NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s Democratic Party candidate leads poll for June 3 presidential election

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

    Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party, led a poll for the June 3 presidential election, Flower Research survey showed Monday.

    Lee came out on top with a support rate of 52.1 percent, taking a big lead over Kim Moon-soo, the second-biggest conservative People Power Party’s presidential candidate who garnered 29.5 percent of support.

    The human rights lawyer-turned-politician maintained his position as a presidential frontrunner in the June 3 election, triggered by the removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law imposition last December.

    Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

    The Democratic Party won an approval score of 50.3 percent, while 32.0 percent supported the People Power Party, the survey showed.

    The result was based on a poll of 2,007 voters conducted between Friday and Saturday. It had plus and minus 2.2 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Trump ‘saddened’ about Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone, his office said in a statement on Sunday (May 18)

    Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after having experienced urinary symptoms, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options with doctors, according to the statement.

    “Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” wrote Donald Trump in a post in Truth Social.

    President Donald Trump has repeatedly berated Biden since he took office in January.

    Biden, who served as president from 2021 to 2025, abruptly ended his bid for reelection last July, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris took over as the party’s nominee but lost in November to Trump.

    Biden’s physical health and mental acuity drew intense media scrutiny even before the debate. At the time of his election, Biden was the oldest person to win the presidency.

    Trump, 78, broke that record when he defeated Harris last year.

    (Reuters)

  • Solapur fire: PM Modi announces relief for victims’ families

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    rime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday expressed grief over the loss of lives in the Solapur fire incident, in which at least eight people died. He also announced an ex-gratia compensation of ₹2 lakh to be given to the next of kin of each deceased.

    “Pained by the loss of lives due to a fire tragedy in Solapur, Maharashtra. Condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. May the injured recover soon. An ex-gratia of ₹2 lakh from PMNRF would be given to the next of kin of each deceased. The injured would be given ₹50,000,” the PMO said in a post on X.

    The fire broke out in the early hours of Sunday. Fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot, with a total of 11 fire engines dispatched to contain the blaze.

    “Fire brigade personnel have also been injured in this rescue operation. It took 17 hours to control the fire,” said Fire Officer Rakesh Salunke.

    (ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Malaysians bid tearful farewell to giant panda pair Xingxing and Liangliang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Xinhua) — Malaysians bid a tearful farewell to giant panda pair Xingxing and Liangliang on Sunday as they departed for China after an 11-year stay.

    Dozens of fans of the two pandas had already gathered at 05:00 outside the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

    As transport arrived to take Xingxing and Liangliang to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, many people waved emotionally goodbye to the giant pandas, while some took photos and videos.

    Among those gathered was the zoo’s vice president, Rosli Rakhmat Akhmat Lana. She said the panda keeper would accompany her charges to China and stay there for a few days to help them settle in.

    “The pandas are healthy. We have always supported the panda conservation program. I am truly grateful to the fans who came today… their presence shows how much they care,” the zoo’s vice president told the media.

    In 2014, a pair of giant pandas were loaned to the Malaysian government for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. They have played a key role as “ambassadors,” strengthening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

    During their stay in Malaysia, Xingxing and Liangliang gave birth to three cubs, all of which were previously safely returned to China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on May 19, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 5,170
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 5,170
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.01
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.01
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/360

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tenancy Compliance and Investigations Team checking Dunedin student rentals comply with tenancy law

    Source: Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment MBIE (2)

    The visits will identify any breaches of the Act and prompt action by landlords who are found to be not complying with their legal obligations.

    Acting TCIT National Manager, Clare Lyons-Montgomery, says landlords must provide rental homes that are warm, safe and dry.

    “Young people are a priority population for our team, as they can be vulnerable and unaware of their rights because they are new to renting.

    “Landlords have obligations and responsibilities under the Residential Tenancies Act and must provide a rental home that complies with all building, health and safety requirements in additional to tenancy law,” Clare Lyons-Montgomery said.

    Landlords have responsibilities throughout the life of each rental, including at the commencement. This includes attending to maintenance and repairs in a timely manner.

    All rental properties must also comply with the healthy homes standards by 1 July 2025. Landlords are responsible for ensuring their properties meet the healthy homes standards and continue to do so over time. All new tenancies from 1 July must comply with the standards immediately.

    “This visit is an opportunity to change the perception that living in a run-down student flat is a ‘rite of passage’ and just part of university life. We want to make it clear to landlords what their responsibilities are and what the consequences of non-compliance are,” Clare Lyons-Montgomery said.

    “MBIE regularly engages with student associations, including those at the University of Otago. This visit is another opportunity to encourage them to speak with their landlords about issues in their rental homes and then if they cannot resolve issues between themselves they can speak with us.”

    Otago University Students Association (OUSA) President Liam White say many Otago students are forced to live in cold, old, and mouldy flats and their landlords must be held to account.

    “We’re proud to support MBIE’s flat inspections and hope to send a clear message: if you rent a flat, you must meet legal standards or face the consequences,” Liam White said.

    “Students often tell us they hesitate to raise issues with landlords or property managers out of fear — fear of jeopardising future references or creating more problems for themselves. Even when they do speak up, many face radio silence or endless delays.

    “Otago students deserve better. Warm, healthy homes aren’t optional — they’re the legal minimum. We back every move to ensure these standards are enforced, and through OUSA Student Support, we continue to empower students with advice, advocacy, and education across the academic year,” Liam White said.

    If a tenant thinks the property they are renting is not up to standard they should speak to their landlord. If they are still not satisfied they should put their concerns in writing to the landlord giving them a reasonable time to fix any problems, or issue a 14-day notice to their landlord.

    If the landlord still doesn’t fix the issue or satisfy the tenants’ concerns they can make a complaint on the Tenancy Services website or apply to the Tenancy Tribunal to make a decision on the dispute.

    MBIE’s Tenancy Services website provides information and tools to assist tenants and landlords understand their rights and responsibilities at every stage of their tenancy.

    Tenancy Services(external link)

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Foreign Minister to visit Australia and South Asia

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Winston Peters will visit Australia, Sri Lanka, Nepal and India from later this week.

     

    Mr Peters is travelling first to Adelaide to undertake six-monthly Australia-New Zealand Foreign Ministers’ Consultations with his Australian counterpart, Penny Wong.

     

    “New Zealand’s partnership with Australia is our closest and most important,” Mr Peters says. 

    “We consider it vital to get across the Tasman as soon as possible after Australia’s general election to make plans for the period ahead. Our cooperation with Australia has never been more important as we navigate an ever more challenging, uncertain and disordered regional and global landscape.”

     

    Mr Peters then travels to South Asia, with programmes in Sri Lanka, Nepal and India.

     

    “We are committed to bringing greater focus and energy to New Zealand’s relationships with South Asia. 

    “New Zealand must work alongside partners to contribute to a stable, secure and prosperous Indo-Pacific,” Mr Peters says.

     

    In Colombo, Mr Peters will undertake the first visit by a New Zealand Foreign Minister to Sri Lanka since 2013, meeting President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya and Foreign Minister Vijitha Herath.

