Source: Reserve Bank of India
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Category: Asia Pacific
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MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on April 08, 2025
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MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today delivered a keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. In his remarks, Dr. Kao stressed the vital role of strengthening connectivity to foster sustainable and inclusive investment opportunities in ASEAN.
Download the full keynote address here.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers keynote address at the ASEAN Investment Conference 2025 appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
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MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan
Source: ASEAN
At the invitation of the Government of Japan, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat’s delegation to participate in the World Expo 2025, in Osaka, Japan, on 12-14 April 2025. The visit of SG Dr. Kao will entail a series of engagements focusing on ASEAN’s participation at the World Expo 2025, visiting Pavilions of ASEAN Member States, as well as meetings with various stakeholders based in Osaka. SG Dr. Kao will officiate the ASEAN Pavilion and, among others, deliver remarks in support of Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year at the International Trade and Industry Week, organized by the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Industry of Malaysia, at the Expo Hall.
Taking full advantage of his time in Osaka, SG Dr. Kao will also engage with the Osaka Prefecture Governor and the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry to further promote ASEAN’s potentials including in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and connectivity. Additionally, SG Dr. Kao will also be received by the ASEAN-Japan Centre during this visit, and will deliver a special lecture on the topic of ‘ASEAN-Japan Comprehensive Strategic Partnership: Partnership for Peace, Prosperity and People’ at the Kansai University, in Osaka, to convey ASEAN’s narrative to the younger generation.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the World Expo 2025 in Osaka, Japan appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal. -
MIL-Evening Report: Don’t let embarrassment stop you – talking about these anal cancer symptoms could save your life
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Suzanne Mahady, Gastroenterologist & Clinical Epidemiologist, Senior Lecturer, Monash University
Anal cancer doesn’t get a lot of attention. This may be because it’s relatively rare – anal cancer affects an estimated one to two Australians in every 100,000. As a comparison, melanomas affect around 70 in every 100,000 people.
But it’s also likely due to embarrassment. Anal cancer is an abnormal growth in the cells lining the anus, the last few centimetres of the bowel. Many people feel awkward talking about this part of their body.
So, when symptoms appear – such as bleeding or itchiness – they may delay speaking to a doctor. But it’s crucial to know what to look for, because if anal cancer is caught early the chances of treating it are much higher.
The anus is the last few centimetres of the bowel.
Designua/ShutterstockDo we know what causes it?
Up to nine in ten anal cancers are caused by human papillomavirus (HPV), a sexually transmitted infection.
HPV is common – more than 80% of people who have ever been sexually active will be infected at some point with a strain (there are more than 150).
Most HPV strains won’t cause any problems. But some, particularly HPV16, are higher risk. Persistent infection can cause changes in the anal lining and this can progress to anal cancer. This can happen even if you don’t have anal sex.
Vaccination against HPV is a highly effective method to reduce the risk of cancers related to HPV infection such as anal and cervical cancer.
Since the national HPV vaccination program began in Australia in 2007, there has been a substantial drop in diseases linked to HPV (such as genital warts). While it’s too early to say, it is hoped that over time cancer rates will also fall due to vaccination.
Other factors that increase your risk for anal cancer include:
- being older
- a history of smoking
- a weakened immune system (for example from medication or HIV)
- sexual activity (having anal sex or multiple sexual partners)
- a history of cervical, vulval or vaginal cancer.
Only some HPV strains are linked to cancer.
wisely/ShutterstockWhat are the symptoms?
Sometimes anal cancer doesn’t cause any symptoms. A doctor may instead detect the cancer visually during a colonoscopy or another examination.
Other times, symptoms may include bleeding from the bottom (you might see blood on the toilet paper), a new anal lump, or feeling non-specific discomfort or itchiness in your anus.
You may also have an unusual sensation that you can’t pass a stool as “fully” or easily as before.
If you have any of these symptoms – particularly if they are new or getting worse – it is important to speak with your doctor.
The symptoms of anal cancer can be very similar to common conditions such as haemorrhoids, so it’s best to get them checked by a doctor to get the diagnosis right.
It’s understandable you might be embarrassed. But for doctors, this is all part of routine practice.
Catching it early improves your chances
Survival rates are much better for anal cancer caught in the early stages.
Around 90% of people diagnosed with stage one anal cancer will live five years or more. That drops to 60% if the diagnosis is made when the cancer has developed to stage three.
The test may be as simple as a quick anal examination. Or it may require other investigations such as anoscopy (looking inside the bottom with a slim tube) or specialised ultrasounds or scans.
Most tests involve only a small amount of discomfort or none at all. They can rule out anything serious, giving you peace of mind.
If a cancer is detected, treatment usually involves radiotherapy, chemotherapy or surgery, or a combination.
The bottom line
If you need another reason to get symptoms checked out, here’s one: they could also indicate bowel cancer.
Bowel cancer (also known as colon or colorectal cancer) is the fourth most common cancer diagnosed in Australia, and the second most common cause of cancer death, with similar symptoms such as bleeding from the bottom.
So, it’s crucial to not to let awkwardness get in the way. Speak to your doctor if any symptoms concern you. Starting the conversation early could save your life.
Suzanne Mahady does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
– ref. Don’t let embarrassment stop you – talking about these anal cancer symptoms could save your life – https://theconversation.com/dont-let-embarrassment-stop-you-talking-about-these-anal-cancer-symptoms-could-save-your-life-249570
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MIL-OSI Security: Postured and Ready: MRF-D 25.3 deploys across the Pacific
Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND
DARWIN, Australia — Marine Rotational Force – Darwin (MRF-D) 25.3 has commenced its 14th iteration, projecting its operational reach well beyond northern Australia. While most of the force has successfully closed in Darwin, a portion of the ground combat element deployed directly from Camp Pendleton, California, to the Philippines to train with the Philippine Marine Corps’ (PMC) 1st Marine Brigade in Mindanao.
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MIL-Evening Report: Gold rush Melbourne and post-war boom: how Australia overcame housing shortages in the past
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rachel Stevens, Lecturer, Institute for Humanities and Social Sciences, Australian Catholic University
As part of their federal election campaign, the Coalition announced plans to limit the number of international students able to commence study each year to 240,000, “focused on driving […] housing availability and affordability”.
This announcement was criticised as a “fact free zone” by the Property Council.
The Coalition proposal falsely equates high immigration with housing shortages. Studies indicate limiting international students will have minimal impact on housing supply. Most international students stay in student housing or share house accommodation, not suitable or desirable for many Australians to live in.
History shows us Australia has previously gone through periods of high migration and economic uncertainty. But history also shows us, if we are willing to adapt and innovate, high immigration and housing affordability can co-exist.
Lessons from Australia’s gold rush
The discovery of gold in Victoria caused Melbourne’s population to explode.
In 1851, Melbourne’s population was 77,000. Within a decade, that figure had more than quadrupled to 540,000.
As a young colony, the Victorian government actively recruited British and Irish migrants, subsidising fully or partially the cost of the sea voyage to Australia.
It wasn’t all smooth sailing: competition across migrant groups developed, and new Chinese immigrants in particular were singled out. Europeans staged violent anti-Chinese riots, which included the murder of three Chinese migrants.
To accommodate new migrants, the Victorian colonial government expanded housing supply in two ways.
‘Canvas Town’ was built on the banks of the Yarra in South Melbourne, captured in this illustration from the 1850s.
State Library VictoriaFirst, in 1852 Lieutenant-Governor Charles La Trobe permitted the establishment of Canvas Town, essentially a tent city on the southern bank of the Yarra River.
There were problems in Canvas Town: disease was common, sanitation nonexistent, and crime rife. But Canvas Town provided newcomers protection from the elements. Canvas Town was officially disbanded in 1854, although people continued to live in tents across Melbourne as they awaited the construction of more permanent housing.
Second, prefabricated iron houses were imported to Melbourne from Britain to overcome supply shortages. These British-built “kit homes” were dismantled, every component labelled and then shipped to Australia for assembly.
Rapidly-built homes appeared in Port Melbourne, North Melbourne, Fitzroy, Collingwood and Richmond. Three such examples still exist today in South Melbourne.
A portable town for Australia erected at Hemming’s Patent Portable House Manufactory, Bristol.
National Library of AustraliaGold Rush Victoria reminds us of the importance of nimble government intervention in the housing market to offset housing pressures and mitigate anti-foreigner sentiments.
Responding to migrants after World War II
One hundred years later, Australia was again facing an immigration and population boom. Australia faced housing shortages in the post-World War II years, as the population grew from 7.6 million to 10.5 million people between 1947 and 1961.
In the era of post-war shortages and rationing, Australians worried about the impacts of the new arrivals on employment and social issues such as crime.
The arrival of displaced persons and assisted migrants from Europe strained existing housing stock. Some new and existing Australians resorted to squatting and other forms of temporary housing.
Commonwealth and state governments took leading roles in housing construction.
Houses were pre-fabricated in the United Kingdom, like in this photograph from 1947, before being shipped to Australia.
State Library VictoriaBetween 1947 and 1961, Australia’s housing stock increased by 50% compared with a 41% increase in population. Australian governments directly contributed to 24% of this increase in stock, or 221,700 homes.
As the minister for immigration, Harold Holt said in 1950, “migrant labour was helping to solve Australia’s housing problems, not aggravating it” by working in essential industries that produce housing materials.
Once again, prefabricated homes were part of the solution.
British migrant bricklayers work on building new State Housing Trust houses in Elizabeth, South Australia, in 1958.
National Archives of AustraliaBut on-site construction also had a role to play and could capitalise on the skills of new migrants, particularly in the new migrant town of Elizabeth, South Australia.
Migrants also pooled their resources and constructed homes for their community.
In Wexcombe, Western Australia, 12 British families formed a building group. Within three years, they had built new homes for each family.
Eras of innovation
In the 1850s and 1950s, increased immigration triggered bigotry and xenophobia. However, governments at this time were focused on nation building.
Bill Wilson from Belfast making a footpath around his new home in Wexcombe, Western Australia, in 1960.
National Archives of AustraliaEven if this was largely focused on supporting new white migrants, many politicians resisted the temptation to fan social divisions for political gain.
Instead, during the Gold Rush and post-World War II eras, Australian governments assisted individuals to adapt and innovate to new circumstances and create novel forms of housing.
Australian history gives us episodes where we see our society under strain and yet capable of addressing social issues with innovation and adaptability, while welcoming migrants.
Rachel Stevens works for the Australian Catholic University, which will be impacted by the proposed reforms on international students discussed in this article.
– ref. Gold rush Melbourne and post-war boom: how Australia overcame housing shortages in the past – https://theconversation.com/gold-rush-melbourne-and-post-war-boom-how-australia-overcame-housing-shortages-in-the-past-253952
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MIL-OSI Australia: Screen Australia and ACTF Kids IP Incubator Initiative enters next phase
Source: AMP Limited
09 04 2025 – Media release
Kids IP Incubator recipients in Melbourne for the workshop this week.
Eight teams have been selected to take part in the Kids IP Incubator Initiative, an Australian Children’s Television Foundation (ACTF) and Screen Australia program for children’s content makers to develop Australian IP for digital platforms.
Following a competitive assessment process, a mixture of experienced and emerging creatives has been selected for a three-month program which kicks off this week with an in-person workshop at the ACTF offices in Melbourne.
Digital content strategist Nico Lockhart will lead the workshop, joined by investment managers from Screen Australia and development managers from the ACTF. Nico has a decade of experience in online content, formerly leading the digital content division of animation and production studio WildBrain. He is the co-founder of a new venture which develops YouTube-first IPs.
Australian children have more content available to them than ever before across a range of multiple platforms and screens. This initiative will provide insight into the rapidly changing kids’ content landscape and empower creators with information and strategies to deliver distinctive Australian content for digital platforms like YouTube, which requires unique strategies to engage with audiences.
ACTF CEO Jenny Buckland said, “As the child audience fragments and more and more children gravitate towards digital platforms, we need to ensure that quality programming made specifically for them reaches them wherever they are. This unique initiative will allow new and experienced practitioners to learn, experiment and develop fresh and innovative content that is specifically created for the platforms they are accessing it on, and keeps up with the ever-changing kids’ content landscape.”
Screen Australia Director of Narrative Content Louise Gough said,“As the ecosystem for children’s content continues to shift globally, it’s essential that we provide our creators with the support and resources to innovate and take full advantage of new platforms and opportunities to reach Australian children. The Kids IP Incubator Project is a fantastic way to help both emerging and experienced creatives refine their skills and develop bold, original Australian stories for Australian children. We’re excited to see the projects that will evolve from this initiative and look forward to their contribution to a vibrant and sustainable future for children’s content in Australia.”
Projects selected for the initiative are:Bookstore Duck: Angus Woodiwiss, Celine Goetz, Patrick Egerton and Sophie Knoblanche
Moving Out – The Mini Series: David Smith and Bill Northcott
My Brother the Monkey King: Nicholas Lin and Aven Yap
Pit-Pats: Darcy Prendergast and Josie Mackerras
Proudfoot and Friends: Lucas Proudfoot, Ellenor Cox, John Armstrong, Mikalya Nicol, Georgie Bauman, Freddy Komp, Tim Shultz, Jenny Hanslow, Lauren Woods and Douglas Watkin
The Void Diner: Monique Mulcahy, Millie Holten and Caitlyn Staples
Weird Warden: Nicole Delprado and Grace Rein
Woolings: Liam O’Leary and Amanda SpagnoloFollowing the workshop, participants will undertake fortnightly online masterclasses with thought leaders, companies and creators in the space to further develop their practice over the coming months. Teams will receive a grant of up to $20,000 to develop their projects during this phase. At the end of the three months, teams will formally pitch their projects to a panel of ACTF and Screen Australia representatives and be invited to apply for a second round of development funding.
ACTF Media Enquiries
Emma Field | [email protected]
Media enquiries
Maddie Walsh | Publicist
+ 61 2 8113 5915 | [email protected]
Jessica Parry | Senior Publicist (Mon, Tue, Thu)
+ 61 428 767 836 | [email protected]
All other general/non-media enquiries
Sydney + 61 2 8113 5800 | Melbourne + 61 3 8682 1900 | [email protected] -
MIL-OSI Australia: Upgrades to Melba Oval now complete
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Sports to use the oval include rugby league, touch football, soccer and cricket.
New upgrades to the Melba Neighbourhood Oval pavilion and a new canteen are now complete. The upgrades will make playing and watching sport in West Belconnen a more comfortable experience.
The upgrades include:
- heating in the changing rooms
- privacy screens at the entry to the changing rooms
- lighting
- mirrors, vanities and shelves
- toilet cubicles
- an accessible toilet with a foldaway baby change table
- power points adjacent to wet areas
- lockable shower cubicles
- hygiene disposal points
- nonslip flooring.
Sports to use the oval include rugby league, touch football, soccer and cricket.
Spectators cheering on their team will also benefit with:
- three new public toilets (two unisex and one accessible)
- a new water refill station
- bike racks
- a new canteen featuring a digital art wrap highlighting some iconic Canberra images.
A barbecue area is also close by. It is securely caged off to allow storage and for groups to cook the traditional fundraiser brunches and lunches.
“These enhancements will significantly improve the experience for our players, volunteers and the entire community, fostering a more welcoming, inclusive and comfortable environment for everyone in our club,” Belconnen United Sharks Junior Rugby League Club President Matt Brown said.
“As all sports, including the great game of rugby league, look to continue to grow female participant numbers in community sports, having more dedicated change rooms enhances our ability to make everyone feel welcome, valued and respected as they engage in junior sports in large part thanks to our new and upgraded facilities.”
Cricket ACT is pleased to see the upgrade works completed.
“For cricket in the Territory to continue on its current nation-leading trajectory of growth, we need to ensure male and female players of all abilities are able to compete in the best possible facilities, and we’re excited to see what impact these and other facility improvements around the region will have on our great game,” Cricket ACT Territory Infrastructure Manager Lauren Coates said.
The Australian Cricket Infrastructure Fund made possible through Cricket Australia. Cricket ACT also helped to contribute to the upgrades to the pavilion with $25,000.
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MIL-OSI Australia: EVs assist during Australia-wide blackout
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers can help us transition away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.
During a blackout on the Australian energy grid in February, ACT Government vehicles fed power back into the grid.
Major storms in Melbourne caused the blackout. At the time, there were 16 ACT Government fleet EVs plugged into vehicle-to-grid (V2G) smart chargers across the ACT. Four of them were charging, and 12 were sitting idle.
These 16 EVs received a signal from the grid. They started supplying power back into the grid in seconds. This is potentially the first time in the world that this V2G response has assisted during a power emergency.
V2G technology works using a bi-directional charger. The energy from an EV battery can send electricity back into the grid, just like rooftop solar. In this case, the emergency response lasted a few minutes before the grid stabilised. The cars began charging again as normal with minimal disruption.
These results show that V2G can:
- contribute to the security of our electricity grid
- reduce emissions from transport.
“V2G represents a huge opportunity for Australia,” Ross De Rango, Head of Energy and Infrastructure at Electric Vehicle Council, said.
“Over time it will put downward pressure on energy bills for everyone (not just EV drivers) and enable us to close coal and gas fired power stations sooner.
“We’ll be able to meet significant amounts of energy system peak demand from our cars, rather than from burning fossil fuels, and then recharge them later on from excess wind or solar.”
EV uptake is growing in Canberra. V2G can play a pivotal role here and across Australia as we transition our national energy systems away from fossil fuels to 100 per cent renewable energy.
Enabling V2G technology is a commitment in the ACT’s first Integrated Energy Plan. For more information on the ACT’s pathway to electrification, visit the Everyday Climate Choices website.
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MIL-OSI USA: Case Introduces Measure To Coordinate Diplomacy And Engagements Among And With Indigenous Peoples Around The World
Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)
(Washington, DC) — U.S. Representative Ed Case (Hawai‘i-First District) today announced introduction of his Indigenous Diplomacy and Engagement Act “to ensure that our country’s foreign affairs efforts fully encompass and incorporate the independent interconnectedness of our world’s indigenous peoples.”
“The estimated 476 million indigenous peoples spread across all parts of our world are bound together by a common heritage, common wisdom and common challenges that transcend often artificial lines of national sovereignty,” said Case in remarks on introduction. “To recognize their international status and leverage their collective knowledge, in 2007 the international community adopted the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.”
“Rather than step away from the international stage, we must redouble efforts for meaningful engagement wherever and however we can. This includes strengthening our relationships and partnerships with international indigenous peoples to more fully include their special perspective and connectedness in an inextricably interlinked world.”
Case said that his proposal arose in part from the success of the 13th Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture, a gathering of the indigenous peoples of Oceania in Honolulu in June 2024. “The Pacific Festival was a powerful reminder of the interconnectedness of the indigenous peoples of the Pacific and of mutual commitment across national boundaries to addressing the challenges of our times, and we should take those lessons in our own responses.”
Case further said that, to better coordinate focus on indigenous peoples worldwide and engage internationally on issues important to indigenous peoples, including Native Hawaiians, his bill would create an Office for Indigenous Affairs at the Department of State responsible for coordinating all efforts of the federal government regarding diplomacy and engagements with international indigenous peoples.
“The office would be headed by a Coordinator for Indigenous Affairs, appointed by the President with the advice and consent of the Senate. The coordinator would be tasked with establishing a comprehensive international strategy for promoting diplomacy and engagement with indigenous peoples.”
“The strategy would be developed in coordination with various federal departments and agencies as well as an Advisory Commission on Indigenous Peoples established by the bill. The Commission would consist of members appointed by the Secretary of State, President Pro Tempore of the Senate and the Speaker of the House, as well as representatives from the National Congress of American Indians, Alaska Federation of Natives and Office of Hawaiian Affairs, the representative entities for the largest groups of our country’s own indigenous peoples. This will help more directly link our nation’s indigenous peoples with efforts to build relationship with those in other countries.”
Case added that his bill would also require Foreign Service Officers to be trained on the history and culture of indigenous communities that reside near their posts of assignment. He said Foreign Service Officers will often be the primary American officials for interaction with these communities and should be well versed in specific indigenous peoples’ issues.
· Copy of bill is here
· Case remarks in the Congressional Record is here
· Pictures of Congressman Case at the Closing Ceremony for the Festival of Pacific Arts and Culture on June 16, 2024
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Police catch up with alleged identity thief
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
A prolific fraudster faces dozens of charges after racking up over $100,000 in trade debt allegedly under someone else’s identity.
The Auckland man has been remanded in custody after being arrested by fraud detectives on Tuesday at an apartment in Auckland’s CBD.
Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit has been adding up the man’s crime spree which allegedly began in December last year, laying 36 fraud charges.
Kumeū Police had initially dealt with an unsuspecting victim of identity theft and alerted the unit.
Detective Senior Sergeant Craig Bolton says: “It will be alleged that the man used a fake driver’s licence to obtain more than $110,000 in product from several large electronic and hardware retailers.
“This included fraudulently ordering nearly $20,000 in equipment commonly used to operate a clandestine laboratory.”
Branches of well-known retailers were targeted right across the Auckland region. Items allegedly obtained include high value electronicand hardware goods.
Detective Senior Sergeant Bolton says generally fake driver’s licences are a tool of the trade for fraud offenders.
This sort of offending will involve someone combining their real identity with that of another person.
“I acknowledge our colleagues in Kumeū for alerting us in the first instance, which has prompted our team to investigate.
“Detective Sergeant Ramsay and Detective Everson from the Auckland City’s Financial Crime Unit have worked with urgency to bring together 12 separate cases Auckland wide.”
The man has appeared in the Auckland District Court and will reappear on 11 April 2025.
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Man charged over Auckland burglaries
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police have caught up with a burglar who broke into three homes, including one in which he was disturbed by the victim.
Members of the Tactical Crime Unit arrested the Papatoetoe man following a search warrant this morning.
Counties Manukau West Area Commander, Inspector Dave Christoffersen says a Papatoetoe home was broken into late on 28 March.
“The elderly victim was sleeping and was woken by the offender, and in the process, she disturbed his offending.
“While challenging this man to leave the property she was pushed aside, and the offender fled.”
Jewellery belonging to the victim was taken.
Police responded to a 111 call on the night, and scene of crime forensic staff also attended the address.
“From there our enquiries have progressed, identifying a person of interest leading us to his doorstep this morning,” Inspector Christoffersen says.
“This would be frightening for anyone in the community to experience, and the victim took great courage that evening.
“We have spoken to her today and she is relieved at this outcome.”
Police have charged the 26-year-old with burglary and aggravated assault over the incident.
He has also been charged with two burglaries in Papatoetoe and Remuera earlier in March.
Inspector Christoffersen says the man has been remanded in custody to reappear in August.
“Police continue to actively target burglary offenders every single day, and we continue to ask members of the public to report any instances of suspicious behaviour in a timely manner.”
ENDS.
Jarred Williamson/NZ Police
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MIL-OSI China: Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge sees record-high passenger, vehicle flows during Qingming holiday
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge sees record-high passenger, vehicle flows during Qingming holiday
During the Qingming Festival holiday, the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge in south China recorded over 365,000 passenger trips and 75,000 vehicle crossings at its Zhuhai port – both setting new records for the holiday period.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Update: Further appeal in relation to missing man Thomas Basire
Source: New Zealand Police (National News)
Attributable to Detective Senior Sergeant Martin Todd, Hutt Valley Area Investigations Manager:
Hutt Valley Police are continuing to appeal for the public’s help to locate missing 28-year-old Thomas Basire, who has not been seen since November 2024.
Thomas was last seen walking towards Petone on the stop bank near the Ewen Bridge on Railway Ave, on 24 November 2024.
Since his disappearance, Police have conducted a number of searches around the Hutt River and riverbank area in an attempt to locate him, which have all been unsuccessful to date.
Footage taken from a search in February was analysed, with no further items or locations of interest identified.
Police have received a wealth of information from the public regarding the potential whereabouts of Thomas, however based on follow-up enquiries, we do not believe there have been any confirmed sightings of him since November.
Over the course of our investigation, Police staff have spoken with a number of people who knew Tom, and urge anyone who associated with him who has not yet spoken to Police, to come forward and speak with us.
Despite the period of time he has been missing, the investigation team are keeping an open mind with this investigation.
While there is no further search activity planned at this time, Police will often review these cases as information is received by members of the public.
If you have any information that could assist Police, no matter how small, please contact us via 105, either over the phone or online.
You can quote reference number 241213/6143.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
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MIL-OSI Economics: Timor-Leste Economic Outlook Remains Optimistic for 2025–2026 — ADB
Source: Asia Development Bank
Timor-Leste’s economic growth outlook is positive, with the economy projected to grow at an average annual rate of 3.9% from 2025 to 2026. This growth is driven by robust consumer demand and an expansionary fiscal policy, according to a new report released by ADB.
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MIL-OSI China: Chinese energy giants announce share purchases to boost market confidence
Source: China State Council Information Office
Several Chinese central State-owned energy enterprises announced share purchase initiatives on Tuesday, underscoring their robust confidence in the long-term prospects of China’s economy and capital market.
The combined value of the moves could exceed 10 billion yuan ($1.38 billion), they say.
China National Petroleum Corporation disclosed that it will buy A-shares and H-shares over the next year, with a total investment of up to 5.6 billion yuan, while China Petroleum and Chemical Corporation announced a similar 12-month purchase plan worth up to 3 billion yuan targeting shares listed in Shanghai and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
China Huaneng Group Co Ltd said that its subsidiary has already initiated share purchases, while China National Coal Group also detailed a multi-tiered investment strategy.
The announcements come amid renewed efforts by State-owned enterprises to stabilize market expectations during a period of heightened volatility.
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MIL-OSI China: 18 more key enterprises set up, expand business in Hong Kong
Source: China State Council Information Office
Another 18 enterprises in high-tech industries signed agreements to establish or expand their businesses in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government said on Tuesday.
The enterprises, along with the 66 companies that signed on earlier, will invest about 50 billion Hong Kong dollars (6.43 billion U.S. dollars) in Hong Kong and create over 20,000 jobs.
The enterprises are from such industries as advanced manufacturing and new energy, life and health technology, artificial intelligence and data science, as well as fintech. They all pledged to set up global headquarters, regional headquarters or research centers in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong treasures not only the investments, jobs and expertise that the enterprises bring along, but also their products and solutions that will transform people’s ways of life and inspire new innovation, said Paul Chan, financial secretary of the HKSAR government, at the signing ceremony.
“Hong Kong remains steadfast in our commitment to upholding our free-port status and free trade, maintaining our simple and low-tax system, and building a vibrant innovation and technology ecosystem with a full range of funding support,” he said.
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MIL-OSI China: Global markets plunge as ‘reciprocal tariffs’ spark fears on Black Monday
Source: China State Council Information Office
Traders work on the floor of the New York Stock Exchange in New York, the United States, April 3, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Major stock indexes across the globe plunged sharply on Monday, as investors dumped riskier assets amid mounting fears over U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Panic sentiments took hold of the market once trading opened in the morning. The day of April 7, with similarities to the 1987 stock market crash, is being seen as another “Black Monday” by analysts and the media.
Washington’s controversial new set of tariffs has stirred tensions since its announcement on Wednesday, hitting global markets hard, sparking backlash from other countries and drawing widespread criticism from economists and investors.
Global turbulence
Major markets across the globe witnessed a turbulent day.
Three major benchmarks of the U.S. stock market met with major setbacks on Monday.
The S&P 500 Index, which is composed of 500 leading companies listed in the United States, dived as much as 21.41 percent from its record high on Feb. 19 and entered the technical territory of the bear market in the morning session.
As of 9:40 a.m. Eastern time (1340 GMT), the Dow Jones Industrial Average lost 2.63 percent, the S&P 500 shed 3.14 percent, and the Nasdaq Composite Index dropped by 3.85 percent.
Later, false reports that the White House would pause most of Trump’s tariffs for 90 days had pumped up the market, leading to a sudden surge. However, as the White House denied the news, the market declined again. The up and down within hours indicate how desperate investors were for any potential relief from the tariffs.
All the leading European benchmark indexes opened in the red on Monday, down by 4 to 7 percent compared with the closing prices on the previous trading day.
Britain’s blue-chip stock index, the FTSE 100, dropped by about 5 percent, France’s CAC 40 went down by over 5 percent, and the pan-European STOXX 600 index dropped over 6 percent in morning trade.
Germany’s DAX index was among the hardest-hit, opening down by 9.5 percent before paring back part of the losses later in the morning. The significant gains since the beginning of the year have thus been almost completely wiped out.
The S&P/ASX 200 — Australia’s benchmark share market index — closed down 4.2 percent on Monday in a plunge worth more than 100 billion Australian dollars (60.1 billion U.S. dollars). The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported that it was the index’s biggest one-day fall since May 2020.
Singapore’s Straits Times Index on Monday plunged by 8.7 percent at the open. The sharp drop marked the index’s steepest single-day decline since an 8.9 percent plunge during the 2008 global financial crisis, and exceeded the 8.4 percent fall seen in March 2020 amid COVID-19.
A pedestrian passes a screen showing stock market information in Tokyo, Japan, April 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
Fear and fury
The aggressive tariffs that triggered the global stock market plunge have drawn widespread criticism of the U.S. government, amid fear and fury across the globe.
Trump’s tariffs have a shocking effect on stock markets, Gilles Moec, chief economist at AXA Group, told Les Echos, a French economy-specialized daily.
“This shock has no real precedent in history, which amplifies market volatility because investors have no point of reference,” he said.
Moec noted that the current damage to global stock markets is “entirely self-inflicted by the U.S. authorities,” unlike past stock market crises which were reflections of then macroeconomic situations.
Richard Branson, British entrepreneur and co-founder of Virgin Group, said it is time for Washington to change course. “Otherwise, America will face ruin for years to come,” he warned.
Branson noted that companies should be given enough time to adapt, and the current market response is preventable.
Hasan Tevfik, a research analyst at advisory firm MST Marquee, also warned of severe consequences for the U.S. economy.
“The U.S. economy has endured a barrage of headwinds, all self-inflicted, and the end consequence will be a contraction in the economy that was humming along, exceptionally, over the last couple of years,” he told the Australian Financial Review newspaper.
This photo taken on April 7, 2025 shows a screen at the foreign exchange dealing room of the KEB Hana Bank headquarters in Seoul, South Korea. [Photo/Xinhua]
Independent Australian economist Saul Eslake noted the uncertainty surrounding Trump’s next decisions and what he called the “madness” of the White House. He warned that the impact on the Australian economy was likely to be worse than the Treasury’s forecast that the country is well-placed to avoid a recession despite the “damage” being done by the U.S. tariffs.
Doom and gloom
Investors have lost trillions of dollars since the tariff announcement on Wednesday. Recession odds are rising, and massive trade wars are looming. With no constructive response in sight, market confidence has been severely hit.
DBS economists in a weekly review released on Monday noted that global markets and economies are still struggling to absorb the seismic tariff shock, with risk aversion and market selloff.
“The key reason for that is that despite the spate of announcements, there is still substantial fear that more measures are to come. Perhaps more critical is the notion that nations trying to do a deal with the U.S. will not be able to rest easy upon signing agreements, as no deal with the U.S. seems to be reliable any longer,” wrote DBS economists Taimur Baig and Radhika Rao.
David Gerald, president of the Securities Investors Association (Singapore), told The Straits Times, “If tariffs are sustained, they could contribute to higher inflation and slower global growth, which may in turn trigger further volatility and potential sell-offs in markets globally, including Singapore.”
Germany’s Friedrich Merz, who is expected to become the next chancellor, also fears that U.S. trade policy could further escalate the turmoil in global stock markets. “The situation on international equity and bond markets is dramatic and threatens to worsen further.”
JPMorgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon warned on Monday, “The recent tariffs will likely increase inflation and are causing many to consider a greater probability of a recession.”
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MIL-OSI China: GM China joint venture reports 71.3 pct surge in NEV sales in Q1
Source: China State Council Information Office
SAIC-GM-Wuling (SGMW), a joint venture between SAIC Motor, General Motors and Liuzhou Wuling Motors, reported robust new energy vehicle (NEV) sales in the first quarter of 2025, selling 199,078 units, with a 71.3 percent year-on-year growth.
NEVs accounted for 52.8 percent of the company’s total vehicle sales in Q1, during which overall auto sales reached 377,257 units, up 12.3 percent year on year.
The company also recorded a strong export performance in the first quarter, with overseas NEV shipments rising 8.2 percent year on year to 53,385 units/sets.
SGMW plans to accelerate its electrification efforts in global markets, with an upcoming entry into Central Asia and an expanded presence in the ASEAN region, according to the company.
SGMW is based in the city of Liuzhou, south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Fatal crash, Horsham Downs + appeal for information
Source: New Zealand Police (District News)
Police can confirm one person died in hospital yesterday from injuries sustained in a crash at Horsham Downs last month.
The single vehicle crash on Bankier Road was reported just before 7:20pm on Friday 28 March.
Police investigations into the cause of the crash are ongoing, and we would like to hear from witnesses.
In particular, we would like to speak with the driver of the pictured maroon-coloured SUV towing a boat that was travelling on Bankier Road at the time of the crash
We believe they may be able to provide information to assist with our enquiries.
If you are the driver of that vehicle, or witnessed the crash, please contact Police on 105, either over the phone or online.
Please reference file number 250329/2196.
ENDS
Issued by Police Media Centre
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Property Law Amendment Bill pulled from ballot
Source: New Zealand Labour Party
A Bill to protect first home buyers and others from bad faith property vendors has been drawn from the Member’s Ballot.
“This simple Bill aims to protect people buying a new home from the small number of property vendors who would choose to rip up a contract in bad faith, for a bit of extra cash,” Ingrid Leary said.
“Most property vendors act with integrity and respect towards their purchasers.
“However, there have been cases in recent years where a family has committed hard earned savings to a vendor, or made decisions based on a contract they’ve signed for a new home, only for delays to push their agreement over a ‘sunset date’.
“At the moment, this allows a bad faith vendor to tear up the contract and list the property at a higher price.
“My Bill would require both the vendor and purchaser to agree to invoke the sunset clause, which in most cases would mean the purchaser has to provide written consent to the vendor.
“A vendor would also be able to apply to the relevant authority to cancel the contract if they judge it to be just and equitable in specific circumstances,” Ingrid Leary said.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Government restraint offers hope to firms, farms, and families
Source: ACT Party
Responding to the Reserve Bank cutting the Official Cash Rate by 0.25 points, ACT Leader David Seymour says:
“Spending restraint is paying off. The Reserve Bank has just delivered its fifth interest rate cut running, and households will start to see mortgage rates beginning with a four.
“Firms, farms, and families will have more money left to pursue their own ambitions, and their spending will flow through the economy.
“Households deserve credit for improving economic conditions. They reined in their budgets during a cost-of-living crisis.
“Likewise, the Government has reined in its spending. Government spending growth is tracking at around 1% per annum – in real terms, that’s a spending cut once inflation at 2.2% and population growth at 1% are taken into account.
“By resisting the temptation to spend our way through our challenges like Labour did, we leave space in the economy for further mortgage relief, and more growth in the private sector. We need to stay the course.
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MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 9, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 9, 2025.
Chinese-Australian voters were key to Labor’s win in 2022. Are some now swinging back to the Liberals?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wanning Sun, Professor of Media and Cultural Studies, University of Technology Sydney Chinese-Australian voters were pivotal to Labor’s win in the 2022 election, with the swing against the Liberals in several key marginal seats almost twice that of other seats. Many traditionally pro-business Liberal supporters switched sidesThe ‘monogamy superiority myth’: new research suggests unconventional relationships are just as satisfying
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joel Anderson, Associate Professor in LGBTIQA+ Psychology, La Trobe University Pixel-Shot/Shutterstock From The Bachelor to Married at First Sight, reality TV sells us the idea that one perfect partner will complete us. The formula is familiar: find “the one,” lock it down and live happily ever after.‘Germany is back’: 3 ways NZ can benefit from Europe’s renewed centre of power
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mathew Doidge, Senior Research Fellow, National Centre for Research on Europe, University of Canterbury Getty Images It’s unlikely many New Zealanders paid close attention to Foreign Minister Winston Peters’ statement late last year that “New Zealand and Germany are committed to enhancing their partnership”. Peters had beenBringing manufacturing back from overseas isn’t an easy solution to Trump’s trade war
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Susan Stone, Credit Union SA Chair of Economics, University of South Australia Shutterstock The past week has seen the United States single-handedly rewrite the underlying paradigm for global trade. And while it is fair to say that the methods are extreme, the underlying goal of the policyHow to build a cinematic universe: the secret to Marvel’s enormous success among a history of failures
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vincent Tran, Academic Tutor at Swinburne University of Technology, Swinburne University of Technology Since Iron Man hit the big screen in 2008, the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) has made more than US$30 billion, from films to series, to merchandise and comics. As scholars and the press haveChatGPT just passed the Turing test. But that doesn’t mean AI is now as smart as humans
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Zena Assaad, Senior Lecturer, School of Engineering, Australian National University Hanna Barakat & Cambridge Diversity Fund/Better Images of AI, CC BY-SA There have been several headlines over the past week about an AI chatbot officially passing the Turing test. These news reports are based on a recentA grab bag of campaign housing policies. But will they fix the affordability crisis beyond the election?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Cull, Associate professor, Western Sydney University Secure and affordable housing is a fundamental human right for all Australians. Therefore, it is unsurprising the election campaign is being played out against a backdrop of heightened voter anxiety about rental stress and housing affordability. A growing number ofThese complementary therapies may soon be eligible for private health insurance rebates
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jon Wardle, Professor of Public Health, Southern Cross University Rui Dias/Pexels Private health insurers may soon be able to offer rebates for seven complementary therapies previously prohibited. This includes some movement therapies – Pilates, yoga, tai chi and Alexander technique, which teaches body awareness and posture –Winston Peters at 80: the populist’s populist clocks up 50 years of political comebacks
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Grant Duncan, Teaching Fellow in Politics and International Relations, University of Auckland, Waipapa Taumata Rau Getty Images Winston Peters turns a venerable 80 on April 11, but he showed no sign of retiring as New Zealand’s archetypal populist during his recent state of the nation speech. HeCities that want to attract business might want to focus less on financial incentives and more on making people feel safe
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kaitlyn DeGhetto, Associate Professor of Management, University of Dayton To attract business investment, American cities and states offer companies billions of dollars in incentives, such as tax credits. As the theory goes, when governments create a business-friendly environment, it encourages investment, leading to job creation and economicElection Diary: The election’s first debate was disaster-free but passion-free too
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The election’s first debate, on Sky News on Tuesday night, was disappointingly dull. Viewers who’d been following the campaign would have learned little. There was minimal spontaneity. Among the 100 undecided voters in the room, 44 said Anthony Albanese won,Reality check: coral restoration won’t save the world’s reefs
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Corey J. A. Bradshaw, Matthew Flinders Professor of Global Ecology and Node Leader in the ARC Centre of Excellence for Indigenous and Environmental Histories and Futures, Flinders University A coral ‘rope’ nursery in the Maldives Luca Saponari/University of Milan, CC BY-ND Coral reefs are much more thanNo major gaffes and no knockout punch: the first leaders’ debate was a pedestrian affair
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andy Marks, Vice-President, Public Affairs and Partnerships, Western Sydney University Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Opposition Leader Peter Dutton have faced off in the first leaders’ debate of the 2025 federal election. The debate, hosted by Sky News and The Daily Telegraph, was held at the WentyPolitics aside, new research shows there are good financial reasons to back working from home
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Dorina Pojani, Associate Professor in Urban Planning, The University of Queensland Fizkes/Shutterstock In the pre-industrial era, people often lived and worked in the same building. This removed the need to travel to work. The separation of home and work occurred much later, during the Industrial Revolution. FactoriesLabor’s $1 billion for mental health is good news for young people in particular – but leaves some gaps
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sebastian Rosenberg, Associate Professor, Health Research Institute, University of Canberra, and Brain and Mind Centre, University of Sydney mooremedia/Shutterstock The Labor government has announced it would invest A$1 billion in mental health if re-elected to provide more Australians – particularly young people – with “free, public mentalWe’re hardwired to laugh – this is why watching comedians try to be the ‘Last One Laughing’ is so funny
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fergus Edwards, Lecturer in English, University of Tasmania Amazon MGM Studios Last One Laughing is a battle royale for stand-ups. Ten comedians, one room, surrounded by cameras. Laugh once and they’re warned. Laugh again, and they’re out. Last comic left wins. It is an international TV phenomenon,Here’s a simple, science-backed way to sharpen your thinking and improve your memory
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben Singh, Research Fellow, Allied Health & Human Performance, University of South Australia Centre for Ageing Better/Unsplash Many of us turn to Sudoku, Wordle or brain-training apps to sharpen our minds. But research is increasingly showing one of the best ways to boost memory, focus and brainIf Australia switched to EVs, we’d be more reliant on China’s car factories – but wean ourselves off foreign oil
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hussein Dia, Professor of Future Urban Mobility, Swinburne University of Technology Prapat Aowsakorn/Shutterstock Australia has huge reserves of coal and gas – but very little oil. Before the 20th century, this didn’t matter – trains ran on local coal. But as cars and trucks have come toER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for April 8, 2025
ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on April 8, 2025. -
MIL-OSI Economics: Media release: Statement on the Coalition’s Frontier Economics gas policy modelling – Australian Energy Producers
Source: Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association
Headline: Media release: Statement on the Coalition’s Frontier Economics gas policy modelling – Australian Energy Producers
Attributable to Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch:
The Frontier Economics modelling of the Coalition’s gas price controls policy released last night leaves many unanswered questions about how the policy would work and reaffirms industry’s fundamental concerns.
The policy would introduce price controls in the east coast gas market and would be yet another heavy-handed intervention that will drive away investment and risk exacerbating the supply pressures in the longer term.
The Coalition rightly opposed a similar policy in 2022, when the Federal Government introduced price caps that ultimately delayed new supply and damaged investor confidence.
At the time, the Coalition noted that “price caps in the gas market would be a disaster” that could lead to “a collapse in industry confidence resulting in job losses and long-term investment downturns”, and cited EnergyQuest modelling “that showed a $10-per-gigajoule cap could remove or delay more than 700 petajoules of new gas supply in less than eight years.”
Rather than increasing gas supply, the Coalition’s policy risks reducing domestic gas production and supply because there would be no incentive to produce sub-economic gas, and it would damage already suppressed investor confidence.
The modelling also ignores the material infrastructure constraints that limit how much gas from Queensland can be sent to the southern states, with the pipes already running at full capacity during peak periods – a point the Coalition made less than six months ago.
There is much in the Coalition’s broader gas plan that is welcome and responds to what industry has been calling for, including streamlining environmental approvals, providing more certainty and protection from lawfare for critical energy projects, including gas in the Capacity Investment Scheme, and support for pipeline and storage to address infrastructure constraints.
We will continue to work with both major parties on sustainable solutions that promote a functioning, competitive and well supplied east coast gas market.
Media contact: 0434 631 511
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Finance and Banking – ASB lowers variable rates for personal, business and rural customers
Source: ASB
ASB is dropping variable interest rates across home lending, business and rural lending by 0.25%, following today’s decision by the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to reduce the Official Cash Rate (OCR).
ASB’s Executive General Manager Personal Banking Adam Boyd says, “We expect our reduced variable rates will appeal to customers choosing to float their lending in part or full, as we see Kiwi considering their options carefully.”
In response to the OCR decrease, ASB is lowering some of its savings products, including Savings On Call and Headstart, by 25 basis points.
“We encourage customers relying on interest as a means of saving to look at all the options available to make their money work for them.”
Home Loan*
Current Rates
New Rates
Rate Change
Housing Variable
6.89%
6.64%
– 0.25%
Orbit Variable
6.99%
6.74%
– 0.25%
Back My Build
4.44%
4.19%
– 0.25%
Note – Back My Build applications are no longer open to new customers.*These changes are effective from Friday 11th April 2025 for new lending customers, and Wednesday 16th April 2025 for existing lending customers.
Business Loan*
Current Rates
New Rates
Rate Change
Business and Rural Floating Base Rate
5.19%
4.94%
– 0.25%
Business Base Rate
12.02%
11.77%
– 0.25%
Rural Base Rate
9.26%
9.01%
– 0.25%
Corporate Indicator Rate
6.43%
6.18%
– 0.25%
Special Purpose Base Rate
5.00%
4.75%
– 0.25%
*These changes are effective from Thursday 17th April 2025 for both new and existing customers.
Savings
Band
Current Rates
New Rates
Rate Change
Savings On Call & ASB Cash Fund*
All Balances
1.15%
0.90%
– 0.25%
Savings Plus**
No Bonus
0.70%
0.45%
– 0.25%
Partial Bonus
0.80%
0.55%
– 0.25%
Full Bonus
3.15%
2.90%
– 0.25%
Headstart*
All Balances
3.15%
2.90%
– 0.25%
*These changes are effective from Wednesday 16thApril 2025 for new and existing customers
**Savings Plus changes were effective from Tuesday 1st April 2025 in line with the quarterly structure of the product
ASB has practical information for customers on the current interest rate environment available on its website (ref. https://www.asb.co.nz/home-loans-mortgages/preparing-for-rising-interest-rates.html ) as well support to help customers take control of their financial wellbeing and achieve their goals at its Financial Wellbeing Hub (ref. https://www.asb.co.nz/banking-with-asb/financial-wellbeing.html ).
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MIL-OSI China: MPay can be used in Guangzhou public transport
Source: China State Council Information Office 2
Macao residents can now use their familiar MPay e-wallet to scan and ride on all public transport in Guangzhou. [Photo provided to China Daily]
MPay, Macao’s most frequently used local electronic wallet, has become the second overseas e-wallet approved for use on public transportation in Guangzhou, Guangdong province, following Hong Kong’s AlipayHK.
Since early April, Macao residents have been able to use MPay to access all public transportation routes in Guangzhou. The expansion allows residents from both of China’s special administrative regions to travel more conveniently within the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area.
The service, a collaboration between Guangzhou Metro Group, MPay and Alipay+, is part of Ant Group’s fintech offerings. Through Alipay+’s cross-border services, Macao residents can use MPay to scan and pay for rides across all public transportation in Guangzhou, including metro lines, buses and ferries. The service also extends to metro lines in Foshan, a city neighboring Guangzhou.
Guangzhou is the first city on the Chinese mainland to support full access for e-wallets from all parts of the Greater Bay Area, reinforcing the region’s goal of seamless connectivity.
Currently, tourists from the Chinese mainland use Alipay when visiting Hong Kong and Macao, while visitors from those regions use AlipayHK and MPay, respectively, when traveling to the mainland.
With the new service, Macao residents can not only use MPay for cross-border transactions, but also for seamless travel on all Guangzhou public transportation routes, paying in Macao currency in real time. They will also receive the same discounts as local passengers under Guangzhou’s public transportation fare policies, according to Guangzhou Metro Group.
“By integrating with the Guangzhou public transportation system, this not only sets a benchmark for cross-border commuting within the Greater Bay Area but also helps promote the deep integration of the ‘one-hour living circle’ within the region,” said Sun Ho, chairman and CEO of Macau Pass, MPay’s operating company.
Alipay+ has previously enabled AlipayHK to connect to public transportation in key Greater Bay Area cities, including Guangzhou, Shenzhen and Foshan.
Last year, Hong Kong users of AlipayHK recorded more than 10 million cross-border transportation trips heading northward, according to Alipay+ data.
“The high-frequency cross-border transportation services are a daily necessity for the interconnected life of residents in the Greater Bay Area,” said Venetia Lee, Greater China general manager of Ant International.
Alipay+ plans to expand e-wallet integration in the Greater Bay Area beyond transportation, aiming to include services such as healthcare and government affairs, Lee said.
“Our goal is to provide more inclusive support for residents in cross-border travel, work, family visits and daily life, using innovative technology to enhance the region’s digital ecosystem,” she said. -
MIL-OSI China: China Pavilion to delight visitors at Expo 2025
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A media day event at the China Pavilion of Expo 2025 in the Japanese city of Osaka offered a preview of exhibitions centered on green development, cutting-edge technologies, and the vision of harmonious coexistence between humanity and nature.
Held on Monday, the China Media Day event showcased the pavilion’s design and displays, all unified under the core theme: “Building a Community of Life for Man and Nature — Future Society of Green Development”.
Li Qingshuang, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade and government representative for the China Pavilion, said: “The exhibitions at the China Pavilion closely align with the expo’s theme and emphasize immersion, interactivity and experience. The presentation methods are diverse, blending tradition and modernity, and rich in cultural sentiment.”
Covering an area of around 3,500 square meters, the China Pavilion stands as one of the largest foreign self-built pavilions at Expo 2025, also known as the World Expo, which will open in Osaka on Sunday and run for six months.
During the expo, the Walker C humanoid robot, developed by UBTech Robotics, will interact with visitors at the south plaza of the China Pavilion, offering intelligent tour guide services and human-robot interaction experiences.
The mythological figure Sun Wukong, also known as the Monkey King, will make an appearance at the China Pavilion. This version of Sun Wukong is powered by a next-generation cognitive intelligence model developed by Chinese information technology company iFlytek. It integrates cutting-edge technologies such as robust noise-resistant speech recognition, multiemotion voice synthesis and multimodal interaction.
Visitors will be able to engage in interactive Q&A sessions with Sun Wukong in Chinese, Japanese and English.
One of the highlights at the China Pavilion will be samples brought back from the moon by the Chang’e 5 and Chang’e 6 lunar probes.
“This will be the most precious exhibit the China Pavilion presents to global visitors during Expo 2025.It will also be the world’s first side-by-side, close-up display of samples from both the near and far sides of the moon,” Li said.
She emphasized that visitors will have the opportunity to observe the distinct structures of the lunar samples and the subtle differences between both sides of the moon through a specially designed lens installation. Nearby, a video message from three Chinese astronauts aboard the space station will offer greetings to visitors at the China Pavilion.
According to Liu Shuo, deputy director of the China Pavilion, its design was inspired by traditional bamboo slips, incorporating cultural elements such as bamboo and Chinese characters.
The pavilion will be in three sections, each highlighting a different facet of China’s approach to sustainability — its traditional ecological philosophy, contemporary green development efforts, and the vision for global collaboration toward a sustainable future.
The “Harmony Between Humanity and Nature” section delves into traditional Chinese culture, emphasizing the deep-rooted wisdom and reverence the Chinese people have for the natural world.
The “Green Mountains and Clear Waters” section presents China’s modern commitment to green development, showcasing its efforts to drive comprehensive economic and social transformation through sustainable practices.
The “Endless Vitality” section looks to the future, featuring China’s exploration of outer space and the deep sea, and its dedication to working with the international community to build a greener and more beautiful Earth.
The Future Smart City exhibition, organized by China Energy Engineering Group, presents a vision for future urban development. It integrates eight types of urban networks — including energy, digital, transportation and industrial networks — demonstrating China’s technological breakthroughs and practical applications in areas such as clean energy, artificial intelligence and urban development.
Liu said the China Pavilion will host a wide variety of events during the expo. The pavilion will officially open on Sunday, and the National Pavilion Day falls on July 11.
Thirty Chinese provinces, autonomous regions, municipalities and the city of Shenzhen will hold themed events at the pavilion. Additionally, many government agencies and businesses will organize cultural, technological and economic exchange activities.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: OCR reduction affirms spending discipline
Source: New Zealand Government
The reduction in the Official Cash Rate (OCR) affirms the work done by the Government to bring public spending back under control, Finance Minister Nicola Willis says.
The Reserve Bank today reduced the OCR by 25 basis points, meaning the rate has come down 200 basis points since August last year.
“That is good news for households because it means lower mortgage rates and more money in people’s pockets to help with the cost of living,” Nicola Willis says.
“For example, for someone with a $500,000 mortgage over 25 years, a two percentage point drop in their interest rate reduces their repayments by about $300 a fortnight.
“The fall in the OCR is also good news for businesses because it means more money flowing through their tills.
“The Government knows many families and businesses are still doing it tough but our focus on stopping wasteful spending has made a difference.
“When the Government is disciplined with its spending, it takes the heat out of inflation and gives the Reserve Bank more room to reduce interest rates.
“Since peaking at 7.3 per cent in June 2022, the annual inflation rate has fallen to 2.2 per cent.
“The OCR is now down to 3.5 per cent. By contrast, the OCR rose from 1.75 per cent when the previous government took office to 5.5 per cent when it left office.
“Increasing global uncertainty will present further challenges to the economy in coming months, but New Zealanders can be assured this Government will continue to act in a fiscally prudent manner while putting a premium on stability and certainty and promoting pro-investment policies.
“Now more than ever, we need to ensure we get value for every dollar of public money spent.”
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Universities – Global EV adoption fails to cut CO₂ – study – UoA
Source: University of Auckland (UoA)There’s little point in buying an electric vehicle if you’re charging it with electricity generated by fossil fuels. In fact, when it comes to carbon dioxide emissions, your EV may be doing more harm than good.
This is according to a study by researchers from the University of Auckland and Xiamen University in China, published in the journal Energy. (ref. http://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S036054422500115X?via%3Dihub )
The researchers analysed the environmental impacts of human activity and used a robust statistical approach to investigate what drives a nation’s carbon dioxide (CO₂) emissions.
Using data from 26 countries over 15 years, they found a surprising trend: higher EV uptake was linked to increased CO₂ emissions. The reason? In a number of countries, EVs are still being powered by electricity generated through burning fossil fuels like coal or oil.
Associate Professor Stephen Poletti and Simon Tao, a doctoral candidate at the Business School’s Energy Centre, didn’t observe a significant reduction in CO₂ emissions globally due to EV adoption.
“On the contrary, EV adoption is positively associated with CO₂ emissions,” says Tao. “This finding appears counterintuitive; it challenges the conventional belief that EVs contribute to decarbonisation.
“Our analysis highlights that the environmental benefits of EVs are contingent on the composition of a country’s electricity generation mix.”
Take EVs charged using electricity from coal-fired power plants, says Poletti.
“In that case, they may indirectly contribute to higher emissions than modern gasoline or diesel vehicles, especially considering the entire lifecycle from production to disposal.”
The study results suggest only when the global share of renewable electricity generation reaches approximately 48 percent will electric vehicle adoption contribute to reducing CO₂ emissions.
Renewable energy, mainly wind, solar and hydro, accounted for only a little more than 30 percent of the world’s electricity in 2023, so there’s a way to go, says Poletti.
“Electric vehicles are often seen as a silver bullet for climate change, but our results show that’s not the case if the electricity powering them isn’t clean.”
New Zealand, where over 80 percent of electricity generation is renewable, is well-placed to reap the benefits of EVs. Across the ditch, a Clean Energy Council report found that renewables overall accounted for nearly 40 percent of Australia’s total electricity supply in 2023.
“This research is a reminder that decarbonising transport can’t happen in isolation,” says Poletti.
“EVs are only as green as the grid they plug into, and government policies should aim to increase the adoption and integration of renewable energy like solar and hydro. This can be achieved by setting ambitious renewable energy targets and providing adequate subsidies such as tax credits to producers and consumers of renewable energy.”
Poletti says investments in smart grids and transmission networks can boost the efficiency and reliability of renewable energy supply.
“Policies should support community-based renewable energy projects, which can increase public acceptance of renewable energy installations.”
Further, the researchers say eliminating subsidies for fossil fuels and implementing carbon pricing mechanisms could also incentivise renewable energy development.
“Electric vehicle uptake can help countries meet climate-related targets, as long as the energy used to power them is clean,” says Tao.
In addition to EV uptake, the researchers examined the impacts of economic growth, green technology innovation, renewable energy consumption and population density on emissions.
They found that economic growth increases emissions, while innovation in environmentally friendly technology and population density, in the form of more compact cities, can help lower them. Renewable energy use had the most significant emissions-reducing effect.
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MIL-OSI New Zealand: Federated Farmers Says: Shear Brilliance: Government Backs Kiwi Wool!
Source: Federated Farmers
Federated Farmers is welcoming the announcement that from 1 July all government agencies will be directed to use woollen products when building or refurbishing.“This is a clear vote of confidence in the future of New Zealand wool as a natural and sustainable product,” Federated Farmers meat & wool chair Toby Williams says.“It’s fantastic to see the Government recognising so strongly the value of New Zealand-grown wool and backing the world-leading farmers who produce it.“Our sheep farmers work incredibly hard to produce a high-quality, environmentally friendly, and sustainable fibre that is second to none globally.”Williams says wool’s unique environmental credentials-being biodegradable, non-toxic, and low-carbon-make it a far more sustainable choice for building.“This announcement isn’t just a win for Kiwi sheep farmers. It’s a win for the environment and future generations,” Williams says.“For too long, synthetic alternatives have dominated the list of preferred construction materials, despite wool being a better option in so many ways.“In the past, it felt like a total slap in the face to see our own Government choosing those synthetic alternatives over sustainable and locally grown woollen products.“Today’s announcement goes a long way in putting those part-wrongs right, and is certainly a very positive step in the right direction.“To sum it up in two words? Shear brilliance.”Federated Farmers looks forward to seeing the uptake of wool in government projects and hopes this move will stimulate demand and innovation across the wool industry.
