NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • NITI Aayog unveils plan to boost state innovation ecosystem

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister Jitendra Singh on Thursday unveiled NITI Aayog’s roadmap to bolster State Science and Technology Councils, calling on States to align their research priorities with the Centre’s push to make India a knowledge-driven economy.

    Speaking at the launch event at NITI Aayog, Singh described science and technology as the country’s “key growth engine” that would steer India’s aim of becoming the world’s third-largest economy. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for overhauling India’s planning architecture by replacing the Planning Commission with NITI Aayog in 2014, calling it a shift towards long-term, evidence-based policymaking.

    The roadmap aims to create closer coordination between the Centre and States to unlock regional scientific talent and ensure grassroots-level impact of research. “State S&T Councils must become effective bridges between labs and communities,” Singh said, urging States to link up with industry to help start-ups scale and attract private investment.

    He underlined the Centre’s focus on public-private partnerships and called for reducing overdependence on government funding for innovation. “A mindset shift is crucial if we want to unlock innovation at scale,” he said.

    Singh also pointed to India’s recent scientific strides — from Chandrayaan-3 to indigenous vaccine development and gene therapy trials — as evidence of growing global credibility. Resident patent filings have jumped by over 50% and nearly two-thirds of India’s research output now comes from centrally funded institutions, he added.

    Describing the newly established Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) as a “game-changer”, Singh said it would bridge gaps between academia and industry through co-investment in research. He also highlighted the liberalisation of India’s space and nuclear sectors and called for the government to play the role of facilitator rather than controller.

    NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Suman Bery said the roadmap was necessary for States to align with national development goals and drive sustainable innovation. Member V.K. Saraswat stressed the need to embed sustainability into research and strengthen state-level capacity building.

    Senior officials including CSIR Director General Dr. N Kalaiselvi, Earth Sciences Secretary Dr. M Ravichandran, and ANRF CEO Dr. Shivkumar Kalyanaraman were present at the launch.

  • Rivers in southwest China breach warning levels, thousands evacuated

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Twenty-five rivers in southwestern China exceeded safe levels on Thursday, state media said, after more than 10,000 people were evacuated as the remnants of former typhoon Danas converged with East Asian monsoon rains.

    Extreme rainfall and severe flooding, which meteorologists link to climate change, increasingly pose major challenges as they threaten to overwhelm ageing flood defences, displace millions and wreak havoc on a $2.8-trillion agricultural sector.

    Heavy rains also hit the capital, Beijing, with one area in the sprawling Chaoyang district receiving 68.2 mm (2.7 inches) of rain in a single hour on Thursday morning, the state-run Beijing Daily said.

    Ten southwestern rivers, including the Longyan, which flows through the densely populated region of Chongqing, could burst their embankments and levees at any time, broadcaster CCTV warned, citing the water resources ministry.

    The remaining 15 had exceeded levels at which they could burst their banks, but posed less of a risk, it added.

    More than 24 hours of torrential rain took levels in the Chishui River of Guizhou province to their highest since records began in 1953, the broadcaster said, while the Xiaocao River in Sichuan province stood at its highest in 29 years.

    More than 10,000 people were evacuated on Wednesday from cities in the provinces of Sichuan and Yunnan, state media said, as the East Asian monsoon rains pushed north from India.

    One county in Yunnan recorded 227.8 mm (9 inches) of rainfall in 24 hours, for its highest total in a single day since records began in 1958 while two people died as torrential rain hit Yunnan’s Zhaotong city, Xinhua said on Thursday.

    Beijing health authorities warned that the combination of frequent downpours, high temperatures and humidity increased the risk of water and food contamination.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI: Farmsent Reveals its Superapp: A Swiss Knife dApp for Smart Agriculture with Wallet Abstraction and .grow Domains

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Jakarta, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    Farmsent, a leading innovator in agricultural blockchain technology, today announced the launch of its groundbreaking Farmsent Superapp — a one-stop-shop dApp for farmers around the world. The Superapp is designed as a comprehensive toolkit for farmers, handling everything from onboarding and managing their commodities for sale to facilitating payment receipt for their produce and managing day-to-day microtransactions. This intuitive, non-custodial mobile application seamlessly integrates cutting-edge Web3 functionalities, including on-chain wallet abstraction powered by Arcana, and .grow Web3 domains, bringing unprecedented simplicity and security to agricultural trade.

    The Farmsent Superapp works as a powerful non-custodial wallet that ensures farmers retain full control over their digital assets, a core principle of Web3 empowerment. For its initial launch, the Superapp supports the peaq, Polygon, and Ethereum networks, enabling broad interoperability across the decentralized ecosystem.

    A cornerstone of the Superapp’s user experience is its integrated on-chain wallet abstraction, powered by Arcana. This innovative solution dramatically simplifies the complex world of crypto wallets by allowing farmers to log in using familiar methods like email or Google login, abstracting away the need for traditional seed phrases and private key management. This lowers the barrier to entry for millions of farmers, enabling seamless participation in the digital agricultural economy.

    Farmsent, a groundbreaking blockchain-based platform, is revolutionizing agriculture by empowering farmers directly. Having already onboarded over 200,000 farmers, it cuts out intermediaries, ensuring they receive fairer prices for their produce and gain control over their livelihoods. By integrating real-time data from soil sensors and weather stations, alongside transparent Decentralized Product Passports (DePPs), all available via the Superapp, Farmsent optimizes crop management and builds consumer trust. The platform also focuses on financial inclusion and streamlined logistics, fostering a thriving, farmer-centric ecosystem, with an ambitious goal of onboarding 2 million farmers by 2026.

    “Our vision at Farmsent has always been to empower farmers by bringing them directly into the modern economic landscape, cutting out unnecessary middlemen and ensuring fair value for their hard work,” said Sim Khela, Co-founder of Farmsent. “The Farmsent Superapp, with its intuitive design and robust Web3 integrations, is a monumental step towards achieving that. It’s technology serving humanity, putting food security front and center.”

    The Superapp further enhances user experience through the integration of .grow Web3 domains. Farmers can use easy-to-remember, human-readable domain names (e.g., ‘yog.grow’) linked directly to their decentralized wallet, simplifying transactions and making digital payments as straightforward as sending an email.

    Sandy Carter, COO of Unstoppable Domains, added, “The integration of .grow domains into the Farmsent Superapp is a perfect example of how Web3 domains create a truly user-friendly and inclusive internet. Giving farmers a simple, memorable ‘.grow’ identity to manage their digital assets and transactions is key to mass adoption and building the future of decentralized agriculture.”

    Budi, an Indonesian farmer, one of the 600 people currently using the beta version of the Superapp, shared his excitement: “Before, crypto wallets seemed very complicated, with long addresses and seed phrases. With the Farmsent Superapp, I just log in with my email, and it’s so easy to manage my sales and receive payments. Using my ‘.grow’ address makes it even simpler for buyers. This truly helps me focus on what I do best: farming.”

    Mayur Relekar, Founder of Arcana, praised the collaboration: “Arcana is thrilled to see our wallet abstraction SDK being utilized to onboard farmers onto the Web3 ecosystem through the Farmsent Superapp. Our goal is to make Web3 accessible to everyone, and by abstracting away the complexities of traditional crypto, Farmsent is pioneering financial inclusion for a vital global industry.”

    The Farmsent Superapp promises to deliver unparalleled transparency, efficiency, and empowerment to the agricultural sector, showcasing the transformative potential of Web3 technologies in addressing real-world challenges.

    *** END OF THE PRESS RELEASE ***

    About Farmsent: Farmsent revolutionizes agriculture by combining a cutting-edge blockchain platform with advanced agricultural technology solutions. Their platform directly connects farmers and buyers, fostering transparency, sustainability, and fair trade. Simultaneously, their innovative sensors and data analytics provide real-time insights for optimized crop management and efficiency. By ensuring traceability and fair pricing, Farmsent empowers farmers, builds consumer trust, and promotes a more ethical and sustainable food system.

    For more information, visit Farmsent, follow farmsent on Twitter/X for updates, and join the conversation on Discord.

    About Arcana Network: Arcana Network is a full-stack platform for Web3 app development, offering modular SDKs that enable seamless onboarding, identity, and privacy solutions. Their wallet abstraction solutions make Web3 accessible to mainstream users by simplifying wallet management and transactions.

    www.arcana.network

    About Unstoppable Domains: Unstoppable Domains is a leading platform for Web3 domains, building decentralized digital identities for users on the blockchain. These domains simplify crypto addresses, replace complex usernames, and provide universal login across Web3 applications.

    www.unstoppabledomains.com

    About peaq

    peaq is the Machine Economy computer and operating system leading a global infrastructure revolution, empowering people to own and earn from the devices, robots, vehicles, and infrastructure they use. peaq is designed to be the go-to backbone for the human-centric Machine Economy, and is already home to more than 60 applications in 20+ industries and to the millions of devices and machines that run on them. peaq serves as permissionless, borderless digital infrastructure for increasingly intelligent machines to serve all of humanity in the Age of AI and automation. An economy that anyone can opt-in to and share in the Age of Abundance.

    For more information, visit peaq or follow peaq on Twitter/X for updates.

    For Media Inquiries: Sim Khela Co-Founder, Farmsent sim@farmsent.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Child hospitalised as bird flu cases climb in Cambodia

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Divya Venkatesh, BBSRC Discovery Fellow, University of Oxford

    Tom…foto/Shutterstock.com

    Cambodia’s Ministry of Health recently confirmed the country’s twelfth human case of H5N1 avian influenza so far this year. The patient, a five-year-old boy from Kampot province, is currently in intensive care with severe respiratory symptoms.

    The announcement, on July 3, came just days after a 19-month-old child in neighbouring Takeo province died from the same virus.

    To date, there is no evidence of human-to-human transmission. But the steady increase in cases has renewed attention to the risks posed by H5N1. This highly pathogenic bird flu virus spreads rapidly among poultry and occasionally jumps to humans – often with deadly consequences.

    Since 2003, there have been at least 954 reported human infections globally, nearly half of them fatal, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Experts have long considered H5N1 a serious pandemic threat due to its high mortality rate and potential to evolve.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    The recent Cambodian cases are linked to the 2.3.2.1e lineage of H5N1 (previously known as 2.3.2.1c), a strain that has circulated for decades in poultry across Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. From 2005 to 2014, Cambodia saw sporadic but severe human infections – then almost a decade passed without new cases.

