NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia Pacific

  • MIL-OSI: KE Holdings Inc. to Hold Annual General Meeting on June 13, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — KE Holdings Inc. (“Beike” or the “Company”) (NYSE: BEKE; HKEX: 2423), a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services, today announced that it will hold an annual general meeting of the Company’s shareholders (the “AGM”) at 10:00 a.m. Beijing time on Friday, June 13, 2025 at Oriental Electronic Technology Building, No. 2 Chuangye Road, Haidian District, Beijing, PRC, for the purposes of considering and, if thought fit, passing each of the Proposed Resolutions as defined and set forth in the notice of the AGM (the “AGM Notice”). A circular of the Company dated April 17, 2025 in relation to the AGM, the AGM Notice and the form of proxy for the AGM are available on the Company’s website at https://investors.ke.com/. The board of directors of the Company fully supports the Proposed Resolutions and recommends that shareholders and holders of American depositary shares (“ADSs”) of the Company vote in favor of the Proposed Resolutions.

    Holders of record of the Company’s ordinary shares as of the close of business on May 13, 2025, Hong Kong time, are entitled to receive notice of, and to attend and vote at, the AGM or any adjournment or postponement thereof. Holders of record of ADSs as of the close of business on May 13, 2025, New York time, who wish to exercise their voting rights for the underlying Class A ordinary shares must give voting instructions to The Bank of New York Mellon, the depositary of the ADSs, if the ADSs are held by holders on the books and records of the depositary, or indirectly through a bank, brokerage or other securities intermediary, if the ADSs are held by any of them on behalf of holders of the ADSs.

    The Company has filed its annual report on Form 20-F, including its audited financial statements, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2024, with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). The Company’s annual report on Form 20-F can be accessed on the Company’s website at https://investors.ke.com/ and on the SEC’s website at http://www.sec.gov.

    About KE Holdings Inc.

    KE Holdings Inc. is a leading integrated online and offline platform for housing transactions and services. The Company is a pioneer in building infrastructure and standards to reinvent how service providers and customers efficiently navigate and complete housing transactions and services in China, ranging from existing and new home sales, home rentals, to home renovation and furnishing, and other services. The Company owns and operates Lianjia, China’s leading real estate brokerage brand and an integral part of its Beike platform. With more than 23 years of operating experience through Lianjia since its inception in 2001, the Company believes the success and proven track record of Lianjia pave the way for it to build its infrastructure and standards and drive the rapid and sustainable growth of Beike.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains statements that may constitute “forward-looking” statements pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “aims,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “likely to,” and similar statements. Beike may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the SEC and The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (the “Hong Kong Stock Exchange”), in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including statements about KE Holdings Inc.’s beliefs, plans, and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Beike’s goals and strategies; Beike’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; expected changes in the Company’s revenues, costs or expenditures; Beike’s ability to empower services and facilitate transactions on Beike platform; competition in the industry in which Beike operates; relevant government policies and regulations relating to the industry; Beike’s ability to protect the Company’s systems and infrastructures from cyber-attacks; Beike’s dependence on the integrity of brokerage brands, stores and agents on the Company’s platform; general economic and business conditions in China and globally; and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in KE Holdings Inc.’s filings with the SEC and the Hong Kong Stock Exchange. All information provided in this press release is as of the date of this press release, and KE Holdings Inc. does not undertake any obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required under applicable law.

    For more information, please visit: https://investors.ke.com.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    KE Holdings Inc.
    Investor Relations
    Siting Li
    E-mail: ir@ke.com 

    Piacente Financial Communications
    Jenny Cai
    Tel: +86-10-6508-0677
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com 

    In the United States:
    Piacente Financial Communications
    Brandi Piacente
    Tel: +1-212-481-2050
    E-mail: ke@tpg-ir.com

    Source: KE Holdings Inc. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Fragmentation and Block Formation: How the Global Economy is Changing

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Within the framework XXV Yasinsky (April) International Scientific Conference The former head of the Bank of Russia, professor of the Department of Finance and Credit of the Faculty of Economics of Moscow State University, Sergei Dubinin, gave an honorary report. He spoke about the transformation of the global monetary and financial system and the Russian economy.

    As Sergey Dubinin noted, one of the main trends that became noticeable after the pandemic and is observed now is the fragmentation of the global world economy. “This fragmentation today constitutes some stage, a phase of globalization. It was initially understood as deglobalization, complete collapse, but it quickly became clear that the situation is not quite like that,” the speaker noted. Fragmentation leads to a slowdown in international trade, and to an increase in barriers to the movement of goods, services, labor, and restrictions on the spread of technology. These trends are causing concern among many experts.

    Fragmentation is very noticeable in the relations between countries. Blocks are being created that are oriented towards the US and China. There are also so-called neutral states, intermediary countries. For example, India or Mexico, they “want to be intermediaries in both trade and financial transactions,” says Sergey Dubinin. “Economic relations are developing more actively within the blocks. Both trade [transactions] and capital movement between the blocks are facing restrictions, in particular tariffs,” he says. At the same time, the latest news about the increase in tariffs by US President Donald Trump is strengthening these trends, the expert notes.

    Against the backdrop of events in the global economy, confidence in American securities has declined. “It was a safe haven,” notes Sergei Dubinin. “And that was the advantage of the American financial market system, when even in the conditions of a crisis that began on the US market, US government securities were considered the best insurance asset. And very large amounts of money were directed there.” And in recent years, there has been a noticeable decline in investments in these securities.

    “Right now there is an acute phase in the relationship between China and the United States. It can lead to various consequences, both for political and economic life,” the expert notes. And here it is important to understand what position Russia wants to take. “Recently, we have heard a lot of talk about Russian-American joint economic projects,” says Sergey Dubinin. One point of view is that it is better to take the position of an intermediary country than to unilaterally focus on one country.

    The former head of the Central Bank also spoke about the state of the Russian financial sector. He noted that despite numerous sanctions, the position of banks remains stable. The volume of net profit of banks in 2024 reached more than 4 trillion rubles. According to him, there are currently just over 300 credit institutions left on the market, and only 35 banks were unprofitable. He recalled that “during the period from 2010 to 2020, 681 banks were closed.”

    As a result, according to Sergei Dubinin, a “highly concentrated and fairly stable” system has now emerged. The top ten largest Russian banks, which include systemically important players, account for almost 80% of the banking system’s assets. At the same time, “quality indicators remain quite good.”

    Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Urban renewal draft plan approved

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    With the Chief Executive in Council approving the draft Urban Renewal Authority Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme Plan(DSP), the Town Planning Board said it provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the plan’s implementation.

    The development scheme area, covering about 29,315 sq m, is designated as “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (1)” and “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (2)”.

    By adopting the “linked-site” approach and the “Single Site, Multiple Use” model, the DSP intends to achieve a holistic replanning of land uses in the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road area through redevelopment of various existing Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) facilities with adjoining urban fabric for a comprehensive mixed-use development.

    A combination of various types of compatible uses includes residential, hotel, office, retail, G/IC, a sizeable public open space, cultural, recreational and entertainment uses.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Testing in the Clouds: NASA Flies to Improve Satellite Data

    Source: NASA

    In February, NASA’s ER-2 science aircraft flew instruments designed to improve satellite data products and Earth science observations. From data collection to processing, satellite systems continue to advance, and NASA is exploring how instruments analyzing clouds can improve data measurement methods.
    Researchers participating in the Goddard Space Flight Center Lidar Observation and Validation Experiment (GLOVE) used the ER-2 – based at NASA’s Armstrong Flight Research Center in Edwards, California – to validate satellite data about cloud and airborne particles in the Earth’s atmosphere. Scientists are using GLOVE instruments installed onboard the aircraft to measure and validate data about clouds generated by satellite sensors already orbiting in space around Earth.
    “The GLOVE data will allow us to test new artificial intelligence algorithms in data processing,” said John Yorks, principal investigator for GLOVE and research physical scientist at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. “These algorithms aim to improve the cloud and aerosol detection in data produced by the satellites.”

    The validation provided by GLOVE is crucial because it ensures the accuracy and reliability of satellite data. “The instruments on the plane provide a higher resolution measurement ‘truth’ to ensure the data is a true representation of the atmospheric scene being sampled,” Yorks said.
    The ER-2 flew over various parts of Oregon, Arizona, Utah, and Nevada, as well as over the Pacific Ocean off the coast of California. These regions reflected various types of atmospheres, including cirrus clouds, marine stratocumulus, rain and snow, and areas with multiple types of clouds.
    “The goal is to improve satellite data products for Earth science applications,” Yorks said. “These measurements allow scientists and decision-makers to confidently use this satellite information for applications like weather forecasting and hazard monitoring.”

    The four instruments installed on the ER-2 were the Cloud Physics Lidar, the Roscoe Lidar, the enhanced Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer Airborne Simulator, and the Cloud Radar System. These instruments validate data produced by sensors on NASA’s Ice, Cloud, and Land Elevation Satellite 2 (ICESat-2) and the Earth Cloud, Aerosol and Radiation Explorer (EarthCARE), a joint venture between the ESA (European Space Agency) and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency).
    “Additionally, the EarthCARE satellite is flying the first ever Doppler radar for measurements of air motions within clouds,” Yorks said. While the ER-2 is operated by pilots and aircrew from NASA Armstrong, these instruments are supported by scientists from NASA Goddard, NASA’s Ames Research Center in California’s Silicon Valley, and the Naval Research Laboratory office in Monterey, California, as well as by students from the University of Iowa in Iowa City and the University of Maryland College Park.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NASA’s SpaceX 32nd Commercial Resupply Mission Overview

    Source: NASA

    NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.

    NASA and SpaceX are targeting no earlier than 4:15 a.m. EDT on Monday, April 21, for the next launch to deliver scientific investigations, supplies, and equipment to the International Space Station. Filled with about 6,700 pounds of supplies, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft, on the company’s Falcon 9 rocket, will lift off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida.
    This launch is the 32nd SpaceX commercial resupply services mission to the orbital laboratory for the agency, and the 12th SpaceX launch under the Commercial Resupply Services-2 (CRS) contract. The first 20 launches were under the original resupply services contract.
    NASA’s live launch coverage will begin at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+. Learn how to watch NASA content through a variety of platforms.

    The SpaceX Dragon spacecraft will arrive at the space station and dock autonomously to the zenith port of the station’s Harmony module at approximately 8:20 a.m. Tuesday, April 22. Live coverage NASA’s coverage of the rendezvous and docking will begin at 6:45 a.m on NASA+. NASA astronaut Jonny Kim, Expedition 73 commander and JAXA (Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency) astronaut Takuya Onishi will monitor the arrival of the spacecraft, which will stay docked to the orbiting laboratory for about one month before splashing down and returning critical science and hardware to teams on Earth.

    Smartphone Video Guidance Sensor-2 (SVGS-2) uses the space station’s Astrobee robots to demonstrate using a NASA developed, vision-based sensor to control a formation flight of small satellites. Based on a previous in-space demonstration of the technology, this investigation is designed to refine the maneuvers of multiple robots and integrate the information with spacecraft systems.
    Potential benefits of this technology include improved accuracy and reliability of systems for guidance, navigation, and control that could be applied to docking crewed spacecraft in orbit and remotely operating multiple robots on the lunar or Martian surface.

    During spaceflight, especially long-duration missions, concentrations of airborne particles must be kept within ranges safe for crew health and hardware performance. The Aerosol Monitors investigation tests three different air quality monitors to determine which is best suited to protect crew health and ensure mission success.
    The investigation also tests a device for distinguishing between smoke and dust. Aboard the orbital outpost, the presence of dust can cause false smoke alarms that require crew member response. Reducing false alarms could save valuable crew time while continuing to protect astronaut safety.

    The newest Industrial Crystallization Cassette (ADSEP-ICC) investigation adds capabilities to an existing protein crystallization facility. The cassette can process more sample types, including tiny gold particles used in devices that detect cancer and other diseases or in targeted drug delivery systems. Microgravity makes it possible to produce larger and more uniform gold particles, which improves their use in research and real-life applications of technologies related to human health.

    The DNA Nano Therapeutics-Mission 2 produces a special type of molecule formed by DNA-inspired, customizable building blocks known as Janus base nanomaterials. It also evaluates how well the materials reduce joint inflammation and whether they can help regenerate cartilage lost due to arthritis. These materials are less toxic, more stable, and more compatible with living tissues than current drug delivery technologies.
    Environmental influences such as gravity can affect the quality of these materials and delivery systems. In microgravity, they are larger and have greater uniformity and structural integrity. This investigation could help identify the best formulations and methods for cost-effective in-space production. These nanomaterials also could be used to create novel systems targeting therapy delivery that improves patient outcomes with fewer side effects.

    The Rhodium USAFA NIGHT payload examines how tomato plants respond to microgravity and whether a carbon dioxide replacement can reduce how much space-grown plants depend on photosynthesis. Because photosynthesis needs light, which requires spacecraft power to generate, alternatives would reduce energy use.
    The investigation also examines whether using supplements increases plant growth on the space station, which has been observed in preflight testing on Earth. In future plant production facilities aboard spacecraft or on celestial bodies, supplements could come from available organic materials such as waste.
    Understanding how plants adapt to microgravity could help grow food during long-duration space missions or harsh environments on Earth.

    An ESA (European Space Agency) investigation, Atomic Clock Ensemble in Space (ACES), examines fundamental physics concepts such as Einstein’s theory of relativity using two next-generation atomic clocks operated in microgravity. Results have applications to scientific measurement studies, the search for dark matter, and fundamental physics research that relies on highly accurate atomic clocks in space. The experiment also tests a technology for synchronizing clocks worldwide using global navigation satellite networks.

    Launch:

    Catalytic Reactor – The catalytic reactor replacement unit oxidizes volatile organics from the wastewater so they can be removed by the gas separator and ion exchange bed replacement units as part of the station’s water recycling system. This unit failed in orbit and is being returned for analysis and refurbishment. This unit is being launched as an in-orbit spare. 
    Food Reach Tool Assembly – An L-shaped, hand-held tool that allows crew members to reach packages in the back of the food warmer without having to insert their hands. This tool is launching to replace a unit in orbit.

    Reducer Cylinder Assembly – A cylinder tank that provides 15 minutes of oxygen to a crew member in case of an emergency. Launching two units as in-orbit spares.

    Thermal Expansion Device – A device used to allow for thermal expansion of water within the Hydrogen Dome while it is being removed and replaced. Launching to maintain minimum in-orbit spares.

    Return:

    Urine Processor Assembly Pressure Control and Pump Assembly – This multi-tube purge pump enables the removal of non-condensable gas and water vapor from the distillation assembly within the greater urine processing assembly subsystem. This unit is returning to the ground for repair and refurbishment in support of the legacy environmental control and life support system fleet.

    Assembly Contingency Transmitter Receiver Assembly – A part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this assembly is a pressurized enclosure that contains electronics for this upper-level assembly. The Radio Frequency Group is used for command, control, and transmission communication for the space station. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during US EVA 92 and will return for repair.

    High Gain Antenna Feed Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this system features a two-axis, gimballed assembly with a pedestal and a large horn antenna. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair.

    Low Gain Antenna Sub-Assembly – Part of the S-Band Radio Frequency Group, this sub-assembly consists of a helix antenna that provides a wide field of signal transmission capability. It was retrieved by NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore during U.S. spacewalk 92 and will return for repair. 

    Planar Reflector Assembly – With an aluminum base and reflective element, visiting spacecraft reflect a laser to compute relative range, velocity, and attitude to the space station. This broken unit was retrieved and replaced by NASA astronaut Suni Williams during U.S. spacewalk 91 and will return for repair.

    Multifiltration Bed – Supporting the water processor assembly, this spare unit will continue the International Space Station program’s effort to replace a degraded fleet of units in-orbit that improve water quality through a single bed. This unit will return for refurbishment and re-flight.

    Live coverage of the launch from NASA Kennedy will air at 3:55 a.m. on NASA+..
    For additional information on the mission, visit: https://www.nasa.gov/mission/nasas-spacex-crs-32/

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “SPECIAL HANDLOOM EXPO”- Celebrating Hand woven Products of India

    Source: Government of India

    “SPECIAL HANDLOOM EXPO”- Celebrating Hand woven Products of India

    National Handloom Development Corporation launches “SPECIAL HANDLOOM EXPO” at NOIDA

    The event brings together handloom weavers from across 13 states

    #MyHandloomMyPride, #MyProductMyPride

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 11:49AM by PIB Delhi

    National Handloom Development Corporation under the aegis of Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, launched “SPECIAL HANDLOOM EXPO” at their Corporate Office in NOIDA.

    The event brings together handloom weavers from across 13 states and aims at renewed focus on the age-old tradition of Handloom weaving and provides an added platform for weavers to sell their products directly to customers.    

    The highlights of the event include; 25 stalls of Handloom products showcasing exquisite varieties of Sarees, Dress Material, stoles, dupattas etc.

    “Special Handloom Expo, My Handloom My Pride” exhibition will remain open till 24th April 2025, from 11:00 AM to 8:00 PM

    ***

    Dhanya Sanal K

    (Release ID: 2122341) Visitor Counter : 14

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: India to emerge as a developed nation and number one military power in the world: Raksha Mantri

    Source: Government of India

    India to emerge as a developed nation and number one military power in the world: Raksha Mantri

    “India’s defence sector is moving ahead on the path of self-reliance, it is also ready to play a very important role in making global supply chains resilient”

    Our Defence capabilities are like a credible deterrence, to maintain peace & tranquillity. Peace is possible only when we remain strong: RM

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 2:04PM by PIB Delhi

    Raksha Mantri Shri Rajnath Singh laid out a compelling vision for a self-reliant and future-ready India at a Defence Conclave in New Delhi today on April 17, 2025. With a clear focus on indigenisation, innovation, and global leadership, he declared that India is not only securing its borders but also positioning itself as a key player in the international defence ecosystem. “The day is not far when India will not only emerge as a developed country, but our Military Power will also emerge as the number one in the world,” he bolstered.

    Raksha Mantri reiterated that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi, the revival and strengthening of the defence sector is one of the biggest priorities for the government. He further stated that the government’s first and foremost challenge was to change the mindset that India would simply import to meet its defence needs. “India will reduce its dependency on imports and create a defence industrial complex that will not only meet India’s needs but will also strengthen the potential of defence exports,” he emphasised.

     “Today, while India’s defence sector is moving ahead on the path of self-reliance, it is also ready to play a very important role in making global supply chains resilient,” Raksha Mantri emphasised. He added that the Make in India program is not only strengthening the country’s defence production but also has the capability to make the global defence supply chain resilient and flexible. He further stated that while India’s defence manufacturing capabilities are aimed at national security and strategic autonomy, they are also insulating manufacturing from global supply shocks.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined that India’s growing defence capability is not meant to provoke conflict. “Our defence capabilities are like a credible deterrence, to maintain peace and tranquillity. Peace is possible only when we remain strong,” he added.

    On the evolving nature of warfare, Shri Rajnath Singh underscored that in the coming days, conflicts & wars will be more violent and unpredictable. The Cyber & Space Domains are rapidly emerging as new battlefields and along with this, a war of narrative & perception is also being fought all over the world. To address these challenges, he mentioned that the focus is on holistic capacity building and continuous reforms. Raksha Mantri also announced that the Ministry of Defence had declared 2025 as the ‘Year of Reforms’.

    Reflecting on reforms, Shri Rajnath Singh highlighted that corporatising the over 200-year-old Ordnance Factories was a bold but necessary step. “Today Ordnance Factories are performing very well in their new form and have become profit making units. I believe that changing a structure that is more than two hundred years old is a very big reform of this century” he added.

    Raksha Mantri also outlined the government’s indigenisation drive, noting the release of five positive indigenization lists by the Armed Forces and five by Defence Public Sector Undertakings (DPSUs). “The total number of defence equipment, weapon systems and platforms included in the list of the Services is 509. These will now be produced in India. Similarly, the total number of items included in the DPSU lists is 5,012 including strategically-important Line Replacement Units, sub-systems, spares and components,” he said.

    Shri Rajnath Singh also underlined the fact that the government has reserved 75 per cent of the defence budget for procurement from domestic companies. He pointed out that defence production in India has risen from Rs 40,000 crore in 2014 to over Rs 1.27 lakh crore today. “This year, defence production should cross Rs 1.60 lakh crore, while our target is to produce defence equipment worth Rs 3 lakh crore by the year 2029,” he added.

    On defence exports, Raksha Mantri underscored that the figures had surged from Rs 686 crore in 2013–14 to Rs 23,622 crore in 2024–25. “Defence products made in our country are being exported to about 100 countries. “our defence exports should reach Rs 30,000 crore this year and Rs 50,000 crore by the year 2029,” he announced.

    Shri Rajnath Singh underlined the government’s commitment to fostering innovation, particularly among the youth and start-ups. He stated that to encourage cutting-edge technology in the defence sector, iDEX was launched, which offers financial support of up to Rs 1.5 crore to selected start-ups. Building on its success, iDEX Prime was introduced, enhancing this support to Rs 10 crore. Further, the newly launched ADITI scheme provides assistance of up to Rs 25 crore to help scale breakthrough innovations. “The target is to strengthen the hands of our start-ups and MSMEs and for this, the Ministry of Defence has approved purchases worth more than Rs 2,400 crore from start-ups/MSMEs, and projects worth more than Rs 1,500 crore have been approved for development of new technology,” he added.

    Highlighting India’s growing strategic capabilities, Raksha Mantri mentioned that the country now stands shoulder to shoulder with developed nations in critical areas such as missile technology (Agni, BrahMos), submarines (INS Arihant), aircraft carriers (INS Vikrant), artificial intelligence, drones, cyber defence and hypersonic systems. “Aero engine manufacturing remains a challenge,” he said, while also pointing to significant progress under the Kaveri engine project and ongoing discussions with global players like Safran, GE and Rolls Royce to build domestic capabilities.

    With emphasis on India’s success in shipbuilding, Shri Rajnath Singh stated that more than 97% of the war ships of Indian Navy and Indian Coast Guard are now built in Indian shipyards. Ships built by India are also being exported to friendly countries like Mauritius, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and Maldives.

    Senior officials, experts and dignitaries including former Chief of Army Staff General Manoj Pande, former Chief of Naval Staff Admiral Sunil Lanba, former Chief of the Air Staff Air Chief Marshal VR Chaudhari, Secretary (Defence Production) Shri Sanjeev Kumar, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO Dr Samir V Kamat and former Defence Secretary Shri Sanjay Mitra also attended the conclave.

     

    VK/SR/KB

    (Release ID: 2122381) Visitor Counter : 139

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Composite Interest Rate: End of March 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Composite Interest Rate: End of March 2025 
    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) announced today (April 17) the composite interest rate at the end of March 2025 (Note 1). 
     
    The composite interest rate, which is a measure of the average cost of funds of banks, decreased by 2 basis points to 2.07 per cent at the end of March 2025, from 2.09 per cent at the end of February 2025 (see Chart 1 in the Annex). The decrease in composite interest rate reflected the decreases in the weighted funding cost for deposits during the month (see Chart 2 in the Annex) (Note 2).
     
    The historical data of the composite interest rate from the end of the fourth quarter of 2003 to the end of March 2025 are available in the Monthly Statistical Bulletin on the HKMA website (www.hkma.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 to be held from April 19 to 27

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To tie in with the Hong Kong Reading for All Day on April 23, the Hong Kong Public Libraries (HKPL) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD) will hold the second Hong Kong Reading Week (HKRW) from April 19 to 27. Under the theme of “Zoom/LIBRARY”, the HKRW will have about 450 online and on-site events to cultivate good reading habits among members of the public to broaden their horizons.

         The HKPL will participate in the reading promotion event 2025 Hong Kong Reading+, organised by the Hong Kong Publishing Federation (HKPF) and sponsored by the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, at New Town Plaza in Sha Tin from April 18 to 27. On April 19, the HKPL and HKPF will hold the launching ceremony of Hong Kong Reading Week 2025 and 2025 Hong Kong Reading+. The HKPL will introduce its electronic resources to the public and hold handicraft workshops at the event venue, where the HKPF will hold author sharing sessions, an exhibition, music performances, workshops and more. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKMA and SFC consult on annual update to Financial Services Providers list under OTC derivatives regulatory regime

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HKMA and SFC consult on annual update to Financial Services Providers list under OTC derivatives regulatory regime 
    The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) and the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC) today (April 17) issued a joint consultation 
    Based on the latest annual review, the regulators proposed adding one entity to the FSP list to ensure the list remains relevant and appropriate. The update, if adopted, is scheduled to take effect on January 1, 2026.
     
    The concept of FSP has been introduced to the clearing regime to identify major OTC derivatives dealers outside Hong Kong. Central clearing is required for certain transactions conducted between a major dealer outside Hong Kong (i.e. an FSP) and a prescribed person (i.e. an authorized institution, an approved money broker or a licensed corporation).
     
    Interested parties are invited to submit comments to the HKMA or the SFC by May 16, 2025. The joint consultation paper can be downloaded from the websites of the     HKMA 
    Note: The FSP List includes entities that meet the following two criteria:
    (a) They belong to a group of companies that appears on either the list of global systemically important banks published by the Financial Stability Board, or the list of dealer groups which undertook to the OTC Derivatives Supervisors Group to work collaboratively with central counterparties, infrastructure providers and global supervisors to continue to make structural improvements to the global OTC derivatives markets; and
    (b) They are clearing members of the largest central counterparties offering clearing for interest rate swaps in the United States, Europe, Japan and Hong Kong.
    Issued at HKT 16:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 10 persons arrested during anti-illegal worker operations (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Immigration Department (ImmD) mounted a series of territory-wide anti-illegal worker operations codenamed “Twilight”, and joint operations with the Hong Kong Police Force codenamed “Champion”, for three consecutive days from April 14 to yesterday (April 16). A total of eight suspected illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested.
     
         During the anti-illegal worker operations, ImmD Task Force officers raided 17 target locations including commercial buildings, residential buildings and restaurants, and arrested two suspected illegal workers. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised two women, aged 41 and 43.
     
         During operations “Champion”, enforcement officers raided 55 target locations in Central, Eastern and Western districts. Six suspected illegal workers and two overstayers were arrested. The arrested suspected illegal workers comprised four men and two women, aged 29 to 55. The arrested overstayers comprised one man and one woman, aged 46 and 49.
     
         An ImmD spokesman said, “Any person who contravenes a condition of stay in force in respect of him or her shall be guilty of an offence. Also, visitors are not allowed to take employment in Hong Kong, whether paid or unpaid, without the permission of the Director of Immigration. Offenders are liable to prosecution and upon conviction face a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to two years’ imprisonment. Aiders and abettors are also liable to prosecution and penalties.”
     
         The spokesman warned, “As stipulated in section 38AA of the Immigration Ordinance, an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land is prohibited from taking any employment, whether paid or unpaid, or establishing or joining in any business. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $50,000 and up to three years’ imprisonment. As stipulated in section 20(1)(a) of the Immigration Ordinance, the Chief Executive may make a deportation order against an immigrant, prohibiting the immigrant from being in Hong Kong at any time thereafter if the immigrant has been found guilty in Hong Kong of an offence punishable by imprisonment for not less than two years.”
     
         The spokesman reiterated that it is a serious offence to employ people who are not lawfully employable. Under the Immigration Ordinance, the maximum penalty for an employer employing a person who is not lawfully employable, i.e. an illegal immigrant, a person who is the subject of a removal order or a deportation order, an overstayer or a person who was refused permission to land, has been significantly increased from a fine of $350,000 and three years’ imprisonment to a fine of $500,000 and 10 years’ imprisonment to reflect the gravity of such offences. The director, manager, secretary, partner, etc, of the company concerned may also bear criminal liability. The High Court has laid down sentencing guidelines that the employer of an illegal worker should be given an immediate custodial sentence.
     
         According to the court sentencing, employers must take all practicable steps to determine whether a person is lawfully employable prior to employment. Apart from inspecting a prospective employee’s identity card, the employer has the explicit duty to make enquiries regarding the person and ensure that the answers would not cast any reasonable doubt concerning the lawful employability of the person. The court will not accept failure to do so as a defence in proceedings. It is also an offence if an employer fails to inspect the job seeker’s valid travel document if the job seeker does not have a Hong Kong permanent identity card. Offenders are liable upon conviction to a maximum fine of $150,000 and to imprisonment for one year. In that connection, the spokesman reminded all employers not to defy the law by employing illegal workers. The ImmD will continue to take resolute enforcement action to combat such offences.
     
    Under the existing mechanism, the ImmD will, as a standard procedure, conduct an initial screening of vulnerable persons, including illegal workers, illegal immigrants, sex workers and foreign domestic helpers, who are arrested during any operation with a view to ascertaining whether they are trafficking in persons (TIP) victims. When any TIP indicator is revealed in the initial screening, the ImmD officers will conduct a full debriefing and identification by using a standardised checklist to ascertain the presence of TIP elements, such as threats and coercion in the recruitment phase and the nature of exploitation. Identified TIP victims will be provided with various forms of support and assistance, including urgent intervention, medical services, counselling, shelter or temporary accommodation and other supporting services. The ImmD calls on TIP victims to report crimes to the relevant departments immediately.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Draft Urban Renewal Authority Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme Plan approved

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Chief Executive in Council has approved the draft Urban Renewal Authority (URA) Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme Plan (DSP). 

    “The approved DSP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the implementation of the URA Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road Development Scheme,” a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (April 17). 
     
    The development scheme area, covering about 29 315 square metres, is designated as “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (1)” and “Other Specified Use” annotated “Mixed Use (2)”. By adopting the “linked-site” approach and the “Single Site, Multiple Use” model, the DSP intends to achieve a holistic replanning of land uses in the Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road area through redevelopment of various existing Government, Institution or Community (G/IC) facilities with adjoining urban fabric for a comprehensive mixed-use development, with a combination of various types of compatible uses including residential, commercial (hotel/office/retail), G/IC, a sizeable public open space (i.e. Waterway Park), cultural, recreational and entertainment uses.
     
    The approved URA Sai Yee Street/Flower Market Road DSP No. S/K3/URA5/2 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office and (iv) the Yau Tsim Mong District Office. 
     
    Copies of the approved DSP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the DSP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mainland wild mushrooms and free range chicken stone pot brand opens first restaurant outside Mainland China in Hong Kong (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) announced today (April 17) that More Mushroom Feast, a brand under the Mainland’s More Mushroom Company, has officially opened its first branch outside Mainland China, in Hong Kong. The new restaurant is the company’s regional headquarters, aiming to promote its wild mushrooms and free range chicken stone pot cuisine to the world, connecting global diners with authentic Eastern mushroom cuisine.
     
    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said, “We are delighted to welcome More Mushroom Feast to Hong Kong, as it will use the city as its regional headquarters and be first branch outside Mainland China. Hong Kong’s status as a global culinary hub will not only facilitate More Mushroom Feast’s business growth, but also enhance its brand awareness, supported by our strategic location, robust infrastructure and diverse consumer base.”
     
    Marketing Manager of More Mushroom Company Ms Star Zhou said, “As an international finance, trade and logistics centre that attracts a global high-net-worth clientele, Hong Kong aligns closely with our strategic goals and positioning, which is also why it serves as our regional headquarters. The unique cultural ecology of Hong Kong, where Eastern and Western cultures converge, also supports More Mushroom Company’s aim to internationalise regional traditional ingredients.”
     
    She added, “More Mushroom Feast emphasises on ecology and nature, using its original dishes and innovative business models to enter into the Hong Kong market. The new restaurant is located at New Town Plaza, Sha Tin. The flagship restaurant features a stylish and youthful environment designed to appeal to health-conscious consumers. Its signature dish, wild mushrooms and chicken stone pot, uses natural wild mushrooms and authentic free range chicken, served in a motuo stone pot that emphasises the unique flavours of its ingredients and the natural essence of the products.”
     
    More Mushroom Feast is recognised as a pioneering ecological concept brand in China, focusing on wild mushrooms and free range chicken. The brand offers an unprecedented experience for health-conscious customers with its innovative, natural, healthy, delicious and sustainable dishes and products. It has been well received by customers of all ages in various cities across Mainland China, including Shenzhen, Shanghai, Wuhan, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Zhuhai and Zhengzhou with different cultural styles and characteristics.

    To receive a copy of the photos, please visit www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720325138755.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Coal Ministry Rationalizes Registration Fee for the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) Portal

    Source: Government of India

    Coal Ministry Rationalizes Registration Fee for the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS) Portal

    The New Flat Fee Model is in Alignment with other Import Monitoring Systems

    New Fee Structure Effective from 15th April, 2025

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 3:15PM by PIB Delhi

    In a strategic move to strengthen transparency and efficiency in the coal import monitoring, the Ministry of Coal has implemented the Coal Import Monitoring System (CIMS). By enabling real-time monitoring and informed decision-making in coal imports substitution, this initiative represents a significant milestone in the Government vision of ensuring Atmanirbhar Bharat.

    CIMS is a digital platform developed to streamline the reporting of coal imports, ensuring timely and accurate data for effective policy formulation and sectoral analysis. Coal importers are now required to register the details of their consignments in the CIMS portal on or prior to the arrival of shipments in the Port in India.

    To further promote ease of doing business and ensure uniformity across import monitoring platforms, the Ministry of Coal has rationalized the registration fee of the CIMS Portal.

    The registration fee has been revised to a flat rate of Rs. 500 (Rupees Five Hundred only) per consignment, effective from 15th April, 2025. This replaces the earlier fee structure, which ranged from Rs. 500 to Rs. 1,00,000 per consignment, and rationalization in registration fee aligns CIMS with similar Import Monitoring Systems such as the Steel Import Monitoring System (SIMS), Non-Ferrous Import Monitoring System (NFIMS), and Paper Import Monitoring System (PIMS)—all of which operate under a flat fee model.

    Importers are required to obtain an Automatic Registration Number from the CIMS portal, which is to be quoted in the Bill of Entry at the time of customs clearance. The Ministry of Coal remains committed to facilitating trade, enhancing transparency, and streamlining regulatory processes to support India’s growing industrial and energy needs.

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    Shuhaib T

    (Release ID: 2122395) Visitor Counter : 27

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) advises coaching centres to strictly adhere to Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024

    Source: Government of India

    Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) advises coaching centres to strictly adhere to Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024

    CCPA issues notices to few coaching centres relating to IIT-JEE & NEET for misleading claims and unfair trade practices

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 12:46PM by PIB Delhi

    The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has advised coaching centres to strictly adhere to the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024.

    The Authority clearly outlines that it is essential their representations are accurate, clear, and free from misleading claims or the concealment of important information from consumers. Additionally, coaching centres should avoid making assurances of guaranteed success. Coaching centres must clearly disclose key details in their advertisements, including the student’s name, rank, course type, and whether the course was paid. Disclaimers must be prominently displayed in the same font size as other important information to ensure consumers are not misled.

    Following the recent declaration of results for examinations such as IIT-JEE and NEET, the CCPA observed that coaching centres are not adhering to the Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024.

    Considering the violation of the Act and the Guidelines, CCPA recently has issued Notices to few coaching institutes pertaining to following issues: –

    1. Guaranteed placement/selection
    2. Assurance of rank in JEE/NEET
    3. Violation of consumer rights
    4. Misleading advertisement and
    5. Unfair trade practices including promised services not provided, admission cancelled but fee not refunded, deficiency in service, non/partial refund of fees.

    Abovementioned claims and practices appear to be violating various provisions of the Act including Section- 2(28) and 2 (47) of Consumer Protection Act, 2019 and Guidelines for Prevention of Misleading Advertisement in Coaching Sector, 2024.

    The Guidelines for the Prevention of Misleading Advertisements in the Coaching Sector, 2024, were issued on 13th November 2024. These guidelines prohibit coaching centres from making false or misleading claims/advertisements to promote their services and from engaging in deceptive or unfair practices. These guidelines represent a vital step toward preventing the exploitation of students and ensuring that they are not misled by false promises or compelled into unfair contracts. The guidelines are framed to enhance transparency and fairness in the sector, helping students and their families make informed decisions based on accurate and truthful information. These guidelines supplement existing regulations and further strengthen the regulatory framework governing advertisements in the coaching sector.

    In a significant move to protect consumer rights and ensure transparency in the coaching sector, the CCPA has, over the past three years, taken action against misleading advertisements, unfair trade practices, and violations of consumer rights by coaching centres.

    In this regard, the CCPA has issued 49 notices and imposed a total penalty of ₹77.60 lakhs on 24 coaching centres and directed them to discontinue misleading advertisements and unfair trade practices.

    CCPA had earlier taken action against coaching centres offering services for competitive exams including UPSC CSE, IIT-JEE, NEET, RBI, NABARD, among others, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring that no false or misleading advertisements are made in contravention of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019.

     

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    Abhishek Dayal/Nihi Sharma

    (Release ID: 2122361) Visitor Counter : 10

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Curtain Raiser: India Steel 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Curtain Raiser: India Steel 2025

    “India set to host the largest international steel event in Mumbai from April 24–26, 2025”

    Hon’ble Prime Minister to inaugurate the flagship event of Steel Industry

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 3:14PM by PIB Delhi

    The India Steel 2025 is set to take place from *24 April to 26 April, 2025*, at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. This 6th edition of the biennial international exhibition and conference will bring together leading stakeholders from across the global steel value chain to discuss the future trajectory of the sector, with a sharp focus on growth, sustainability, resilience, and innovation.

    India is on a trajectory to achieve a production capacity of 300 million tonnes and a per capita consumption of 160 kg by 2030, in line with the National Steel Policy.  Keeping in view this  ambitious growth in the steel sector, the conference is being organised to unlock new opportunities for inter-state and international collaboration, facilitate knowledge exchange, and showcase India’s policy reforms and infrastructure initiatives aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business across the steel value chain.

    The Hon’ble Prime Minister of India will address  the premier Steel Industry event of the country  on 24th April 2025 through Video conferencing , in the esteemed presence of dignitaries including  Hon’ble Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Hon’ble Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra Shri Devendra Phadnavis  and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chattisgarh Shri Vishu Deo Sai. 

    The conference will see presence of high-level participation from various Central Ministries and States including Chief Ministers and Union Ministers indicating the critical importance of Steel as an important clog in the wheel of Atmanirbhar Bharat.  Among those who will grace the program with their presence include Union Ministers, Hon’ble Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries Shri H. D. Kumaraswamy, Minister of Commerce and Industry Shri Piyush Goyal, Hon’ble Minister of Railways Shri. Ashwini Vaishnaw, Hon’ble Minister of New & Renewable Energy and Consumer Affairs Shri Pralhad Venkatesh Joshi, Hon’ble Minister of Mines Shri G. Kishan Reddy , Hon’ble Minister of State for Steel and Heavy Industries Shri Bhupathi Raju Srinivasa Varma,  Hon’ble Chief Minister of Maharashtra, Shri Devendra Fadnavis, Hon’ble Chief Minister of Chhattisgarh, Shri Vishnu Deo Sai  and Hon’ble Chief Minister of Odisha, Shri Mohan Charan Majhi.  They  will preside over key sessions of the conference, reflecting the multi-sectoral relevance of steel in India’s economic and industrial strategy.

    Senior officials of the Government of India, including Secretary, Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Secretary, Ministry of Steel and Secretary, Ministry of Coal will also chair key sessions during the event.

     The event will also have a presence of global Industry leaders and senior Foreign dignitaries leading  high-level  delegations, including the Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, Ambassadors of Australia, Mozambique, and Mongolia, reflecting the deepening international engagement and strategic cooperation in the steel sector.

    Key highlights of the International Conference-cum-Exhibition includes:

    – Exhibition and Innovation Showcase: Displaying cutting-edge technologies and advancements in the steel industry.

    – Roundtable Conferences: Discussions on sector-specific topics, international collaboration, and emerging trends including CEOs roundtable and Sectoral roundtables.

    – Reverse Buyer-Seller Meet (RBSM): Facilitating trade opportunities and fostering new business engagements.

    – International Engagement: Country specific sessions involving key steel-producing nations, including the South Korea, Sweden, Australia, and Mongolia. These discussions will explore joint research, technology transfer, and resilient supply chains to de-risk India’s steel production and drive global competitiveness.

    The event will also focus on themes like augmenting domestic consumption, showcasing futuristic steel applications, and fostering global partnerships

    With more than 12,000 business visitors, 250 exhibitors, and 1,200 conference delegates representing various sectors, Government departments, State Governments, country delegations, and domestic and international buyers from India and abroad, the conference would be one of the biggest Steel event globally.

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    TPJ/NJ

    (Release ID: 2122393) Visitor Counter : 36

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Investigation Report on incident of freighter taxiing to unopened area at Hong Kong International Airport published

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) today (April 17) published the Investigation Report IVR-2025-03 on the investigation into a taxiing incident involving a Boeing 737-800BCF freighter (registration mark VP-BEN) operated by Siberia Airlines at Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) on October 14, 2021.

    At 00.03am that day, the freighter touched down at the then North Runway of HKIA. While following the instruction of Air Traffic Control (ATC) to vacate the runway via Taxiway (TWY) A7, the freighter mistakenly taxied onto a paved area yet to be commissioned for operational use between TWYs A6 and A7 and stopped in front of marker boards in that unopened area. No person was injured in the incident, and there was no damage to the aircraft, runway or airport facilities.

    The investigation identified that the flight crew members concerned had no prior knowledge of the presence of the paved and unopened area at HKIA and mistook the area for the assigned runway exit. The investigation team made two safety recommendations. While Siberia Airlines should assess the pilots’ pre-flight understanding of pertinent aeronautical information regarding flight safety and operations such as those stated in the Aeronautical Information Circular, the Airport Authority Hong Kong should conduct a holistic safety risk assessment during the planning and implementation phases of work projects in aircraft movement areas to ensure the continued effectiveness of risk mitigation measures taken in relation to aircraft operations.

    The investigation was conducted by a team of professional investigators in strict adherence to international standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). “The objective of the investigation was to identify the circumstances and causes of the incident with a view to preventing a recurrence,” an AAIA spokesperson said.

    Throughout the investigation, all parties concerned were properly consulted on the report. The report is available for downloading on the AAIA webpage (www.tlb.gov.hk/aaia/eng/investigation_reports/index.html). 

    The AAIA, an independent investigation authority formed under the Transport and Logistics Bureau, is responsible for the investigation of civil aircraft accidents and incidents in accordance with the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap. 448B) and with reference to the ICAO standards.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Technology Development Board-Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) supports M/s dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. in Strengthening India’s Small Arms Manufacturing Ecosystem”

    Source: Government of India

    Technology Development Board-Department of Science and Technology (TDB-DST) supports M/s dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. in Strengthening India’s Small Arms Manufacturing Ecosystem”

    TDB-DST backs Homegrown Innovation: dvipa’s UGRAM Rifle Marks a New Era in Indian Small Arms Manufacturing”

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 2:45PM by PIB Delhi

    The Ministry of Science and Technology, through the Technology Development Board (TDB), has taken a pivotal step toward indigenizing India’s small arms manufacturing capability by extending financial assistance to M/s dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd., Hyderabad (erstwhile M/s dvipa Armour Pvt. Ltd.). The project, titled “Development and Commercialization of 7.62 mm x 51 mm Assault Rifles,” aims to produce high-performance, indigenous assault rifles in alignment with the Indian Army’s General Staff Qualitative Requirements (GSQR).

    TDB’s assistance will play a crucial role in enabling the development, testing, and commercialization of the UGRAM rifle, including the creation of a state-of-the-art in-house manufacturing unit with integrated quality assurance and testing infrastructure.

    For decades, India has depended heavily on imported small arms, resulting in substantial foreign exchange outflows and interoperability challenges across armed forces, thereby complicating training and logistics. The ageing INSAS rifles, once developed through earlier collaborations, are increasingly viewed as inadequate for modern combat needs. In 2017, the Government initiated a policy shift to replace these with advanced, reliable rifles chambered in 7.62 mm x 51 mm NATO-grade ammunition.

    In response to this national need, dvipa Defence, incorporated in October 2018, emerged as a strong domestic player in the defence manufacturing sector. As one of the early license holders for small arms and ammunition production, the company partnered with DRDO’s Armament Research & Development Establishment (ARDE), Pune, to develop a fully indigenous assault rifle, UGRAM – Sanskrit for “ferocious.” Demonstrating exceptional execution, five prototypes were developed within 100 days and successfully passed initial testing at ARDE.

    UGRAM: A Modern, Indigenous Combat-Ready Assault Rifle

    UGRAM is a modular, ergonomically designed 7.62 mm x 51 mm assault rifle, tailored for counter-insurgency (CI) and counter-terror (CT) operations by armed forces, paramilitary units, and special forces. It incorporates several advanced features:

    • Indigenous Development:
      • 100% design, material selection, manufacturing, and testing conducted domestically and approved by ARDE, DRDO.
    • Key Features:
      • Long-stroke piston mechanism for enhanced reliability.
      • High-strength steel used in all pressure-bearing parts.
      • High-grade nylon-based handguard, pistol grip, and buttstock.
      • Ambidextrous magazine release and ergonomic, side-mounted cocking handle.

    Speaking on the occasion, Sh. Rajesh Kumar Pathak, Secretary, TDB, said,
    “TDB’s support to dvipa Defence underscores our commitment to indigenizing critical defence technologies under ‘Make in India’ and ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat’. This project not only strengthens self-reliance but also paves the way for import substitution and future exports through trusted strategic partnerships.”

    Commenting on TDB’s support, Founders of M/s dvipa Defence India Pvt. Ltd. said,
    “We are proud to contribute to India’s strategic autonomy by building world-class defence products from Indian soil. The support from TDB strengthens our resolve to manufacture for the forces, by the forces, in India.”

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    NKR/PSM

    (Release ID: 2122388) Visitor Counter : 28

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Applications invited for Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Activity and Research Sponsorship Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau is inviting a new round of applications under the Constitution and Basic Law Promotion Activity and Research Sponsorship Scheme (Sponsorship Scheme). 

    The Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) has been promoting the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law to members of the public through various channels. The Sponsorship Scheme aims to encourage different groups or organisations to promote the Constitution, the Basic Law and the National Security Law to the public and to conduct relevant research, with a view to enhancing public understanding of and support for the three laws and the “one country, two systems” principle.

    To further enhance the synergy of promoting Constitution education at the community level and raise citizens’ awareness of the Constitution, in this round of applications, proposed promotional activities related to Constitution Day and to be held within two weeks before or after December 4, 2025, will be given higher priority.
     
    To make research proposals under this funding scheme more focused, in this round of applications, proposals related to the following theme will be given higher priority: the success stories of implementing the “one country, two systems” principle in the HKSAR over the past 27 years, covering various aspects such as innovation and technology development, talent cultivation, shipping, trade and financial centre development, enhancement of new quality productive forces, integration into the national development, and the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (please elaborate with specific examples and circumstances), as well as the major principles and theoretical system refined through the practical implementation of “one country, two systems”.

    Starting from this year, the Sponsorship Scheme will accept applications once a year. To allow more time for interested organisations to prepare their proposals, the deadline for this round of applications is June 16, 2025. Application information can be downloaded from the Basic Law website (www.basiclaw.gov.hk/en/committee/sponsorship.html).

    For enquiries, please contact the Secretariat of the Sponsorship Scheme at 2810 2106.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil reviews key Projects of Wildlife Institute of India under the aegis of National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Source: Government of India

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti Shri C. R. Patil reviews key Projects of Wildlife Institute of India under the aegis of National Mission for Clean Ganga

    Shri C. R. Patil launches a Digital Platform to Boost Freshwater Biodiversity Conservation

    Union Minister lauds the commendable work being carried out by the National Mission for Clean Ganga and Wildlife Institute of India

    MoJS releases a series of knowledge products developed under the initiatives

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 2:37PM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of Jal Shakti, Shri C. R. Patil, chaired a review meeting of various projects implemented by the Wildlife Institute of India (WII) and supported by the Ministry of Jal Shakti in New Delhi. The meeting was attended by senior officials from the Ministry and WII.

    The union Minister expressed his appreciation for the commendable work being carried out by the National Mission for Clean Ganga (NMCG) and WII in restoring aquatic biodiversity, improving river health, building local capacities, and engaging communities in conservation. He acknowledged the impact of extensive outreach and capacity-building programs conducted across the basin and highlighted the role of WII in mass awareness initiatives, particularly those involving Ganga Praharis. Additionally, he suggested organizing a Ganga Prahari Conclave to strengthen continued engagement with volunteers and advised exploring new conservation initiatives focused on the Mugger crocodile in the rivers.

    During the event, Shri C. R. Patil also released a series of knowledge products developed under these initiatives. These included Hydrophytes: Green Lungs of Ganga Volumes I & II and Protocols for Collection, Storage and Transportation of Biological Samples of Freshwater Macrofauna. These publications represent the strong scientific foundation and practical relevance of the Ministry’s biodiversity conservation efforts.

    It emerged in the review that a structured and multidisciplinary conservation plan was initiated by WII under the aegis of NMCG. The core aim of the project was to establish a science-based aquatic species conservation strategy for the Ganga River through a six-pronged approach: creating a dedicated conservation monitoring center, planning aquatic species restoration, building institutional capacity, establishing rescue and rehabilitation centers, initiating community-based conservation programs, and spreading education on biodiversity conservation.

    A key highlight of the meeting was the launch of an important digital platform –information dashboard www.rivres.in, developed under the Ministry of Jal Shakti and WII. The dashboard – part of the Ganga Aqualife Conservation Monitoring Centre/National Centre for River Research – serves as a comprehensive digital hub offering ecological insights, conservation case studies, and information on physiography, biodiversity, and community engagement activities across major Indian rivers, including the Ganga, Barak, Mahanadi, Narmada, Godavari, Cauvery, and Pamba.

    Community engagement has been a cornerstone of this conservation model. Thousands of stakeholders—including forest officers, veterinarians, schoolteachers, NSS volunteers, and local communities—have been trained through over 130 capacity-building programs. More than 5,000 Ganga Praharis, many of them women, have been mobilized to act as frontline conservation volunteers. Their involvement has enhanced biodiversity monitoring, supported rescue operations, and strengthened local stewardship.

    A massive river survey, covering over 12,000 kilometers across 22 rivers, was conducted using advanced technologies like GPS-enabled data collection, SONAR-based depth profiling, and ecological monitoring apps. Project Dolphin was launched, aiming to conserve dolphins and their habitat while supporting local livelihoods through eco-tourism and other initiatives.

    The review concluded with a vote of thanks and a renewed commitment to advance data-driven, inclusive, and sustainable freshwater ecosystem conservation efforts through the continued partnership between the Ministry of Jal Shakti and the Wildlife Institute of India.

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    Dhanya Sanal K

    (Release ID: 2122386) Visitor Counter : 69

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union MoS for Health & Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates FSSAI’s National Stakeholder Consultation on Sustainable Packaging

    Source: Government of India

    Union MoS for Health & Family Welfare Shri Prataprao Jadhav inaugurates FSSAI’s National Stakeholder Consultation on Sustainable Packaging

    Significance of eco-friendly packaging solutions highlighted

    India has the Potential to lead the world towards sustainability: Shri Jadhav

    “What we need today is a shift towards alternatives that are sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable”

    Over 1500 stakeholders representing food businesses, packaging industries, recycling associations, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, consumer groups, farmer groups, government departments participated in the consultation to deliberate on the future of sustainable food packaging in India

    Posted On: 17 APR 2025 10:38AM by PIB Delhi

    Union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare, Shri Prataprao Ganpatrao Jadhav, inaugurated a National Stakeholder Consultation on “Sustainable Packaging for Food Business: Emerging Global Trends and Regulatory Framework” organized by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) at Mumbai on 16th April 2025.

     

    In his address, Shri Jadhav highlighted the growing importance of sustainable packaging of food items. He announced that the guidelines for the use of rPET in packaging have been prepared by FSSAI after extensive consultations with all stakeholders and in line with the best global practices. He also mentioned that a logo has been developed for easy identification and to benefit consumers of food products.

     

    Addressing the gathering, Shri Jadhav stated that “shifting towards sustainable methods of packaging is the need of the hour.” He stressed that the usage of plastic is a growing concern globally, as it stays undecomposed in the environment for years having detrimental consequences. “What we need today is a shift towards alternatives that are sustainable, recyclable, and biodegradable”, he further stated.

    Hailing India’s age-old traditional methods, Shri Jadhav also emphasized the need to connect the ancient ecological practices to modern techniques to ensure sustainability stating that “India has the potential to lead the world in this direction.”

    He also appreciated the efforts of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare and FSSAI for providing an important platform in the form of National Stakeholders Consultation to deliberate upon crucial issues that affect the health and wellbeing of the country.

    The Minister of State also held an informal open consultation session with stakeholders, providing them an opportunity to share their challenges and discuss future avenues for improvement and growth. The consultation brought together over 1500 stakeholders representing food businesses, packaging industries, recycling associations, regulatory bodies, environmental organizations, consumer groups, farmer groups, government departments to deliberate on the future of sustainable food packaging in India.

     

    The consultation was part of an ongoing series of national-level stakeholder discussions aimed at holding critical deliberations on critical issues that requires multi-stakeholder engagement.  Under the aegis of Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, FSSAI has launched this pivotal initiative to convene such National Stakeholder Consultations to foster greater inclusivity, transparency, and evidence-based policymaking in the formulation of food safety regulations. By actively engaging with industry, academia, consumer groups, farmer groups and regulatory bodies, FSSAI seeks to incorporate sector-specific perspectives and ground-level insights into its regulatory framework, ensuring that policies are both practical and aligned with public health priorities.

    The consultation featured a Technical Session wherein Chairperson of FSSAI’s Scientific Panel on Packaging presented on the detailed scientific basis, risk assessment principles, transparent consultative approach employed by FSSAI while framing robust scientific standards.

    Representatives from BIS talked about the Global and Indian standards on food packaging and the overview of the existing IS standards for packaging materials. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) shared about the role that CPCB plays in driving sustainable practices through Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) under Plastic Waste Management Rules. Representatives from Industry presented innovative approaches being adopted to develop eco-friendly, lightweight, and recyclable packaging solutions tailored for food and beverage products, importance of plastic waste recovery and recycling to support circular economy and Consumer concerns and expectations towards sustainable food packaging.

     

    The session concluded with a technical debrief by Dr. Alka Rao, Advisor (Science & Standards and Regulations), wherein she emphasized the importance of stakeholder collaboration in advancing sustainable packaging solutions that align with food safety standards and support India’s broader environmental goals.

     

    ****

    MV

    HFW/MoS inaugurates FSSAI’s National Stakeholder Consultation on Sustainable Packaging   /17April 2025/1

    (Release ID: 2122326) Visitor Counter : 53

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Housing Authority announces Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme to further support youth entrepreneurship

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Housing Authority announces Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme to further support youth entrepreneurship 
         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) today (April 17) announced the Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme, providing further support to youth entrepreneurship by extending the coverage of the programme with the introduction of public-private partnership.
     
         The Secretary for Housing and Chairman of the HA, Ms Winnie Ho, and the Permanent Secretary for Housing and Director of Housing, Miss Charmaine Lee, along with the Chairman of the HA’s Commercial Properties Committee, Ms Serena Lau, as well as the programme mentors and representatives from the commercial sector, participated in the event at Domain in Yau Tong, marking a new milestone for the programme.
     
         The HA hopes the programme will promote youth entrepreneurship, creating mutual benefits and win-win outcomes for residents, retail tenants and the community. The success of the programme’s first phase was showcased and several awards were presented to recognise the outstanding entrepreneurial teams including the Best Business Plan, the Most Creative Product, the Most Promising Business, and the Most Popular Business at the event.
     
         Ms Ho said, “The Well Being·Start-Up Programme has garnered significant support across various sectors. To further support youth entrepreneurship, the HA has expanded the programme with Well Being·Start-Up 2.0. This includes the introduction of an entrepreneurial ladder with staged rental concessions and the provision of more shopping centres and shops. In addition, Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 will be extended to private shopping centres so that commercial partners can join hands to assist Hong Kong’s young entrepreneurs by providing them with more entrepreneurial opportunities and enabling them to develop their careers. This also injects vitality and innovation into the community and new dynamics into Hong Kong’s retail landscape. Together with the HA’s 12 shops, the programme will provide approximately 50 shops in total, a five-fold increase in scale compared to its first phase. This demonstrates the synergy of public-private partnership in fostering a vibrant entrepreneurial ecosystem.”
     
    Well Being·Start-Up 2.0 Programme
     
         To support the stable growth of entrepreneurial teams from the programme’s initial phase, the HA will provide a three-year staged rental at discounted market rents. This enables the entrepreneurs to allocate funds flexibly for their investment in business development and gradually adapt to market rental levels in their business operations. The HA will conduct annual reviews to ensure the programme effectively fosters the sustainable development of these teams. In addition, the HA has also expanded the total number of shops to 12, creating more entrepreneurial opportunities for young people.
     
         To extend the coverage and impact of the programme, the HA also encourages private shopping centres and landlords in the commercial sector to join the programme. So far, the HA has garnered support from more than 10 organisations to provide some 40 shops and pop-up stores. The commercial sector will develop tailored programmes based on the uniqueness of the shops to address the diverse needs of youth entrepreneurship.
    Issued at HKT 12:15

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Lump Sum Grant Independent Complaints Handling Committee announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Lump Sum Grant Independent Complaints Handling Committee announced 
         The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, welcomed the appointments and also thanked the four outgoing members, Ms Teresa Au Pui-yee, Miss Diana Chung Wai-yee, Mr Wilson Tam Wai-shun and Mr Gary Wong Chi-him for their contributions to ICHC in the past.
     
         The ICHC handles Lump Sum Grant-related complaints that cannot be dealt with satisfactorily by subvented non-governmental organisations. It also relays decisions and recommendations to the Social Welfare Department for appropriate follow-up action to enhance the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System.
     
         The membership list of the ICHC in the new term is as follows:
     
    Chairman
    ———–
    Mr Albert Wong Shun-yee
     
    Vice-chairman
    ———–
    Mr Dennis Fong Wai-kuk
     
    Members
    ———–
    Ms Heidi Chui Hoi-yee
    Ms Jodi Kwok Chui-man
    Ms Yanmi Leung Ho-yan
    Mr Lucas Ngan Chun
    Dr Jimmy Wong Chi-ho
    Ms Ada Yip Chun-chun
    Issued at HKT 12:01

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Lump Sum Grant Steering Committee announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Lump Sum Grant Steering Committee announced 
         The Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, welcomed the appointments and also thanked the outgoing members, Mr Kirin Law Tsz-yeung, Mr Armstrong Lee Hon-cheung and Ms Wong May-kwan, for their contributions to the LSGSC in the past.
     
         Chaired by the Director of Social Welfare, the LSGSC monitors the implementation of the Lump Sum Grant Subvention System (LSGSS) and identifies areas for improvement. It also facilitates the sharing of information and experiences among the Social Welfare Department, non-governmental organisations, their staff and service users on the implementation of the LSGSS.
     
         The list of non-official members of the LSGSC in the new term is as follows:
     
    Miss Vena Cheng Wei-yan
    Ms Cheung Kwok-chun
    Ms Cheung Lai-wah
    Miss Chow Tsz-ki
    Miss Chu Lai-ling
    Mr Thomas Chu Sai-ming
    Mr Dennis Fong Wai-kuk
    Mr Joseph Hung Hin-ching
    Mr Ip Chi-wai
    Ms Lai Chau-ha
    Mrs Patricia Lau
    Mr Lee Chi-hung
    Ms Yanmi Leung Ho-yan
    Dr Pamela Leung Pui-yu
    Ms Rachel Leung Wai-ling
    Mr Webster Ng Kam-wah
    Mr Sy Ching-tam
    Mr Tse Wah-wan
    Miss Alice Wan Ngai-teck
    Mr Roland Wong Ka-yeung
    Mr Addy Wong Wai-hung
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong updates methodology for compiling greenhouse gas emission inventory and releases emission inventory for 2023

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong updates methodology for compiling greenhouse gas emission inventory and releases emission inventory for 2023 
    Since 2013, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been compiling its GHG emission inventory based on the Global Warming Potential (GWP) values provided in the Second Assessment Report (AR2) of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). As decided by the UNFCCC at the 27th Conference of the Parties in 2022, GWP values set out in the IPCC Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) shall be used to calculate GHG emission inventory by no later than the end of 2024.
     
    In compliance with the requirement of the UNFCCC, the Government has used the AR5’s GWP values to compile the 2023 GHG emission inventory and update previous GHG emission figures to reflect annual variations and long-term trends.
     
    Based on the calculation using AR5’s GWP values, Hong Kong’s total GHG emissions in 2023 amounted to approximately 34.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e), representing a decrease of about 20 per cent compared to 2005 levels and a decrease of about 25 percent from the peak emissions in 2014. The per capita GHG emissions in 2023 reached a new low since 1990, at approximately 4.58 tonnes CO2-e. It is nearly 30 per cent lower than those in 2005 and 2014, and is about a quarter of that of the United States and 60 per cent of that of the European Union. The carbon intensity was about 0.012 kilograms of CO2-e per Hong Kong dollar of GDP, representing a decrease of about 46 per cent compared to 2005.
     
    The three main sources of GHG emissions in Hong Kong remain to be electricity generation (61 per cent), transport (18 per cent), and waste management (8 per cent). With the gradual replacement of coal with natural gas and zero-carbon energy for electricity generation, popularisation of electric vehicles, decrease in municipal solid waste quantity and increase in landfill gas recovery and utilisation (for energy production) in Hong Kong, GHG emissions from electricity generation, transport, and waste management have declined by approximately about 32 per cent, 7 per cent, and 10 per cent, respectively, compared to 2014.
     
    To align with the country’s “dual carbon” target to achieve the peak of carbon emissions before 2030 and carbon neutrality before 2060, the Government will continue to implement the four major decarbonisation strategies, namely, net-zero electricity generation, energy saving and green buildings, green transport and waste reduction, outlined in Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050, to reduce Hong Kong’s carbon emissions by half from the 2005 levels before 2035 and achieve carbon neutrality before 2050.
     
    Details of the 2023 GHG emission inventory can be found on the following website: cnsd.gov.hk/en/climate-ready/ghg-emissions-and-trendsIssued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Trade Unions (Amendment) Bill 2025 gazetted 
         The Bill seeks to amend the Trade Unions Ordinance (Chapter 332) to strengthen the regulation of trade unions to safeguard national security and improve the trade union regulatory regime, thereby facilitating the healthy development of trade unions.
     
         A spokesperson for the Labour Department said, “The proposed amendments will strengthen the statutory powers of the Registrar of Trade Unions to supervise and regulate trade unions to better fulfil the duty of safeguarding national security under the Hong Kong National Security Law and the Safeguarding National Security Ordinance (6 of 2024). At the same time, the amendments give due regard to the freedom and right of Hong Kong residents to form and join trade unions, and will not adversely affect the operation of law-abiding trade unions.”
     
         The spokesperson added, “Subject to a smooth passage of the Bill, the amendment ordinance will come into operation on the expiry of six months after the day on which it is published in the Gazette. During this period, the Labour Department will further publicise and explain the amendments to trade unions to facilitate their understanding and compliance.”
     
         The Bill will be introduced into the Legislative Council (LegCo) for first and second readings on April 30. The Government will fully work with the LegCo to scrutinise the Bill, with a view to seeking the LegCo’s support and passage of the Bill.
    Issued at HKT 9:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: MEDIA RELEASE: DHHL Awards Nearly 400 Project Leases in West Hawaiʻi

    Source: US State of Hawaii

    MEDIA RELEASE: DHHL Awards Nearly 400 Project Leases in West Hawaiʻi

    Posted on Apr 16, 2025 in Latest Department News, Newsroom

     

    STATE OF HAWAIʻI

    KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI

     

    DEPARTMENT OF HAWAIIAN HOME LANDS

    KA ʻOIHANA ʻĀINA HOʻOPULAPULA HAWAIʻI

    JOSH GREEN, M.D.
    GOVERNOR

    KE KIAʻĀINA

     

    KALI WATSON

    DIRECTOR

    KA LUNA HOʻOKELE

     

    KATIE L. LAMBERT

    DEPUTY DIRECTOR

    KA HOPE LUNA HOʻOKELE

    DHHL AWARDS NEARLY 400 PROJECT LEASES IN WEST HAWAIʻI

    Event Adds to 790 Project Leases Awarded on Oʻahu Weeks Ago

     

    DHHL beneficiary Kanani Takata accepts first West Hawaiʻi project lease award alongside Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke and state and county leaders.

     

     

    FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

    April 16, 2025

    SOUTH KOHALA, HAWAIʻI ISLAND – Volcanic haze rolled in on ka makani pahoa Saturday veiling a sunny South Kohala sky, but nothing could obscure the air of excitement felt in the Monarchy Ballroom as the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands prepared to present nearly 400 project lease awards in West Hawaiʻi: a feat that hadn’t been done since the early 2000s.

    More than 660 native Hawaiian beneficiaries and their ʻohana were invited to the Hilton Waikoloa Village April 12, 2025 for their opportunity to select between two homestead developments in West Hawaiʻi – Laʻi ʻŌpua in Kealakehe and Kailapa in Kawaihae.

    On that day, everyone heard their names called; starting with the first application submitted in 1963 to the most recent in December 2023.

    “Homesteads not only put our people back on the land; homesteads restore hope in our communities,” said Lieutenant Governor Sylvia Luke. “This administration will continue to invest in our Native Hawaiian community, and the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands, to ensure our families have a home here in Hawaiʻi for generations to come.”

    The leases, 368 in Laʻi ʻŌpua and 22 in Kailapa, represent a significant step toward homeownership for many native Hawaiians waiting decades. This initiative is part of DHHL’s comprehensive approach to addressing its waitlist by expediting homesteading opportunities.

    “The success of our homesteading program relies on our ability to pivot towards the needs of our beneficiaries and project leases are one example of that,” said DHHL Director Kali Watson. “With developers in place and construction on the way, the department will deliver on some 1,200 units on Hawaiʻi Island in the next few years. Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole established homesteads in response to what some called a landless and dying race. Today we issue project leases to bring his vision to fruition.”

    Unlike previous processes, beneficiaries secure a homestead lease prior to the completion of development. This approach gives families the chance to prepare for both financial and program requirements, thereby ensuring long-term stability and the opportunity to transfer their leases to eligible successors.

    Act 279, the department’s transformational $600 million allocation of general funds set forth in 2022 by the Hawaiʻi State Legislature funded Laʻi ʻŌpua’s $32.9 million infrastructure costs.

    ‘Forever Homes’ for Families

    The West Hawaiʻi project lease awards are the second of three major project lease distributions this year. DHHL awarded 790 leases in West Oʻahu in March and will award nearly a thousand on Maui at the end of the year. The department’s ambitious plan aims to issue more than 6,000 project leases statewide over the next two years.

    Accepting a lease on behalf of her grandpa, on the waitlist since 1963, Kanani Takata was first up.

    “I hear the cheers of the families that are celebrating a lease award and it is my prayer, my hope, that this would be able to bless generations now or future generations,” Takata said.

    West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee Charmaine Davis succeeded to her mother’s lease and intends on passing it to her own daughter. Davis’ mother became an applicant in the late-1970s.

    “Going forward, this is all about generations now,” said Davis. “We look forward to being able to provide and assist my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, in carrying on the legacy through Hawaiian homes. We have a forever home.”

    The department is currently in the process of developing five additional projects on Hawaiʻi Island. These projects include:

    • Honokaʻa: 296 units
    • Kaumana: 168 units
    • Palamanui: 132 units
    • Panaʻewa: 600 units
    • Laʻi ʻŌpua Village 4: 150 units

    “We can no longer bypass individuals on our waitlist – doing so disregards the decades-long wait our families patiently endured and tarnishes the legacy Prince Kūhiō dedicated his life to building,” Watson added. “Each new home represents an opportunity for generational change and will be built in ways that are accessible, high quality, and sustainable for our Native Hawaiian families.”

    Project leases provide a critical pathway to homeownership, offering options such as turnkey homes, owner-builder lots, and rent-to-own opportunities.

    For more information about DHHL’s lease awards and upcoming projects, visit dhhl.hawaii.gov.

    Click here to download visuals, soundbites.

    B-ROLL (2:09)

    SOUNDBITES

     

    Kanani Takata, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee,

     

    (:32 seconds)

    “I knew that grandpa would be the number one pick, and I also knew that I would be the one standing in as his proxy so I hear the cheers of the families that are celebrating the awards, or a lease award, for these people who have been sitting on the list like my grandpa since 1963, so for me, my prayer, my hope is that this would be able to bless generations whether it be now or future generations to come.”

     

    Charmaine Davis, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee

     

    (:17 seconds)

    “Going forward, this is all about generations now, we look forward to being able to provide and assist my grandchildren, and my great-grandchildren, in carrying on the legacy through Hawaiian homes, we have a forever home, a forever home.”

    Nathan Kapule, West Hawaiʻi project lease awardee,

     

    (:27 seconds)

    “I wasn’t really sure until they called me, and when I saw that I go wow, and being the front of the list is something special, so that’s what I felt, it’s a special opportunity for me, there’s a reason why things happen, I think there’s a reason why, and it is to support my family and being native Hawaiian.”

    # # #

     

    About the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands:

    The Department of Hawaiian Home Lands carries out Prince Jonah Kūhiō  Kalanianaʻole’s vision of rehabilitating native Hawaiians by returning them to the land. Established by U.S. Congress in 1921 with the passage of the Hawaiian Homes Commission Act, the Hawaiian homesteading program run by DHHL includes management of more than 200,000 acres of land statewide with the specific purpose of developing and delivering homesteading.

    Media Contact:

    Diamond Badajos

    Information and Community Relations Officer

    Department of Hawaiian Home Lands

    Cell: 808-342-0873

    Email: [email protected]

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Ragnarok: Back to Glory Official Launching in Korea and Southeast Asia on April 17, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Seoul, South Korea, April 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRAVITY Co., Ltd. (NasdaqGM: GRVY) (“Gravity” or “Company”), a developer and publisher of online and mobile games, announced the official launch of Ragnarok: Back to Glory, in Korea and Southeast Asia on April 17, 2025.

    Ragnarok: Back to Glory is a 3D MMORGPG Mobile game that features a globally integrated marketplace, allowing users in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Macau, Korea and Southeast Asia to freely trade in-game items. The game received positive feedback from users during the CBT conducted in Korea and it garnered significant interest in Southeast Asia with over 2 million users signing up for pre-registration, demonstrating strong anticipation for its official launch in both regions. Ragnarok: Back to Glory is available for download on Google Play and Apple App Store and can also be downloaded through local app markets in Southeast Asia.

    Gravity stated, “We are delighted to officially launch Ragnarok: Back to Glory in Korea and Southeast Asia. We have prepared a variety of events and look forward to your continued interest and participation”.

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

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Official Website-Korea]

    https://roglory.gnjoy.com

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Official Website-Southeast Asia]

    https://gwww.gnjoy.hk/official_rog/index.html

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Google Play Download Page-Korea]
    https://roglory.go.link/2TCYL

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Google Play Download Page-Southeast Asia]
    https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.ggv.rogsea.aos

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Apple App Store Download Page-Korea]

    https://roglory.go.link/3G225

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Apple App Store Download Page-Southeast Asia]

    https://apps.apple.com/th/app/ragnarok-back-to-glory/id6740516890

    [Ragnarok: Back to Glory Official Lounge]

    https://game.naver.com/lounge/Ragnarok_BacktoGlory/home

    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 Economics: Junko Nakagawa: Economic activity, prices, and monetary policy in Japan

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    I. Current Situation of Economic Activity and Prices

    A. Current Economic Developments Abroad

    I would like to begin my speech by taking a look at the current situation of overseas economies (Chart 1). Regarding global business sentiment, as of March 2025, the Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) for the manufacturing industry has been at around 50 – the breakeven point between improvement and deterioration – and the PMI for the services industry has continued to improve. In the January 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) Update, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) projected that the growth rate of the global economy would be in the range of 3.0-3.5 percent for both 2025 and 2026, which is broadly in line with the average growth rate since 1980. The IMF will release the next quarterly update of the WEO this month, and attention is warranted on its assessment of the future path of trade policies in each jurisdiction and global developments in economic activity and prices affected by such policies.

    B. Current Economic Developments in Japan

    I will now turn to the current situation of Japan’s economy. The Bank of Japan judges that the economy has recovered moderately, although some weakness has been seen in part. It is necessary to pay attention to the fact that there are high uncertainties regarding trade policies in each jurisdiction and developments in overseas economic activity and prices affected by such policies. I will come back to this later.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Birkin vs Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Gemma Ware, Host, The Conversation Weekly Podcast, The Conversation

    Tony Neil Thompson/Shutterstock

    The Birkin bag made by French luxury retailer Hermès has become a status symbol for the global elite. Notoriously difficult to obtain, the world’s rich obsess over how to get their hands on one.

    But when US retailer Walmart recently launched a much cheaper bag that looked very similar to the Birkin, nicknamed a “Wirkin” by others, it sparked discussions about wealth disparity and the ethics of conspicuous consumption.

    In this episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast, we speak to two sociologists about the Birkin and what it symbolises.

    For the rich housewives of Delhi, the Birkin bag is a must have, says Parul Bhandari. A sociologist at the University of Cambridge in the UK, she’s spent time interviewing wealthy Indian women about their lives and preoccupations. She told us:

     A bag that is carried by rich women of New York, of London, of Paris, is something that you desire as well, so it’s a ticket of entry into the global elite.

    Birkins are also used by some of these rich women as a way to show off their husband’s affection, Bhandari says: “ Not only from the point of view of money, because obviously this bag is extremely expensive, but also because it is difficult to procure.” The harder your husband tries to help you get the bag, the more getting one is a testimony of conjugal love.

    Manufactured scarcity

    Named after the British actress Jane Birkin, Hermès’s signature bag can cost tens of thousands of dollars, or more on the resale market for those made in rare colours or out of rare leathers. But you can’t just walk into any Hermès store to buy one, as Aarushi Bhandari, a sociologist at Davidson College in the US who studies the internet – and is no relation to Parul – explains.

    You need to have a record of spending tens of thousands of dollars even before you’re offered to buy one. But spending that money doesn’t automatically mean you get a bag. You have to develop a relationship with a sales associate at a particular Hermès store and the sales associate really gets to decide, if there’s availability, whether or not you get offered a bag.

    Bhandari became intrigued by online communities where people discuss the best strategies for obtaining an Hermès. So when US retailer Walmart launched a bag in late 2024 that looked very similar to a Birkin, and the internet went wild, Bhandari was fascinated.

    She began to see posts on TikTok discussing the bag. First it was fashion accounts talking it up, but then a backlash began, with some users criticising those who would spend thousands on a real Birkin and praising the “Wirkin” as a way to make an iconic design accessible to regular people. Bhandari sees this as an example of an accelerating form of anti-elitism taking hold within parts of online culture.

    In February, the chief executive of Hermès, Axel Dumas, admitted that he was “irritated” by the Walmart bag and that the company took counterfeiting “very seriously”.

    The Walmart bag quickly sold out and no more were put on sale. It has since entered into a partnership with a secondhand luxury resale platform called Rebag, meaning customers can buy real Birkins secondhand through Walmart’s online marketplace.

    The Conversation approached Hermès for comment on the Walmart bag, and to confirm how the company decides who is eligible to buy a Birkin. Hermès did not respond.

    Listen to the full episode of The Conversation Weekly podcast to hear our conversation with Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari, plus an introduction from Nick Lehr, arts and culture editor at The Conversation in the US.

    This episode of The Conversation Weekly was written and produced by Katie Flood. Mixing and sound design by Eloise Stevens and theme music by Neeta Sarl.

    TikTok clips in this episode from babydoll2184, chronicallychaotic and pamelawurstvetrini.

    Listen to The Conversation Weekly via any of the apps listed above, download it directly via our RSS feed or find out how else to listen here.

    Parul Bhandari and Aarushi Bhandari do 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. Birkin vs Wirkin: the backlash against the global elite and their luxury bags – podcast – https://theconversation.com/birkin-vs-wirkin-the-backlash-against-the-global-elite-and-their-luxury-bags-podcast-254723

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –