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Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI Global: Toxic chemical pollution continues on Isle of Man as government defends Unesco conservation status

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anna Turns, Senior Environment Editor, The Conversation

    Peel Bay on the Isle of Man. MrsBain/Shutterstock

    The Isle of Man government has said it is “fully committed to environmental protection and transparency” regarding its Unesco biosphere status – despite admitting that legacy landfill sites are discharging hazardous chemical contaminants into the sea.

    The Isle of Man is a self-governing island in the Irish Sea between the UK and and Ireland. It is not part of the UK or the European Union, but has the status of “crown dependency” with an independent administration. Its population of about 84,000 people are British citizens.

    It is known as the home of TT motorbike racing, traditional smoked kippers a low tax economy, and the world’s only “whole-nation” Unesco biosphere reserve. It boasts crystal clear waters, top-class dive sites and a thriving marine life.

    The Isle of Man achieved this highly regarded status in 2016 on the basis of its marine habitats and sustainability strategies.



    Read more:
    PCBs: these toxic pollutants were banned decades ago but still pose a huge threat

    But polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs) – synthetic industrial chemicals once used to make electricals and other materials – continue to be released into the waterways and the sea.

    Although the production of PCBs was banned globally in the 1980s, they still exist in many products, like electrical equipment, much of which lingers in landfills and so they continue to pose a risk to ocean health. Research has shown how legacy contaminants such as PCBs can be released from hundreds of thousands of coastal landfills across Europe – and the Isle of Man is no different.

    Evidence has been accumulating for years about PCB discharges on the Isle of Man and much of it is on the government’s own website.

    For example, 4,000 tonnes of toxic silt from harbour dredging – which included PCBs and heavy metals was dumped in the Irish sea in 2014. This “trial dump” was despite environmental and legal advice from its marine monitoring officer that this would be ignoring international agreements and would be damaging to the environment.

    The Insights section is committed to high-quality longform journalism. Our editors work with academics from many different backgrounds who are tackling a wide range of societal and scientific challenges.

    Then in 2015 – a time when it would have been putting together its Unesco application – the island government compiled a document, titled “the Peel Marina silt questions and answers” in which it discussed further toxic waste dumping options. It states:

    Disposing of 18,000 tonnes of contaminated sediments from the marina directly to the sea bed would have had a negative impact on the species involved. Testing carried out by Defa [Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture] officers had already identified the likelihood that earlier disposal of 4,000 tonnes into the sea had contributed to rises in contaminants within commercial fisheries species to levels approaching EU food safety standards.

    That batch of 18,000 tonnes of contaminated silt, collected after harbour dredging in Peel harbour, was eventually moved to a sealed pit.

    But it is the ongoing situation with legacy landfills which is seeing PCBs continuing to leach into the sea – a situation that the island government admits will not be entirely solved until the construction of a wastewater treatment plant (building is due to start on the plant in April 2025).

    ‘A hidden gem’

    The Isle of Man government leans heavily on its biosphere status across its tourism marketing and brands itself as “extraordinary”, a “hidden gem, an unexplored land, a biosphere nation”.

    But despite its pledges of being a destination with a “fantastic seascape…and coastline”, contaminated leachate from decommissioned landfill continues to drain into the marine environment.

    The Isle of Man applied for the biosphere reserve status in 2013, which was awarded in 2016 based on the submission of a comprehensive 250-page nomination document. But there was no mention of toxic landfill leachate or the dumping of thousands of tonnes of contaminated harbour silt which later came to light.

    The Isle of Man government told The Conversation that Unesco was aware of the discharges and that “biosphere status is not a hallmark of perfection”. It said its PCB discharges are in line with those of the UK.

    But it raises the question of whether such pollution can be in line with the spirit of the biosphere status.

    It is important to be clear that the Isle of Man is not unique in the British Islands in having managed disposal or unintentional discharges of legacy industrial wastes to the sea.

    My team’s research (Patrick Byrne’s) documents thousands of coastal landfills in England and Wales, many of which discharge hazardous materials to the sea through leachates or erosion.

    A Unesco biosphere reserve is not supposed to be perfect – almost nowhere is. But it should be a model for how we protect and sustainably manage our environment, including how we address legacy pollution. Why not highlight the issue of legacy industrial wastes as a challenge to be met?

    The Isle of Man government rejects the idea that it misrepresented any of the facts around its environmental credentials.

    But when The Conversation put the details to Unesco, it said it had not been made aware of previous dumping of toxic silt containing PCBs in 2014 and added that the first time the issue was raised with them was “in late 2023”.

    A spokesperson said: “At the time of the nomination, the International Committee of the Unesco Biosphere Programme was not aware of this issue.”

    The government told The Conversation it included “all information relevant for consideration by Unesco” when it made its application, but said certain discharges were not in the “zonation area” and that “nowhere is perfect”.

    The major concern is about being open and honest with the public and Unesco about the environmental challenges and potential human health concerns associated with legacy pollutants like PCBs. It is entirely possible that the Isle of Man’s Unesco status would still have been granted if Unesco had been fully aware about the dumping at sea.

    Landfills

    The Conversation spoke to Calum MacNeil, a freshwater scientist who worked for the Isle of Man government for 13 years. He now works for a research institute in New Zealand but has been flagging concerns about contamination from toxic silt. Together with his help, we spent months gathering all of the evidence, checking the facts and joining the dots between silt dredged from a harbour, landfills and sealed pits aimed at temporarily dealing with this legacy pollution.

    On the Isle of Man, historic landfills dating back to the 1940s are unlined so they are not sealed. After heavy rain, pollutants can wash away and leach out into the surrounding environment.

    One, called Raggatt landfill, is located 3.7 miles (6km) from the coast. It’s the size of several football pitches and when it rains, leachate (the landfill’s liquid discharge) that has been found to contain PCBs can “run off” the facility onto the nearby main road and the adjacent River Neb, eventually draining into the sea at Peel Bay.



    Read more:
    Pollution scientist talks to freshwater ecologist who warned of Isle of Man toxic silt dumps

    According to a 2017 news report, the government stated that the leachate “does not pose a risk to people swimming in Peel Bay” because it’s diluted by seawater. MacNeil insists that this is “a crucial admission” because he believes that the government cannot scientifically prove that any public exposure to PCB contamination is ever safe.

    MacNeil said: “I feel there needs to be international scientific and legal scrutiny of all of this. I believe both Unesco and the UK government’s Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) have a responsibility here as well given the international agreements involved and the biosphere designation. Given the biosphere status, surely the Isle of Man government should be acting not just to the letter of the law but in the spirit of the law.”

    Regulations

    While various international regulations govern levels of chemical contamination in leachate in and immediately around old landfills, the same rules do not apply to anything that is deliberately dumped or discharged directly into rivers or the sea.

    Isle of Man legislation called the Water Pollution Act 1993 outlines that any discharge or dumping must abide by any and all relevant international agreements that apply to the Isle of Man.

    MacNeil argues that the onus should be on the Isle of Man government to prove that any discharge of PCBs is legal under international agreements.

    These include an agreement called Ospar (the Oslo-Paris convention for the protection of the marine environment for the north-east Atlantic) and the Basel convention which governs how nations, including the Isle of Man, should treat and dispose of hazardous waste in environmentally sound ways.

    Tourism

    Tourists and local residents swim all year round in bathing waters such as Peel Bay, and praise for this nation’s marine conservation achievements is vast. Last summer, the Isle of Man was even nominated for the “most desirable island in Europe” travel award hosted by magazine Wanderlust.

    With goals to grow annual visitor numbers to 500,000, a thriving ecotourism industry could contribute an estimated £520 million by 2032. According to the island’s tourism agency, Visit Isle of Man, it aims to be “a leading British ecotourism destination that provides a range of opportunities for visitors to connect with our unique nature and wildlife”.

    Contaminated silt was allegedly dredged from Peel harbour and dumped out at sea.
    Daniel Sztork/Shutterstock

    But Peel is one of three beaches (technically designated as a non-bathing area) on the island to recently fail minimum standards for bathing waters “due to insufficient infrastructure”, according to the 2024 bathing water report from the Isle of Man’s Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture (Defa).

    A desirable designation

    A board is currently being formed to lead the ten-year periodic review (reaccreditation) of the island’s Unesco status.

    As one 2022 study explains, biosphere reserves are “learning sites for sustainable development”. Researchers point out that a coherent and holistic approach on the Isle of Man is not necessarily easy to achieve, in part because the biosphere is managed by one government department (Defa) with a remit for environment, food and agriculture, resulting in “age-old tensions between farming and conservation”.



    Read more:
    Coastal landfills risk leaking long-banned toxic chemicals into the ocean

    The Isle of Man government’s website states: “Our biosphere status encourages us to learn about and cherish what we have in the Isle of Man and safeguard it for the future by making good decisions, as individuals, as organisations and as an island. It tells potential new residents and visitors that we are a special place for people and nature and have a conscience.”

    But without openly acknowledging the legacy pollution challenges, they are literally being buried for future generations. This ultimately undermines local, national, and international efforts to learn and move forward in a sustainable way, which is at the heart of the Unesco biosphere philosophy.

    A spokesperson for the Isle of Man government said:

    “The Isle of Man government remains fully committed to environmental protection and transparency regarding its Unesco Biosphere status. We reject any assertion that the government has acted to misrepresent environmental matters in its Unesco application.

    “All relevant data and policies have been developed in line with scientific evidence and regulatory frameworks. The Isle of Man government conducts rigorous environmental monitoring, including assessments of water quality and potential contaminants, to ensure compliance with established safety standards.

    “The Isle of Man has legacy landfill sites similar to those found in the UK, Europe and around the world which leach contaminants, including PCBs, into the marine environment. Details of PCB discharges from UK landfills can be found on the UK Pollutant Release and Transfer Register (PRTR) data sets where the pollutant threshold below which data is not required to be submitted for PCBs in water is stated as 0.1kg.

    “The level of PCBs entering the marine environment in the Isle of Man is slightly lower than the average throughout the Irish Sea as determined by sediment and biota samples.

    “The leachate discharge from the historic Raggatt landfill, which closed in 1990, is planned to be discharged to Peel Wastewater Treatment Plant which has recently received planning permission and construction expected to commence by April 2025.

    “As stated on the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture’s pollution control monitoring webpage: ‘Independent advice from Phoenix Engineering is that this would represent the best available technology to manage and control emissions of PCBs present in Raggatt landfill leachate to the marine environment in Peel.’

    “Due to historic mining, heavy metals such as lead are known to flow down the river and accumulate in silt at Peel Marina, which has previously exceeded Cefas action level 2 where sediments are considered unacceptable for uncontrolled disposal at sea without special handling and containment. No further deposits to sea of Peel dredging silt have been made since 2014, and a catchment management plan is currently being developed to reduce this contamination at Peel Marina.

    “The aim for all Unesco Biospheres is to improve our environment; something which the Isle of Man has consistently strived to achieve since accreditation in 2016.”

    A spokesperson for Unesco said:

    “Unesco first received information on this issue in late 2023, which was then relayed to the relevant government authorities for comments. Unesco was informed that the situation appeared to stem from the presence of a UK historic landfill which is being followed through a comprehensive monitoring programme.

    “Following Unesco’s request, the UK Department for Environment, Food & Rural Affairs confirmed that ‘it is in line with the UK government’s responsibilities under the Ospar convention, and are satisfied the Isle of Man government is taking all possible steps to prevent and eliminate pollution of PCBs from land-based sources entering the marine environment in line with Article 3 of the Ospar convention’.

    “In the original application dossier, the Isle of Man committed to ‘take responsibility for overseeing salvage and pollution counter-measures in order to comply with international conventions’. It also committed to observing a range of multilateral environmental agreements (MEAs).

    “As the Isle of Man Biosphere Reserve was designated in 2016, its periodic review is scheduled for 2026. Unesco will make all information available to the Intergovernmental Committee in charge of examining the renewal of the status.”

    For you: more from our Insights series:

    To hear about new Insights articles, join the hundreds of thousands of people who value The Conversation’s evidence-based news. Subscribe to our newsletter.

    Patrick Byrne receives funding from the UK Natural Environment Research Council.

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

    – ref. Toxic chemical pollution continues on Isle of Man as government defends Unesco conservation status – https://theconversation.com/toxic-chemical-pollution-continues-on-isle-of-man-as-government-defends-unesco-conservation-status-236547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: GCM Grosvenor Announces $1.3 Billion Final Close for Infrastructure Advantage Fund II, a Nearly 50% Increase Over its Predecessor Fund

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    CHICAGO, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG), a leading global alternative asset management solutions provider, announced the final close of its Infrastructure Advantage Fund II (“IAF II” or the “Fund”) was held on March 31, 2025, securing $1.3 billion in commitments, a substantial increase over its predecessor, “Fund I”, which closed in 2020 at $893 million.   

    GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy focuses on partnership with organized labor and other stakeholders to invest in infrastructure projects with long-term community and economic benefits. Similar to Fund I, IAF II will focus on building a diverse portfolio of assets across infrastructure sectors including transportation, energy transition, and digital infrastructure. The Fund attracted a broad group of 58 investors from across the U.S. and Canada.

    “We are grateful for the continued confidence of our investors, who share our vision of effectively deploying infrastructure capital in the U.S. and Canada,” said Michael Sacks, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer at GCM Grosvenor. “We look forward to building on the success of Fund I and delivering value to our IAF II investors.”

    Launched in 2018, GCM Grosvenor’s Infrastructure Advantage Strategy manages nearly $2.5 billion in assets, and through its investments, has generated more than $8 billion* of total economic impact across the United States and Canada.

    *Source: IMPLAN 2022 Data Set.

    About GCM Grosvenor 
    GCM Grosvenor (Nasdaq: GCMG) is a global alternative asset management solutions provider with approximately $80 billion in assets under management across private equity, infrastructure, real estate, credit, and absolute return investment strategies. The firm has specialized in alternatives for more than 50 years and is dedicated to delivering value for clients by leveraging its cross-asset class and flexible investment platform.​  

    GCM Grosvenor’s experienced team of approximately 550 professionals serves a global client base of institutional and individual investors. The firm is headquartered in Chicago, with offices in New York, Toronto, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Seoul, and Sydney. For more information, visit: www.gcmgrosvenor.com.  

    Media Contact 
    Tom Johnson and Abigail Ruck 
    H/Advisors Abernathy 
    tom.johnson@h-advisors.global / abigail.ruck@h-advisors.global 
    212-371-5999

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Election Diary: Dutton in third debate gives Labor ammunition for its scare about cuts

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    In the leaders’ third head-to-head encounter, on Nine on Tuesday, Peter Dutton’s bluntness when pressed on cuts has given more ammunition to Labor’s scare campaign about what a Coalition government might do.

    “When John Howard came into power, there was $96 billion of debt from Labor at that point. John Howard didn’t outline the budget from opposition and it is not something you can do from opposition,” Dutton said.

    That allowed Anthony Albanese to, once again, rewind the tape to Tony Abbott’s 2014 budget, declaring it had “ripped money out of” education and hospitals. “There will be cuts afterwards – he’s just confirmed that – but they won’t tell you what they are.”

    Dutton’s reference to the 1996 budget reinforced the point that he is keeping his options very open on cuts, which will need to go well beyond the squeeze on the public service to which the Coalition is committed. It’s becoming increasingly clear full details won’t be provided before May 3.

    Despite best efforts to get them to answer questions as asked, both leaders again blatantly dodged when they could not, or chose not to, give a direct response.

    Dutton was asked what he would say to voters who think he is Trump-lite. The opposition leader talked down the clock – about Howard being his inspiration, about mudslinging – but didn’t actually attempt to rebut the point.

    Albanese predictably had much to say about Dutton’s nuclear policy. But when he was pressed on whether, if Labor lost, it should accept the people’s verdict and reconsider its position on the nuclear moratorium, the PM rambled about nuclear as a “friendless policy” rather than giving a straight reply.

    The debate’s frisson came when the leaders were asked to nominate each other’s biggest lies. The toing and froing included disputation over whether those 2014 cuts were actually “cuts” or just smaller increases than earlier budgeted for. “Prime Minister, you couldn’t lie straight in bed”, Dutton lashed out, with Albanese retorting that his “personal abuse” was “a sign of desperation”.

    Who won this encounter, once again differed in the eyes of various beholders.

    Pope’s death causes brief hiatus, that disadvantages Dutton

    On the day that pre-polling started, both leaders cut back on their campaigning, in the wake of the death of Pope Francis.

    The pontiff’s passing has further curtailed this penultimate week of the campaign, a week already shortened at one end by Easter and at the other by Anzac Day.

    The hiatus disadvantages the opposition, which has been losing support in the polls, and desperately needs as much opportunity as possible to sell its message.

    It also shows the risk of leaving policy releases late. The Coalition would have hoped for some clear air for Wednesdays release of its defence policy, an area where it believes it has an advantage. But news from the Vatican will overshadow local stories for a couple of days or longer.

    The pope’s death has drawn attention to something noted by the Catholic Weekly earlier this month, when it said this election “may be the first in Australian history in which both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition identify as Catholics” – although, it pointed out, that didn’t extend to attending church regularly.

    In Australia’s more sectarian days, Labor’s membership was heavily Catholic, with the Liberals the party of Protestants. That broke down over recent decades.

    Anthony Albanese reflected on his Catholic roots at Easter and then when paying tribute to the Pope.

    On Easter Sunday, when he attended mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney, he spoke about his time at the school next door. “It’s an important part of my life. When in year six the Christian Brothers heard that I was going to have to leave the school because we weren’t able to afford school fees … in an act of generosity, [they] said ‘just pay what you can’.”

    Albanese told The Australian’s Troy Bramston he regarded himself as “a flawed Catholic but it’s a part of my values,”

    “I go to church occasionally just by myself. That sense of who I am, it is certainly how I was raised, and those values of kindness and compassion being something that is a strength.”

    Peter Dutton’s story is more complicated. His father’s family was Catholic; his mother’s Protestant. Dutton told Bramston this gave rise to “tension”. He went to an Anglican school but identifies with the Catholic church. “He argues Christian teachings align with Liberal party values,” Bramston wrote.

    In Melbourne on Tuesday, Albanese joined those attending an early morning mass at St Patrick’s Cathedral. In Sydney Dutton went to St Mary’s. Then they both shifted back into campaign mode, for Tuesday night’s debate.

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

    – ref. Election Diary: Dutton in third debate gives Labor ammunition for its scare about cuts – https://theconversation.com/election-diary-dutton-in-third-debate-gives-labor-ammunition-for-its-scare-about-cuts-254990

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Leaders trade barbs and well-worn lines in unspectacular third election debate

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua Black, Visitor, School of History, Australian National University

    Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton have met for the third leaders’ debate of this election campaign, this time on the Nine network. And while the debate traversed much of the same ground as the first two, the quick-fire set up of the debate allowed for some more animated exchanges less than two weeks from election day.

    Three expert authors give their analysis of how the two leaders performed.

    Joshua Black, Australian National University

    Tonight’s leaders’ debate was a marked improvement on the appalling spectacle Nine hosted three years ago. Anthony Albanese and Peter Dutton had clearly taken advantage of the reduced campaign activity in recent days to prepare themselves for this contest.

    The problem? There was nothing new worth saying. Viewers were treated instead to the greatest hits of an election campaign that has so far not been especially great. Dutton once again paid homage to Howard and Costello’s liberalism (read: “I’m not Trump”), while Albanese repeated his hardly seamless mantra: “no-one held back and no-one left behind” (read: “I’m not Dutton”).

    For all of the lofty soundbites, the debate hinged on pedantry. The semantic argument from the first debate about the 2014 budget and health and education spending came up again. (Were there cuts, or did these “line items” simply not grow as fast as promised?)

    Both leaders repeated banal explanations about why they were best placed to deal with the Trump White House. There was plenty of tired campaign rhetoric about looming recessions and “talking Australia down”. Even an exchange from last week between Albanese and the ABC’s moderator David Speers seemed to be repeated tonight: why isn’t the government’s energy relief for households means-tested?

    At times, this debate was self-indulgent on the part of Nine Entertainment. Ally Langdon (who opened the debate by welcoming “a bit of theatre”) routinely cast her own judgement, condemning Albanese and Dutton for merely “patching cracks” and not proving their “fiscal responsibility” sufficiently.

    Interestingly, media policy was one of the few things on which the two leaders could agree. Nine’s political editor Charles Croucher asked the leaders to state their attitude toward the News Media Bargaining Code, which prompts global tech giants to pay Australian news providers for access to their content. Both leaders tripped over themselves to assure the panel they were on a “unity ticket” to protect local media companies (including Nine Entertainment) from being “cannibalised” by multinational tech giants. (Of course, a fair playing field for local media providers is clearly in the national interest.)

    This was Dutton’s best debate showing so far. That’s hardly a win. The prime minister managed to reel off a list of his government’s more popular policies, subtly compare his compassionate approach to leadership with Dutton’s darker obsession with order and the threat of disorder, and remind people of the opposition leader’s history of unpopular statements and policies. A modest win for Albanese, if not grounds for inspiration.

    Andrea Carson, La Trobe University

    Coinciding with the first day of early voting, the third leaders’ debate was more like a game of speed chess – with 60 seconds for leaders’ answers, and 30 seconds for rebuttals. The result was too often a word salad.

    While voters may be feeling debate fatigue — and little wonder with a fourth showdown looming on Channel 7 on Sunday — this one could have mattered. With about half of Australians casting their votes early, these televised match-ups represent a potential last chance to shape opinions before May 3.

    Instead, questions often focused on personal qualities: trust and lies, and less on policy – poorly serving viewers as answers became a tit-for-tat affair. The countdown of the clock only re-enforced leaders’ rehearsed answers to well-worn topics of cost of living, energy prices, Medicare bulk billing rates, immigration, housing crisis and tax cuts, barely exposing key policy differences for undecided voters. Even their matching blue suits and pale ties made them look less like opponents and more like political twins.

    Dutton seemed more assured than Albanese from the start.

    Typically, campaign messages get more negative as we move closer to polling day. Studies have shown fear campaigns can “work”, but they can also turn off voters, particularly women. So, unsurprisingly, Dutton’s emphasis was on law and order framed in the language of fear, promising to “keep people safe in their home and communities […] in very uncertain times”. He also promised to cut migration, couched as bringing down housing prices.

    The former policeman seeking to be prime minister kept with the law and order theme to sway voters offering a $A750 million package to stamp out illegal drugs and tobacco.

    In a similar vein, the Labor leader Anthony Albanese used every chance he had to pivot questions back to Labor’s policy home ground advantage: health, education (free TAFE and reduced HECS debt) and low-cost childcare.

    Asked by journalist Deborah Knight if he was “too soft” as a leader, Albanese strove to offer voters hope over fear, replying: “kindness isn’t weakness […] we raise our children to be compassionate”, arguing he can still hold firm when dealing with autocratic leaders to protect Australia’s national interest.

    As Dutton listed his top legislative priorities if elected, promising a 25% fuel levy tax, Albanese scored a zinger, pointing out that that policy expires in a year, chortling “you better do it quickly before it disappears”. Overall, it was a flat event, lacking atmosphere and detailed information.

    Zareh Ghazarian, Monash University

    The “Great Debate”, as it was called by the broadcaster, started on a solemn tone as both leaders mourned the passing of Pope Francis. The format of the debate was geared towards a quick-fire approach. Time limits of one minute per response to questions ensured the debate covered a lot of ground. Policies from cost of living to international affairs were discussed.

    The leaders played their roles effectively. Opposition Leader Peter Dutton demonstrated a laser-like focus on critiquing the government, while highlighting the Coalition’s policies. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the track record of his government while also taking opportunities to criticise the previous Morrison government. Both leaders stayed true to advancing the core messages of their campaign.

    Cost of living was central to the debate and provided ample opportunity for Dutton and Albanese to put forward their views on the measures they believe would address the issues. Energy policy, and the divide between nuclear and renewable energy sources, also emerged. There was also a moment of unity as both leaders took pride that Australia had implemented a social media ban for under-16s.

    After the only break of the night, the host gave both leaders the opportunity to spell out the values that underpinned their policy approach. Dutton focused on restating policy goals, such as a reduction in fuel excise. Albanese returned to “no one left behind, but no one held back” as his key message, a concept he had also mentioned in his victory speech in 2022.

    On the whole, and considering the stakes, the debate was a model of civility. Both leaders presented as being in command of the details regarding their policies. Gaffes about figures, costings, and promises were virtually non-existent. Whether it added anything new about the leaders or their policy platforms, however, is debatable.

    Joshua Black is a Postdoctoral Research Fellow at The Australia Institute.

    Andrea Carson and Zareh Ghazarian 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. Leaders trade barbs and well-worn lines in unspectacular third election debate – https://theconversation.com/leaders-trade-barbs-and-well-worn-lines-in-unspectacular-third-election-debate-254941

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Dutton promises Coalition would increase defence spending to 3% of GDP ‘within a decade’

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Opposition Leader Peter Dutton will promise a Coalition government would boost Australia’s spending on defence to 2.5% of GDP within five years and 3% within a decade.

    Launching the Coalition’s long-awaited defence policy on Wednesday in Western Australia, Dutton will commit to investing more than $21 billion to take spending to 2.5%.

    Australia’s current defence spending is about 2% of GDP, and due to rise to 2.3% by 2033-34. The Trump administration has flagged it wants allies to raise their spending to 3%.

    Trump’s under-secretary of defence for policy, Elbridge Colby, has said:

    The main concern the United States should press with Australia […] is higher defence spending. Australia is currently well below the 3% level advocated for by NATO Secretary General Rutte, and Canberra faces a far more powerful challenge in China.

    The opposition statement, from Dutton and shadow Defence Minister Andrew Hastie, does not go into detail about how the bigger allocation would be spent, or how it would be paid for.

    Defence Minister Richard Marles gave notice of Labor’s line of attack if there is no detail provided. He said on Tuesday:

    It won’t cut it to have vague numbers, to have aspirations, to have signposts in the future. There needs to be a great deal of specificity in respect of what that defence policy looks like.

    In its statement, the opposition accuses Labor of overseeing “more than $80 billion in cuts and delays to defence in just three years, degrading morale and capability, and putting Australia at risk”.

    It says the commitment to 2.5% is “significantly higher than under Labor and demonstrates the Coalition’s commitment to keeping Australia safe in uncertain times”.

    Under Labor, defence spending has stayed static at 2% of GDP for three years – and Labor has walked away from its own target of increasing defence spending to 2.4% of GDP by 2033-34, dropping it instead to ‘over 2.3%’.

    In its most recent budget, Labor delivered no new funding for defence.

    In stark contrast, a Dutton Coalition government will increase defence spending to 3% of GDP within a decade, while Labor’s spend plateaus at around 2.3%.

    The opposition says Australia is facing the most complex and serious strategic circumstances since the second world war.

    The rise of authoritarian powers, and conflict in Europe and the Middle East are a reminder that Australia cannot take peace for granted.

    “Under the Coalition, there will be clarity around the risks we face and a strategy to deter them,” the opposition says.

    “We believe that investing in Defence is an investment in peace – which is maintained through a strong army, navy, air force and enhanced cyber security.”

    This week’s statement follows an earlier Coalition commitment to reinstate the fourth squadron of F-35A Joint Strike Fighters.

    Dutton said: “The Prime Minister and the Deputy Prime Minister regularly tell Australians that we live in the most precarious period since the end of the second world war. Yet, over the last three years, Labor has done nothing about it, other than rip money out of Defence, weakening strength and morale.”

    Hastie said: “A Dutton Coalition government will back Australian workers and businesses in defence industry to develop the sovereign capabilities our country needs. They are a critical enabler to the Australian men and women in uniform”.

    Hastie has been little seen on the campaign trail.

    Marles said over the last three years the government had engaged “in the biggest peacetime increase in defence spending that Australia has seen”.

    “We’ll continue to look at what the appropriate levels of defence spending are.

    “Increases in defence spending will happen under this government […] because that is, in fact, what we’ve done over the last three years”.

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

    – ref. Dutton promises Coalition would increase defence spending to 3% of GDP ‘within a decade’ – https://theconversation.com/dutton-promises-coalition-would-increase-defence-spending-to-3-of-gdp-within-a-decade-254993

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Habeas corpus: A thousand-year-old legal principle for defending rights that’s getting a workout under the Trump administration

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Andrea Seielstad, Professor of Law, University of Dayton

    Two Latin words – ‘habeas corpus’ – protect any person, whether citizen or not, from being illegally confined. deepblue4you, iStock / Getty Images Plus

    In some parts of the world, a person may be secreted away or imprisoned by the government without any advanced notification of wrongdoing or chance to make a defense. This has not been lawful in the United States from its very inception, or in many other countries where the rule of law and respect for individual civil rights are paramount.

    The legal doctrine of “habeas corpus,” a Latin phrase that has its American roots in English law as early as the 12th century, stands as a barrier to unlawful arrest.

    In its essence, habeas corpus protects any person, whether citizen or not, from being illegally confined. Habeas corpus is Latin for “you shall have the body” and requires a judge literally to have the body of any incarcerated person brought physically forward so that the legality of their detention may be assessed.

    That is why habeas, sometimes also called the “Great Writ”, is front and center right now in many of the lawsuits challenging the Trump administration’s arrest and deportation of noncitizen students, scholars, humanitarian refugees and others.

    In an April 7, 2025, decision in a habeas corpus case brought by lawyers from the American Civil Liberties Union representing Venezuelans who faced deportation, the Supreme Court reaffirmed that the government must give those it aims to deport the opportunity to legally challenge their removal from the U.S. This chance for due process when deprived of liberty is what habeas corpus is and does.

    Since then, several federal judges have issued habeas writs blocking certain deportations from the U.S. and even movement of potential deportees from one state to another.

    The rapid deportation to El Salvador of noncitizens from the U.S. has sparked public concern about deportees’ ability to challenge the move.
    Dominic Gwinn, Middle East Image / Middle East Images via AFP

    Habeas corpus’s deep roots

    The idea that no person shall be deprived unjustly of liberty formally dates to the 39th Clause of the Magna Carta signed by England’s King John in 1215.

    The Magna Carta itself was, as the U.K. parliament describes it, “the first document to put into writing the principle that the king and his government was not above the law.”

    Although the writ originally was a means of enforcing the king’s power over his subjects, as noted by the Supreme Court in reviewing the writ’s long history, English judges over time issued habeas corpus “to enforce the King’s prerogative to inquire into the authority of a jailer to hold a prisoner.”

    The idea crossed the ocean to play an important part in the formation of the U.S. constitutional form of democracy. As the Supreme Court emphasized in a 2008 case holding that the habeas corpus privilege existed even for “aliens” designated as enemy combatants and detained at Guantanamo Bay: “Protection for the privilege of habeas corpus was one of the few safeguards of liberty specified in a Constitution that, at the outset, had no Bill of Rights.”

    In the Federal Judiciary Act of 1789, which created lower federal courts following the ratification of the Constitution, Congress gave immediate power to the federal courts to issue habeas corpus relief.



    Read more:
    Trump’s use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport Venezuelans to El Salvador sparks legal questions likely to reach the Supreme Court

    Congress expanded the right in 1867 to permit habeas corpus challenges to unlawful actions by state and local officials. This enabled people who were still held in slavery or indentured servitude, or otherwise detained in state jails, to seek release in federal court. This legislation also established the framework, still recognized today, for state prisoners to attack the constitutionality of their state convictions in federal court.

    States and some tribes also have their own habeas corpus statutes. Congress also extended habeas to allow federal challenges to detention by tribal officials via the Indian Civil Rights Act of 1968, which made many of the constitutional rights held by individuals applicable to official action by federally recognized Native American tribes. In fact, habeas corpus is the sole remedy under the Indian Civil Rights Act for challenging any of the enumerated rights in that act.

    When is habeas corpus used?

    The principal use of habeas corpus, historically and in more modern times, has been “to seek release of persons held in actual, physical custody in prison or jail,” as Justice Hugo Black wrote in a 1962 Supreme Court opinion.

    Its scope extends well beyond imprisonment, however. Habeas has been the vehicle for challenging interference with child custodial rights, involuntary commitment to inpatient treatment or psychiatric care, military induction, restrictive conditions of pretrial release, probation or parole, and banishment from tribal lands, to name a few examples.

    Besides securing the physical release of imprisoned persons, habeas corpus may result in dismissal of criminal charges, new trials or appeals, the appointment of legal counsel, and court orders directing remediation of cruel or inhumane conditions of confinement.

    The idea that no person shall be deprived unjustly of liberty formally dates back to the 39th Clause of this document, the Magna Carta, signed by England’s King John in 1215.
    The National Archives

    Critical safeguard of liberty

    Detained individuals have been blocked from using habeas corpus less than a handful of times in American history.

    In the words of the Constitution’s Article I, which governs congressional power: “The Privilege of the Writ of Habeas Corpus shall not be suspended, unless when in Cases of Rebellion or Invasion the public Safety may require it.”

    For example, it was suspended by President Abraham Lincoln during the Civil War; in Hawaii after the 1941 bombing of Pearl Harbor; during rebellions in 11 South Carolina counties overtaken by the Ku Klux Klan during Reconstruction in the years just after the Civil War; and in certain provinces of the U.S.-controlled Philippines in 1905.

    Significantly, however, habeas relief has remained vital to challenges to presidential orders and congressional enactments even during times of war and other national security concerns.

    The Supreme Court reaffirmed the validity of using habeas corpus in many efforts to suspend or limit the writ in cases stemming from the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks.

    In November 2001, President George W. Bush issued a military order authorizing the indefinite detention of noncitizens suspected of being connected to terrorism. Under that order, Yaser Hamdi, who was an American citizen, was detained in U.S. military facilities without being charged, without legal counsel or the possibility of court hearings after being accused of fighting for the Taliban against the United States.

    In a 2004 ruling on Hamdi’s case against the government, the Supreme Court upheld the right of every American citizen to use habeas corpus, even when declared to be an enemy combatant.

    The court later ruled that Congress’ efforts to impose similar limits with respect to noncitizens being detained at Guantanamo Bay under the Military Commissions Act of 2006 were an unconstitutional abridgment of habeas corpus rights.

    In the 2004 landmark case of Rasul v. Bush, the Supreme Court reaffirmed limits on when habeas corpus can be suspended – and when it cannot. The justices said that even foreign detainees captured in countries around the world and brought to Guantanamo Bay on suspected ties to terrorism had the right to challenge their detention in U.S. courts.

    As these cases affirm, “Neither citizenship nor territoriality have been determined to be essential to the exercise of the writ.”

    Habeas corpus is a critical safeguard of liberty. In the words of Chief Justice John Marshall in the seminal 1803 case, Marbury v. Madison, the “very essence” of civil liberty is “the right to claim the protection of the laws, whenever he receives an injury.”

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

    – ref. Habeas corpus: A thousand-year-old legal principle for defending rights that’s getting a workout under the Trump administration – https://theconversation.com/habeas-corpus-a-thousand-year-old-legal-principle-for-defending-rights-thats-getting-a-workout-under-the-trump-administration-254525

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE begins Zhejiang visit

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today arrived in Hangzhou, Zhejiang, to start a four-day visit programme, touring local innovation and technology facilities, and meeting Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang.

     

    Upon arriving in Hangzhou in the afternoon, Mr Lee, along with a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government delegation he is leading, visited the ZJU-Hangzhou Global Scientific & Technological Innovation Center to learn more about the latest developments in innovation and technology collaboration between Hong Kong and Hangzhou.

     

    The Chief Executive pointed out that Zhejiang University is one of the eligible Mainland universities under the Top Talent Pass Scheme, and over 4,000 of its graduates have been approved to pursue their careers in Hong Kong through the scheme.

     

    He also highlighted that the centre serves as a major innovation and technology platform in Zhejiang, bringing together talent skilled in the collaborative development of industry, education and research sectors.

          

    In the evening, Mr Lee attended a dinner, hosted by the Hong Kong Chamber of Commerce in Zhejiang, where he engaged with Hong Kong people and representatives of Hong Kong enterprises in Zhejiang to find out more about their daily lives and developments.

     

    He encouraged them to leverage their strengths to serve Zhejiang enterprises in going global and attracting foreign investment, with a view to contributing to mutual benefits and the high-quality development of Hong Kong and Zhejiang.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Offers End-to-End Car Insurance Purchase Journey in Hong Kong through Strategic Partnership with bolttech

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    HONG KONG, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, today announced the launch of its end-to-end car insurance purchasing journey in Hong Kong. In collaboration with global insurtech bolttech, this innovative enhancement enables customers to compare and receive real-time insurance quotes while seamlessly completing their entire car insurance purchase directly on MoneyHero’s platform—an industry milestone in Hong Kong.

    Enhancing Car Insurance Experience with AI Capabilities

    The enhanced platform allows customers to:

    • Compare real-time quotes from leading insurers
    • Customize coverage options based on their needs
    • Purchase policies instantly without redirection to third-party sites
    • Receive immediate confirmation and policy issuance

    By integrating bolttech’s advanced insurance exchange technology, MoneyHero ensures accuracy, efficiency, and a fast, hassle-free experience for customers. This launch marks a major advancement for MoneyHero, building on its initial strategic partnership with bolttech previously announced on October 8, 2024, which introduced real-time car insurance pricing comparisons. With the introduction of a fully integrated purchasing experience, customers can now enjoy unparalleled convenience, a streamlined process, and expedited policy issuance.

    Hong Kong’s motor vehicle business recorded gross written premiums of over HK$5 billion1, with insurance penetration in Hong Kong reaching 17.2% in 20232 — offering a compelling opportunity for transformation through data-driven, embedded distribution. For insurers, this enhancement translates to a higher volume of policies sold and improved customer acquisition, solidifying MoneyHero’s position as a valuable digital distribution partner in the evolving insurance landscape.

    A Stronger Digital Insurance Offering

    The introduction of this fully integrated car insurance journey aligns with MoneyHero’s strategic pillars of leading the insurance brokerage and enhancing its conversion expertise. MoneyHero’s platform has already demonstrated impressive results with travel insurance, achieving conversion rates up to two times higher due to its seamless end-to-end purchasing model. MoneyHero anticipates similar success with car insurance, which will drive increased sales for insurers and contribute to robust revenue growth.

    Strong Insurance Growth and Market Expansion

    MoneyHero’s insurance business has emerged as a significant growth driver, with revenues from this vertical increasing by 54% year-over-year in the first nine months of 2024. The Company expects full-year 2024 growth in its insurance business surpassing its Q3 level of 9.5% of its group revenue, driven by the expansion of end-to-end purchasing journeys across multiple insurance categories.

    This enhancement builds on the success of MoneyHero’s travel insurance platform, which has experienced strong adoption and improved conversion rates due to its streamlined purchasing process. In the upcoming quarters, the Company plans to further enhance insurance purchasing experience across other markets and product lines, ensuring the Company remains at the forefront of innovation in the industry.

    Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, said: “Customers increasingly seek a seamless experience where they can compare, select, and purchase insurance all in one place. With this launch in Hong Kong, we are not only streamlining the car insurance shopping process—we are fully embracing the entire purchasing journey. Our data indicates that end-to-end insurance transactions yield significantly higher conversion rates, and we anticipate strong adoption in Hong Kong. This initiative represents a natural evolution of our partnership with bolttech3, and we believe we have found the perfect partner to enhance our offerings. Together, we are taking a pivotal step toward positioning MoneyHero as the go-to destination for digital insurance in the region. With bolttech’s technological expertise and commitment to innovation, we are confident in our ability to significantly improve the purchase experience for our customers.”

    Philip Weiner, CEO for Asia and Middle East of bolttech added: “Following our partnership announcement late last year, we are excited to be heading into the next stage with MoneyHero. Our insurance exchange platform will enable them to deliver a more intuitive and transparent user experience, enhancing the overall car insurance purchasing journey for consumers in Hong Kong. Together with MoneyHero, we look forward to bringing more value-added services to consumers.”

    About MoneyHero Group

    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines.  Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory.  The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 270 commercial partner relationships as at September 30, 2024, and had approximately 7.4 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving Greater Southeast Asia’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    About bolttech

    bolttech is a global insurtech with a mission to build the world’s leading, technology-enabled ecosystem for protection and insurance. bolttech serves customers in more than 35 markets across Asia, Europe, North America, and Africa.

    With a full suite of digital and data-driven capabilities, bolttech powers connections between insurers, distributors, and customers to make it easier and more efficient to buy and sell insurance and protection products.

    For more information, please visit www.bolttech.io.

    Forward Looking Statements

    This document includes “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the United States federal securities laws and also contains certain financial forecasts and projections. All statements other than statements of historical fact contained in this communication, including, but not limited to, statements as to the Group’s growth strategies, future results of operations and financial position, market size, industry trends and growth opportunities, are forward-looking statements. Some of these forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking words, including “outlook,” “believes,” “expects,” “potential,” “continues,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “could,” “seeks,” “predicts,” “intends,” “trends,” “plans,” “estimates,” “anticipates” or the negative version of these words or other comparable words. All forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and forecasts and reflect the views, assumptions, expectations, and opinions of the Company, which are all subject to change due to various factors including, without limitation, changes in general economic conditions. Any such estimates, assumptions, expectations, forecasts, views or opinions, whether or not identified in this communication, should be regarded as indicative, preliminary and for illustrative purposes only and should not be relied upon as being necessarily indicative of future results. The forward-looking statements and financial forecasts and projections contained in this communication are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties. Potential risks and uncertainties that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, changes in business, market, financial, political and legal conditions; the Company’s ability to attract new and retain existing customers in a cost effective manner; competitive pressures in and any disruption to the industries in which the Company and its subsidiaries (the “Group”) operates; the Group’s ability to achieve profitability despite a history of losses; and the Group’s ability to implement its growth strategies and manage its growth; the Group’s ability to meet consumer expectations; the success of the Group’s new product or service offerings; the Group’s ability to attract traffic to its websites; the Group’s internal controls; fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates; the Group’s ability to raise capital; media coverage of the Group; the Group’s ability to obtain adequate insurance coverage; changes in the regulatory environments (such as anti-trust laws, foreign ownership restrictions and tax regimes) and general economic conditions in the countries in which the Group operates; the Group’s ability to attract and retain management and skilled employees; the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic or any other pandemic on the business of the Group; the success of the Group’s strategic investments and acquisitions, changes in the Group’s relationship with its current customers, suppliers and service providers; disruptions to the Group’s information technology systems and networks; the Group’s ability to grow and protect its brand and the Group’s reputation; the Group’s ability to protect its intellectual property; changes in regulation and other contingencies; the Group’s ability to achieve tax efficiencies of its corporate structure and intercompany arrangements; potential and future litigation that the Group may be involved in; and unanticipated losses, write-downs or write-offs, restructuring and impairment or other charges, taxes or other liabilities that may be incurred or required and technological advancements in the Group’s industry. The foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s annual report for the year ended December 31, 2023 on Form 20-F (File No.: 001-41838), registration statement on Form F-1 (File No.: 333-275205), and other documents to be filed by the Company from time to time with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings identify and address other important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events and results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements. In addition, there may be additional risks that the Company currently does not know, or that the Company currently believes are immaterial, that could also cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the Company’s expectations, plans, projections or forecasts of future events and view. If any of the risks materialize or the Company’s assumptions prove incorrect, actual results could differ materially from the results implied by these forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. The Company anticipates that subsequent events and developments may cause their assessments to change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so, except as required by law. The inclusion of any statement in this document does not constitute an admission by the Company or any other person that the events or circumstances described in such statement are material. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company’s assessments as of any date subsequent to the date of this document. Accordingly, undue reliance should not be placed upon the forward-looking statements. In addition, the analyses of the Company contained herein are not, and do not purport to be, appraisals of the securities, assets, or business of the Company.

    For MoneyHero inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Media Relations:
    MoneyHero PR Team
    Press@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    For bolttech inquiries, please contact:
    FTI Consulting on behalf of bolttech
    bolttech@fticonsulting.com

    _______________________________

    1 Insurance Authority, Market Overview, https://www.ia.org.hk/en/infocenter/statistics/files/GB_Market_Overview_2023_Eng_Final.pdf

    2 Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, https://www.fstb.gov.hk/en/financial_ser/insurance-industry.htm

    3 An affiliate of the Company.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Byrna Technologies Announces the Debut of the Byrna CL, the World’s Most Concealable Less-Lethal Launcher

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    ANDOVER, Mass., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byrna Technologies Inc. (“Byrna” or the “Company”) (Nasdaq: BYRN), a personal defense technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions, today announced the official launch of its highly anticipated Byrna Compact Launcher (“CL”). The Company will begin accepting orders for this revolutionary new launcher on April 24, with product shipments beginning May 1.

    Weighing just 0.76 pounds and measuring only 6.81 inches in length – smaller than a smartphone – the Byrna CL is the most concealable less-lethal launcher ever made. Along with its compact form, the CL delivers the same powerful energy density on impact as Byrna’s most advanced model to date, the Byrna LE. Engineered for everyday carry, the CL offers a sleek, no-snag design for quick unholstering and is red dot compatible for enhanced accuracy.

    “The Byrna Compact Launcher is a major step forward in less-lethal innovation,” said Bryan Ganz, CEO of Byrna. “Our team set out to design a product that would appeal to both new and experienced users who want maximum stopping power in a smaller, more concealable form factor. We’re proud to bring to market a launcher that is 38% smaller than our flagship Byrna SD and yet delivers the same force per square inch as our LE model.”

    Key Features and Technical Specifications:

    • Size: 6.81″ L x 5.1″ H x 1.18″ W
    • Weight: 0.76 lbs
    • Projectile Speed: 400 feet per second
    • Effective Range: 60 feet
    • Caliber: Fires proprietary .61 caliber projectiles engineered to deliver the same energy density as .68 caliber rounds
    • Shot Capacity: 15 rounds per 8g CO₂ cartridge
    • Materials: Constructed from high-grade aluminum, steel, and brass
    • Compatibility: Red dot ready, customizable with accessories

    The CL’s new .61 caliber projectile will be exclusive to Byrna and produced at the Company’s new ammunition facility in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Conceived, designed and manufactured in America from 90% U.S. content, the Byrna CL is the Company’s first truly All-American launcher and highlights Byrna’s progress to onshore manufacturing.

    Pricing and Availability: The Byrna Compact Launcher has a base MSRP of $549.99. Customers can join the waitlist starting today here. Launchers will be available for order beginning April 24 and the Company and its dealers will begin shipping on May 1.

    To experience the CL in person, customers can visit select Byrna stores and Premier Dealers nationwide. Use the store locator to find the nearest in-store demo experience.

    About Byrna Technologies Inc.
    Byrna is a technology company specializing in the development, manufacture, and sale of innovative less-lethal personal security solutions. For more information on the Company, please visit the corporate website here or the Company’s investor relations site here. The Company is the manufacturer of the Byrna® SD personal security device, a state-of-the-art handheld CO2 powered launcher designed to provide a less-lethal alternative to a firearm for the consumer, private security, and law enforcement markets. To purchase Byrna products, visit the Company’s e-commerce store.

    Forward-Looking Statements
    This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the securities laws. All statements contained in this news release, other than statements of current and historical fact, are forward-looking. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as “plans,” “expects,” “intends,” “will,” “anticipates,” and “believes” and statements that certain actions, events or results “may,” “could,” “would,” “should,” “might,” “occur,” “be achieved,” or “will continue to.” Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the expected timing of orders and shipments of the Byrna CL, expected performance, Byrna’s progress to onshore manufacturing, and pricing. Forward-looking statements include descriptions of currently occurring matters which may continue in the future. Forward-looking statements are not, and cannot be, a guarantee of future results or events. Forward-looking statements are based on, among other things, opinions, assumptions, estimates, and analyses that, while considered reasonable by the Company at the date the forward-looking information is provided, inherently are subject to significant risks, uncertainties, contingencies, and other factors that may cause actual results and events to be materially different from those expressed or implied.

    Any number of risk factors could affect our actual results and cause them to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this news release, including, but not limited to, potential cancellations of existing or future orders including as a result of any fulfillment delays, product rollout issues, introduction of competing products, negative publicity, supply chain constraints, other factors, changes in the markets for security products and non-lethal defense technology could have a material adverse impact on our business, financial condition and results of operations. The order in which these factors appear should not be construed to indicate their relative importance or priority. We caution that these factors may not be exhaustive; accordingly, any forward-looking statements contained herein should not be relied upon as a prediction of actual results. Investors should carefully consider these and other relevant factors, including those risk factors in Part I, Item 1A, (“Risk Factors”) in our most recent Form 10-K, should understand it is impossible to predict or identify all such factors or risks, should not consider the foregoing list, or the risks identified in our SEC filings, to be a complete discussion of all potential risks or uncertainties, and should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable law.

    Investor Contact:
    Tom Colton and Alec Wilson
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    949-574-3860
    BYRN@gateway-grp.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b56d0767-d8bb-4ce7-9121-c175536afc18

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c16cc8ad-1bd0-4580-a20e-a57be1071da6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Thai Trade Representative

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received Thai Trade Representative Umesh Pandey at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During their meeting, they discussed emerging issues on regional and global trade, including the new U.S. Tariff Policy and its effects on the trade and investment schemes in ASEAN.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Thai Trade Representative appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this afternoon received H.E. Margus Tsahkna, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. During the meeting, both sides shared insights on advancing ASEAN-Estonia relations in mutually beneficial areas, both bilaterally and within the ASEAN-EU framework.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Estonia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Inclusion Awards recipients announced

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Ravi Krishnamurthy accepts the Leader in Inclusion award from Mark Mulligan of Icon Water.

    In brief

    • Winners of this year’s Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.
    • The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the community.
    • The six award winners are listed in this story.

    Recipients of the Chief Minister’s Inclusion Awards have been announced.

    The Awards celebrate people with disability who are leaders in the Canberra community.

    They recognise those who improve the experiences of people with disability in the workplace, business and community.

    The nomination process

    Anybody can nominate someone in one of the six award categories.

    Nominees can be:

    • individuals
    • teams
    • local businesses
    • community organisations

    Self-nominations are also welcome.

    The judging process

    The judging panel includes:

    • people with disability
    • awards sponsors
    • ACT Inclusion Council members
    • members of the Canberra business community.

    “It is wonderful to see the achievements of all the winners… They are taking us one step closer to a truly inclusive capital,” ACT Inclusion Council Chair Mr David Smith said.

    The winners

    Leader in Inclusion – Ravi Krishnamurthy
    Ravi has been a relentless force for change in the Canberra community for more than 20 years.

    Excellence in Inclusive and Innovative Employment Practices – The Apollo Neurodiversity Program
    This program offers neurodivergent people a career in ICT within the Australian Public Service.

    Excellence in Collaborating with people with Disability – Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group
    Safer Me Safer You Project Advisory Group, by Sexual Health and Family Planning ACT, has set a benchmark for inclusive co-design.

    Excellence in Access and Inclusion – Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program
    Netball ACT’s 2024 All Abilities Netball program has enabled people with disability to play netball in a mainstream competition, making sport more inclusive.

    Excellence in Innovation and Impact – Derek Brewer
    Derek is the founder of Panache Special Needs Driver Training Program. This supports neurodivergent learner drivers and other learner drivers with disability.

    Sue Salthouse Award for Championing Human Rights and Equality – Renée Heaton
    Renée is a powerful advocate and leader. She has led the ACT Disability Reference Group for almost four years.

    Congratulations to the winners and all nominees.

    View the list of finalists and winners on the ACT Inclusion Council website.

    Read more like this:

    Get ACT news and events delivered straight to your inbox, sign up to our email newsletter:


    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Admiral Group agrees to sell its U.S. motor business to JC Flowers

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Admiral Group agrees to sell its U.S. motor business to JC Flowers

    Admiral Group plc announces that it has entered into an agreement to sell its U.S. motor insurance business, including Elephant Insurance Company and Elephant Insurance Services (“Elephant”), to J.C. Flowers & Co. (“J.C. Flowers”), a global private investment firm dedicated to investing in the financial services industry, for an undisclosed cash consideration (before customary adjustments and transaction and related expenses) representing approximately the net asset value of Elephant. The transaction is subject to regulatory approval and is expected to close in Q4 2025.

    Headquartered in Richmond, Virginia, Elephant Insurance offers U.S. customers simple and affordable car insurance. The company’s tools allow customers to find the best protection for their needs and budget, with tools that are easy to use and understand.

    Costantino Moretti, Head of International Insurance, Admiral Group said: 
    “In Elephant, we have built a business with a great foundation, and selling the company to J.C. Flowers is the right decision to ensure its future success. J.C. Flowers and Elephant have a shared ambition for generating growth and value. This partnership will allow the business to continue to deliver the high-quality insurance products and services that US motorists need.”

    “This is a good outcome not only for Elephant and its employees, but also the Group and our shareholders. This transaction will enable us to focus on the opportunities we see for delivering long-term sustainable growth in our businesses in the UK and Mainland Europe.”

    Eric Rahe, Managing Director and Co-President, J.C. Flowers said:
    “J.C. Flowers has a long, distinguished history of investing in the insurance industry, and we will leverage our experience to help Elephant Insurance generate new opportunities as a standalone company. We are excited to partner with the Elephant team as the business enters this new stage of development.”

    Alberto Schiavon, CEO of Elephant Insurance said: “We are very excited to be joining forces with J.C. Flowers. This partnership will enable us to benefit from their extensive expertise which will play a critical role for the next phase of our growth strategy and add value for our customers, whilst maintaining our distinctive culture.”

    ENDS

    Notes to Editors
    Admiral’s corporate broker, BofA Securities, is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Sidley Austin LLP as legal advisor to Admiral Group in connection with this transaction. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods, A Stifel Company, is acting as exclusive financial advisor and Debevoise & Plimpton LLP as legal advisor to J.C. Flowers in connection with this transaction.

    Enquiries

    Media:
    For Admiral:
    Addy Frederick
    addy.frederick@admiralgroup.co.uk
    +44 (0) 7500 171 810

    Analysts and investors:
    Diane Michelberger
    diane.michelberger@admiralgroup.co.uk
    +44 (0) 7881 305 063

    For J.C. Flowers:
    Jennifer Hurson
    Lambert by LLYC
    jhurson@lambert.com

    About Admiral Group
    Admiral Group plc is a leading FTSE 100 Financial Services company offering motor, household, travel and pet insurance as well as personal lending products. Established in 1993 in the UK, the Group now has offices in Canada, France, Gibraltar, India, Italy, Spain, and the US.

    About J.C. Flowers & Co
    J.C. Flowers is a leading private investment firm dedicated to investing globally in the financial services industry. Founded in 1998, the firm has invested more than $18 billion of capital, including co-investment, in 67 portfolio companies in 18 countries across a range of industry subsectors including banking, insurance and reinsurance, specialty finance, business and insurance services, wealth management and capital markets, payments and software. With approximately $4 billion of assets under management, J.C. Flowers has offices in New York, London and Palm Beach. For more information, please visit www.jcfco.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Vice President JD Vance Delivers Remarks on the U.S. and India’s Shared Priorities

    Source: United States of America – The White House (video statements)

    Jaipur, India

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q6nBlix6TOE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – MCEC welcomes the sweetest Good Friday Appeal yet

    Source: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC)

    22 April 2025 – Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) and The Good Friday Appeal have joined forces for the 11th consecutive year, raising a record $23.8 million to support life-saving care for children across Victoria.

    “We love opening our doors every year to welcome thousands of families to enjoy a day of fun and celebration, while raising much-needed funds for sick children across Victoria,” Chief Executive, Natalie O’Brien AM said.

    “It’s a truly rewarding experience and you can see how much joy this event brings to the local community and the MCEC team,” Ms O’Brien added.

    MCEC’s talented chefs played a crucial role in this year’s success, baking an astonishing 20 metres of hot cross buns, made up of nearly 3,000 buns.  

    Alessandro Bartesaghi, MCEC’s award-winning pastry chef said, “The Good Friday Appeal event is really close to my heart and I love creating something special for the children every year.”  

    “This year I really wanted to push the boundaries and try something we’ve never done before. And what a better way than baking the longest table of hot cross buns you’ve ever seen! I was inspired by Japanese baking techniques to create a very soft, delicious bun that everyone can enjoy,” he added.

    In addition, MCEC’s interactive Ice Cream-o-Rama served 1,200 house-made ice creams. All profits from the sale of the hot cross buns and ice creams were generously donated to the Good Friday Appeal, further contributing to the remarkable total raised this year.

    All funds raised from the event will contribute to groundbreaking research, family care programs and state of the art equipment at The Royal Children’s Hospital in Melbourne.

    This year’s appeal also extended its impact across the state, providing a significant boost to regional paediatric health services at Barwon Health, Bendigo Health, Grampians Health, Goulburn Valley Health, Albury Wodonga Health and Latrobe Regional Health.

    “For over 10 years MCEC has generously supported the Good Friday Appeal, providing the venue and services for our family fun event, Kids Day Out, the all important Phone Room and Money Counting Room”, Rebecca Cowan, Executive Director of the Good Friday Appeal, said.

    “Thank you to Natalie O’Brien and the team at MCEC who worked tirelessly to ensure the smooth delivery of this huge event, which allows the community to make a difference to the lives of sick children and their families”.

    The collaboration between MCEC and the Good Friday Appeal continues to demonstrate the power of community spirit.

    ABOUT MCEC
    At Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC), visionary ideas come to life, and the world’s thought leaders gather. The iconic venue hosts dynamic exhibitions, conferences, galas, and concerts—everyone who visits leaves inspired and excited.  

    MCEC loves all communities and interests, creating a space where everyone feels welcome. Blending trendy eats, sustainability, and cutting-edge tech, it creates mind-blowing, globally recognised events.  

    Thanks to its progressive sustainability practices, choosing MCEC means making a positive environmental impact. Feel Melbourne’s vibe, discover the next big thing, and be part of the conversation that shapes the future.

    Acknowledgement of Country

    Built on the banks of the Birrarung (Yarra River), Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) Acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Narrm, the Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung people of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to their Elders past and present, and to Elders of all First Nations communities that visit MCEC. We recognise the ongoing significance of the Birrarung to Traditional Owners as a life source and a meeting place for millennia and seek to honour this long-standing tradition of building community and exchanging ideas on these lands.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI: Athene Survey Finds Sandwich Generation’s Retirement Plans Affected by Intergenerational Caregiving

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WEST DES MOINES, Iowa , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — A new survey conducted by Athene of the Sandwich Generation, defined as people aged 40-59 who provide financial or caregiving support to both adult children and elderly relatives, found that nearly three quarters (73%) of respondents have adjusted their retirement goals to support their adult children or aging relatives, including:1

    • Delaying retirement (34%)
    • Using retirement assets to support their family (22%)
    • Not planning to retire at all (9%)

    “As the retirement age population in the U.S. grows, the Sandwich Generation represents the next wave in America’s retirement crisis, with potential long-term implications for individuals, families and the economy,” said Mike Downing, Athene Chief Operating Officer.

    Although the Sandwich Generation’s average age of expected retirement is 65, only 24% of respondents have a written retirement plan and 30% indicate they are concerned about having to rely on their children for financial support in retirement.

    “Many retirees don’t have the luxury of assuming that the traditional ‘three legs’ of the retirement stool – social security, savings and investments, and workplace pensions – will fully secure their retirement,” said Downing. “Early preparation has never been more important.”

    Among respondents who support older family members who have an income source, 83% say those family members depend on Social Security, which often doesn’t provide sufficient retirement income to cover a retiree’s full expenses. Only 14% have an annuity, which provides guaranteed income in retirement.

    Guaranteed Income Can Support Financial Confidence

    Among respondents who say they are not completely confident in their ability to provide support to family, approximately two-thirds (66%) say that increased income would improve their confidence, outweighing other factors including:

    • Increased savings and investments (43%)
    • Support from other family members (42%)
    • Lower debt (38%)

    Guaranteed income is one tool available through a financial professional that can help the Sandwich Generation manage the financial aspects of caregiving and plan for retirement. Importantly, respondents who had already incorporated guaranteed income into their financial strategies tended to have higher incomes, and reported more confidence, less stress and greater preparedness for retirement.

    “As Americans face the financial responsibility of supporting their families, strategies to diversify their sources of income in retirement are more critical than ever,” said Downing. “Understanding your options and creating a plan are the most effective steps to balance the dual responsibilities of supporting family and securing your retirement.”

    Significant Caregiving Impact on Women

    Athene’s survey found that caregiving for adult children and elderly relatives affected women in the Sandwich Generation disproportionately, with women surveyed reporting higher levels of financial strain than men (53% vs. 40%). Women were also less likely than men to proactively plan their finances across a number of measures, putting them at an additional disadvantage when preparing for retirement:

    • Seek advice from a financial professional (36% vs. 57%)
    • Have a written retirement plan (19% vs. 30%)
    • Discuss financial planning with elderly relatives (57% vs. 68%)

    Financial Professional Support Critical

    A trusted financial professional can help devise solutions. An overwhelming majority (90%) of respondents already working with a financial professional say that their relationship had a positive impact on their financial future.

    Although the majority of respondents (53%) say they are concerned about maintaining their standard of living in retirement, those respondents not currently working with a financial professional were more likely to be worried about not having enough assets to retire (47% vs. 30%).

    About Athene
    Athene is the leading retirement services company, with over $360 billion of total assets as of December 31, 2024, and operations in the United States, Bermuda, Canada, and Japan. Athene is focused on providing financial security to individuals by offering an attractive suite of retirement income and savings products and also serves as a solutions provider to corporations. For more information, please visit www.athene.com.

    Contact:
    Alyssa Castelli
    Director, External Relations
    +1 (646) 768-7304
    Alyssa.castelli@athene.com

    1 Athene contracted Harris Poll to survey 1,024 adults aged 40-59 who provide financial support to at least one adult child (aged 18 and out of high school) living in their home without significantly contributing to household expenses, and who provide financial or caregiving support to at least one elderly relative. The survey was conducted between January 2, 2025 and January 19, 2025.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Advocacy – Zero Waste Network Aotearoa responds to proposal to update Waste Minimisation Act

    Source: Zero Waste Network Aotearoa

    22 April 2025 – The Government announced its proposals for updating the Waste Minimisation Act and the Litter Act today. The proposals would combine these two Acts into one, extend producer responsibility and permit local government to use its share of the waste disposal levy on a wider range of activities unrelated to waste.

    “The Zero Waste Network Aotearoa has been advocating for the Waste Minimisation Act to be updated for many years. Most of the proposals outlined in the consultation documents are positive steps forward for our sector. We need these basic blocks in place so we can build more effective reuse and recycling systems.” says Zero Waste Network spokesperson Sue Coutts. “However some careful thinking needs to be done to find the right balance on the range of activities councils can spend their waste levy fund allocation on.”

    “We are especially pleased to see the focus on extending producer responsibility. The proposals will put a better framework in place for developing schemes to collect up products, like e-waste and textiles, and packaging, like drink bottles, cans and cartons so they can be reused and recycled.” says Sue Coutts.

    “Making producers responsible for covering the real costs to collect, sort and transport the products and packaging they put into the market will take the burden off ratepayers and councils. A better producer responsibility framework is the first step towards setting up effective and easy to use systems like a Container Deposit Return Scheme that would collect 85%+ of our empty drink bottles, cans and cartons and radically reduce litter.”

    “The Waste Levy is a critical tool which uses a charge on each tonne of rubbish to create a pool of capital to invest in building waste prevention and reduction infrastructure. This strategy only works if the pool of capital is ring fenced for waste minimisation and closely related activities. Otherwise, it will fail to address the very problem it exists to solve. “says Sue Coutts.

    “Expanding the range of activities that councils can spend their allocation on to cover  anything that could have an environmental benefit or reduce environmental harm sets the scope too wide. Diluting this fund creates a mismatch between the very high public expectations around waste minimisation and the actual capability of councils to deliver.”

    “It does make a lot of sense to remove the waste levy exclusion for waste-to-energy. Closing this loophole means landfill and waste-to-energy disposal options would both face the same cost structure which is a fairer way to approach it.” says Sue Coutts.

    “We encourage everyone who wants to prevent waste, litter and pollution and increase reuse, repair and recycling to have their say before this consultation closes on 1 June. Then the challenge for us all will be getting the best version of the updates through the house so we can get on with the practical work of putting real solutions to our waste problems in place.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fire Safety – Open fire season starts for Tāmaki Makaurau

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is moving Auckland City, Waitematā and Counties-Manukau Districts back to an open fire season from 8am on Wednesday 23 April, until further notice.
    An open fire season means people planning to light fires outdoors no longer need to apply to Fire and Emergency for authorised permits.
    The exceptions are the Hauraki Gulf Islands – populated islands will move to a restricted fire season, with permits needed from Fire and Emergency before lighting outdoor fires, and Department of Conservation islands remain in a prohibited fire season, with all outdoor fires banned.
    Te Hiku Region Manager Ron Devlin says a steady amount of rain across the Auckland region in the last few days and continued cooler forecasts have triggered the fire season changes.
    “The damper autumn conditions means there is now less of a fire risk throughout Tāmaki Makaurau,” he says.
    “However, we do still ask people to take care when lighting any fires, and to check the requirements for your location on checkitsalright.nz .
    “Make sure your fires are fully extinguished and keep checking for reignition in the following days and weeks.”
    Northland District changed to an open fire season last Friday. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Ranked First in Taiwan, Second in Macau and Fourth in Hong Kong in Top Grossing of Apple App Store

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea , April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, announced that GRAVITY Interactive, Inc., Gravity’s wholly-owned subsidiary, has officially launched Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) (“Ragnarok M: Classic”), an MMORPG Mobile game, in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on April 16, 2025 and the early success has been made, ranking among the top in launching markets.

    Ragnarok M: Classic was officially launched in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau on April 16, 2025, available for download on both Mobile and PC. It has made remarkable performance after its launch by ranking second in free download of Google Play in Taiwan and Macau, first in free download of Apple App Store in Taiwan and second in Hong Kong and Macau. It also ranked first in top grossing of Apple App Store in Taiwan, second in Macau and fourth in Hong Kong. Ragnarok M: Classic received explosive response from local users, recording over 100,000 downloads, prominently featured on both major app stores and ranked second in mobile game rankings on Bahamut, a well-known gaming community, generating significant buzz on its first day of launch.

    Gravity stated “We are pleased that Ragnarok M: Classic is achieving meaningful results in Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau following its successful launch in Southeast Asia. To celebrate the official launch, we are hosting a variety of events and we look forward to continued interest and participation from users.”.

    [Gravity Official Website]
    http://www.gravity.co.kr

    [Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Google Play Download Page]
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.gravityus.romzeny.aos

    [Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Apple App Store Download Page]
    https://apps.apple.com/us/app/ragnarok-m-classic/id6602882281

    [Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Official Website]
    https://classic.ragnaroketernallove.com/

    [Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Official Facebook Page]
    https://www.facebook.com/RagnarokMClassic/

    [Ragnarok M: Classic (Chinese title: RO仙境傳說：守護永恆的愛 Classic) Official Discord Community]

    https://discord.gg/romclassic

    About GRAVITY Co., Ltd. —————————————————

    Gravity is a developer and publisher of online and mobile games. Gravity’s principal product, Ragnarok Online, is a popular online game in many markets, including Japan and Taiwan, and is currently commercially offered in 91 regions. For more information about Gravity, please visit http://www.gravity.co.kr.

    Contact:

    Mr. Heung Gon Kim
    Chief Financial Officer
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: kheung@gravity.co.kr

    Ms. Jin Lee
    Ms. Yujin Oh
    IR Unit
    Gravity Co., Ltd.
    Email: ir@gravity.co.kr
    Telephone: +82-2-2132-7801

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: ‘Ne Zha 2’ signals turning point for Chinese cinema, industry leaders say

    Source: China State Council Information Office 3

    Filmmakers and distributors gathered at an industry forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival on April 19 to discuss the global success of “Ne Zha 2” and its implications for China’s growing influence in the worldwide box office.

    Catherine Ying, vice president of CMC Inc. and president of CMC Pictures, speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    “Ne Zha 2” represents a breakthrough moment not only for China’s domestic film industry but for global cinema as well, according to Catherine Ying, president of CMC Pictures, which distributed the animated blockbuster in North America, Australia and New Zealand.

    Ying reported enthusiastic receptions in all markets where the film was released, with positive responses from both international filmmakers and audiences.

    “This phenomenon demonstrated how a single film’s monumental success in one market could reaffirm cinema’s enduring power – proving films will never die but live on eternally in spirit,” she noted.

    Since debuting during this year’s Spring Festival, “Ne Zha 2” has earned more than $2.16 billion globally, with $2.1 billion from China and $20.93 million from North America. The film stands as 2025’s top-grossing release, the highest-earning Chinese film ever and the highest-grossing animated film of all time. It currently ranks fifth on the all-time worldwide box office chart.

    The executive said the release demonstrated that Chinese films require more robust promotion and distribution strategies to maximize success. Her team is now producing an English-dubbed version of “Ne Zha 2” for re-release, aiming to reach broader international viewers beyond Chinese diaspora communities.

    “The film’s universal themes and emotional resonance connect with global audiences while showcasing China’s highest standards of animation production,” Ying said. She added that her company would apply lessons from this distribution experience to develop more targeted promotion strategies for upcoming Chinese blockbusters like “Ne Zha 3” and “The Wandering Earth 3.”

    Filmmakers and distributors join a forum for exchanges at the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of the BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    Cedric Behrel, managing director of Trinity CineAsia, which distributed “Ne Zha 2” in Europe, said the film became the highest-grossing Chinese release in the region in two decades. He noted this milestone inspires both Chinese cinema and the global film industry, as the animated feature resonates deeply with international audiences, especially younger viewers. Behrel praised Chinese filmmakers for creating distinctive stories that transcend cultural barriers.

    Veteran filmmaker Huang Jianxin expressed his belief that “Ne Zha 2” is inherently a film made for the world rather than a Chinese movie adapted for international audiences. He explained that director Jiaozi utilized a universal coming-of-age story about Nezha to create a film with innate worldwide appeal.

    “This intrinsic global quality is why it succeeded internationally, not because we modified it to be understood across cultures,” Huang added.

    He acknowledged competitive pressures from video games, short-form videos and other entertainment alternatives that cater to fragmented leisure time, questioning whether traditional film runtimes can still deliver value that justifies audiences’ time investment.

    “This year marks 130 years of world cinema and 120 years of Chinese cinema,” Huang said. “Compared to art forms like music, dance, theater and painting with millennia of history, film is still an energetic child — one that will undoubtedly forge exciting new paths.”

    He noted that while the North American box office has plateaued at around $10 billion annually, representing its industrial scale, the extraordinary performance of “Ne Zha 2” demonstrates how a single film can “break the ceiling.”

    “But we can’t expect the ceiling to replace total scale,” Huang advised, urging peers to stay confident despite inevitable fluctuations. “China’s film industry will keep climbing.”

    Director Andrew Lau, whose new film “The Dumpling Queen” releases April 30, strongly agreed. He reflected on Hong Kong cinema’s cyclical ups and downs: “Through peaks and valleys, filmmakers persist. The market may shift, but we stand united in our craft. We must keep striving to find great stories worth bringing to the screen and trying something new.”

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring speaks at a forum during the 15th Beijing International Film Festival, April 19, 2025. [Photo courtesy of BJIFF Organizing Committee]

    IMAX China CEO Daniel Manwaring presented research showing that while only 32-38% of Western audiences prefer theaters, China leads globally at 78%. “Last year was slow, but this Spring Festival proved Chinese audiences still love the big screen,” he said, emphasizing filmmakers’ responsibility to keep drawing audiences to theaters.

    Manwaring said that IMAX will expand offerings like esports broadcasts to reach new demographics this year. Last year’s “League of Legends” World Championship screenings across 200 IMAX theaters in China attracted audiences who had largely abandoned cinemas, with data showing 80% hadn’t visited a cinema in five years. However, 90% said they planned to return.

    Lau noted that cinema continually elevates the viewing experience through technological advancements. “Many audiences still don’t fully understand formats like Dolby or IMAX,” he said. “We need to better promote these tech things — to show people that watching films on phones can’t compare to the theatrical experience.”

    Manwaring acknowledged the importance of theater technology but stressed that even the best marketing and presentation cannot save films with poor storytelling.

    “Years ago, people rushed projects out to make quick money or recoup costs quickly — I understood that but felt most directors and screenwriters lacked time to develop good stories,” he said.

    “Now the industry is changing, slowing down to prioritize quality, especially after seeing what patiently developed projects like “Ne Zha 2″ can achieve,” he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Reminder: Infoshare downtime tomorrow

    Reminder: Infoshare downtime tomorrow

    Kia ora,

    This is a friendly reminder that Infoshare will be undergoing a routine maintenance update starting tomorrow, Wednesday 23 April, and will be temporarily unavailable from 5pm to 6pm.

    We appreciate your patience during this time.

    Ngā mihi nui (kind regards)
    Stats NZ Tatatauranga Aotearoa

    Ends

    The Government Statistician authorises all statistics and data we publish.

    If you wish to change your details or unsubscribe please email subscriptions@stats.govt.nz.

    Thank you for using the Stats NZ subscription service.

    Publishing team
    +64 4 931 4600
    publishing@stats.govt.nz
    www.stats.govt.nz

    More information is available on the Stats NZ website at www.stats.govt.nz

     Follow us on Twitter

     Like us on Facebook  


    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Unemployment rate stays at 3.2%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The seasonally adjusted unemployment rate stood at 3.2% in the January to March period, same as that in December 2024 to February 2025, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.

     

    The underemployment rate remained at 1.1%.

     

    Total employment was 3,692,700, down 16,800 from December 2024 to February 2025, while the labour force also dropped 5,800 to 3,815,500.

     

    The number of unemployed people increased from 111,700 to 122,800. Meanwhile, the number of underemployed people increased from 40,700 to 42,700.

     

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun said the increasingly uncertain external environment due to escalated trade conflicts may weigh on hiring sentiment in some sectors.

     

    Nonetheless, the continued growth of the Mainland economy, supported by the central government’s boosting policies, alongside the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s various policy measures to continuously promote economic growth and support enterprises, are expected to provide support to labour demand, he added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Welfare cases drop 0.1% in March

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The overall Comprehensive Social Security Assistance caseload dropped by 194 cases to 195,581 in March, down 0.1% from February, the Social Welfare Department announced today.

    Ill-health cases fell by 0.3% month on month to 27,689. Permanent disability cases and single parent cases both decreased 0.2%, to 16,667 and 18,993 cases respectively.

    Old age cases and unemployment cases both dropped 0.1%, to 110,846 and 16,057 cases respectively.

    Meanwhile, low-earnings cases registered an increase of 0.1%, to reach 1,356 cases.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI cancels the licence of Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), vide order dated April 21, 2025, has cancelled the licence of “Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad”. Consequently, the bank ceases to carry on banking business, with effect from the close of business on April 22, 2025. The Registrar of Cooperative Societies, Maharashtra has also been requested to issue an order for winding up the bank and appoint a liquidator for the bank.

    The Reserve Bank cancelled the licence of the bank as:

    1. The bank does not have adequate capital and earning prospects. As such, it does not comply with the provisions of Section 11(1) and Section 22(3)(d) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;

    2. The bank has failed to comply with the requirements of Sections 22(3)(a), 22(3)(b), 22(3)(c), 22(3)(d) and 22(3)(e) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949;

    3. The continuance of the bank is prejudicial to the interests of its depositors;

    4. The bank with its present financial position would be unable to pay its present depositors in full; and

    5. Public interest would be adversely affected if the bank is allowed to carry on its banking business any further.

    2. Consequent to the cancellation of its licence, “Ajantha Urban Co-operative Bank Maryadit, Aurangabad” is prohibited from conducting the business of ‘banking’ which includes, among other things, acceptance of deposits and repayment of deposits as defined in Section 5(b) read with Section 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949 with immediate effect.

    3. On liquidation, every depositor would be entitled to receive deposit insurance claim amount of his/her deposits up to a monetary ceiling of ₹5,00,000/- (Rupees Five Lakh only) from Deposit Insurance and Credit Guarantee Corporation (DICGC) subject to the provisions of DICGC Act, 1961. As per the data submitted by the bank, 91.55% of the depositors are entitled to receive full amount of their deposits from DICGC. As on April 03, 2025, DICGC has already paid ₹275.22 crore of the total insured deposits under the provisions of Section 18A of the DICGC Act, 1961 based on the willingness received from the concerned depositors of the bank.

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/151

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Charges – Drug offences – Gapuwiyak

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    The Northern Territory Police Force has charged a 32-year-old male for drug offences in Gapuwiyak on 8 April 2025.

    Police conducted a lawful search at a residence in the community where they located and seized a commercial quantity of kava, drug paraphernalia and a quantity of cash.

    The 32-year-old male who is unlawfully in Australia, was arrested and subsequently charged with Supply kava – commercial quantity, Possess kava – commercial quantity, Possess property commission of offence and Resist police in execution of duty.

    He appeared in Darwin Local Court earlier this month and was remanded to re-appear in Darwin Local Court on 1 May 2025.

    Acting Superintendent Daniel Bell said “Local officers worked collaboratively with many community members and stakeholders to identify the offending and enable a swift response.

    “The supply of illicit substance in vulnerable remote communities has devastating effects. Police will continue to target those who seek to gain benefit from the supplying and selling of these substances and ensure that offenders are held to account.”

    Anyone with information on the supply of illicit substances into communities are urged to call police on 131 444 or make an anonymous report to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: Best Online Casinos in New Zealand: Top Real Money Casino Goes To 7Bit Casino, Rated by Experts!

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    WELLINGTON, New Zealand, April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 7Bit Casino ranks among the best online casinos in New Zealand for 2025 with its lightning-fast crypto payouts, 7,000+ games, and a generous welcome bonus of up to NZ$10,800 + 250 free spins. Kiwi players enjoy 24/7 live chat support, fair 40x wagering, and instant banking via Visa, Skrill, and top cryptos like BTC, ETH, and DOGE. With withdrawals in under 10 minutes and a sleek, mobile-friendly design, it’s a top real money casino choice for NZ players.

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    Joining 7Bit Casino, a standout among the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand, is simple. Follow these steps to start playing:

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    License Government of Curacao (No. 8048/JAZ2020-013)


    Our Favorite Overall Casino in New Zealand

    Among all the Best Online Casinos New Zealand reviewed, 7Bit Casino excels with its expansive game library, featuring the best online pokies, blackjack, roulette, and live dealer games. Its promotions, including reload bonuses, weekly cashbacks, and a 325% welcome bonus up to NZ$10,800 with 250 free spins, captivate Kiwi players.

    Licensed by the Government of Curacao, 7Bit ensures fairness and security, making it a trusted anonymous online casino.

    CLICK HERE TO GET 325% UP TO 5.25 BTC AND 250 FREE SPINS

    Benefits of 7Bit Casino:

    • 7,000+ games from top providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play.
    • Diverse payment options, including NZD and crypto.
    • Lucrative welcome bonus and ongoing promotions.

    Negatives of 7Bit Casino:

    • No dedicated mobile app (in development, expected Q3 2025).
    • High wagering requirements on some bonuses.

    Why 7Bit Casino Leads the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand?

    7Bit Casino’s dominance in the Best Online Casinos New Zealand stems from its commitment to quality, security, and player satisfaction. Its Curacao license ensures regulatory compliance, while SSL encryption and blockchain verification for crypto games provide transparency, making it the best no KYC casino in New Zealand.

    The 7Bit Casino’s frequent promotions, such as weekly cashback up to 20% and free spins on popular pokies, keep players engaged.

    Game Variety and Quality

    With over 7,000 games, 7Bit Casino offers something for every Kiwi player. From high-RTP pokies to immersive live dealer tables, the platform partners with industry leaders like Evolution Gaming and Betsoft to deliver top-tier gaming experiences. Its best online pokies include progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah, appealing to players chasing big wins.

    Game Category Popular Titles RTP Range
    Pokies Gates of Olympus, Buffalo King 92%–99%
    Table Games European Blackjack, French Roulette 97%–99.5%
    Live Dealer Crazy Time, Live Baccarat 95%–98%


    Mobile Gaming Experience

    7Bit Casino’s browser-based mobile platform is a hallmark of the Best Online Casinos New Zealand. Optimized for iOS and Android, it offers full access to games, banking, and support. A native app is in beta testing, with a Q3 2025 release planned, further enhancing its appeal as a new online casino.

    How We Choose the Top-Rated Casino Sites in New Zealand

    Our selection process for the Best Online Casinos New Zealand is rigorous, focusing on key criteria to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.

    The Selection Process: Defining Excellence in Online Gaming

    • Security First: The Foundation of Trust

    Security is non-negotiable for the Best Online Casinos New Zealand. 7Bit Casino’s Curacao license (No. 8048/JAZ2020-013) and 256-bit SSL encryption protect player data. Blockchain verification for crypto games ensures fairness, making it a leading anonymous online casino.

    • Rewards That Deliver

    Bonuses must be fair and achievable. 7Bit’s welcome package, NZ$10,800 and 250 free spins, has a 40x wagering requirement, lower than many competitors. Weekly promotions include:

    • Monday Reload Bonus: 25% match up to C$1,000 + 50 free spins (no code needed).
    • Wednesday Free Spins: Up to 100.
    • Easter Crypto Offer: 75 Free Spins
    • Pre-Release Offer: 35 Free Spins
    • Spring Elite Offer: 100 Free Spins
    • Weekly Cashback: Up to 20%
    • Friday Offer: 111 Free Spins
    • Weekend Offer: 99 Free Spins
    • Telegram Offer: 50 Free Spins
    • Telegram Friday Offer: 111 Free Spins
    • Telegram Sunday Offer: 66 Free Spins

    7Bit’s 7,000+ games include pokies, table games, and live dealer options from providers like NetEnt and Pragmatic Play. It’s provably fair crypto games appeal to players seeking transparency in the best no KYC casino space.

    • Mobile Gaming Perfected

    7Bit’s mobile platform ensures seamless gaming, with no compromise on quality or speed. The upcoming app will solidify its position among the Best Online Casinos in New Zealand.

    • Banking Without Limits

    7Bit offers 15+ payment methods, including Apple Pay and cryptocurrencies, with no fees and low minimum withdrawals. Crypto payouts in under 10 minutes make it a top pay ID casino.

    • Customer Support That Excels

    With a 97% resolution rate, 7Bit’s 24/7 support via live chat and email sets a benchmark for Best Online Casinos New Zealand. Responses are swift and professional.

    Payment Options

    Fast, secure payments are crucial for Best Online Casinos New Zealand. 7Bit supports a wide range of methods, ensuring flexibility for Kiwi players.

    Payment Method Deposit Time Withdrawal Time
    Visa Instant 3–5 days
    Mastercard Instant 3–5 days
    Skrill Instant Instant
    Neteller Instant Instant
    Paysafecard Instant Not available
    Bitcoin Instant <10 mins
    eZeeWallet Instant Not available
    Astropay Instant Instant
    Bitcoin Cash Instant <10 mins
    Ethereum Instant <10 mins


    Notes:

    • Crypto transactions are fee-free, ideal for best no KYC casino users.
    • POLi and Paysafecard are deposit-only, requiring alternative withdrawal methods.

    Customer Support

    Top-rated Best Online Casinos New Zealand require exceptional support. 7Bit offers 24/7 live chat (under 2-minute responses), email at support@7bit.com (replies within 4 hours), and a detailed FAQ section covering payments, bonuses, and account issues.

    The Most Popular Games at New Zealand Casino Sites

    The Best Online Casinos New Zealand cater to diverse preferences with high-quality games. 7Bit’s offerings include:

    VIEW THE BEST ONLINE CASINOS NEW ZEALAND WITH FREE SPINS & BONUS DEPOSITS

    Pokies are a cornerstone of Best Online Casinos New Zealand, with 7Bit featuring titles like Gates of Olympus, Buffalo King Megaways, and Blood Suckers (98% RTP). Progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah offer life-changing payouts.

    Blackjack combines strategy and luck, with variants like European Blackjack and Live Blackjack. House edge: 0.5%–1% with optimal strategy.

    European (2.7% house edge) and French Roulette (1.35% with La Partage) are preferable over American Roulette (5.26%) for better odds.

    Texas Hold’em, Omaha, and video poker like Jacks or Better offer house edges of 0.5%–2% with strategy, popular among Kiwi players.

    Craps delivers excitement with bets like Pass Line (1.41% house edge) or riskier Big 6/8 (9%).

    Baccarat’s simplicity shines, with Banker bets (1.06% house edge) being the optimal choice.

    • Live Dealer Games

    Powered by Evolution Gaming, live games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Crazy Time offer an authentic casino experience for Best Online Casinos New Zealand.

    • Specialty Games

    Keno, Slingo, and Scratch Cards provide casual fun with instant wins, appealing to players seeking variety.

    Exploring the Best Online Pokies at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s pokies library is a highlight of the Best Online Casinos New Zealand, with over 5,000 slots ranging from classic 3-reel games to modern video pokies. Popular titles include:

    • Starburst: High-RTP (96.09%) with vibrant graphics.
    • Mega Moolah: Progressive jackpot with multi-million NZD potential.
    • Johnny Cash: Themed pokie with free spins and multipliers.

    These games, powered by providers like Microgaming and Betsoft, ensure fairness and engaging gameplay, making 7Bit a go-to for best online pokies enthusiasts.

    Loyalty and VIP Programs

    7Bit Casino rewards loyal players with a comprehensive VIP program, a key feature of Best Online Casinos New Zealand. Players earn Comp Points (CPs) for every bet, which can be exchanged for bonuses or cash. The program includes:

    • 10 VIP Levels: From Newbie to Guru, each level unlocks better rewards.
    • Benefits: Higher cashback (up to 20%), exclusive bonuses, and faster withdrawals.
    • Personalized Offers: VIP managers provide tailored promotions for high rollers.

    Tournaments and Competitions

    7Bit hosts regular tournaments, adding excitement to the Best Online Casinos New Zealand. These include:

    • Weekly Slot Races: Compete for cash prizes and free spins.
    • Live Dealer Tournaments: Wager on live tables to climb leaderboards.
    • Crypto Challenges: Exclusive events for crypto users, offering BTC rewards.

    Tournaments are accessible to all players, with leaderboards updated in real-time, enhancing the competitive thrill of this new online casino.

    Responsible Gambling in New Zealand Casinos

    The Best Online Casinos New Zealand prioritize player well-being. 7Bit provides tools like deposit limits, session reminders, loss limits, and self-exclusion options. 7Bit also partners with organizations to promote safe gambling, ensuring a responsible gaming environment.

    Software Providers Powering 7Bit Casino

    7Bit’s game quality is driven by partnerships with leading software providers, a hallmark of Best Online Casinos New Zealand. Key providers include:

    • NetEnt: Known for high-RTP pokies like Starburst.
    • Microgaming: Offers progressive jackpots like Mega Moolah.
    • Evolution Gaming: Powers live dealer games with HD streams.
    • Betsoft: Delivers 3D slots with immersive themes.

    These providers ensure fair, engaging games with regular updates, keeping 7Bit at the forefront of the best no KYC casino market.

    Tips for Maximizing Your Experience at 7Bit Casino

    To get the most out of 7Bit Casino, a leader in Best Online Casinos New Zealand, consider these tips:

    1. Claim Bonuses Wisely: Start with the welcome bonus and check wagering requirements.
    2. Play High-RTP Games: Focus on pokies like Blood Suckers (98% RTP) for better returns.
    3. Use Crypto for Speed: Bitcoin and Ethereum offer the fastest withdrawals.
    4. Join Tournaments: Participate in slot races for extra rewards.
    5. Set Limits: Use responsible gambling tools to manage your budget.

    The Future of Online Gambling in New Zealand

    The Best Online Casinos in New Zealand are evolving with technology. Trends shaping the industry include:

    • Crypto Adoption: More casinos, like 7Bit, are embracing cryptocurrencies for anonymity and speed, reinforcing their status as the best no KYC casino platforms.
    • VR and AR Gaming: Virtual reality pokies and live dealer tables are emerging.
    • AI-Powered Support: Chatbots and personalized offers are enhancing player experiences.
    • Mobile-First Design: With 7Bit’s upcoming app, mobile gaming is set to dominate.

    7Bit is well-positioned to lead these trends, ensuring it remains a top new online casino in 2025 and beyond.

    Final Words About The Best Online Casinos New Zealand

    The Best Online Casinos New Zealand deliver thrilling, secure gaming, and 7Bit Casino leads with its 7,000+ games, rapid payouts, and crypto support. Its generous bonuses, VIP program, and upcoming mobile app make it the ultimate new online casino for Kiwi players. Explore 7Bit for the best online pokies and play responsibly!

    Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

    1. How do I verify if an online casino accepts NZ players and offers geo-targeted bonuses?
    Check the casino’s terms and conditions or promotions page; reputable sites often tailor welcome bonuses in NZD or include offers specifically for Kiwi players.

    2. What makes an online casino truly “NZ-friendly” beyond accepting NZD?
    Top NZ casinos offer local payment methods (like POLi or Interac), fast withdrawals, local customer support hours, and game libraries featuring pokies popular with Kiwi players.

    3. How can I tell if an online casino is rigged or fair in New Zealand?
    Look for a license from reputable regulators (e.g., MGA, Curacao) and independent auditing certificates from eCOGRA or iTech Labs. “Provably Fair” games add extra transparency.

    4. Are crypto casinos safe for NZ players, and what are the benefits?
    Yes, if licensed. Crypto casinos offer fast, anonymous withdrawals, no KYC in many cases, and exclusive bonuses. Just make sure to use a secure wallet and a verified platform.

    5. Do NZ online casinos offer VIP programs or loyalty schemes worth joining?
    Yes — many top casinos reward regular play with comp points, cashback, faster withdrawals, and personal account managers. Always compare VIP tiers and perks across sites.

    CLICK HERE TO REGISTER AT 7BIT CASINO & GET EXCITING BONUSES

    Email: Support@7bitCasino.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the 7Bit Casino. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Disclaimer and Affiliate Disclosure

    General Disclaimer
    This article is for informational and entertainment purposes only, not legal or financial advice. Content is based on research and public information as of April 2025. No warranties are made regarding accuracy. Users must verify information before acting.

    Casino and Gambling Disclaimer
    Online gambling carries financial risks and is not suitable for all. Ensure you’re of legal gambling age in New Zealand. Gambling laws vary, and it’s your responsibility to comply. We don’t promote gambling; participation is at your risk. 7Bit Casino is a third-party platform, and we’re not liable for losses or issues.

    Affiliate Disclosure
    This article may contain affiliate links, earning us a commission at no cost to you. Our reviews remain unbiased, recommending only valuable Best Online Casinos New Zealand.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bea2fdb2-713f-4dd8-8c6a-9388de5cd240

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Best No KYC Casinos 2025: 7Bit Casino Rated as the Top Instant Withdrawal Casino with No Verification

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    RENO, Nev., April 22, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In light of that, our team set out to find the best no KYC casinos available to players in 2025, digging through dozens of crypto-friendly platforms. After extensive research and testing, one casino clearly stood out – 7Bit Casino.

    With its commitment to player anonymity, ultra-fast crypto payouts, and massive game selection, 7Bit Casino passed every benchmark and proved to be the best no KYC casino of 2025.

    Why 7Bit Stands Out

    7Bit Casino appears to excel among the best no KYC casinos due to its vast game library, anonymous crypto transactions, and generous bonuses. It’s likely ideal for players seeking privacy without sacrificing variety or security.

    How to Get Started

    Visit the 7Bit Casino website, sign up, deposit using crypto or fiat, and claim a 325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins.

    >>CLICK HERE TO JOIN 7BIT CASINO & GET 325% WELCOME BONUS UP TO 5.25 BTC PLUS 250 FREE SPINS<<

    Game Highlights

    Popular games like Mega Moolah, live blackjack, and Texas Hold’em seem to cater to all preferences, making it a top anonymous online casino.

    VIP Program and Loyalty Rewards

    7Bit Casino offers a robust VIP program designed to reward loyal players with exclusive perks. The program is tier-based, with levels ranging from Newbie to Hero. As players wager real money, they earn Comp Points (CPs) at a rate of 0.0042 BTC per point, which can be exchanged for bonus cash. Higher tiers unlock benefits like:

    • Increased Cashback: Up to 20% with reduced wagering requirements (as low as 1x for top tiers).
    • Exclusive Bonuses: Personalized offers, including free spins and deposit matches.
    • Dedicated Account Managers: Priority support for high-level VIPs.
    • Faster Withdrawals: Expedited processing for crypto transactions.

    The VIP program enhances the appeal of 7Bit Casino as a top no KYC casino, rewarding consistent play with tangible benefits.

    Payment Options

    Crypto (Bitcoin, Ethereum) offers anonymity; fiat options like Pay ID ensure fast transactions, positioning 7Bit as a leading Pay ID casino.

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    In this detailed review, we’ll explore why 7Bit Casino is among the best no KYC casinos in 2025. We’ll cover its key features, pros and cons, how to join, our selection criteria, popular games, payment methods, responsible gambling practices, and why it’s a top anonymous online casino.

    A Closer Look at the Best No KYC Casino: 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino, operating for over a decade, holds a license from the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring a secure and fair gaming environment. As one of the best no KYC casinos, it allows players to enjoy games without identity verification, appealing to those who value privacy. Its support for cryptocurrencies and minimal registration requirements make it a leading anonymous online casino.

    With a robust mobile platform and a vast game library, 7Bit Casino caters to both casual and seasoned players. With the rising popularity of online gaming platforms prioritizing privacy, no KYC casinos have seen a surge in demand. Among these, 7Bit Casino stands out as a top contender in 2025, offering anonymous play, cryptocurrency payments, and a vast selection of over 10,000 games.

    Our team researched numerous best no KYC casinos, and 7Bit Casino consistently ranked high due to its focus on player privacy, fast transactions, and diverse gaming options. Whether you’re spinning slots, playing live dealer games, or enjoying table games like blackjack and roulette, 7Bit Casino delivers an unmatched experience as a no id verification casino.

    Why 7Bit Casino is Our Favorite No KYC Casino

    7Bit Casino tops our list of best no KYC casinos for several reasons. Its welcome bonus is among the most generous, offering a 325% match up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins across four deposits:

    • First Deposit: 100% match up to 1.5 BTC + 100 free spins.
    • Second Deposit: 75% match up to 1.25 BTC + 100 free spins.
    • Third Deposit: 50% match up to 1.5 BTC.
    • Fourth Deposit: 100% match up to 1 BTC + 50 free spins.

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    Beyond the welcome offer, 7Bit Casino provides ongoing promotions like weekly cashback, daily free spins, and seasonal offers, enhancing the player experience. Its game library, with over 10,000 titles, includes slots, table games, and live dealer options, ensuring variety for all preferences. The casino’s seamless payment options, including crypto and pay ID casino features, add convenience, while 24/7 customer support ensures prompt assistance.

    Pros and Cons of 7Bit Casino

    Pros Cons
    Over 10,000 games, including slots, table games, and live dealer options. High wagering requirements on bonuses.
    Anonymous play with cryptocurrency payments, no KYC required. Mixed customer support reviews.
    Fast withdrawals via crypto and Pay ID.  
    Generous welcome bonus and frequent promotions.  
    24/7 customer support via email and live chat.  

    Despite minor drawbacks, 7Bit Casino remains a top choice among the best no KYC casinos.

    How To Join 7Bit Casino

    Joining 7Bit Casino, a leading no ID verification casino, is simple:

    1. Visit 7Bit Casino: Go to the official website.
    2. Create an Account: Click “Sign Up,” enter your email, choose a currency, and set a username and password.
    3. Make Your First Deposit: Navigate to the cashier, select a payment method (crypto or fiat), and deposit the minimum amount to activate the welcome bonus.
    4. Claim the Welcome Bonus: The bonus is automatically credited after your deposit, no promo code needed.
    5. Start Playing: Explore the game library and enjoy real-money gaming.

    This streamlined process makes 7Bit Casino ideal for new online casino players seeking a no ID verification casino.

    How We Selected the Best No KYC Casino

    We evaluated the best no KYC casinos based on strict criteria to ensure a safe, rewarding experience:

    • License and Security: Must be licensed by a reputable authority.
    • Bonuses and Promotions: Generous offers for new and existing players.
    • Casino Games: Diverse selection catering to all preferences.
    • Casino Game Providers: Partnerships with top developers for quality games.
    • Banking Methods: Flexible options, especially cryptocurrencies.
    • Customer Support: 24/7 availability for prompt assistance.

    7Bit Casino excels in these areas, making it the best no-KYC casino.

    License and Security

    7Bit Casino is licensed by the Curacao eGaming Commission, ensuring fairness and security. It uses SSL encryption to protect player data, reinforcing its status as a trusted anonymous online casino (Curacao eGaming).

    Bonuses and Promotions

    7Bit Casino offers a 325% welcome bonus up to 5.25 BTC plus 250 free spins, alongside regular promotions:

    • Weekly Cashback: Up to 20% on losses.
    • Monday Offer: 25% up to 6.5 mBTC + 50 free spins.
    • Wednesday Offer: Up to 100 free spins on Snoop Dogg Dollars.
    • Friday Offer: 111 free spins for a 0.52 mBTC deposit.
    • Weekend Offer: 99 free spins on 7Bit CasinoMillion.
    • Telegram Bonuses: Exclusive free spins via the Telegram channel.

    These offers make 7Bit Casino a favorite among the best no KYC casinos.

    Casino Games

    With over 10,000 games, 7Bit Casino offers slots, table games, live dealer games, and instant wins from providers like NetEnt and Microgaming, ensuring high-quality gameplay.

    Casino Game Providers

    7Bit Casino partners with over 100 providers, including NetEnt, Microgaming, BGaming, Platipus, 3 Oaks, and 1spin4win, delivering a diverse, high-quality game library (7Bit Casino Providers).

    Banking Methods

    7Bit Casino supports cryptocurrencies (Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, Dogecoin) for anonymous transactions and fiat options (VISA, Mastercard, Skrill, Neosurf, Paysafe Card). The pay ID casino feature ensures fast transactions for Australians.

    Customer Support

    7Bit Casino provides 24/7 support via email (support@7bitcasino.com) and live chat. While most players report positive experiences, some note occasional delays (Trustpilot Reviews).

    Best No KYC Casino Games

    7Bit Casino’s game library, with over 10,000 titles, is a key reason it’s among the best no KYC casinos. It offers slots, table games, live dealer games, and instant wins.

    1.   Online Slots

    Slots dominate 7Bit Casino’s offerings, with thousands of titles:

    • Mega Moolah: A progressive jackpot slot with an African safari theme, known for life-changing wins (Mega Moolah Review).
    • Johnny Cash: A Wild West-themed slot with stacked wilds and free spins.
    • Raging Lion: Features a lion theme with frequent payouts and multipliers.
    • Starburst: Vibrant gems and expanding wilds for simple, exciting gameplay.
    • Book of Dead: Egyptian-themed with high volatility and big win potential.
    • Gonzo’s Quest: Avalanche reels and free falls in a quest for El Dorado.
    • Immortal Romance: Vampire-themed with multiple bonus features.
    • Thunderstruck II: Norse mythology slot with progressive jackpots.

    2.   Live Dealer Games

    7Bit Casino offers over 100 live dealer games, streamed in real-time:

    • Live Roulette: American, European, French, and Lightning Roulette variants.
    • Live Blackjack: Classic, multi-hand, and high-roller tables.
    • Live Baccarat: Squeeze and speed baccarat options.
    • Live Poker: Texas Hold’em and Three Card Poker.

    3.   Poker

    Poker options include:

    • Texas Hold’em: Popular for strategic gameplay.
    • Omaha: Fast-paced with complex strategy.
    • Caribbean Stud: Casino-style with progressive jackpots.

    4.   Roulette

    Over 113 roulette variants:

    • European Roulette: Single zero for better odds.
    • American Roulette: Double zero for added excitement.
    • French Roulette: La Partage rule for lower house edge.
    • Multi-Wheel Roulette: Multiple wheels for increased action.

    5.   Blackjack

    162 blackjack variants:

    • Single Deck Blackjack: Simple rules for strategic play.
    • Atlantic City Blackjack: Multi-hand option.
    • European Blackjack Gold Series: Enhanced graphics and gameplay.

    6.   Other Popular Games

    Instant win games include:

    • Aviator: Crash game with high multipliers.
    • JetX: Cash out before the jet crashes.
    • Smash: Smash objects to reveal prizes.
    • Plinko: Arcade-style with prize drops.

    Tournaments and Competitive Play

    7Bit Casino hosts engaging tournaments that add excitement to the gaming experience. Key events include:

    • Weekly Slots Race: A 7-day competition with a prize pool of up to 5 BTC. Players earn points based on bets and wins, with the top 150 leaderboard positions receiving rewards.
    • Daily Drop Tournaments: 24-hour events with smaller prize pools (0.5–1 BTC), focusing on specific providers or themes, ideal for quick competitions.
    • Seasonal Events: Special tournaments tied to holidays or new game releases, offering free spins, cash prizes, and exclusive rewards.

    These tournaments make 7Bit Casino a dynamic, anonymous online casino, fostering a competitive yet rewarding environment.

    Best No KYC Casino Payment Methods

    7Bit Casino excels in payment flexibility, a hallmark of the best no KYC casinos.

    Cryptocurrency Payments

    Cryptocurrencies ensure anonymity:

    Cryptocurrency Features
    Bitcoin (BTC) Secure, fast transactions.
    Ethereum (ETH) Low fees, quick processing.
    Litecoin (LTC) Lightweight, fast withdrawals.
    Dogecoin (DOGE) Affordable for casual players.

    Crypto payments are processed within 24 hours, ideal for anonymous online casino players.

    Fiat Methods

    Fiat options include:

    Fiat Currency Features
    VISA/Mastercard Easy deposits may require verification
    Neosurf Prepaid card for anonymity.
    Skrill/Neteller Fast e-wallet transactions
    Bank Transfer Slower, secure for large withdrawals.
    Paysafe Card Secure prepaid vouchers

    The pay ID casino feature ensures quick transactions for Australians.

    Responsible Gambling Tools in Depth

    Beyond standard responsible gambling tools, 7Bit Casino provides advanced features to promote safe play:

    • Self-Exclusion Options: Players can request temporary or permanent account suspension.
    • Reality Checks: Customizable pop-up reminders to track gaming time.
    • Loss and Wager Limits: Adjustable caps to control spending and betting.

    These tools align with industry standards, ensuring 7Bit Casino remains a responsible pay id casino for players prioritizing safety.

    Why 7Bit Casino Excels for Anonymous Play

    7Bit Casino is the best no KYC casino due to its focus on privacy. No KYC requirements allow instant play, while cryptocurrency payments ensure anonymity. SSL encryption protects data, balancing privacy with security. This makes 7Bit Casino ideal for players prioritizing discretion without compromising quality.

    Mobile Gaming at 7Bit Casino

    7Bit Casino offers a seamless mobile experience on iOS and Android, accessible via browsers. The mobile platform mirrors the desktop version, with over 10,000 games optimized for touchscreens, ensuring players enjoy the best no KYC casino experience on the go.

    Player Feedback and Reputation

    Recent player reviews highlight 7Bit Casino’s strengths and areas for improvement. Positive feedback emphasizes the vast game selection, fast crypto withdrawals, and generous bonuses. For instance, a player reported a 244.4x win on Wolf of 7bit Street, showcasing the platform’s potential for big payouts. However, some users note occasional delays in fiat withdrawals and high wagering requirements (35x–40x). Despite these, 7Bit maintains a 4-star Trustpilot rating based on over 1,169 reviews, reflecting its reliability as a best no KYC casino.

    Common Inquiries

    1.   Does 7Bit Casino ever require KYC?

    Ans: Generally, no for crypto users, but KYC may be requested for suspicious activity or large fiat transactions.

    2.   How fast are crypto withdrawals, and are there fees?

    Ans: Withdrawals are usually processed within minutes to a few hours. 7Bit charges no fees, but blockchain network fees apply.

    3.   Are there provably fair games at 7Bit Casino?

    Ans: Yes, mainly in the “BTC Games” section, offering verifiable fairness using cryptographic algorithms.

    4.   Can I get rewards without KYC?

    Ans: Yes, VIP perks, cashback, and bonuses are available without ID verification for crypto users.

    5.   Is 7Bit Casino licensed and secure?

    Ans: Yes, it’s licensed in Curacao, uses SSL, supports 2FA, and stores crypto in secure cold wallets.

    7Bit Casino Conclusion: The Best No KYC Casino

    7Bit Casino is among the best no KYC casinos in 2025, offering privacy, over 10,000 games, generous bonuses, and flexible payments. Fast crypto withdrawals, a robust mobile platform, and 24/7 support make it a top anonymous online casino. Ultimately, 7Bit Casino is a standout best no KYC casino for its ability to combine privacy, security, and an expansive gaming ecosystem.

    Whether you’re chasing progressive jackpots, engaging in live dealer action, or enjoying instant-win games, 7Bit delivers a thrilling, player-centric experience. Its focus on responsible gambling, with tools like deposit limits and self-exclusion, ensures a safe environment, while its forward-thinking approach positions it as a leader in the evolving online gaming landscape. For anyone seeking a secure, private, and exhilarating gaming journey in 2025, 7Bit Casino is the definitive choice.

    Email: Support@7bitCasino.com

    Disclaimer: This press release is provided by the 7Bit Casino. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.

    Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.

    Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility.

    Legal Disclaimer

    This content is for informational purposes only. Ensure compliance with local gambling laws.

    Affiliate Disclosure

    Some links may be affiliate links, earning a commission at no cost to you. Recommendations are based on objective evaluation.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/660f7dac-9451-4cd3-a355-273dbc4f1538

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fernanda Peñaloza, Senior Lecturer in Latin American Studies, University of Sydney

    Pope Francis’ journey from the streets of Flores, a neighbourhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to the Vatican, is a remarkable tale.

    Born in 1936, Jorge Bergoglio was raised in a middle-class family of Italian Catholic immigrants.

    Bergoglio defied his mother’s wish for him to become a medical doctor and chose instead to pursue priesthood, a calling he felt during confession. The young man joined the Jesuits in the 1950s, attracted to the order’s vow of poverty and its ethos of serving others and living simply.

    He became a priest in 1969, Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and took on the papacy in 2013. As Pope Francis, his dedication to social justice was deeply rooted in the Latin American context.

    The region’s history of inequality, poverty and political upheaval greatly influenced his perspective.

    The young Argentinian priest

    Bergoglio, a devoted supporter of the San Lorenzo soccer team, was also a confident tango dancer, mate drinker, and an unconditional admirer of his compatriot, Jorge Luis Borges, one of the most influential writers of the 20th century.

    In 1965, the two men collaborated on the publication of short stories written by Bergoglio’s literature students. The students had been inspired by a seminar led by Borges, organised by the young priest.

    Borges thought highly of Bergoglio, finding him charming and intelligent. For Borges, Bergoglio was a Jesuit through and through, noting the clerics of that order had been historically transgressive as well as possessors of a good sense of humour.

    While Borges never saw him transformed into Pope Francis, his observations somehow fit with the respect Bergoglio earned as a global leader.

    Theology of the people

    As Archbishop of Buenos Aires, he lived modestly, often taking public transport and dedicating himself to the poor and disenfranchised. He personally attended the needs of underprivileged neighbourhoods known as villas miseria (literally “misery towns”) in Argentine Spanish.

    He was a vocal opponent to economic inequality. During the 2001 Argentine economic crisis he advocated for the rights and dignity of impoverished citizens.

    Pope Francis hails from a region deeply influenced by the progressive movements of Catholic priests and nuns, who were significantly inspired by liberation theology during the 1960s in Latin America.

    Liberation theology developed in Latin America during the latter part of the 20th century, as a reaction to significant political and theological transformations in the area. It believed in political liberation for the oppressed, inspired by the Cuban Revolution and Second Vatican Council by Pope John XXIII, both in 1959.

    While Francis did not fully subscribe to the tenets of liberation theology, much of his dedication to social justice aligns with its ideals. Pope Francis’ social awareness was deeply shaped by the “theology of the people”.

    Distinct to Argentina, and emerging in the 1960s, the theology of the people shared liberation theology’s focus on social justice, but is devoid of Marxist ideology, and emphasises the dignity and agency of the marginalised and the impoverished.

    During Argentina’s dictatorial regime from 1976–83, Bergoglio led the Jesuits. But he did not adopt the highly dangerous stance of full opposition typical among liberation theologians elsewhere in Argentina and other parts of Latin America.

    Commenting on Latin American affairs

    In his early years as the Pope, he resonated with progressive Catholics across Latin America, because of his grounding in Argentinian theology and his focus on social justice. But in recent years, his popularity in some Latin American countries declined.

    In Argentina, this dip in enthusiasm is partly attributed to his decision not to visit, despite travelling to neighbouring nations.

    More profoundly, the decline likely stems from his fixed stance against contentious issues such as same-sex marriage and abortion. To the disappointment of many Argentines and other Latin American citizens, he refused to compromise.

    Throughout his papacy, Pope Francis received all Argentine presidents – even those who were previously critical of him, such as Cristina Fernández de Kirchner.

    He maintained a strong connection to his Buenos Aires roots and remained engaged with Argentina’s social and political landscape, often commenting on situations that provoke strong reactions from politicians.

    He was a critic of policies instituted by the current President of Argentina, Javier Milei, particularly Milei’s libertarian model of economy and the government’s brutal response to public dissent and opposition. In September 2024, the Pope famously said:

    the government put its foot down: instead of paying for social justice, it paid for pepper spray.

    An alternative model of leadership

    By reflecting on how Pope Francis’ theology is rooted in the Argentina he grew up in, we can better understand his actions as Pope.

    He made significant contributions in the Latin American region. He played a mediating role between the United States and Cuba, supported the peace process in Colombia, and highlighted the environmental devastation caused by mining companies in the Amazon.

    He publicly apologised to Indigenous peoples of Latin America for the Church’s historical complicity with colonialism, and acknowledged his inaction allowed the Chilean clergy to overlook sexual abuse cases.

    He appointed clergymen from non-European countries, enhancing representation from Asia, Africa and Latin America and increased the participation of women within the Church’s leadership structures.

    His landmark encyclical, Laudato Si’, underscored the moral imperative to address climate change, inspiring accolades from global leaders. His critique of Israel and the conflict in Gaza underscored his consistent opposition to war and advocacy for peace.

    Despite existing tensions and contradictions within his papacy – particularly regarding the Church’s stance on LGBTQIA+ issues and women’s rights – Pope Francis’s approach to global issues remained steadfast and aligned with his core values, and the Buenos Aires he came of age in.

    Francis’s leadership is a product of his upbringing and a catalyst for regional and global dialogue on social justice.

    The profound influence of the Latin American region on him is well captured by long time friend, Uruguayan lawyer and activist, Guzman Carriquiry who described the Pope as:

    Priest, and profoundly priest; Jesuit and profoundly Jesuit; Latin American, and profoundly Latin American.

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

    – ref. To truly understand Pope Francis’ theology – and impact – you need to look to his life in Buenos Aires – https://theconversation.com/to-truly-understand-pope-francis-theology-and-impact-you-need-to-look-to-his-life-in-buenos-aires-255003

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World – Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay” exhibition at HKMoA extended to May 14 (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    “The Hong Kong Jockey Club Series: Cézanne and Renoir Looking at the World – Masterpieces from the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay” exhibition at HKMoA extended to May 14  
    Renoir’s use of colour, light and shadow in his works played a pivotal role in the development of Impressionism. Cézanne’s art theory, meanwhile, laid the groundwork for the development of various art styles in the 20th century, unveiling a new era in modern art. Hong Kong is the first stop on the Asia tour of the exhibition, featuring 52 iconic works from the renowned Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay, 51 of which are debuting in Hong Kong, including still life paintings with fruits and flowers, landscapes, portraits, and paintings of bathers. The exhibits serve as a testament to the remarkable artistic achievements of Cézanne and Renoir, highlighting the intersections in their careers.
    　
    Highlight exhibits include Cézanne’s “Apples and Biscuits”, “Still Life with Soup Tureen” and “Landscape with Red Roof (The Pine at l’Estaque)” and Renoir’s “Claude Renoir in Clown Costume”, “Nude in a Landscape” and “Bouquet in a Theatre Box”. The exhibition also showcases two invaluable artworks, “Large Still Life” and “Large Nude with Drapery”, from Spanish artist Pablo Picasso to demonstrate how the innovations of the two Impressionists inspired the next generation of great masters.
    　
    The HKMoA has created an education corner that mimics a French train platform, inviting visitors to board a time-travel train and immerse themselves in the creative worlds of Cézanne and Renoir. The Hong Kong version of this exhibition also features specially designed simulated conversations between the two masters, footprint maps, and more. These elements highlight the fascinating lives and enduring friendship of these two iconic artists.
     
    The HKMoA has also invited two Hong Kong artists, Trevor Yeung and Lai Kwan-ting, to draw inspiration from the works of the two art masters and create their own new art. In “Garden Cruising: Bathers and Watchers”, an art installation with photographic works and large soft sculptures, Yeung explores the idea of the gaze associated with the depiction of nudity in the bathers painting series by Cézanne. Inspired by the still life works and portraits of the two French masters, Lai Kwan-ting’s installation work, “Everyday Whispers”, creates figure and landscape paintings with contemporary Chinese ink painting that capture fleeting moments in daily life, reinterpreting the styles of the two masters from a 21st-century perspective.
     
    The exhibition is being staged at the Special Gallery on the second floor of the HKMoA (10 Salisbury Road, Tsim Sha Tsui, Kowloon). The admission fees for this exhibition are $50 for standard tickets, $35 for group tickets (groups of 20 persons or more) and $25 for full-time students, people with disabilities (and one accompanying minder), senior citizens aged 60 or above and Comprehensive Social Security Assistance recipients. Tickets for the exhibition are available up to seven days in advance at all URBTIX outlets and self-service ticketing kiosks at the HKMoA or other designated locations (www.urbtix.hk/kiosk 
    The exhibition is solely sponsored by the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, presented by the LCSD, and jointly organised by the HKMoA, the Musée de l’Orangerie and the Musée d’Orsay. For details of the exhibition, please visit the website at     hk.art.museum/en/web/ma/exhibitions-and-events/cezanne-and-renoir-looking-at-the-world.html 
    Issued at HKT 15:30

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Indian Standards announces 500 internships for students from MoU partner institutions

    Source: Government of India

    Bureau of Indian Standards announces 500 internships for students from MoU partner institutions

    Internship programme to promote standardisation awareness and practical engagement in industries

    Convention marks renewed commitment to embed quality and standards culture in Indian academia

    Posted On: 22 APR 2025 12:51PM by PIB Delhi

    The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS), the National Standards Body under the Government of India, announced internship opportunities for 500 students from its partner institutions in the field of standardisation. The announcement was made at the Annual Convention of BIS Standardisation Chairs and Nodal Faculty of MoU Partner Institutions, held recently.

    The internships will be offered to students enrolled in 4-year degree courses, 5-year integrated degree courses, postgraduate degrees, and diploma programmes. The 8-week internship will include pre-standardisation work in two key industries, QCO (Quality Control Order) compliance surveys in collaboration with BIS offices, and site visits to large-scale units, MSMEs and laboratories. Students will undertake detailed studies on manufacturing and testing processes, raw materials, in-process controls, and other aspects of product quality and conformity assessment.

    Key achievements of the BIS-Academia interface include:

    • Standardisation modules have been incorporated into the curriculum of 15 institutes.
    • More than 130 research and development projects have been commissioned.
    • Over 50 institutions have established BIS Corners and Academic Dashboards.
    • A total of 198 Standards Clubs have been formed across 52 institutes.
    • More than 3,400 students from 74 institutes participated in national quizzes.
    • 500 student internships are planned for the 2025-26 academic year.

    Director General, BIS, Shri Pramod Kumar Tiwari in his inaugural address, said, that this partnership is a shared national mission to embed a culture of quality and standardisation across academia. Deputy Director General (Standardisation), BIS, Shri Rajeev Sharma encouraged institutions to foster action-oriented collaborations and contribute actively to the country’s quality ecosystem.

    The convention hosted technical sessions on curriculum integration, standards formulation, student engagement through Standards Clubs, and other promotional activities. In an open house discussion, partner institutions shared best practices and innovative models for academic collaboration.

    The event concluded with a collective resolve to strengthen the culture of standardisation across Indian academia, empowering students and faculty to meaningfully engage with national and global quality systems.

    Representatives from 58 partner institutes participated in the convention. Five institutions— IIT Roorkee, SSEC Chennai, NIT Jalandhar, SVCE Chennai, and PSNACET Dindigul—were felicitated for their exceptional performance in BIS-related activities as per the MoU.

    ***

    Abhishekh Dayal/ Nihi Sharma/ Ishita Biswas

    (Release ID: 2123394) Visitor Counter : 68

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –