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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Stories that touch hearts Around the World” – WAVES 2025 propels a global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling

    Source: Government of India

    “Stories that touch hearts Around the World” – WAVES 2025 propels a global Dialogue on the Future of Storytelling

    Streaming, Cinema and Literature intersect at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 7:40PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    The second day of the maiden WAVES 2025 Summit featured an exceptional lineup of speakers in the Panel discussion on “Stories that touch hearts around the World”: Kaitlin Yarnall, Chief Storytelling Officer at National Geographic Society; Justin Warbrooke, EVP and Head of Corporate Development at The Walt Disney Company; Kelly Day, Vice President of International at Amazon Prime Video; Phil Hardman, Executive Vice President & General Manager of BBC Studios Asia; Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most celebrated film directors; and Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat, serving as the moderator.

    This session brought together visionary leaders and master storytellers from across the global media, entertainment, and literary landscapes to explore the transformative power of storytelling. From streaming platforms and broadcasting giants to cinema and literature, the panelists shared insights into how compelling narratives can transcend borders, shape cultures, and connect people worldwide. The discussion highlighted the strategic, creative, and emotional forces that drive global storytelling and its profound impact on perceptions, cultures, and social change.

    Kaitlin Yarnall (National Geographic) leads the strategic vision for creating powerful narratives that intertwine science, exploration, and visual storytelling to engage audiences worldwide. In the discussion, she emphasized the importance of authenticity and excellence in storytelling, highlighting both the challenges and opportunities involved in crafting content that truly resonates.

    Justin Warbrooke (Walt Disney) highlighted the Indian market as a top priority describing it as the world’s most populous and one of the fastest-growing media and entertainment markets. He also spoke about Disney’s collaborations with Indian companies, emphasizing how such partnerships are helping to bridge cultures and bring global audiences closer together through storytelling.

    Kelly Day (Amazon Prime Video) oversees global expansion and content strategy, working to bring diverse and locally resonant stories to audiences across continents. When asked how the platform determines which stories succeed financially in domestic and international markets, she clarified that there’s no set algorithm—success is rooted in strong storytelling, understanding local audiences, and choosing the right formats and genres.

    Phil Hardman (BBC Studio, Asia) leads the delivery of premium British content tailored for Asian audiences. He spoke about the enduring power of quality content, emphasizing the BBC’s core mission to educate and inform. He noted that their focus remains firmly on finding and sharing meaningful stories that align with that mission.

    Rajkumar Hirani, one of India’s most acclaimed film directors, Rajkumar Hirani is known for creating emotionally powerful and socially impactful films that resonate with audiences both in India and around the world. In the discussion, he highlighted that storytelling is inherently subjective—what resonates varies from person to person. He also shared his optimism about the potential of AI, calling it a valuable tool for filmmakers to enhance creativity and storytelling.

    Amish Tripathi, bestselling author and diplomat brings a unique fusion of mythological narrative and cultural depth to his storytelling. As moderator, he expertly guided the panel discussion, bridging diverse perspectives and emphasizing the universal power of stories to connect people across borders.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates two food poisoning clusters 
    A preliminary investigation by the CHP revealed that the affected persons had consumed common food, including marinated goose and smoked goose. Staff of the CHP and the Centre for Food Safety (CFS) and Environmental Hygiene Branch of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department have conducted an investigation at the restaurant, examined the cooking process and food hygiene, and taken food and environmental samples for testing.  
    The investigation of the CHP and CFS is ongoing. Issued at HKT 20:50

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 Sessions Explore Innovations in Sports and Technology

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 Sessions Explore Innovations in Sports and Technology

    Saudi Arabia’s Esports Ambitions Spotlighted at WAVES 2025

    Vision, Investment and Innovation Drive Saudi Gaming Growth

    “Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential:” Ravi Shastri at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 8:27PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Day 2 of WAVES 2025 in Mumbai featured two forward-looking discussions on the future of sports and esports, with particular focus on how media, technology, and storytelling are reshaping global engagement.

    Gaming Revolution: A Bold Vision for the Future

    In a high-impact fireside chat titled “Building a Global Powerhouse: Saudi Arabia’s Vision for Gaming & Esports”, HE Faisal bin Bandar bin Sultan Al Saud, Chairman of the Saudi Esports Federation, presented the Kingdom’s sweeping plans to redefine the global esports landscape. The session, moderated by Girish Menon, Chief Strategy Officer at Jetsynthesys, explored how the Kingdom’s youth-driven policies, strategic investments, and global partnerships are transforming Saudi Arabia into an emerging hub for gaming and esports innovation.

    With over 67% of its population identifying as gamers, Saudi Arabia is cultivating an ecosystem designed for long-term sustainability. From landmark events such as Gamers Without Borders to the hosting of the Esports World Cup, the country is positioning itself at the forefront of international competition.

    The cornerstone of this vision is the Saudi Esports Academy which provides training across a range of fields—coaching, event production, game development—creating meaningful career pathways for young professionals. The Federation’s efforts are also supporting the rise of content creators, fostering an inclusive and scalable industry built on community engagement and cross-border collaboration.

    HE Faisal emphasized that Saudi Arabia’s goal extends beyond tournaments. “This is about opportunity creation, ecosystem development, and showcasing what’s possible when a country aligns resources, vision, and talent,” he said. As the discussion revealed, the Kingdom’s approach could well shape global gaming trends over the coming decade.

    The Changing Face of Sports: Media, Technology and Human Connection

    Earlier in the day, a dynamic panel on “Sports, Technology, Entrepreneurship & Media – The REAL STEM” brought together voices from across the sports ecosystem. The session was moderated by producer and entrepreneur Dheer Momaya and featured cricketing icon Ravi Shastri alongside Prashant Khanna (Jiostar), Nullah Sarker (Kosmos), Vikrant Mudaliar (Dream Sports), and Dhaval Ponda (Tata Communications).

    Ravi Shastri shared his insights on cricket’s transformation through media and technology. “Media and tech today are like a helmet in your kit—essential,” he remarked, reflecting on how fan engagement and athlete branding have grown. He described his own journey as “a wave”—symbolic of both personal highs and the broader evolution of the sport.

    Panelists pointed to technological advances such as immersive feeds, fantasy gaming, and AI-driven content personalization as tools reshaping how fans connect with sports. Vikrant Mudaliar underlined how fantasy platforms have turned audiences from passive viewers into active participants. Prashant Khanna highlighted inclusivity tools like sign language commentary and custom visual feeds.

    Nullah Sarker stressed the importance of storytelling: “Fans don’t just follow stats—they follow people.” Echoing this, Dhaval Ponda noted how live sports remain the soul of global content consumption, with technology now enabling custom viewing experiences.

    The session concluded with Shastri expressing optimism: “The future of sports, tech and media is limitless. We’re only just getting started.”

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 | Rajith/ LekshmiPriya/ Kamna/ Darshana | 155

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES 2025 discusses Accessibility in Media and Entertainment Sector: Experts Call for Inclusive Innovation and Policy Reform

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES 2025 discusses Accessibility in Media and Entertainment Sector: Experts Call for Inclusive Innovation and Policy Reform

    Accessibility must be viewed not as a compliance checkbox but as a creative, ethical, and strategic imperative

    India is not just catching up; in many ways, we are leading the conversation on inclusive design: Brij Kothari

    We’re laying the groundwork for systemic change in how accessibility is implemented”: Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion, Google

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:20PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

    A thought-provoking panel discussion on “Accessibility Standards in the Media & Entertainment Sector” took center stage at WAVES 2025 today. The session brought together leading voices from academia, technology, policy, law, and journalism to explore how accessibility in content creation and distribution is evolving—and why it must be prioritized in India’s digital transformation journey.

    Opening the session, Prof. Brij Kothari of IIT Delhi emphasized India’s leadership in redefining accessibility. “India is not just catching up; in many ways, we are leading the conversation on inclusive design,” he stated. He said that the scale, diversity and accessibility are no longer just a solution for the visually or hearing impaired—it’s a universal design philosophy that benefits over 1.4 billion citizens.

    Christopher Patnoe, Head of Accessibility and Disability Inclusion for EMEA at Google, offered a global perspective, noting that while few countries like the U.S. have strong legislation, enforcement often falls short. He said that the European Accessibility Act is showing promise, and the next decade will be transformative. “We’re laying the groundwork now for systemic change in how accessibility is implemented”, he stated.

    Ashay Vinay Sahasrabuddhe, CEO of Kintel, highlighted the creative dimensions of accessibility in media. “Content is shaped through the unique lens of its creator, especially in film. To make content truly accessible, we must preserve that creative perspective—not dilute it with generic, automated solutions,” he explained. He emphasized on translating the director’s vision meaningfully for all audiences, including those with disabilities.

    Journalist Priti Salian spotlighted how technology and AI are accelerating accessibility efforts. “We’ve launched an AI-based channel featuring sign language interpreter avatars, and with advancements in audio description, what once took weeks now takes just 30 hours,” she said. She further stressed that technology alone isn’t enough as greater governmental support, public-private partnerships, and tendering mechanisms to scale accessible entertainment in India is required.

    Rahul Bajaj, lawyer and advocate for inclusive content across platforms such as theatre, OTT, and television emphasized the need for stronger legal frameworks and industry collaboration.

    Danish Mahajan, Founder of Radio Udaan called for stricter implementation of existing policies and increased representation of persons with disabilities in policymaking and regulatory bodies. “Representation ensures that accessibility isn’t an afterthought—it’s embedded in the system,” he noted.

    Together, the panel underscored a collective call to action: accessibility must be viewed not as a compliance checkbox but as a creative, ethical, and strategic imperative. As India stands at the crossroads of a content revolution, accessibility will be key to unlocking its full potential for every citizen.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His Journey at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    The Art of Storytelling: Farhan Akhtar Shares His Journey at WAVES 2025

    Farhan Akhtar reflects on storytelling, self-belief, and evolving with the craft

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:19PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Acclaimed filmmaker, actor and writer Farhan Akhtar took centre stage at WAVES 2025 in a masterclass titled “The Craft of Direction”, moderated by Gaurav Kapur. The session offered an intimate glimpse into Akhtar’s journey as a storyteller, exploring the evolution of cinema, the challenges of direction, and the need for authenticity in filmmaking.

    Opening the conversation, Farhan called WAVES “a very empowering event” and reflected on his creative roots. When asked whether he preferred any particular facet of his multifaceted career from singing and acting to directing, he likened it to “choosing a favourite child,” acknowledging that while there may be a quiet preference, every role carries its own joy.

    Revisiting the making of Dil Chahta Hai, a film that redefined contemporary Hindi cinema, Farhan said, “I wanted to write something real, about friendship, about people like us. You shouldn’t imitate others. Audiences can sense when something lacks integrity.” He credited honesty and empathy as essential traits for any writer, encouraging young creators to stay focused and embrace setbacks as part of the journey.”

    The session was filled with anecdotes, from the difficulties of casting his debut film to the use of sync sound, which was a new experience for most of the actors in the film. “They were used to dubbing. Sync sound made them nervous,” he said, emphasizing the importance of adapting to new technology in filmmaking.

    Talking about Lakshya, Farhan described the physical and emotional toll of shooting in Ladakh and the heartbreak of discovering technical issues post-filming. “We had to go back. But when we did, we got some of the most stunning shots,” he recalled, adding, “Everything happens for a reason.”

    On Don, he shared how the idea came while listening to the original score on a train ride. The challenge was not remaking the film, but reimagining it. “What new meaning could I give to Don ko pakadna mushkil hi nahi…? That was the real test.” He said he wrote the film with Shah Rukh Khan in mind, noting that he himself was a big fan of the original.

    He spoke fondly of his father Javed Akhtar and sister Zoya Akhtar, both key sounding boards for his scripts. “My dad is the most brutal. He’ll just ask, ‘Why are you making this?’” When asked about his father’s favourites, Farhan mentioned Dil Chahta Hai and Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara among others.

    Recalling his transformation for Bhaag Milkha Bhaag, he said it was Milkha Singh’s spirit that inspired him. “Milkha ji wanted the story to tell the next generation to work hard and focus on skill. That energy pushed all of us.”

    To a packed audience, Farhan’s advice was clear and resonant: “Don’t be a character in someone else’s story. Write your own. And never underestimate the value of discipline.”

    The session ended with questions from the audience, rounding off an engaging, honest, and inspiring masterclass that celebrated not just cinema, but the courage it takes to carve one’s own path.

     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health — a powerful movement uniting humanity through Yoga and beyond: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Source: Government of India

    Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health — a powerful movement uniting humanity through Yoga and beyond: Shri Prataprao Jadhav

    Yoga Sangam Portal Launched

    Nashik celebrates Grand Yoga Mahotsav, more than 6000 practice common yoga protocol in unison

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 12:51PM by PIB Mumbai

    Nashik/Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    Nashik, the land of Mahakumbh, witnessed a grand celebration of Yoga as over 6000 enthusiasts came together to mark the 50-day countdown to the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025 at the Yoga Mahotsav organised by Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga (MDNIY), Ministry of Ayush. Held at the spiritually significant Gauri Maidan in Panchavati, the event not only celebrated India’s rich Yoga tradition but also marked the launch of the Yoga Sangam Portal — a digital platform for online registration towards facilitating the synchronized nationwide celebration of IDY 2025 on 21st June at more than 1,00,000 locations across India.

    The programme was inaugurated by Shri Prataprao Jadhav, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Ministry of Ayush, and Minister of State for Health & Family Welfare. Addressing the gathering, the Union Minister emphasised the importance of Yoga and said that, “Nashik is a sacred city blessed by the presence of great souls, and visiting it filled me with pride and joy. Yoga, once an integral part of Indian tradition, is now flourishing within the international community.”

    He further added that the Government of India is leaving no stone unturned to make IDY a success and stated, “Thanks to the tireless efforts of the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, today, Yoga forms the foundation of life for millions around the world. As part of efforts to take its benefits to every individual, the International Day of Yoga 2025 is being celebrated as a decade-long global festival.”

    While launching the Yoga Sangam Portal, he said, “Today, on Nashik’s sacred soil, we’ve launched the ‘Yoga Sangam Portal’ for online registration, marking a significant step towards International Day of Yoga 2025. Yoga Sangam embodies global solidarity for health, and through initiatives like these, International Day of Yoga is becoming a powerful global movement that unites humanity, promoting Yoga and beyond.”

    “Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga and the Ministry of Ayush deserve heartfelt congratulations for their contributions to this decade-long journey of Yoga.” ” he added.

    It is to be noted that Yoga Sangam, one of the ten Signature Events of the International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025, is a groundbreaking initiative unfolding a decentralised, yet synchronised mass Yoga performance at 1,00,000 locations across India. It will take place on 21st June 2025, the International Day of Yoga. This event will weave a harmonious tapestry of well-being nationwide, as hundreds of thousands of individuals unite under Yoga’s enabling shield. The sheer scale of participation in the event will create a powerful ripple effect of positive energy nationwide.

    Yog Mahostav at Nashik also witnessed the esteemed presence of  Shri Bhaskar Murlidhar Bhagare, Member of Parliament, Lok Sabha, Nashik; Smt. Devyani Suhas Pharande, MLA, Nashik Central; Smt. Seema Hiray, MLA, Nashik West;  Shri Rahul Uttamrao Dhikale, MLA, Nashik East; Lieutenant General Dr. Madhuri Kanitkar, Vice Chancellor of Maharashtra University of Health Sciences (MUHS); Dr. Vishwas Mandlik, Head, Yoga Vidya Gurukul, Nashik; and Ms. Monalisa Dash, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Ayush as distinguished guests.

    Ms. Monalisa Das, Joint Secretary at the Ministry of Ayush, delivered the welcome address at the event. While extending her greetings to all the distinguished guests, she remarked that “Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam” — the world is one family — is one of India’s greatest guiding principles and a true symbol of global brotherhood and harmony.”

    A special emphasis was laid on the Common Yoga Protocol during today’s Yoga Mahotsav. Developed with inputs from leading Yoga experts, the CYP is designed to help individuals integrate day-to-day Yoga practices such as Pranayama and Dhyana into their lives enhancing flexibility, strength, balance, and overall harmony. The Government of India’s Yoga Portal serves as a valuable platform encouraging citizens to embrace, practice, and enjoy Yoga daily.

    Following the addresses, demonstrators from the Morarji Desai National Institute of Yoga, led by Dr. Kashinath Samagandi, Director, MDNIY, performed a live demonstration of the Common Yoga Protocol. The session saw the active participation of more than 6000 Yoga enthusiasts, creating a vibrant atmosphere of collective energy and discipline. The event was streamed live across various social media platforms of the Ministry of Ayush, MDNIY, and other prominent Yoga institutions.

    The Yoga Mahotsav at Nashik marks a significant step in the run-up to IDY-2025, reaffirming the Government of India’s commitment to promoting holistic health, wellness, and environmental sustainability through Yoga.

    Before this, MDNIY and the Ministry of Ayush had organised a Yoga Mahotsav on March 13, 2025, at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi, marking the 100-day countdown to IDY-2025. Similarly, a grand event was organised on April 7, 2025, on the occasion of the 75-day countdown at Kalinga Stadium, Bhubaneswar.

    10 unique signature events to guide events to the International Day of Yoga 2025. This year, IDY activities will revolve around 10 unique signature events to mark the 11th edition of the global event, which makes it the most expansive and inclusive:

    • Yoga Sangam – A synchronised Yoga demonstration at 1,00,000 locations.
    • Yoga Bandhan – Global partnerships with 10 countries to host Yoga sessions at iconic landmarks.
    • Yoga Parks– Development of 1,000 Yoga Parks for long-term community engagement.
    • Yoga Samavesh – Special Yoga programs for Divyangjan, senior citizens, children, and marginalised groups.
    • Yoga Prabhav – A decadal impact assessment on Yoga’s role in public health.
    • Yoga Connect – A Virtual Global Yoga Summit featuring renowned Yoga experts and healthcare professionals.
    • Harit Yoga – A sustainability-driven initiative combining Yoga with tree planting and clean-up drives.
    • Yoga Unplugged- An event to attract young people to Yoga.
    • Yoga Maha Kumbh – A week-long festival across 10 locations, culminating in a central celebration led by the Prime Minister.
    • SamYogam – A 100-day initiative integrating Yoga with modern healthcare for holistic wellness.

    Yoga Sangam Portal can be accessed through the following link: https://yoga.ayush.gov.in/yoga-sangam

     

    Annexure

    The International Day of Yoga (IDY) has become a global wellness movement, uniting millions across countries. Here’s a brief look at its key milestones:

    • IDY 2015 – New Delhi: The first IDY at Rajpath saw 35,985 participants, setting two Guinness World Records.
    • IDY 2016 – Chandigarh: 30,000+ participants gathered at the Capitol Complex, including 150 Divyangjan performing Yoga Protocol for the first time. The Prime Minister emphasised Yoga’s role in treating ailments like diabetes.
    • IDY 2017 – Lucknow: 51,000 participants joined at Ramabai Ambedkar Maidan, with Yoga highlighted as affordable ‘health insurance’.
    • IDY 2018 – Dehradun: 50,000+ participants at Forest Research Institute, with the theme “Yoga for Public Health”. ISRO launched the BHUVAN-Yoga and Yoga Locator apps.
    • IDY 2019 – Ranchi: Focused on ‘Yoga for Heart Care’, with eco-friendly Yoga accessories benefiting Khadi artisans.
    • IDY 2020 – Virtual: Amid the pandemic, 12.06 crore people joined online. The “My Life, My Yoga” contest attracted entries from 130 countries.
    • IDY 2021 – Virtual: Themed “Yoga for Wellness”, reaching 496.1 million people globally. Iconic celebrations occurred at Times Square, the Eiffel Tower, and Tokyo Skytree.
    • IDY 2022 – Mysuru: 15,000 participants at Mysore Palace, with a ‘Guardian Ring’ global Yoga relay and VR-powered digital exhibition.
    • IDY 2023 – Jabalpur & UN HQ, New York: With 23.44 crore participants, this IDY set two Guinness World Records, including the most significant Yoga session (1.53 lakh participants in Surat). The ‘Ocean Ring of Yoga’ covered 35,000 km.
    • IDY 2024 – Srinagar: Held at SKICC, Srinagar, with 7,000 participants braving the rain. The ‘Yoga for Space’ initiative saw ISRO scientists join in. A Guinness World Record was set in Uttar Pradesh, with 25.93 lakh people pledging to Yoga. 24.53 crore global participants marked this as a historic celebration.

     

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    PIB Mumbai | A.Chavan/D.Rane

    Follow us on social media: @PIBMumbai    /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai   pibmumbai[at]gmail[dot]com  /PIBMumbai     /pibmumbai

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: AIR MARSHAL NARMDESHWAR TIWARI PVSM AVSM VM TAKES OVER AS VICE CHIEF OF THE AIR STAFF, INDIAN AIR FORCE

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:17PM by PIB Delhi

    Air Marshal Narmdeshwar Tiwari PVSM AVSM VM took charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, IAF on 02 May 25.

    The Air Marshal completed his schooling at Rashtriya Indian Military College (RIMC) in Dehradun before joining the National Defence Academy, Khadakwasala, He passed out from NDA in Jun 1985 with the President’s Gold Medal. He was commissioned as a Fighter Pilot in the Indian Air Force on 07 Jun 1986. The Air Marshal has over 3600 hours of flying experience on various types of aircraft. Besides being a Qualified Flying Instructor and an Experimental Test Pilot, the Air Marshal is a graduate of the Air Command and Staff College, USA. He has also served as Directing Staff at the IAF Test Pilots’ School and the Defence Services Staff College in Wellington. His extensive field experience encompasses operational testing of various weapons and systems, including a key role in operationalising the ‘Litening’ Laser Designation Pod during the Kargil Operations in 1999. He was actively involved in the flight testing of the LCA from 2006 to 2009 and later in 2018-19, wherein, as the Project Director (Flight Test) at the National Flight Test Centre, he was involved in the Final Operational Clearance of the aircraft. The Air Marshal served as the Air Attache at Paris from 2013 to 2016. He has also held appointment Deputy Chief of the Air Staff at Air HQ (VB).

    Prior to assuming charge as the Vice Chief of the Air Staff, he was the Air Officer Commanding-in-Chief at South Western Air Command. In recognition of his distinguished service, the Air Marshal was awarded the Presidential Award of Param Vishisht Seva Medal in 2025, Ati Vishisht Seva Medal in 2022, and Vayu Sena Medal in 2008.

    He is married to Mrs. Richa Tiwari, a postgraduate in Cytology. The couple is blessed with two daughters.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: High-Level Meeting Held to Strengthen Energy Security of Tamil Nadu

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:39PM by PIB Delhi

    A High level meeting was held on 02nd May 2025 at Chennai, between Shri Vikram Dev Dutt, IAS, Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Government of India and Shri N. Muruganandam, IAS, Chief Secretary, Government of Tamil Nadu, on enhancing energy security in the State of Tamil Nadu.

    Other dignitaries present included Shri Prasanna Kumar Motupalli, CMD, NLC India Limited, Shri Sanjeev Kumar Kassi, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Coal, Shri Mukesh Choudhary, Director (Marketing), Coal India Limited and Shri. Dr. Alby John Varghese, IAS, Managing Director, Tamilnadu Power Generation Corporation Limited.

    The deliberations focussed on the State’s projected power demand, availability of lignite & coal, and proactive measures required to meet peak load conditions during the summer and monsoon seasons. The issues of NLCIL related land acquisition, facilitation required for promoting of Overburden to M-Sand in Neyveli mines, Land acquisition of Lignite Mines, starting operations of Neyveli airport and formation of JV between TNGECL & NIRL were also discussed, on which State Government would extend the necessary support.

    The proactive and progressive approach taken by the State in today’s meeting is expected to significantly mitigate supply-side challenges and ensure reliable, affordable, and sustainable power for Tamil Nadu and resolve the issues of NLCIL.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Five incoming passengers convicted and jailed for possessing duty-not-paid cigarettes and importing alternative smoking products (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Four men and a woman were each sentenced to four to eight months’ imprisonment and fined between $500 to $1,000 at the West Kowloon Magistrates’ Courts on April 30 and today (May 2) for possession of duty-not-paid cigarettes and failing to declare to Customs Officers, as well as for importing alternative smoking products, in contravention of the Dutiable Commodities Ordinance (DCO) and the Import and Export Ordinance (IEO).

    Customs officers intercepted four incoming male passengers, aged between 27 and 43, and a 44-year-old female passenger at Hong Kong International Airport on March 4 and 5. About 128 400 duty-not-paid cigarettes and about 205 200 alternative smoking products, with an estimated market value of about $1.18 million and a duty potential of about $420,000 in total, were seized from their personal baggage. They were subsequently arrested.

    Customs welcomes the sentence. The custodial sentence has imposed a considerable deterrent effect and reflects the seriousness of the offences. 

    Under the DCO, tobacco products are dutiable goods to which the DCO applies. Any person who imports, deals with, possesses, sells or buys illicit cigarettes commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $1 million and imprisonment for two years.

    Under the IEO, any person who imports an alternative smoking product into Hong Kong commits an offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $2 million and imprisonment for seven years.

    Members of the public may report any suspected illicit cigarette activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hk) or online form (eform.cefs.gov.hk/form/ced002).
     

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

    Source: Government of India

    India Showcases Skilling and AI Innovation at TiEcon 2025: AiVerse

    India nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through Startup India, Skill India and Atal Innovation Mission: Shri Jayant Chaudhary

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:58PM by PIB Delhi

    TiEcon 2025, the world’s leading technology and entrepreneurship conference, kicked off its three-day run at the Santa Clara Convention Center, California, with a powerful focus on Artificial Intelligence under the theme “AiVerse.”This annual three-day conference, themed “AiVerse”, will focus on the vast potential and disruptive power of Artificial Intelligence in shaping the future of enterprises and society and has brought together entrepreneurs, innovators, investors, and academia. The three-day mega event is being held from 30th April to 2nd May, 2025.

    Addressing the conference through a recorded message, Minister of State (I/C), Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship (MSDE) and Minister of State, Ministry of Education, Shri Jayant Chaudhary said that the Indian Government is nurturing over a million entrepreneurs through its ambitious programmes like Startup India, Skill India, and Atal Innovation Mission.

    The Minister further  said, “India today stands at a powerful inflection point where innovation, enterprise, and skills are converging to shape a new global narrative. Across every corner of our nation, entrepreneurs are solving real problems, building sustainable ventures, and creating scalable impact.”

    A high-level Indian delegation comprising leaders in deep-tech, climate innovation, healthcare, AI, and digital transformation showcased the country’s expanding role as a global innovation partner. The delegation reflected India’s entrepreneurial spirit rooted in resilience, inclusion, and purpose-driven development.

    India’s participation at TiEcon 2025 marks a significant step in strengthening its positioning as a global talent hub and innovation partner in the AI era. With strategic initiatives underway, India continues to bridge global skill gaps and contribute meaningfully to the evolving AIVerse.

    Addressing at the TieCon 2025 Convention at Silicon Valley, Shri Ved Mani Tiwari, CEO, NSDC and MD, NSDC International, said, “AI is transforming the world in ways we never imagined which necessitates proactive measures to navigate the challenges and harness the opportunities it brings. Skilling our youth and professionals is one of the most critical steps we must focus on today to prepare for the future. NSDC has been making significant efforts to skill and upskill the workforce through various targeted initiatives. We are empowering young people with the capabilities to become innovators, entrepreneurs, and future leaders in emerging fields. Our focus is on leveraging the power of human capital and technology to build a better tomorrow.”

    He also highlighted how India’s skilling ecosystem is evolving and democratising access to future skill training. Cutting-edge platforms like Skill India Digital Hub allows learners from across the country to learn from anywhere, anytime. He underscored NSDC International’s critical role in transforming India into a global supplier of skilled manpower.

    The corporation has also set up a dedicated exhibition stall at the conference, which drew enthusiastic engagement from global participants.

    The stall showcased India’s innovative skilling models and AI-integrated learning platforms. Delegates from across sectors explored potential collaborations in talent development, workforce mobility, and AI-centric skilling programmes.

    On the second day in TieCon 2025, Satya Nadella CEO of Microsoft and Mr. Tiwari had a brief interaction about India’s skill ecosystem and about of NSDC’s initiatives and how the organisation is equipping Indian youth with job-ready and future-ready skills. The interaction took place at the NSDC stall set up at the exhibition zone.

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    Beena Yadav/Shahbaz Hasibi

    (Release ID: 2126229) Visitor Counter : 59

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: WAVES Explores India’s Evolving Role in the Global Streaming and Film Economy

    Source: Government of India

    WAVES Explores India’s Evolving Role in the Global Streaming and Film Economy

    “For content to truly travel across borders, India must invest in studio infrastructure, production hubs, and technology-driven ecosystems”, says Shibasish Sarkar

    While taking creative risks is essential, content portfolios must be balanced and structured: Ektaa Kapoor

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:29PM by PIB Mumbai

     

    Mumbai | May 2, 2025

    The breakout session on “India’s Evolving Role in the Global Film and Streaming Economy” held at Mumbai today brought together key voices shaping the future of media and content, including Shri Vikram Tanna, CEO, Eros Now and Mzaalo (Xfinite Global); Shri Shibasish Sarkar, President, Producers Guild of India; Smt. Ektaa R. Kapoor, Joint Managing Director, Balaji Telefilms; and Ms. Shalini Govil Pai, Vice President & General Manager, Android TV, Google.

    Highlighting India’s deep-rooted tradition of storytelling, Shri Shibasish Sarkar spoke about the evolution of Indian cinema from a century ago to today’s dynamic streaming platforms. He stated that streaming has enabled Indian stories to find global audiences. However, for content to truly travel across borders, India must invest in infrastructure studios, production hubs, and technology-driven ecosystems. He also called for a focused, pan-India approach to institutional capital support.

    Underlining that compelling storytelling lies at the heart of global success, Ms. Ektaa R. Kapoor emphasised that the more relatable and emotionally resonant a story is, the more likely it is to connect with international audiences. She said that emotions such as pain, passion, and hope are universal. She noted that while taking creative risks is essential, content portfolios must be balanced and structured to de-risk investments and ensure long-term viability in a competitive ecosystem.

    Ms. Shalini Govil Pai stated that globalization is the most transformative trend in content today. She pointed out that technology has broken distribution barriers and made it easier to scale stories globally. Artificial Intelligence (AI), she added, is reshaping content creation by making production faster, more efficient, and data-driven. She urged Indian creators to leapfrog traditional methods and lead in the use of AI and technology to deliver stories that resonate across geographies. She noted that content discovery is becoming crucial, and the next wave of success will hinge on smart navigation, discoverability, and tech-led storytelling.

    Observing that India’s digital-first audience behaviour requires a shift in storytelling formats, Shri Vikram Tanna said that with shorter attention spans and increased mobile consumption, content must evolve to be voice-driven, opinion-led, and immersive. He outlined three key drivers for success: redefining technology, crafting experience-led narratives, and building IPs that command loyal fandom. He identified Generative AI as a game-changing opportunity for creators and platforms alike, offering new ways to engage, monetise, and personalise storytelling.

    The session concluded with a vision that India is well-positioned to become a global content powerhouse. With strategic investment in infrastructure, bold use of technology, and a commitment to authentic storytelling, India can lead the next phase of global media innovation.

     

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    PIB TEAM WAVES 2025 Rajith/Navin Sreejith/Lekshmipriya/Cshekhar |148

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: IOS SAGAR IN PORT VICTORIA, SEYCHELLES

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:13PM by PIB Delhi

    Indian Ocean Ship (IOS) SAGAR, arrived at Port Victoria, Seychelles on 01 May 25, marking another important milestone in her ongoing operational deployment across the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The ship’s arrival follows the successful completion of an Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) surveillance mission of Mauritius, undertaken in coordination with National Coast Guard Mauritius.

    The ship was accorded a warm welcome and received by the Chief of Defence Forces (CDF), the High Commissioner of India to Seychelles, and the Defence Adviser. The port call will feature a host of professional and cultural exchanges, including cross-deck visits involving multinational crew, and interactions with the CDF and senior officers of the Seychelles Defence Forces (SDF) and a joint Yoga session.

    These engagements aim to reinforce longstanding defence ties and mutual trust between India and Seychelles while deepening the spirit of cooperation among regional maritime partners.

    INS Sunayna, designated as IOS Sagar, has embarked a multinational crew comprising 44 naval personnel from 09 friendly foreign nations of the South-West Indian Ocean Region. The deployment exemplifies India’s commitment to fostering regional maritime cooperation and capacity-building in the spirit of Security and Growth for All in the Region (SAGAR).

    Earlier, the ship made port calls at Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nacala (Mozambique), and Port Louis (Mauritius), engaging with local navies and maritime security stakeholders to train together, exchange best practices, and enhance interoperability and mutual understanding.

    The ship is scheduled to depart Port Victoria on 02 May 25 for her final port of call, Male, Maldives, where she will continue her collaborative maritime security and regional outreach mission.

    INS Sunayna, a state-of-the-art Saryu class NOPV is equipped with medium and close-range gunnery weapons and modern electronic warfare suites, including missile defence measures. She can also carry a helicopter, which enhances her operational and surveillance capability.

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    VM/SKS                                                                                                        97/25

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Provisional recommendations on boundaries and names of geographical constituencies for 2025 Legislative Council General Election for public consultation starts today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Electoral Affairs Commission:

         The Electoral Affairs Commission (EAC) today (May 2) released for public consultation its provisional recommendations on the boundaries and names of geographical constituencies (GCs) for the 2025 Legislative Council (LegCo) General Election. The public consultation period will last for 30 days until May 31.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Source: Government of India

    Sacred Relics of Lord Buddha, accompanied by Indian Union Minister Kiren Rijiju, Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, monks, and officials, arrived in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam

    Union Minister conveyed a meaningful message on behalf of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India

    A Sacred Bodhi tree sapling from India was planted by the Union Minister at the Vietnam Buddhist University

    Relics were enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery following ceremonial prayers

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:57PM by PIB Delhi

    In a significant cultural and spiritual milestone, the Holy Relics of Lord Buddha arrived in Ho Chi Minh City today aboard a special aircraft from India, marking the beginning of the United Nations Day of Vesak celebrations in Vietnam from May 6–8, 2025.

    The Indian delegation, led by Union Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju and Andhra Pradesh Minister Shri Kandula Durgesh, was joined by monks and senior officials in accompanying the Sacred Relics from Sarnath, India. Upon arrival, they were warmly received by the Government of Vietnam and the Vietnam Buddhist Sangha, reflecting the profound and shared spiritual values that unite both nations.

    Following ceremonial prayers, the Holy Relics were reverently enshrined at Thanh Tam Monastery. In a symbolic gesture of peace and friendship, a Sacred Bodhi Tree sapling from India was also planted at the Vietnam Buddhist University. A joint press conference was held by the Indian delegation and leaders of the Vietnamese Sangha, where Minister Shri Kiren Rijiju conveyed a heartfelt message from Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the people of India. The Government of Vietnam expressed its sincere gratitude for this sacred gesture, which stands as a symbol of the enduring civilizational and spiritual ties between the two countries.

    The Holy Relics are being exhibited with the support of the Ministry of Culture, Government of India, the National Museum of India, and the International Buddha Confederation. They will be displayed to the public in Ho Chi Minh City until May 7, 2025, before continuing to Tay Ninh, Hanoi, and Ha Nam until May 21, 2025.

    A grand public procession brought the Sacred Relics to Thanh Tam Pagoda, where they will remain on public exposition. Cultural programs, including a specially curated exhibition and a dance-drama on the life of Lord Buddha, will accompany the celebrations, underscoring the deep-rooted India-Vietnam Buddhist heritage.

    The Sacred Relics will be in Vietnam from May 2 to May 21, 2025, as part of the Vesak Day commemorations, strengthening people-to-people connections and honoring Lord Buddha’s message of peace, compassion, and harmony.

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    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    pibculture[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2126226) Visitor Counter : 73

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces extension of Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to cover all nine Mainland cities in GBA

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    　　The Government announced today (May 2) the extension of the Elderly Health Care Voucher Greater Bay Area Pilot Scheme to include 12 additional medical institutions in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), with a view to offering more convenience for eligible Hong Kong elderly persons to use Elderly Health Care Vouchers (EHCVs) in the GBA. The number of pilot medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme will be significantly increased from the current seven to 19, covering all the nine Mainland cities in the GBA. Together with the two existing service points operated by the University of Hong Kong-Shenzhen Hospital (HKU-SZH), a total of 21 service points in the GBA will be allowed to use EHCVs, benefitting more than 1.78 million eligible Hong Kong elderly persons.

    　　All the 12 medical institutions newly included in the Pilot Scheme (see Annex for details) are Tier III Class A hospitals providing integrated healthcare services (including dental services). They are:
     

    GBA city Name of medical institution
    Guangzhou Guangdong Clifford Hospital
    Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine
    Shenzhen
    (including the Qianhai Shenzhen-Hong Kong Modern Service Industry Co-operation Zone)    		 Shenzhen Hospital of Southern Medical University
    Peking University Shenzhen Hospital
    Zhuhai The Fifth Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University
    Zhuhai People’s Hospital
    Foshan The First People’s Hospital of Foshan
    The Eighth Affiliated Hospital of Southern Medical University
    (Previously: Shunde Hospital of Southern Medical University)
    Huizhou Huizhou Central People’s Hospital
    Zhongshan Zhongshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine
    Jiangmen Jiangmen Central Hospital
    Zhaoqing The First People’s Hospital of Zhaoqing

    　　The Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, said, “The main purpose of implementing the Pilot Scheme is to offer more convenience and flexibility for eligible Hong Kong elderly persons by providing more service points for them to better use their EHCVs for primary healthcare services to improve their health. The service points of the Pilot Scheme are meticulously planned to extend to GBA cities that are not yet covered, namely Zhuhai, Foshan, Huizhou, Jiangmen and Zhaoqing, as well as to set up additional service points in the GBA cities that are already covered. The extension of the Pilot Scheme also includes Chinese medicine hospitals for the first time to provide eligible elderly persons with additional choices in healthcare services.

    　　”I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Health Commission of Guangdong Province (GDHC) and the health authorities of relevant cities for providing us invaluable advice and tremendous help on selecting suitable medical institutions and the regulations relevant to the monitoring of healthcare quality and fee level, among others, during the implementation of the Pilot Scheme.”

    　　The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address announced the extension of the Pilot Scheme to cover nine Mainland cities in the GBA last October. The Health Bureau (HHB) and the Department of Health (DH) have thereafter promptly taken forward the relevant work proactively, including seeking advice and recommendations from the GDHC, inviting medical institutions to briefing sessions, and conducting site visits.  

    　　The service scope eligible for claims for the EHCVs at medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme will be largely the same. The arrangements for shared use of EHCVs between spouses and the EHCV Pilot Reward Scheme are also applicable. Moreover, eligible elderly persons have to register with eHealth. The “Cross-boundary Health Record” and “Personal Folder” functions of the eHealth mobile application will also be applicable to the medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme, with a view to offering convenience for Hong Kong citizens to self-carry their electronic health records for cross-boundary uses. 

    　　To ensure the proper use of public money, the DH adopts a robust monitoring mechanism for checking and auditing EHCV claims, including routine checking, monitoring and investigating in respect of aberrant transactions, and investigations into complaints. In the monitoring issues and investigations of the Pilot Scheme, apart from the above measures, the DH has established a mechanism with the health authorities of the Mainland, through which the health authorities of the Mainland will provide assistance to the DH when necessary, with a view to enhancing its monitoring capabilities and ensuring the proper reimbursement of EHCV claims to the participating medical institutions under the Pilot Scheme. 

    　　The HHB and the DH are working on the follow-up arrangements with various new pilot medical institutions, such as personnel training, financial arrangements and system configuration. It is expected that the new pilot medical institutions will gradually launch the relevant arrangements by the fourth quarter of this year.

    　　Launched by the Government in 2009, the Elderly Health Care Voucher Scheme (EHVS) currently subsidises eligible Hong Kong elderly persons aged 65 and above with an annual voucher amount of $2,000 (with the accumulation limit set at $8,000) for them to choose in their own community private primary healthcare services that best suit their health needs. The Government launched the Pilot Scheme last year to extend the coverage of EHCVs to suitable medical institutions in the GBA. As at September of the same year, the coverage of EHCVs has been extended to seven integrated medical/dental institutions located in Guangzhou, Zhongshan, Dongguan and Shenzhen. 

    Members of the public may refer to the EHVS website (www.hcv.gov.hk) or call the hotline (2838 2311) for more information on EHVS.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    Source: Government of India

    India all set to emerge as Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) capital of the world- Gajendra Singh Shekhawat

    About 700 leading industry players and decision maker from the exhibition sector attend

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 4:19PM by PIB Delhi

    With the construction of the state-of-the art exhibition and conference complexes in the country, India is all set to become MICE ((Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) capital of the world.

    “The new segments of tourism are getting developed, in which MICE tourism is the most important and is the fastest growing segment in the country. The exhibition and conference infrastructure we see across the nation including Mumbai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Bangalore, Jaipur and even small cities post G20 meet indicates that India is standing at the threshold of strong possibilities for this sector,” said Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Union minister of Culture and Tourism, while inaugurating a Two-day Seminar on India: The land of Exponential Growth organised by the Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA) , the apex national body of exhibition industry in the country.

    “The government and the private exhibition industry has to work together to make India a centre of MICE tourism. Several events which are happening globally can be calendarized and brought here in India. Besides being a destination India, the country is also becoming a big Exhibition and conference hub with planned expansion in road, aviation and railway sectors along with expansion of the conference and exhibition sector, the country has a great future for economic growth,” Shekhawat said.

    “After 2014, India has shown a tremendous growth curve in infrastructure given the boom in infrastructure, be it the construction of roads over 1,50,000 km, new railway stations, semi high-speed trains, inland waterways and more than 150 operational airports. All of these have contributed to India’s prowess with regards to the MICE events (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions). The confidence also built following India’s hosting of G20 nations, the entire world is looking at India in awe and curiosity. In times to come, India will emerge as the MICE capital of the world.” Said Mr Shekhawat.

    “The IEIA Open Seminar and Exhibition Services Expo is the annual international conclave of the Indian Exhibition Industry attended by the captains of the industry from all regions of the country and overseas. The event acts as one of its kind meaningful platforms for business networking, knowledge exchange, and discussions on the emerging trends shaping our industry’s future.” Said Mr Sooraj Dhawan, President. Indian Exhibition Industry Association (IEIA).

    “The 14th edition, the IEIA Open Seminar is expected to attract over 700 leading industry players at decision maker levels including leading Exhibition/ Event Organisers, heads of various trade bodies, sectoral associations and key govt. bodies. India is the fastest growing exhibition market in the world and has grown at 40% post Covid. The Exhibition Industry’s contribution to the Indian economy is Rs. 50,000 crores. Business generated through exhibitions is Rs. 300,000 crores.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    “The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE).  refers to a specialized segment of the tourism and hospitality industry focused on organizing and hosting business events. We urge the govt to announce October 1 as the National MICE Day as further boosting the morale of the industry.” Said Mr Dhawan.

    MICE is also known as the event industry. Over the past decades, the MICE industry has been recognized as a significant market segment and an important contributor to national economies. It not only gives a boost to the economy in the form of income generation, but creates huge employment opportunities in related hospitality services providing sectors like accommodation, food and beverage, convention services, transportation, tourism and entertainment.

    Those present on the occasion included Mr Premjeet Lal ED, ITPO, Mr Rakesh Kumar, MD, India Expo mart, Mr Jagdish Patanakar Hon Secretary IEIA, and Mr Ravinder Sethi, vice president, IEIA 

    ****

    Sunil Kumar Tiwari

    tourism4pib[at]gmail[dot]com

    (Release ID: 2126161) Visitor Counter : 97

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TERRORISM POSES A PROFOUND GLOBAL CHALLENGE AND ALL DEMOCRATIC NATIONS WILL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE IT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    Source: Government of India

    TERRORISM POSES A PROFOUND GLOBAL CHALLENGE AND ALL DEMOCRATIC NATIONS WILL HAVE TO COME TOGETHER TO ELIMINATE IT: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    SPEAKER OF THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF JAPAN H.E. MR. NUKAGA FUKUSHIRO STRONGLY CONDEMNS TERRORIST ATTACK IN PAHALGAM, ASSURES JAPAN’S FULL SUPPORT TO INDIA IN FIGHT AGAINST TERRORISM

    IN THE CURRENT GLOBAL SCENARIO, FRIENDSHIP BETWEEN INDIA AND JAPAN IS ESSENTIAL FOR GLOBAL PEACE, PROSPERITY AND STABILITY: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    INDIA AND JAPAN ARE CLOSE ALLIES ON MULTILATERAL FORUMS LIKE QUAD, G20 AND INTERNATIONAL SOLAR ALLIANCE: LOK SABHA SPEAKER

    SHRI BIRLA WELCOMES PROPOSAL TO PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES TO OVER 50,000 SKILLED MANPOWER OF INDIA IN VARIOUS SECTORS IN JAPAN

     JAPANESE PARLIAMENTARY DELEGATION CALLS ON LOK SABHA SPEAKER AT PARLIAMENT HOUSE COMPLEX

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:29PM by PIB Delhi

     Lok Sabha Speaker Shri Om Birla today asserted that all democratic nations—bound by a shared commitment to peace, security, and the rule of law – will have to come together to eradicate the menace of terrorism. He stressed that terrorism poses a profound global challenge that transcends national borders and threatens the very fabric of peaceful societies. He called for a collective and resolute response, grounded in mutual trust and respect for international norms, to effectively combat terrorism and uphold the values that define democratic societies.

    Shri Birla made these observations during his meeting with Japanese Parliamentary Delegation led by the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Japan H.E. Mr. Nukaga Fukushiro at Parliament House complex today.

    H.E. Mr. Nukaga Fukushiro strongly condemned the terrorist attack in Pahalgam and reaffirmed Japan’s steadfast support for India’s fight against terrorism. Shri Birla appreciated the leadership of Japan for expressing solidarity with India on the Pahalgam terrorist attack and emphasised that in the current global scenario, friendship between India and Japan is essential for global peace, prosperity and stability.

    Referring to partnership between India and Japan in multilateral forums like QUAD, G20 and International Solar Alliance, Shri Birla said that we have common concerns and thoughts on regional and global issues. Our relations based on mutual understanding are extremely important for co-beneficial progress as well as for peace and stability in the Indo-Pacific region, he further said. In the changing context, the friendship has now taken the form of strategic and global cooperation, he added.

    Shri Birla noted that the friendship between India and Japan is based on civilisational contacts, shared heritage of Buddhism and shared commitment to democratic values. He also expressed happiness that every year a large number of Japanese tourists and pilgrims visit India to go to places related to Buddhism which promotes People to People Connect between the two countries.

    Shri Birla also welcomed the Japanese proposal to provide opportunities to more than 50,000 skilled human resources of India in various sectors in Japan. He appreciated Japan for providing more opportunities to Indian students in the country. He also thanked Japan for its assurance of support in infrastructure development of India’s North East region.

    Noting that last year, India completed the golden journey of 75 years of Constitution, Shri Birla mentioned that constitution has played an important role in India’s journey of progress and development. Under the guidance of the Constitution, the country has made large scale socio-economic changes after independence and has kept public welfare at top priority, he added.

    Referring to legislations like ‘Disability Rights Act-2016’ and ‘The Transgender Persons Act, 2019’, Shri Birla opined that these laws have made a significant contribution in connecting the last person of the society to the mainstream. To increase the participation of women in our legislative process to build a modern, balanced and progressive society, ‘Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam’ has been passed which provides for reservation of seats for women in the Union and State Legislatures, he informed the Delegation.  He also informed that the Indian Parliament has increased the use of Digital Technology and AI to bring transparency in its functioning and make it accessible to the public and more efficient, which has yielded positive results. He expressed eagerness to share these experiences with the Parliament of Japan.

    On this occasion, Deputy Chairman, Rajya Sabha, Shri Harivansh; Rajya Sabha MP Shri Sanjay Jha, Lok Sabha MPs Shri Bhartruhari Mahtab, Shri Deepender Singh Hooda and Ms. Kamaljeet Sehrawat  were present.

    ***

    AM

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world, says Shraddha Kapoor

    Source: Government of India

    It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world, says Shraddha Kapoor

    India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in content creation: Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram

    WAVES 2025 discusses Trends and Virality in Fireside Chat

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:43PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

    “Today, anyone with a smartphone can be a content creator and producer”, said noted actress Shraddha Kapoor, highlighting the democratization of content through platforms like Instagram. Known for her authentic presence on social media, Shraddha emphasized India’s deep-rooted legacy of storytelling. “We’ve grown up on stories — it’s part of who we are,” she remarked.

    She described the current moment as a golden era for Indian content creators: “It’s an incredible time for India to be the content hub of the world,” she flagged, pointing to the convergence of digital technology, affordable data, and a vibrant youth population. Narrating her story of success on social media, Shraddha further stressed the power of authenticity in content. “When content comes from the heart, it naturally connects with people. I always try to post authentic content rather than being strategic,” she asserted.

    Shraddha also touched upon the ever-growing influence of India’s meme culture, and how platforms like Instagram, with its trending audios and hashtags, play a pivotal role in engaging the Gen Z audience. “It’s remarkable to see how quickly trends form and evolve, with each generation finding its unique voice,” she said.

    Adam Mosseri, Head of Instagram, Meta offered a global perspective, sharing his insights on the rapid transformation of digital content creation in India. He pointed to the revolution in digital infrastructure, noting how the decreasing cost of data and the widespread availability of high-speed internet have opened new doors for content creators. “India is experiencing an unprecedented surge in content creation,” Mosseri said, acknowledging the pivotal role technology has played in transforming how Indians engage with the digital world.

    He also delved into the rise of visual content, particularly Reels, which have become a dominant mode of expression on Instagram. “Visual content is inherently more engaging and impactful. Reels have empowered individuals to tell stories in shorter and impactful manner, offering a creative platform to connect with a global audience,” Mosseri explained.

    The In Conversation session on “Enabling Creative Expression: How Gen Z Consumes Content” was not just a conversation; it was a celebration of India’s boundless creative potential and the transformative role technology plays in empowering the next generation of digital storytellers. As digital platforms continue to democratize content creation, the session illustrated how the confluence of culture, technology, and creativity is shaping the future of content consumption for Gen Z.

    * * *

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India’s Science Push Enters High Gear: Dr. Jitendra Singh Bats for Industry-Led Innovation on DST’s 55th Foundation Day

    Source: Government of India

    India’s Science Push Enters High Gear: Dr. Jitendra Singh Bats for Industry-Led Innovation on DST’s 55th Foundation Day

    India’s Science Strategy Shifts Focus: Innovation, Industry Collaboration, and Talent Retention in Spotlight

    India Gross Expenditure in R&D (GERD) has doubled in last one decade from Rs 60,196 Cr. to 1,27,38 Cr.

    ‘Digitalisation of Mind’ Marking India’s Quiet Socio-Scientific Shift: Dr. Jitendra Singh

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 5:21PM by PIB Delhi

    Marking the 55th Foundation Day of the Department of Science and Technology (DST), Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Science and Technology; Earth Sciences and Minister of State for PMO, Department of Atomic Energy, Department of Space, Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions, Dr. Jitendra Singh outlined India’s evolving scientific landscape, emphasizing the need for increased industry involvement to the extent of industry led innovation, changes in approach and long-term innovation to position the country among leading global players.

    Addressing a packed audience that included leading innovators, academicians, researchers and former Secretaries, Dr. Jitendra Singh traced the DST’s journey since its inception on May 3, 1971, crediting it with catalyzing India’s evolution into a science and technology powerhouse.

    “The founding of DST mirrors the march of post-independence India in the field of science,” he said, highlighting how the department has bridged research and governance, turning vision into verifiable outcomes’.

    The Minister hailed DST’s efforts in nurturing a nationwide research ecosystem, particularly through mission-mode programmes such as the National Supercomputing Mission, Cyber-Physical Systems, and the recent National Quantum Mission. Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasized that DST’s interventions have not only advanced science but also driven grassroots development, with focused efforts on women, children, and marginalized communities.

    The Minister spotlighted India’s rising global rankings as a measure of DST’s impact — from a dramatic leap in the Global Innovation Index (from 81st in 2015 to 39th in 2024), to securing the 3rd spot globally in start-up numbers, PhDs in science and engineering, and research publications. India is now also ranked 6th worldwide in intellectual property filings.

    But the core of Dr. Jitendra Singh’s message was forward-looking: science must align with market forces. Advocating for “industry-determined innovation research,” he argued that sustainable innovation must be both driven and funded by private players. “In India, knowledge partnerships alone don’t work — industry must have skin in the game,” he quipped, underlining that private sector buy-in is essential for enduring scientific success.

    He also highlighted the role of the newly formed statutory body, ANRF (Anusandhan National Research Foundation), as a transformative force aimed at democratizing research funding and boosting university participation. Two major schemes — the ₹1 lakh crore Research, Development and Innovation Fund and the National Geospatial Mission — are now housed under DST’s leadership.

    Calling out a quiet revolution, Dr. Jitendra Singh pointed to the “digitalisation of mind” that has ignited India’s scientific temper, reshaped India’s socio-scientific fabric. “Even a semi-literate person today prefers WhatsApp over writing down a number — that’s the extent of behavioural change,” he said, stressing that the real transformation lies not only in numbers but in the rise of aspiration and confidence among ordinary Indians.

    The Minister didn’t shy away from calling for a strategic return of talent from abroad, urging scientists to plan their overseas journeys with a return timeline. “India today has everything to offer. It’s time we built a reverse pipeline for global talent,” he said.

    Concluding on a note of optimism, Dr. Jitendra Singh declared, “This is one of the best times for science and research in India — and the best is yet to come.” The Foundation Day celebrations saw participation from Principal Scientific Adviser to the Government of India Prof. Ajay Kumar Sood, DST Secretary Prof. Abhay Karandikar, Dr. Sharad Sharma of iSPIRT, and Adil Zainulbhai, Chairman, CBC reflecting a strong convergence of scientific, institutional, and industry leadership.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    15 landlords of subdivided units under regulated tenancies convicted of contravening relevant statutory requirements 
         The offences of these 15 landlords include (1) failing to submit a Notice of Tenancy (Form AR2) to the Commissioner of Rating and Valuation within 60 days after the term of the regulated tenancy commenced; and (2) requesting the tenant to pay money other than the types permitted under the Ordinance (including requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance). One of the landlords committed six offences under (2) and was fined $7,200.

         The RVD earlier discovered that the landlords failed to comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance. Upon an in-depth investigation and evidence collection, the RVD prosecuted against the landlords.
     
         A spokesman for the RVD reiterated that SDU landlords must comply with the relevant requirements under the Ordinance, including prohibiting landlords from doing any act calculated to interfere with the peace or comfort of members of the tenant’s household, with the intention of causing the tenant to give up occupation of the SDU; or requiring the tenant to pay an amount of rent for the second-term tenancy exceeding the maximum amount of rent permitted under the Ordinance, and also reminded  tenants of their rights under the Ordinance, including a four-year (i.e. two years plus two years) security of tenure. He also stressed that the RVD will continue to take resolute enforcement action against any contraventions of the Ordinance. Apart from following up on reported cases, the RVD has been adopting a multipronged approach to proactively identify, investigate and follow up on cases concerning landlords who are suspected of contravening the Ordinance. In particular, the RVD has been requiring landlords of regulated tenancies to provide information and reference documents of their tenancies for checking whether they have complied with the requirements of the Ordinance. If a landlord, without reasonable excuse, refuses to provide the relevant information or neglects the RVD’s request, the landlord commits an offence and is liable to a maximum fine at level 3 ($10,000) and to imprisonment for three months. Depending on the actual circumstances, and having regard to the information and evidence collected, the RVD will take appropriate actions on individual cases, including instigating prosecution against suspected contraventions of the Ordinance. In addition, the RVD has started a new round of publicity and education work to enhance public awareness about the key offences and penalty, emphasising that the RVD proactively checks whether landlords have committed the offences under the Ordinance.  
         The RVD reminds that pursuant to the Ordinance, a regulated cycle of regulated tenancies is to comprise two consecutive regulated tenancies (i.e. the first-term tenancy and second-term tenancy) for an SDU, and the term of each regulated tenancy is two years. A tenant of a first-term tenancy for an SDU is entitled to be granted a second-term tenancy of the regulated cycle, thus enjoying a total of four years of security of tenure. The RVD has been issuing letters enclosing relevant information to the landlords and tenants concerned of regulated tenancies in batches, according to the expiry time of their first-term tenancies, to assist them in understanding the important matters pertaining to the second-term tenancy, and to remind them about the procedures that need to be followed about two months prior to the commencement of the purported second-term tenancy as well as their respective obligations and rights under the Ordinance. These landlords and tenants may also visit the dedicated page for the second-term tenancy on the RVD’s website (www.rvd.gov.hk/en/tenancy_matters/second_term_tenancy.html 
         For enquiries related to regulated tenancies, please call the telephone hotline (2150 8303) or visit the RVD’s webpage (    www.rvd.gov.hk/en/our_services/part_iva.htmlIssued at HKT 18:35

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man arrested for illegal import of critically endangered Vallarta mud turtles (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department (AFCD), in collaboration with the Customs and Excise Department, detected an endangered species case at Hong Kong International Airport on April 30 and seized six critically endangered Vallarta mud turtles with an estimated market value of over $1.2 million. A male passenger was arrested. The man was charged with the illegal import of endangered species, and the case was mentioned in court today (May 2).

    The arrested person is a 38 year-old Chinese male passenger, who arrived in Hong Kong from Mexico via the Netherlands on April 30. Customs officers intercepted the man for customs clearance, during which six live turtles were found in his check-in baggage. Officers of the AFCD arrived at the scene to inspect the turtles. The turtles were suspected to be Vallarta mud turtles (Kinosternon vogti), a species listed in Appendix I of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora and regulated under the Protection of Endangered Species of Animals and Plants Ordinance (Cap. 586) in Hong Kong. The AFCD officers immediately arrested the man, seized the turtles, and charged him with the illegal import of endangered species.

    An AFCD spokesman said, “The Vallarta mud turtle is a critically endangered species endemic to Mexico. It was first discovered in 2018, with only hundreds remaining in the wild. International trade in wild Vallarta mud turtles is prohibited. Illegal poaching and trade pose the greatest threat to their survival.”

         Any person importing, exporting or possessing specimens of endangered species not in accordance with the Ordinance commits an offence and will be liable to a maximum fine of $10 million and imprisonment for 10 years upon conviction, with the turtles forfeited.

    The public may call 1823 to report any suspected irregularities to the AFCD and visit the AFCD website (www.cites.hk) regarding the control of endangered species in Hong Kong.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Global Media Dialogue 2025: Member Nations adopt WAVES Declaration and agree to collaborate on giving Voice to Traditions and Heritage, while promoting Creativity in era of AI

    Source: Government of India

    Global Media Dialogue 2025: Member Nations adopt WAVES Declaration and agree to collaborate on giving Voice to Traditions and Heritage, while promoting Creativity in era of AI

    WAVES Declaration seeks to Bridge the Digital Divide by promoting Responsible Use of Emerging Technologies, while Reducing Bias, Democratizing Content and Prioritizing Ethics

    WAVES Declaration affirms the power of media & entertainment to unite the people, promote shared cultural practices, deepen innovation and resilience in globally interconnected markets

    Crucial that Young Talent is made ready for an Age of Creative Collaborations through relevant Skill Development: EAM Dr. S. Jaishankar

    Focus on Co-production Treaties, Joint Funds and a Declaration to widen the Global Bridge of Creativity to an Expressway of Ideas: MIB Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 3:20PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    “Global Collaborations on promoting creativity is the way ahead, while understanding the cross-cultural sensitivities of each other.” This was one among the many outcomes of the Global Media Dialogue held in Mumbai during the ongoing World Audio Visual and Entertainment Summit (WAVES 2025). Widening creative spaces in the countries therefore holds the key to our collective progress as we all tread the path to bridge the digital divide, felt the nations that took part in the dialogue. The dialogue focused on the role of governments in fostering global peace and harmony amid an increasingly globalized media environment, culminating in the adoption of the WAVES Declaration by the member nations.

    The Global Media Dialogue echoed the sentiment that films, depicting cultures across the world, hold an immense potential in bringing people closer, and participating nations appreciated the role of Indian films in this regard. As an entertaining format of storytelling, the films act as a strong force to collaborate with each other. Individual stories are also emerging fast as a strong force in the creator’s economy with the confluence of technology in the art of storytelling redefining the entertainment world. Some member nations shared the concerns on the need to enhance “responsible journalism”, which they felt can thus be addressed by mutual collaborations on the forum of WAVES.

    Calling the WAVES 2025 as a microcosm of the global community, Dr. S. Jaishankar, External Affairs Minister, Government of India said that the Summit brings together content creators, policy makers, actors, writers, producers and visual artists on a common platform for discussing a future roadmap for the Media and Entertainment sector.

    During his address, Dr. Jaishankar touched upon the broad contours under consideration at the Global Media Dialogue 2025. He noted that the World order, which has a strong cultural dimension, is under transformation today. “It is essential that we give voice to our traditions, heritage, ideas, practices and creativity”, he said.

    EAM stated that technology and tradition must go hand in hand, as technology can strengthen awareness of our vast heritage and deepen consciousness about it, especially for the younger generations. “It is crucial that young talent is made ready for an age of creative collaborations through relevant skill development. Innovation is key to the leapfrogging that will build Viksit Bharat”, he highlighted.

    In the emerging era of AI, Dr. Jaishankar stated, the possibilities are beyond imagination, yet there is a need for a responsible use of emerging technologies, while reducing bias, democratizing content and prioritizing its ethics. “For a global workplace and global workforce, there is need for shifts in mindsets, frameworks, policies and practices”, he concluded while reposting confidence in WAVES as a platform to deliberate on the key issues before the global media and entertainment sector.

    Setting the tone for the dialogue in his welcome address, Union Minister of Information & Broadcasting Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, Government of India in his opening remarks said that culture inspires creativity which connects people across borders. He added that content creation and consumption is changing fast as technology is reshaping the way we tell our stories. We are at an inflection point where we need to incentivize local content creation.

    Welcoming the delegates from 77 countries to the city of dreams, Mumbai, the Shri Vaishnaw stressed on the crucial role of collaborations and asserted that for common success, we need to focus on co-production treaties, joint funds and a declaration which helps us bridge the digital divide, foster brotherhood, global peace and harmony. We need to thus widen the global bridge of creativity to an expressway of ideas, he said.

    During the deliberations, where senior-most Ministerial-level delegations expressed their views, India informed participating nations about the 32 Create in India challenges, which resulted in identification of over 700 top creators from across the globe in the first season of WAVES. India informed the members that from the next edition, these challenges will be conducted in 25 global languages so that creative talent can be identified from across the globe in different languages. This will help them showcase their creative content at WAVES forum.

    Other dignitaries gracing the occasion included Dr. L. Murugan, Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting, Government of India, along with Shri Sanjay Jaju, Secretary (I&B), besides other senior officers of the Government of India.

     

    * * *

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Digital Radio is the medium of the future; analog medium should also co-exist” – From the Discussion at WAVES 2025

    Source: Government of India

    “Digital Radio is the medium of the future; analog medium should also co-exist” – From the Discussion at WAVES 2025

    “Good content, collaborations, cross platform promotions augur well for Radio”

    ‘Radio Reimagined: Thriving in the Digital Age’ – Enriching panel discussion at WAVES 2025

    Posted On: 02 MAY 2025 3:09PM by PIB Mumbai

    Mumbai, 2 May 2025

     

    A panel discussion on the subject ‘Radio Reimagined: Thriving in the Digital Age’ brought together global experts to engage in an insightful discourse at WAVES 2025 today.

    The esteemed panellists included the pioneer of commercial radio Jacqueline Bierhorst, Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) Chairman Ruxandra Obreja, Vice Group Leader of DRM Alexander Zink, ex-CEO of Prasar Bharati and Co-Founder of Deep Tech for Bharat Shashi Shekhar Vempati and noted broadcast technology expert Ted Laverty. Nisha Narayanan, Director & COO of Red FM moderated the conversations with expertise and led to throwing lights on the factors influencing the radio broadcasting industry. 

    ‘Digital Radio is the medium of the future, but analog should also co-exist’

    Jacqueline Bierhorst feels that digital radio is likely to be the primary format in the future, as it offers advantages like better sound quality, more reliable transmission, and the ability to integrate multimedia elements. “While analog radio remains relevant in some contexts, particularly for simpler communication and in areas with limited digital infrastructure, the shift to digital broadcasting is ongoing and expected to continue”, she opined. Cost saving happens by switching from analog to digital, they informed.

    However, Jacqueline Bierhorst  and Alexander Zink noted that broadcast is an important backing point needed during exigencies like terrorist attacks, floods etc., when digital networks may not always work. DRM Chairman Ruxandra Obreja noted on this point that it is important to preserve analog radio in India which reaches out to 600,000 villages. In case of exigencies, undoubtedly broadcast radios are more likely to reach out to a larger population, remarked the experts. “The challenge is to introduce new technologies, without disrupting the old ones”, noted Ruxandra Obreja.

    The new 5Cs of radio communication

    Jacqueline Bierhorst mentioned the classical 5Cs namely, Conciseness, Clarity, Confidence, Control and Capability, and juxtaposed them with the new 5 Cs essential in the era of a thriving digital radio infrastructure. These are: Coverage, Content, Consumer Devices, Car, Communication. She advised to make sure that the radio network is covering the right areas where listeners are based.

    Measurement of listenership is an important step to take concerted efforts for enabling the sector to prosper. Ted Lavety spoke about radio playing Apps in Europe, like Radioplayer and Radio FM, that offer features that can be used to measure listenership, without infringement of privacy. Such programmes and apps, sample surveys and listening diaries can be used to analyse hotspots of radio listenerships in India as well, he advised.

    Good content, collaborations, cross platform promotions work well

    ‘Content is King’ – the experts agreed on this success mantra for the sector. Nisha Narayanan flagged the issue faced by private FMs of high license fee for varied contents. As as a result, they end up mostly catering popular music which has a lower licence fee than other categories of content. The Red FM COO agreed on the need for bringing variety in content for private FMs.

    Speaking about the value of good, useful content, Jacqueline Bierhorst highlighted the success story of British digital radio station Absolute Radio which grew and earned revenue throughout the 70s, 80s and 90s while engaging in various educational and promotional activities that benefit their audience.

    Digital radio has to offer more than the audio content – it has visuals and text applications that is advantageous for growing audience base, Alexander Zing reminded of this yet another aspect of Digital Radio.

    Ted Laverty urged that an ecosystem needed to support the spread of radio listenership. Making low-cost devices, having favourable platforms like android are some of the measures he stated. In addition to existence of external hardware components, diversity of content is also important as it helps to address different sub-groups of listeners.

    Climate Change and Digital Radio

    Digital radio can achieve significant energy savings by using more efficient modulation techniques and enabling single-frequency networks. However, switching off FM stations is not possible. Though some European countries have tried complete switch off of FM stations and complete digitization, it is not the holy grail, said Ruxandra Obreja. She suggested that it is important to inventorize the needs of commercial radio stations while speaking with the Government for policy interventions.

    Radio Industry in India – scope for strengthening the ecosystem

    Ruxandra Obreja mentioned that public policies in Europe have leveraged the reach of digital radio. Having radio in cars, mobile phones, easy availability of radio sets in the market are important steps in that direction. A digital radio consortium should be built up in India, opined the experts.

    Ruxandra Obreja stated that India is a driving force in digital radio. Digital to Terrestrial Radio is important and so is digital to mobile. “Prasar Bharti has a reach to nearly 90 crore population. India is a golden goose in this field, plus points being billions of mobile phone users in India. Important to build on these plus points”, she added.

    Shashi Shekhar Vempatti stated that India is the biggest market for radio, and referred to the medium as the original public good. He highlighted the need for coordinated public action for the sector. “Radio is not going anywhere. Radio consumers in India come from a broad cross section of society”, he stated while charting out the advantages of the sector in the country. Policy interventions may include sequence of stipulations like certain categories of devices must have radio. AI powered devices as well as passive devices like traditional radio should exist side by side.

    With climate change being an important determinant of public policies, it is important to preserve traditional devices. Ted Laverty urged for scaling up of the ecosystem for radio in India, using schemes like ‘Make in India’ for incentivizing radio device manufacturers.

    The experts agreed that digital radio is the way forward in India and elsewhere and urged that commercial stations with Common Transmission Infrastructure ion big cities to form a platform for collaboration.

     

    * * *

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New recycling facility contract announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    An artist’s impression of the new materials recovery facility to be built in Hume.

    In brief:

    • A new recycling facility for the ACT will be built in Hume.
    • Veolia will partner with the ACT Government to design, build and operate the new facility.
    • The facility will have world-leading technology to recover and sort recyclable materials.
    • It is expected to be operational in 2028.

    A new recycling facility for Canberra is on the way.

    Veolia will partner with the ACT Government to design, build and operate the new facility.

    This will be built within the current bounds of the Hume Resource Recovery Estate on Recycling Road in Hume.

    Construction is expected to begin in 2026.

    World-leading technology

    The Government selected Veolia as its industry partner after a competitive procurement process last year.

    Veolia is a leader in water, energy, and waste management. It will bring world-leading technology to Canberra to build one of the country’s most advanced materials recovery facilities.

    Veolia will run the facility under a long-term contract for 20 years, once it is operational.

    A state-of-the-art facility

    The new facility will be able to sort paper and cardboard, glass, plastic, steel and aluminium.

    Its sophisticated technology will increase recovery rates, producing high purity in materials for recycling and resource recovery.

    Technology includes:

    • a glass purification plant
    • sophisticated automatic recognition
    • screens to separate paper
    • laser optical identification with air jets to separate plastics
    • powerful magnets to extract metals.

    Supporting Canberra and its future

    The new, larger facility will be able to process up to 115,000 tonnes of mixed recyclables per year.

    This supports a growing Canberra and changing consumer behaviour that is contributing to increases in recoverable material over time.

    Additional benefits

    The project will create more than 130 new jobs.

    Removing the need to transport the ACT’s recyclable materials interstate will have a further environmental impact.

    A new education space will also be built. This will allow the community and school groups to visit and learn about how recyclable products are processed, to be transformed into renewed items.

    Capabilities and features of the new facility include:

    Improved recycling facilities

    • Sorting: advanced optical sorting to better separate, identify, sort and segregate recycling to higher purity levels, reducing contaminants for better quality end market products.
    • Glass recycling: glass crushing and washing facilities to provide better quality crushed glass that can be used in a wider range of products.
    • Container recycling: improved and expanded baling processes for Container Deposit Scheme materials.

    Improved environmental aspects

    • Greenstar rating: the building will be designed to meet specific Greenstar requirements to reduce the facility’s carbon footprint.
    • Wastewater management: wastewater capture treatment and reuse with stormwater management infrastructure to achieve environmental compliance.

    Advanced management systems

    • Fire management: advanced fire detection and suppression systems.
    • Data collection: sophisticated data collection, management, and analysis systems.
    • Flexibility to incorporate new innovations, improvements in technology and adapt to changing recycling priorities and materials.

    State-of-the-art fire detection, mitigation and control systems will safeguard the site from fires. These can be caused by items such as lithium batteries or gas bottles finding their way into the recycling stream.

    Non-recyclable or flammable items should not be put in recycling bins. This does happen from time to time, though, warranting the need for these extra safety measures.

    Interim recycling

    Canberrans can rest assured that the items they put in their yellow household bins are still being recycled.

    Until the new facility is complete, recycling services will continue to be delivered by the current contractor, Re.Group.

    The new recycling facility is funded via a joint investment of $26 million from the ACT and Australian governments.

    The construction program includes the demolition of the previous material recovery facility, which is expected to commence around mid-2025.

    The facility is expected to be operational in 2028.

    Read more like this

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    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Hawaii Man Pleads Guilty to Defrauding Elderly Orange County Victim Out of Nearly $2 Million that Cost the Victim His Home and His Yacht

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    SANTA ANA, California – A Hawaii man has pleaded guilty to a federal criminal charge for defrauding a 78-year-old Orange County victim out of nearly $2 million by false promises of brokering the sale of the victim’s yacht, the Justice Department announced today.

    John Tamahere McCabe, 42, of Kailua, Hawaii, pleaded guilty Thursday to one count of wire fraud.

    According to his plea agreement, McCabe offered to help the victim sell his yacht. What the victim didn’t know was McCabe used fabricated documents to change the ownership of the yacht to McCabe’s name. Once in his name, McCabe then diverted the proceeds to his own personal bank account and used most of the proceeds for his own personal purposes.

    McCabe further convinced him to transfer his million-dollar Irvine residence into a McCabe-controlled limited liability company (LLC), claiming that it would protect the victim’s most-valuable asset and provide tax benefits. Without the victim’s knowledge or consent, McCabe caused himself to be the sole manager of the LLC and caused $1 million in loans to be taken out and secured by the victim’s residence, draining all its equity.

    Once McCabe spent the loan proceeds, he defaulted on the loans and the victim’s residence was sold at a foreclosure sale, leaving the victim homeless. Through this scheme, McCabe defrauded the victim out of approximately $1,814,000.

    United States District Judge Fred W. Slaughter scheduled an October 16 sentencing hearing, at which time McCabe will face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

    The FBI investigated this case with the help of the Irvine Police Department.   

    First Assistant United States Attorney Jennifer Waier is prosecuting this case.

    If you or someone you know is age 60 or older and has been a victim of financial fraud, help is available at the National Elder Fraud Hotline: 1-833-FRAUD-11 (1-833-372-8311). This Department of Justice hotline, managed by the Office for Victims of Crime, is staffed by experienced professionals who provide personalized support to callers by assessing the needs of the victim and identifying relevant next steps. Reporting can help authorities identify those who commit fraud and reporting certain financial losses due to fraud as soon as possible can increase the likelihood of recovering losses. English, Spanish and other languages are available. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI USA: McConnell Statement on FY26 Budget Request Defense Topline

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Kentucky Mitch McConnell
    LOUISVILLE, KY – U.S. Senator Mitch McConnell (R-KY), Chairman, Appropriations Subcommittee on Defense, released the following statement on the outlined President’s budget request:
    “It is peculiar how much time the President’s advisors spend talking about restoring peace through strength, given how apparently unwilling they’ve been to invest accordingly in the national defense or in other critical instruments of national power. In March, the Trump Administration missed a tremendous opportunity to answer their predecessors’ chronic underinvestment in the U.S. military with robust, full-year funding for FY25. Now, it appears the Trump Administration’s FY26 defense budget request will double down on the Biden Administration’s material neglect for the glaring national security threats challenges about which they speak with great alarm.
    “Make no mistake: a one-time influx reconciliation spending is not a substitute for full-year appropriations. It’s a supplement. OMB accounting gimmicks may well convince Administration officials and spokesmen that they’re doing enough to counter the growing, coordinated challenges we face from China, Russia, Iran, North Korea, and radical terrorists. But they won’t fool Congress. The correct response to the most dangerous threats to U.S. interests in decades is not a fifth straight budget request that proposes a real-dollar cut to the U.S. military.
    “America cannot expect our allies to heed calls for greater annual defense spending if we are unwilling to lead by example. Fortunately, Presidential budget requests are just that: requests. Congress will soon have an opportunity to ensure that American power – and the credibility of our commitments – are appropriately resourced. I hope and expect that my colleagues will join me in placing America’s national security first as we begin the FY26 appropriations process.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: SPC Severe Thunderstorm Watch 213

    Source: US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

    Note:  The expiration time in the watch graphic is amended if the watch is replaced, cancelled or extended.Note: Click for Watch Status Reports.
    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 213
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Indiana
    Eastern Kentucky
    Southweest Ohio
    East Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Lines and clusters of thunderstorms over central Kentucky
    and middle Tennessee will track northeastward across the watch area
    through the afternoon, posing a risk of damaging winds and large
    hail.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Cincinnati OH to 5 miles southeast of Chattanooga TN. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24030.

    …Hart

    SEL3

    URGENT – IMMEDIATE BROADCAST REQUESTED
    Severe Thunderstorm Watch Number 213
    NWS Storm Prediction Center Norman OK
    200 PM EDT Fri May 2 2025

    The NWS Storm Prediction Center has issued a

    * Severe Thunderstorm Watch for portions of
    Southeast Indiana
    Eastern Kentucky
    Southweest Ohio
    East Tennessee
    Extreme Southwest Virginia

    * Effective this Friday afternoon and evening from 200 PM until
    900 PM EDT.

    * Primary threats include…
    Scattered damaging wind gusts to 70 mph likely
    Scattered large hail events to 1.5 inches in diameter possible

    SUMMARY…Lines and clusters of thunderstorms over central Kentucky
    and middle Tennessee will track northeastward across the watch area
    through the afternoon, posing a risk of damaging winds and large
    hail.

    The severe thunderstorm watch area is approximately along and 90
    statute miles east and west of a line from 15 miles northwest of
    Cincinnati OH to 5 miles southeast of Chattanooga TN. For a complete
    depiction of the watch see the associated watch outline update
    (WOUS64 KWNS WOU3).

    PRECAUTIONARY/PREPAREDNESS ACTIONS…

    REMEMBER…A Severe Thunderstorm Watch means conditions are
    favorable for severe thunderstorms in and close to the watch area.
    Persons in these areas should be on the lookout for threatening
    weather conditions and listen for later statements and possible
    warnings. Severe thunderstorms can and occasionally do produce
    tornadoes.

    &&

    OTHER WATCH INFORMATION…CONTINUE…WW 209…WW 210…WW
    211…WW 212…

    AVIATION…A few severe thunderstorms with hail surface and aloft to
    1.5 inches. Extreme turbulence and surface wind gusts to 60 knots. A
    few cumulonimbi with maximum tops to 500. Mean storm motion vector
    24030.

    …Hart

    Note: The Aviation Watch (SAW) product is an approximation to the watch area. The actual watch is depicted by the shaded areas.
    SAW3
    WW 213 SEVERE TSTM IN KY OH TN VA 021800Z – 030100Z
    AXIS..90 STATUTE MILES EAST AND WEST OF LINE..
    15NW LUK/CINCINNATI OH/ – 5SE CHA/CHATTANOOGA TN/
    ..AVIATION COORDS.. 80NM E/W /15NNE CVG – 1NNE GQO/
    HAIL SURFACE AND ALOFT..1.5 INCHES. WIND GUSTS..60 KNOTS.
    MAX TOPS TO 500. MEAN STORM MOTION VECTOR 24030.

    LAT…LON 39248294 34978355 34978673 39248630

    THIS IS AN APPROXIMATION TO THE WATCH AREA. FOR A
    COMPLETE DEPICTION OF THE WATCH SEE WOUS64 KWNS
    FOR WOU3.

    Watch 213 Status Report Messages:

    STATUS REPORT #1 ON WW 213

    VALID 021805Z – 021940Z

    THE SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES ACROSS THE ENTIRE WATCH AREA.

    ..LYONS..05/02/25

    ATTN…WFO…LMK…ILN…JKL…MRX…

    &&

    STATUS REPORT FOR WS 213

    SEVERE WEATHER THREAT CONTINUES FOR THE FOLLOWING AREAS

    INC019-025-043-061-115-123-155-021940-

    IN
    . INDIANA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    CLARK CRAWFORD FLOYD
    HARRISON OHIO PERRY
    SWITZERLAND
    $$

    KYC005-011-013-015-017-021-023-025-027-029-037-041-045-049-051-
    063-065-067-069-073-077-079-081-085-091-093-095-097-103-109-111-
    113-117-121-123-125-129-131-135-137-147-151-153-155-161-163-165-
    167-173-175-179-181-183-185-187-189-191-193-197-199-201-203-205-
    209-211-215-223-229-231-235-237-239-021940-

    KY
    . KENTUCKY COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ANDERSON BATH BELL
    BOONE BOURBON BOYLE
    BRACKEN BREATHITT BRECKINRIDGE
    BULLITT CAMPBELL CARROLL
    CASEY CLARK CLAY
    ELLIOTT ESTILL FAYETTE
    FLEMING FRANKLIN GALLATIN
    GARRARD GRANT GRAYSON
    HANCOCK HARDIN HARLAN
    HARRISON HENRY JACKSON
    JEFFERSON JESSAMINE KENTON
    KNOX LARUE LAUREL
    LEE LESLIE LEWIS
    LINCOLN MCCREARY MADISON
    MAGOFFIN MARION MASON
    MEADE MENIFEE MERCER
    MONTGOMERY MORGAN NELSON
    NICHOLAS OHIO OLDHAM
    OWEN OWSLEY PENDLETON
    PERRY POWELL PULASKI
    ROBERTSON ROCKCASTLE ROWAN
    SCOTT SHELBY SPENCER
    TRIMBLE WASHINGTON WAYNE
    WHITLEY WOLFE WOODFORD
    $$

    OHC001-015-025-061-071-021940-

    OH
    . OHIO COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ADAMS BROWN CLERMONT
    HAMILTON HIGHLAND
    $$

    TNC001-007-009-011-013-025-065-093-105-107-115-121-123-129-139-
    143-145-151-153-173-021940-

    TN
    . TENNESSEE COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    ANDERSON BLEDSOE BLOUNT
    BRADLEY CAMPBELL CLAIBORNE
    HAMILTON KNOX LOUDON
    MCMINN MARION MEIGS
    MONROE MORGAN POLK
    RHEA ROANE SCOTT
    SEQUATCHIE UNION
    $$

    VAC105-021940-

    VA
    . VIRGINIA COUNTIES INCLUDED ARE

    LEE
    $$

    THE WATCH STATUS MESSAGE IS FOR GUIDANCE PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE
    REFER TO WATCH COUNTY NOTIFICATION STATEMENTS FOR OFFICIAL
    INFORMATION ON COUNTIES…INDEPENDENT CITIES AND MARINE ZONES
    CLEARED FROM SEVERE THUNDERSTORM AND TORNADO WATCHES.
    $$

    Note:  Click for Complete Product Text.Tornadoes

    Probability of 2 or more tornadoes

    Low (10%)

    Probability of 1 or more strong (EF2-EF5) tornadoes

    Low ( 65 knots

    Low (20%)

    Hail

    Probability of 10 or more severe hail events

    Mod (50%)

    Probability of 1 or more hailstones > 2 inches

    Low (20%)

    Combined Severe Hail/Wind

    Probability of 6 or more combined severe hail/wind events

    High (90%)

    For each watch, probabilities for particular events inside the watch (listed above in each table) are determined by the issuing forecaster. The “Low” category contains probability values ranging from less than 2% to 20% (EF2-EF5 tornadoes), less than 5% to 20% (all other probabilities), “Moderate” from 30% to 60%, and “High” from 70% to greater than 95%. High values are bolded and lighter in color to provide awareness of an increased threat for a particular event.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Prioritizing mental health for successful school communities

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Prioritizing mental health for successful school communities

    Explore resources for Mental Health Awareness Month. Enhance well-being, develop a growth mindset, and support mental health awareness in education.

    The month of May in the US is dedicated to Mental Health Awareness Month, and it serves as a reminder for all of us to reflect on the role wellness plays in building thriving communities. Mental health awareness in education is crucial for both learning and teaching. When educators are grounded and supported, they can communicate more clearly, teach more efficiently, and build stronger relationships. A focus on well-being helps create a more positive and productive learning environment for everyone.

    Healthy classrooms—where students understand their emotions, educators feel empowered, and empathy is a shared value—often create the best conditions for success. There are many ways to support wellness across your school community, including tools and resources from Microsoft Education. We’re here to help make it easier to prioritize mental health for both you and your students—for Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 and throughout the school year.

    The global well-being crisis demands a bold shift in education—one that recognizes emotions as central to learning, decision-making, and achieving goals. Emotional intelligence is the foundation for life’s most essential skills: clear communication, good judgment, resilience, and strong relationships—key drivers of personal well-being and success in any career.

    Marc Brackett, Ph.D., Author of Permission to Feel and Director of the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence

    Cultivate collaboration and connection with Minecraft Education

    Minecraft Education is a game-based learning platform that promotes skill building, teamwork, and problem-solving. It provides students with a safe space to express themselves, collaborate and practice empathy, and navigate their emotions in a low-stress environment. With Minecraft Education, you can help your students develop essential skills with immersive and engaging educational experiences.

    Spin the Wheel of Steve and discover the magic of teamwork in this fun, skills-based adventure inspired by A Minecraft Movie! Students will venture through the Overworld competing in five team-based challenges designed to strengthen creativity, communication, connection, and critical thinking. Witness the wonder of collaboration when precious gems are at stake!

    Spin the Wheel of Steve

    Use these additional Minecraft Education activities and worlds as they are, or as a starting point to adapt to your students’ needs:

    • Reflect World – Students practice emotional processing strategies, encourage teamwork, and visualize emotions to develop empathy and self-awareness.
    • Building Community – Students work together to discuss what resources and services help people thrive and then build a community together within Minecraft.
    • Empathy Train – Explore what it means to think about other people’s feelings by constructing a diorama that captures a peer’s thoughts and feelings.

    Build social, emotional, and academic skills with Reflect

    Reflect, a Learning Accelerator, can make it easy to bring emotional check-ins and SEL into your daily practice. With Reflect, everyone has the opportunity to feel heard while learning to identify, understand, and manage emotions. Reflect offers:

    • Intentional emotional check-ins – Quickly survey students about their feelings and help them develop their emotional vocabulary with age-appropriate reflection.
    • Ready-to-use activities – Explore a variety of fun activities for you and your students to practice well-being skills.
    • Data-driven insights – Understand the emotional patterns and needs for each student and the whole class so you can better support their well-being and academic success.
    • Easy access and seamless integration – Access Reflect through your web browser (sign in required), via the Windows app, Microsoft Teams for Education, and through integrations into learning management systems (LMS).
    Get started with Reflect

    Additionally, Reflect Compass is a tool within Reflect that helps you navigate student check-in results with evidence-based strategies to enhance well-being, engagement, and a sense of belonging. It’s built on the expertise of Challenge Success and grounded in over 20 years of research at the Stanford University Graduate School of Education.

    Enhance educator well-being and connection

    Reflect isn’t just for students, it supports your wellness, too. You can access breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness activities from Reflect—great for moments when you need a mental reset or want to model self-regulation for your students.

    Reflect also helps school leaders foster a healthier, more connected work environment. Staff check-ins in Reflect give colleagues a safe space to share how they’re feeling—creating opportunities to be heard, supported, and seen.

    Create a staff check-in with Reflect

    If you’re a team owner, follow these steps to get started:

    1. Open your staff team in Microsoft Teams for Education.
    2. Navigate to the General channel.
    3. Select the Reflect tab.
    4. Choose a question from the gallery.
    5. Publish your check-in to give staff space for personal and community reflection.

    Focusing on your own wellness not only contributes to a positive learning environment, but it’s also a meaningful investment in yourself. Nurture yourself by taking a moment to recharge. Calm, the leading mental health brand, integrates mindfulness and movement activities into Reflect. Use a variety of engaging activities from Calm to foster a happier, healthier, and more balanced school community. As a bonus, educators and students can enjoy an exclusive 40% discount on a subscription to Calm, providing a wealth of activities designed specifically for personal rejuvenation.

    View the offer

    Balance your workload with AI

    We understand that your time and energy are precious. AI can assist you by streamlining everyday tasks and freeing up your time so you can stay focused on what matters most—whether spending time on individualized instruction or taking time to support your own well-being. By reducing the administrative burden, AI can help you to dedicate more attention to your students, their learning experiences, and your needs.

    Microsoft 365 Copilot is your AI assistant for everyday tasks, helping you support student learning outcomes, boost productivity, and save time. No matter your role, Copilot can help securely empower everyone at your institution, making it easier to work smarter and stay organized. Schools using Copilot have seen tangible benefits, with educators in Brisbane, Australia, reporting an average savings of 9.3 hours per week on routine tasks.

    Try Copilot Chat

    This time savings is especially crucial—and hopeful—in a profession where burnout is common. As St Francis College Principal John Marinucci highlights, Copilot can transform education by streamlining administrative tasks that often overwhelm educators. This means teachers can now devote more energy and time to their core mission of helping students be successful and grow.

    To help you and your team build competency with AI and Copilot, check out the AI for educators learning path which walks you through AI uses and tools in education.

    Prioritizing mental health and wellness isn’t just a moment, it’s a movement. This Mental Health Awareness Month, and throughout the year, you have the opportunity to lead a classroom where emotional intelligence, empathy and well-being are foundational to learning. Make mental health awareness and SEL a natural part of your day—supporting your students and yourself in meaningful, lasting ways.

    Discover SEL resources

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Honoring the cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander communities

    Source: Microsoft

    Headline: Honoring the cultures of Asian and Pacific Islander communities

    video

    “Keep growing. Keep finding opportunities. Keep creating innovation because that’s the future.”

    Drawing empathy from her upbringing in China and her mother’s resilience, Sonja, a product marketing manager at Microsoft, transitioned from banking to tech with a goal in mind: to pioneer solutions and foster company evolution. Embracing her introversion, she now confidently contributes in a way that reflects her own growth. 3 of 11

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: How Trump’s tariffs could hit developing economies – even those not involved in the trade war

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Selim Raihan, Professor of Economics, University of Dhaka

    The world has witnessed a resurgence of protectionism since Donald Trump returned to the White House. So-called “reciprocal” tariffs, imposed on all US trading partners at varying degrees based on the tax they charge on American goods, have been one of the hallmark features of Trump’s economic policy. They aim to correct what he perceives as “unfair” trade practices.

    In early April, Trump said many countries had “ripped us off left and right” and declared “now it’s our turn to do the ripping”. His administration swiftly imposed sweeping tariff increases, with some of the highest rates falling on poorer countries like Laos and Lesotho.

    A 90-day suspension was eventually made for most of these tariffs, and Trump has now softened duties on imported cars and car parts. But the danger remains high. No one can be certain that the initial reciprocal tariffs will not be reinstated.

    Developing countries, many of which rely heavily on the export of manufactured goods to the US, will be keeping a keen eye on what happens next.

    We employed the Global Trade Analysis Project model to analyse the possible effects of US tariffs on trade and economic growth. The model captures interactions and feedback among economic agents (households, firms and governments), markets, sectors and regions in the world economy.

    It can be used to forecast the effect of trade reforms on various indicators such as production, welfare, income, prices and trade flows. Based on certain assumptions, the changes are likely to be seen in between two and three years.

    We used simulations to compute the effects of Trump’s tariff regime under two alternative scenarios. In the first, which reflects the global trade situation at the time of writing, baseline tariffs are levied on all countries at 10%. The duties are 25% on goods from Canada and Mexico, and 145% on China. Retaliatory duties by China on US goods are set at 125%.

    In the second, across-the-board reciprocal tariffs are imposed on countries at the levels Trump declared in his initial plan on April 2. This is in addition to the 145% tariff on Chinese goods, 25% on those from Canada and Mexico and a 125% duty by China on imports from the US.

    Winners and losers

    As shown by the graph below, our simulations suggest the US tariff regime will distort export patterns worldwide. The most painful effects will fall on China and the US itself.

    Chinese exports would shrink by 10.8% in the first scenario and 10.9% in the second. The US would suffer an even larger loss of 11.7% and 14.9%, respectively.

    The model suggests that other major US trading partners such as Canada and Mexico would also experience deep export declines of over 5% in both scenarios. Roughly 75% of Canada’s exports head south towards the US.

    Among the developing Asian economies, Nepal, Pakistan and the Philippines would experience substantial export declines. This is particularly the case in the second scenario, with losses ranging from 2% to 4.4%. These countries are particularly vulnerable to reciprocal tariffs because they rely heavily on exports and are deeply tied to global supply and production chains.

    Bangladesh, Cambodia, Indonesia, Sri Lanka and Vietnam may benefit in the first scenario due to a possible diversion of trade. These countries, which are known for having some of the lowest labour costs in the world, offer cheap alternatives for goods that US importers would previously have sourced from China.

    But they are expected to lose the majority of these benefits in the second scenario under a full reciprocal tariff regime. The exceptions are Cambodia and Indonesia, which our simulations suggest will retain positive export growth – albeit reduced to 1.6% from 4% for Cambodia and unchanged at 0.7% for Indonesia.

    This may be because Cambodia and Indonesia have slightly more diversified export baskets than countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka, and trade with more partners. However, these gains are likely to be short lived if global uncertainties continue.

    Major advanced economies such as Japan, the UK and EU will lose exports by a moderate amount. And the Middle East, north Africa, sub-Saharan Africa and Latin America (excluding Brazil) will see similar declines.

    The second graph presents a concerning picture of how trade disruption could affect GDP, which economists use to measure the size of a country’s economy. The US and China are again set to suffer the steepest GDP losses, of 0.3% in the US and 1.9% in China under the second scenario. This confirms the well-established economic consensus that trade wars are mutually destructive.

    Under the second scenario, most emerging and developing economies would suffer modest GDP declines between 0.3% and 1%. Thailand (1%), Malaysia (0.9%), Brazil (0.9%) and Vietnam (0.9%) are the worst hit countries in this category.

    Like most of the developing countries in Asia, which are not directly involved in the trade war, many countries in Latin America, the Middle East, north Africa and sub-Saharan Africa would still face hits to their GDP. This underscores the global interconnectedness of trade and investment flows.

    The simulations confirm what economists have been asserting for years: trade wars do not have winners. While some countries do benefit in the short term by way of trade diversion, the total losses are high and developing countries are not immune from the damage.

    However, there are strategies developing countries can employ to improve their resilience to global trade disruptions. This includes diversifying their export markets by, for example, establishing stronger trade ties in regional blocs.

    One example is the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, a free trade agreement between the Asia-Pacific nations of Australia, Brunei, Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam. Such ties can be strengthened further.

    Developing countries should also use this turbulent period to streamline customs, upgrade port infrastructure and improve logistics. This can reduce costs, enhance competitiveness and help developing economies engage more deeply in international trade.

    No country is exempt from disruptions to global trade. But those with diversified economies, strong regional linkages and resilient trade infrastructure will weather the turbulence more successfully.

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

    – ref. How Trump’s tariffs could hit developing economies – even those not involved in the trade war – https://theconversation.com/how-trumps-tariffs-could-hit-developing-economies-even-those-not-involved-in-the-trade-war-255435

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –