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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-Evening Report: New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Melatos, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Sydney

    Poetra.RH/Shutterstock

    The re-election of the Albanese government has led to renewed concern about planned changes to the taxation of investment returns in superannuation funds.

    Labor’s emphatic victory on Saturday night, including what looks like an increased presence in the Senate, suggests the legislation is likely to become law in the near future.

    Retirement income in Australia

    Australia’s retirement income system comprises two pillars: a government-funded age pension as well as private superannuation.

    Super includes compulsory employer-funded contributions as well as additional personal contributions.

    These two pillars are complementary; a person can receive a pension even if they have private super. But the more super they have, the less pension they are eligible for.

    About 70% of superannuation assets are held in Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA)-regulated funds and 25% are held in self-managed super funds (SMSFs).

    There are two types of tax – and tax concessions – on super. First, employer contributions and capped personal contributions are taxed at a concessional rate of 15%. Second, income earned by a super fund is taxed at 15% for balances in the accumulation phase (when contributions are being made). Income earned in the pension phase is tax-free.

    So what does the proposed reform entail?

    Starting July 1, the government proposes to increase the concessional tax rate on super account earnings in the accumulation phase from 15% to 30% for balances above A$3 million.

    Those affected – about 80,000 super account holders, or 0.5% of the total – will continue to benefit from the existing 15% concessional tax rate on earnings on the first $3 million of their super balance.

    They will also be able to carry forward any loss as an offset against their tax liability in future years.

    The proposed increase in taxes would affect about 80,000 account holders.
    Fizkes/Shutterstock

    Concerns with the proposed reform

    Concerns have been raised this reform implies the taxation of unrealised capital gains on assets held in super accounts, such as shares or property, even if they have not been sold.

    This is, indeed, a significant departure from the status quo. Both APRA-regulated funds and SMSFs are currently only required to pay capital gains tax once the asset is sold and the gain is crystallised.

    The move to tax unrealised capital gains is likely to prove particularly onerous for SMSFs. The typical industry super fund has a diversified portfolio of assets of varying liquidity, including significant cash holdings. But SMSF portfolios are often dominated by a large and illiquid asset (ones that cannot be easily sold and converted into cash) such as a farm or business property.

    As a result, an SMSF facing a large unrealised capital gain, say from an increase in property values, may not have sufficient cash flow to pay the associated tax bill. The SMSF trustee might be forced to prematurely sell assets to meet the fund’s tax liability.

    In the United States, President Joe Biden’s 2025 budget included a similar proposal to tax unrealised capital gains for households with more than US$100 million in wealth.

    Purpose of the proposed reform

    In announcing this initiative, Treasurer Jim Chalmers suggested the motivation was two-fold.

    First, the federal government is facing pressure on the budget bottom line and generous tax concessions for super are becoming expensive.

    Second, current super tax concessions are highly regressive. This means most benefits of the concessions flow to the wealthiest households which, in any case, will not be eligible for the pension.

    The cost of current super concessions to the federal budget is about $50 billion in foregone revenue, according to Treasury. That is almost the cost of the age pension.

    The Grattan Institute argues superannuation has become a “taxpayer-funded inheritance scheme”. A Treasury review found most Australians die with large outstanding super balances.

    The Association of Superannuation Funds of Australia Retirement Standard calculates that, for a comfortable retirement, a couple needs a super balance of about $700,000 if they retire at age 67. The $3 million threshold is out of the ballpark. However, if the threshold is not indexed more people will be affected over time.

    So, is this reform useful?

    According to the government’s Retirement Income Review, the objective of Australia’s super system should be to “deliver adequate standards of living in retirement in an equitable, sustainable and cohesive way”.

    While the proposed tax change aims to improve the equity and sustainability of Australia’s super system, it is not clear how it will work in practice.

    In response to SMSF concerns about the difficulty in paying tax bills, the government’s proposal gives taxpayers 84 days to pay the tax liability instead of the usual 21 days. This hardly mitigates the risk that SMSF trustees may have to liquidate the main asset in their fund.

    The Biden proposal had presented an alternative model, allowing for the tax liability to be paid over several years, not all at once. Alternatively, taxpayers could pay an interest-like charge while deferring their unrealised capital gains tax liability.

    Such alternatives do not appear to have been seriously considered in the Australian government’s proposal.

    Ultimately, though, the question must be asked: is taxing volatile unrealised capital gains really the most effective way to improve equity in, and the sustainability of, the superannuation system?

    Mark Melatos 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. New taxes on super didn’t get much attention in the election campaign. But they could be tricky to implement – https://theconversation.com/new-taxes-on-super-didnt-get-much-attention-in-the-election-campaign-but-they-could-be-tricky-to-implement-255871

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hans Westerbeek, Professor of International Sport Business, Head of Sport Business Insights Group, Victoria University

    Women’s sport is more and more getting the attention it deserves.

    Stadiums are filling, television ratings for many sports are climbing and athletes such as the Matildas’ Mary Fowler, triple Olympic gold medallist Jess Fox and star cricketer Ellyse Perry are becoming household names.

    Despite this progress, an invisible threat looms, one that risks undoing years of advocacy and momentum.

    That threat is the algorithm.

    How sports consumption is changing

    As more fans consume sport through digital platforms such as YouTube, TikTok, Instagram and increasingly, AI-curated streaming services such as WSC Sports, the content they see is being selected not by editors but by artificial intelligence (AI).

    Algorithms, trained to maximise engagement and profits, are deciding what appears in your feed, which video auto-plays next, and which highlights are pushed to the top of your screen.

    But here is the problem: algorithms prioritise content that is already popular.

    That usually means men’s sport.

    This creates what researchers call an echo chamber effect, where users are shown more of what they already engage with and less of what they don’t.

    In sport, this can be deeply problematic.

    If a user clicks on highlights from the AFL men’s competition for example, the algorithm will respond by serving up more men’s footy content.

    Over time, content from women’s competitions risks being squeezed out, not because it is unworthy but because it has not yet achieved the same levels of engagement.

    This is not a glitch, it is a structural flaw in how digital platforms are designed to serve content.

    It means women’s sport, already underrepresented in traditional media, risks becoming all but invisible to many users in this AI-driven ecosystem.

    Also, generative AI tools such as ChatGPT, Sora and others don’t just curate content, they now create it.

    Match reports, fan commentary, video summaries and social posts are being generated by machines. But these systems are trained on historical data, which overwhelmingly favours men’s sport.

    So, the more content the algorithm generates, the more it reproduces the same imbalance. What was once human bias is now being automated and scaled across millions of screens.

    This may sound abstract, but it has real-world consequences.

    Young fans raised on algorithmically curated content are less likely to see women’s sport unless they actively search for it. And if they don’t see it, they don’t form emotional attachments to it.

    That has major implications for ticket sales, merchandise, viewership and sponsorship investment.

    An uphill battle

    In short, visibility drives viability. If women’s sport becomes digitally invisible, it risks becoming financially unsustainable.

    A 2024 study in Victoria shows only around 15% of traditional sports media coverage in the state goes to women’s sport. This mirrors a 2019 European Union study across 22 countries, which found 85% of print media coverage is dedicated to male athletes.

    And while progress has been made, particularly during events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup or the Olympics, regular, everyday visibility remains an uphill battle.

    AI threatens to compound these historic disparities. A 2024 study found algorithms trained on historical data reproduce and even amplify gender bias.

    The very systems that could democratise access to sport content may, in fact, be reinforcing old inequalities.

    What can be done?

    We can’t turn off the algorithm. But we can hold it to account.

    Platforms like YouTube, TikTok and Netflix should be required to undergo independent algorithmic audits.

    These would evaluate whether content recommendation engines are systemically under-representing women’s sport and propose changes.

    In Europe, the Artificial Intelligence Act, one of the world’s first comprehensive AI regulations, requires transparency and oversight for high-risk AI applications. Australia and other countries should consider similar obligations for content platforms.

    Sport organisations and broadcasters need to create intentional pathways for fans to discover women’s sport, even if they haven’t previously engaged with it.

    That means curated playlists, featured stories and digital campaigns that surface content outside the fan’s usual algorithmic bubble.

    Platforms must balance personalisation with diversity.

    We also need better media literacy, especially for younger audiences. Fans should be encouraged to explore beyond what’s served to them, seek out women’s sport channels, and recognise when the algorithm is reinforcing narrow viewing habits.

    Teaching this in schools, sport clubs and community programs could make a big difference.

    An opportunity for Australia

    Australia is well placed to lead this change because our women’s national teams are globally competitive, our domestic leagues are growing and fan appetite is rising.

    But without visibility, this momentum can fade. We must remember that algorithms don’t just reflect our preferences, they shape them.

    In an age where AI can dictate what we see, the battle for attention becomes even more crucial.

    If we want women’s sport to thrive every week, we need to ensure it is seen, heard and valued in the digital spaces where fandom now lives.

    Because in the age of AI, what we don’t see may be just as powerful as what we do.

    Hans Westerbeek 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. Women’s sports are fighting an uphill battle against our social media algorithms – https://theconversation.com/womens-sports-are-fighting-an-uphill-battle-against-our-social-media-algorithms-255001

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: New Godzilla the Ride Film to Be Directed by Academy Award-Winning Takashi Yamazaki

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 07, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Toho Entertainment Asia, the Japanese studio’s Singapore-based subsidiary, revealed that Takashi Yamazaki, director and Academy Award–winner of Best Visual Effects for Godzilla Minus One will write, direct and produce the VFX for a brand‑new Godzilla ride attraction.

    Director Takashi Yamazaki’s first Godzilla ride attraction project, “Godzilla the Ride: Giant Monsters Ultimate Battle,” which is currently showing at Seibuen Amusement Park, Japan, has earned global acclaim for its exceptional quality and epic scale, regularly seeing an outstanding audience satisfaction rate.

    The new experience will be distributed to additional locations via the iRide system developed by Taiwan’s Brogent Technologies, Inc.

    “I’m thrilled to return to Godzilla’s world from the passenger seat”, said Yamazaki. “What powerful foes will emerge? Where will this ride take us next? As a ride enthusiast myself, I can’t wait for my first spin – and I’m working day and night with our team to make this the most terrifying ride in the world.”

    While there are few specifics about the content of the new attraction, the plan is for the scope and scale to surpass that of the original acclaimed theme park experience, offering fans once again an experience unlike anything they’ve ever witnessed featuring the King of the Monsters.

    The newly produced ride attraction experience will begin rolling out in Summer 2025.

    Featured venues will include leading theme parks and entertainment centers utilizing Brogent’s iRide system. Exact locations and launch dates will be announced soon.