    That changed in 2023 when six human cases were reported. The numbers have since climbed: ten in 2024, and now 12 in the first half of 2025. Of these recent infections, at least 12 – about 43% – have been fatal. A troubling pattern is also emerging: seven of this year’s cases occurred in June alone, according to the WHO’s latest Disease Outbreak News update.

    Animal pandemic

    Globally, however, a different H5N1 lineage – 2.3.4.4b – has dominated in recent years. This strain sparked a devastating wave of avian outbreaks starting in 2021, sweeping across continents and decimating wild bird and poultry populations. It also spread to mammals, leading scientists to label it an “animal pandemic”.

    Although it no longer causes mass die-offs, 2.3.4.4b remains widespread and dangerous, particularly because of its capacity to infect mammals. It has been linked to about 70 human cases in the US alone, with only one death recorded so far, and is under investigation for suspected mammal-to-mammal transmission in species, including US dairy cattle and seals.

    Bird flu strain 2.3.4.4b is suspected of mammal-to-mammal transmission.
    BearFotos/Shutterstock

    Influenza viruses are notoriously prone to genetic reassortment – a process by which two or more strains infect the same host and exchange genetic material. These events can sometimes generate new, more transmissible or deadly variants. In April 2024, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization reported the emergence of a reassortant virus in Vietnam. This new strain combines surface proteins from the long-standing 2.3.2.1e virus with internal genes from the globally dominant 2.3.4.4b.

    Evidence suggests that this reassortant virus may be driving the rise in Cambodian human infections.

    A 2024 study, which has not yet undergone peer review, found that the new virus carries genetic markers that could enhance its ability to infect humans – although it is not yet considered human-adapted. According to the study’s authors, this reassortant form has become the predominant strain found in poultry across the region in recent years.

    So far, all confirmed human cases in Cambodia have been linked to direct contact with infected or dead poultry – often in small, rural backyards. This suggests that the country’s “one health” strategy, which aims to integrate human, animal and environmental health responses, is functioning as intended. Although some gaps clearly remain.

    Food safety and food security remain serious concerns across much of Cambodia and south-east Asia. Limited veterinary oversight, informal poultry markets, lack of compensation for poultry losses due to disease, and poor biosecurity may offer the virus opportunities to persist and evolve – and potentially reach more people.

    Since the COVID pandemic, advances in disease surveillance and reporting have made it easier to detect and confirm human infections, Dr Vijaykrishna Dhanasekaran, head of the Pathogen Evolution Lab at Hong Kong University, told me over email. However, he notes that surveillance remains heavily concentrated in urban areas and the commercial poultry sector, while rural settings and interactions with wild birds are poorly monitored.

    Expanding surveillance to these overlooked areas will be vital, he says, if the world hopes to better understand – and prepare for – the next potential influenza pandemic.

    Divya Venkatesh receives funding from BBSRC.

    – ref. Child hospitalised as bird flu cases climb in Cambodia – https://theconversation.com/child-hospitalised-as-bird-flu-cases-climb-in-cambodia-260565

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI: Quantum Computing Emerging as a Transformative Technology with Potential Applications in Drone Technology

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    PALM BEACH, Fla., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — FN Media Group News Commentary – Quantum computing uses the principles of quantum mechanics to process and manipulate information in ways that differ fundamentally from those used by classical computers while disrupting a growing number of applications and industries. This represents a revolutionary shift in computing. Quantum computers leverage phenomena such as superposition, entanglement, and quantum interference to perform complex calculations and solve problems that are currently intractable for classical computers. The quantum computing market is witnessing rapid growth and innovation, driven by advancements in quantum technology and increasing demand for powerful computing solutions. As businesses and research institutions seek to tackle complex computational problems beyond the capabilities of classical computers, the market for quantum computing is poised for significant expansion. Market trends indicate a surge in investment from both public and private sectors, with major technology companies, governments, and startups dedicating resources to quantum research and development. This influx of investment has fueled breakthroughs in quantum hardware, software, and algorithms, propelling the market forward. A report from Polaris Market Research said that the Quantum Computing Market size was valued at USD $1.187.92 Billion in 2023 and that the market is anticipated to grow from USD $1.410.65 Billion in 2024 to USD $5.714.80 Billion by 2032, exhibiting the CAGR of 19.1% during the forecast period. Active Companies in the markets today include ZenaTech, Inc. (NASDAQ: ZENA), IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT), AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS).

    The report continued: “There is a growing market trend toward computational power to address real-world challenges in fields such as cryptography, drug discovery, materials science, and optimization. Quantum computing has the potential to solve intricate problems at an exponential rate compared to classical computing, opening up new avenues for scientific exploration and innovative solutions. The growing concerns about data security and encryption vulnerabilities have triggered a surge in interest for quantum-resistant cryptographic solutions, which has further fueled the demand for quantum computing capabilities. In a period of increasingly complex computational challenges across various industries, traditional computing methods often need help to meet the demands for processing power and speed required to address these issues effectively. Quantum computing offers a revolutionary approach to computing by leveraging the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computations at an unprecedented scale and speed. As demand for quantum computing grows across various industries, including drone operations, surveillance, pharmaceuticals, and cybersecurity, the system segment becomes increasingly vital in delivering comprehensive solutions tailored to meet diverse customer needs.”

    ZenaTech (NASDAQ:ZENA) Creates First Quantum Computing Prototype Enabling Disruptive AI Drone Speed and Precision for Future Commercial and US Defense Applications – ZenaTech, Inc. (FSE: 49Q) (BMV: ZENA) (“ZenaTech”), a business technology solution provider specializing in AI (Artificial Intelligence) drones, Drone as a Service (DaaS), Enterprise SaaS, and Quantum Computing solutions, today announces the successful development of its first quantum computing prototype consisting of a framework for the rapid analysis and processing of large datasets for its AI drone solutions. Using weather forecasting algorithms as part of its Clear Sky project as a test case, the company has created a precedent framework for real time analysis of massive amounts of data that can be captured through AI drone sensors while in the air.

    The Company envisions commercial applications ranging from highly efficient precision agriculture to predictive energy infrastructure inspections. Defense applications include enhancing real-time battlefield decision-making with faster and more precise threat detection, reconnaissance, and advance electronic warfare capabilities.

    “We’re not just building smarter drones, we’re building a quantum-intelligent edge where data becomes decisions in an instant, whether it’s a battlefield or a farm field,” said Shaun Passley, Ph.D., ZenaTech CEO. “We believe this quantum framework we are creating is just the beginning as we’ve now demonstrated it can use it for large datasets. We plan to keep expanding R&D capabilities, with the goal of growing our team of 6 to 25 over the coming months. The end goal is clear: accelerate time to market, reduce operational costs, and lead the industry as a true innovator,” added Dr. Passley.

    ZenaTech’s Clear Sky project is one of the company’s quantum computing R&D initiatives focused on weather forecasting that will use AI drones and drone fleets plus quantum to better predict localized weather for more accurate prediction of extreme weather events saving lives and reducing costs and destruction. The weather application and algorithms used for the prototype track and analyze multiple key atmospheric parameters such as temperature, humidity, wind, barometric pressure, and precipitation. Internal testing using historical open-source data has shown a high degree of accuracy with trusted weather platforms and actual data, validating both its accuracy and reliability.

    Quantum computing combined with AI-powered drone applications enables disruptive speed, precision, and autonomy by dramatically accelerating data analysis, optimizing complex decisions, and enhancing real-time responsiveness. In commercial sectors, this means drones can autonomously inspect vast energy grids or farmland, instantly analyze multispectral data, and adjust actions on the fly—leading to lower costs and higher productivity in agriculture, logistics, and infrastructure. In defense, the same capabilities empower autonomous surveillance drones to process sensor data and identify threats in real time, coordinate swarm or drone fleet movements, and dynamically adapt to changing battlefield conditions—all with minimal human input. This fusion of technologies allows drones to make faster, smarter decisions in unpredictable, data-intensive environments—reshaping what’s possible across industries.

    For weather forecasting, quantum computing can rapidly process and simulate complex atmospheric models by analyzing massive datasets from AI-enabled drones equipped with weather sensors, LiDAR, and imaging systems. This allows for highly accurate, real-time weather forecasting and microclimate prediction, improving response times for disaster management, aviation safety, and environmental monitoring.

    Quantum computing is a next-generation computing technology that uses the principles of quantum physics to process information exponentially faster than traditional computers, enabling it to solve highly complex problems that are otherwise unsolvable by even the most powerful classical computers of today. Continued… Read this full release by visiting: https://www.financialnewsmedia.com/news-zena/

    Other recent developments in the markets include:

    IonQ (NYSE: IONQ), a leading commercial quantum computing and networking company, recently extended its congratulations to the Korea Institute of Science and Technology Information (KISTI) on securing a multi-million dollar government award through the “Quantum Computing Service and Utilization System Construction Project.” This initiative marks a pivotal step toward establishing South Korea’s first National Quantum Computing Center of Excellence.

    KISTI will lead the development and operation of a quantum computing service and research platform designed to support both academic and enterprise applications. KISTI has identified IonQ as the primary quantum technology provider for the project, alongside Megazone Cloud, one of South Korea’s leading cloud service and infrastructure providers.

    Red Cat Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: RCAT), a drone technology company integrating robotic hardware and software for military, government, and commercial operations, recently issued a statement of support for a series of executive orders from the White House that advance U.S. leadership in uncrewed aircraft systems (UAS) and reinforce the resilience of America’s domestic industrial base.

    The executive actions are expected to remove regulatory barriers and modernize federal approval processes to prioritize U.S.-manufactured drones. Additional provisions include expanded detection and mitigation authority, and streamlined regulations to accelerate the deployment of UAS across federal and commercial sectors.

    Quantum Computing Inc. (NASDAQ: QUBT) recently announced the successful shipment of its first commercial entangled photon source to support research in quantum networking and secure communications. The order, placed by a leading research institution in South Korea, marks a milestone in QCi’s transition of proprietary quantum technologies from the lab to commercial markets.

    The product is a broadband, standalone entangled photon source built on Spontaneous Parametric Down-Conversion (SPDC) using a periodically-poled, bulk format lithium niobate (PPLN) structure. Designed for stability and compatibility, the source operates in the C-band telecommunication range and is compatible with current fiber optics infrastructure. It integrates seamlessly into research environments advancing quantum communication protocols.

    AgEagle Aerial Systems Inc. (NYSE: UAVS), a leading provider of advanced drone and aerial imaging solutions, recently announced the upcoming demonstration of AI-enabled autonomous Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) teaming, developed through a strategic partnership with an Israeli defense/technology firm. The system is designed for use in border security, surveillance, and intrusion detection missions and will showcase advanced autonomous capabilities with minimal human intervention while delivering real-time operational intelligence.

    The joint effort integrates AgEagle’s eBee VISION drones with partner-developed AI-powered mission planning and autonomous control tools, enabling the drones to operate as a cohesive, intelligent unit. The system leverages adaptive algorithms and decentralized decision-making within a “system of systems” architecture that dynamically adjusts to mission conditions in real time. This integration is expected to significantly enhance Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance (ISR) effectiveness by delivering actionable data with increased speed and precision.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Eddie Yue: Launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good afternoon everyone. It is my great pleasure to welcome you all to the launch of the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0.  

    Digitalisation has proven to be positive and constructive in many ways, such as the convenience brought by digital payments and online shopping. Unfortunately, increased digital activities have also made fraud and scams easier to set up and reach members of the public on an unprecedented scale. According to the Police, more than 44,000 cases of deception were recorded in 2024, representing a fourfold increase over the past five years.

    While the Hong Kong Monetary Authority and the banking sector have been at the forefront in fighting digital fraud and scams, this fight cannot be won by any single party or sector alone. It requires cross-sectoral collaboration, bringing together the public and private sectors, as well as the community at large. That is why we launched the first two Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charters in 2023 and 2024. More than 300 financial institutions and merchants participated in these two earlier Charters, committing not to send out messages with embedded links requesting key personal information, thereby raising public awareness against phishing scams.

    However, digital fraud and scams have evolved far beyond phishing links. The threats of fraud and scams via online instant messaging or social media platforms, phone calls, and SMSs are becoming increasingly sophisticated.  Many of us, including myself, are receiving numerous suspicious messages and phone calls on a frequent basis. Some of these messages or calls may be advertising fake investment or job opportunities, while some pretend to be law enforcement agencies, family members, or friends. Scammers are even using technology such as deepfake to fabricate voices and images of government officials and reputable businessmen to try to make these fake online contents look more convincing.  

    To combat these evolving threats, it is crucial to collaborate with technology and telecommunications companies to tackle the problem at the platform level. Internationally, there is a growing recognition of the need to take down fraudulent contents and check the authenticity of advertisers more efficiently on these platforms. Here in Hong Kong, the Hong Kong Monetary Authority, together with our fellow regulators and great partners in our previous Charter 2.0, the Securities and Futures Commission, the Insurance Authority and the Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority, have also been proactively reaching out to the technology and telecommunications companies to explore anti-fraud collaborations.

    Today, we are taking a significant step forward by jointly launching the Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 together with the major technology and telecommunications companies that operate in Hong Kong to combat fraud and scams. We are glad to see many representatives from these companies here today, demonstrating their commitment to this initiative. We are also thankful to the support of the Consumer Council, the Hong Kong Association of Banks, the Hong Kong Police Force and the Office of the Communications Authority to this important initiative. 

    The Anti-Scam Consumer Protection Charter 3.0 consists of six principles specifically designed to proactively prevent and detect fraud and scams on online platforms and telecommunication networks. These principles focus on four main areas:

    • The first area is on reporting.  Under the Charter 3.0, participating firms will provide users with reporting functions and provide financial regulators with a direct and efficient channel for reporting suspected fraud and scams for follow-up in a reasonable manner.
    • The second area is on checking the identity of advertisers and ongoing monitoring of advertisements and contents. Firms participating in the Charter 3.0 will adopt a risk-based approach to facilitate verification of advertisers and put in place internal policies and tools to monitor advertisements and contents that promote financial products or services on their platforms, with a view to creating a safe online environment for users.
    • The third area is on taking down fraudulent advertisements and contents. Participating firms commit to enforcing their own terms of service by detecting and removing financial scam advertisements or contents that violate their platform policies.
    • Finally, educating the public to be aware and capable of recognising suspicious activities is always essential in stopping fraud and scams. We will work closely with participating firms to launch various anti-deception promotional campaigns through a wide range of platforms and channels to raise public awareness. 
    • At the panel discussions later this afternoon, representatives from the technology and telecommunications sectors will elaborate on how they apply the Charter principles in their daily work.

    Charter 3.0 represents an important milestone in the collaboration among the financial, technology, and telecommunications sectors in fighting fraud and scams. It lays the foundation of cooperation from which we will further build upon. We thank the participating firms for your support and commitment to the Charter 3.0 and we will continue to work closely with each other to provide a safe online environment and protect the public from fraud and scams. 

    Thank you very much.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on July 11, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Friday, July 11, 2025, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor (day) Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 2,50,000 7 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM July 18, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. Further, on a review of evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided not to conduct the 14-day main operation on Friday, July 11, 2025, for the ensuing fortnight.

    3. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)     

    Press Release: 2025-2026/691

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI to conduct 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction under LAF on July 11, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    On a review of the current and evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided to conduct a Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction on Friday, July 11, 2025, as under:

    Sl. No. Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Tenor (day) Window Timing Date of Reversal
    1 2,50,000 7 10:00 AM to 10:30 AM July 18, 2025
    (Friday)

    2. Further, on a review of evolving liquidity conditions, it has been decided not to conduct the 14-day main operation on Friday, July 11, 2025, for the ensuing fortnight.

    3. The operational guidelines for the auction as given in the Reserve Bank’s Press Release 2019-2020/1947 dated February 13, 2020 will remain the same.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)     

    Press Release: 2025-2026/691

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Uzbekistan State Registered Token Backed by Government Bonds

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The national payment system HUMO has announced the launch of a project for issuing its own token backed by Uzbekistan’s government bonds. The new token is issued by HUMO Digital, a subsidiary of the system. This marks an important step in advancing innovative financial solutions in the country’s economy.

    The issuance of the HUMO token has been registered in the Unified Electronic Register of Crypto-Assets maintained by the National Agency for Prospective Projects of the Republic of Uzbekistan (NAPP). Oversight of the token’s collateral and its safekeeping is handled by the Asterium crypto depository. The HUMO token is backed by government bonds of Uzbekistan, which ensures its stability and protects it from sharp price fluctuations.

    The HUMO token is a project of the national payment system HUMO, a key driver of Uzbekistan’s digital transformation in the financial sector. With over 35 million issued cards and deep integration into the country’s banking and retail infrastructure, HUMO plays a vital role in the everyday financial life of millions of citizens.

    The token’s launch aims to attract foreign investment, simplify business payments, and enhance financial transparency. A token backed by government bonds also strengthens control over transactions and builds trust in innovative financial instruments.

    The HUMO token offers several key advantages: instant and automated fiat conversion, no delays or intermediaries, lower transaction costs, and full transparency and security through blockchain-based data recording.

    The goal of the current stage is to test settlement and integration mechanisms with participation from businesses and retail users, and to explore real-world use cases for the backed token in financial processes.

    Looking ahead, the project plans to introduce new features for companies interested in using advanced tools for payments and operations. The HUMO token will be integrated into payment solutions and is expected to be listed on digital trading platforms. The issuance and circulation mechanisms were designed to fit seamlessly into Uzbekistan’s existing financial infrastructure.

    Maqsad Mukhitdinov, Acting Chairman of the Board of the National Interbank Processing Center (operator of the HUMO national system), stated:

    “The issuance of the HUMO token is a logical step in the evolution of our ecosystem, aimed at creating a secure and regulated backed asset. We seek to combine the benefits of blockchain technology with the reliability of our national payment infrastructure, ensuring user convenience and transparency.”

    Komilkhuzha Sultonov, Director of Asterium, added:

    “This project is more than just a tech innovation — it’s a major step toward building a transparent and resilient financial environment. It opens new opportunities for shaping the economy of the future while reinforcing Asterium’s role as a driver of digital transformation in Uzbekistan.”

    About HUMO

    HumoCard is a national payment system based on banking payment cards, enabling transactions both within Uzbekistan and internationally. HUMO is an integral part of the country’s payment ecosystem. It connects participants, instruments, and platforms in interbank settlements, enabling smooth domestic money transfers and interactions with foreign payment systems.

    HUMO has established direct relationships with major global payment systems such as Visa, MasterCard, and UnionPay International, allowing for foreign currency operations with HUMO bank cards abroad and accepting foreign-issued cards in Uzbekistan. The system is actively expanding integrations with Georgia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, South Korea, Turkey, Armenia, and India.

    Contact:
    Aleksey Maksimov
    Chairman of the Board of the National Interbank Processing Center (NMPC)
    info@humocard.uz

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by HUMO token. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice. Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed. Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c3603408-71f1-47bc-ac1b-a45c2be4ce11

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of State for External Affairs of India

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a bilateral meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, Pabitra Margherita, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Both sides exchanged views on the progress of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further advance the cooperation and bringing it to greater heights. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of State for External Affairs of India appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of State for External Affairs of India

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today held a bilateral meeting with Minister of State for External Affairs of the Republic of India, Pabitra Margherita, on the sidelines of the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting (AMM) and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Both sides exchanged views on the progress of the ASEAN-India Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and discussed ways to further advance the cooperation and bringing it to greater heights. They also discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest and concern.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN Meets with the Minister of State for External Affairs of India appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 10 July 2025 Departmental update WHO Academy and the City of Lyon: a strategic collaboration for global health

    Source: World Health Organisation

    In 2018, when the idea of establishing a global learning centre for health – what would become the WHO Academy – was under discussion between the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Government of France, they didn’t have to look far for its new home. Since the Middle Ages, Lyon has been a European capital for human, animal and environmental health. Doctors from across Europe came to study in Lyon, and it was the first centre of medical literature on the continent in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries. The city is even the home of the first veterinary school in Europe, opening in Lyon in 1761.

    In more recent times, Marcel Mérieux, a former assistant to Pasteur, opened one of the city’s first pharmaceutical research institutes in 1897, the beginnings of what would become the Lyon-Gerland Biodistrict. The city brings together over 2000 global public institutions, research centres and businesses focused on life sciences and health employing nearly 80 000 people, including the WHO International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) and a WHO office dedicated to health emergencies.

    “The City of Lyon has demonstrated exceptional leadership in public health, making it an ideal partner for the WHO Academy,” explains Dr David Atchoarena, Executive Director of the WHO Academy. “The local ecosystem provides a myriad of opportunities for collaboration and maximizing the impact of the WHO Academy’s initiatives. Together with the City of Lyon we are committed to advancing global health through innovative approaches that address the complex challenges of our time.”

    Meeting these challenges depends on a well-prepared, highly skilled global health and care workforce. The aim of the WHO Academy is to become a global hub for lifelong learning and to provide health and care workers, and decision-makers, in France and around the world, with access to the knowledge and competencies they need to meet current and future needs. The Academy has developed a comprehensive portfolio of courses across most health topics addressed by WHO and has three flagship programmes: Biomanufacturing, Healthy Cities and One Health.

    Leveraging the local ecosystem for innovative health solutions

    The partnership between the WHO Academy and the City of Lyon has already yielded numerous collaborative activities since the launch of the Academy in December 2024. The Academy is an observer to the Contrat Local de Santé 2022-2027, led by the City of Lyon and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Regional Health Agency, to reduce health inequalities, improve access to care, promote prevention and integrate the One Health approach to health services in the region. In addition, the Academy acted as an observer to AGORA 2030, a participatory initiative accelerating climate action through collaboration among various city stakeholders.

    In April 2025, the Academy participated in the month-long ‘Explore your Health’ festival, most significantly by hosting a roundtable discussion on ‘Urban Planning through the One Health Lens’ at the WHO Academy campus, featuring experts in health, urbanism and research to discuss sustainable city development.

    Lyon is a committed member of the WHO French Healthy Cities Network, and the city’s municipal strategy aligns with the principles of the Academy’s Healthy Cities flagship: equity, participation, multisectoral governance and sustainability. Most recently the WHO Academy and the City of Lyon co-organized a two-day study visit and knowledge exchange for more than 50 mayors from the Korea Healthy Cities Partnership.

    In May, the Séminaire des directeurs meeting held at the Academy campus raised awareness among the 80 City of Lyon directors of public services about the importance of integrating a One Health approach into their work.

    “The City of Lyon is committed to addressing the key determinants of health, such as nutrition, housing, environmental health, access to care and physical activity for the citizens of Lyon, but also for people around the world,”  said Céline de Laurens, Lyon Deputy Mayor for Health, Prevention, and Environmental Health. “Being able to share our experiences, and hear from others like those in Korea, is critical to creating better health for all. This is why having the WHO Academy in Lyon is so important – it brings global experience to our doorstep and also amplifies our own lessons to the world.”

    Global cooperation supporting local solutions

    The collaboration between WHO and the City of Lyon is set to expand with several initiatives recently implemented or planned in the coming months. The city will begin contributing local case studies and examples of city-led innovation in health, environmental sustainability and social equity to the Healthy Cities and One Health flagship programmes. Plus, the Academy will soon start developing learning content for municipal leaders around the world, to be hosted on its online learning platform, based on Lyon’s experience in health-enabling urban planning, food systems and climate-responsive public health strategies.

    “With the establishment of the WHO Academy campus, the City of Lyon is poised to further its contributions to public health, fostering innovation and collaboration to address global health challenges,” noted Dr Atchoarena. “We couldn’t have asked for a better partner for the Academy, and working with the City of Lyon allows us to share a model for other global cities to follow.”

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Moomoo Midyear 2025 Investor Survey Findings: Investors Take a Neutral Stance, Expect More Volatility in the Second Half

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    JERSEY CITY, N.J., July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The intuitive investment and trading platform moomoo has recently completed a 2025 second quarter North American users survey. Similar to last year, moomoo surveyed its users halfway through the year to find out how their investing journey has progressed to-date this year and learn what their expectations for the second half will be. Results showed that the investors in the survey take a neutral stance and expect more volatility in the second half. Many investors are growth focused and confident in meeting their investment goals despite poor consumer sentiment about the economy.

    Investors anticipate just a few cuts from the Fed in 2025 despite expectations of a possible recession and rising unemployment. As they are using several apps to invest, they want information available at their fingertips. New features like Artificial Intelligence (AI) and extended hours trading are gaining traction.

    Markets climbed a wall of worry after an initial tariff fueled selloff at the beginning of the year to finish modestly in the green and near all-time highs. Overall, investors held on through the dip and emerged in a solid financial position at the end of the half. As of June 30, the S&P 500 index gained 5.5%, the tech heavy Nasdaq 100 index was up 7.9% and the Magnificent Seven index gained 2.5%. Moomoo surveyed 1,200 of its users in North America halfway through the year to find out how their investing journey has progressed and what their expectations for the second half will be. Overall, investors remain positive but are striking a more cautionary tone as uncertainly over the economy and tariffs are expected to lead to more volatility. In addition, moomoo’s investors in Canada are closely watching political developments both at home and in the US and adjusting their investing plans accordingly.

    “While more investors report having made money in 2025 compared with the same period last year, the uncertainty surrounding inflation drives mixed reactions among users. However, investors trade more often with a more diversified portfolio and goals. Even though they are expecting more volatility in the second half, investors believe trading through self-direct platforms help them achieve their financial freedom goals,” said Justin Zacks, Vice President of Strategy, Moomoo Technologies Inc.

    About the Survey:

    The Q2 Moomoo Users survey was conducted in June 2024. The survey included approximately 1,000 participants in the US and 200 in Canada that are registered users of the moomoo app. The data shown in the survey represents the opinion of those surveyed and may change based on the market and other conditions. The survey results provided herein may not represent other customers’ experience, and there is no guarantee of future performance or success and should also not be construed as investment advice. Experiences may differ than the ones represented here. Investing involves risks regardless of the strategy selected.

    This whitepaper is for informational and educational use only and is not a recommendation or endorsement of any particular investment or investment strategy. Past investment performance does not indicate or guarantee future success. You should consider the appropriateness of this information having regard to your relevant personal circumstances before making any investment decisions.

    Moomoo is a financial information and trading app offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. In the U.S., Investment products and services on Moomoo are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

    About moomoo

    Moomoo is an investment and trading platform that empowers global investors with pro-grade, easy-to-use tools, data, and insights. It provides users with the necessary information and technology to make more informed investment decisions. Investors have access to advanced charting tools, technical analytics, and in-depth data. Moomoo grows with its users, cultivating a community where investors share, learn, and grow together in one place. Moomoo provides free access to investment courses, educational materials, and interactive events that any investor, at any level, can gain from. Users can join forum discussions, trending topics, and seminars to better their investment knowledge and insights.

    The moomoo app is offered by Moomoo Technologies Inc. (“MTI”) a company that is based in Jersey City, New Jersey. The app is used globally in countries including the U.S., Singapore, Australia, Japan, Malaysia and Canada. MTI is not a broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice or recommendations. In the U.S., securities products and services are offered by Moomoo Financial Inc. (“MFI”), an SEC-registered broker-dealer and member FINRA/SIPC. MTI and MFI are indirect, wholly-owned subsidiaries of Futu Holdings Limited (Nasdaq: FUTU).

    For more information, please visit moomoo’s official website at www.moomoo.com/us or feel free to email: pr@us.moomoo.com.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7d32e64b-3806-4aa1-84ba-0235456d9e21

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: U.S. Navy, Marine Corps EOD technicians conduct live mine countermeasure operations with JMSDF during Iwo To Live Mine Exercise 2025

    Source: United States Navy

    IWO TO, Japan – U.S. Navy Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) technicians assigned to Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5 participated in Iwo To Live Mine Exercise (MINEX) 2025, a bilateral mine countermeasures (MCM) exercise hosted annually by the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force (JMSDF) in the vicinity of Iwo To, Japan, May 29 to June 24.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Jimmy Swaggart’s rise and fall shaped the landscape of American televangelism

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Diane Winston, Professor and Knight Center Chair in Media & Religion, USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism

    Rev. Jimmy Swaggart preaches at the Los Angeles Memorial Sports Arena on March 29, 1987. AP Photo/Mark Avery, file

    Jimmy Swaggart, one of the most popular and enduring of the 1980s televangelists, died on July 1, 2025, but his legacy lives.

    Along with Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, he drew an audience in the millions, amassed a personal fortune and introduced a new generation of Americans to a potent mix of religion and politics.

    Swaggart was an old-time evangelist whose focus was “saving souls.” But he also preached on conservative social issues, warning followers about the evils of abortion, homosexuality and godless communism.

    [Swaggart also denounced] what he called “false cults,” including Catholicism, Judaism and Mormonism. In fact, his denunciations of other religions, as well as his attacks on rival preachers, made him a more polarizing figure than his politicized brethren.

    As a reporter, I covered Swaggart in the 1980s. Now, as a scholar of American religion, I argue that while Swaggart did not build institutions like Falwell’s Moral Majority or Robertson’s 700 Club, he helped to spread right-wing positions on social issues, such as sexual orientation and abortion, and to shape the image of televangelists in popular culture..

    Swaggart’s cousins

    Born into a hardscrabble life in a small Louisiana town, Swaggart grew up alongside his cousins Jerry Lee Lewis, the future rockabilly pioneer, and future country singer Mickey Gilley.

    All three loved music and singing. They polished their playing on an uncle’s piano and sneaked into African American nightclubs to hear the jazz and blues forbidden by their parents.

    Jimmy Swaggart delivering a sermon at the Flora Blanca Stadium in El Salvador.
    Cindy Karp/Getty Images

    While Gilley and Lewis turned their musical talent into recording and performing careers, Swaggart felt called to the ministry. He dropped out of high school, married at 17, began preaching at 20 and was ordained at 26.

    He was licensed by the Assemblies of God, a Pentecostal denomination that believes the Holy Spirit endows believers with spiritual gifts that include speaking in tongues and faith healing.

    The glory years

    Pentecostals were nicknamed Holy Rollers because of their tendency to shake, quake and roll on the floor when feeling the Holy Spirit. Their preachers excelled at rousing audiences’ ardor, and Swaggart commanded the stage better than most. He paced, pounced and poured forth sweat while begging listeners to turn from sin and accept Jesus.

    Starting small, he drew crowds while preaching on a flatbed trailer throughout the South. His following grew, and in 1969 he opened the Family Worship Center in Baton Rouge.

    Evangelist Jimmy Swaggart leaves his office complex in Baton Rouge, La., on Jan. 7, 1977.
    AP Photo

    At capacity, the church held 10,000 worshippers, who represented a broad swath of America: young girls and grannies, white and Black, bankers and farmers. His sermons began calmly but built to a fever pitch. CBS newsman Dan Rather once called him the “country’s greatest speaker.”

    During services, Swaggart also sang and played piano. In 1982, Newsweek magazine noted his musical chops, naming him the “King of Honky Tonk Heaven.” His music crossed gospel, country and honky-tonk – songs with a strong rhythmic beat – and he sold 17 million albums over his lifetime.

    By 1975, Swaggart’s on-stage charisma powered the launch of a television ministry that would reach millions within a decade. Viewers were captivated by his soulful tunes and fire-and-brimstone sermons. At its height, Swaggart’s show was televised in 140 countries, including Peru, the Philippines and South Africa.

    His ministry also became the largest mail-order business in Louisiana, selling books, tapes, T-shirts and biblical memorabilia. Thanks to the US$150 million raised annually from donations and sales, Swaggart lived in an opulent mansion, possessed a private jet previously owned by the Rockefellers, sported a yellow gold vintage Rolex and drove a Jaguar.

    The downfall

    Swaggart disliked competition and had a history of humiliating rival preachers. Wary of the Rev. Marvin Gorman, a Pentecostal minister whose church also was in Louisiana, Swaggart accused the man of adultery. Gorman admitted his infidelity and was defrocked.

    Gorman had heard rumors about Swaggart’s own indiscretions, and he and his son decided to tail the famed evangelist. In 1988, they caught Swaggart at a motel with a prostitute, and Gorman reported the incident to Swaggart’s denomination. He also gave news outlets photos of Swaggart and the prostitute. In a tearful, televised apology, Swaggart pleaded for a second chance.

    While his fans were willing, the Assemblies of God had conditions: Swaggart received the standard two-year suspension for sexual immorality. Defying the ruling, Swaggart went back to work after three months, and the denomination defrocked him.

    A parishioner overcome with grief lies on steps to the altar after Jimmy Swaggart’s confession of sexual indiscretions.
    Thomas S. England/Getty Images

    Swaggart might have succeeded as an independent minister, but in 1991 the police stopped his car for driving on the wrong side of the road. Inside they found the preacher with a prostitute. This time, Swaggart did not ask for forgiveness. Instead, he informed his congregation, “The Lord told me it’s flat none of your business.”

    Afterward, Swaggart never regained his former standing. His mail-order business dried up, donations fell, and attendance at services cratered. But up until his death, he kept on, in his own words, as an “old-fashioned, Holy Ghost-filled, shouting, weeping, soul-winning, Gospel-preaching preacher.”

    Swaggart’s legacy

    Swaggart, like other 1980s televangelists, brought right-wing politics into American homes. But unlike Jerry Falwell and Pat Robertson, Swaggart was less interested in winning elections than saving souls. In fact, when Robertson considered a presidential run in 1988, Swaggart initially tried to dissuade him – then changed his mind and supported him.

    Swaggart’s calls for a return to conservative Christian norms live on – not just in Sunday sermons but also in today’s world of tradwives, abortion restrictions and calls to repeal gay marriage. His music lives on, too. The day before he died, the Southern Gospel Music Association Hall of Fame inducted him as a member.

    But his legacy also survives in popular culture. In recent years, both reality television and scripted series have starred preachers shaped in the image of Swaggart and his peers. Most exaggerate his worst characteristics for shock and comedic effect.

    “Preachers of L.A.,” a 2013 reality show that profiled six Los Angeles pastors, featured blinged-out ministers whose sermons mixed hip-hop with the Bible. The fictional “Greenleaf” followed the scandals of an extended family’s Memphis megachurch, while “The Righteous Gemstones,” a dark spoof of Southern preachers, turned a family ministry into a site for sex, murder and moneymaking.

    But these imitations can’t match the reality. Swaggart was a larger-than-life minister whose story – from small-town wannabe to disgraced pastor, to preaching to those who would listen – had it all: sex, politics, music and religion.

    For those who want a taste of the real thing, The King of Honky Tonk Heaven lives on. You can see his old services and Bible studies streaming daily on his network.

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

    – ref. Jimmy Swaggart’s rise and fall shaped the landscape of American televangelism – https://theconversation.com/jimmy-swaggarts-rise-and-fall-shaped-the-landscape-of-american-televangelism-260377

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health?

    Source: The Conversation – USA (3) – By Pooja Shree Chettiar, Ph.D. Candidate in Medical Sciences, Texas A&M University

    Chatbot ‘therapists’ use artificial intelligence to mimic real-life therapeutic conversations. Pooja Shree Chettiar/ChatGPT, CC BY-SA

    Recently, I found myself pouring my heart out, not to a human, but to a chatbot named Wysa on my phone. It nodded – virtually – asked me how I was feeling and gently suggested trying breathing exercises.

    As a neuroscientist, I couldn’t help but wonder: Was I actually feeling better, or was I just being expertly redirected by a well-trained algorithm? Could a string of code really help calm a storm of emotions?

    Artificial intelligence-powered mental health tools are becoming increasingly popular – and increasingly persuasive. But beneath their soothing prompts lie important questions: How effective are these tools? What do we really know about how they work? And what are we giving up in exchange for convenience?

    Of course it’s an exciting moment for digital mental health. But understanding the trade-offs and limitations of AI-based care is crucial.

    Stand-in meditation and therapy apps and bots

    AI-based therapy is a relatively new player in the digital therapy field. But the U.S. mental health app market has been booming for the past few years, from apps with free tools that text you back to premium versions with an added feature that gives prompts for breathing exercises.

    Headspace and Calm are two of the most well-known meditation and mindfulness apps, offering guided meditations, bedtime stories and calming soundscapes to help users relax and sleep better. Talkspace and BetterHelp go a step further, offering actual licensed therapists via chat, video or voice. The apps Happify and Moodfit aim to boost mood and challenge negative thinking with game-based exercises.

    Somewhere in the middle are chatbot therapists like Wysa and Woebot, using AI to mimic real therapeutic conversations, often rooted in cognitive behavioral therapy. These apps typically offer free basic versions, with paid plans ranging from US$10 to $100 per month for more comprehensive features or access to licensed professionals.

    While not designed specifically for therapy, conversational tools like ChatGPT have sparked curiosity about AI’s emotional intelligence.

    Some users have turned to ChatGPT for mental health advice, with mixed outcomes, including a widely reported case in Belgium where a man died by suicide after months of conversations with a chatbot. Elsewhere, a father is seeking answers after his son was fatally shot by police, alleging that distressing conversations with an AI chatbot may have influenced his son’s mental state. These cases raise ethical questions about the role of AI in sensitive situations.

    Guided meditation apps were one of the first forms of digital therapy.
    IsiMS/E+ via Getty Images

    Where AI comes in

    Whether your brain is spiraling, sulking or just needs a nap, there’s a chatbot for that. But can AI really help your brain process complex emotions? Or are people just outsourcing stress to silicon-based support systems that sound empathetic?

    And how exactly does AI therapy work inside our brains?

    Most AI mental health apps promise some flavor of cognitive behavioral therapy, which is basically structured self-talk for your inner chaos. Think of it as Marie Kondo-ing, the Japanese tidying expert known for helping people keep only what “sparks joy.” You identify unhelpful thought patterns like “I’m a failure,” examine them, and decide whether they serve you or just create anxiety.

    But can a chatbot help you rewire your thoughts? Surprisingly, there’s science suggesting it’s possible. Studies have shown that digital forms of talk therapy can reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, especially for mild to moderate cases. In fact, Woebot has published peer-reviewed research showing reduced depressive symptoms in young adults after just two weeks of chatting.

    These apps are designed to simulate therapeutic interaction, offering empathy, asking guided questions and walking you through evidence-based tools. The goal is to help with decision-making and self-control, and to help calm the nervous system.

    The neuroscience behind cognitive behavioral therapy is solid: It’s about activating the brain’s executive control centers, helping us shift our attention, challenge automatic thoughts and regulate our emotions.

    The question is whether a chatbot can reliably replicate that, and whether our brains actually believe it.

    A user’s experience, and what it might mean for the brain

    “I had a rough week,” a friend told me recently. I asked her to try out a mental health chatbot for a few days. She told me the bot replied with an encouraging emoji and a prompt generated by its algorithm to try a calming strategy tailored to her mood. Then, to her surprise, it helped her sleep better by week’s end.

    As a neuroscientist, I couldn’t help but ask: Which neurons in her brain were kicking in to help her feel calm?

    This isn’t a one-off story. A growing number of user surveys and clinical trials suggest that cognitive behavioral therapy-based chatbot interactions can lead to short-term improvements in mood, focus and even sleep. In randomized studies, users of mental health apps have reported reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety – outcomes that closely align with how in-person cognitive behavioral therapy influences the brain.

    Several studies show that therapy chatbots can actually help people feel better. In one clinical trial, a chatbot called “Therabot” helped reduce depression and anxiety symptoms by nearly half – similar to what people experience with human therapists. Other research, including a review of over 80 studies, found that AI chatbots are especially helpful for improving mood, reducing stress and even helping people sleep better. In one study, a chatbot outperformed a self-help book in boosting mental health after just two weeks.

    While people often report feeling better after using these chatbots, scientists haven’t yet confirmed exactly what’s happening in the brain during those interactions. In other words, we know they work for many people, but we’re still learning how and why.

    AI chatbots don’t cost what a human therapist costs – and they’re available 24/7.

    Red flags and risks

    Apps like Wysa have earned FDA Breakthrough Device designation, a status that fast-tracks promising technologies for serious conditions, suggesting they may offer real clinical benefit. Woebot, similarly, runs randomized clinical trials showing improved depression and anxiety symptoms in new moms and college students.

    While many mental health apps boast labels like “clinically validated” or “FDA approved,” those claims are often unverified. A review of top apps found that most made bold claims, but fewer than 22% cited actual scientific studies to back them up.

    In addition, chatbots collect sensitive information about your mood metrics, triggers and personal stories. What if that data winds up in third-party hands such as advertisers, employers or hackers, a scenario that has occurred with genetic data? In a 2023 breach, nearly 7 million users of the DNA testing company 23andMe had their DNA and personal details exposed after hackers used previously leaked passwords to break into their accounts. Regulators later fined the company more than $2 million for failing to protect user data.

    Unlike clinicians, bots aren’t bound by counseling ethics or privacy laws regarding medical information. You might be getting a form of cognitive behavioral therapy, but you’re also feeding a database.

    And sure, bots can guide you through breathing exercises or prompt cognitive reappraisal, but when faced with emotional complexity or crisis, they’re often out of their depth. Human therapists tap into nuance, past trauma, empathy and live feedback loops. Can an algorithm say “I hear you” with genuine understanding? Neuroscience suggests that supportive human connection activates social brain networks that AI can’t reach.

    So while in mild to moderate cases bot-delivered cognitive behavioral therapy may offer short-term symptom relief, it’s important to be aware of their limitations. For the time being, pairing bots with human care – rather than replacing it – is the safest move.

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

    – ref. The AI therapist will see you now: Can chatbots really improve mental health? – https://theconversation.com/the-ai-therapist-will-see-you-now-can-chatbots-really-improve-mental-health-259360

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • NESTS launches multi-pronged initiatives with UNICEF, Tata Motors to boost education and employment for tribal youth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major push towards empowering tribal students, the National Education Society for Tribal Students (NESTS), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, has unveiled a series of initiatives to enhance education, life skills, and employability for students studying in Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRSs) across the country.

    On July 9, NESTS signed landmark agreements with UNICEF India, Tata Motors Limited, and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to roll out programmes that will support over 1.3 lakh tribal students in their academic and professional journeys.

    At the centre of these efforts is TALASH (Tribal Aptitude, Life Skills and Self-Esteem Hub), an innovative national platform launched in partnership with UNICEF. TALASH aims to strengthen both academic learning and personal development by helping students discover their strengths, build essential life skills, and plan clear career pathways.

    Through psychometric assessments inspired by NCERT’s ‘Tamanna’ initiative, students will receive individual Career Cards suggesting suitable career options based on their aptitudes. The platform will also provide career counselling, dedicated life skills modules, and resources for teachers to guide students effectively. The phased national rollout has already begun, with 189 teachers from 75 EMRSs trained to lead sessions in their schools. By the end of 2025, TALASH is expected to reach all EMRSs in 28 states and 8 union territories.

    Complementing this, NESTS has entered into a five-year Memorandum of Understanding with Tata Motors Limited to bridge the gap between classroom learning and industry-ready skills. Under this partnership, students passing out of Class 12 from EMRSs will be enrolled in Tata Motors’ Kaushalya Program — an ‘Earn & Learn’ initiative that combines a Diploma in Engineering with on-the-job training. Eligible students will be aged 18 to 23 and must have secured at least 60% marks in their Class 10 examinations.

    The program provides a monthly stipend, subsidised canteen and transport facilities, uniforms, safety equipment, insurance cover, and opportunities for high-performing students to pursue further technical studies such as B.Tech through tie-ups like BITS Pilani’s Work Integrated Learning Program. Placement support under a ‘One Trainee, One Job’ policy will ensure that trained graduates find employment within Tata Motors’ manufacturing and service locations nationwide.

    In a parallel move, NESTS has also signed a tripartite agreement with Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation to offer focused coaching for competitive exams like IIT-JEE and NEET. This initiative will include dedicated residential Centres of Excellence at Chankapur (Maharashtra) and Chintapalle (Andhra Pradesh), providing intensive in-person coaching for meritorious science stream students of Grades XI and XII. Additionally, online preparatory classes for Olympiad, NTSE, and KVPY exams will be made available to students from digitally equipped EMRSs, extending support to learners from Grade IX onwards.

    Together, these new measures are intended to close educational gaps, build confidence among tribal youth, and create a sustainable pipeline of skilled students ready to contribute to India’s development.

    According to Ajeet Kumar Srivastava, Commissioner, NESTS, these collaborations are “a testament to our commitment to providing tribal students with opportunities to realise their full potential. Through these initiatives, we aim to bridge gaps in education and empower the next generation of tribal leaders.”

    NESTS, under the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, runs Eklavya Model Residential Schools nationwide to ensure quality education for tribal students. UNICEF India continues to partner with the government in advancing inclusive education, while Tata Motors and the Ex-Navodayan Foundation bring industry experience and academic expertise to strengthen outcomes for tribal youth.

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade of Republic of Mauritius to Visit Japan

    Source: APO


    .

    Hon. Dhananjay Ramful, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade, Republic of Mauritius will pay a visit to Japan from July 13 to 16.

    During his stay in Japan, the Minister will meet with Mr. IWAYA Takeshi, Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, and will participate in the National Day Event of Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan, as official guest of the Government of Japan.

    The visit of the Minister is expected to further develop the bilateral relations between Japan and Mauritius.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lu Ban’s Workshop Becomes a Bridge for Humanitarian Exchanges between SCO Countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    TIANJIN, July 10 (Xinhua) — Igor Khodachek, director of the Eurasian Studies Center of the European University at St. Petersburg, entered his name on a computer while visiting the Tianjin Vocational Institute of Light Industry and a laser marking machine engraved his name on the surface of a metal plate.

    “This is a wonderful souvenir of this trip,” said I. Khodachek, who participated in the “Dialogue of World Mayors – SCO Summit Cities,” which was held from July 6 to 9 in Tianjin, northern China. During the event, guests at the aforementioned institute visited an exhibition hall dedicated to Lu Ban’s Workshop and a base integrating production and training in the field of high-precision instrument manufacturing and intelligent manufacturing.

    Lu Ban Workshop, named after the famous ancient Chinese craftsman Lu Ban, is a brand of international vocational education initiated and promoted by Tianjin City Government.

    To date, China has built 34 Lu Ban Workshops in 30 countries and regions around the world. 10 of them were established in Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Pakistan, Cambodia, Egypt and other SCO countries.

    With the construction of a practical training center and the provision of modern teaching equipment in Lu Ban Workshop, Chinese teachers and technical personnel are also sent to learn technical skills from local teachers who may be invited to China for experience exchange.

    Since 2022, Wu Zhengpeng, a teacher from Tianjin Vocational and Technical Institute of Urban Administration and Construction, has been teaching at Lu Ban Workshop in Tajikistan using China’s advanced equipment and 3D teaching resources.

    “We had a comprehensive discussion with the teachers of the Tajik side and jointly formulated the curriculum, discussed the methodology and agreed to invite them to Tianjin for exchanges,” Wu Zhengpeng shared. In July last year, representatives of the teachers and students of the Tajik Technical University named after Academician M.S. Osimi visited Tianjin as planned.

    Lu Ban’s workshop provides an opportunity for more and more young people from SCO countries to study abroad.

    Ibrahim Maher, a 21-year-old student from Egypt, is currently studying at Tianjin Light Industry Vocational and Technical Institute under the Lu Ban Workshop project, majoring in Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology.

    “Lu Ban Workshop has many advanced teaching equipment and data centers from China, which enables students to transform theoretical knowledge into practical skills and adapt to the working environment more quickly. We are also provided with many opportunities to visit companies, participate in internships, and experience a large number of projects in practice,” he said.

    At the end of the tour, Director of the Institute of World Politics of Kyrgyzstan Sheradil Baktygulov said that Lu Ban’s Workshop provides assistance to Kyrgyzstan in developing such areas as robotics, autonomous driving and computer technology.

    At present, Lu Ban’s Workshop is an important platform for international exchanges and cooperation in the field of professional education, and also serves as a bridge to promote humanities exchanges and the rapprochement of peoples. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Wang Yi talks about the achievements of mutually beneficial cooperation between China and ASEAN

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, spoke about the fruitful achievements of bilateral cooperation while delivering a speech at the China-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting here on Thursday.

    First, the community of shared future between neighboring countries has become stronger. In April 2025, Chinese President Xi Jinping made successful visits to Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia, which brought the construction of bilateral communities of shared future to a higher level and promoted mutually beneficial cooperation in the direction of improving quality.

    Secondly, steps towards regional openness and cooperation have become more decisive. The negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0 have been fully completed, and the protocol is expected to be signed within a year. The ASEAN-China-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) summit has launched a new model of interregional cooperation.

    Third, security cooperation has deepened. The two sides completed the third reading of the draft text of the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, effectively resolving differences and maintaining overall maritime stability. China has also joined hands with Myanmar, Laos, Thailand and other countries to combat transnational crimes such as online gambling and cyber fraud.

    Fourth, mutual travel has become easier. Over the past two years, the two sides have held more than 100 cultural and humanitarian events. The issuance of “Lancang-Mekong visa” and “ASEAN visa” has officially begun, making mutual travel as convenient and frequent as family reunions.

    Wang Yi noted that China always regards ASEAN as a priority area of its diplomatic relations with its neighbors. Beijing views this region as a pioneering platform for the creation of a community with a common future for mankind, the minister added.

    According to him, China will continue to adhere to the principles of good-neighborliness, stable and prosperous neighborhood, benevolence, sincerity, mutual benefit, inclusiveness and common destiny. China is willing to work with ASEAN to promote Asia’s values of peace, cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and build a common home of peace, security, prosperity, beauty and friendship, Wang said. He also said that China and ASEAN will actively promote the building of an even closer community with a shared future, accelerating the rise of Asia amid the rapid strengthening of the Global South. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China is a reliable partner for ASEAN in addressing complex challenges: Wang Yi

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 10 (Xinhua) — China has always been the most reliable stabilizing force in a turbulent world and the most reliable partner for members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) in tackling difficult challenges, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, said at a China-ASEAN foreign ministers’ meeting here on Thursday.

    Noting that China and ASEAN have similar development concepts, common requirements and integrated interests, he added that Beijing regards ASEAN as a priority area for diplomatic relations with its neighbors and a pioneering platform for promoting the building of a community with a shared future for mankind.

    “We should support each other and achieve success for each other in advancing the modernization process of Asia,” Wang said.

    The minister spoke about the achievements of China-ASEAN cooperation and put forward four proposals.

    First, it must become a benchmark for upholding international justice. Wang said China and ASEAN must resolutely uphold the global system with the UN at its core and the international order based on international law.

    China supports ASEAN’s central position in the regional architecture and its greater role in regional and international affairs. China is willing to work with ASEAN to practice open regionalism and genuine multilateralism and make greater contributions to regional and global governance.

    Secondly, it should be a model for maintaining peace and stability in the region. Peace and stability in the region are extremely valuable and must be reliably protected, and geopolitical conflicts or bloc confrontations should not spread to Asia, Wang Yi said. China is ready to take a leading role in signing the Protocol to the Treaty on a Nuclear-Weapon-Free Zone in Southeast Asia, he added.

    The South China Sea is a common home for regional countries, not a “gladiator arena” for major powers, and China is willing to expand cooperation with ASEAN countries in areas such as marine environmental protection, shipping safety, maritime law enforcement and key maritime infrastructure, fully implement the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, facilitate consultations on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea and always hold the initiative in the South China Sea issue, the Foreign Minister stressed.

    Third, it is necessary to set an example of mutually beneficial cooperation. According to Wang Yi, Beijing is ready to cooperate with ASEAN in building the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, effectively implement the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and build a high-level free trade network.

    China is willing to continue to use high-quality cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative as a core platform, strengthen communication and cooperation with ASEAN in industrial and supply chains, and advance cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, digital transformation and clean energy, the minister said.

    China highly appreciates ASEAN’s firm commitment to free trade and the multilateral trading system, and holds that economic and trade differences should be resolved through equal dialogue and mutual benefit, while upholding its own dignity and fundamental principles and not encroaching on the interests of third parties, Wang said.

    Fourth, we should set an example in promoting inclusiveness and mutual learning. China is willing to continue to advocate dialogue, exchanges and mutual learning among different civilizations with ASEAN countries, the foreign minister said. The two sides should jointly hold a successful Year of People-to-People Exchanges, intensify exchanges in the fields of education, youth, think tanks, media and other areas, take concrete measures to implement the Global Civilization Initiative and promote mutual understanding, friendship and integration among peoples.

    The participating countries noted that China-ASEAN cooperation is the most dynamic and fruitful. China has always been one of ASEAN’s most important dialogue partners, they said, expressing gratitude to China for supporting the association’s central position. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xizang’s first scheduled cargo flight opens

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LHASA, July 10 (Xinhua) — China’s SF Airlines on Thursday launched a cargo flight linking Lhasa in China’s Xizang Autonomous Region and Ezhou in Hubei Province.

    The Boeing 757-200 of the company left Lhasa Konggar International Airport at 12:10 p.m., carrying agricultural products including tomatoes, chicken eggs, rapeseed oil and barley to Ezhou, becoming the first scheduled flight in Xijiang dedicated exclusively to cargo.

    According to the plan, round trip flights on this air route will be carried out once a week. The aircraft is capable of delivering more than 30 tons of cargo on the Lhasa-Ezhou route.

    The opening of the flight on the new route will make it more convenient to deliver products from Xizang not only to other regions of the country, but also beyond its borders, said Liu Shuxin, an employee of the Xizang branch of SF Airlines.

    Given Xijiang’s strategic location as the “gateway to South Asia,” the launch of the Lhasa-Ezhou route will help other regions in the country expand their supply of products to the South Asian market, he added.

    According to official data, airports in the Xizang Autonomous Region served 3.7 million passengers in the first half of this year. At the same time, the cargo turnover and the volume of parcels through them amounted to 26 thousand tons. These figures increased by 3.0 percent and 7.9 percent, respectively, year-on-year. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: An Interview with Foreign Law Intern at the Law Library of Congress, Raksmei Dara

    Source: US Global Legal Monitor

    Today’s blog post is an interview with a foreign law intern at the Law Library of Congress, Raksmei Dara. She works with Foreign Law Specialist Sayuri Umeda in the Global Legal Research Directorate. 

    Describe your background.

    My name is Raksmei Dara, but people call me Mei. I was born in the heart of Phnom Penh city, Cambodia. I have an older brother, and I am the youngest one in my family.

    What is your academic/ professional history?

    I have a bachelor’s degree in law from the American University of Phnom Penh and a Bachelor of Arts in law from the University of Arizona. I interned at the Fraud Prevention Unit in the U.S. Consular Affairs Office at the United States Embassy in Cambodia during my undergraduate program. Shortly after, I was offered a scholarship from Pennsylvania State University for an LL.M. program, where I earned my concentration in international, foreign, and comparative law. While at Penn State, I was chosen and coached as a competitor for Penn State Law in the Willem C. Vis International Commercial Moot Court Competition 2025. That is when my passion for international law grew.

    How do you describe your job to other people?

    I am a foreign law intern in the Global Legal Research Directorate of the Law Library of Congress. I research and analyze Cambodian legal frameworks, draft articles on new laws and other regulations, and compile those findings into clear, up-to-date reports and articles for our global audience.

    Why did you want to work at the Law Library of Congress?

    The Law Library of Congress is an open door for me to deepen my legal skills, gain new research knowledge, and collaborate with incredible scholars from around the world. Most importantly, the Library of Congress is a place of rich history and unparalleled resources, making it the perfect stepping stone for my legal career. I am grateful to have such an honorable institution like the Law Library of Congress as part of my legal professional journey.

    What is the most interesting fact you have learned about the Law Library of Congress?

    I am blown away by how professional and talented everyone is in the workplace. The Library of Congress feels like a jungle of unmatched resources and archival treasures you simply cannot find anywhere else in the world. Its global network of scholars and the depth of its collections make it a truly one-of-a-kind institution that words cannot do justice.

    What’s something most of your co-workers do not know about you?

    I always find myself interested in the psychology behind laws and how law shapes both legislation and enforcement.

    Subscribe to In Custodia Legis – it’s free! – to receive interesting posts drawn from the Law Library of Congress’s vast collections and our staff’s expertise in U.S., foreign, and international law.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/INDONESIA – Camillian Mission on the Island of Flores celebrates the feast of the Order’s founder

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 10 July 2025

    LG

    Maumere (Agenzia Fides) – The Camillian mission in Indonesia experiences the feast of Saint Camillus of Lellis, patron saint of the sick and healthcare workers and founder of the Order of the Sick, with great joy and gratitude.”July 14, 2025, is a historic day for the Camillian delegation in Indonesia: four new deacons will be ordained, ten religious will take temporary vows, twenty-two confreres will renew their vows, and eleven young men will be received into the novitiate,” Father Luigi Galvani (MI), Camillian missionary on the island of Flores, told Fides.The Eucharistic celebration will take place at the Camillian Philosophical and Theological Seminary in Maumere, on the island of Flores, the beating heart of the Indonesian mission. The solemn liturgy will be presided over by the Bishop of the diocese, Edwaldus Martinus Sedu, while the Provincial Superior of the Camillians, Father Evan Villanueva, and the religious from the various Camillian communities in the country will concelebrate.”These significant events,” the missionary continued, “are not mere dates, but a living testimony to the fruitfulness of the Camillian charism, present in Indonesia since 2009. In just over fifteen years, the mission has taken deep root thanks to the constant work of vocational promotion and formation, service to the sick, especially the poorest and most marginalized, and various important social projects. These include the feeding program and the new shelters for the mentally ill, who were previously chained and lived in atrocious conditions” (see Fides, 24/1/2024).”All of this stimulates us and keeps us young, so to speak,” jokes the missionary, who is over eighty years old. “We pray to Saint Camillus to continue to inspire us with renewed enthusiasm and missionary zeal.””The charism of Saint Camillus, at the center of which is merciful love for the sick, ‘like a mother towards her only sick child,’ continues to attract young people willing to give their lives in generous and radical service,” concludes Father Luigi. “On this feast day, the young Camillian mission in Indonesia thanks the Lord for the gifts received and renews its commitment to live and ever more widely spread the Gospel of charity, following the example of Saint Camillus, in a world in need of peace, solidarity, and hope.” (LG/AP) (Agenzia Fides, 10/7/2025)

    LG

    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Experience.com Partners with Locafy to Redefine Local Digital Marketing in APAC

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SAN FRANCISCO, CA AND PERTH, AUSTRALIA, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Experience.com, a global leader in customer experience, reputation management, and online visibility, today announced the appointment of Locafy Limited (Nasdaq: LCFY), a recognized innovator in location-based digital marketing, as its newest partner in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region.

    Under the partnership agreement, Locafy will resell Experience.com’s advanced review management platform across APAC markets. The collaboration merges two highly complementary technologies—Locafy’s AI-driven local search optimization and landing page automation with Experience.com’s industry-leading online presence and reputation management software.

    The combined solution delivers an all-in-one platform that helps individual professionals and tradespeople elevate their online presence, strengthen trust with verified customer reviews, and drive meaningful consumer engagement—streamlining digital marketing into a single, unified experience.

    “Locafy’s technology is built to help professionals get discovered online—faster and more frequently,” said Scott Harris, CEO of Experience.com. “By partnering with Locafy, we’re extending our reputation and search visibility management capabilities to a broader APAC audience as part of a comprehensive local marketing solution. Together, we’re enabling businesses to grow their digital footprint, build trust, and convert more leads.”

    Locafy’s platform automates the creation of AI-optimized landing pages, manages local business listings, and enhances local search rankings through its patented Local Boost technology. With a database of over 1.2 million businesses in Australia alone, Locafy is uniquely positioned to accelerate the adoption of Experience.com’s solutions throughout the region.

    “Our focus is on building smart, scalable tools that empower small businesses and professionals to thrive in the digital economy,” said Gavin Burnett, CEO of Locafy. “By integrating Experience.com’s powerful platform with our local search technology, we’re delivering a first-of-its-kind product that combines visibility, credibility, and customer engagement—driven by automation and AI.”

    The APAC rollout will initially focus on service-based professionals and tradespeople aiming to increase inbound referrals, boost their online brand, and improve conversions through enhanced digital trust signals.

    This strategic partnership underscores both companies shared vision: to transform local digital marketing through innovation, automation, and AI-powered performance.

    About Experience.com
     A leader in the 2024 J.D. Power rankings, Experience.com caters to a wide-ranging target market, including both local professionals and multi-location brands seeking to fortify their online reputation through the power of AI and customer feedback.

    Our platform is designed to help businesses & professionals boost their experience excellence, harness the insights from customer feedback, and establish unwavering trust among their audience. We empower them to not only maintain an exceptional online reputation but also to leverage it as a tool for acquiring new business.
    Our versatile solutions resonate with businesses of all sizes, offering the means to excel in Customer Experience (CX), Employee Engagement (EX), and Reputation Management across various industries. Our Search Rank Platform also allows professionals and organizations to take control of their entire online presence from one platform, and climb the search ranks with our tailored tools.

    About Locafy
     Locafy (Nasdaq: LCFY, LCFYW) is a global software-as-a-service (SaaS) company specializing in local search engine marketing. Founded in 2009, Locafy aims to revolutionize the US$700 billion SEO sector by helping businesses improve visibility and search relevance in proximity-based searches. Its fast, easy, and automated platform is trusted by brands worldwide. Learn more at www.locafy.com.

    Investor Relations Contact
    Matt Glover
    Gateway Group, Inc.
    (949) 574-3860
    LCFY@gateway-grp.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: GoldenMining Announces Global Expansion Milestone Amid U.S. Crypto Policy Progress

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, UK, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GoldenMining, a UK-based provider of cloud-based cryptocurrency mining infrastructure, has announced a significant milestone in its international expansion strategy. The update comes in light of recent regulatory developments in the United States, which many in the industry view as a positive step toward greater clarity for digital asset businesses.

    The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), under Chairman Paul Atkins, has recently advanced discussions around two cryptocurrency-focused bills—the “GENIUS Act” and the “CLARITY Act.” These proposed frameworks aim to establish stablecoin protections and potentially exclude Ethereum (ETH) from securities classification, thereby reducing legal uncertainty for crypto-related operations.

    GoldenMining, which has operated across multiple markets for years, has responded to this policy momentum by increasing investment in its global infrastructure. The company reports that its total number of active cloud mining units has surpassed one million—a first in its operational history—and that it will be launching additional data centers in Asia and Latin America in Q3 2025.

    “These policy signals offer a more stable environment for infrastructure providers like us,” said a spokesperson for GoldenMining. “We see this as an opportune time to accelerate the rollout of our decentralized mining services and bring more global users into the crypto ecosystem—safely and sustainably.”

    GoldenMining’s systems are built to support a multi-currency mining environment, and the company has emphasized its commitment to high-speed settlement protocols, infrastructure transparency, and security-first architecture. Its operational and compliance teams continue to monitor global regulatory shifts as the digital asset industry enters a new chapter of standardization.

    How to use GoldenMining –

    1. Register an account and get a $15 immediately, so you can experience mining and understand the profit model faster
    2. Start buying contracts, which are the main source of profit. By purchasing contracts, you can activate the mining machine in the cloud until the profit is generated
    3. Flexible contract period, investors can choose 5-day, 12-day, 25-day, or longer contracts according to their own needs. The longer the period, the higher the yield. For more contracts, please visit the website: http://www.GoldenMining.com

    Investors’ popular contracts reference

    contract Investment Amount Contract Rewards Total income
    New User Experience $15 $0.60 $15.60
    Elphapex DG1+ $100 $3 $106
    Bitmain S23 Hyd $650 $42.25 $692.25
    AntminerL917GH $1800 $287.28 $2087.28
    L916GH $4500 $1890 $6390
    ElphaPex DG Hydro1 $7800 $3276 $11076
    Elphapex DG2 $12,000 $8,100.00 $20,100.00

    4. GoldenMining settles profits every 24 hours. As long as it reaches $100, you can withdraw the profit of the day, or you can make compound interest investments to infinitely magnify the profit.

    5. Provide recharge and withdrawal of multiple cryptocurrencies: Dogecoin (DOGE), Bitcoin (BTC), Ethereum (ETH), SOL, Ripple (XRP), US Dollar (USDC), Litecoin (LTC), USDT-TRC20, USDT-ERC20, so that investors have multiple choices and can better understand the transactions between various currencies.

    About GoldenMining

    GoldenMining is a global cloud mining company offering scalable, secure, and energy-conscious solutions for digital asset mining. With users across 100+ countries and operations anchored in high-performance data centers, GoldenMining enables individuals and institutions to participate in cryptocurrency infrastructure with low entry barriers.

    Website: www.GoldenMining.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release does not constitute an investment solicitation, nor does it constitute investment advice, financial advice, or trading recommendations. Cryptocurrency mining and staking involve risks and the possibility of losing funds. It is strongly recommended that you perform due diligence before investing or trading in cryptocurrencies and securities, including consulting a professional financial advisor.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Byzanlink Selects Hedera to Advance Tokenized Financial Infrastructure for Institutional Markets

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DUBAI, United Arab Emirates, July 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Byzanlink, a next-generation tokenization platform bridging traditional and decentralized finance, today announced a strategic partnership with the Hedera Foundation. In the first phase of the partnership, Byzanlink will integrate and deploy on the Hedera Network, the enterprise-grade public network renowned for its high-performance and energy-efficient distributed ledger technology. This collaboration marks a strategic step toward building a compliant, programmable infrastructure for tokenized financial assets.

    Byzanlink is set to leverage Hedera’s scalable and secure architecture to accelerate the development of tokenized real-world assets and expand institutional access to compliant, yield-generating financial instruments. The integration enables real-time settlement, increased transparency, and automated asset lifecycle management across a wide range of asset classes.

    “We’re excited to collaborate with the Hedera Foundation as we bring real-world financial assets onchain,” said Anbu Kannappan, Founder and CEO of Byzanlink. “Hedera’s enterprise-grade capabilities align well with our vision of building secure, programmable, and transparent financial infrastructure for the future of global capital markets.”

    As part of its long-term vision, Byzanlink is targeting the tokenization of over $100 million in real-world assets over the coming years, focused on enabling institutional access to secure, yield-generating financial instruments. Byzanlink’s compliant architecture and partnership with Hedera position the platform to deliver scalable, transparent, and automation-driven solutions for the next generation of capital markets.

    Byzanlink is developing an integrated platform that enables institutions, treasuries, and fintechs to interact with tokenized financial assets through a seamless and compliant framework. Through this integration, Byzanlink will leverage Hedera’s Network to ensure scalable deployment and real-time settlement for tokenized asset classes.

    “Byzanlink’s infrastructure is aligned with our vision for enabling the next generation of institutional finance on Hedera,” said Vignesh Raja, Director of Business for Middle East & South Asia at Hedera Foundation. “We believe their model offers a compelling framework for tokenizing real-world assets at scale, and we’re proud to support their growth.”

    The collaboration will focus on key areas including technical integration, real-world asset token issuance, ecosystem collaboration, and expanded regional efforts across the Middle East and beyond.

    About Byzanlink
    Byzanlink is a multi-asset tokenization platform enabling institutional-grade access to real-world yield through blockchain infrastructure. Its core offerings focus on compliant, secure, and interoperable rails that connect traditional finance to digital economies.

    About Hedera Foundation
    Hedera Foundation drives the growth of decentralized finance (DeFi) and enterprise applications on the Hedera Network by empowering developers, builders, and innovators with resources and expert guidance. As a key entity in the Hedera ecosystem, the Foundation is dedicated to supporting projects through their journey from ideation to production, fostering growth and expanding the reach of the Hedera Network.

    Contact:
    Anbu Kannappan
    anbu@byzanlink.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 08, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹1.50 lakh (Rupees One Lakh Fifty Thousand only) on Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Urban Co-operative Bank Limited, Nagpur, Maharashtra (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Loans and advances to directors, relatives and firms/ concerns in which they are interested-UCBs’ and specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had:

    1. sanctioned a director related loan; and

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

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/689

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Mahesh Urban Cooperative Bank Limited, Parli Vaijnath, Maharashtra

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBl) has, by an order dated July 07, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹50,000/- (Rupees Fifty Thousand only) on Mahesh Urban Cooperative Bank Limited, Parli Vaijnath, Maharashtra (the bank), for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Exposure Norms and Statutory / Other Restrictions – UCBs’ and specific directions issued by RBI under Supervisory Action Framework (SAF). This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Sections 46(4)(i) and 56 of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

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

    The bank had:

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

    2. breached single counterparty exposure limit for Non-SLR investments.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/690

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • India’s quick commerce market to triple to Rs 2 lakh crore by FY28: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian quick commerce (Q-commerce) market’s gross order value is poised for exponential growth, nearly tripling from an estimated Rs 64,000 crore in FY25 to around Rs 2 lakh crore by FY28, according to a report on Thursday.

    India’s Q-commerce market is estimated to have reached around Rs 64,000 crore in FY25, growing at a staggering CAGR of 142 per cent during FY22-FY25, driven by evolving consumer preferences, hyperlocal infrastructure, and a lower base, according to the report by CareEdge Advisory, a subsidiary of CareEdge Ratings.

    “While growth remains strong, the focus is shifting from rapid expansion to reviving profitability and operational efficiency. Going forward, deeper penetration in Tier 2 and 3 cities, and tech-led innovations will likely define the next phase of India’s Q-commerce landscape,” said Tanvi Shah, Senior Director and Head, CareEdge Advisory and Research.

    The Q-commerce market revenue generated through fees has grown at a significantly faster pace than the GOV.

    The fee-based revenue, which stood at Rs 450 crore in FY22, has reached an estimated Rs 10,500 crore in FY25 and is further projected to reach Rs 34,500 crore by FY28, representing a significant CAGR of 26-27 per cent from FY25 to FY28.

    This sharp increase is due to increased platform fees by major players, resulting in higher revenue realisation and a substantial increase in overall GOV, the report added.

    Q-commerce industry is still just around 1 per cent of India’s massive grocery market, but that’s exactly what makes it exciting.

    “As more consumers embrace the speed and convenience it offers, Q-commerce is set to grow rapidly, even if the broader grocery market growth remains flat,” said Amir Shaikh, Assistant Director, CareEdge Advisory and Research.

    This digital backbone has enabled the rapid adoption of e-commerce and Q-commerce platforms. India had over 270 million online shoppers in 2024, making it the second-largest e-retail user base globally.

    The e-commerce market grew 23.8 per cent YoY in 2024 and is expected to maintain a CAGR of 21.5 per cent through 2030.

    India’s Q-commerce surge is strongly driven by rising digital adoption and expanding consumer spending power.

    As of early 2025, the country had over 1.12 billion mobile connections, with 806 million internet users, representing a 6.5 per cent YoY increase, and is projected to exceed 900 million users by year-end.

    (IANS)