     

    “New Zealand and Sri Lanka have invested considerably in boosting our bilateral relationship over the past five years, including by opening High Commissions in Colombo and Wellington. This visit will provide political momentum and leadership to that process.”  

     

    In Kathmandu, Mr Peters will undertake the first ever visit to Nepal by a New Zealand Foreign Minister, meeting President Ramchandra Paudel, Prime Minister KP Sharma and Foreign Minister Rana Deuba.

     

    “This visit will reflect on the special relationship between New Zealand and Nepal, coinciding with the anniversary of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary’s ascent of Mount Everest. It also reciprocates a visit to Wellington by Nepal’s Foreign Minister last year.”

     

    Mr Peters will then travel to New Delhi to meet External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar.

     

    “Over the past 18 months, New Zealand and India have worked hard to build a stronger, broader-based relationship for mutual benefit. This visit will take stock of our progress.”

     

    Mr Peters departs New Zealand on 23 May and returns on 31 May.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu Attended Charity Ball hosted by the Sydney Chapter of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW)

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Director General David Cheng-Wei Wu and Mrs. Wu were honoured to attend the charity ball hosted by the Sydney Chapter of the Global Federation of Chinese Business Women (GFCBW). The event brought together 30 GFCBW members from Taiwan led by Global Chairwoman Ms. Shu-Min Lin, along with Taiwanese community leaders in Sydney and NSW dignitaries, including the Hon. Anthony Roberts MP, Dr. Hugh McDermott MP, the Hon. Scott Farlow MLC, Tim James MP, Monica Tudehope MP, Clr. Michelle Chuang of Willoughby, and Clr. Barbara Ward of Ku-ring-gai—all united in support of efforts to combat domestic and family violence.
    In his speech, DG Wu commended the GFCBW Sydney team for their longstanding commitment to empowering women and advancing gender equality through leadership and entrepreneurship. He highlighted that Taiwan enacted the Domestic Violence Prevention Act in 1998, becoming the first country in Asia to provide comprehensive legal protections against domestic violence. Taiwan is eager to work with Australia to strengthen joint efforts in prevention and support.
    All proceeds from the charity ball were donated to Women’s Community Shelters (WCS), supporting their life-saving work with women and children impacted by domestic and family violence. Chair of the NSW Parliamentary Taiwan Friendship Group, the Hon. Anthony Roberts, praised the Taiwanese community as true “winter friends.” Representing the NSW Premier, Dr. Hugh McDermott—Parliamentary Secretary to the Attorney General and Co-Chair of the Friendship Group—called for greater attention and action to address domestic and family violence issues.
    The charity ball is a big success, and once again highlights the Taiwanese community’s strong commitment to giving back to Australian society. It also reflects Taiwan’s dedication to being a global force for good.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public consultation on productivity reform priorities

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    The Albanese Government welcomes the Productivity Commission’s call for submissions on priority reform areas released today.

    We’re determined to make Australia’s economy more prosperous and productive and this work from the PC is an important part of that process.

    The Albanese Labor Government inherited the largest quarterly fall in productivity in 45 years, with productivity going backwards by 2.4 per cent in the June quarter 2022 – the largest quarterly fall since June quarter 1979.

    Over the decade to 2020, average annual labour productivity growth in Australia was the slowest in 60 years, falling to just 1.1 per cent compared to 1.8 per cent over the 60 years to 2019–20.

    Flatlining productivity is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation, and that’s why we need a big national effort to turn it around.

    That’s why on 13 December 2024, I tasked the Productivity Commission to provide the government with advice on how to address Australia’s long‑run productivity challenges.

    The Productivity Commission has identified 15 priority reform areas for further exploration and will consult on these initiatives from today.

    This is only an initial call for submissions from the PC, and we expect their findings will be informed by the information collected through their consultation process.

    We’ll consider the PC’s recommendations within the context of the fiscal constraints we inherited and balance these against other government priorities.

    We might not be able to run with everything, but we will consider all of it and see what we can progress.

    The Albanese Government already has an ambitious productivity agenda and we’re eager to build on it.

    In our first term, we abolished nearly 500 nuisance tariffs and streamlined and strengthened approval processes in a number of areas including foreign investment, energy, environment and planning.

    We have reformed skills, education and aged care, and we are making it easier for investors to progress transformational projects, including investing in cheaper, cleaner energy.

    We’re also revitalising competition through the biggest changes to merger laws in 50 years, the 10‑year Competition Reform Roadmap, and the $900 million National Productivity Fund.

    In our second term, we’ll progress further reforms including occupational licensing for electricians, abolishing non‑compete clauses, unlocking opportunities in AI and digital assets, streamlining regulation and standing up the Single Front Door, strengthening the National Energy Market, leveraging health technology more effectively, and enabling construction of prefabricated and modular housing.

    It will take longer than two terms to turn around this productivity problem which has been building in our economy for decades, but we know that this work will make a meaningful difference in boosting wages and living standards sustainably into the future.

    MIL OSI News –

  • Taiwan is not ruling out ‘political warfare’ by China, coast guard says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Taiwan’s coast guard said on Monday China could try to disrupt public morale on the island ahead of President Lai Ching-te’s one-year anniversary this week, after images surfaced on social media of a person planting a Chinese flag on a Taiwan beach.

    China calls Lai, who completes a year in office on Tuesday, a “separatist”, and has rebuffed his offers for talks.

    Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims over the democratic and entirely separately governed island, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

    Last week, Taiwan’s China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said Beijing could hold more military drills to “stir up trouble” around the anniversary.

    On Sunday, images posted on Chinese social media showed a man who claimed to have sailed across the Taiwan Strait on a small boat landing on a remote beach and planting a Chinese flag, before returning to China. The video was later deleted.

    On Friday, Taiwan’s coast guard said it had arrested two Chinese nationals after they sailed into Taiwan illegally on a rubber boat and landed on a beach on the island’s northwest coast.

    Asked about the two incidents, Hsieh Ching-chin, deputy head of Taiwan’s coast guard, said China has been taking the opportunity for a while now to carry out drills and use other pressure tactics.

    “It cannot be ruled out that on the anniversary of President Lai’s inauguration, the Chinese communists will again use similar tactics and videos to engage in political warfare to disrupt the morale of our people,” he told reporters.

    Hsieh said the video of the flag planting was indeed taken on the beach in Taiwan’s Taoyuan, but whether by someone who crossed over from China, or was helped by someone in Taiwan to film it, was still being investigated.

    (Reuters)

  • Starmer discusses Russian war against Ukraine with US, Italy, France and Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Sunday discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with leaders of the U.S., Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

    Looking ahead to U.S. President Donald Trump’s call with Russia’s President Vladimir Putin on Monday, the leaders discussed the need for an unconditional ceasefire in the war that Russia launched against its smaller neighbour more than three years ago.

    They also discussed the use of sanctions if Russia fails to engage seriously in ceasefire and peace talks, the spokesperson added.

    The talks followed intense diplomacy by the leaders that started with their May 10 trip to Kyiv when the major European powers threw their weight behind an unconditional 30-day Ukraine ceasefire.

    “Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after the Sunday call.

    UK’s Foreign Minister David Lammy on Saturday accused Moscow of obfuscating after talks between Ukraine and Russia on a possible ceasefire ended in less than two hours and Trump said “nothing could happen” until he had met directly with Putin.

    Russia – which is slowly but steadily advancing on the battlefield and is worried that Ukraine will use such a pause to regroup and re-arm – has said it needs to nail down the terms of a ceasefire before signing up to one.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Bill for transparent principled lawmaking to be read in the House

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    Regulation Minister David Seymour has today announced that the Regulatory Standards Bill will be read in the House. 

    “New Zealand’s low wages can be blamed on low productivity, and low productivity can be blamed on poor regulation. To raise productivity, we must allow people to spend more time on productive activities and less time on compliance,” says Mr Seymour.  

    “To lift productivity and wages, the ACT-National Coalition Agreement includes a commitment to pass a Regulatory Standards Act. Today is another significant step towards that as Cabinet has given approval to introduce the Bill to the house, with the target being enactment by the start of next year. 

    The Regulatory Standards Bill:

    • provides a benchmark for good legislation through a set of principles of responsible regulation
    • enables transparent assessment of the consistency of proposed and existing legislation with the principles
    • establishes a Regulatory Standards Board to independently consider the consistency of proposed and existing legislation, and
    • strengthens regulatory quality by supporting the Ministry for Regulation in its regulatory oversight role.

    “In a nutshell: If red tape is holding us back, because politicians find regulating politically rewarding, then we need to make regulating less rewarding for politicians with more sunlight on their activities. That is how the Regulatory Standards Bill will help New Zealand get its mojo back. It will finally ensure regulatory decisions are based on principles of good law-making and economic efficiency,” Mr Seymour says. 

    “Ultimately, this Bill will help the Government achieve its goal of improving New Zealand’s productivity by ensuring that regulated parties are regulated by a system which is transparent, has a mechanism for recourse, and holds regulators accountable to the people.

    “The law doesn’t stop politicians or their officials making bad laws, but it makes it transparent that they’re doing it. It makes it easier for voters to identify those responsible for making bad rules. Over time, it will improve the quality of rules we all have to live under by changing how politicians behave.

    “In a high-cost economy, regulation isn’t neutral – it’s a tax on growth. This Government is committed to clearing the path of needless regulations by improving how laws are made.”

    Notes to editors: The Regulatory Standards Bill can be found here: Regulatory Standards Bill 155-1 (2025), Government Bill Contents – New Zealand Legislation

    Particular acknowledgements go to Dr Bryce Wilkinson, whose book “Constraining Government Regulation” laid important groundwork for this Bill. Special thanks also go to Dr Graham Scott, Jack Hodder KC, and other members of the Regulatory Responsibility Taskforce, who refined the Bill in 2009

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms seized – Acacia hills

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF), have seized multiple firearms and other prohibited items following a joint operation in Acacia Hills.

    On 13 April 2025, ABF officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility intercepted a prohibited import—a firearms silencer—addressed to a 62-year-old male residing at a rural property in Acacia Hills. The individual is a known person of interest to police, with his firearms licence having been revoked in 2019.

    On 16 May 2025, members of the NT Police Firearms Audit and Enforcement team, alongside ABF officers, executed a comprehensive search of the 56-hectare property under section 119AA of the Police Administration Act. The male was apprehended at the scene.

    ABF firearms and explosives detection dogs were deployed and indicated several areas of interest within the primary dwelling. During the search, officers located and seized:

    • A Mini Ruger 14 .223 semi-automatic rifle with two 30-round magazines (one loaded), concealed under a couch.
    • A Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag bolt-action rifle hidden within shed pylons.
    • Multiple boxes of live ammunition and spent shell casings.
    • A night-vision thermal weapon sight and multiple firearm scopes.
    • Firearm cleaning equipment.
    • Approximately 3 grams of cannabis.
    • Evidence of a makeshift shooting range beneath a veranda.

    Following the discovery of cannabis, a section 120B search warrant was executed in addition to the initial 119AA search.

    Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and Territory Support Division officers assist in conducting a detailed grid search of the surrounding bushland, confirming no further weapons were present.

    The male has been issued a Notice to Appear in the Darwin Local Court on 15 July 2025 for the following offences:

    • Possess/use Category D firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess/use Category B firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess ammunition without a licence
    • Possess unregistered firearm
    • Possess less than traffickable quantity of a Schedule 2 dangerous drug

    Additionally, ABF issued the male with an infringement notice totalling $4,950.

    Senior Sergeant Alex Brennan said, “This incident highlights not only the ongoing risks posed by individuals unlawfully possessing firearms and prohibited imports, but also the seamless collaboration between agencies when it comes to investigating firearms offences.”

    ABF Commander Tracie Griffin said people should remember that any weapons or parts that are purchased overseas have to come across the border, and warned “that’s where our highly trained officers, detector dogs and cutting-edge x-ray technology are deployed”. 

    “In the wrong hands, these weapons could be deadly. If we detect them at the border, we will seize them and where appropriate prosecute those trying to bring them in illegally,” Commander Griffin said. 

    “Recreational shooters and firearm enthusiasts importing firearms, firearm parts or other weapons online should be very clear about the regulations in place. 

    “Anyone attempting to import prohibited weapons, including firearm parts, runs the risk of losing those goods and facing possible criminal prosecution.”

    Importing firearms without a permit is a serious offence with penalties including imprisonment for up to ten years and/or fines of up to $525,000. 

    Anyone with information about illegal firearms or related activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Crime Stoppers NT.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC proposes to allow collaboration between energy providers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with a condition for five years to Energy Networks Australia, Synergy, and other specified parties to allow for the procurement and implementation of a national ‘public key infrastructure’ service (PKI).

    The PKI service would manage secure communication between consumer energy resources (CER) and parties in the energy grid. Examples of CER include rooftop solar cells, batteries, and electric vehicles.

    “This public key infrastructure service will enable distribution network service providers to remotely limit or prevent electricity export into the grid by consumer energy resources in times of significant excess production, known as an ‘emergency backstop’ mechanism,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    Where power exports from CER are high and general energy consumption is low, there are risks to electricity grid stability and the potential for localised or wider blackouts to occur.

    “While several state and territory governments have already implemented emergency backstop mechanisms, this service would give effect to a singular national approach to managing CER devices via communication protocols to avoid risks to electricity network system overload,” Dr Williams said.

    Currently, each distribution network service provider is responsible for procuring its own PKI solution for emergency backstop. Under the proposed conduct, however, providers could choose to utilise a national PKI delivered by a single provider.

    The creation of a national entity to manage PKI for CER for emergency backstop is reflective of a national reform priority agreed to by federal and state/territory governments in 2024.

    “We understand that a national regulatory framework for CER to set and enforce technical standards is being established as part of the national CER Roadmap and that whilst this is a more appropriate avenue for regulatory oversight of CER, we understand the current urgency around emergency backstop requirements,” Dr Williams said.

    “We are satisfied the proposed conduct is likely to result in a public benefit that would outweigh any potential public detriment to Australian consumers.”

    “Prior to making our final determination, however, we will be seeking further views on a number of potential public benefits and detriments,” Dr Williams said.

    The ACCC considers that the proposed conduct is likely to result in public benefits in the form of interoperability, cost savings for distribution networks, lower costs and complexity for manufacturers and installers, and increased consumer choice and device mobility.

    However, the proposed conduct is likely to reduce competition for the acquisition and supply of public key infrastructure services. As it also has the potential to result in public detriment due to a lack of formal external oversight, the ACCC is proposing a condition requiring regular reporting of NEPKI’s operations.

    While there is some benefit in the proposed conduct enabling the public key infrastructure solution to expand to future use cases autonomously, it also has the potential to result in public detriment. To mitigate this, the ACCC is considering whether to limit authorisation to the ‘initial use case’ (i.e. solar cell and battery energy storage system orchestration via CSIP-AUS for emergency backstop and dynamic operating envelopes).

    The ACCC has also granted interim authorisation to enable Energy Networks Australia and Synergy to carry out the initial three phases of activity while the ACCC considers the substantive application.

    Submissions to the ACCC can be made by 2 June 2025. More information can be found on the ACCC’s public register here.

    Background

    Energy Networks Australia is a national industry body representing electricity transmission and distribution network providers (DNSPs) and gas distribution network providers in all States and Territories.

    Synergy is a Western Australian state-owned corporation that has electricity generation assets in WA and retails electricity and gas in WA. Sythenergy holds responsibilities around connection of CER to the grid.

    PKI is a cybersecurity technology that uses digital ‘certificates’ installed in devices (such as solar inverters) to authenticate them and encrypt communications with them and is carried out over the internet. Distribution network service providers will utilise the national PKI to communicate with devices to remotely limit or prevent devices’ electricity export into the grid in times of significant excess production (known as an ‘emergency backstop’ mechanism); rather than each network procuring individual, bespoke solutions for PKI.

    The proposed conduct seeks to give effect to a national reform priority that was agreed to in 2024 by the Australian, state and territory governments in their ‘National CER Roadmap’. The Roadmap states that a national reform priority is to establish a secure communication system for CER devices through establishing a national not-for-profit entity to manage PKI to operate and manage authentication of communications with CER for backstops.

    The application for authorisation was lodged on 26 November 2024 and the ACCC received 22 submissions in relation to the application.

    In the first phase of activity, there will be a collaborative evaluation of the responses to NEPKI’s request for tenders for PKI services. 

    In the second phase, NEPKI will enter a service deed with a selected PKI service provider for the design, build and operation of PKI and related services. In the third phase, the PKI service deed will be delivered, beginning with the design and build of the PKI.

    Finally, in phase four, the operational delivery of PKI services by NEPKI to PKI consumers will ‘go live’ for a term of up to five years.

    A final determination is expected to be made in July 2025, subject to any submissions and requests from interested parties for a pre-decision conference.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: BNP PARIBAS LAUNCHES A SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR 2025 OF EUR 1.084 BILLION

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

      

    BNP PARIBAS LAUNCHES
    A SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR 2025
    OF EUR 1.084 BILLION

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 19 May 2025

    BNP Paribas announces today the launch of the share buyback programme planned for 2025 for a maximum amount of EUR 1.084 billion.

    BNP Paribas has received the approval from the European Central Bank and a contract was concluded with an investment services provider acting independently, entrusted with an irrevocable instruction to purchase the shares.

    The purchase period will start on May 19th, 2025 and will end no later than June 20th, 2025. The shares purchased under the programme will be cancelled.

    BNP Paribas will provide weekly updates on the progress of the programme via a press release on BNP Paribas’ website, and via full and effective dissemination in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions:

    https://invest.bnpparibas/en/search/reports/documents/regulated-information.

    The share buyback programme will be carried out in accordance with the provisions set out in the EU Regulation n°596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 16th, 2014 on market abuse, as modified, and its implementing provisions, and within the limits of the authorisation granted to BNP Paribas to purchase shares on the market pursuant to the 5th resolution adopted by the General Meeting of BNP Paribas on May 13th, 2025.

    The description of the share buyback programme is available in appendix and on BNP Paribas’s website: https://invest.bnpparibas/en/search/reports/documents/regulated-information.

    APPENDIX: DESCRIPTION OF THE SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

    The present description complies with the provisions of article 241-2, I of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers).

    Date of the general meeting which approved the resolution concerning the share buyback programme
    May 13th, 2025

    Objectives pursued by BNP PARIBAS

    In accordance with the fifth resolution approved by the combined General Meeting on May 13th, 2025, the shares may be purchased for the purposes of:

    • their cancellation in situations identified by the Extraordinary General Meeting;
    • honoring the obligations linked to the issuance of equity instruments, stock option plans, bonus share awards, the allotment or selling of shares to employees as part of a profit-sharing scheme, employee shareholding or Corporate Savings Plans, or any other type of share grant for employees and directors and corporate officers of BNP Paribas and of the companies controlled exclusively by BNP Paribas within the meaning of article L.223-16 of the French Commercial Code;
    • holding and subsequently remitting them in exchange or as payment for external growth transactions, mergers, spin-offs or asset contributions;
    • under a market-making agreement in accordance with Decision No. 2021-01 of 22 June 2021 of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers);
    • carrying out investment services for which BNP Paribas has been approved or to hedge them.

    Maximum amount allocated to the share buyback programme, maximum number of shares to be purchased

    The General Meeting has authorised the Board of Directors to purchase a number of shares representing up to 10% of the shares comprising the share capital of BNP Paribas. For illustrative purposes, on the basis of the actual capital, 113,081,067 shares which represents, on the basis of a maximum repurchase price of EUR 102 per share, set by the fifth resolution approved by the General Meeting dated May 13th, 2025, a theoretical maximum purchase amount of EUR 11,534,268,834. Such limit is likely to change in case of transactions affecting the share capital.

    The shares which may be purchased under the present description are BNP Paribas’ shares listed on Euronext Paris – A compartment, ISIN Code FR0000131104.

    Considering that BNP Paribas owned as of May 9th, 2025 directly 721,971 of its own shares, i.e. 0.06% of its share capital, the number of shares that is likely to be purchased at the date of this description is 112,359,096 shares representing 9.94% of the share capital, i.e., on the basis of a maximum purchase price of EUR 102 per share as set by the General Meeting, a theoretical maximum purchase amount of EUR 11,460,627,792.

    Duration of the share buyback programme

    The authorisation granted by the General Meeting dated May 13th, 2025, as described in the fifth resolution, is valid for an eighteen-month period with effect from the date of the said General Meeting, i.e. up to November 13th, 2026.

    The Board of directors will ensure that these share purchases are carried out in accordance with the prudential requirements as defined by the regulation and the European Central Bank.
    ​

    About BNP Paribas
    Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

    Press contact :
    Sandrine Romano – sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com – +33 6 71 18 23 05
    Hacina Habchi – hacina.habchi@bnpparibas.com – +33 7 61 97 65 20

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Uzbekistan have created a joint archaeological center

    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

    BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) — The Archaeological Institute of North China’s Shanxi Province, the Shanxi Province Museum and Fergana State University (Uzbekistan) recently established a joint archaeological center in Uzbekistan.

    The opening ceremony of the Fergana-Shanxi Archaeological Center and the Laboratory for the Protection and Restoration of Cultural Monuments was held at the Fergana State University in the city of Fergana. At the same time, a multimedia exhibition “The Age of Yu Hong /533-592/” was opened at the said university, according to the website of the Cultural Heritage Protection Department of Shanxi Province.

    Yu Hong is a native of Central Asia. He was sent on a mission to the Celestial Empire and then stayed and held a high position.

    The exhibition is said to allow visitors to deepen their understanding of the cultural landscape of the Silk Road and Central Asia.

    The Great Silk Road, formed more than 2,000 years ago as a trans-Eurasian highway, facilitated economic and cultural exchanges between China and the West. The Sogdians, who inhabited the territory of Sogdiana from the middle of the 1st millennium BC, actively participated in trade along this route. One of the representatives of the Sogdians is considered to be Yu Hong, who came to the Celestial Empire more than 1,400 years ago and “established roots” in its territory, shared the director of the Archaeological Institute of Shanxi Province Fan Wenqian.

    Both sides, according to him, will cooperate in the field of joint archaeological research, training of specialists, protection of cultural monuments and organization of exhibitions.

    Rector of Fergana State University Bakhodirjon Shermukhammadov noted the ancient history of contacts between Central Asia and China. He expressed confidence that cooperation with China will contribute to the development of archaeological research at the university.

    The interaction between the two sides clearly demonstrates the modern significance of the Great Silk Road. Fergana State University is trying to serve as an example of Uzbek-Chinese cultural exchanges and cooperation, he added.

    Let us recall that in 1999, an ancient tomb was discovered in Taiyuan, the capital of Shanxi Province. According to the epitaph, a native of Central Asia was buried there, who bore the Chinese surname and name Yu Hong.

    It became one of the sensational events in the archaeological community. Yu Hong’s tomb was listed as one of the top 10 archaeological discoveries in China that year. The white marble sarcophagus and other exquisite cultural relics unearthed during the excavation were displayed in many countries and regions around the world, including the United States, Japan, the Republic of Korea, and China’s Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Manslaughter charge laid following Papatoetoe death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    An additional charge has been laid over a man’s death following an alleged assault at a Papatoetoe bus stop last month.

    On 27 April, 61-year-old Peter Te Kira was located with injuries at a bus stop on Great South Road.

    He remained in intensive care at Auckland City Hospital before succumbing to his injuries on 30 April.

    A 34-year-old man appeared in the Manukau District Court on 1 May, charged with assault.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a homicide investigation has continued into Mr Te Kira’s death.

    “Police have now charged this man with manslaughter,” he says.

    “He will be reappearing in the Manukau District Court on 22 May to face this charge.”

    Police are unable to comment further while matters remain before the Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Announces DGX Cloud Lepton to Connect Developers to NVIDIA’s Global Compute Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • CoreWeave, Crusoe, Firmus, Foxconn, GMI Cloud, Lambda, Nebius Nscale, SoftBank Corp. and Yotta Data Services to Bring Tens of Thousands of GPUs to DGX Cloud Lepton Marketplace
    • NVIDIA Exemplar Clouds Raise the Performance Bar for NVIDIA Cloud Partners

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — COMPUTEX — NVIDIA today announced NVIDIA DGX Cloud Lepton™ — an AI platform with a compute marketplace that connects the world’s developers building agentic and physical AI applications with tens of thousands of GPUs, available from a global network of cloud providers.

    To meet the demand for AI, NVIDIA Cloud Partners (NCPs) including CoreWeave, Crusoe, Firmus, Foxconn, GMI Cloud, Lambda, Nebius, Nscale, Softbank Corp. and Yotta Data Services will offer NVIDIA Blackwell and other NVIDIA architecture GPUs on the DGX Cloud Lepton marketplace.

    Developers can tap into GPU compute capacity in specific regions for both on-demand and long-term computing, supporting strategic and sovereign AI operational requirements. Leading cloud service providers and GPU marketplaces are expected to also participate in the DGX Cloud Lepton marketplace.

    “NVIDIA DGX Cloud Lepton connects our network of global GPU cloud providers with AI developers,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “Together with our NCPs, we’re building a planetary-scale AI factory.”

    DGX Cloud Lepton helps address the critical challenge of securing reliable, high-performance GPU resources by unifying access to cloud AI services and GPU capacity across the NVIDIA compute ecosystem. The platform integrates with the NVIDIA software stack, including NVIDIA NIM™ and NeMo™ microservices, NVIDIA Blueprints and NVIDIA Cloud Functions, to accelerate and simplify the development and deployment of AI applications.

    For cloud providers, DGX Cloud Lepton provides management software that delivers real-time GPU health diagnostics and automates root-cause analysis, eliminating manual operations and reducing downtime.

    Key benefits of the platform include:

    • Improved productivity and flexibility: Offers a unified experience across development, training and inference, helping boost productivity. Developers can purchase GPU capacity directly from participating cloud providers through the marketplace or bring their own compute clusters, giving them greater flexibility and control.
    • Frictionless deployment: Enables deployment of AI applications across multi-cloud and hybrid environments with minimal operational burden, using integrated services for inference, testing and training workloads.
    • Agility and sovereignty: Gives developers quick access to GPU resources in specific regions, enabling compliance with data sovereignty regulations and meeting low-latency requirements for sensitive workloads.
    • Predictable performance: Provides participating cloud providers enterprise-grade performance, reliability and security, ensuring a consistent user experience.

    A New Bar for AI Cloud Performance
    NVIDIA today also announced NVIDIA Exemplar Clouds to help NCPs enhance security, usability, performance and resiliency, using NVIDIA’s expertise, reference hardware and software and operational tools.

    NVIDIA Exemplar Clouds tap into NVIDIA DGX™ Cloud Benchmarking, a comprehensive suite of tools and recipes for optimizing workload performance on AI platforms and quantifying the relationship between cost and performance.

    Yotta Data Services is the first NCP in the Asia-Pacific region to join the NVIDIA Exemplar Cloud initiative.

    Availability
    Developers can sign up for early access to NVIDIA DGX Cloud Lepton.

    Watch the COMPUTEX keynote from Huang and learn more at NVIDIA GTC Taipei.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Natalie Hereth
    NVIDIA Corporation
    +1-360-581-1088
    nhereth@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, performance and availability of NVIDIA’s products, services; NVIDIA’s collaborations with third parties and the benefits and impact thereof; third parties using or adopting our products and technologies, the benefits and impact thereof; together with cloud partners, NVIDIA building a virtual global AI factory and additional regional cloud providers being added to the marketplace in the coming months are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    Many of the products and features described herein remain in various stages and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The statements above are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as a commitment, promise, or legal obligation, and the development, release, and timing of any features or functionalities described for our products is subject to change and remains at the sole discretion of NVIDIA. NVIDIA will have no liability for failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any of the products, features or functions set forth herein.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DGX, DGX Cloud Lepton, NeMo and NVIDIA NIM are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Powers World’s Largest Quantum Research Supercomputer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — COMPUTEX — NVIDIA today announced the opening of the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT), which hosts ABCI-Q — the world’s largest research supercomputer dedicated to quantum computing.

    Quantum processors promise to augment AI supercomputers in solving some of the world’s most complex challenges, spanning industries including healthcare, energy and finance. By enabling quantum-GPU computing at an unprecedented scale, ABCI-Q marks a profound leap toward realizing practical, accelerated quantum systems.

    Delivered by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the ABCI-Q supercomputer features 2,020 NVIDIA H100 GPUs interconnected by the NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking platform.

    The system is integrated with NVIDIA CUDA-Q™, an open-source hybrid computing platform for orchestrating the hardware and software needed to run useful, massive-scale quantum computing applications.

    “Seamlessly coupling quantum hardware with AI supercomputing will accelerate realizing the promise of quantum computing for all,” said Tim Costa, senior director of computer-aided engineering, quantum and CUDA-X™ at NVIDIA. “NVIDIA’s collaboration with AIST will catalyze progress in areas like quantum error correction and applications development — crucial for building useful, accelerated quantum supercomputers.”

    ABCI-Q’s AI supercomputing is integrated with a superconducting qubit processor by Fujitsu, a neutral atom quantum processor by QuEra and a photonic processor by OptQC — enabling hybrid quantum-GPU workloads across multiple qubit modalities.

    “ABCI-Q will enable researchers in Japan to explore the core challenges quantum computing technologies face and speed the path to practical use cases,” said Masahiro Horibe, deputy director of G-QuAT and AIST. “The NVIDIA accelerated computing platform in ABCI-Q will empower scientists to experiment with the stepping-stone systems needed to advance quantum computing.”

    Watch the COMPUTEX keynote from NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, and learn more at NVIDIA GTC Taipei.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Alex Shapiro
    NVIDIA Public Relations
    1-415-608-5044
    ashapiro@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, availability, and performance of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; NVIDIA’s collaborations with third parties and the impact and benefits thereof; ABCI-Q enabling researchers in Japan to explore the core challenges quantum computing technologies face and speed the path to practical use cases; the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform in ABCI-Q empowering scientists to experiment with the stepping-stone systems needed to advance quantum computing are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, CUDA-Q and CUDA-X are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/222a8e38-128b-40ab-b90a-be59593eb585

    The MIL Network –

  • EAM Jaishankar to embark on six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar will embark on an official six-day visit to the Netherlands, Denmark, and Germany from May 19 to 24, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) announced on Sunday.

    The visit is part of India’s continued diplomatic outreach to strengthen strategic partnerships and enhance cooperation with key European nations. The agenda will focus on a wide range of issues, including trade, investment, regional and global developments, and coordination on multilateral platforms.

    According to a statement issued by the MEA, Dr. Jaishankar will engage in high-level meetings with the leadership of all three countries. He will also hold talks with his counterparts to review the full spectrum of bilateral relations and discuss matters of mutual interest at both regional and global levels.

    The discussions are expected to address current geopolitical developments, global economic challenges, and shared priorities in international forums. The visit aims to further bolster India’s ties with Europe amid a rapidly evolving global landscape.

  • Japan halts some poultry imports from Brazil after bird flu outbreak

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Japan has suspended imports of poultry meat from the southern Brazilian city of Montenegro and live poultry from the wider state of Rio Grande do Sul following a bird flu outbreak, an official at Japan’s agriculture ministry said on Monday.

    The ban took effect on Friday after Brazil, the world’s largest chicken exporter, confirmed its first outbreak of bird flu on a poultry farm. The announcement triggered protocols for a country-wide trade ban from top buyer China and state-wide restrictions for other major consumers.

    Japan relies heavily on chicken imports from Brazil, and the spread of bird flu in Brazil could affect the meat market in Japan, where food prices are already on the rise.

    According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japan’s self-sufficiency rate for poultry meat, including processed products, is around 65%.

    In the 2024 fiscal year, which ended on March 31, Japan imported about 429,000 metric tons of chicken meat from Brazil, accounting for nearly 70% of poultry meat imports, excluding processed items.

    “We will closely monitor the impact on domestic distribution and market conditions,” a ministry official said.

    (Reuters)

  • No mercy for Sinner as Alcaraz storms to Italian Open title

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz had little trouble dismantling Jannik Sinner in the Italian Open final, sealing a 7-6(5) 6-1 victory to snap the world number one’s 26-match winning streak and break the hearts of the home crowd on Sunday.

    Alcaraz edged a tense opening set in a tiebreak after he and Sinner traded blows from the baseline on a warm evening in front of a packed Centre Court crowd.

    However, from the second set onwards, Alcaraz silenced the home crowd as he completely outplayed Sinner, cruising to victory in their first-ever clash in a Masters 1000 final.

    “I’m proud of myself, with the way I approached the match mentally. Tactically, I think I played pretty well from the first point until the last one,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview.

    “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome (title), hopefully it’s not going to be the last one.”

    For Sinner, it was particularly disappointing that he could not make it a double celebration for Italy after compatriot Jasmine Paolini won the women’s title a day earlier.

    Sinner was playing his first tournament since winning the Australian Open in January and was hoping to become the first Italian man to triumph in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976, but he had to settle for second best.

    Sinner, who was making his comeback this week after serving a three-month doping ban, thanked his family for their support.

    “After three months coming here making this result means a lot to me, a lot to my team also. We worked a lot to be here. Happy also with my family and everything,” he said.

    “A special thank you to my brother, who, rather than being here, is in Imola to watch Formula 1,” he concluded to the laughter of the crowd.

    The Spaniard Alcaraz has now beaten Sinner in their last four meetings, firing a warning shot to his rivals ahead of the upcoming French Open where he is set to defend his title.

    “Beating Jannik, winning Rome. Both things mix together and give (me) great confidence going to Paris,” Alcaraz said.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tax changes to promote growth

    Source: NZ Music Month takes to the streets

    The Government is removing tax roadblocks to investment, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.

    “Budget 2025 sets aside $75 million over the next four years to encourage foreign investment in New Zealand infrastructure and make it easier for startups to attract and retain high quality staff.

    “These changes demonstrate the Government’s commitment to driving the economic growth needed to create jobs, lift incomes and fund public services New Zealanders rely on.

    “Low capital intensity and low rates of foreign direct investment are key contributors to New Zealand’s relatively low rates of productivity.

    “To generate growth, New Zealand needs more foreign investment and the international know-how it brings with it. It also needs rules that make it easier for enterprising new businesses to get established.

    “Presently, New Zealand’s thin capitalisation rules limit the amount of tax-deductible debt that foreign investors can put into New Zealand investments. The purpose of these rules is to prevent income being shifted offshore and to protect New Zealand’s tax base. 

    “However, there is a risk that the rules may be deterring investment, particularly in capital-intensive infrastructure projects that are typically funded by large amounts of debt. We need to strike a balance.

    “Therefore, the Budget sets aside $65 million for a change to the rules, pending the outcome of consultation on the details. 

    “The Budget sets aside another $10 million to defer tax liability of some employee share schemes to help startups and unlisted companies.

    “Currently, problems arise if tax bills for share income arrive when employees are unable to realise the value of their shares. The changes we are making will allow tax to be deferred until a liquidity event, such as the sale of the shares, occurs. 

    “These changes come on top of work under way to modernise and reduce compliance costs associated with fringe benefit tax rules and further adjustments to the foreign investment fund residence and other rules to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for migrants and digital nomads.

    “To shift onto a faster growth track, New Zealand needs to make it easier for businesses to access capital and talent.”  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNICEF statement on the reported killing of 45 children in the Gaza Strip in recent days

    Monday 19 May 2025. It’s now been over two months since any humanitarian aid has been allowed into the Gaza Strip — the longest stretch without relief since the conflict escalation began on 7 October 2023. Combined with more than 18 months of conflict, the ongoing blockade is pushing Gaza’s children to the brink. 

    For two months, children have gone without the food, water, medical care, and support they urgently need. Instead, they’ve been living through constant airstrikes, growing illness, and unimaginable loss.

    Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of at least 45 children in the Gaza Strip in recent days:

    “The reported killing of at least 45 children in the Gaza Strip [on May 15 and 16] is yet another devastating reminder that children in Gaza are suffering first and foremost, having to starve day after day only to be victims of indiscriminate attacks.
     
    “These past 19 months, Gaza has been deadly for children and there are no safe spaces. From North to South, children are being killed and maimed in hospitals, in schools-turned-shelters, in makeshift tents, or in their parents’ arms.

    “Only in the past two months, more than 950 children have reportedly been killed in strikes across the Gaza Strip.

    “Children in the Gaza Strip are facing relentless bombardments while being deprived of essential goods, services and lifesaving care since the beginning of the conflict. For the past two months, the situation has further deteriorated, due to the imposed blockade of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The threats to children’s lives go beyond bombs and bullets. The living conditions too, threaten their survival. With each passing day of the aid blockade, they face the growing risk of famine, illness, and death.

    “Children’s rights in Gaza are being gravely violated every day and urgent action is needed to protect children from widespread grave violations of their rights and threats to their survival. Nineteen months into this conflict, children have suffered violence without relent, including indiscriminate attacks. They have suffered multiple months-long blockades, denying them of essential food, water, and health supplies. They have suffered repeated displacements – being forced to relocate again and again, in search of safety and shelter. They have suffered in ways unimaginable. Their scars will endure a lifetime.

    “UNICEF is once again urging parties to the conflict to end the violence, and states with influence over parties to the conflict to use their leverage and influence to end the conflict. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, allowing the immediate provision of humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians from attacks. The daily suffering and killing of children must end immediately.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • India win 7th SAFF U-19 Championship in thrilling final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India held their nerve in a dramatic penalty shootout to defeat Bangladesh 4-3 and successfully retain their SAFF U19 Championship title, after a gripping final ended 1-1 in regulation time at the Golden Jubilee Stadium on Sunday.

    The final had everything—early drama, missed chances, a spirited fightback, and a heart-stopping finish. India got off to a flying start, taking the lead in just the second minute through captain Singamayum Shami. Awarded a free-kick from over 30 yards out, Shami spotted the Bangladesh goalkeeper slightly off his line and unleashed a curling strike that flew into the net despite a fingertip touch from Md Ismail Hossain Mahin.

    Riding the momentum, India dominated the opening exchanges with sharp passing and incisive wing play. In the 16th minute, Omang Dodum came close to doubling the lead after slicing through the defence, but Mahin pulled off a crucial save to deny him.

    Bangladesh, initially rattled, gradually settled into the match. They tightened their lines, disrupted India’s rhythm, and began pressing forward. By halftime, they were threatening more consistently—especially from set-pieces.

    Their persistence paid off in the 61st minute. A chaotic corner sparked a scramble in the Indian box, and Md Joy Ahamed reacted quickest, slamming the ball past Suraj Singh Aheibam to level the score. It was the first goal India had conceded in the tournament.

    Both teams pushed for a winner in the final half-hour, but the contest turned scrappy and physical. With neither side able to find the decisive goal, the championship was decided by penalties.

    The shootout was tense. Rohen Singh’s tame second attempt gave Bangladesh the advantage as Mahin saved comfortably. The stadium fell into a hushed silence. But India refused to buckle. When Bangladesh captain Nazmul Huda Faysal sent his effort over the bar, the momentum swung back India’s way.

    India converted their remaining spot-kicks with confidence, and Suraj Singh Aheibam made a crucial save, diving low to his left to deny Salahuddin Sahed.

    It all came down to captain Shami, who had already led by example with a sensational early goal. Calm and composed, he stepped up and slotted the final penalty home, sealing victory and sending the crowd into raptures.

    With this win, India not only held onto their crown but also reinforced their dominance at the regional level, showing grit, composure, and character in a high-pressure final.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prime Minister must scrap the Regulatory Standards Bill

    Source: Green Party

    The Green Party is urging the Prime Minister to get rid of the Regulatory Standards Bill after the Waitangi Tribunal found that the Bill breaches the Crown’s Tiriti o Waitangi obligations.

    “The Regulatory Standards Bill is another thinly veiled attack on te Tiriti o Waitangi. The Prime Minister failed to show leadership on the Treaty Principles Bill, he can begin to make amends by abandoning this Bill,” says Green Party co-leader Marama Davidson.

    “Te Tiriti o Waitangi is the promise of protection, for people and planet. We have seen hundreds of thousands of people show up in support of te Tiriti o Waitangi, we know our communities will not stand for this.

    “The Bill is the same tired politics we have seen time and time again from the Government, attacking Te Tiriti o Waitangi to make it easier for wealthy companies to exploit our whānau and our taiao for profit.

    “For a Bill that claims to attempt to embed ‘good law-making’, the Bill has already breached te Tiriti o Waitangi in its policy development and has completely ignored the significant opposition and feedback provided in over 22,000 submissions.  

    “The last time the Prime Minister showed up to Waitangi, he said that te Tiriti o Waitangi was our past, present, and future. As Prime Minister, it would be wrong for him to again ignore the findings of the Waitangi Tribunal and allow this Bill to proceed without real engagement with Māori on such constitutionally significant legislation.

    “Governments come and go. Politicians come and go. Te Tiriti o Waitangi is foundational and enduring. Honouring te Tiriti o Waitangi is the constitutional obligation of every Prime Minister – something Christopher Luxon must take personal responsibility for by scrapping the Regulatory Standards Bill.

    “Whatungarongaro te tangata, toitū te whenua. Whatungarongaro te Kāwanatanga, toitū te Tiriti o Waitangi. People disappear, while the land remains. Governments come and go, while te Tiriti o Waitangi is forever,” says Marama Davidson.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reporting nuisance smoke

    Source: PISA results continue to show more to be done for equity in education

    Agencies that respond to fire and smoke incidents

    Several agencies work closely together during smoke or fire-related incidents, especially in a large-scale event. This ensures all available resources, expertise, and equipment are available for an effective response.  

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand plays a key role in managing fire and smoke events.

    • Issues smoke advisories when there is a significant smoke event that may affect people’s health or cause community concern  
    • Shares public information about fires, with a focus on safety and preparedness  
    • Sets fire seasons and restrictions around lighting fires
    • Leads messaging to the affected communities in a fire emergency, with support from Health New Zealand’s Public Health Service.

    If a fire is dangerous or a threat to a person or property, call 111 and ask for the fire service.

    Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

    Te Whatu Ora provides advice on potential health risks when there is a significant smoke event that may affect public health.

    Christchurch City Council

    Christchurch City Council plays a supporting role in fire response. Depending on the community’s needs, the Council also may have a role in post-emergency recovery, including some wildfire prevention measures and building community resilience.

    Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management (CDEM)

    The CDEM team coordinates the multi-agency emergency response. This includes public information and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of residents.

    To report a burning-related incident, call us on 0800 765 588 (24-hours) or use one of our other reporting options.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New fleet fortifies Auckland Emergency Management capability

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Auckland Emergency Management’s ability to deliver urgent response operations has been further enhanced, with eight new vehicles and three catering trailers ready to hit the road.

    Each highly specialised vehicle in the new emergency response fleet is purpose-built and equipped with tools and provisions that allow teams to go off-road and safely undertake a wide range of activities.

    The upgraded fleet supplements existing equipment and resources and is a big step forward in strengthening AEM’s local coordination capabilities and ability to help Aucklanders in emergencies like flooding, particularly in remote and rural areas. 

    “The new fleet gives us the tools to get where we need to go, stay there as long as we’re needed, and support the communities who need us most,” says John Cranfield, Head of Operations, Auckland Emergency Management. “It’s about being ready for anything—today and into the future.”

    One of the new class 2 trucks equipped with a wide range of specialist tools and gear to support response activities.

    The new equipment also enhances AEM’s ability to support wider civil defence needs across the country. Whether delivering supplies, supporting civil defence centres, or managing field operations in remote areas, the enhanced fleet will help our responders deploy to impacted areas and remain self-sufficient whilst there, so as not to place further strain on local resources.

    The fleet includes two new 4×4 class 2 trucks with a raised chassis, which enables operations in and around floodwaters when it’s safe to do so. These trucks are equipped with hydraulic ladder systems, winches, and specialised search-and-rescue lights. They will be used by response teams in the North and West to undertake response activities as needed, says John.

    Three new 4×4 command vans will provide invaluable situational awareness to coordinate response efforts from out in the field. Each specialised van is equipped with computers, Low Earth Orbit satellite internet capability and radio repeaters, enabling the vans to function as a small mobile office. The vans are fully self-sufficient, with a generator and fridge, making them particularly useful in isolated areas.

    Three Ford Ranger Wildtrak utes have also joined the AEM fleet, providing further capacity to navigate floodwaters and off-road terrain. With searchlights, winches, and specialised tools and equipment onboard, the utes will be used in rescue activities and everyday operations.

    To help deliver hot meals and drinks to New Zealand response teams and community members in need, three new catering trailers have been acquired to boost AEM’s capability at Civil Defence Centres and in remote or isolated areas.

    “We are ready to respond wherever these new vehicles are needed. The additional capability means we have more opportunity to assist when there are multiple events occurring across the region at the same time,” says John.

    The new fleet has been blessed at a ceremony, led by local iwi Ngāti Tamaoho and attended by councillors, emergency services personnel, New Zealand response teams, and other key partners.

    Funding for the vehicles came through Auckland Council’s storm recovery fund and AEM’s capital expenditure budget and is a critical part of the region’s ongoing commitment to build resilience to manage severe weather events.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Creating Pathways to Success through Affordable Private Education

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    An ADB equity investment project has helped Philippine-based PHINMA Education expand its operations in Indonesia with two universities that now provide quality education to underserved communities. It has established or acquired Horizon University in Karawang, West Java, and lately, Horizon University in Jakarta. In this video, Indonesian students share how Phinma Education helps them achieve their dreams.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Development Asia: How Public Assurance Systems Improve ESG Disclosure and Investor Trust

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Environmental, Social, and Governance information—non-financial corporate data—has become increasingly important in today’s market. According to Bloomberg earlier this year, global ESG investments amounted to USD 30 trillion in 2022 and are expected to surpass USD 40 trillion by 2030. As studies continue to show that ESG performance influences corporate value, financial outcomes, and borrowing costs, ESG disclosure is now taken more seriously than ever.

    However, the legal framework for ESG disclosure remains incomplete, leaving consumers and investors vulnerable to misleading practices such as ESG washing. ESG investments are rapidly growing and influencing business activities, yet concerns[1] persist over greenwashing—where companies falsely promote or exaggerate the environmentally friendly attributes of their actions or products. International organizations and regulatory authorities across various countries are working to establish and strengthen non-financial disclosure requirements, but a universal regulatory framework is unlikely to emerge quickly due to the complexity and diversity of ESG information.[2]

    Despite these challenges, such a regulatory framework is essential, as greenwashing fosters false perceptions among consumers and investors, leading to misunderstanding and potential harm. A notable example is the 2015 Volkswagen emissions scandal, in which the company deliberately manipulated diesel engine performance during emissions tests, misleading regulators and consumers alike.[3] More recently, concerns have been raised that banks with weak ESG evaluations have greenwashed their performance by increasing lending to companies with stronger ESG ratings.

    While establishing a legal framework to impose sanctions for misleading ESG disclosures would help mitigate greenwashing risks, developing such a system is expected to take significant time. Although ESG disclosure obligations are strengthening worldwide, variations in mandatory reporting content and format between countries will likely persist for the foreseeable future. Ensuring consistency, accuracy, and comparability in ESG disclosures remains a complex challenge.[4]

    Moreover, non-financial information—such as environmental, governance, and social data—often presents greater information asymmetry between companies and investors than financial metrics. Quantifying and standardizing this information is difficult, as its relevance varies by industry, making it challenging to define uniform disclosure standards. Additionally, some ESG disclosure obligations have not been introduced based on investor materiality but rather due to historical factors, such as responses to industrial accidents, social concerns, environmental damage, or governance failures.[5]

    As a result, reporting obligations for many critical ESG indicators that matter to investors remain absent or incomplete. Yet, markets and investors must continue making decisions based on these fragmented disclosures, increasing the risk of confusion and financial loss.

    MIL OSI Economics –