NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 18, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹20,000 (Rupees Twenty Thousand only) on Sahyadri Sahakari Bank Ltd., Mumbai, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with the specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had not reduced single borrower exposure limit, for fresh loans and advances, by 50% of the applicable regulatory limit in non-adherence to directions under SAF.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/753

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI issues draft Master Direction – Digital Banking Channels Authorisation (Directions), 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank has released the draft Master Direction on ‘Digital Banking Channels Authorisation’. The comments on the draft Directions are invited from public/stakeholders till August 11, 2025. Comments/feedback may be submitted through the respective link under the ‘Connect 2 Regulate’ Section available on the RBI’s website or may alternatively be forwarded to:

    The Chief General Manager
    Registration and Authorisation Group
    Department of Regulation, Central Office
    Reserve Bank of India, 12th Floor,
    Shahid Bhagat Singh Marg,
    Fort Mumbai – 400 001
    Or
    by email.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/752

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 16, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹2 lakh (Rupees Two Lakh only) on The Shahada Peoples Co-operative Bank Ltd., Shahada, Maharashtra (the bank), for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Income Recognition, Asset Classification, Provisioning and Other Related Matters – UCBs’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice, additional submissions made by it and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had regularised certain Non-Performing Accounts (NPAs) without repayment through genuine sources.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/755

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA Applied Safeguards for 190 States – IAEA Report

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    Of the 190 States where the IAEA applied safeguards during 2024, 182 had CSAs in force, of which 137 also had APs in force. Of these 137 States, the IAEA concluded that “all nuclear material remained in peaceful activities” for 75 States. The IAEA drew this conclusion, also known as the ‘broader conclusion’, for the first time for Morocco. For 61 States, the IAEA was only able to conclude that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities as evaluations regarding the absence of undeclared nuclear material and activities remained ongoing.

    For 31 States with a CSA but no AP in force, the IAEA was able to conclude that declared nuclear material remained in peaceful activities.

    As of the end of 2024, three non-nuclear-weapon States party to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT) had yet to bring CSAs into force pursuant to Article III of the Treaty. For these States, the IAEA could not draw any safeguards conclusions.

    For the three States in which the IAEA implemented safeguards pursuant to item-specific safeguards agreements (India, Israel and Pakistan), the IAEA concluded that “nuclear material, facilities or other items to which safeguards had been applied remained in peaceful activities”.

    Safeguards were also implemented in the five nuclear-weapon States party to the NPT under their respective voluntary offer agreements. For these five States (China, France, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom and the United States of America), the IAEA concluded that “nuclear material in selected facilities to which safeguards had been applied remained in peaceful activities or had been withdrawn from safeguards as provided for in the agreements.”

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • EU to ramp up retaliation plans as US tariff deal prospects dim

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to EU diplomats.

    An increasing number of EU members, including Germany, are now considering using wide-ranging “anti-coercion” measures which would let the bloc target U.S. services and other sectors in the absence of a deal, diplomats say.

    The European Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the 27-member bloc, had appeared on course for a agreement in which the EU would still have faced a 10% U.S. tariff on most of its exports, with some concessions.

    Such hopes now seem dashed after President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff by August 1, and following talks between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. counterparts in Washington last week.

    Sefcovic, who has said a 30% tariff would “practically prohibit” transatlantic trade, delivered a sober report on the current state of play to EU envoys on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.

    U.S. counterparts had come up with diverging solutions during his meetings, including a baseline rate that could be well above 10%, the EU diplomats added.

    “Each interlocutor seemed to have different ideas. No one can tell (Sefcovic) what would actually fly with Trump,” one diplomat said.

    Prospects of easing or removing 50% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium and 25% on cars and car parts appear limited.

    ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’

    Washington has also rejected the EU’s demand for a “standstill” arrangement, whereby no further tariffs would be imposed after a deal is struck. The rationale, according to diplomats, is that Trump’s hands cannot be tied on national security, the basis of Section 232 trade investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber.

    Accordingly, the mood has pivoted among EU countries, EU diplomats say, and they are more ready to react, even though a negotiated solution is their preferred option.

    The EU has one package of tariffs on 21 billion euros ($24.5 billion) of U.S. goods that is currently suspended until August 6. The bloc must still decide on a further set of countermeasures on 72 billion euros of U.S. exports.

    Discussions have also increased on using the EU’s wide-ranging “anti-coercion” instrument (ACI) that allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on member states to change their policies.

    Brought in more with China in mind, it would allow the bloc to target U.S. services, limit U.S. companies’ access to public procurement or financial services markets or restrict U.S. investment.

    France has consistently advocated using the ACI, but others have baulked at what some see as a nuclear option. Trump has warned he will retaliate if other countries take action against the United States.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a week ago that the ACI was created for extraordinary situations, adding: “We are not there yet.”

    The Commission would need a qualified majority of 15 countries making up 65% of the EU population to invoke it. It would not do so unless it was confident of passing it, but there are now growing signs of support building, with Germany among the countries saying it should be considered, EU diplomats say.

    (Reuters)

  • EU to ramp up retaliation plans as US tariff deal prospects dim

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The European Union is exploring a broader set of possible counter-measures against the United States as prospects for an acceptable trade agreement with Washington fade, according to EU diplomats.

    An increasing number of EU members, including Germany, are now considering using wide-ranging “anti-coercion” measures which would let the bloc target U.S. services and other sectors in the absence of a deal, diplomats say.

    The European Commission, which negotiates trade agreements on behalf of the 27-member bloc, had appeared on course for a agreement in which the EU would still have faced a 10% U.S. tariff on most of its exports, with some concessions.

    Such hopes now seem dashed after President Donald Trump’s threat to impose a 30% tariff by August 1, and following talks between EU Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic and U.S. counterparts in Washington last week.

    Sefcovic, who has said a 30% tariff would “practically prohibit” transatlantic trade, delivered a sober report on the current state of play to EU envoys on Friday, diplomats told Reuters.

    U.S. counterparts had come up with diverging solutions during his meetings, including a baseline rate that could be well above 10%, the EU diplomats added.

    “Each interlocutor seemed to have different ideas. No one can tell (Sefcovic) what would actually fly with Trump,” one diplomat said.

    Prospects of easing or removing 50% U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminium and 25% on cars and car parts appear limited.

    ‘NUCLEAR OPTION’

    Washington has also rejected the EU’s demand for a “standstill” arrangement, whereby no further tariffs would be imposed after a deal is struck. The rationale, according to diplomats, is that Trump’s hands cannot be tied on national security, the basis of Section 232 trade investigations into pharmaceuticals, semiconductors and timber.

    Accordingly, the mood has pivoted among EU countries, EU diplomats say, and they are more ready to react, even though a negotiated solution is their preferred option.

    The EU has one package of tariffs on 21 billion euros ($24.5 billion) of U.S. goods that is currently suspended until August 6. The bloc must still decide on a further set of countermeasures on 72 billion euros of U.S. exports.

    Discussions have also increased on using the EU’s wide-ranging “anti-coercion” instrument (ACI) that allows the bloc to retaliate against third countries that put economic pressure on member states to change their policies.

    Brought in more with China in mind, it would allow the bloc to target U.S. services, limit U.S. companies’ access to public procurement or financial services markets or restrict U.S. investment.

    France has consistently advocated using the ACI, but others have baulked at what some see as a nuclear option. Trump has warned he will retaliate if other countries take action against the United States.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen said a week ago that the ACI was created for extraordinary situations, adding: “We are not there yet.”

    The Commission would need a qualified majority of 15 countries making up 65% of the EU population to invoke it. It would not do so unless it was confident of passing it, but there are now growing signs of support building, with Germany among the countries saying it should be considered, EU diplomats say.

    (Reuters)

  • Veteran communist leader and former Kerala CM V.S. Achuthanandan passes away at 101

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Veteran Communist leader and former Kerala Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan passed away on Monday afternoon at a private hospital in Thiruvananthapuram. He was 101.

    Achuthanandan had been battling for his life for over a month after suffering a cardiac arrest at his son’s residence in the state capital on June 23. Since then, he had been on ventilator support in the intensive care unit.

    Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, along with CPI(M) state secretary M.V. Govindan, rushed to the hospital to meet Achuthanandan’s family and consult with the attending doctors. Following their visit, a steady stream of political leaders arrived at the hospital to pay their respects.

    A special medical board comprising experts from the Medical College had been overseeing his treatment in coordination with hospital staff. He was also undergoing dialysis, which was temporarily suspended during the course of his illness.

    Achuthanandan’s son-in-law, a doctor, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) at home before the veteran leader was taken to the hospital last month.

    Since stepping down as Chairman of the Administrative Reforms Commission in January 2021, Achuthanandan had been living alternately with his son and daughter in Thiruvananthapuram. His own residence in Alappuzha, which he had built during his long political career, remained closed.

    Achuthanandan was a towering figure in Kerala’s political landscape. As Leader of the Opposition from 2001 to 2006, he relentlessly attacked the then A.K. Antony-led UDF government. His populist stance and uncompromising image earned him admiration across party lines, particularly among apolitical and first-time voters.

    He led the CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) to victory in the 2006 Assembly elections and served as Chief Minister from 2006 to 2011. In 2011, he once again spearheaded the LDF campaign and came close to securing a second term. However, the Oommen Chandy-led UDF narrowly won, securing 72 seats in the 140-member Assembly.

    Achuthanandan’s passing marks the end of an era in Kerala politics—one defined by fierce ideological battles, grassroots activism, and an unwavering commitment to public life.

    —IANS

  • Russia says it favours new round of peace talks with Ukraine, highlights gulf between them

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Monday that Moscow was in favour of a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but the two sides’ positions were diametrically opposed so there was a lot of diplomatic work to be done.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks this week, and that he wants to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as soon as there was a definitive understanding of the date for the next round of talks then Moscow would announce it.

    “There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,” Peskov said.

    Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.

    (Reuters)

  • Russia says it favours new round of peace talks with Ukraine, highlights gulf between them

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Kremlin said on Monday that Moscow was in favour of a new round of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine but the two sides’ positions were diametrically opposed so there was a lot of diplomatic work to be done.

    Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said on Saturday that Kyiv has sent Moscow an offer to hold another round of peace talks this week, and that he wants to speed up negotiations for a ceasefire.

    Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said that as soon as there was a definitive understanding of the date for the next round of talks then Moscow would announce it.

    “There is our draft memorandum, there is a draft memorandum that has been handed over by the Ukrainian side. There is to be an exchange of views and talks on these two drafts, which are diametrically opposed so far,” Peskov said.

    Ukraine and Russia have held two rounds of talks in Istanbul, on May 16 and June 2, that led to the exchange of thousands of prisoners of war and the remains of dead soldiers. But the two sides have made no breakthrough towards a ceasefire or a settlement to end almost three and a half years of war.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued over fake website

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Transport & Logistics Bureau (TLB) today alerted the public to a fraudulent web address purporting to be its website.

    The bureau said it has no connection with the site – at https://bhsb588[.]online/ – and the case has been reported to Police for follow-up.

    The TLB’s genuine website is https://www.tlb.gov.hk/eng/index.html.

    Citizens are advised to stay alert to suspicious websites, remain vigilant in protecting personal information, and refrain from clicking on any hyperlinks from unknown sources.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated July 17, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1 lakh (Rupees One Lakh only) on The Government Employees Co-operative Bank Limited, Dharwad, Karnataka (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Know Your Customer (KYC)’ and ‘Comprehensive Cyber Security Framework for Primary (Urban) Cooperative Banks (UCBs)’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The statutory inspection of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions. After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found, inter alia, that the following charges against the bank were sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank had:

    1. failed to upload the KYC records of customers onto Central KYC Records Registry (CKYCR) within the prescribed timeline; and

    2. not implemented certain cyber security control measures and requirements under the Cyber Security Framework prescribed by RBI.

    This action is based on deficiencies in regulatory compliance and is not intended to pronounce upon the validity of any transaction or agreement entered into by the bank with its customers. Further, imposition of this monetary penalty is without prejudice to any other action that may be initiated by RBI against the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/751

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Bedouin civilians evacuate Syria’s Sweida as tense truce holds

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Hundreds of Bedouin civilians were evacuated from Syria’s predominantly Druze city of Sweida on Monday as part of a U.S.-backed truce meant to end fighting that has killed hundreds of people, state media and witnesses said.

    With hundreds reported killed, the violence in the southern province of Sweida has posed a major test for interim President Ahmed al-Sharaa, drawing Israeli airstrikes last week and deepening fissures in a country fractured by 14 years of war.

    A ceasefire took hold on Sunday as interior ministry security forces deployed on Sweida’s outskirts. Interior Minister Anas Khattab said on Sunday the truce would allow for the release of hostages and detainees held by the warring sides.

    On Monday morning, ambulances, trucks and buses ferried hundreds of Bedouin civilians including women, children and wounded people out of Sweida to nearby displacement camps, Reuters footage showed.

    The initial batch included some 300 Bedouins, and a second group of about 550 civilians will be evacuated within the next 24 hours if the situation remains calm, said Shoaib Asfour, a member of the Syrian security forces overseeing the evacuation.

    The next phase would see the evacuation of Bedouin fighters detained by Druze militias and the transfer of bodies of Bedouins killed in the fighting, Asfour said.

    Syria’s state news agency said a total of 1,500 Bedouins would be evacuated from Sweida city.

    Citing Ahmed al-Dalati, head of Syria’s internal security forces in Sweida, state media said those forces would also facilitate the return to Sweida of others displaced from it.

    According to the United Nations, at least 93,000 people have been uprooted by the fighting – most of them within Sweida province but others to Daraa province to the west, or north to the countryside around the capital Damascus.

    The U.N. said on Sunday that humanitarian convoys with medical supplies had been waiting to enter Sweida for two days but were not granted access. It said only a convoy of the Syrian Arab Red Crescent had been allowed to enter.

    PRESSURES ON SYRIA’S MOSAIC

    The Druze are a small but influential minority in Syria, Israel and Lebanon who follow a religion that is an offshoot of a branch of Islam. Some ultra-conservative Sunni Muslims deem Druze beliefs to be heretical.

    Citing the goal of protecting the Druze and keeping southern Syria demilitarized, Israel attacked government forces last week in the south and struck the defence ministry in Damascus.

    Washington, which has expressed support for Damascus since Sharaa met U.S. President Donald Trump in May, said it did not approve of Israel’s strikes.

    U.S. envoy Tom Barrack said on Monday the Syrian government needed to be held accountable. “They also need to be given the responsibility that they’re there to do,” he said, speaking on a visit to Beirut.

    Israeli Defence Minister Israel Katz defended Israel’s attacks on government targets, saying they were “the only way to stop the massacre of Druze in Syria”.

    The fighting began a week ago with clashes between Bedouin and Druze fighters. Damascus sent troops to quell the fighting, but they were drawn into the violence and accused of widespread violations against the Druze.

    Residents of Sweida said friends and neighbours were shot at close range in their homes or in the streets by Syrian troops, identified by their fatigues and insignia.

    Luna Albassit, a Druze activist in the town of Shahba in Sweida province, said the situation after so much bloodshed remained tense despite the end to clashes late on Sunday.

    “People were killed in the streets, in their homes, they were humiliated and it was in the name of the state,” she said.

    Hamzah Mustafa, Syria’s information minister, told Reuters last week that the Damascus government strongly condemned all abuses and rejected sectarian violence in all its forms.

    Interim President al-Sharaa has promised to protect the rights of Druze and hold to account those who committed violations against “our Druze people”.

    He has blamed the violence on “outlaw groups”.

    After Israel bombed Syrian government forces in Sweida and hit the defence ministry in Damascus last week, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu demanded the demilitarisation of southern Syrian territory near the border, stretching from the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights to the Druze Mountain, east of Sweida.

    He also said Israel would protect the Druze.

    (Reuters)

  • Israel sends tanks into Gaza’s Deir Al-Balah, raising concerns among hostages’ families

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israeli tanks pushed into southern and eastern areas of the Gazan city of Deir Al-Balah for the first time on Monday, an area where Israeli sources said the military believes some of the remaining hostages may be being held.

    Gaza medics said at least three Palestinians were killed and several were wounded in tank shelling that hit eight houses and three mosques in the area, and which came a day after the military ordered residents to leave, saying it planned to fight Hamas militants.

    The raid and bombardment pushed dozens of families who had remained to flee and head west towards the coastal area of Deir Al-Balah and nearby Khan Younis.

    In Khan Younis, earlier on Monday, an Israeli airstrike killed at least five people, including a man, his wife, and their two children, in a tent, medics said.

    There was no immediate Israeli comment on the Deir Al-Balah and Khan Younis incidents.

    Israel’s military said it had not entered the districts of Deir Al-Balah subject to the evacuation order during the current conflict and that it was continuing “to operate with great force to destroy the enemy’s capabilities and terrorist infrastructure in the area.”

    Israeli sources have said the reason the army has so far stayed out is that they suspect Hamas might be holding hostages there. At least 20 of the remaining 50 hostages in captivity in Gaza are believed to be still alive.

    Families of the hostages expressed their concern for their relatives and demanded an explanation from the army of how it would protect them.

    HUNGER CRISIS

    The military escalation comes as Gaza health officials warned of potential “mass deaths” in the coming days due to mounting hunger, which has killed at least 19 people since Saturday, according to the territory’s health ministry.

    Health officials said hospitals were running out of fuel, food aid, and medicine, risking a halt to vital operations.

    Health ministry spokesperson, Khalil Al-Deqran, said medical staff have been depending on one meal a day, and that hundreds of people flock to hospitals every day, suffering from fatigue and exhaustion because of hunger.

    At least 67 people were killed by Israeli fire on Sunday as they waited for UN aid trucks to enter Gaza.

    Israel’s military said its troops had fired warning shots towards a crowd of thousands of people in northern Gaza to remove what it said was “an immediate threat.”

    It said initial findings suggested reported casualty figures were inflated, and it “certainly does not intentionally target humanitarian aid trucks.”

    The new raid and escalating number of fatalities appeared to be complicating ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel that are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt, with U.S. backing.

    A Hamas official told Reuters on Sunday that the militant group was angered over the mounting deaths and the hunger crisis in the enclave, and that this could badly affect ceasefire talks underway in Qatar.

    Israel and Hamas are engaged in indirect talks in Doha aimed at reaching a 60-day truce and hostage deal, although there has been no sign of breakthrough.

    UNRWA, the U.N. refugee agency dedicated to Palestinians, said in a post on X on Monday, it was receiving desperate messages from Gaza warning of starvation, including from its own staff as food prices have increased 40-fold.

    “Meanwhile, just outside Gaza, stockpiled in warehouses UNRWA has enough food for the entire population for over three months. Lift the siege and let aid in safely and at scale,” it said.

    Israel’s military said on Sunday that it “views the transfer of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip as a matter of utmost importance, and works to enable and facilitate its entry in coordination with the international community.”

    The war began when Hamas-led militants stormed into Israel on October 7, 2023, killing 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages back to Gaza, according to Israeli tallies.

    The Israeli military campaign against Hamas in Gaza has since killed more than 58,000 Palestinians, according to health officials, displaced almost the entire population and plunged the enclave into a humanitarian crisis.

    (Reuters)

  • Centre rolls out key strategies to ensure sustainability, competitiveness of coal sector

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The central government has outlined a set of measures aimed at making the coal sector more sustainable and competitive, while aligning with global climate commitments. Despite the growing push towards renewables like solar and wind, coal continues to play a dominant role in India’s energy mix, meeting 55% of the country’s energy needs. With the world’s fifth-largest coal reserves, India is adopting a multi-pronged strategy to modernise the sector, enhance environmental compliance, and reduce dependence on imports.

    Greening and efficiency initiatives

    To reduce the ecological footprint of coal mining, Coal and Lignite PSUs have intensified reclamation and afforestation efforts around operational mines. Under various greening initiatives, plantations and bio-reclamation work are being carried out across mining sites.

    Coal PSUs are also adopting energy efficiency measures — such as replacing conventional lighting with LED systems, deploying energy-efficient appliances, using electric vehicles, and introducing energy-saving technologies like super fans and auto timers in street lighting.

    In a significant sustainability push, mine water is being treated and reused for purposes ranging from irrigation and community water supply to firefighting, underground sprinkling, and fish farming. Several MoUs have also been signed with state governments to expand treated mine water supply to local communities.

    Additionally, coal companies are making productive use of overburden (OB) — the soil and rock removed during mining. By extracting sand from OB for construction, PSUs have commissioned nine plants, including four OB processing and five OB to M-Sand plants. This move not only curbs river sand mining but also aids groundwater recharge and reduces environmental degradation.

    Shift towards cleaner technologies

    To reduce pollution and fuel consumption, coal PSUs have been upgrading transportation infrastructure under the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects. These projects focus on mechanized coal handling and transport systems, reducing reliance on diesel and cutting emissions.

    The sector is also deploying blast-free technologies such as Surface Miners, Continuous Miners, and Rippers to eliminate the need for drilling and blasting — significantly reducing dust and noise pollution.

    Meanwhile, coal companies are investing in clean energy alternatives, including renewable power projects and clean coal technologies like coal gasification and coal bed methane (CBM). Participation in the Green Credit Programme launched by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC) further reflects the sector’s green commitment.

    Reducing coal iImports and boosting domestic production

    In a written reply to the Rajya Sabha, Union Coal and Mines Minister G. Kishan Reddy said coal imports have declined from 264.5 million tonnes (MT) in 2023–24 to 243.6 MT in 2024–25. This reduction comes in the backdrop of efforts to increase domestic coal output and reduce reliance on imports.

    Key measures include faster allocation of coal blocks, encouraging private participation, and streamlining approval processes. Public sector undertakings are also adopting digital solutions and advanced mining technologies to ramp up production.

    An Inter-Ministerial Committee (IMC) has been formed to promote coal import substitution. The IMC is working with import-based power plants to assess and address their coal needs using domestic supply channels. Some of these plants have already indicated their preferred suppliers from Coal India Limited’s (CIL) subsidiaries.

    Coal evacuation and transportation are being improved with the construction of new railway lines and expanded FMC projects, aimed at enhancing supply chain efficiency.

    With these integrated measures, the government aims to maintain coal’s competitiveness in India’s energy mix while advancing sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Japan Contributes $2 Million to Help WFP Prevent Worsening Hunger in Yemen

    Source: World Food Programme

    ADEN, Yemen – The Government of Japan has contributed US$2 million (approximately 300 million Japanese Yen) to the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), enabling life-saving food assistance at a time when millions in Yemen face deepening hunger.

    Japan’s support will enable WFP to provide vegetable oil as part of food rations for 700,000 people, helping prevent further deterioration in food security.

    “We are incredibly grateful for Japan’s timely support,” said WFP’s Head of Global Partner Countries Division Abdallah Alwardat. “We are witnessing unprecedented levels of need in Yemen. Families are increasingly telling us they can no longer afford enough food, while our resources continue to shrink. This contribution allows us to deliver food assistance that families urgently need.”

    Contributions like Japan’s are critical to sustaining WFP food assistance in Yemen, which remains one of the few lifelines for millions of Yemenis.

    This generous contribution comes as food insecurity levels in Yemen are the third worst globally, after Gaza and Sudan. By September, over 18 million people, more than half of the population, are projected to face acute food insecurity, with 41,000 people at risk of slipping into catastrophic, famine-like conditions. This is the worst outlook since 2022.

    “Yemen continues to suffer from dire human security situations due to lingering conflict, deteriorating economy, and subsequent collapse of local services. In light of this critical and deteriorating humanitarian situation, and in line with the 2025 Yemen Humanitarian Response Plan, Japan has decided to provide support in partnership with the WFP. We stand in firm solidarity with the Yemeni people,” stated H.E. Mr. Yoichi Nakashima, Ambassador of Japan to Yemen.

    Japan has been a consistent and valued partner of WFP in Yemen, contributing approximately US$160 million since 2016 to help address one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises. This latest contribution reaffirms Japan’s continued commitment to fighting hunger and supporting the people of Yemen.

     #                   #                    #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X @WFPYemen

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Facilitation for market to increase number of student hostels to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as education hub

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Facilitation for market to increase number of student hostels to consolidate Hong Kong’s status as education hub
         “Our policy objective is to create a clear and easy-to-follow operational framework that is in compliance and cost-efficient, while putting in sufficient measures to ensure that hostels under the Scheme fulfil the Government’s requirements”, a Government spokesman said.
     
         Specifically, operators may make use of the facilitation measures under the Scheme to apply for converting commercial buildings into eligible student hostels. In terms of planning procedures, the Town Planning Board has already expanded the definition of “Hotel” under the planning regime to cover eligible student hostels under the Scheme. As a result, since “Hotel” is an “always permitted use” in most commercial sites, no planning procedures would be required for converting those commercial buildings into student hostels. Under the buildings regime, converted student hostels under the Scheme will continue to be treated as non-domestic buildings for plot ratio and site coverage calculations, meaning that the existing gross floor area (GFA) of the commercial building can be retained. Moreover, facilities previously exempted from GFA calculations before conversion (e.g. car parking spaces and loading/unloading areas) can be retained and continue to be exempted from GFA calculation, so as to facilitate developers/operators to flexibly convert these facilities into facilities supporting hostel uses (e.g. gyms, study rooms, etc.) so that the hostel better suits the study and daily needs of the student tenants. In terms of land administration, most of the leases stated for non-industrial use allow student hostel use without the need for lease modification or payment of premiums. For the small number of cases where a lease modification is needed, the Lands Department will assess the amount of premium payment.

         The Scheme welcomes wholesale conversion of an entire commercial building into a student hostel, while permitting partial conversion if specific conditions are fulfilled.

         Industrial buildings and buildings in industrial zonings are not eligible under the Scheme. However, commercial buildings that have undergone wholesale conversions from industrial buildings located on non-industrial zonings would be eligible under the Scheme, provided that the relevant land administration procedures have been completed.
     
         Interested developers/operators need to submit applications to the EDB using a prescribed form, and fulfil eligibility criteria under the Scheme, including:
     
    (a) student hostels under the Scheme should be occupied by full-time local or non-local students of specified eligible institutions operating locally accredited post-secondary programmes at the sub-degree or degree levels. For operational flexibility, the Scheme allows occupation of at most 10 per cent of hostel places by persons who are affiliated with eligible institutions, such as wardens and visiting scholars, etc;
    (b) conversion works should be completed within 18 months (the EDB may consider granting an extension based on actual circumstances in consultation with relevant bureaux/departments);
    (c) hostel rooms must not be sold off individually; and
    (d) developers/operators must take all necessary and reasonable measures to ensure that the operation of the hostel complies with relevant statutory and administrative requirements, while also striving to maintain a safe and suitable living environment for students.
     
         ???When submitting applications, developers/operators must sign a statutory declaration that the eligibility criteria under the Scheme will be complied with. While the student hostel under the Scheme is in operation, a certified audit report is required to be submitted to the EDB annually, certifying that the eligibility criteria under the Scheme have been duly complied with during the reporting period. Proper records should also be maintained to demonstrate that the operator has continuously complied with the criteria. In case of non-compliance, the Government will take appropriate enforcement actions based on the aforementioned statutory declaration, land lease, and relevant ordinances.
     
         The Government has launched the dedicated website of the Scheme (www.studenthostel.gov.hkIssued at HKT 19:18

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Indian stock market rebounds sharply amid buying in banking heavyweights

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Snapping the losing streak, the Indian stock market closed in the positive territory on Monday, following value buying in banking heavyweights, as Sensex gained over 442 points.

    Sensex settled at 82,200.34, up 442.61 points or 0.54 per cent. The 30-share index opened in green at 81,918.53 against last session’s closing of 81,757.73. However, the index experienced a volatile session, hitting intra-day low at 81,518.66.

    Nifty50 closed at 25,090.70, up 122.30 or 0.49 per cent.

    The manufacturing segment gained today as the government is reviewing the scope of expanding the infrastructure spending to support growth.

    In the Sensex basket, Zomato, ICICI Bank, Adani Ports, HDFC Bank, Mahindra and Mahindra, BEL, Kotak Bank, Tata Motors, Bajaj FinServ, L&T, Power Grid and Kotak Mahindra Bank settled in positive territory. While Reliance, HCL Tech, Hindustan Unilever, TCS, and ITC were closed in red.

    Meanwhile, 28 stocks advanced, 21 declined, and one remained unchanged from the Nifty50.

    Among sectoral indices Bank Nifty soared 430 points or 1.62 per cent and, Nifty Auto jumped 0.67 per cent or 160 points. At the same time Nifty IT and Nifty FMCG ended the session in red.

    Broader indices witnessed a sharp rally with Nifty 100 closed 121 points higher, Nifty Midcap 100 surged 363.85 points, and Nifty Next 50 settled 278 points up.

    “Persistent uncertainty surrounding ongoing trade negotiations between the US and India tempered overall market gains, with investors closely monitoring the outcome of these high-stakes discussions for further cues, according to Ashika Institutional Equities.

    Rupee traded weak by 0.18 per cent at 86.25 as focus shifts to this week’s Fed Chair Powell’s speech, which is expected to drive volatility in the dollar index.

    Additionally, key economic indicators such as Manufacturing and Services PMI will be closely tracked by market participants, said Jateen Trivedi from LKP Securities.

    (IANS)

  • Israel Strikes Houthi Targets at Yemen’s Hodeidah Port Over Alleged Military Use

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israeli military has confirmed that it struck targets at the port of Hodeidah in Yemen, claiming the facilities were being used by the Houthi movement for military purposes. Colonel Avichay Adraee, spokesperson for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), said in a post on X that the operation targeted infrastructure belonging to what he described as the “terrorist Houthi regime.”

    According to Adraee, the strikes destroyed engineering equipment used to rebuild port facilities, fuel barrels, and naval components allegedly involved in military activity against Israel and shipping vessels in the surrounding maritime area. He asserted that the port has been previously used to transfer combat materials from Iran to the Houthis, which are then deployed in attacks on Israel and its allies.

    The IDF said it had been monitoring renewed Houthi activity at the port and launched the strike in response to attempts to reconstruct what it called terrorist infrastructure. It further accused the Houthi movement of using civilian infrastructure for military operations targeting international commercial shipping.

    The Israeli military stated it would continue to act against what it views as ongoing threats from the Houthis and reiterated its commitment to striking hostile targets regardless of their distance from Israeli territory.

    Reports also indicate that Israeli forces have launched a combined ground and air offensive on Deir al-Balah in central Gaza, marking the first ground operation in the city since the outbreak of the conflict with Hamas 21 months ago.

  • MIL-OSI: Smartphone-driven crypto mining: BAY Miner to upgrade BTC and XRP cloud solutions in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Miami, Florida, July 21, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — As global investors increasingly prefer mobile digital asset management, crypto cloud mining platform BAY Miner officially announced its latest technology upgrade in 2025, focusing on optimizing the cloud mining experience of BTC and XRP through smartphones. This update marks that BAY Miner has further lowered the threshold for mining, allowing users to participate in the acquisition of daily cryptocurrency income without hardware equipment.

    So far, BAY Miner has attracted more than 10 million registered users, and its business covers more than 180 countries and regions. Data shows that mobile users account for 68%, most of whom prefer flexible cloud mining contracts for BTC and XRP. The platform supports dynamic scheduling of computing power for multiple currencies such as BTC, XRP, and ETH, and supports daily settlement and automatic revenue statistics.

    Cloud Mining is Reshaping Crypto Investing — Here’s What You Need to Know in 2025

    In this upgrade, BAY Miner focuses on mobile performance, simplified user operations, and improved data transparency. Platform users can now monitor cloud computing power in real time through iOS and Android devices and receive daily profit settlement. As BTC and XRP holders increasingly prefer passive mining and decentralized asset management, cloud mining is becoming a mainstream alternative. Compared with the traditional mining model, it is more environmentally friendly, more flexible, and quicker to get started.

    BAY Miner’s widespread appeal comes not only from its global availability but also from its core platform advantages, including:

    • No hardware required – Users can mine BTC and XRP without investing in mining rigs or technical setup.

    • Mobile-first access – Designed for smartphones and optimized for both iOS and Android devices.

    • Daily payouts – Earnings are automatically calculated and settled every 24 hours.

    • Multi-coin support – Includes BTC, XRP, ETH and more with flexible cloud mining contracts.

    • Green-powered infrastructure – Operates through sustainable energy data centers to reduce carbon impact.

    • Real-time monitoring – Users can track hashrate performance and income via a user-friendly app interface.

    Getting started with BAY Miner is simple. Just follow these steps to begin cloud mining:

    1.Create an account – Sign up at www.bayminer.com using your email address.

    2.Choose a contract – Select from a variety of cloud mining contracts for BTC, XRP, or other supported coins.

    3.Activate mining – Once a contract is selected, mining begins automatically in the cloud—no hardware needed.

    4.Track your earnings – Use the BAY Miner mobile app to monitor real-time income and hashrate performance.

    5.Withdraw or reinvest – Access daily payouts and choose to withdraw or reinvest earnings into new contracts.

    “We’re seeing a growing number of users looking to move away from the complexity and hardware demands of traditional mining,” said a BAY Miner product lead. “Our latest updates are designed to make BTC and XRP cloud mining as effortless as using a smartphone.”

    BAY Miner said it will continue to expand its smartphone cloud mining services globally, especially in high-frequency mobile Internet usage markets such as North America, Southeast Asia and Europe, to build broader digital asset mining accessibility.

    Empowering Everyday Investors Through Simplicity and Access

    BAY Miner has always been committed to breaking the barriers for users to participate in the crypto world. Through mobile-first design and device-free mining mode, the platform hopes to allow more ordinary users to easily obtain opportunities for digital asset growth – without technical costs or complicated operations.

    For the latest contract details and platform upgrade information, please visit the official website:https://bayminer.com

    Get started with BAY Miner on iOS or Android—track your earnings, manage your mining, and unlock passive income with zero hardware.

    Media contact 
    Name: Alicia Thorne
    Global media relation manager
    Email: info@bayminer.com
    Website: www.bayminer.com
    Available on iOS & Android

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • IMD predicts week-long rain spree in southern, central India; Delhi-NCR to witness light showers till July 23

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Monday predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall over multiple regions in southern and central India across the country in the next few days. Western Himalayan Region and adjoining plains, eastern and central India regions are expected to receive intense precipitation.

    States including Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand are also expected to receive heavy rainfall over the next 3–4 days, while Gangetic West Bengal, Odisha, and Jharkhand are expected to witness similar conditions from July 23 to 27.

    Southern and western coastal regions – including Kerala, Karnataka, coastal Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Konkan & Goa, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, and Chhattisgarh – are also bracing for heavy rains over the next 5–7 days.

    The IMD has issued specific alerts for very heavy rainfall on July 21 over Jammu & Kashmir, Punjab, and coastal Andhra Pradesh. Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand are expected to receive intense rainfall on July 21 and 22, while the Konkan region, Goa, and the ghat areas of Maharashtra are likely to see continued heavy showers until July 27.

    In the past 24 hours, isolated places in Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Odisha, Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, and Tripura recorded heavy to very heavy rainfall (ranging between 7–20 cm).

    Delhi-NCR Weather Update

    For Delhi-NCR, the IMD has predicted generally cloudy skies with light to moderate rainfall accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning from July 21 to 23. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 31–34°C, slightly below normal. The capital may experience very light rain on July 24 with partly cloudy skies, and temperatures could rise slightly to 34–36°C.

    Winds in the region are expected to vary in direction and speed over the forecast period, predominantly from the southeast to southwest, with speeds ranging from 8 to 20 kmph during different times of the day.

  • UPI revolution pushes India to global lead in real-time digital payments

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has firmly established itself as a global leader in real-time digital payments, with the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) at the forefront of this transformation. According to a recent IMF note titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability”, India’s digital infrastructure has become a global benchmark, with UPI now processing over 18 billion transactions each month.

    Launched in 2016 by the National Payments Corporation of India, UPI has redefined how Indians send and receive money – bringing together multiple bank accounts in a single mobile app for instant, secure, and low-cost transactions. In June 2025 alone, the platform handled transactions worth over ₹24.03 lakh crore, showing a 32% increase from the same period last year.

    UPI now accounts for 85% of all digital payments in India, serving 491 million individuals and 65 million merchants, and connecting 675 banks on a unified platform. Globally, it processes 640 million transactions daily, recently surpassing Visa’s volume, and now powers nearly 50% of all real-time payments worldwide.

    The system has expanded beyond India’s borders and is now live in seven countries, including Singapore, UAE, Bhutan, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, and France – marking its first entry into Europe. India is also pushing for UPI’s adoption among BRICS nations, aiming to enhance remittances and financial inclusion on a global scale.

    Backed by strong digital infrastructure, policy vision, and inclusive design, UPI is no longer just a domestic innovation but a model for the world. Its success signals India’s growing stature in global fintech and its commitment to building a cashless, connected, and inclusive digital economy.

  • RRBs reduced from 43 to 28 to simplify management, ease of service delivery: FM Sitharaman

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The amalgamation of Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) has resulted in formation of a state-level RRB with contiguous area of operation leading to simplifying management and ease of service delivery, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman said on Monday.

    In a written reply to a question on the first day of the Parliament’s Monsoon Session, FM Sitharaman said that guided by the principle of ‘One State-One RRB’, the government continued with the process of further consolidation of RRBs in “Phase IV amalgamation” to achieve the benefits of scale efficiency and cost rationalisation, whereby number of RRBs has been reduced from 43 to 28 (with effect from May 1, 2025) in 26 states and 2 UTs.

    “The RRBs have increased their capital base, enhancing the financial stability and resilience of the merged entity. By consolidating operations and eliminating redundancies on account of separate administrative structures, amalgamation is expected to lead to cost savings,” the finance minister informed.

    Further, amalgamated RRBs can invest in and leverage advanced technology platforms, leading to improved operational efficiency and customer service, she mentioned in her reply in the Lok Sabha.

    The government has constituted state-level monitoring committee (SLMC) and national-level project monitoring unit (NLPMU) to oversee and monitor the implementation of the amalgamation programme.

    “NABARD has issued National Level Standard Operating Procedure (SOP), containing detailed guidelines, which, inter alia, advises setting up of Amalgamation Project Management Unit (APMU), Steering Committee and Functional Committees in every anchor/transferee RRB to finalise the harmonised policies and operational guidelines, and to handle day-to-day integration plan,” the finance minister noted in her reply.

    A study on the impact of amalgamation of RRBs on their financial performance was undertaken by NABARD in 2021 and it was observed that the amalgamation process in the past had resulted in improved viability and financial performance of the RRBs.

    The study revealed that during the different phases of amalgamation, the share of profitable and sustainably viable RRBs improved continuously and the quantum of accumulated losses as a percentage of total assets also declined

    (IANS)

  • UPI transforms everyday life in India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has transformed how millions manage money, making the country a global leader in fast, real-time digital payments. The world is also recognizing the power of Digital India and UPI. A recent IMF note titled “Growing Retail Digital Payments: The Value of Interoperability” highlights UPI’s success as a model of public digital infrastructure.

    UPI has made a name for itself in the fintech world. Real-time digital transactions in India now exceed the total of such transactions globally – an achievement that is drawing worldwide attention.

    With over 18 billion transactions monthly, UPI enables seamless money transfers, bill payments, and merchant transactions. Its interoperability allows users across banks and apps to transact effortlessly, fostering innovation and competition in India’s fintech space.

    Before UPI, digital payments in India were limited by closed-loop systems, where transactions can only happen within the same platform. UPI changed this. It connected banks and fintech apps through a common platform. Now, a user can pick any UPI-enabled app and pay someone using another app, without worrying about which bank they use. This is true interoperability in action.

    UPI’s impact is visible in daily life – people can send or receive money 24/7, pay via QR codes, manage multiple accounts in one app, and enjoy fast, secure, and private transactions. Even grievances can be addressed directly through the app.

    This digital shift rests on strong foundations. The Jan Dhan Yojana brought over 55.83 crore people into the banking system. The Aadhaar platform, with over 142 crore cards, enabled secure digital identity. Meanwhile, rapid 5G rollout and low-cost data – dropping from Rs 308/GB in 2014 to just Rs 9.34 – expanded digital access to the remotest corners.

    UPI now accounts for 85% of all digital payments in India and has gone global, operating in seven countries and pushing for adoption within the BRICS bloc.

    India’s digital revolution, powered by UPI, is redefining everyday life and setting a new global standard for inclusive and interoperable digital finance.

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Presidents of Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BISHKEK, July 21 (Xinhua) — Talks were held in Bishkek on Monday between Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh as part of the latter’s state visit to the Kyrgyz Republic, the Kyrgyz president’s Telegram channel reported.

    The parties discussed key areas of bilateral cooperation, including politics, trade and economics, transport and agriculture. Particular attention was paid to digitalization, the development of cultural and humanitarian ties and tourism.

    S. Japarov emphasized that Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia are states historically linked by ties of friendship, the roots of which go back to ancient times. “Comprehensive cooperation with Mongolia is one of the priority areas of development of Kyrgyzstan’s foreign policy,” he noted.

    The President of Kyrgyzstan expressed confidence that the visit of the head of Mongolia will give a powerful impetus to further strengthening political dialogue, expanding trade and economic ties and developing cultural and humanitarian cooperation.

    In turn, U. Khurelsukh emphasized that this visit provides a good opportunity to jointly with the President of Kyrgyzstan to sum up the 30-year path of bilateral relations, assess the implementation of the agreements reached, and also determine priority areas and prospects for cooperation filled with specific economic content.

    “For Mongolia, Kyrgyzstan is an important partner in Central Asia and a kind of bridge connecting the region. We strive to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in all areas, especially in the trade and economic sphere,” the President of Mongolia noted.

    Following the talks, the heads of the two states signed a Joint Declaration on the establishment of a comprehensive partnership between Kyrgyzstan and Mongolia, as well as a number of other documents aimed at increasing cooperation. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Annual inflation at 2.7 percent in June 2025 – Stats NZ media and information release: Consumers price index: June 2025 quarter

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Relief funds available to farmers

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Local farmers who suffered serious losses caused by the recent Typhoon Wipha can register for assistance from an emergency relief fund from July 22 to 30.

    The Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department made this announcement today and explained that its preliminary investigation had revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by Typhoon Wipha.

    An appropriate amount of the relief fund will be released to affected farmers according to established criteria, it added.

    Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can register in person at the department’s Agricultural Extension Office at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, or submit their applications online.

    Enquiries can be made by calling 2476 2424 during office hours.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Dmitry Chernyshenko: The plan for the Decade of Science and Technology is aimed at achieving technological leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A meeting of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology was held under the chairmanship of Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko. Participants discussed the interim results of the Decade’s initiatives for 2025 and preparations for the V Congress of Young Scientists.

    “The Decade of Science and Technology, announced by President Vladimir Putin, is aimed at strengthening the role of science and technology in solving key development problems of the country. Its main goal is to achieve technological leadership of Russia. To achieve this, a special plan has been developed, which provides for the popularization of modern scientific knowledge and obtaining a real socio-economic effect. One of the main annual events – the Congress of Young Scientists – has been included in the national project “Youth and Children” since this year. The event will traditionally bring together representatives of the scientific community, business leaders, as well as representatives of state and public organizations from Russia and other countries,” said Deputy Prime Minister, Co-Chairman of the Coordination Committee for the Decade of Science and Technology Dmitry Chernyshenko.

    Last year, more than 7,000 people from 85 regions of Russia and abroad took part in the Congress of Young Scientists.

    The Decade’s initiatives strengthen the human resources potential of the scientific and technological sphere.

    “Holding the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia is, of course, a very important initiative of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Putin. It is aimed at popularizing scientific achievements and creating conditions for doing science. I believe that the organizers and all participants of the Decade of Science and Technology are, on the whole, successfully coping with these tasks,” said Gennady Krasnikov, President of the Russian Academy of Sciences.

    Minister of Education and Science Valery Falkov noted that the Decade of Science and Technology forms the correct perception of science and the profession of a scientist. According to surveys, the proportion of parents who welcome their children’s choice of a career in the scientific field is increasing, now there are more than 60%.

    “We also see a growing interest among young people in engineering specialties, which is associated with the extensive work within the Decade of Science and Technology. Compared to 2022, admission to engineering programs in 2024 increased by 7% – from 213 thousand to 228 thousand people,” the minister emphasized.

    Deputy Minister of Science and Higher Education Denis Sekirinsky reported that scientific volunteering is developing, the study of the legacy of the Soviet scientific school continues, the network of scientific playgrounds for children is expanding – today there are 55 of them in 41 cities in Russia. In the “Science and Innovation” domain, 26 services are available for the research community. In Russia, 12 new routes for popular science tourism have been launched in the regions, and in general, there are 87 of them in the country.

    “Since the beginning of 2025, more than 3,000 events of the Decade of Science and Technology have been held, reaching more than 4 million people. This reflects the scale of the work done and sets a high bar for the second half of the year. The development of existing formats continues, new areas are emerging so that more and more young people see science as an opportunity for professional growth and participation in the future of the country,” he said.

    Sofia Malyavina, Director General, spoke about the work of the operator of the Decade of Science and Technology, ANO National Priorities: “Since the beginning of the Decade of Science and Technology in 2022, we have organized more than a hundred excursions and lectures “Science is Nearby”, created dozens of thematic TV projects and podcasts, and attracted over 100 thousand schoolchildren and students to participate in competitions. Since the beginning of 2025 alone, over 24 thousand publications about science have been published – on television, radio, in the press, and online. Interest in this topic is growing, and our task is to ensure that as many people as possible learn about scientific achievements and the specialists behind them.”

    The head of Rosmolodezh Grigory Gurov noted that the scientific volunteer community consists of more than 60 thousand people, and in 2025, more than 3 thousand volunteers joined it: “Rosmolodezh, together with the “Movement of the First”, is implementing the direction “Science and Technology. “DARE AND DISCOVER”, which helps popularize science among children and young people, including through the flagship project “First in Science”. This year, we plan to launch at least 600 “First” scientific clubs in 30 pilot regions. We support young people who strive to develop in science, we create conditions so that children and young people can implement their ideas and propose innovative projects within the framework of the national project “Youth and Children”, launched on the initiative of the President of Russia.”

    Anton Kobyakov, Advisor to the President and Head of the Interdepartmental Working Group for the Preparation and Holding of the Congress of Young Scientists and Associated Events, spoke about the preparations for the anniversary V Congress of Young Scientists to be held on November 26–28, 2025.

    “Special attention in 2025 is being paid to expanding the international component of the Congress of Young Scientists – active work is underway to invite foreign scientists from friendly countries to participate in the congress. As part of the international promotion, the congress was presented at external communication platforms, including off-site events and presentation sessions of the SPIEF in Mexico, Turkey, India, and Arab countries. Also this year, the partner of the invitation campaign is Friends for Leadership – an association created following the XIX World Festival of Youth and Students, which operates in 130 countries. As a result of the work, to date, more than 1.6 thousand participants have submitted applications to participate in the congress,” said Anton Kobyakov.

    Among the innovations of the upcoming congress, the Presidential Advisor named the holding of the BRICS Social and Humanitarian Research Forum on the sidelines of the congress. In addition, exhibition clusters dedicated to industry, technological development, healthcare, ecology, and digitalization will be organized within the framework of the congress exhibition.

    The Director General of the State Corporation Rosatom, Alexey Likhachev, spoke about the events of the V Congress of Young Scientists related to the topic of the atom and the 80th anniversary of the nuclear industry.

    The Governor of the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous Okrug Dmitry Artyukhov paid attention to the regional experience of implementing the Decade’s initiatives.

    The director of the National Center “Russia” Natalia Virtuozova spoke about the activities of the National Center “Russia” to implement the tasks of the Decade. According to her, one of the strategic areas was the popularization of science fiction – through exhibition projects, international discussion platforms and educational programs. The flagship of this work was the international symposium “Creating the Future”.

    The head of the Educational Foundation “Talent and Success” Elena Shmeleva, the rector of the Lomonosov Moscow State University Viktor Sadovnichy, the rector of the Presidential Academy Alexey Komissarov put forward a number of proposals for holding projects and events within the framework of the Decade and the Congress of Young Scientists.

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 13th Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Legal Seminar concludes (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    13th Mainland, Hong Kong and Macao Legal Seminar concludes  
         Addressing the opening ceremony at the seminar, the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, said that since the promulgation and implementation of the Outline Development Plan for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area more than six years ago, the legal departments and legal sectors of the three places have worked hard to continuously deepen co-operation and promote the high-quality development of the GBA. The remarkable progress of co-operation in the legal and dispute resolution fields has laid a solid foundation for closer co-operation in the GBA in the future. As the construction of the GBA continues to advance, it is particularly important to promote legal harmonisation between the three places and strengthen exchanges and co-operation in the legal sector. He expressed hope that everyone will contribute wisdom and strength to the high-quality development of the GBA to open up broader prospects for legal co-operation among the three places.
     
         The seminar focused on four topics, namely “Strengthening legislative co-ordination among Guangdong, Hong Kong and Macao, and promoting the interfaces of regulatory frameworks and mechanisms in the GBA”; “Data element market governance and competition order protection in the GBA”; “Legal obstacles and institutional innovation in cross-border co-ordination of protection of intellectual property rights in the GBA”; and “Establishing a diversified mechanism for the resolution of cross-border financial disputes in the GBA”. Officials of the three places, representatives of the Hong Kong Bar Association and the Law Society of Hong Kong, as well as legal professionals and experienced practitioners served as moderators and speakers to share experiences and exchange views on promoting the construction of the GBA with high-quality rule of law.
     
         Concluding the seminar, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, said that the DoJ has been actively taking forward its work in setting up a dedicated platform for GBA lawyers and a GBA legal information platform, supporting the legal sector to deepen professional co-operation with Guangdong and Macao counterparts with a view to better supporting the professional development of GBA lawyers and enhancing the exchange of legal information, contributing to the construction of foreign-related rule of law of the country.
    Issued at HKT 18:17

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SJ, others to attend Belt-Road event

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Justice Paul Lam, in his capacity as the chair of the sub-group on Belt & Road development under the Steering Group on Integration into National Development, will lead Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government officials in attending the eighth “Joint Conference on Advancing Hong Kong’s Full Participation in & Contribution to the Belt & Road Initiative”, due to be held on Thursday in Beijing. 

    The other officials attending include Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Algernon Yau, Secretary for Development Bernadette Linn, Permanent Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Maggie Wong, Under Secretary for Financial Services & the Treasury Joseph Chan and Under Secretary for Innovation, Technology & Industry Lillian Cheong.

    During his stay in Beijing, Mr Lam and Law Officer (International Law) in the Department of Justice James Ding will visit the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to report on the progress of the Department of Justice’s major policy initiatives, including relevant work on the International Organization for Mediation and promoting Hong Kong’s position as an international legal and dispute resolution services centre.

    Mr Lam will also visit the Ministry of Commerce to exchange views on matters of mutual interest.

    He will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of July 24. During Mr Lam’s absence, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan will be Acting Secretary for Justice.

    In Mr Yau’s absence, Under Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development Bernard Chan will be Acting Secretary for Commerce & Economic Development. During Ms Linn’s absence, Under Secretary for Development David Lam will be Acting Secretary for Development.

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  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by Typhoon Wipha

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Emergency relief fund for farmers affected by Typhoon Wipha 
         An AFCD spokesman said today (July 21) that an appropriate amount of the relief funding would be released to affected farmers according to established criteria.
     
         The department’s preliminary investigation has revealed that about 300 hectares of farmland in the New Territories were affected by Typhoon Wipha.
     
         “After each typhoon or natural disaster, AFCD staff will inspect farmland areas in the New Territories to assess the resultant damage. Depending on the extent of the damage, the department may launch an operation to provide some relief to affected farmers,” the spokesman said.
     
         Affected farmers who need to apply for the fund can submit their applications in person at the Agricultural Extension Office of the AFCD at 5/F, Yuen Long Government Offices, 2 Kiu Lok Square, Yuen Long, or submit their applications online (www.afcd.gov.hk/english/agriculture/agr_loan/agr_loan_erf/agr_loan_erf.htmlIssued at HKT 18:00

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