance and client regulation — I see the film as a defiant celebration of unconventional bonds between exes who remain best friends, and between clients and sex workers, where even purchased orgasms can carry moments of tenderness and mutual respect.

    Radical relationship honesty

    The film opens with Sonny (Lee’s fictional persona, played by Emily Lê) confessing to live-in boyfriend Chester (Daniel Beirne) that she’s falling in love with someone else.

    Rather than erupting in rage or jealousy, Chester remains composed. Together, they choose to see what might come next. As Sonny begins seeing other people, Chester continues living in the house and becomes privy to her romantic sagas, from the steamy beginnings to the bitter blowouts. To the bewilderment of his friends, he remains content with the arrangement.

    Eventually, Chester decides to pay for sex, a decision he shares with Sonny.
    What emerges is a portrait of creative kinship where two people refuse the usual scripts and choose radical openness instead.

    Unconventional bond

    Decades after the events depicted in the film, Lee has described Brown as her “best friend” and “as family.”

    Lee and Brown shape personal histories into overlapping narratives. That they’ve promoted the film together, and appeared in joint interviews and public discussions, suggests a sense of mutual trust at the heart of their collaboration.

    Probing the meanings of sex and intimacy

    Chester moves — and sometimes stumbles — through criminalized terrain, figuring out how to find sex workers, engage respectfully and follow the unspoken rules of the exchange. The film suggests sometimes it’s just sex for Chester, and at other times, the exchange carries an emotional connection for him.

    With one sex worker, Chester shares his real name and gifts a book he wrote about Louis Riel.

    Sociologist Elizabeth Bernstein has analyzed how sex workers are sometimes paid to offer their clients an erotic experience “premised upon the performance of authentic interpersonal connection.”

    In the film, a potential for emotional reciprocity between Chester and a sex worker becomes evident. Without giving too much away, by the film’s end we see how a casual and transactional beginning transforms into something more enduring for both parties.

    ‘Paying For It,’ trailer.

    Risks in both romance and sex work

    The film also highlights the risks running through both sex work and romance.

    Sex workers face threats of abuse, arrest, disrespect and boundary violations. The film gestures to these realities in a scene following a police raid on a sex work venue.

    But the film also shows Sonny’s relationships aren’t immune to danger either. One boyfriend’s rage nearly results in harm to her pet.

    Just as navigating risk is part of both romance and sex work, so too is grappling with the social forces that shape desire. In one pointed exchange, Sonny calls out Chester for only paying young, conventionally attractive women. He counters by asking why she doesn’t date Asian men, forcing them both to confront their own biases.

    Sex worker rights

    While Paying For It is deeply personal, it is also unmistakably political, especially in its implicit advocacy for sex worker rights.

    To navigate the ethical complexities of depicting sex work, Lee consulted with performer, activist and author Andrea Werhurn, who wrote a memoir about being a former escort; Werhurn stars in the film as the sex worker Denise.

    Lee also interviewed Valerie Scott — one of the applicants who challenged Canada’s prostitution laws in the Bedford case.

    The film presents sex work as legitimate labour, highlighting the skills and emotional intelligence it demands. At the same time, it underscores how sex workers remain vulnerable to police harassment, violence and social stigma.

    Canada’s perverse laws on sex work

    The marginalized status of sex work, as dramatized in the film, is shaped by a legal system structured by moralism and hypocrisy.

    Set in the 1990s, Paying For It takes place at a time when Canada didn’t criminalize the sale of sex directly but prohibited nearly everything around it, including soliciting, working indoors and operating brothels.

    These contradictions pushed the industry underground, exposing sex workers to abuse, police harassment, sting operations and heightened health risks, while often branding them with criminal records.

    Sex work kept in the shadows

    In 2013, the Supreme Court’s Bedford decision struck down these provisions, ruling that they violated sex workers’ constitutional rights, most importantly, the right to security of the person.

    But the legal victory was short-lived. In 2014, the Conservative government introduced the Protection of Communities and Exploited Persons Act, which criminalized the purchase of sexual services while ostensibly decriminalizing its sale.

    In practice, the model keeps paid sex in the shadows, where workers face ongoing risks, limited negotiating power and barriers to reporting abuse or working in safer indoor settings. What’s being protected isn’t sex workers, but a puritanical social order.



    Read more:
    Sex workers are left out in the cold by Ottawa’s unjust conviction amendments

    This puritanical approach also underpins the newly criminalized status of clients. In my chapter “From Average Joe to Deviant John,” I trace how western attitudes toward men who pay for sex evolved from a “boys will be boys” tolerance to a framework that pathologizes and vilifies them.

    Paying For It resists this framing. The film presents Chester as awkward but principled: a considerate client navigating desire in a criminalized and judgmental culture.

    The price of choosing love freely

    Paying For It offers an alternative kind of love story. It spotlights a relationship where former lovers honour the heart (their continued commitment to one another), the body (respecting each other’s sexual autonomy) and the mind (their willingness to question social norms).

    In this way, the film redefines “paying for it” not as a burden but as a conscious and liberating investment in diverse forms of love and intimacy.

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

    – ref. In ‘Paying For It,’ ex-lovers reimagine friendship, family and the meaning of sex work – https://theconversation.com/in-paying-for-it-ex-lovers-reimagine-friendship-family-and-the-meaning-of-sex-work-255294

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Sameer Borwankar, Assistant Professor of Information Systems, McGill University

    Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking, moving away from platform-controlled moderation. (Shutterstock)

    Meta, the parent company of Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp, has more than 3.35 billion combined monthly active users. Recently, Meta has changed its approach to fact-checking in response to criticisms of its role in circulating fake news and disinformation. The company frames its Community Notes program as a way to uphold free expression.

    Although Meta has not officially announced a launch date for Community Notes in Canada, interested users can join the waitlist via Meta’s Community Notes page.



    Read more:
    Meta shift from fact-checking to crowdsourcing spotlights competing approaches in fight against misinformation and hate speech

    The initiative was first launched in the United States, and will be expanding globally. Meanwhile, X (formerly Twitter) has already experimented with a similar program, with mixed results. The experience of X’s Community Notes (previously known as Birdwatch) underscores that both platforms and regulators must take an active role in refining these programs.

    Meta has the opportunity to learn from four years of Community Notes evolution at X and improve upon its shortcomings. This involves adjusting features, addressing algorithmic biases and ensuring that they function as effective tools rather than mere symbolic gestures.

    CBC reports on Meta ending its fact-checking program.

    Community-driven moderation

    X launched Birdwatch in January 2021 when it was known as Twitter. Marketed as a way to broaden the range of voices beyond platform-based and centralized fact-checking efforts, the program aimed to curb the spread of misinformation through community-driven moderation.

    Over time, the team refined many of its features based on feedback from pilot participants and internal research. When Elon Musk acquired Twitter in 2022, he implemented major changes, including a rebranding of the program’s name.

    Community Notes operates on the principles of crowdsourcing, a method proven effective in various domains. Research has shown that groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.

    On X, users participating in the Community Notes program contribute additional context to posts in the form of notes. They can also rate others’ contributions. Notes that receive supportive ratings from a diverse group of users become publicly visible. Once approved, they appear directly beneath the original post, providing added context for the broader audience.

    However, even if a post is widely deemed misleading by Community Notes contributors, the platform does not take action against the post itself or the individuals who spread misinformation. Instead, the program relies solely on surfacing user-generated context rather than the company moderating content.

    Positive impact?

    Preliminary research suggests that the Community Notes program has had a positive impact on curbing the spread of misinformation on the platform. Recent work shows that when a note is attached to a post, authors often voluntarily retract their posts by deleting them.

    On the content creation aspect, participation in the program appears to influence user behaviour: contributors tend to adopt a more measured tone, reducing extreme sentiment in their writing after engaging with the system.

    One of the most notable strengths of X’s Community Notes is its transparency. Since the program’s inception, X has provided public access to both the data and the algorithms that determine which fact-checks are displayed.

    This open-source approach has allowed researchers — both within and outside the company — to study the program and propose improvements. This stands in contrast to the recent trend of social media platforms rolling back data-sharing partnerships.

    Prior to Musk’s acquisition, X also had a dedicated team researching the impact of the program. Early changes to the program were shaped by feedback from participants and internal research.

    For example, in November 2021, X introduced anonymity for fact-checkers to prevent trolling and harassment. This decoupling of roles between content creators and fact-checkers has had a positive effect, reducing the risk of retaliation and fostering a more positive content creation by the participants of the program.

    Groups of users can collectively identify low-quality news sources and misleading content.
    (Shutterstock)

    Challenges and limitations

    Despite its potential, X’s Community Notes program faces several significant challenges, including its low popularity among users. Meta now has an opportunity to address these shortcomings from the outset.

    One of the biggest concerns is manipulation by co-ordination. Given the presence of organized troll networks on social media, there is a high risk that co-ordinated groups could misuse the program to flag legitimate content as misinformation.

    To counteract this, X implemented a consensus-based approach, where a note is only made visible if users with diverse viewpoints agree on its accuracy.

    While this system appears sound in theory, in practice it has led to a severe lack of approved notes as less than nine per cent of submitted notes reach the general audience. Many contributions never gain visibility, often due to insufficient ratings from diverse users.

    Another limitation of the consensus approach is that the algorithm must first recognize diverse viewpoints, which are not always straightforward. Social media platforms operate across hundreds of countries, where political, cultural and social divisions can be complex and nuanced. In such cases, enforcing consensus among a diverse audience may be highly unreliable and require reassessment.

    Shifting responsibility

    There is also the risk that Community Notes serve as a smokescreen, allowing platforms to shift responsibility away from active misinformation management. Since taking over X, Musk has laid off more than 80 per cent of the company’s Trust and Safety team.

    This included members of the Community Notes team, leaving critical gaps in oversight and research. Meta’s recent move to distance itself from third-party fact-checkers suggests a similar retreat from proactive intervention.

    Legal frameworks across different countries add further complications. Although Community Notes contributors remain anonymous to the public, it is unclear how platforms will respond if governments demand access to contributor identities.

    The Wikipedia legal case in India serves as a cautionary example of how platforms may be pressured into compliance. In September 2024, the Delhi High Court issued a contempt-of-court notice to Wikipedia over the site’s delay in providing identifying information about edits.

    No real consequences

    Finally, these programs are further weakened by the platforms’ explicit assurance that they will not take enforcement action based on Community Notes outcomes. Without real consequences for those spreading misinformation, the program risks being a symbolic effort rather than an effective tool for content moderation.

    Overall, there is hope that Meta’s Community Notes program can be effective, but its success will depend on continuous experimentation and improvement. The company must prioritize transparency to rebuild public trust and ensure the program does not become another performative gesture.

    Regulators also have a crucial role in holding platforms accountable, ensuring that data from these programs remains accessible to independent researchers and that the algorithms determining which notes are displayed are fair and unbiased.

    Without these safeguards, Community Notes risks becoming yet another tool that platforms use to shift responsibility rather than a meaningful solution to misinformation.

    Sameer Borwankar receives funding from SSHRC.

    – ref. Meta’s Community Notes program is promising, but needs to prioritize transparency – https://theconversation.com/metas-community-notes-program-is-promising-but-needs-to-prioritize-transparency-248324

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: SPbGASU Master’s Student: “Internship in India Gave Good Experience”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering – Mikhail Zheltov

    Mikhail Zheltov, a second-year master’s student at the SPbGASU Faculty of Architecture, visited India as part of an internship program, where he studied local architectural traditions. He studied at Parula University in Vadodara, one of the country’s leading educational institutions.

    “I had previously visited China on a student exchange program, so I wanted to see another country with great potential. India, with its rich architectural history and cultural diversity, attracted me with its unique combination of ancient and modern trends. Parula University holds many interesting festivals, which makes the learning process exciting and rich. The program allowed me not only to deepen my knowledge in the field of architecture, but also to get acquainted with the unique cultural traditions that influence construction and urban development in India,” said Mikhail.

    Mikhail has traveled most of western India – from Delhi to Goa. He admits that this trip gave him the opportunity to meet many interesting people and improve his English. He saw both ancient and modern architecture of India, acquired new friends and partners.

    “Earlier, I fell in love with the kindness of Chinese hospitality: I was treated very warmly in China. The head of the exchange program, Li Xiaodong, did a great job to ensure that everything went smoothly. I am very grateful to him for such an unforgettable trip. In India, unfortunately, I had to solve many issues on my own. However, I believe that the experience of international communication and intercultural relations that I received will be very useful for me in the future. The skills I acquired will help me better interact with people of different cultures and create more successful architectural projects,” Mikhail shared.

    As the head of the international activities department of our university, Shuainat Akhmadulaeva, clarified, Henan University of Urban Development (China) and Parula University (India), where Mikhail Zheltov completed an internship as part of the academic mobility program, are partner universities of SPbGASU.

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Tenable Reveals 2025 Global Partner Award Winners

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    COLUMBIA, Md., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Tenable®, the exposure management company, today announced the recipients of its Global Partner Awards during Tenable AssureWorld — the company’s fifth annual virtual partner conference. Those honored this year include IBM — Global System Integrator of the Year; Siemens Energy — Tenable OT Security Partner of the Year; Telefonica — MSSP Partner of the Year; and AWS — Global Technology Partner of the Year.

    Tenable also crowned its regional Partners of the Year which recognizes those partners who consistently surpass expectations in collaboration and contribution throughout the year. This year’s winners are:

    • Asia Pacific and Japan – DXC
    • Europe, the Middle East and Africa – Softcat (UKI)
    • Latin America – Global Sec Tecnologia
    • North America – CDW
    • Public Sector – SHI

    “As a partner-first company, Tenable is hyper-focused on investing in and supporting channel partners, promoting collective success,” said Jeff Brooks, senior vice president of global channels, Tenable. “Our Global Partner Awards recognize partners whose dedication and collaboration with Tenable deliver truly exceptional outcomes in helping customers eradicate priority cyber weaknesses and protect against attacks.”

    Tenable AssureWorld is an exclusive event that allows Tenable and its partners to come together to learn and share information. The conference provides insights from top executives on Tenable’s vision, revenue strategy, customer-focused business strategy, product roadmap, and other key areas of cybersecurity.

    In addition to providing resellers, distributors, MSSPs, and systems integrators with innovative exposure management solutions, the Tenable Assure Partner Program arms partners with sales and marketing assistance, training and certification opportunities, services-delivery certification and technical support to grow their business and deliver exceptional exposure management and risk mitigation. More information on the Tenable Assure Partner Program is available at: https://www.tenable.com/partners/channel-partner-program.

    About Tenable
    Tenable® is the exposure management company, exposing and closing the cybersecurity gaps that erode business value, reputation and trust. The company’s AI-powered exposure management platform radically unifies security visibility, insight and action across the attack surface, equipping modern organizations to protect against attacks from IT infrastructure to cloud environments to critical infrastructure and everywhere in between. By protecting enterprises from security exposure, Tenable reduces business risk for approximately 44,000 customers around the globe. Learn more at tenable.com.

    Media Contact:
    Tenable
    tenablepr@tenable.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Exterro Cracks the Code for Partners Aiming to Drive Sustainable Revenue Growth in the Data Risk Management Market with Launch of ExPN – the Exterro Partner Network

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PORTLAND, Ore., May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Exterro, a global leader in unified data risk management solutions, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Exterro Partner Network (ExPN). This transformative, global, strategic program redefines how organizations tackle complex data challenges by reimagining the partner ecosystem, creating unrivaled revenue opportunities and establishing a new paradigm for customer success.

    “In today’s fragmented data risk landscape, true innovation demands powerful alliances,” stated Exterro Chief Revenue Officer, Jim Cox. “We’re not just launching a partner program—we’re creating a movement that equips solution providers, law firms, service providers, developers, and resellers with unprecedented capabilities to capture market share. ExPN delivers the comprehensive framework, specialized expertise, and strategic advantage partners need to capitalize on the rapidly expanding data risk management marketplace.”

    This launch signals a pivotal evolution and investment in Exterro’s commercial strategy, featuring dedicated resources for partners worldwide and a meticulously structured program with escalating benefits. Elite partners who master Exterro’s unified suite of solutions—spanning data privacy, security, governance, digital forensics and incident response (DFIR), and e-discovery—will unlock exclusive advantages including:

    • Strategic partnership with executives (not just account managers)
    • A multi-tier structure with clear pathways to Elite status
    • Advanced revenue enablement and brand amplification
    • Specialized certifications and expertise development
    • Priority opportunity protection
    • Performance-driven financial incentives

    BREAKING THE GROWTH CEILING
    ExPN fundamentally transforms business potential for partners by providing the industry’s only truly unified approach to data risk management. This breakthrough ecosystem eliminates the limitations of traditional partner programs, enabling organizations to deliver sophisticated, high-margin solutions while simplifying technology relationships. By leveraging Exterro’s award-winning platform, partners establish themselves as indispensable strategic advisors capable of addressing interconnected data challenges across the enterprise landscape.

    “The market has been constrained by point solutions from a variety of vendors that create complexity rather than clarity,” explained Bruce Holbert, senior director of Channel Sales at Exterro. “ExPN shatters this paradigm. Our partners can now deliver immediate strategic value while simultaneously positioning themselves at the forefront of future data risk challenges—all through a single, comprehensive platform that grows alongside their business objectives.”

    Today’s organizations operate in an environment defined by accelerating litigation risks, rising regulatory scrutiny, and increasing cyber threats. Fragmented, point-based tools are no longer sufficient to manage the growing complexity of data across legal, compliance, and security domains. In the face of these challenges, ExPN creates win-win-win scenarios for resellers, service providers, systems integrators, and technology companies and end customers alike. Partners’ deep expertise, combined with cutting edge Exterro technology, delivers complete data risk management solutions that unify e-discovery, digital forensics and incident response, and data privacy, security, and governance workflows within a single, easy-to-use platform.

    Global Expansion and ExPN Access
    The Exterro Partner Network is now open to qualified partners across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific. As part of the launch, Exterro will engage with new and existing partners through briefings, joint planning sessions, and targeted go-to-market initiatives, creating join go-to-market plans to support the needs of enterprises around the world.

    To learn more about ExPN or to apply, visit https://www.exterro.com/about/partners or contact partners@Exterro.com

    About Exterro
    Exterro empowers organizations to manage data risks with a complete platform for e-discovery, data privacy, cybersecurity and governance, and digital forensics. Unlike any other software provider, Exterro makes it easy for organizations to understand their data and take swift action. Exterro’s AI-driven solutions provide accurate, actionable insights, enabling businesses to ensure compliance, reduce risks, and streamline operations while lowering costs. With Exterro, organizations gain the clarity and confidence needed to address their most critical data challenges. For more information, visit www.exterro.com.

    Media Contact
    Hazel Ramirez – North America
    hazel@plat4orm.com
    570-975-9261

    Anamika D Kumar – Global
    PR & Communications
    anamika.dhirendrakumar@exterro.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Simpliigence Expands Its Footprint with a New Office Opening in Indiranagar, Bangalore

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BANGALORE, India, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Simpliigence, a leading Salesforce consulting firm focused on digital transformations, is proud to announce the opening of its new office in the vibrant business district of Indiranagar, Bangalore (often referred to as the Silicon Valley of India). This marks a significant milestone in the company’s growth journey, strengthening its commitment to delivering world-class digital solutions globally.

    With a strong presence already established in New York and Bangalore, Simpliigence is experiencing rapid growth, driven by its success in helping clients streamline sales, service, and operations, enhance customer experiences, and maximize their Salesforce investment. The new office further solidifies the company’s expansion plans and reinforces its dedication to supporting businesses of all sizes & industries in adopting innovative technology solutions that drive measurable results.

    The Bangalore office will serve as a hub for Simpliigence’s growing team of certified Salesforce experts, providing a collaborative space designed for innovation, strategy development, and ensuring client success. It will support Simpliigence’s mission of delivering personalized, flexible, and fast Salesforce implementations, while fostering an employee-first culture that values innovation, creativity, and excellence.

    “We are excited to open our new office in one of Bangalore’s most dynamic districts,” said Raghu Seetharam, CEO at Simpliigence. “Bangalore is truly the heartbeat of IT ecosystem and this expansion not only highlights our commitment to providing tailored Salesforce solutions to businesses but also positions us for continued growth as we partner with more businesses looking to unlock the full potential of Salesforce.”

    The expansion into Indiranagar enhances Simpliigence’s capacity to serve clients across various industries, offering a comprehensive suite of services including Salesforce advisory, integration, concierge support, custom development, strategic positioning, and capacity building. This move aligns with Simpliigence’s vision to transform the way businesses manage their customer relationships and business operations using Salesforce ecosystem and other CRMs.

    Simpliigence’s Bangalore office is now open and ready to support businesses looking to optimize their Salesforce capabilities.

    About Simpliigence:
    Founded in 2020, Simpliigence is a Salesforce consulting firm focused on helping businesses implement, optimize, and manage the Salesforce platform. With a team of certified Salesforce professionals based in the USA, Canada, and India, Simpliigence specializes in delivering flexible, scalable, and cost-effective solutions that empower 150+ businesses to leverage the full potential of Salesforce.

    Media Contact:
    Subhasmita
    Marketing Lead
    subhasmita@simpliigence.com
    https://simpliigence.com/

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5ad3ad5d-ef4e-45c2-bee6-55cca1584e5b

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Australia digital health market to grow at 8% CAGR through 2034, forecasts GlobalData.

    Source: GlobalData

    Australia digital health market to grow at 8% CAGR through 2034, forecasts GlobalData.

    Posted in Medical Devices

    The digital health market in Australia is set for expansion. This growth reflects the increasing integration of digital technologies into healthcare and rising demand for more accessible, efficient, and personalized medical services. With these factors in play, the digital health market in Australia is set to grow at compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 8% through 2034, forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s research reveals that Australia accounted for 12% of the Asia-Pacific (APAC) digital health market in 2024. This growth is fueled by the ongoing technological advancements, particularly the integration of artificial intelligence (AI), along with improvements in functionality and user experience.

    Shamreen Parween, Medical Devices Analyst at GlobalData, comments, “The move toward digital health marks a transformative shift in the landscape of modern healthcare, fundamentally altering how medical services are delivered, integrated, and perceived. This change redefines patient care by enabling more seamless coordination among providers, enhancing the overall healthcare experience, and embracing innovative, technology-driven approach to treatment and wellness.”

    AusBiotech, Australia’s life sciences industry body, has recently partnered with ANDHealth, the country’s provider of commercialization support for digital and connected health. This strategic partnership aims to deeply embed digital health within the broader life sciences and biotech sectors, facilitating a culture of innovation and accelerating the advancement and adoption of transformative health technologies. Together, they aim to drive the seamless integration of digital health solutions, paving the way for improved healthcare outcomes and sustained industry growth.

    Parween concludes: “Digital health is transforming the healthcare landscape by improving efficiency, and supporting more individualized, patient-centered care. Its impact extends far beyond clinical settings, creating new job opportunities, expanding market opportunities, and enhancing the overall quality and accessibility of care.”

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Cautious investor sentiment pulls global deal activity down 5% YoY in first four months of 2025, finds GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    Cautious investor sentiment pulls global deal activity down 5% YoY in first four months of 2025, finds GlobalData

    Posted in Business Fundamentals

    Cautious investor sentiment has weighed heavily on the global deal landscape, with mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and venture financing activities collectively declining by approximately 5% year-on-year (YoY) during the first four months of 2025. Geopolitical uncertainty and macroeconomic headwinds have prompted dealmakers to adopt a more selective, risk-averse approach, leading to a slowdown across major markets, reveals GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    The contraction in deal volume during the first four months of 2025 can be primarily attributed to 4.3% reduction in M&A activity, which accounts for more than half of the combined total of all deal types.

    An analysis of GlobalData’s Deals Database revealed that private equity and venture financing deals also faced contractions, indicating a cautious approach from investors amid uncertain market conditions.

    The number of private equity deals announced during the first four months of 2025 showcased a decline of 4.5% compared to January-April 2024 while venture financing deals volume were down by 6.8% YoY.

    Aurojyoti Bose, Lead Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “The global decline can be attributed to several factors, including geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic challenges that have made dealmakers risk-averse. As companies reassess their growth strategies, many seem to have opted for organic growth over acquisitions, leading to a slowdown in M&A activity. Additionally, investors are becoming selective and cautious while making investment decisions.”

    North America continues to dominate the global deal activity. However, it has not been immune to the slowdown, recording a YoY decline of around 4%. The US, historically a powerhouse in deal-making, reported a decrease in deal volume, reflecting a broader trend of caution among the dealmakers. Similarly, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and South and Central America also experienced declines of around 7%, 3%, 11% and 13%, respectively.

    Bose adds: “Despite the overall downturn, certain markets have shown resilience suggesting that these may serve as a beacon of opportunity amid the global decline.”

    India, for instance, recorded a growth of around 13% in deal volume. Japan also demonstrated a positive trend with a growth rate of approximately 25%. Meanwhile, the US, the UK and China witnessed their respective deal volume fall by around 4%, 7% and 15%, respectively, during January-April 2025.

    Bose concludes: “The global deal landscape is undergoing a significant transformation as we move further into 2025. However, it is essential to recognize that certain markets are still thriving, reflecting a shift in focus towards nations that offer growth potential despite broader economic challenges.”

    Note: Historic data may change in case some deals get added to previous months because of a delay in disclosure of information in the public domain.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurates annual conference of agricultural universities and ICAR directors

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated the Annual Conference of Vice-Chancellors of Agricultural Universities and Directors of ICAR Institutes at the Dr. C. Subramaniam Auditorium, NASC Complex, Pusa, New Delhi. The event was announced through an official statement by the Ministry of Agriculture & Farmers Welfare on Tuesday.

    Addressing the gathering, Chouhan lauded the Indian Council of Agricultural Research (ICAR) as the pride of the nation in research and extension, and underscored the critical role of agriculture in realizing the vision of a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India). “Farmers are equivalent to God. They nurture the world and deserve our utmost respect and support,” he said.

    The minister urged Vice-Chancellors to play a proactive role in the Viksit Krishi Sankalp Abhiyan, aligning academic activities with real-time agricultural transformation. Emphasizing the immediate implementation of the “Lab to Land” initiative, Chouhan outlined a six-point strategy of the ministry aimed at agricultural advancement. These include: enhancing productivity, reducing production costs, ensuring fair prices, compensating for natural calamities, encouraging diversification, and promoting value addition and food processing.

    He also highlighted the importance of natural and organic farming, calling agricultural diversification and environmental stewardship collective responsibilities. “Science-based transformation integrated with traditional practices is our path forward,” he added. As part of this mission, Chouhan announced a padayatra (foot march) on May 25–26 to directly interact with farmers and understand their challenges.

    “Our collective goal is to ensure national food security and establish India as the global food basket. We are one team with one mantra — One Nation, One Agriculture, One Team,” he said.

    Minister of State for Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare, Bhagirath Choudhary, also addressed the conference, emphasizing that agriculture is the backbone of the country and that empowering farmers is essential for a developed India. He called for innovation-driven and research-oriented approaches in agriculture and urged participants to move beyond dialogue to action in policymaking and implementation.

    Dr. Mangi Lal Jat, Secretary (DARE) and Director General (ICAR), highlighted the strategic significance of the conference in guiding the future of agricultural research, education, and extension. He emphasized ICAR’s role as a mentor to institutions like Krishi Vigyan Kendras and agricultural universities.

  • MIL-Evening Report: Culture at the core: examining journalism values in the Pacific

    ANALYSIS: By Birte Leonhardt, Folker Hanusch and Shailendra B. Singh

    The role of journalism in society is shaped not only by professional norms but also by deeply held cultural values. This is particularly evident in the Pacific Islands region, where journalists operate in media environments that are often small, tight-knit and embedded within traditional communities.

    Our survey of journalists across Pacific Island countries provides new insight into how cultural values influence journalists’ self-perceptions and practices in the region. The findings are now available as an open access article in the journal Journalism.

    Cultural factors are particularly observable in many collectivist societies, where journalists emphasise their intrinsic connection to their communities. This includes the small and micro-media systems of the Pacific, where “high social integration” includes close familial ties, as well as traditional and cultural affiliations.

    The culture of the Pacific Islands is markedly distinct from Western cultures due to its collectivist nature, which prioritises group aspirations over individual aspirations. By foregrounding culture and values, our study demonstrates that the perception of their local cultural role is a dominant consideration for journalists, and we also see significant correlations between it and the cultural-value orientations of journalists.

    We approach the concept of culture from the viewpoint of journalistic embeddedness, that is, “the extent to which journalists are enmeshed in the communities, cultures, and structures in which and on whom they report, and the extent to which this may both enable and constrain their work”.

    The term embeddedness has often been considered undesirable in mainstream journalism, given ideals of detachment and objectivity which originated in the West and experiences of how journalists were embedded with military forces, such as the Iraq War.

    Yet, in alternative approaches to journalism, being close to those on whom they report has been a desirable value, such as in community journalism, whereas a critique of mainstream journalism has tended to be that those reporters do not really understand local communities.

    Cultural detachment both impractical and undesirable
     What is more, in the Global South, embeddedness is often viewed as an intrinsic element of journalists’ identity, making cultural detachment both impractical and undesirable.

    Recent research highlights that journalists in many regions of the world, including in unstable democracies, often experience more pronounced cultural influences on their work compared to their Western counterparts.

    To explore how cultural values and identity shape journalism in the region, we surveyed 206 journalists across nine countries: Fiji, Tonga, Samoa, Solomon Islands, Vanuatu, the Cook Islands, Tuvalu, Nauru and the Marshall Islands.

    The study was conducted as part of a broader project about Pacific Islands journalists between mid-2016 and mid-2018. About four in five of journalists in targeted newsrooms agreed to participate, making this one of the largest surveys of journalists in the region.

    Respondents were asked about their perceptions of journalism’s role in society and the extent to which cultural values inform their work.

    Our respondents averaged just under 37 years of age and were relatively evenly split in terms of gender (49 percent identified as female) with most in full-time employment (94 percent). They had an average of nine years of work experience. Around seven in 10 had studied at university, but only two-thirds of those had completed a university degree.

    The findings showed that Pacific Islands journalists overwhelmingly supported ideas related to a local cultural role in reporting. A vast majority — 88 percent agreed that it was important for them to reflect local culture in reporting, while 75 percent also thought it was important to defend local traditions and values.

    Important to preserve local culture
    Further, 71 percent agreed it was important for journalists to preserve local culture. Together, these roles were considered substantially more important than traditional roles such as the monitorial role, where journalists pursue media’s watchdog function.

    This suggests Pacific islands journalists see themselves not just as neutral observers or critics but as active cultural participants — conveying stories that strengthen identity, continuity and community cohesion.

    To understand why journalists adopt this local cultural role, we looked at which values best predicted their orientation. We used a regression model to account for a range of potential influences, including socio-demographic aspects such as work experience, education, gender, the importance of religion and journalists’ cultural-value orientations.

    Our results showed that the best predictor for whether journalists thought it was important to pursue a local cultural role lay in their own value system. In fact, the extent to which journalists adhered to so-called conservative values like self-restraint, the preservation of tradition and resistance to change emerged as the strongest predictors.

    Hence, our findings suggest that journalists who emphasise tradition and social stability in their personal value systems are significantly more likely to prioritise a local cultural role.

    These values reflect a preference for preserving the status quo, respecting established customs, and fostering social harmony — all consistent with Pacific cultural norms.

    While the importance of cultural values was clear in how journalists perceive their role, the findings were more mixed when it came to reporting practices. In general, we found that such practices were valued.

    Considerable consensus on customs
    There was considerable consensus regarding the importance of respecting traditional customs in reporting, which 87 percent agreed with. A further 68 percent said that their traditional values guided their behaviour when reporting.

    At the same time, only 29 percent agreed with the statement that they were a member of their cultural group first and a journalist second, whereas 44 percent disagreed. Conversely, 52 percent agreed that the story was more important than respecting traditional customs and values, while 27 percent disagreed.

    These variations suggest that while Pacific journalists broadly endorse cultural preservation as a goal, the practical realities of journalism — such as covering conflict, corruption or political issues — may sometimes create tensions with cultural expectations.

    Our findings support the notion that Pacific Islands journalists are deeply embedded in local culture, informed by collective values, strong community ties and a commitment to tradition.

    Models of journalism training and institution-building that originated in the West often prioritise norms such as objectivity, autonomy and detached reporting, but in the Pacific such models may fall short or at least clash with the cultural values that underpin journalistic identity.

    These aspects need to be taken into account when examining journalism in the region.

    Recognising and respecting local value systems is not about compromising press freedom — it’s about contextualising journalism within its social environment. Effective support for journalism in the region must account for the realities of cultural embeddedness, where being a journalist often means being a community member as well.

    Understanding the values that motivate journalists — particularly the desire to preserve tradition and promote social stability — can help actors and policymakers engage more meaningfully with media practitioners in the region.

    Birte Leonhardt is a PhD candidate at the Journalism Studies Center at the University of Vienna, Austria. Her research focuses on journalistic cultures, values and practices, as well as interventionist journalism.

    Folker Hanusch is professor of journalism and heads the Journalism Studies Center at the University of Vienna, Austria. He is also editor-in-chief of Journalism Studies, and vice-chair of the Worlds of Journalism Study.

    Shailendra B. Singh is associate professor of Pacific journalism at the University of the South Pacific, based in Suva, Fiji, and a member of the advisory board of the Pacific Journalism Review.

    This article appeared first on Devpolicy Blog, from the Development Policy Centre at The Australian National University and is republished under Creative Commons.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Heritage Museum’s Hong Kong comedy comics exhibition brings fun for all with classic characters (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) is collaborating with the Hong Kong Comics & Animation Federation to present the “Comic Fun for All: The Magic of Hong Kong Comedy Comics” exhibition at the Hong Kong Heritage Museum (HKHM), with funding support from the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency. The exhibition will run from tomorrow (May 21) to March 9 next year, with free admission. By presenting manuscripts, comic books, comic byproducts, art installations and multimedia programmes associated with Hong Kong comedy comics, the exhibition will demonstrate to the audience the inspiration of local comic artists and their artistic features, and revisit the important comedy comic works that accompanied readers throughout their formative years, from the 1950s to the present.
     
         Addressing the opening ceremony today (May 20), the Director of Leisure and Cultural Services, Ms Manda Chan, said that Hong Kong, as a melting pot of Chinese and Western cultures and with a vibrant city life, provides a wide variety of themes and topics for comics. Hong Kong comedy comics are unique and well received by readers in the city and worldwide. Cultural and creative products, such as films, toys, stationery, and figures inspired by Hong Kong comics, are the best testimonies that demonstrate Hong Kong’s soft cultural power.
     
         The Chairman of the Hong Kong Comics & Animation Federation, Mr Tony Wong, added that, this exhibition is a testimony to the inheritance of Hong Kong comics pop culture. Hope that through this exhibition, Hong Kong’s unique sense of humor can continue to be spread and promoted, allowing more people to feel the charm of Hong Kong comics.
     
         Other officiating guests included the Head (Multi-media) of the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, Mr Alex So; the Chairman of the History Sub-committee of the Museum Advisory Committee, Professor Joshua Mok; and the Museum Director of the HKHM, Mr Brian Lam.
     
         Various photo-taking spots are set up in the exhibition gallery and at different locations in the museum, where the public can take photos with 11 comedy comic characters from different eras, namely Old Master Q, My Boy, Sau Sing Chai, Buck Teeth Jane, Q Boy, Old Girl, Din-Dong, Ding Ding Penguin, Taimasing, IT Guy & Art Girl, and Dada & Siumui. The audience can also experience the magic of comedy comics through meticulously designed interactive exhibits, namely the Digital Caricature, the Funny Comics Mirror and the Comics Photo Booth.
     
         Other must-see exhibits include precious manuscripts, comic books and comic byproducts by Hong Kong comic artists from different periods, as well as rarely seen comedy comics manuscripts from comic masters such as Ma Wing-shing, Lee Chi-ching and David Ki, some of which are on display for the first time. A Comics Reading Zone is set up in the exhibition gallery to feature a curated selection of comics collections of the Hong Kong Public Libraries, allowing visitors to rekindle the joy of reading comics.
     
         During the exhibition period, the HKHM will organise a series of free special programmes, such as a series of lectures, film screenings, caricature drawings and workshops. For details, please visit
    hk.heritage.museum/en/web/hm/exhibitions/data/comic_fun.html, or call 2180 8188 for enquiries.
     
         The exhibition is one of the programmes of the Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival 2025. This year, the LCSD presents the third Hong Kong Pop Culture Festival, themed “More Than Joy”. For more information, please visit www.pcf.gov.hk.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Trio enters into Letter of Intent to acquire 2000 acres in P.R. Spring Utah, one of largest tar-sand deposits in North America outside of Canada.

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    California, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Trio Petroleum Corp (NYSE American: TPET) (“Trio” or the “Company”), a California-based oil and gas company, is pleased to announce it has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire 2000 acres at P.R. Spring, Unita Basin, Utah from Heavy Sweet Oil LLC. (HSO). According to a report provided by Dr. Douglas S. Hamilton, who holds Bachelor’s (HONs) and Ph.D. degrees in Geology from the University of Sydney, Australia, P.R. Spring area contains an estimated 6.75 billion barrels of OOIP within its basin boundary limits. This information was ascertained through detailed mapping of bitumen outcrops by various authors*, analysis of historical core hole and petroleum exploration wells, and examination of laboratory-derived measurements of porosity and oil saturation from 100’s of cores.

    An Optimization Study conducted by Dr Amanda Bustin, President of Bustin Earth Science Consultants, indicated a typical project well has an estimated ultimate recovery (“EUR”) of 300,000 barrels of oil with stable production rate exceeding approximately 40 barrels of oil per day. The 2000-acre parcel will support up to 1000 wells in seven well pods. Once complete Trio believes that the project, fully developed, could provide upwards of 50,000 barrels a day with an approximate 20-year life. With an expected initial total drilling and completion cost of less than $800,000 per well and declining with scale, we believe the economics and size of the opportunity are superlative and transformative for a company like Trio.

    The initial product from these wells will be commercial grade asphalt directly from the site for 90% of the production with an estimated 10% balance being a diesel range product. Both products are low sulfur and are expected to demonstrate a very low carbon footprint. This may enable our project to sell both spec commercial grade asphalt binder, which is expected to sell locally at a premium to WTI, as well as green diesel that is expected to sell at an even higher margin to WTI (per Valkor Oil and Gas LLC project developer and operator).

    Samples of produced oil from Heavy Sweet’s Asphalt Ridge project, which is located next to the P.R. Spring in the Unita Basin, confirm oil composition and above-ground facilities have been designed allowing for the separation of the two products, asphalt and diesel, providing the ability to capture product prices superior to WTI.

    The Operator is Heavy Sweet Oil, LLC, in partnerships with Valkor Oil and Gas LLC, a vertically integrated project development company with expertise in shallow heavy oil and in green and socially beneficial hydrocarbon projects.

    According to J. Wallace Gwynn of Energy News, the P.R. Spring Project is known to be one of the largest tar-sand deposits in North America outside of Canada, making it a potential giant oilfield, and is distinctive given its low wax and negligible sulfur content, which is expected to make the oil very desirable for many industries, including shipping. The project has the potential to be both large and highly profitable.

    As a result of this new opportunity, Trio allowed its option for an additional 77.75% in Asphalt Ridge to expire.

    Terms of Acquisition

    Upon the execution of the LOI by the Parties, Trio paid HSO a non-refundable payment of $150,000 for the option to acquire 2,000 acres of Trio’s choice and develop the P.R. Spring Project.

    Upon Trio entering into a Definitive Agreement with HSO for the P.R. Spring Project, at the closing of the Proposed Transaction (“Closing”) it is expected that Trio shall (i) issue to HSO 1,492,272 restricted shares of Trio’s common stock and (ii) pay to HSO $850,000, in cash, which shall be applied toward the acquisition and development of the P.R. Spring Project.

    It is also expected that Trio will provide 100% of the required capital expenditures for the development of the P.R. Spring Project, and Trio and HSO will each be entitled to 50% of the net profits derived from the P.R. Spring Project.

    Pursuant to the terms and conditions of the Definitive Agreement, it is intended that Trio will construct a minimum of seven production wells in connection with the P.R. Spring Project, during the two-year period after the Closing.

    It is also expected that the Definitive Agreement will contain such other terms and conditions as are customary in an acquisition of this nature including, without limitation, representations and warranties, conditions for Closing and applicable indemnifications.

    Trio’s obligation to enter into the Definitive Agreement shall be subject to delivery of evidence of a minimum sustained production rate of 40 barrels per day for a continuous 30-day period from each of the two wells at the Asphalt Ridge site.

    *Gwynn published a Utah Geological Survey Open-File Report (no. 527) in 2008 that exhaustively compiled tar sand data for the P.R. Spring area from numerous resource-characterization and hydrocarbon reserve investigations. This compilation defines the area of the tar sand deposit at P.R. Spring (figure 4). Geological maps and measured sections of the tar sand deposits are presented in Whittier and Becker (1962) and Byrd (1967), and Gwynn (1971) and Clem (1984) attempted correlation of the bitumen-bearing sandstone units. Properties of the tar sand deposits are published in Johnson and others (1975a, b, c), Dana and Sinks (1984a, b), and Sinks (1985). Analysis of oil extracted from the tar sands is documented in Wood and Ritzma (1972). Reserves and economic potential are discussed in Dahm (1980) and Clem (1984).

    About Trio Petroleum Corp
    Trio Petroleum Corp is an oil and gas exploration and development company in California, Saskatchewan and Utah.

    Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
    All statements in this press release of Trio Petroleum Corp (“Trio”) and its representatives and partners that are not based on historical fact are “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and the provisions of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Acts”). In particular, when used in the preceding discussion, the words “estimates,” “believes,” “hopes,” “expects,” “intends,” “on-track”, “plans,” “anticipates,” or “may,” and similar conditional expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Acts and are subject to the safe harbor created by the Acts. Any statements made in this news release other than those of historical fact, about an action, event or development, are forward-looking statements. While management has based any forward-looking statements contained herein on its current expectations, the information on which such expectations were based may change. These forward-looking statements rely on a number of assumptions concerning future events and are subject to a number of risks, uncertainties, and other factors, many of which are outside of the Trio’s control, that could cause actual results to materially and adversely differ from such statements. Such risks, uncertainties, and other factors include, but are not necessarily limited to, those set forth in the Risk Factors sections of the Trio reports filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Copies of such documents are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. Trio undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Investor Relations Contact:
    Redwood Empire Financial Communications
    Michael Bayes
    (404) 809 4172
    michael@redwoodefc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/PAKISTAN – Cardinal Coutts: “We are brothers and sisters, we are children of one Mother”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Paolo Affatato – Agenzia Fides

    Rome (Agenzia Fides) – “In a time of tension, we can only call for prayer for peace between India and Pakistan. We must rediscover our roots: we are brothers and sisters because we are children of one Mother, as Mahatma Gandhi used to say,” said Pakistani Cardinal Joseph Coutts, Archbishop Emeritus of Karachi, who participated in the conclave and the Mass celebrating the beginning of the pontificate of Pope Leo XIV, in an interview with Fides. “Today, we feel the urgency to do something for authentic peace,” the Cardinal continued. “We as citizens and as religious communities in India and Pakistan can and will promote a culture of peace to defuse hatred, disarm hearts, and educate people to forgiveness. Our political leaders should therefore do something concrete in the form of an agreement, because the Kashmir conflict is a political issue, with the governments of the two nations continuing to accuse each other.”Historically, Cardinal Coutts noted, the problem dates back to the time of independence from the British Empire: “Muslims in Kashmir did not want to be part of India. At that time, it was said that citizens had a choice: if they were Muslim, they belonged to Pakistan; if they were Hindu, they belonged to India. However, this was not the case for Kashmir, because the kingdom’s Hindu Raja chose India, even though this went against the wishes of the people and the general situation. This is where the conflict arose.” “Back then,” the Cardinal said, “we were truly brothers and sisters, a people fighting together for liberation from the colonial yoke. This fraternity must be rediscovered today and is the path to building a just and lasting peace for the future. We must return to the words of Mahatma Gandhi, who said: For two thousand years we have lived together as one people, we are all children of one mother, Mother India. But today Gandhi is forgotten and not even taught in schools,” he notes with a certain bitterness.”Political nationalism,” Cardinal Coutts continued, “has complicated the situation over the years; clashes and wars have fueled tensions between peoples with the same history and culture. This makes us realize the senselessness of this war. Back then, the goal was to create two nations that would grant equal rights to all citizens and live in peace. The leaders of the independence process, Mohammad Ali Jinnah, Mohandas Gandhi, and Jawaharlal Nehru, envisioned two sister nations. Let us return to that desire. Today, we are called to live together as good neighbors.”Cardinal Coutts recalls his episcopal motto, “Harmony”: “I would like to apply it both to relations within Pakistan, as the fruit of interreligious and intercultural dialogue and the cultivation of benevolent relations between the various communities, and to relations with the outside world, especially with India: Our desire is that we can build bridges, reach out to one another, and reconcile ourselves to live in harmony,” he concludes. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 20/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe, Professor of Geology and Geophysics, Missouri University of Science and Technology

    An electron microscope image, colorized, shows different structures of pollen grains, including sunflower, morning glory and primrose. Dartmouth Electron Microscope Facility

    If you are sneezing this spring, you are not alone. Every year, plants release billions of pollen grains into the air, specks of male reproductive material that many of us notice only when we get watery eyes and runny noses.

    However, pollen grains are far more than allergens – they are nature’s time capsules, preserving clues about Earth’s past environments for millions of years.

    Pollen’s tough outer shell enables it to survive long after its parent plants have disappeared. When pollen grains become trapped in sediments at the bottom of lakes, oceans and riverbeds, fossil pollen can provide scientists with a unique history of the environments those pollen-producing plants were born into. They can tell us about the vegetation, climate and even human activity through time.

    Fossil pollen grains of Carya (hickory) have been found in southeastern Missouri that are millions of years old.
    Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe

    The types of pollen and the quantities of pollen grains found at a site help researchers reconstruct ancient forests, track sea-level changes and identify the fingerprints of significant events, such as asteroid impacts or civilizations collapsing.

    As palynologists, we study these ancient pollen fossils around the world. Here are a few examples of what we can learn from these microscopic pollen grains.

    Missouri: Pollen and the asteroid

    When an asteroid struck Earth some 66 million years ago, the one blamed for wiping out the dinosaurs, it is believed to have sent a tidal wave crashing onto North America.

    Marine fossils and rock fragments found in southeastern Missouri appear to have been deposited there by a massive wave generated by the asteroid hitting what is now Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula.

    Among the rocks and marine fossils, scientists have found fossilized pollen from the Late Cretaceous and Early Paleocene periods that reflects changes in the surrounding ecosystems. The pollen reveals how ecosystems were instantly disrupted at the time of the asteroid, before gradually rebounding over hundreds to thousands of years.

    A University of Michigan-led study using data from the Chicxulub asteroid impact crater modeled how far the resulting tsunami likely would have reached. Ancient pollen grains and marine fossils found in southeastern Missouri and analyzed by scientists at the Missouri University of Science and Technology offer hard evidence of the flooding.
    Molly M. Range, et al., 2022, CC BY

    Pollen from gymnosperms, such as pines, as well as ferns and flowering plants, such as grasses, herbs and palm trees, all record a clear pattern: Some forest pollen disappeared after the impact, suggesting that the regions’ vegetation changed. Then the pollen slowly began to reemerge as the environment stabilized.

    US Gulf Coast: Sequoia pollen and sea-level rise

    Fossilized pollen grains have also helped scientists trace slower but equally dramatic changes along the eastern Gulf Coast states of Mississippi and Alabama.

    During the Early Oligocene, around 33.9 to 28 million years ago, sea levels rose and flooded low-lying conifer forests in the region. Researchers identified a distinct change in pollen released by Sequoia-type trees, giant conifers that once dominated the coastal plains.

    Scientists have been able to use those pollen records to reconstruct how far the shoreline moved inland by tracking the proportion of pollen grains in the geologic record to the rise of marine microfossils.

    The evidence shows how the sea flooded land ecosystems hundreds of miles from today’s coast. Pollen is a biological marker and geographic tracer of this ancient change.

    Western Australia: From swamp to salinity

    In Western Australia, sediment cores from the beds of Lake Aerodrome, Gastropod Lake and Prado Lake reveal how long-term drying can change the ecology of a region.

    During the Eocene, a period from about 55.8 million to 33.9 million years ago, lush swamp forests surrounded freshwater lakes there. That’s reflected by abundant pollen from tropical trees and moisture-loving shrubs and fern spores at that time. However, vegetation changed dramatically as the Australian tectonic plate drifted northward and the climate became more arid.

    The upper layers of the sediment cores, which capture more recent times, contain pollen mostly from wind-pollinated, salt- and drought-tolerant plants – evidence of shifting vegetation under growing environmental stress.

    Magnified images of fossil pollen studied in Australia. Clockwise from upper left, they are pollen from acacia, aglaonema and eucalyptus.
    Francisca Oboh-Ikuenobe

    The presence of Dunaliella, a green alga that thrives in very salty water, alongside sparse pollen from plants that could survive dry environments, confirms that lakes that once supported forests became highly saline.

    Guatemala: Maya history and forest recovery

    Closer to the tropics, Lake Izabal in Guatemala offers a more recent archive spanning the past 1,300 years. This sediment record reflects both natural climate variation and the profound impact of human land use, especially during the rise and fall of the Maya civilization.

    Around 1,125 to 1,200 years ago, pollen from crops such as maize and opportunistic herbs surged, at the same time tree pollen dropped, reflecting widespread deforestation. Historical records show political centers in the region collapsed not long afterward.

    Quiriguá was an ancient Mayan city near Lake Izabal, where pollen studies show the rise in deforestation and the recovery. Quiriguá began to decline in the ninth century and was eventually abandoned.
    Daniel Mennerich/Flickr, CC BY-SA

    Only after population pressure eased did the forest begin to recover. Pollen from hardwood tropical trees increased, indicating vegetation rebounded even as rainfall declined during the Little Ice Age between the 14th and mid-19th centuries.

    The fossil pollen shows how ancient societies transformed their landscapes, and how ecosystems responded, providing more evidence and explanations for other historical accounts.

    Modern pollen tells a story, too

    These studies relied on analyzing fossil pollen grains based on their shapes, surface features and wall structures. By counting grains – hundreds to thousands per sample – scientists can statistically build pictures of ancient vegetation, the species present, their abundances, and how the composition of each shifted with the climate, sea-level changes or human activity.

    This is why modern pollen also tells a story. As today’s climate warms, the behavior of pollen-producing plants is changing. In temperate regions such as the U.S., pollen seasons start earlier and last longer due to warming temperatures and rising carbon dioxide in the atmosphere from vehicles, factories and other human activities.

    All of that is being recorded in the fossil pollen record in the sediment layers at the bottoms of lakes around the world.

    So, the next time you suffer from allergies, remember that the tiny grains floating in the air are biological time capsules that may one day tell future inhabitants about Earth’s environmental changes.

    Francisca Oboh Ikuenobe receives funding from the National Science Foundation, American Chemical Society-Petroleum Research Fund, and International Continental Scientific Drilling Program. She is affiliated with the American Association for the Advancement of Science, American Geophysical Union Geological Society of America, American Association of Petroleum Geologists, Association for Women Geoscientists, Geological Society of Nigeria, AASP – The Palynological Society, SEPM – Society for Sedimentary Geology, and The Paleontological Society.

    Linus Victor Anyanna receives research support from the National Science Foundation. He is a member of the Geological Society of America, AASP-The Palynological Society, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, and the Geological Society of Nigeria.

    – ref. Ancient pollen reveals stories about Earth’s history, from the asteroid strike that killed the dinosaurs to the Mayan collapse – https://theconversation.com/ancient-pollen-reveals-stories-about-earths-history-from-the-asteroid-strike-that-killed-the-dinosaurs-to-the-mayan-collapse-254190

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • PM Modi addresses 78th World Health Assembly, highlights India’s global health vision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the 78th Session of the World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva via videoconferencing, reaffirming India’s commitment to a more inclusive, collaborative, and integrated approach to global health. Extending warm greetings to the delegates, he highlighted how the theme of this year’s assembly — “One World for Health” — echoes India’s own vision of “One Earth, One Health”.

    In his address, the Prime Minister emphasized that the foundation of a healthy world lies in inclusion, an integrated vision, and global cooperation. “The health of the world depends on how well we care for the most vulnerable,” he said, noting that the Global South continues to bear a disproportionate share of global health challenges.

    India’s Inclusive Health Model

    Highlighting India’s transformative health reforms, PM Modi underlined the role of Ayushman Bharat, the world’s largest health insurance scheme, which now covers over 580 million people and has been expanded to include all citizens above 70 years of age. He also drew attention to India’s extensive network of Health and Wellness Centres, which facilitate early screening for diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and hypertension.

    The PM spoke about Jan Aushadhi Kendras, public pharmacies providing affordable, high-quality medicines, and stressed how India’s digital platforms are revolutionizing healthcare delivery. Notable initiatives include systems that track the vaccination of pregnant women and children, and Digital Health IDs that integrate patient records, insurance, and benefits. India’s telemedicine services, which have enabled more than 340 million consultations, ensure that “no one is too far from a doctor,” he remarked.

    Leadership and Solidarity with the Global South

    Underscoring India’s solidarity with the Global South, the Prime Minister stated that India’s healthcare models are not only effective but scalable, replicable, and sustainable. “India is happy to share its best practices and learnings with the world, particularly with countries of the Global South,” he said.

    Promoting Wellness through Yoga

    Looking ahead, PM Modi invited the world to join the celebration of the 11th International Day of Yoga in June. The theme for this year, “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” reflects a holistic view of planetary and personal well-being. The Prime Minister encouraged all nations to embrace yoga as a unifying force for global health.

    Support for WHO Pandemic Treaty

    The PM also congratulated the World Health Organization (WHO) and its member states on the successful negotiations of the INB Treaty, calling it a milestone in preparing for future pandemics through strengthened global cooperation. He reiterated the importance of a collective commitment to building a healthier, more resilient world.

  • PM Modi chairs key meeting to review, boost tourism sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday chaired an important meeting in the national capital to review and improve India’s tourism sector.

    This comes following the terror attack in Pahalgam in Jammu and Kashmir on April 22, which instilled fear among tourists.

    The central government is pushing for boosting tourism in the valley.

    The government is now working to bring back tourists to the region and encourage travel. The meeting focused on checking current plans and finding new ways to promote tourism across the country.

    Previously, on May 15, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah had chaired a meeting on May 15 with the Hoteliers Association at the Civil Secretariat.

    He held the meeting to discuss their concerns after the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack. Chief Minister Abdullah assured the various stakeholders present at the meeting that the government is fully committed to supporting the sector and will carefully consider their valuable suggestions.

    –ANI 

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 9 tourist hotspots unveiled

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Deputy Chief Secretary Cheuk Wing-hing announced today that nine projects will be implemented by the Working Group on Developing Tourist Hotspots with the aim of bringing economic benefits, boosting consumption sentiment and stimulating the economy.

     

    Mr Cheuk explained at a press conference this afternoon that new travel patterns and tourists’ preferences increasingly value hotspots with unique features that are part of the flavour of Hong Kong.

     

    He pointed out that as there are many treasured tourist attractions in Hong Kong, the Government considers that in addition to creating new hotspots, current tourism resources should be consolidated and enriched to maximise the value of such hotspots and create attractions that tourists cannot miss.

     

    Hong Kong Industrial Brand Tourism is one of the projects to be implemented. Given that Hong Kong’s industrial story fully embodies the spirit of the Lion Rock, the tourism industry is forming groups to develop “Made in Hong Kong” industrial tourism, creating hotspots for visitors to tour, experience and shop.

     

    Industrial brands that can be visited include Lee Kum Kee, Kee Wah, Pat Chun and Yakult. A trial launch is expected in the third quarter.

     

    Meanwhile, a Victoria Park Bazaar will be implemented in the fourth quarter. Some 30 stalls with themed activities will be set up at Victoria Park on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays.

     

    Another project calls for creating a Pink Trumpet Tree Garden, with pink trumpet trees and bougainvillea extensively planted near the habourfront of Tamar Park to create a colourful viewing area that brings synergy with the Central harbourfront. The planting work is expected to be completed by the end of this year.

     

    The working group has also selected two featured communities for in-depth tourism, one in Central and the other in Kowloon City.

     

    In view of the fact that Hong Kong’s disciplinary services enjoy international acclaim among tourists from the Mainland and overseas, disciplinary services pioneer tours will be launched in the second quarter.

     

    The Police Museum, the Correctional Services Museum and the Fire & Ambulance Services Education Centre & Museum will, in collaboration with the tourism sector, develop and launch tourism products.

     

    Moreover, the former Yau Ma Tei Police Station will be partially opened to tourists who can see for themselves the layout and atmosphere of an old police station, which has served as a famous setting for police movies and dramas.

     

    By the fourth quarter, the ground floor will be opened to the public, featuring a replica report room, cellblocks, additional photo booths employing augmented reality technology and more.

     

    The projects selected also cover green tourism – “Four Peaks” Tourism. The four peaks for development include the Peak, Lantau Peak, Sai Kung Hoi and Tai Mo Shan. Considering the popularity of hiking trails, touring across the four selected peaks will be characterised by their unique scenery, easy and short routes, convenient transportation and comfort for travellers.

     

    The remaining project involves revistalising the former Hung Hom Railway Freight Yard Pier. The yard will be developed into a character-filled space for organising different activities so that the public can take pictures and appreciate the panoramic views of Victoria Harbour and Hong Kong Island. The target opening date will be the first quarter of next year.

     

    Mr Cheuk said that these particular hotspots span across the city, underlining the concept of “tourism is everywhere in Hong Kong”.

     

    The Government will engage the trade proactively, making good use of various resources for marketing and promotions, creating innovative travelling routes and new products for tourist groups.

     

    The Deputy Chief Secretary emphasised that he firmly believes Hong Kong’s tourism industry will attain a new level of prosperity.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ambiq and CardioMedive Deliver Unified Medical Cardiac Care Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ambiq®, a technology leader in ultra-low-power solutions for edge AI, announced a strategic partnership with CardioMedive, an award-winning health technology innovator, to revolutionize cardiovascular care with the Medive – an advanced modular health monitoring platform powered by the Apollo510.

    Breakthrough Technical Innovations

    • Ultra-low power Apollo510 MCU employs the Subthreshold Power Optimized Technology (SPOT®) platform to deliver unparalleled energy efficiency for high-performance edge AI
    • Modular plug-and-play scalable architecture tailored to patient needs, no more managing separate devices. It integrates clinical-grade 1 lead multi-parameter patch, 3/5/12-lead ECGs, blood pressure, SpO2, temperature, respiration, digital stethoscope, and comprehensive remote examination capabilities
    • Multi-week battery life ensures continuous health data capture in a lightweight, unobtrusive design
    • Dual SDIO interfaces handle high-throughput Wi-Fi and eMMC storage simultaneously, enabling seamless connectivity without performance comprises

    Transforming Healthcare Access Through Edge AI
    The Medive uses AI-driven analytics to deliver hospital-grade cardiovascular insights in diverse settings, from clinics to patients’ homes. By leveraging the Apollo510’s powerful edge computing capabilities for on-device inferencing, Medive enables immediate anomaly detection, real-time patient alerts, and predictive insights, drastically reducing the latency issues associated with cloud-based communications. The Apollo510 dual SDIO architecture enables Medive to run high-throughput Wi-Fi and eMMC Storage simultaneously, delivering fast performance and seamless connectivity with zero trade-offs. The Medive was selected as the “Medical Innovation of the Year” winner by the Romanian Healthcare Awards for advancing remote cardiovascular patient monitoring.

    “CardioMedive is transforming all phases of the patient’s journey for both in-home and hospital care,” says Fumihide Esaka, CEO of Ambiq. “We are proud to power such an important digital health innovation that makes effective prevention, diagnosis, and disease management more accessible using our ultra-low power solutions.”

    Ion Mocanu, CEO & Co-founder of CardioMedive, added, “Our partnership with Ambiq has been instrumental in creating a truly groundbreaking platform that addresses critical healthcare challenges. The Apollo510’s exceptional processing power, peripherals and energy efficiency have enabled us to design a solution that not only meets today’s needs but is future proofed for tomorrow’s healthcare innovations.”

    Comprehensive Health Monitoring
    Patients using Medive can monitor a wide range of vital health metrics, including ECG, blood pressure, and SpO₂, while also conducting specialized examinations using modules for stethoscope exams, spirometry, otoscopy, thermal imaging for diabetes-related complications, breast cancer screening, and more.

    Availability
    CardioMedive is on track for commercial launch in Q3 2026, beginning in Europe and the U.K., with phased expansion to the U.S., Canada, and Asia-Pacific markets in 2027. Learn more about the Medive here.

    About Ambiq

    Our mission is to enable intelligence (artificial intelligence (AI) and beyond) everywhere by delivering the lowest power semiconductor solutions. We enable our customers to deliver artificial intelligence compute at the edge where power consumption challenges are the most profound. Our technology innovations, built on the patented and proprietary subthreshold power optimized technology (SPOT), fundamentally deliver a multi-fold improvement in power consumption over traditional semiconductor designs. We’ve powered over 270 million devices today. For more information, visit www.ambiq.com.

    About CardioMedive

    CardioMedive is a health technology company redefining how cardiovascular care is delivered — through a modular, AI-enabled monitoring platform that adapts to patients’ needs at home, in clinics, or anywhere in between. Combining medical-grade accuracy with user-friendly design, CardioMedive empowers providers, patients, and digital health platforms to detect, manage, and respond to heart health anomalies. Visit www.cardiomedive.eu to learn more or inquire about global partnerships.

    Contact
    Charlene Wan 
    VP of Marketing, and Investor Relations 
    cwan@ambiq.com 
    +1.512.879.2850

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/795afc79-ce72-41fc-8b22-537b49141328

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Magnite and Amazon Publisher Services (APS) Collaborate to Enable New Streaming TV Opportunities via APS Transparent Ad Marketplace (TAM)

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Amazon Publisher Services (APS) and Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the largest independent sell-side advertising company, have announced a deeper streaming TV collaboration through APS’ Transparent Ad Marketplace (TAM) and Magnite’s SpringServe. The collaboration makes it easier for publishers to access high-quality and incremental demand from Magnite on Amazon devices, and gives Magnite incremental access to streaming TV inventory via APS on Fire TV devices.

    This collaboration builds on Amazon Ads and Magnite’s existing integrations. In 2016, Magnite was a launch partner of the Transparent Ad Marketplace, helping drive demand opportunities for APS publishers, and in 2024 the company was one of the first to join Amazon Ads’ Certified Supply Exchange Program.

    “As a customer and collaborator of both APS and Magnite, we have long wanted to find a way to unify our demand stack with both of these providers. This new opportunity allows us to centralize reporting and garner access to unique, direct demand,” said Rose McGovern, Head of Programmatic & Digital Ad Sales at DIRECTV Advertising.

    “We’re pleased to broaden our work with Amazon Ads to make more streaming content on Fire TV devices available to buyers through Magnite,” said Sean Buckley, President, Revenue at Magnite. “By developing the custom integration, we’re able to more comprehensively connect advertisers to premium streaming inventory across Fire TV devices.”

    “Expanding our work with Magnite was the natural evolution in our dedication to bring incremental demand to publishers through interoperable solutions,” said Scott Siegler, Director of Amazon Publisher Services. “Our shared goal is to maximize streaming TV advertising effectiveness that ultimately improves consumers’ ad experiences.”

    To learn more about activating Magnite demand through APS, visit amazon.com/aps.

    About Magnite
    We’re Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the world’s largest independent sell-side advertising company. Publishers use our technology to monetize their content across all screens and formats including CTV, online video, display, and audio. The world’s leading agencies and brands trust our platform to access brand-safe, high-quality ad inventory and execute billions of advertising transactions each month. Anchored in bustling New York City, sunny Los Angeles, mile high Denver, historic London, colorful Singapore, and down under in Sydney, Magnite has offices across North America, EMEA, LATAM, and APAC.

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