    Social Links

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/godzilla_asia/

    Facebook: https://bit.ly/GodzillaAsia

    Media Contact

    Company: Toho Entertainment Asia

    Contact: Sales Team

    Email: hello@tohoea.com.sg

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s Red Cross establishes over 1,000 rescue teams

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

    Members of the Chinese Red Cross International Emergency Response Team conduct rescue efforts in Mandalay, Myanmar, March 31, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    The Red Cross Society of China (RCSC) has established over 1,000 specialized teams with approximately 100,000 personnel for emergency rescue duties, according to a press conference on Wednesday.

    These teams operate across eight fields, spanning disaster relief, medical aid, water supply management, public health services, emergency transport, psychological support, search and rescue, and aquatic rescue operations.

    The RCSC activated emergency response measures 565 times and deployed 775,000 relief items in 2024, said Wang Bin, deputy president of the organization.

    The RCSC is further committed to leveraging its grassroots networks and volunteers, integrating technological solutions to enhance rescue capacities, and collaborating with emergency response agencies to deliver rapid humanitarian assistance to disaster-stricken communities.

    In addition, Chinese Red Cross Foundation President Bei Xiaochao highlighted the foundation’s closed-loop system, which covers everything from fundraising and resource allocation to compliance monitoring.

    Bei said that the foundation maintains real-time updates on relief operations and the distribution of materials in compliance with regulations, ensures the public disclosure of donation receipts and expenditures, and publishes audit reports for transparency.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Historic victory returns some of Chinese snooker’s lost luster

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

    In a moment that will reverberate far beyond the walls of the Crucible Theatre, China’s Zhao Xintong etched his name into sporting history by becoming the first Asian to win the World Snooker Championship.

    With a commanding victory over three-time world champion Mark Williams, 28-year-old Zhao not only claimed his first world title, but also redefined the global landscape of a sport long dominated by British players.

    “I can’t believe it. It’s like a dream,” said Zhao, his voice trembling as he raised the Chinese national flag beside the table.

    Zhao Xintong celebrates with the trophy after claiming the title by defeating Mark Williams of Wales in the final at World Snooker Championship 2025 in Sheffield, Britain, May 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Just months earlier, Zhao had rejoined competitive events as an amateur following a 20-month suspension for his involvement in match-fixing. His success at the Crucible was more than a win. It was a moment of arrival for himself, for Chinese snooker, and for the global game.

    A MILESTONE FOR ASIA

    Zhao’s win marks the first time in snooker’s modern history since 1969 that the world title has been won by an Asian player. He becomes the fourth champion from outside the United Kingdom and Ireland, following Canada’s Cliff Thorburn (1980), Neil Robertson of Australia (2010), and Belgium’s Luca Brecel (2023).

    Yet Zhao’s victory added symbolic weight: it is the culmination of China’s decades-long effort to develop snooker from a niche interest to a national movement.

    “I once said, ‘I’m glad to see that the threshold I shattered back then has become a runway for everyone.’ Today someone has finally crossed the finish line on that runway,” wrote Chinese icon Ding Junhui, who reached the World Championship final in 2016.

    “He has achieved the dream that generations of Chinese snooker players have shared,” Ding added.

    Zhao’s triumph echoed another landmark moment for Chinese snooker two decades ago. In the 2005 China Open final, Ding, then just 18 and playing as a wildcard, stunned the snooker world by defeating legend Stephen Hendry to claim China’s first ranking title.

    However, the sport itself faced a turning point. At that time, snooker was struggling in its traditional heartland. A European Union ban on tobacco advertising had stripped the sport of long-time sponsors, and its unpredictable match durations made broadcasting inconvenient. By the 2005-06 season, the snooker calendar had shrunk to just six ranking events.

    At that critical juncture, China’s interest in the game, backed by a vast population, emerging media market and surging youth participation, proved to be a lifeline. Ding’s victory helped ignite a snooker boom in China that would change the sport’s future.

    In the 2024-25 season, snooker has nearly 20 ranking tournaments, a dramatic revival made possible, in large part, by China’s sustained investment and growing influence.

    Once there was only Ding as an elite Chinese player; now there is a whole generation. A record 10 Chinese players qualified for the main draw at this year’s World Championship, six of whom reached the last 16. Moreover, nine Chinese players are currently ranked inside the world’s top 32.

    This depth of talent is no accident. Over the past two decades, China has invested heavily in snooker infrastructure from grassroots clubs to elite academies. In cities like Dongguan, Guangzhou and Beijing, children learn the sport in specialized training centers, guided by a growing network of coaches, many of them trained overseas.

    “Snooker used to be seen as just a hobby,” said Huang Zhufeng, head of the World Snooker Academy’s Guangdong branch. “Now it’s a real career path — a sport the country is proud of.”

    FROM CHINA TO WORLD

    As the talent pool expanded, so did the calendar. China now hosts nearly one-third of professional ranking events each season, far more than any other country outside the U.K..

    Tournaments in cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Wuhan, and the small but iconic town of Yushan are now fixtures on the global snooker circuit. The Yushan International Billiards Culture Center, home to the World Snooker Hall of Fame and Museum, has been dubbed “the second Crucible” by players.

    Jason Ferguson, chairman of the World Professional Billiards and Snooker Association, said the sport’s growth in China has reshaped its global future.

    “China has developed its own history in the sport. It’s no longer a U.K.-based sport, and it’s no longer just U.K. players. We’ve learned a lot in China of how to develop snooker, and some of those things we’ve learned, we are now taking them to new countries and helping those to develop as well,” Ferguson said.

    The sport also has a fast-growing fanbase in China. A report shows that by 2022, China’s billiards and snooker enthusiasts have surpassed 210 million, with an increase of 180 percent year-on-year. According to a survey from data analysis provider iiMedia Research, more than 100,000 billiards-related businesses were registered in China in 2023 alone. In April 2024, the number of 24-hour self-service snooker halls grew by 25 percent year-on-year.

    Millions of Chinese fans tuned in to Zhao’s final late at night, with their excitement visible in the fast-scrolling comments flooding livestream platforms.

    For a long time, snooker was a sport of British tradition. Zhao’s victory symbolized the start of a new chapter: one that reflects a more global, diverse, and dynamic future for the sport.

    “I did realize that my victory is important for Chinese snooker,” Zhao said in an exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    “Zhao’s title highlights China’s 40-year resilient snooker journey on the global stage. What we’re seeing now is just the beginning,” Huang noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese ice hockey veteran defies age to reach career peak

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

    At 36, most athletes are winding down their careers. But Yu Baiwei, captain of China’s women’s ice hockey team, is unfazed by this notion.

    “If anyone doubts my fitness, just watch me when I hit the ice,” she said.

    As the only team member born in the 1980s, Yu has been a competitive fixture for 20 years.

    She made her national team debut at 17 and played in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics, where China placed seventh, and led the squad to a ninth-place finish on home ice at Beijing 2022.

    Yu Baiwei (R) of China vies with Klara Hymlarova of the Czech Republic during the women’s ice hockey preliminary round Group B match between China and the Czech Republic at Wukesong Sports Center in Beijing, China, Feb. 3, 2022. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

    At the 2025 IIHF Women’s World Championship Division I Group A, held in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen in April, the veteran was named China’s best player.

    LATE CAREER PEAK

    “Most people think my prime was in my twenties,” Yu reflected. “Actually, I think that I have been getting stronger and more skilled since 29.”

    The secret is self-discipline. Since then, Yu has barely taken a real off-season break. Back home in Harbin, she trained with male players to sharpen her skills and address her weaknesses, and also put in extra hours at the gym.

    “I know the older I get, the harder I will bounce back from fatigue. That’s why I can’t afford to fall behind,” she explained.

    19-year-old goalkeeper Zhan Jiahui called Yu a role model. “She trains through discomfort, targets her weaknesses, and stays in peak condition. She’s the oldest on the team, but still one of the best. She’s inspired me so much.”

    “My mentality is wired for high-intensity competition,” said Yu. “When I set a goal, I give it 120 percent. I just want to see how far I can go.

    “Don’t let the age define what you can achieve. If you have a dream, go for it. It’s never too late.”

    PLAYING THROUGH PAIN

    Yu has rarely been injury-free throughout her career. Chronic shoulder dislocations, a torn ligament in her left knee, and ankle damage are just a few entries on her long injury list.

    “It’s uncomfortable,” she admitted, “but I’ve learned to live with it.”

    Ahead of Beijing 2022, she tore her left anterior cruciate ligament, a career-threatening injury. But Yu denied doctors’ recommendation for surgery. Instead, she strapped on a knee brace, trained the surrounding muscles, and went back on the ice.

    She hasn’t taken the brace off since.

    Time and again, she’s chosen rehab over surgery, putting her national team duties above anything else. “Some people joke that I’m a medical miracle,” she laughed.

    In February’s 2026 Winter Olympic qualifiers, with a shoulder injury limiting the use of her shooting arm, Yu managed to score against hosts Japan. The goal lifted her team’s morale in a tough match.

    “Pain wears you down,” she admitted. “But once you’ve pushed through it, life becomes more fun.”

    A LEGACY BEYOND ICE

    “Each stage of my career has brought new responsibilities,” Yu said. “I’m lucky to have spent 20 years with this team, including two Olympics, it’s a complete career.”

    Yet one goal remains for Yu: leading China back into the world’s top eight. “Wearing the national jersey isn’t just about pride – it’s a responsibility. That belief is in my bones. And I want to pass it on.”

    As a player and assistant coach, Yu is helping build the team’s future. China is currently going through a transitional period, with a new generation of players rising and veterans like Kong Minghui and Zhao Qinan holding the line.

    For Yu, the path ahead is clear. “Whether I’m a player, a coach, or in any other role, I’ll keep contributing to Chinese hockey,” she said. “This sport has shaped my life. I want to help our team stand firm in the world.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Quan faces growing challenge head on

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

    Taller, heavier and tougher — China’s diving sensation Quan Hongchan is embracing new challenges brought by her growing pains, with the three-time Olympic champion poised to regain her competitive edge.

    Quan Hongchan remains upbeat, despite missing out on gold at the World Cup season finale. XINHUA

    Dubbed as the master of the “splash-disappearing technique”, Quan has twice redefined the benchmark of elite diving by winning back-to-back 10m platform golds at Tokyo 2020 and Paris 2024, leaving the judges stunned, commentators speechless and fans in awe with full-mark dives defining her early career.

    As almost invincible as she appeared in the buildup to Paris, Quan has recently been dealt a tricky challenge from within — the rapid growth of her body frame — as the 18-year-old now measures at least 15 centimeters taller and 10 kilograms heavier than the diminutive prodigy who made some of the world’s most difficult dives look effortless at her breakout Games debut in Tokyo.

    The pull of gravity, now, feels much stronger, while the control of her spins, velocity and entry angle takes more training and greater strength to perfect, Quan admitted. Errors on dives she never messed up before now happen more frequently, she added.

    “I’ve lost the feeling that I was used to when performing my dives,” Quan confessed last week during the World Aquatics Diving World Cup Super Final in Beijing.

    It’s nothing new for teen talent in sports such as diving, gymnastics and artistic swimming. It’s just the resilience to accept it, embrace it and beat it that sets consistent, true winners apart from the short-term bloomers.

    Quan has braced herself for perhaps the biggest challenge of her career with a positive mindset.

    “I’ve grown a lot physically. The way my body moves has changed, so, naturally, I cannot re-adapt as quickly as I need to,” Quan said after finishing runner-up, beaten by her teammate Chen Yuxi, on the 10m platform at the Beijing super final.

    “I am OK with that, and I think I’ve done a pretty good job today.

    “I will work harder and add more fitness and strength training to my daily routine in order to help myself get used to my changing size. And, from there, I will try to perfect my dives again.”

    The silver finish at the Cup series’ season finale at the Water Cube on Saturday was Quan’s third consecutive loss to her close friend Chen, who is also her synchro event partner, since she outscored Chen by a small margin of merely 4.9 points from five rounds to retain her Olympic gold in Paris.

    In fact, since her international debut in 2021, Quan had never finished runner-up three times in a row across all the meets she’s ever contested in the Cup, world championships and Olympics.

    The flaw that cost Quan a career-first Super Final gold in Beijing remained the same 207C routine — a dive involving three-and-a-half backward flips — that has forced her to misjudge her entry angle twice before at the earlier Mexico and Canada legs of Cup series.

    Her coach Chen Ruolin, though, wasn’t so concerned about Quan’s ability to readjust.

    “It’s the natural process of puberty development that every teen athlete has to experience. She’s so talented, so demanding on herself, and always works harder.

    “I have full confidence in her ability to navigate through it,” said the coach, herself a legendary five-time Olympic champion, who overcame the same challenge.

    The healthy competition with her biggest rival and bestie outside the pool is helpful as well.

    Whatever happens in an individual competition, Quan said she feels free to always seek advice and comfort from Chen Yuxi whenever she has a bad day.

    And Chen Yuxi, who is two years Quan’s senior, feels likewise.

    “We are close to each other and talk about everything all the time. We always have each other’s back and support each other, no matter what,” said Chen Yuxi, who claimed three titles in a row on the Cup series to be named the “Best Female Diver of 2025”.

    Youth surge celebrated

    Boasting a strong roster of multiple Olympic and world champions, the host contingent completed a clean sweep of all nine gold medals up for grabs at the Super Final in Beijing, with the rise of some next-generation divers stealing the show at the iconic Olympic arena.

    In women’s 3m springboard, 20-year-old Chen Jia continued her winning streak from two earlier Cup legs, and clinched the title in Beijing with 382.05 points, edging her Olympic champion teammate Chen Yiwen into second place. Maddison Keeney of Australia and Chiara Pellacani of Italy followed as the third and fourth finishers.

    As a rookie to the Cup series, Chen Jia wrapped up her fruitful campaign with a huge confidence boost.

    “I am really happy with the gold, but I still need to learn a lot from others. I should say I was a slow learner to the new format of head-to-head competition. I found my familiar pace only during the final,” said the Sichuan province native, who was only selected into the national team at the end of last year.

    Young men’s 10m platform combo Zhu Zifeng and Cheng Zilong have emerged as surprising crowd pleasers, as they both scored perfect 10s in their attempts in the men’s individual final.

    Zhu earned five 10s from seven judges on his opening dive, and collected five 90-plus scores in six dives to win his first Super Final title and the Best Male Diver award.

    “I didn’t expect to win this gold medal, because I finished second at the two previous legs, but I also learned from that. I told myself to concentrate on my own techniques,” said the 22-year-old Zhu, who also bagged the synchronized gold with partner Cheng.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Bill launched to stop tobacco industry lobbying

    Source:

    Labour is launching a members’ bill to stop the Government from putting tobacco industry interests ahead of public health.

    “The Tobacco Transparency Bill will strengthen the law surrounding tobacco industry lobbying, to ensure tobacco profits are never put ahead of New Zealander’s health,” Labour health spokesperson Ayesha Verrall said.

    “This Bill aims to prohibit government support for the tobacco industry and requires transparency around tobacco lobbying.

    “Around the world, tobacco companies have a long history of influencing and weakening health policies to better suit their bottom line.

    “This Bill will address those influences, and help us protect people’s health by meeting the obligations we’ve signed up to under the World Health Organisation’s Framework Convention on Tobacco Control.

    “One of those obligations is to protect tobacco policy from ‘commercial and vested interests of the tobacco industry’.

    “New Zealand’s 2025 smokefree goal is at risk and we need to be doing everything we can to meet it, to save lives, and keep people healthy and out of hospital.

    “Our world-leading smokefree laws were scrapped by the National Government and smoking rates in New Zealand have risen for the first time in over a decade.

    “It’s time we get rid of the smokescreen and protect Kiwis from big tobacco’s lobbying tactics – they have no place in health policy,” Ayesha Verrall said.

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    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Wildlife Act fix enables economic growth with animal protection

    Source: Police investigating after shots fired at Hastings house

    Date:  08 May 2025 Source:  Office of the Minister of Conservation

    The High Court recently decided it was unlawful for the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai to authorise the killing of wildlife unless there was a direct link between killing and protecting wildlife. Incidental harm to wildlife, while not desired, sometimes happens when carrying out a lawful activity, such as consented construction works.

    “This decision placed multiple projects, which previously received DOC authorisations, in a state of uncertainty,” Mr Potaka says. “Projects include activities for building new solar and wind farms, plantation forests, and powerline maintenance that are essential for supporting our growing economy.

    “Today’s improvements give certainty to authority holders that their projects can continue lawfully, whether it’s for important conservation work like pest control or development and infrastructure projects.

    “Today’s changes clarify how authorisations can be consistent with protecting wildlife, and that the Director-General of the Department of Conservation – Te Papa Atawhai can make authorisations. We are restoring the approach that DOC was taking for authorising activities before the Court’s decision and provide legal clarity.

    “These changes keep safeguards to protect wildlife. It’s important Aotearoa New Zealand’s wildlife continues to be protected, and that species can thrive as we support a strong and growing economy.

    “Under the amended Wildlife Act, authority holders are still expected to avoid and minimise harm to protected species. Examples include relocating animals before doing any construction work – to protect populations and support the ongoing viability of species,” says Mr Potaka.

    “Now the amendments have been enacted, we can turn to accelerating a comprehensive review of the Wildlife Act.”

    Contact

    For media enquiries contact:

    Email: media@doc.govt.nz

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Pay Equity Events

    Source:

    The Government using Pay Equity settlements as a way to fund their Budget is a new low.

    Join in rallies across the motu to speak truth to power.

    Below is a list of all the event’s we are aware of. If you have any other events you’d like to add, please let us know here.

    Auckland

    • Fight Back Against Pay Equity Attacks
    • Brooke Van Velden’s Office, 35 St Johns Rd, St Johns
    • 1pm Friday 9th May

    Hamilton

    • Protest
    • Tama Potaka’s Office, 109 Rostrevor St
    • 1pm Friday 9th May

    Tauranga

    • Red Square, Spring Street
    • 12.30pm Friday 9th May

    Thames

    • Scott Simpson’s office, 614 Pollen Street Thames
    • 1.30pm Friday 9th May

    Feilding

    • Pay Equity Rally
    • Suze Redmayne Office, 51 Fergusson St
    • 1pm Friday 9th May

    Levin

    • Outside MP Tim Costley’s electorate office, corner of Bath and Oxford Street
    • 1pm Friday 9th May

    Ōtaki

    • MP Tim Costly’s office in Ōtaki, 7, Office 6c/3 Te Roto Drive, Paraparaumu
    • 12.30pm Friday 9th May

    Nelson

    • March for Pay Equity
    • Millers Acre Carpark by the Info Centre
    • 11am, Marching at 11.15 Saturday 10th May

    Christchurch

    • Protest at Hon Nicola Grigg’s (Minister for Women) Office
    • Shop 34, Rolleston Square 9 Masefield Drive Rolleston 7614
    • 1pm, Friday 9th May

    Timaru

    • Protest
    • Rangitata MP James Meager’s Office, 30 Cannon St, Timaru Central
    • 1pm, Friday 9th May

    Dunedin

    • Protect Pay Equity
    • The Exchange
    • 1.30pm, Friday 9th May

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Parliament Hansard Report – Wildlife (Authorisations) Amendment Bill — In Committee—Clauses 1 to 3 – 001468

    Source: Govt’s austerity Budget to cause real harm in communities

    Dr LAWRENCE XU-NAN (Green): Thank you, Mr Chair. I want to ask the Minister a couple of questions. The first one is around the commencement date. Now, we have seen that the commencement date is the day after Royal assent. I would want to see if the Minister would consider pushing it back at least three months, so that way there is some clarity that is able to be granted to also the people who are applying or who have existing consent on some of the issues that we have heard our previous speaker, the Hon Rachel Brooking, mention. There is confusion around a lot of this because of the fact that we didn’t get sufficient clarity.

    Now, the reason I’m suggesting pushing it back by at least three months, or even—just three months; I think that’s sufficient. The reason is that the Minister, throughout this debate, talked about the fact that this is required under urgency, etc. However, if we, again, go back to what started a lot of this, which is a High Court ruling, the judgment was made on 5 March, and it was two months ago. If Cabinet, and if the Minister, were really serious about the urgency of this situation, this bill would have been brought to the House a lot earlier. It did not need to be brought into the House two months after that particular ruling. So, clearly, the backlog that the Minister was referring to is not urgent enough for this bill to be brought to the House earlier. So I think another three months is not outside the realm of possibility and probability, over here.

    In terms of the title of this bill, I really like the suggestion that the Hon Rachel Brooking has made in terms of, just, who knows? What about if the Minister considered the “Wildlife [shrug emoji] Amendment Bill”, because that is, essentially, what we’ve got out of this entire debate. What we have heard is pulling teeth from the Minister to try to get any ounce of any information out of him that we have gotten quite succinctly and clearly by the officials during the select committee stage. But over here, what we have largely heard throughout the debate is politicisation and “back on track”.

    In terms of other potential titles, I would actually propose an alternative pathway when we are looking at the title for this, because what we are seeing with this, and this is fundamental to democracy in Aotearoa New Zealand, is a distortion of the separation of powers and the overstepping of that, and where the executive has decided to overstep into the judiciary and affect the rulings of the judiciary, and also the principle of comity.

    I would ask if the Minister would consider “Wildlife (Distortion of the Separation of Powers) Amendment Bill”. Further on from that, the fact that we have been doing this under urgency, we are being criticised for doing our job as the legislature to scrutinise the executive because we have no opportunity and the New Zealand public has no opportunity to contribute to this. I would say that this actually is not about even parliamentary supremacy, because we have not been granted the privilege of that supremacy as the legislature, so I would recommend, finally, for the Minister to consider the title “Wildlife (Forget about Parliamentary Supremacy, the Executive Rules Supreme) Amendment Bill.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Haiti – MSF trauma hospital in Port-au-Prince nears its limits as fighting intensifies in Haiti’s capital

    Source: Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF)

    Port-au-Prince, May 6, 2025 – Port-au-Prince is undergoing extremely high level of violence as armed groups are coordinating attacks on several areas of the city that were previously beyond their control.

    Plagued by years of political instability and an alarming humanitarian situation, Haiti has been experiencing a new upsurge in violence since mid-February as armed groups, united in a single coalition, attempt to increase their control of Port-au-Prince. Fighting is intensifying and the front lines are shifting, squeezing the last remaining districts of the capital.

    Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) is warning that its Tabarre trauma hospital – one of the last in the capital is nearing the limits of its capacity. This would create an even more desperate situation for the city’s residents, whose access to surgical care would be considerably reduced.

    MSF’s Tabarre hospital is under great pressure, having already increased its capacity by half. The hospital is strained by the growing number of seriously injured people requiring treatment. Although the number of trauma beds is officially 50, the hospital regularly has over 70 trauma patients. Beyond the 75-patient limit, it will be virtually impossible to accept new cases.

    “The number of seriously injured patients has risen steadily over the past four weeks. Nearly 40% of them are women and children,” said Dr Seybou Diarra, coordinator of MSF’s Tabarre hospital. “We’re already overloaded, and we can’t push the walls. We are now creating hospital rooms in the meeting rooms. The medical teams are exhausted, and the intensification of violence around the hospital complicates the conduct of our activities, as we are located next to areas that are regularly under attack, with a high risk of stray bullets.”

    In this unprecedented context, where over 60% of health facilities in Port-au-Prince are closed or non-functional according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, those that remain open are facing severe shortages of human resources, equipment and specialized services. In just one month, the number of hospitals able to treat trauma cases has fallen from four to two.The Mirebalais University Hospital, one of the last hospitals capable of providing trauma care, suspended its activities on April 23 due to insecurity in the area, as it is located on a road now controlled by armed groups. MSF had to suspend its activities at its trauma center in Carrefour, following a security incident in March, while the Hôpital Universitaire de la Paix, which remains open, is overloaded.

    “It’s becoming increasingly difficult for Haitians to access health facilities, and nearly impossible for those requiring trauma care,” explains Dr Diarra. “If the situation doesn’t calm down, I fear that many of the wounded will die for lack of available treatment.”

    MSF calls for the protection of civilians and respect for health facilities in combat zones.

    For over 30 years, MSF has been responding to the urgent medical needs of vulnerable populations in Haiti. In 2024, our teams carried out more than 72,000 consultations, treated 31,500 emergencies,performed 7,400 surgical procedures and assisted 1,300 births. Located in the most vulnerable areas of Port-au-Prince and beyond, we provide essential care, particularly in trauma, maternal health, sexual and reproductive health, and support for survivors of sexual violence.

    MSF is an international, medical, humanitarian organisation that delivers medical care to people in need, regardless of their origin, religion, or political affiliation. MSF has been working in Haiti for over 30 years, offering general healthcare, trauma care, burn wound care, maternity care, and care for survivors of sexual violence. MSF Australia was established in 1995 and is one of 24 international MSF sections committed to delivering medical humanitarian assistance to people in crisis. In 2022, more than 120 project staff from Australia and New Zealand worked with MSF on assignment overseas. MSF delivers medical care based on need alone and operates independently of government, religion or economic influence and irrespective of race, religion or gender. For more information visit msf.org.au  

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Solomon Islands – Central Honiara Constituency Boosts HCC health service delivery with brand-new vehicles

    Source: Government of the Solomon ISlands – Ministry of Rural Development (MRD)

    The Central Honiara Constituency (CHC) office has provided timely support with the delivery of two brand-new 15-seater buses worth $497,231.80 to the Honiara City Council (HCC), Health Division last week, Friday.

    The assistance was part of the constituency’s ongoing commitment and resolute action under the leadership of Honourable Member of Parliament (MP), Gordon Darcy Lilo, to boost the delivery of healthcare services to communities within the constituency.

    The support was made possible under the national government’s Constituency Development Funds (CDF) programme with funding from the CHC budget allocation for 2024.

    Direct beneficiaries are Mbokonavera Clinic and Mataniko Pikinini Clinic.  

    The generous assistance is targeted towards improving logistics and supporting the transportation needs of the council’s health outreach programs, medical supply delivery, community health workers’ mobility, and for transporting critically sick patients from respective clinics to the National Referral Hospital (NRH) for immediate medical attention if the need arises.

    “…because of the obvious challenge our nurses from these clinics faced every day with transportation, we stepped in to support, ensuring our nurses reach their work stations on time to serve our clinics, the constituents, and the wider Honiara community. Not only that, but one of the constituency’s top priorities is support for health under the essential services sector, to ensure quality and timely health services are accessible for our people,” Constituency Development Officer (CDO) Rexford Paul explained.

    Mr. Paul further said, “Working collaboratively with HCC is one of our missions going forward under the Essential Services sector.

    “It is the firm commitment of the constituency office, under the guidance of our Member of Parliament Gordon Darcy Lilo, to put the community first through strategic support and partnership.

    “This initiative is part of a broader effort to strengthen service delivery and ensure the well-being of our people. We are proud to stand with the Honiara City Council in this shared mission,” he underscored.

    Meanwhile, the Honiara City Clerk, Justus Denni, while acknowledging the generous assistance, recognized Hon. Lilo’s leadership and his constituency’s officers for their strong commitment to public service and community well-being, adding that the provision of this logistical support will greatly enhance the delivery of the much-needed health services in Honiara.          

    Held at the HCC Car Park, the handover ceremony was attended by the City Clerk Justus Denni, HCC’s Health Director, Dr Lawrance Diau, Nurses from Mbokonavera and Mataniko Clinics, CHC Officers, CHC Ward Leaders, and HCC staff.

    Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

    It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country, purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Golden monkeys from China make European debut at French zoo

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

    Three golden monkeys from China made their public debut on Wednesday at the ZooPark of Beauval in central France, marking the species’ first journey outside Asia.

    The three primates – one male and two females – arrived in early April from the Shanghai Wild Animal Park, accompanied by a Chinese caretaker, and have since completed a month-long quarantine period.

    Their arrival is part of a ten-year partnership between the ZooPark of Beauval and the China Wildlife Conservation Association, aimed at enhancing bilateral cooperation in wildlife protection and conservation.

    At a welcoming ceremony, the zoo’s director, Rodolphe Delord, unveiled the names of the new residents: Jindou (Golden Seed), Jinbao (Golden Treasure), and Jinhua (Golden Flower). These names were chosen through an online naming competition launched earlier this year.

    “Like the pandas, the arrival of these primates strengthens the ties between France and China in the field of animal conservation,” Delord said during the event. “We hope to see the birth of babies soon, which can then be returned to China for reintroduction into their natural environment.”

    The ZooPark of Beauval previously welcomed giant pandas Huanhuan and Yuanzai from China in 2012, launching a Sino-French cooperation program on panda breeding. With the arrival of the golden monkeys, the zoo has become the first outside Asia to host this rare and endangered species.

    The golden monkey is native to the mountainous forests of central and southwest China. Known for its striking golden-orange fur and distinctive upturned nose, the golden monkey is a national treasure in China and is under top-level state protection. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Why historical truth of WWII should never be distorted

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

    Aircraft fly in formation over Red Square during a rehearsal for the Victory Day military parade, which marks the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Great Patriotic War, in Moscow, Russia, May 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Zhai Jianlan)

    This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory in World War II (WWII). Chinese President Xi Jinping travels to Russia on Wednesday for a state visit and celebrations marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory in the Soviet Union’s Great Patriotic War.

    The commemoration stands as a powerful reminder of the brutality of war, the precious hard-won peace and stability, and the importance of historical truth — especially at a time when the world is grappling with a resurgence in unilateralism, economic coercion and hegemonic mentality.

    What is alarming is that in recent years, there have been repeated attempts to distort or deny the legacy of the WWII victory. These attempts, drawing widespread criticism and concern, have reminded the world of the necessity to safeguard the integrity of the history of WWII.

    WHO IS DISTORTING WWII HISTORY?

    In these years, politicians from certain countries have sought to achieve political gains by manipulating historical truth.

    “We are witnessing increasing efforts to rehabilitate Nazism and racial supremacy, glorify Nazis and their collaborators, and revive practices of racial discrimination, xenophobia and related intolerance,” Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Maria Zakharova told Xinhua in a recent interview.

    In March, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, while attending a memorial service on Iwo Jima to honor those who died in one of WWII’s pivotal battles, claimed Japan as being indispensable in tackling “Chinese aggression” and complimented the “valor” of Japanese soldiers.

    Hegseth’s remarks sparked sharp criticism, with many viewing them as an attempt to whitewash Japan’s militarism during WWII. His comments were also seen as a betrayal of those who sacrificed their lives in anti-fascist fight.

    Such attempts to distort or deny the history of the World Anti-Fascist War are not new.

    After WWII, as the Cold War between the United States and the Soviet Union intensified, Washington chose to support Japan as a strategic counterweight in Asia. In doing so, the remnants of Japanese fascism were not fully eradicated.

    Until this day, some right-wing Japanese politicians still refuse to renounce Japan’s militaristic past, and even question or deny the outcomes of the war.

    They continue to pay tribute to the notorious Yasukuni Shrine, which honors 14 convicted Class-A Japanese WWII war criminals, revise high school history textbooks to downplay Japan’s wartime atrocities, and deny the forced recruitment of “comfort women” by the Japanese military during WWII.

    “In recent years, Japan has recklessly tampered with textbooks, and the theory of no guilt for aggression has a relatively large market in Japan,” said Sun Huixiu, an associate professor with the School of History at Beijing Normal University.

    Similar historic revisionism took place in the West. There have been attempts by some Western countries to downplay or even completely deny the role of the Red Army and the Soviet people in the victory over Nazism.

    A survey conducted by IFOP, an international market research group, in May 1945 showed that 57 percent of French people credited the Soviet Union with having made the greatest contribution to Nazi defeat, compared to just 20 percent backing the United States and 12 percent Britain.

    However, by 2018, a YouGov survey showed a dramatic shift in public perception: 56 percent of the French believed the United States played the most important role, 11 percent credited Britain, and only 15 percent recognized Russia’s contribution.

    WHY HISTORICAL TRUTH SO IMPORTANT?

    During the deadliest military conflict in human history 80 years ago, more than 80 countries and regions, involving roughly 2 billion people, were drawn into the war. More than 100 million worldwide were killed or wounded, and global economic losses exceeded 4 trillion U.S. dollars.

    To resist fascist aggression, more than 50 countries, including China and the Soviet Union, formed a united front. As the main theater in the East during the World Anti-Fascist War, China paid a heavy price — over 35 million casualties in its fight against the majority troops of Japanese militarism.

    A woman visits the site used to be a bacterial laboratory at the former site of the Unit 731 in Harbin, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, Dec. 13, 2024. (Xinhua/Xie Jianfei)

    Preserving the truth of history is the most meaningful tribute to the soldiers and civilians who perished during WWII. It is also a foundation for reconciliation between former belligerent nations.

    “How should we respond to the sin of the Holocaust for which we should take responsibility? Summing up the past can be a prerequisite to reconciliation,” said former German Chancellor Angela Merkel during her visit to Japan in 2015.

    More importantly, as noted by Xi at the general debate of the 70th session of the UN General Assembly back in 2015, history is a mirror, and only by drawing lessons from history can the world avoid repeating past calamities.

    After WWII, the Allied powers carried out the Nuremberg and Tokyo Trials, which marked the first time in human history that war criminals were prosecuted before an international tribunal, delivering rightful punishment, upholding international justice and sending a powerful warning to fascist forces.

    Based on the WWII victory, key members of the anti-fascist alliance jointly initiated the founding of the United Nations and formulated a series of important international documents including the Cairo Declaration, the Potsdam Proclamation and the Charter of the United Nations, which laid the foundation for the modern international order and established the basic norms governing contemporary international relations.

    “These instruments helped to hold fascist crimes accountable, and through a series of institutional frameworks, effectively placed a ‘security lock’ on the postwar world to help preserve peace,” said He Lei, former vice president of the Academy of Military Science of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army, in an article.

    Since the end of WWII, the world has witnessed a level of global prosperity unprecedented in human history thanks to the largely peaceful era it has been in. “We need to firmly remember the history of WWII and maintain the world political and economic order,” said Sun.

    “Today, it seems no one disputes that the victory over fascism and militarism was one of humanity’s greatest achievements in the 20th century,” said Kirill Babayev, director of the Institute of China and Modern Asia at the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    This underscores that Russia and China must remain at the forefront of preserving this memory, he noted.

    “In the global agenda, we must uphold a position that demands full respect for historical truth, rejects its distortion, and, above all, safeguards the memory of those who perished during World War II while defending our freedom,” he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Name release: Fatal crash, New Plymouth

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are now in a position to release the name of the man who died in a crash on Mokau Road, New Plymouth on 21 April.

    He was 64-year-old Allan Jefferson Latoa, of Spotswood.

    Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.

    The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia card acquiring market to hit $700 billion in 2025 as growth set to slow amid global uncertainty, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow by 5.5% to reach AUD1.1 trillion ($713.4 billion) in 2025. Despite this growth, global economic uncertainty linked to recent US tariffs may weigh on momentum, slowing the pace of expansion compared to previous years of stronger performance driven by cashless trends and consumer spending, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Merchant Acquiring Analytics reveals that the card acquiring value in Australia registered a growth of 7.5% in 2024, driven by the rise in consumer spending and increasing consumer preference for cashless transactions. However, the current global uncertainty because of latest US tariffs can pose a challenge for the Australia’s overall economic growth, which is expected to impact even payment industry resulting a slower growth in card acquiring value in 2025.

    Asha Lalitha, Senior Banking and Payments Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Domestic transactions with Australian-issued cards dominate the acquiring space in the country, accounting for over 97% of the total value of acquiring transactions. Well-established card acceptance infrastructure, nearly-100% banking population, and the burgeoning e-commerce market are all contributing to this.”

    The number of POS terminals per one million inhabitants in Australia rose from 36,012 in 2020 to 40,055 in 2025. In addition to the traditional POS terminals, companies are offering POS solutions designed to target SMEs. For instance, Fiserv launched “Clover” POS solution in March 2025, especially targeting SMEs operating in the hospitality, service, and retail sectors.

    Debit cards accounted for 59% of the total domestic card acquiring value in 2024. Credit and charge cards, on the other hand, accounted for 75.3% share in the total foreign card acquiring value, supported by high usage of foreign issued credit and charge cards for purchases of goods and services in Australia both online and in-person.

    Traditional banks such as Commonwealth Bank (CommBank), Westpac, and National Australian Bank held significant share in Australia’s card acquiring space, accounting for around 60% of total acquiring value in 2024. CommBank is the leading operator in the Australian merchant acquiring market. The bank offers a wide range of POS terminals, including mobile POS terminals. In May 2023, CommBank rolled out the Smart Mini reader for small businesses, enabling them to accept all types of card payments. The terminals are equipped with features such as surcharging, tipping, and digital receipts.

    In addition to banks, non-bank financial institutions such as Tyro, Worldline, and Fiserv also have a presence in the acquiring space in the country.

    Asha concludes: “The Australian card acquiring market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5%, reaching AUD1.3 trillion ($866.7 billion) by 2029. This growth is supported by strong consumer awareness of digital payments, wider merchant acceptance, and a rising preference for contactless and e-commerce transactions.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Dave Gallagher Named 11th Director of JPL as Laurie Leshin Steps Down

    Source: NASA

    Laurie Leshin has decided to step down as director of NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory on Sunday, June 1. David Gallagher, who has been serving as the Lab’s associate director for Strategic Integration, has been selected by Caltech to lead the federally funded research and development center. Caltech manages JPL for NASA.
    A distinguished geochemist, Leshin was named by Caltech to lead the lab in early 2022. Her career has spanned academia and senior positions at NASA. Several NASA missions managed by JPL have launched under her leadership, including EMIT, SWOT, Psyche, PREFIRE, Europa Clipper, and SPHEREx, with the NASA-Indian Earth satellite NISAR set for a June launch. In addition, JPL has advanced the development of NASA’s asteroid-hunting NEO Surveyor mission as well as the trio of CADRE lunar rovers, and it delivered the Coronagraph Instrument, a technology demonstration with NASA’s forthcoming Roman Space Telescope.
    “I am proud of the many things JPL has accomplished over the past three years,” said Leshin. “In addition to the long list of missions that have launched or moved toward launch during that time, we saved Voyager more than once and flew into history on Mars with Ingenuity. We have made more amazing scientific discoveries than I can name, including finding potential ancient Martian biomarkers with Perseverance. And we’ve driven the forefront of technology on Earth and in space. I know those achievements will continue under Dave’s capable leadership.”
    Leshin, who has also served as Caltech vice president, is stepping down for personal reasons and will remain a Bren Professor of Geochemistry and Planetary Science at Caltech.
    “While we respect Laurie’s decision to step away from her leadership position at JPL, we will miss her drive, compassion, and dedication,” Caltech President Thomas Rosenbaum said. “At the same time, we are grateful to Dave Gallagher for his devotion to JPL and his continuing leadership and partnership going forward. Dave’s experience working across multiple government and private sector entities will help secure ongoing support for America’s agenda in space, with JPL continuing to play an essential role.”
    Gallagher will draw on his deep experience at JPL to lead the lab into the future. He arrived at JPL 36 years ago, in 1989, and went on to hold numerous leadership positions. Along with having served as the director and deputy director for Astronomy, Physics, and Space Technology, he was manager of JPL’s Advanced Optical Systems Program Office. An electrical engineer, Gallagher also managed the Spitzer Space Telescope and, among other roles, led the team that built and tested the Wide Field/Planetary Camera 2 (WF/PC-2) — a critical instrument that corrected the spherical aberration on NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope.
    “Laurie has made a significant impact on energizing and focusing the lab, guiding it back on track after the Covid-19 pandemic. I wish her great success in this next chapter of her career, and I look forward to a very smooth transition at the lab,” said Gallagher. “We have exciting opportunities ahead helping to advance our nation’s space agenda and a fantastic team to help realize them.”
    Founded by Caltech faculty and students in 1936, JPL has been managed by Caltech on behalf of NASA since 1958.
    News Media Contacts
    Matthew Segal / Veronica McGregorJet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena, Calif.818-354-8307 / 818-354-9452matthew.j.segal@jpl.nasa.gov / veronica.c.mcgregor@jpl.nasa.gov

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: New Caledonia’s political talks – no outcome after three days of ‘conclave’

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific Desk

    After three solid days of talks in retreat mode, New Caledonia’s political parties have yet to reach an agreement on the French Pacific territory’s future status.

    The talks, held with French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls and French Prime Minister’s special advisor Eric Thiers, have since Monday moved from Nouméa to a seaside resort in Bourail — on the west coast of the main island, about 200 km from the capital — in what has been labelled a “conclave”, a direct reference to this week’s meeting of Catholic cardinals in Rome to elect a new pope.

    However, the Bourail conclave is yet to produce any kind of white smoke, and no one, as yet, claims “Habemus Pactum” to say that an agreement has been reached.

    Under heavy security, representatives of both pro-France and pro-independence parties are being kept in isolation and are supposed to stay there until a compromise is found to define New Caledonia’s political future, and an agreement that would later serve as the basis for a pact designed to replace the Nouméa Accord that was signed in 1998.

    The talks were supposed to conclude yesterday, but it has been confirmed that the discussions were going to last longer, at least one more day, probably well into the night.

    Valls was initially scheduled to fly back to Paris today, but it has also been confirmed that he will stay longer.

    Almost one year after civil unrest broke out in New Caledonia on 13 May 2024, leaving 14 dead and causing 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion) in damage, the talks involve pro-France Les Loyalistes, Le Rassemblement, Calédonie Ensemble and pro-independence FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front), UNI-PALIKA (Kanak Liberation Party).

    Wallisian ‘third way’
    Éveil Océanien, a Wallisian-based party, defends a “neither pro, nor against independence” line — what it calls a “third way”.

    The talks, over the past few days, have been described as “tense but respectful”, with some interruptions at times.

    The most sensitive issues among the numerous topics covered by the talks on New Caledonia’s future, are reported to be the question of New Caledonia’s future status and relationship to France.

    Other sensitive topics include New Caledonia’s future citizenship and the transfer of remaining key powers (defence, law and order, currency, foreign affairs, justice) from Paris to Nouméa.

    Valls, who is visiting New Caledonia for the third time since February 2025, said he would stay in New Caledonia “as long as necessary” for an inclusive and comprehensive agreement to be reached.

    Earlier this week, Valls also likened the current situation as “walking on a tightrope above embers.”

    “The choice is between an agreement and chaos,” he told local media.

    Clashing demands
    On both sides of the discussion table, local parties have all stated earlier that bearing in mind their respective demands, they were “not ready to sign at all costs.”

    The FLNKS is demanding full sovereignty while on the pro-France side, that view is rejected after three referendums were held there between 2018 and 2021 said no to independence.

    Valls’s approach was still trying to reconcile those two very antagonistic views, often described as “irreconcilable”.

    “But the thread is not broken. Only more time is required”, local media quoted a close source as saying.

    Last week, an earlier session of talks in Nouméa had to be interrupted due to severe frictions and disagreement from the pro-France side.

    Speaking to public broadcaster NC la 1ère on Sunday, Rassemblement leader Virginie Ruffenach elaborated, saying “there had been profound elements of disagreements on a certain number of words uttered by the minister (Valls)”.

    One of the controversial concepts, strongly opposed by the most radical pro-French parties, was a possible transfer of key powers from Paris to Nouméa, as part of a possible agreement.

    Loyalists opposed to ‘independence-association’
     “In what was advanced, the land of New Caledonia would no longer be a French land”, Ruffenach stressed on Sunday, adding this was “unacceptable” to her camp.

    She also said the two main pro-France parties were opposed to any notion of “independence-association”.

    “Neither Rassemblement, nor Les Loyalistes will sign for New Caledonia’s independence, let this be very clear.”

    The pro-France camp is advocating for increased powers (including on tax matters) for each of the three provinces of New Caledonia, a solution sometimes regarded by critics as a form of partition of the French Pacific territory.

    In a media release on Sunday, FLNKS “reaffirmed its . . . ultimate goal was Kanaky (New Caledonia’s) accession to full sovereignty”.

    Series of fateful anniversaries
     On the general public level, a feeling of high expectations, but also wariness, seems to prevail at the news that discussions were still inconclusive.

    In 1988, the Matignon-Oudinot peace talks between pro-independence leader at the time, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and pro-France leader Jacques Lafleur, were also held, in their final stage, in Paris, behind closed doors, under the close supervision of French Socialist Prime Minister Michel Rocard.

    The present crucial talks also coincide with a series of fateful anniversaries in New Caledonia’s recent history — on 5 May 1988, French special forces ended a hostage situation and intervened on Ouvéa Island in the Gossana grotto, where a group of hard-line pro-independent militants had held a group of French gendarmes.

    The human toll was heavy: 19 Kanak militants and 2 gendarmes were killed.

    On 4 May 1989, one year after the Matignon-Oudinot peace accords were signed, Jean-Marie Tjibaou and his deputy Yeiwene Yeiwene were gunned down by hard-line pro-independence Kanak activist Djubelly Wea.

    Valls attended most of these commemoration ceremonies at the weekend.

    On 5 May 1998, the 27-year-old Nouméa Accord was signed between New Caledonia’s parties and then French Prime Minister Lionel Jospin.

    De facto Constitution
    The Nouméa pact, which is often regarded as a de facto Constitution, was placing a particular stress on the notions of “re-balancing” economic wealth, a “common destiny” for all ethnic communities “living together” and a gradual transfer of powers from Paris to Nouméa.

    The Accord also prescribed that if three self-determination referendums (initially scheduled between 2014 and 2018) had produced three rejections (in the form of “no”), then all political stakeholders were supposed to “meet and examine the situation thus generated”.

    The current talks aimed at arriving at a new document, which was destined to replace the Nouméa Accord and bring New Caledonia closer to having its own Constitution.

    Valls said he was determined to “finalise New Caledonia’s decolonisation” process.

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

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: Myanmar: Life-saving education funding must be restored following USAID cuts 

    Source: Amnesty International –

    The United States and other governments must urgently find funding for education programmes in Myanmar that were a lifeline for students, teachers and families in the war-torn country, Amnesty International said today, as it warned of a “lost generation” if no action is taken.

    Testimony from teachers and students gathered by Amnesty International showed the impact on Myanmar students of US President Donald Trump’s sweeping cuts to foreign aid, which included the termination of more than US$70 million in funding for education programmes in Myanmar, according to those involved in the efforts.

    “The battering of Myanmar’s education sector since the 2021 military coup has robbed millions of young people of opportunities. These US cuts to education programmes now make the prospect of a lost generation increasingly likely,” said Joe Freeman, Amnesty International’s Myanmar Researcher.

    “But it is not too late to fill this vacuum in Myanmar students’ education. Governments and universities in the US and beyond must find a way to enable them to continue their studies and prevent them being sent back to a conflict zone, where they are at risk of arbitrary detention, torture and other ill-treatment; aerial and ground attacks on their communities; and forced conscription into a military that routinely resorts to human rights abuses as a strategy of war.”

    The US-funded education programmes, enacted after the coup, supported Myanmar students studying at Southeast Asian universities; online higher education initiatives; and basic education services for children in ethnic, remote and rural communities.

    They were a rare bright spot in an ever-deteriorating human rights situation in the country, where to date more than 6,000 civilians have been killed and more than 20,000 detained. In 2025, nearly 20 million people are expected to need humanitarian assistance.

    A 7.7-magnitude earthquake that struck central Myanmar on 28 March 2025, killing nearly 4,000 people and destroying hospitals, homes, monasteries and at least 1,000 schools, has only exacerbated these needs. It will also create additional hurdles for students seeking an education after more than four years of armed conflict in the country.

    “The US cuts to foreign aid made a bad situation worse. The Trump administration must reverse course and not abandon Myanmar students working to fulfill their dreams under extremely challenging circumstances. But if the US continues to fail Myanmar’s young people, other governments, universities and donors must step up and help,” Joe Freeman said.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: New Book – Modernising Islam? The Limits of Liberal Reforms in Muslim Nations – by Rumy Hasan

    Source: MTP.Agency a book by Rumy Hasan

    Modernising Islam? The Limits of Liberal Reforms in Muslim Nations explores the complex and often fraught attempts at modernisation in Muslim-majority countries. From Saudi Arabia’s ambitious Vision 2030 to the UAE’s drive for economic diversification, and from Turkey’s reversal of Atatürk’s secular reforms to Tunisia’s struggles post-Arab Spring, this book critically examines the challenges of reconciling liberal reforms with deeply entrenched religious and political structures.

    Author Rumy Hasan provides a thought-provoking analysis of whether these reforms represent genuine progress or merely superficial adjustments to maintain power. Drawing on historical context and contemporary developments, he explores key issues, including the role of Sharia law, the status of women, freedom of expression, and the relationship between Islam and democracy.

    With in-depth case studies spanning the Gulf states, North Africa, Southeast Asia, and Central Asia, this book questions whether meaningful change is possible in societies where religion remains deeply intertwined with governance. It also considers whether Saudi Arabia’s recent reformist rhetoric could set a precedent for the wider Islamic world—or whether entrenched theological doctrines will continue to limit progress.

    A compelling and incisive read, this book is essential for anyone interested in global politics, Middle Eastern affairs, and the intersection of religion and modernity.

    This book is instructive, precise and very well documented. Taking in consideration different Islamic countries, it explains how difficult the reformation of Islam is. And when reforms have been adopted, there remains always the danger of cancelling them, as happened with Turkey after Atatürk’s death.

    – Prof Sami Aldeeb, Director, Centre of Arab and Islamic Law, St Sulpice, Switzerland

    Rumy Hasan approaches difficult issues in the Muslim world with a sharp intellect and penetrating analysis.

    – Sir Alan Duncan, former UK Foreign Minister

    Paperback (236 pages) £9.99; $13.25; Ebook £3.99; $4.50
    Michael Terence Publishing, 2025;
    ISBN-139781800949836; 9781805880196
    ASIN: ‏B0F4FLKJKN

    Available now from book outlets and distributors worldwide.
     
    About the Author
    Rumy Hasan is Associate Professor at SPRU, University of Sussex and a Visiting Professorial Research Fellow at Civitas. His previous books include Multiculturalism: Some Inconvenient Truths; Dangerous Liaisons: The Clash between Islamism and Zionism; Religion and Development in the Global South; and Modern Europe and the Enlightenment.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: BH 25-2: 18th CES ensures readiness through rapid response and inspection

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    KADENA AIR BASE, Japan – An Explosive Ordnance Disposal team assigned to the 18th Civil Engineer Squadron conducted a massive mechanical clearance to a post attack scenario in support of a routine readiness exercise at Kadena Air Base, Japan, May 7, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: WRRC Webinar: Enhancing National Systems for Assessing Loss and Damage

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    This webinar, a precursor to the World Resilient Recovery Conference (WRRC), aims to explore these critical practical and policy challenges in post-disaster loss and damage assessments while highlighting emerging solutions that can ensure that countries are better prepared to assess, quantify, and respond to disaster-induced losses in an increasingly risk-prone world.

    This webinar is jointly organized by the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR), the Government of India and the Gorvernment of the Philippines.

    Background

    In recent decades, natural hazards—including climate-induced disasters—have become increasingly frequent and severe, causing immense human and economic devastation and significantly hindering sustainable development. In 2023 alone, 399 disasters claimed over 86,000 lives, affected 93.1 million people, and caused economic losses of approximately USD 202.7 billion. 

    These alarming figures underscore the urgent necessity for robust, accurate, and timely loss and damage assessment mechanisms to facilitate effective recovery and secure timely financial support. The varied nature of risks faced by countries also underscores the importance of a whole-of-society, multi-hazard risk approach that bridges disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation and accounts for non-economic losses. 

    However, several systemic barriers impede countries’ ability to conduct comprehensive loss and damage assessments. Methodological inconsistencies and lack of international standardization frequently lead to conflicting loss estimates. Data gaps and insufficient baseline information further complicate accurate loss evaluations. Limited technical capacities and fragmented institutional coordination exacerbate delays. Additionally, significant challenges remain in quantifying non-economic losses. 

    At the same time, emerging technologies and innovative policy approaches present promising solutions. Advanced geospatial technologies, including satellite imagery, drones, and AI-based analytics, have rapidly enhanced assessment capabilities. The establishment of the Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage (FRLD) at COP28 provides a significant opportunity for developing countries. International initiatives such as the Santiago Network or the International Recovery Platform (IRP) are also playing a critical role in strengthening national capacities. 

    Session objectives

    1. Diagnose current bottlenecks: Pinpoint the methodological, institutional and data-related challenges that delay or distort post-disaster loss-and-damage assessments.
    2. Exchange practical lessons: Share concrete experiences from recent disasters—what worked, what did not—and distil transferrable practices.
    3. Showcase emerging solutions that can close critical assessment gaps.
    4. Highlight linkages to regional and global mechanisms of support for countries.
    5. Suggest priority actions that integrate solutions, build technical capacity and institutionalise assessments.

    Speakers

    • Mr. S K Jindal, Additional Secretary, Disaster Management Division, Ministry of Home Affairs, India
    • Ms. Noralene M. Uy, Assistant Secretary for Policy, Planning and Foreign-Assisted and Special Projects, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Government of the Philippines

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police announce more details for training in Auckland

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police has officially signed a long-term lease in Auckland so that training courses can begin in our biggest city next month.

    “We are thrilled we have signed an agreement with Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa Massey University for space at their Ōtehā Auckland campus,” says Deputy Commissioner Jill Rogers. 

    “We have worked closely with Massey over the past couple of months to deliver an agreement that meet our needs and works for the University as well.

    “As part of the agreement Police has exclusive use of part of the campus, which includes multiple classrooms with capacity to seat up to 155 people, a locker room, storage space, offices, and car parks. We will also have access to gym and recreation areas, and we have a small number of dorm rooms allocated for Police staff.

    “These are high quality facilities and will be a great environment for police officers to learn and develop in.

    “Extensive planning and organisation are essential to delivering training at the new Auckland training base. We are already onsite working to get everything up and running for a range of Police courses.

    “This training space in Auckland is pivotal for running our senior courses and continuing to free up space at the Royal New Zealand Police College (RNZPC) for recruit training. Upskilling and developing our officers is an important part of maintaining a highly capable workforce to keep our communities safe.

    “This space will also enable the Tāmaki Makaurau recruit Wing 390 to start on 30 June. Wing 390 will complete the same curriculum as the recruits at RNZPC. 

    “Some elements of recruit training which cannot be completed at the campus, including tactical training and swim assessment, will be completed offsite. 

    “We know that being away from home for several months has been a deterrent for people wanting to join Police. The recruit training being based in Auckland will open the doors for a dream job that might not have been possible otherwise.  

    “Whether you’re taking your first steps into the workforce or considering a career change, the best time to apply is right now.

    “If you are ready to start your training for one of the most rewarding careers there is, visit newcops.govt.nz to apply today,” Deputy Commissioner Rogers says.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: MOU for deepening cooperation & peace as enshrined in the teachings of the Buddha

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 8:31PM by PIB Delhi

    During the exposition in Vietnam of the Holy Relics of the Buddha from India to coincide with the United Nations (UN) Day of Vesak 2025, in the presence of the Head of Indian Delegation, Union Minister of Minority Affairs and Parliamentary Affairs, Shri Kiren Rijiju an MOU was signed by the Secretary General of International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) Ven. Shartse Khensur Rinpoche Jangchup Choeden and the President of the National Vietnam Buddhist Sangha (VBS), and Dhamma Council member of IBC, Most Ven. Dr Thich Thien Nhon.

    This Memorandum of Understanding was in pursuance to the agreement signed on 29 May 2022 between the two bodies in the spirit of deepening cooperation and advancing the shared ideals of compassion, wisdom, and peace as enshrined in the teachings of the Buddha.

    This declaration, the official launch of the Vietnam Chapter of the International Buddhist Confederation was also signed, as a witness by the Vice President of the Sangha, Most Ven. Thich Thien Phap and from India by the Director General of IBC, Mr. Abhijit Halder, in the presence of the Indian Ambassador to Vietnam, Shri Sandeep Arya and Most Ven. Dr Thich Nhat Tu, Standing Vice Chancellor, Vietnam Buddhist University and Vice President of IBC. It was attended by several senior Sangha members from the Vietnamese, including VBS members who have been actively involved in India related activities on the VBS.

     

    This Chapter shall broadly serve as a platform to promote the core values of Buddha Dhamma in Vietnam and beyond, contributing to global peace, harmony, and sustainable development; besides strengthen the bonds of brotherhood among Buddhist traditions, schools, and practitioners across nations.

    It would also facilitate cultural, educational, and humanitarian exchange programs and support research, publications, and events that enhance understanding and dissemination of Buddhist teachings.

    The agreement also enables representation of Vietnam’s Buddhist community in regional and international forums coordinated by the IBC.

    The IBC and the VBS have been traditional partners since the inception of IBC. Senior members of the VBS are members in the governing Body of IBC. This agreement will further strengthen bonds between the Buddhist bodies of the two countries.

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2127603) Visitor Counter : 15

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, chairs a security review meeting with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal

    Source: Government of India

    Union Home Minister, Shri Amit Shah, chairs a security review meeting with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal

    All Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present during the meeting congratulates Prime Minister Modi and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor

    Operation Sindoor, Bharat’s befitting reply to those who dare to challenge its borders, military, and citizens

    Appropriate response has been given to Pahalgam terror attack through Operation Sindoor, sending a strong message to the entire world

    Operation Sindoor demonstrates Modi government’s zero-tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world

    The unity displayed by the nation at this time has boosted the morale of the countrymen

    Ensure smooth operation of essential services such as hospitals, fire services, etc.; ensure uninterrupted supply of essential goods

    Home Minister directs states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC, etc., on alert to handle any situation

    Anti-national propaganda by undesirable elements in social and other media platforms should be strictly monitored; prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments and central agencies

    Every possible effort should be made to maintain seamless communication and the security of vulnerable points should also be improved

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 7:12PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation, Shri Amit Shah, today chaired a security review meeting in New Delhi with the Lieutenant Governors and Chief Ministers of border states adjoining Pakistan and Nepal. The meeting was attended via video conferencing by the Lieutenant Governors of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Chief Ministers of Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and West Bengal, and a representative from the Sikkim government. Senior officials from the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA), including the Union Home Secretary, Director of Intelligence Bureau (IB), Director General of Border Security Force (BSF), and Director General of Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), were also present.

     

    In the meeting, Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah said that after the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, on April 22, 2025, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi had said that the country would give a befitting reply to the perpetrators and supporters of the terror attack. The Home Minister expressed gratitude for Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s firm resolve and decision regarding Operation Sindoor. He stated that Operation Sindoor is a befitting reply from Bharat to those who dare to challenge India’s borders, military, and citizens. All Chief Ministers and Lieutenant Governors present in the meeting congratulated Prime Minister Modi and the three armed forces for the success of Operation Sindoor.

    Union Home Minister said that, without ignoring the Pahalgam terrorist attack, an appropriate response was given through Operation Sindoor, sending a strong message to the world. He said that Operation Sindoor, launched by the Indian armed forces against terrorist camps after specific inputs, is a testament to the Modi government’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism to the entire world. Shri Shah said that the unity shown by the country at this time has boosted the morale of the countrymen.

    Shri Amit Shah said that in the intervening night of May 6-7, 2025, the Indian armed forces attacked nine specific locations linked to terrorists, destroying their infrastructure. The Home Minister said that in the operation carried out by Indian armed forces, terrorist training camps, weapon bases, and hideouts of organizations such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Hizbul Mujahideen, and other terrorist groups were completely destroyed.

    Union Home Minister said that all states should make their preparations as per the guidelines issued for the mock drill. He said that arrangements should be made for smooth operation of essential services like hospitals, fire brigade etc. and uninterrupted supply of essential goods should be ensured. The Home Minister asked the states to keep SDRF, Civil Defence, Home Guards, NCC etc. on alert to deal with any situation. He said that efforts should be made to ensure public participation through citizens and non-governmental organisations.

    Shri Amit Shah said that strict vigil should be kept on anti-national propaganda by unwanted elements on social and other media platforms and prompt action should be taken in coordination with state governments and central agencies. The Home Minister said that every effort should be made to maintain seamless communication and the security of vulnerable points should also be further strengthened. He asked the states to stop spreading unnecessary fear among the public and take steps to spread awareness among the people against rumours. He said that coordination between the local administration, army and paramilitary forces should be further enhanced.

     

    ****

    RK/VV/PR/PS

    (Release ID: 2127583) Visitor Counter : 147

    Read this release in: Hindi

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: C-DOT and CSIR-NPL Sign MoU to Advance Collaborative Research in Classical and Quantum Communications

    Source: Government of India

    C-DOT and CSIR-NPL Sign MoU to Advance Collaborative Research in Classical and Quantum Communications

    The two institutions will work together for Quantum Key Distribution (QKD), standardization and characterization of quantum communication systems, single-photon sources and detectors, EIT (Electromagnetically Induced Transparency)-based quantum systems, FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array)-based control electronics.

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 6:21PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant step towards advancing indigenous capabilities in classical and quantum communication technologies, the Centre for Development of Telematics (C-DOT) and the CSIR–National Physical Laboratory (CSIR-NPL) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to establish a collaborative framework for joint research and innovation. C-DOT, India’s premier telecom R&D institution under the Department of Telecommunications (DoT), continues to lead innovation in telecommunications, including switching systems, network protocols, IoT, M2M, wireless and quantum communications. CSIR-NPL, the National Metrology Institute (NMI) of India, is the custodian of national standards and has a rich legacy of conducting cutting-edge research in metrology, materials, and environmental sciences.

    The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a long-term collaborative framework to support research, development, standardization, and delivery of next-generation communication technologies. C-DOT brings deep expertise in network protocols, IoT, software applications, and quantum communications, while CSIR-NPL contributes unmatched capabilities in scientific measurement, standardization, and traceability to SI units, creating a powerful synergy.

    Collaborative research support is a cornerstone of this partnership, with both organizations agreeing to extend access to their research facilities, technical expertise, and administrative support for the successful execution of joint initiatives. They also intend to pursue additional grant funding and other resources to advance shared goals.

    In addition to joint R&D, the MoU promotes academic exchange and knowledge sharing through guest lectures, workshops, seminars, and collaborative teaching initiatives. Faculty, researchers, and students from both organizations will have opportunities to engage in cross-institutional learning and skill development. Furthermore, a strong emphasis is placed on intellectual property and data sharing, with a commitment to develop a joint framework defining ownership, usage rights, and publication guidelines to ensure equitable and transparent management of outcomes arising from the collaboration.

    Speaking at the MoU signing ceremony, Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, highlighted the critical role of quantum communications in securing the nation’s future digital infrastructure. He stated, “Quantum communication represents the next frontier in safeguarding data and ensuring the integrity of critical information infrastructure. This partnership with CSIR-NPL is not just a strategic alignment of capabilities, but a commitment to national priorities of self-reliance and technological sovereignty. Through this collaboration, we aim to harness the complementary strengths of both institutions to accelerate the development of indigenous solutions that are globally competitive and future-ready.”

    Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, CSIR-NPL, conveyed his appreciation for the collaboration with C-DOT, stating that the partnership holds significant promise in elevating India’s global standing in the field of quantum secure communication technologies. Echoing on the statement of Dr. Upadhyay, he stressed on the need for joint activities to strengthen the quality infrastructure in the country. This will boost the Government’s initiatives like “Make India” and “Atmanirbhar Bharat”.

    The agreement was signed during a formal ceremony attended by Dr. Rajkumar Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT, Ms. Shikha Srivastava, EVP, C-DOT, along with Prof. Venugopal Achanta, Director, Dr. S. R. Dhakate, Chief Scientist, Dr. Poonam Arora, Senior Principal Scientist, and Dr. Paramita Guha, Senior Scientist, from CSIR-NPL and other senior officials from C-DOT.

    This partnership stands as a testament to the nation’s growing emphasis on self-reliance in high-tech research and development. By combining C-DOT’s telecom innovation with CSIR-NPL’s foundational scientific leadership, this MoU paves the way for India to become a global leader in secure, scalable, and standardized communication technologies for the future.

    Dr. Upadhyay, CEO, C-DOT and Prof. Venugopal Achanta from NPL along with other officials from C-DOT & NPL present at the MOU signing ceremony.

    *****

    SAMRAT

    (Release ID: 2127568) Visitor Counter : 7

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy Launch Website and Stakeholders’ Portal to Strengthen Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Ecosystem

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 5:56PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Coal and Mines,Shri. G Kishan Reddy today launched a dedicated Non-Ferrous Metal Recycling Website and Stakeholders’ Portal – https://nfmrecycling.jnarddc.gov.in – in the presence of the Minister of State for Coal and Mines, Shri Satish Chandra Dubey and senior officials from the Ministry of Mines and JNARDDC. The initiative aims to promote a structured, transparent, and sustainable recycling ecosystem in India.

    Developed under the implementation guidelines of the National Non-Ferrous Metal Scrap Recycling Framework, the platform is designed to bring together key stakeholders, improve data visibility, and support evidence-based policymaking in the recycling of aluminium, copper, lead, zinc, and critical elements.

    Speaking at the launch, Union Minister Shri G. Kishan Reddy said, “India is committed to building a circular economy that optimally utilises its resources. This portal will not only provide real-time visibility into the recycling landscape but also empower all stakeholders to make informed decisions, bridge gaps, and unlock the full potential of our non-ferrous metal sector.”

    The Minister of State Shri Satish Chandra Dubey lauded the initiative, stating that “this portal is a much-needed step in strengthening the recycling value chain and enhancing industry participation through transparency and data-driven policy support.”

    The website will act as a national hub for information dissemination, awareness generation, and engagement with recyclers, dismantlers, aggregators, industry associations, and research institutions. It highlights government initiatives, provides updates on stakeholder meetings and policy developments, and offers access to national statistics, standards, and infrastructure-related achievements.

    The integrated portal also enables registration of industry participants and collection of crucial data on raw material consumption, recycling capacity, technology usage, and workforce trends—supporting future interventions in R&D, infrastructure development, and skill enhancement.

    Key Features Include:

    • National registry for dismantlers, recyclers, traders, and collection centres
    • Tools to track raw material flows, product types, technology adoption, and workforce data
    • Performance benchmarking mechanisms
    • Identification of regional and sectoral infrastructure and skill gaps
    • Support for development of standards, certification systems, and awareness campaigns

    This initiative marks a major step toward strengthening India’s non-ferrous metal recycling ecosystem and aligns with the national vision of circular economy, sustainability, and resource efficiency.

    ****

    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2127564) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, invites suggestions from experts/public on Draft Framework of ‘India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy by 25th June 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, invites suggestions from experts/public on Draft Framework of ‘India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy by 25th June 2025

    India’s climate finance taxonomy will facilitate greater resource flow to climate-friendly technologies and activities, enabling India to achieve the vision of being Net Zero by 2070 while ensuring long-term access to reliable and affordable energy

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 5:53PM by PIB Delhi

    In pursuance of the Union Budget 2024-25 announcement (Paragraph 104 of the budget speech) to develop India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy, the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, invites expert/public comments (format below) on the Draft framework. (CLICK HERE TO ACCESS — DRAFT FRAMEWORK OF INDIA’S CLIMATE FINANCE TAXONOMY)

    The Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs announced in the Union Budget 2025-26:

    “We will develop a taxonomy for climate finance for enhancing the availability of capital for climate adaptation and mitigation. This will support achievement of the country’s climate commitments and green transition”

    A Draft Framework of the Climate Finance Taxonomy has been developed pursuant to this announcement. This framework outlines the approach, objectives, and principles that will guide the taxonomy. It also details the methodology for classifying activities, projects, and measures that contribute to India’s climate commitments, while also taking into account goals associated with achieving Viksit Bharat by 2047.

    The draft framework will be the basis for developing sectoral annexures. The sectoral annexes will outline the measures, activities, and projects considered climate-supportive, and those identified for promoting the transition.

    India’s climate finance taxonomy aims to facilitate greater resource flow to climate-friendly technologies and activities, enabling the country to achieve the vision of being Net Zero by 2070 while also ensuring long-term access to reliable and affordable energy. The Climate Finance Taxonomy will serve as a tool to identify activities consistent with a country’s climate action goals and transition pathway.

    Comments may be emailed to aditi.pathak[at]gov[dot]in by 25th June 2025 with the Subject “Comments on the Draft Framework for the Taxonomy”.

    The comments received through public consultation will be duly considered and examined, following which the Department of Economic Affairs, Ministry of Finance, will release the Framework of India’s Climate Finance Taxonomy.

    Format in which the information/comments may be provided:

    Name of organisation/person:

     

    Contact details:

     

    Category/Description of person giving comments:

    S. No.

    Para / Sub Para no

    Comments

    Rationale

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    ****

    NB/KMN

    (Release ID: 2127562) Visitor Counter : 78

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Through Operation Sindoor, India used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil: Raksha Mantri

    Source: Government of India

    Through Operation Sindoor, India used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil: Raksha Mantri

    “Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution and compassion to destroy terror camps in Pakistan & PoK”

    Shri Rajnath Singh virtually dedicates 50 infrastructure projects of BRO to the nation

    The projects in eight border States/UTs, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore, to enhance connectivity, strengthen national security & promote economic prosperity

    Posted On: 07 MAY 2025 5:50PM by PIB Delhi

    “Through Operation Sindoor, India has used its ‘Right to Respond’ to the attack on its soil, and the Armed Forces scripted history by acting with precision, precaution & compassion to destroy the camps used to train terrorists in Pakistan and PoK,” said Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh while addressing the 66thRaising Day event of Border Roads Organisation (BRO) at Manekshaw Centre, Delhi Cantt on May 07, 2025. Raksha Mantri asserted that, as per the plan, the targets were destroyed and no civilian population was harmed. He commended the Armed Forces by giving a befitting reply under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi.

    “The whole world has witnessed what our Armed Forces have done today. The action was carried out very thoughtfully and in a measured manner. It was limited only to the camps and other infrastructure used for training terrorists, with the aim of breaking their morale. I congratulate the Armed Forces on behalf of the whole country. I also congratulate Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi for providing complete support to the forces,” added Shri Rajnath Singh.

    The event also witnessed the virtual dedication of 50 strategically-significant infrastructure projects of BRO – 30 bridges, 17 roads and three other works – to the nation by Raksha Mantri. These projects, constructed at a total cost of Rs 1,879 crore, are spread across six border States and two Union Territories – Jammu & Kashmir, Ladakh, Arunachal Pradesh, Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, West Bengal & Rajasthan – reinforcing India’s security, connectivity and development in remote regions. In the last two years alone, BRO has completed a record 161 infrastructure projects worth Rs 5,600 crore, including 111 projects last year.  In the last four years, BRO has completed 456 infrastructure projects with a total expenditure of Rs 13,743 crore.

    Shri Rajnath Singh exuded confidence that the projects e-inaugurated today will enhance connectivity, strengthen national security and promote economic prosperity of all these regions. “These projects will enhance defence preparedness and boost transportation, tourism & economic activity in these areas. These are not just infrastructure assets; they are pathways to a brighter future,” he added.

    Underlining the strategic importance of BRO’s work, Raksha Mantri stated that modern defence capability depends not just on weaponry but also on the infrastructure that supports it. “You can have the fastest tank or the most advanced aircraft, but if they can’t reach where they are needed on time, they serve no purpose. BRO plays a critical role in making sure our military is always ready and well-positioned,” he said, commending BRO Karmayogis who work behind the scenes and contribute to national security.

    Shri Rajnath Singh emphasised on the need to build new generation infrastructure for the Armed Forces in view of the current geopolitical scenario. BRO must ensure that the preparations are at war-level, he said.

    Raksha Mantri reiterated the Government’s commitment to ensure border area development, making special mention of Sela Tunnel which has become a symbol of this resolve to enhance connectivity in strategically-important areas. He highlighted the vision of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi to revitalise border villages, stating that initiatives like the Vibrant Villages Programme under which the Government is increasing connectivity by building about 35 kilometers of roads every day.

    In his address, Director General Border Roads (DGBR) Lt Gen Raghu Srinivasan highlighted the growing national importance of BRO, stating that the organisation has emerged as the agency of choice for key central ministries for executing infrastructure projects in the most challenging terrains. He reaffirmed the BRO’s commitment to the well-being and dignity of its workforce, including GREF personnel and Casual Paid Labourers.

    Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Minister of Minority Affairs Shri Kiran Rijiju, Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; Earth Sciences, MoS PMO, PP/DoPT, Atomic Energy and Space Dr Jitendra Singh, Chief of the Army Staff Gen Upendra Dwivedi, Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh and other senior officials of Ministry of Defence were present at the venue.

    Himachal Pradesh Governor Shri Shiv Pratap Shukla, Arunachal Pradesh Governor Lt Gen Kaiwalya Trivikram Parnaik, Rajasthan Governor Shri Haribhau Kisanrao Bagde, Arunachal Pradesh Chief Minister Shri Pema Khandu, Mizoram Chief Minister Shri Lalduhoma, Jammu & Kashmir Lt Governor Shri Manoj Sinha, Lt Governor Ladakh Brig. (Dr) BD Mishra (Retd) joined the event virtually.

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