Category: Asia

MIL-OSI: Giants Protocol Powers Tokenization of Real Estate for The Assembly Place, Backed by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Giants Protocol, a pioneer in AI-powered real-world asset (RWA) tokenization, has announced a landmark collaboration with Singapore-based co-living operator The Assembly Place (TAP) to tokenize real estate assets. This strategic move showcases the protocol’s ability to transform physical infrastructure into on-chain, yield-generating opportunities. The announcement marks a key milestone in Giants’ journey, having been backed by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund since inception and now delivering tangible use cases in Asia’s fast-evolving tokenization landscape.

At the Forefront of the RWA Revolution

As the tokenization of real-world assets shifts from experimentation to full-scale adoption, Giants Protocol is delivering the AI-powered infrastructure to lead this next wave. Giants transforms traditionally complex investment products into seamless, on-chain, yield-generating opportunities.

Key Features:
- AI-Driven Intelligence: Giants multi-agent AI monitors RWA asset performance, market conditions, and risk exposures across jurisdictions to enable smart, compliant execution.
- Automated Optimization: Strategies for yield, collateral, and liquidity management are dynamically adjusted by AI 24/7, reducing manual intervention and human error.
- Cross-Chain Deployment at Scale: Giant’s modular design enables frictionless integration across ecosystems like Sonic, Hyperliquid, Cosmos, and more. Scaling RWA access to global participants.
By embedding AI at the core, Giants Protocol is redefining how real-world assets are brought on-chain efficiently, compliantly, and at scale.

Leading the RWA Compliance Surge

1. Regulatory Alignment
Giants aligns closely with Regional regulatory frameworks, working alongside policy experts to ensure compliant deployment of tokenized bonds, credit, and real estate assets. As part of 2MR Labs, the team prioritizes legal enforceability and cross-border interoperability from day one.

2. Infrastructure Breakthroughs
Through its AI agents and modular architecture, Giants automates key processes in RWA tokenization in pricing, collateral management, and multi-chain movement. Removing the need for manual oversight.

3. Market Acceleration
With the RWA market expected to exceed $40 trillion by 2030, Giants is positioning itself as the gateway for institutional-grade tokenized assets in Asia. Backed by sovereign support and regional asset managers, the protocol has begun piloting treasury-backed and real estate-linked RWAs.

4. Addressing Bottlenecks
Giants tackles the toughest RWA hurdles, liquidity fragmentation and legal complexity. Through zk-proof attestations, stablecoin-backed settlements, and programmable legal agreements. Its AI system ensures real-time monitoring and compliance across jurisdictions.

Real-World Impact: Helping The Assembly Place Enter the Web3 Economy

One of Giants Protocol’s flagship collaborations is with The Assembly Place (TAP), Singapore’s leading co-living space operator.

Through this partnership, Giants:
- Enabled Tokenization of Real Estate Assets
  By helping TAP explore converting its co-living properties into tokenized, yield-generating digital assets, Giants opened up new funding models for physical infrastructure and empowering a vibrant global community culture for digital natives.
- Offered Strategic Advisory and AI Tools
  Giants provided RWA, Web3 strategy and optimizing digital assets tailored to TAP’s business model.
- Drove Go-To-Market and Community Engagement
  Giants played a vital role in building the bridge between TAP and the crypto-native community, creating narratives and GTM strategies that connected both traditional and Web3 audiences.
TAP is a testament to how Giants Protocol supports asset-rich, cash-constrained businesses in unlocking new liquidity through intelligent tokenization and building a globalized community living.

Institutional Credibility

Giants Protocol stands as one of the most institutionally trusted RWA infrastructure builders in the ecosystem.

Additional backers include:
Plug and Play VC, BreederDAO (by a16z), Trinity Ventures, Eden Ventures, LucidBlue Ventures, PG Capital, Brinc, Digital Consensus Fund, CSP DAO, London Real Ventures.

About Giants Protocol

Giants Protocol is a real-world asset (RWA) tokenization platform powered by a multi-agent AI system, developed by 2MR Labs. It integrates AI-driven investment infrastructure, compliance tooling, and seamless multi-chain access to streamline and scale the tokenization process. Invested by Singapore’s Sovereign Wealth Fund since day one and top global investors, Giants Protocol is building the foundation for the next phase of asset innovation.

Contact:

ARTHUR LIN, CEO
arthur.lin@2mrlabs.com

Disclaimer: This content is provided by Giants Protocol. 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/d943c7ac-1880-4ec1-be6b-499a94d9d5ab

The MIL Network –
July 30, 2025
DRDO successfully conducts range validation tests of ‘Pralay’ missile system

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO) has successfully tested the range capabilities of the indigenous quasi-ballistic missile system ‘Pralay’ over two consecutive days from Dr APJ Abdul Kalam Island off the Odisha coast. The trials were conducted as part of the User Evaluation Trials in collaboration with the Indian Armed Forces.

According to a statement from the Ministry of Defence, both minimum and maximum range capabilities of the missile were validated during the flight tests held on Monday and Tuesday. The missile followed the predetermined trajectory and precisely hit the designated targets, fulfilling all mission objectives.

All onboard subsystems functioned as expected, and data from the tests were recorded using a network of tracking sensors and instruments, including those mounted on a ship stationed near the impact zone.

The ‘Pralay’ missile, developed by DRDO, is a solid propellant-driven, surface-to-surface weapon system designed to carry various types of warheads and engage multiple target profiles. The development involved several DRDO laboratories, including the Research Centre Imarat, Defence Research and Development Laboratory, Advanced Systems Laboratory, and other key institutions, in collaboration with industry partners such as Bharat Dynamics Limited, Bharat Electronics Limited, and several MSMEs.

The trials were observed by senior DRDO scientists, representatives from the Indian Air Force and Indian Army, as well as industry stakeholders.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded DRDO, the Armed Forces, and industry partners for the successful trials. He said that the missile system, equipped with advanced technologies, will enhance the nation’s defence capabilities.

Dr Samir V. Kamat, Secretary, Department of Defence R&D and Chairman DRDO, congratulated the teams involved and said the successful completion of these phase-1 flight tests marks a crucial step toward the missile’s eventual induction into the Armed Forces.

-IANS

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Africa: SA granted €500 million loan for Energy Transition

Source: Government of South Africa

South Africa has been granted a €500 million loan for the implementation of the country’s Just Energy Transition (JET) plan by the German Cooperation via KFW Development Bank (KFW).

This loan is part of South Africa’s third Development Policy Operation and participants included the World Bank, African Development Bank, Japan International Cooperation Agency, and the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries Fund.

“It supports structural reforms to enhance the efficiency, resilience and sustainability of the country’s infrastructure services, with a specific focus on the energy sector and climate mitigation.

“KFW’s financing forms part of government’s broader efforts to implement structural reforms that strengthen public institutions, crowd in private investment, and improve service delivery across priority sectors of the economy,” National Treasury said on Monday.

This loan agreement builds on the two policy loans concluded in 2022 and 2023, and forms part of Germany’s pledge at COP26 to support South Africa’s Just Energy Transition Partnership (JETP).

Germany’s three policy loans, implemented by KFW, total €1.3 billion and form part of a larger package of JETP projects supported by the German Government via loans, technical assistance and grants.

“The Minister of Finance, Enoch Godongwana, [has] highlighted the significance of South Africa’s partnership with Germany and KFW that remains critical to South Africa’s development agenda and marks a significant step towards strengthening South Africa’s short- and medium-term energy security measures, promoting decarbonisation and enhancing the socio-economic benefits of the energy transition for disadvantaged communities, thereby enabling inclusive economic growth and fostering job creation.

“The Minister also emphasised the need for further policy and institutional reforms in the energy sector to create an enabling environment for the investment required for a just energy transition,” National Treasury said.

KFW’s Country Director for South Africa, Cornelia Tittmann, said the loan seeks to support the government of South Africa’s continued commitment to reforms in the energy sector, which give effect to South Africa’s climate commitments and enable the private sector to participate, opening new avenues to strengthen economic cooperation between Germany and South Africa. –SAnews.gov.za

MIL OSI Africa –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New UK esports collaboration to boost digital and cyber skills
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

New UK esports collaboration to boost digital and cyber skills

The new partnership with International Defence Esports Games will improve Armed Forces digital talent, while an annual summit will focus on education, recruitment and skills, including AI.
UK military personnel will improve their digital and cyber skills through a new esports collaboration, which will include a focus on AI and drone operation.

The Ministry of Defence has appointed the British Esports Federation to deliver a new first-of-its-kind defence and industry esports tournament through UK Strategic Command, soon to be Cyber and Specialist Operations Command.

Improving the digital skills of military personnel will help boost the country’s warfighting readiness, with the UK at the cutting edge of defence AI and technology, supporting the government’s Plan for Change. Lessons from Ukraine, including Ukrainian’s producing their own drone simulator games to improve hand-eye coordination, have shown how esports can be used to successfully train drone operators and cyber security specialists.

Through the Strategic Defence Review, defence is enhancing its warfighting capability by developing critical cyber skills, and Esports can provide an accessible environment to improve digital literacy and cyber understanding.

The International Defence Esports Games (IDEG) will help members of the Armed Forces develop cyber, digital and wider military skills. Initially open to service personnel, including reservists, IDEG will expand to eventually include cadets, veterans, civil servants and anyone working in the defence industry.

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: [CLEARED]

Esports will help attract, develop, and retain top cyber and digital talent, while fostering this government’s Plan for Change. Our people must now be as adept with code, cybersecurity and a games controller as they are with traditional combat skills.

From drone operations to data analysis, modern defence and deterrence needs agile minds that can navigate both physical and digital battlegrounds.

The International Defence Esports Games is an exciting initiative that will help foster exactly these skills in a fun, collaborative way, and overcome many traditional boundaries between our international partners.

The inaugural IDEG finals – where competitions would be held – will be organised in partnership with British Esports and a leading esports production company, and be held in the UK in late 2026.

The event is being supported by Defence suppliers, including BAE Systems, as well as several smaller military technology companies.

Chester King, President, British Esports said:

Military esports has been steadily growing in recent years, and today we’re delighted to announce a first-of-its-kind tournament for military personnel around the world.

The UK’s armed forces have recognised video games as a positive activity that can improve personnel welfare and morale, foster digital and cyber skills, and strengthen relations across the armed forces and beyond.

We’re happy to announce the International Defence Esports Games and support the future of the military.

Recently the Royal Navy partnered with British Esports to launch an esports facility aboard UK aircraft carrier HMS Prince of Wales, featuring gaming gear from the likes of Alienware, NVIDIA and Intel. Those in attendance included members of the Singapore Armed Forces, Singapore Esports Association (SGEA), the national body British Esports, and Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command, Lt Gen Sir Tom Copinger-Symes, who has been championing esports across UK Defence.

Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command said:

Esports and serious games can contribute to our warfighting readiness. As competition and conflict increasingly play out in cyberspace and the digital arena, these games equip our people to think, operate and innovate across both the physical and virtual worlds, developing team coordination and rapid decision-making under pressure.

We’ve learned from our Ukrainian partners about how esports can train drone operators and cyber security specialists. People are quickly grasping how esports can change perspectives and enhance skills, as well as reaching across borders with our international allies and partners.

For centuries we’ve used ball games like rugby and football to develop teamwork, hone mental and physical fitness and build resilience. Esports perfectly complement these games in preparing us for 21st Century security challenges.

To address additional needs for cyber security specialists in Defence, the Ministry of Defence announced the Cyber Direct Entry Scheme, a bespoke entry route for aspiring cyber professionals and those with existing digital skills, which will see new recruit basic training reduced from 10 weeks to around one month, after which recruits will undergo 3 months’ specialist training in the field.

The news comes just over a year after the MOD recognised esports as an official military sport, ensuring funding and opportunities for personnel to compete. Today’s announcement also represents a deepening relationship between British Esports and the MOD.

ENDS

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Published 29 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Yingkou City, Liaoning Province Boosts Fruit Exports to Central Asian 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

BEIJING, July 29 (Xinhua) — Yingkou City in northeast China’s Liaoning Province is stepping up exports of locally produced fruits to Central Asian countries. Thirteen tons of freshly picked Shine Muscat and Jufeng grapes recently passed quarantine inspection and were exported to Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, under a special cold chain land transport route.

According to the website of the General Administration of Customs of the People’s Republic of China, the above-mentioned export was carried out under the supervision of customs officials of Bayuquan District, administratively subordinate to Dalian Customs. In addition, this is the first batch of grapes exported to Uzbekistan for Yingkou.

Yang Lansen, the person in charge of Yingkou Zhongxinwang Fresh Fruit Co., Ltd., said that in the process of developing new markets, the local customs not only helped their company strictly comply with the phytosanitary requirements of importing countries, but also provided timely professional advice on the standardization of orchard management and post-harvest processing technology, which provided strong support for the successful entry of our grapes into the Central Asian market.

At present, the area for growing high-quality grapes in Yingkou City has reached 11.7 hectares, and the annual production volume remains above 300 thousand tons.

With distinct four seasons and abundant sunshine, Yingkou has excellent conditions for growing plums and other specialty fruits.

Let us recall that in June this year, 38 tons of fresh plums were loaded onto trucks and sent to Kazakhstan. For Yingkou, this is the first batch of plums exported to Kazakhstan.

Local customs steadily ensure the smooth operation of the “green corridor” for inspection of export fruits at the place of production. At the same time, customs monitors harvesting schedules in orchards and plantations, packing plans in factories in real time, ensuring the principle of “application-inspection-export permit” for export fruits, achieving “zero waiting time” in customs clearance.

In the first half of 2025, 47.6 thousand tons of fruits worth 348 million yuan were exported under the supervision of customs officials in Bayuquan District, statistics showed. -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 –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Since the beginning of 2025, more than 10,000 China-Europe/China-Central Asia freight trains have passed through Xinjiang’s two main railway checkpoints

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

URUMQI, July 29 (Xinhua) — More than 10,000 freight trains on China-Europe/China-Central Asia international freight train routes have passed through the Alashankou and Horgos railway checkpoints in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region as of July 28 since the beginning of 2025, the Urumqi branch of China Railways Corporation (CRC) said.

According to the data, since the beginning of this year, the number of China-Europe freight trains passing through the two above-mentioned railway border crossings has amounted to more than 50 percent of the country’s total, which reliably ensures the stability and continuity of international supply chains.

In order to further improve the efficiency of passing through the checkpoint, the railway departments of the XUAR actively coordinated with the Kazakh side the work to optimize the process of translation and verification of documents, reducing the time for checking documents for each train by 15 minutes.

According to the data, during the reporting period, cargo turnover through the Alashankou checkpoint amounted to 9.778 million tons, an increase of 3.7 percent year-on-year, and the same figure through the Khorgos checkpoint amounted to 7.96 million tons, an increase of 20.3 percent compared to the same period in 2024.

At present, 124 China-Europe/China-Central Asia international railway freight transportation routes pass through Alashankou checkpoint, covering 21 countries including Germany and Poland. And 89 corresponding freight transportation routes pass through Khorgos checkpoint, covering 18 countries.

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.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: xSuite Group Receives Great Place to Work Certification
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Press Release xSuite

Recognition confirms the software company’s commitment to creating an exceptional workplace culture

Ahrensburg/Germany, July 29, 2025 – xSuite Group, a global software provider specializing in automated business processes, has officially been recognized as a “Great Place to Work®.” The certification is awarded by the international research and consulting institute of the same name and is based on a validated process that assesses a company’s workplace culture.

To earn the certification, xSuite underwent a thorough review process that included anonymous feedback from employees and an evaluation of its HR practices and programs. The company, which provides innovative SaaS and software solutions—especially in the area of invoice processing within SAP—places strong emphasis on both customer-centric development and the personal and professional growth of its global team.

“We’re incredibly proud of this recognition—especially because it reflects the positive feedback of our employees both in Germany and abroad,” said Haiko van Lengen, CEO of xSuite Group. “It’s a testament to the strong team spirit that defines our company culture every single day.”

The survey results speak for themselves:
- 83% of employees rate xSuite as a “great place to work”
- 96% feel they have the resources and tools needed to succeed
- 92% of new hires report feeling welcomed
- 94% agree that their managers trust them to do a good job without micromanagement
“Expertise and experience form the foundation of our success,” van Lengen continued. “We strive to grow continuously as a team and to adopt the latest technologies so we can deliver innovative solutions to our customers. We’re particularly proud of our work in artificial intelligence and our ongoing efforts to remain at the forefront of SAP-related innovation.”

Evelyn Funke, Global Vice President of Human Resources, added: “At xSuite, every single employee plays a vital role in our success—whether through writing code or delivering customer solutions. We take responsibility for our clients’ business processes and the quality of our products. While the company is on a strong growth trajectory, we remain committed to maintaining a family-like atmosphere that encourages creativity and open collaboration. Our informal culture fosters a sense of belonging, allowing everyone to be themselves while contributing meaningfully to the larger mission.”

About Great Place to Work®

Great Place to Work® is a global authority on workplace culture, helping organizations develop strong employer brands and gain a competitive edge. Certification is based on a representative and anonymous employee survey and a cultural audit of the organization. The institute surveys over 20 million employees each year across 18,000 companies in 170 countries. The German branch, founded in 2002 and headquartered in Cologne, employs around 100 staff members. It was launched at the initiative of the European Commission as part of the Lisbon Strategy to provide a credible tool for promoting and recognizing effective workplace cultures. www.greatplacetowork.com/.

About xSuite Group

xSuite is a software manufacturer of applications for document-based processes and provides standardized, digital solutions worldwide that enable simple, secure, and fast work. We focus mainly on the automation of important work processes in conjunction with end-to-end document management. Our core competence lies in accounts payable (AP) automation in SAP (including
e-invoicing), for leading companies worldwide, as well as for public clients.

This is supplemented by applications for purchasing and order processes as well as archiving – all delivered from a single source, including both software components and services. xSuite solutions operate in the cloud or in hybrid scenarios.

We take pride in the high-quality solutions we offer, as evidenced by the regular certifications we receive for our SAP solutions and deployment environments.” With over 300,000 users benefitting from our solutions, xSuite processes more than 80 million documents per year in over 60 countries.

Founded in 1994 and headquartered in Ahrensburg, Germany, xSuite has around 300 staff across nine locations worldwide – in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Our company has an established information security management system that is certified in accordance with ISO 27001:2022.

Press Contact Headquarters:
Barbara Wirtz
xSuite Group GmbH
Marketing & PR
Tel. +49 (0)4102/88 38 36
barbara.wirtz@xsuite.com
www.xsuite.com

Attachment
- Amazing_Culture!_US
The MIL Network –
July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Treasures of the Divine World. Exhibition of Hiroko Kozuki’s icons in Kolomenskoye

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

An exhibition has opened in the palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich in the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve “Treasures of the Divine World: Japanese Icons by Hiroko Kozuki”.

Orthodox icons created by a Japanese artist – at first glance, this seems surprising. After all, in order to paint icons, it is believed that it is not enough to simply know and follow the rules and canons – true faith is necessary. Hiroko Kozuki proves by her example that sacred art can exist outside of prejudices and strict religious beliefs. According to Mrs. Kozuki, the icon is the subject of her inspiration and the path to achieving happiness. When in Orthodox churches, she feels the serenity, spirituality and grandeur of these places. And her works are an example of universal spiritual search.

The Path to the Icon

Mrs. Hiroko Kozuki, the wife of the former Japanese ambassador to Russia, lived in our country for many years. An art historian by education, she first studied French medieval art in depth. Once in Russia, Mrs. Kozuki sincerely fell in love with the local culture and immersed herself in the world of icon painting tradition. Getting acquainted with the grandeur of ancient Russian monuments, she visited many museums, monasteries and churches. The starting point for her was the Trinity Lavra of St. Sergius. According to her recollections, upon seeing the monastery, she experienced awe comparable to the feelings of a true pilgrim.

“During the Soviet period, a large number of icons were lost, destroyed and sold to other countries. However, ordinary people continued to keep them at home and pray. This, at first glance, paradoxical situation made me want to learn more about the religion and art of Russian people. And that is why I began to paint icons,” recalls Hiroko Kozuki.

Fate brought her together with the icon painter Sergei Tarasyan, then she created her first icon – the image of the Archangel Michael. Later, Hiroko Kozuki met a member of the Union of Artists of Russia Elena Antonova and under her mentorship began to develop her skills. In more than twenty years, Mrs. Kozuki has reached incredible heights, and today her works are already in several monasteries and churches in Russia. Over these years, she has acquired a recognizable style, in which traditional canons of iconography are subtly intertwined with elements of Japanese aesthetics.

The artist emphasizes that her favorite icon painter is Andrei Rublev. For her, his works are the absolute perfection of beauty. One of the icons presented at the exhibition is “Holy Trinity”, the source of inspiration for the creation of which was, of course, Rublev’s famous “Trinity”. “I always wanted to paint the image of the Holy Trinity, inspired by the most perfect and elegant icon of all time. It reminds me of the captivating final scene of my favorite film by Andrei Tarkovsky “Andrei Rublev”, when the black and white picture suddenly changes to color and a full-screen image of the icon “Trinity” appears,” says Hiroko Kozuki.

Between religions

If you look at Kozuki’s icons from afar and know nothing about the author, it is difficult to even imagine that they were created by a person who grew up in a different culture. When you get closer, you begin to discern details, coloristic features and amazing fineness of lines, which reveal to the experienced eye a slight resemblance to Japanese engravings. Created in strict accordance with the Byzantine and Old Russian canons, Mrs. Kozuki’s icons not only demonstrate the highest mastery of technique, but also contain something elusive – additional depth and a sense of calm (probably that same slight response to Buddhist philosophy).

In Japan, where the artist was born and raised, the traditional religions are Buddhism and Shintoism. Thanks to a certain Japanese “liberalism” in matters of faith, Hiroko Kozuki did not have any serious religious contradictions with her passion: her attitude to Christianity is deeply sincere. She celebrates Christmas along with the New Year, can pray in front of an icon and believes in a guardian angel. She says: “The mission of a guardian angel is to protect a specific person, family, community or country… I am inspired by the idea of having my own icon of a guardian angel as my protector, who guides me in life.”

Space of spiritual unity

At the exhibition in the Alexei Mikhailovich Palace, the works of the Japanese artist are displayed together with 10 beautiful examples of Russian icon painting of the 17th–19th centuries from the collection of the museum-reserve. The curators pursued two goals: on the one hand, to show the sources of inspiration of Hiroko Kozuki, on the other, to create a dialogue between two cultures and demonstrate that spiritual heritage is not limited to one era or tradition. According to the curators, this is a meeting of two worlds, where respect for the canon becomes the basis for mutual enrichment, and beauty and harmony are part of the code of human unity.

The exhibition presents 23 works by the artist. Among them are icons of the Holy Trinity, the Nativity, the Transfiguration, the Annunciation, the Ascension, the Image of the Savior Not Made by Hands, the images of the Virgin Mary “Throne”, “Kazan”, “Leaping of the Child”, St. Nicholas of Myra, Archangel Michael, as well as “The Miracle of the Great Martyr George and the Dragon”. They are supplemented with detailed explications, sometimes with comments by the artist herself, texts about religions in Japan, including Christianity, as well as photographs from Hiroko Kozuki’s travels to Orthodox monasteries and shrines. All this ensures complete immersion in the material and creates a special feeling of a capsule in the three small halls of the exhibition – a closed space of spirituality and beauty beyond time, linguistic, geographical and cultural boundaries.

The exhibition “Treasures of the Divine World: Japanese Icons by Hiroko Kozuki” at the palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich will last until October 26. Tickets can be purchased using the service “Mosbilet”.

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.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Xinjiang audiences’ discerning appreciation ignites ballet exchanges

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

Feng Ying, director of the National Ballet of China, during an interview at the Urumqi Grand Theatre, Xinjiang, July 28, 2025. [Photo by Yang Chuanli/China.org.cn]

During an interview at the 7th China Xinjiang International Dance Festival on July 28, Feng Ying, director of the National Ballet of China (NBC), stated: “The Xinjiang International Dance Festival is a platform we are familiar with and feel close to. Every time we come here, we can feel the audience’s enthusiasm for art.”

As an old friend of the dance festival, this is the third time that the NBC has appeared on this stage. This time, the NBC not only brought the original ballet “A Dream of Red Mansions,” which showcases the charm of the classic Chinese novel, but also performed “La Bayadère,” known as the touchstone of classical ballet. In the form of dialogue between Eastern and Western arts, it presented the diverse styles of ballet art to audiences in Xinjiang.

Performers from the National Ballet of China on stage in “A Dream of Red Mansions.” [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

Feng Ying admitted that the enthusiastic response to the performance exceeded their expectations: “The popularity of ‘A Dream of Red Mansions’ in Xinjiang is touching. The audience’s applause always falls precisely on the key plot points. This deep understanding and love have greatly encouraged us.”

Since first setting foot in Xinjiang in the 1970s, the NBC’s artistic connection with the region has lasted more than half a century. The performers not only feel the strong passion for singing and dancing among Xinjiang audiences, but also draw inspiration from exchanges with local art troupes. “The interaction with the Muqam Art Troupe of Xinjiang Art Theater has brought new inspiration to our creation, and cultural and art collision is of great value,” she said.

Performers from the National Ballet of China on stage in “La Bayadère.” [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

The ballet “La Bayadère” brought this time is a sincere work by the NBC to pay tribute to the world’s ballet tradition. This classic work, created by Marius Petipa, the “father of classical ballet,” is set in ancient India and tells the tragic story of love, honesty and freedom between the temple dancer (bayadère) Nikia and the warrior Solor. Feng Ying explained: “The charm of ‘La Bayadère’ lies in its concise narrative carrying profound themes, while demonstrating the overall level of the troupe with exquisite dancing skills.”

It is worth noting that while respecting the essence of the original, the NBC has breathed new vitality into classics. “Every generation interprets the roles with their own traits — even in the same court ball scene, different performers bring distinct artistic styles,” Feng noted.

The NBC’s performances in Xinjiang will run through the closing night of July 29, and Feng specifically highlighted that the troupe will feature its youngest dancer, Liu Yuanjin. This rising star, she added, will embody the NBC’s well-established artistic inheritance on the closing night — further proof of how the company nurtures new talent to keep classics alive with fresh energy.

With the opening of modern theaters such as the Urumqi Grand Theatre, more high-level artistic works can be presented here. Feng Ying said: “The fact that works like ‘La Bayadère,’ which have extremely high requirements in terms of the theater conditions, can be staged in Xinjiang confirms the leapfrog development of cultural facilities here.”

In her view, the Xinjiang International Dance Festival has become an important hub for cultural exchanges between China and foreign countries. “We hope that through classics like ‘La Bayadère,’ the audiences can feel the charm of world ballet, and at the same time, convey the profound heritage of Chinese culture through ‘A Dream of Red Mansions,’ and achieve cross-border artistic dialogue on the stage.”

Founded in 1959, the NBC has always placed a strong focus on innovation. While staging world classics such as “Swan Lake” and “La Bayadère,” it has also created original works such as “The Red Detachment of Women” and “A Dream of Red Mansions,” establishing a unique Chinese ballet aesthetic system.

MIL OSI China News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 2025 youthfest@HK programme officially kicks off

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, today (July 29) officiated at the 2025 youthfest@HK (festival) Kick-off Ceremony to unveil a series of exciting and diversified youth activities.

Speaking at the ceremony, Mr Chan remarked that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government released the Youth Development Blueprint in 2022, outlining the policy goals for the healthy growth and diversified development of young people. The Government continues to update the youth initiatives in view of the latest situation of society and young people. Since the release of the Blueprint, the Government has put forward about 250 specific actions and measures to nurture a new generation of young people with an affection for the country and Hong Kong, to equip them with global perspectives, an aspiring mindset and positive thinking.

The theme of the festival is “Nurture Positive Thinking, Promote Innovation and Inspire Creativity”. Mr Chan said that the festival offered a great opportunity for young people to develop their potential, enhance their knowledge, and share their experiences. Under the tripartite collaboration among the Government, the business sector and the community, the festival has organised more than 400 all-encompassing activities and attracted over 400 000 participants in the past two years. Special appreciation goes to the principal funder, the Hong Kong Jockey Club Charities Trust, for its support. Mr Chan encouraged young people to participate in this year’s various festival activities and appealed to all sectors of the community to support and take part in the festival.

This year marks the 80th anniversary of victory of Chinese people’s War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression (80A). Mr Chan encouraged youth organisations to organise youth activities to commemorate the 80A as partner events of the festival with a view to deepening young people’s understanding about the historical events of the Mainland and Hong Kong, and foster their sense of patriotism.

Also officiating at the Kick-off Ceremony were the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak; the Permanent Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Ms Shirley Lam; the Under Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Mr Clarence Leung; the Commissioner for Youth, Mr Eric Chan; the Vice-Chairman of the Youth Development Commission, Mr Kenneth Leung; the Convenor of the Action Group on Youth Festival, Youth Development Commission, Mr Victor Pang; and Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club Mr Lester Huang. Representatives from various festival participating organisations also attended the event.

Organisations may submit applications for partner events of youthfest@HK for inclusion of their events in the official event calendar and on the official webpage. For the latest updates of the events under the festival programme, please visit the HYAB homepage or the “HKYouth+” mobile application.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: TCU’s first quarterly report of 2025 released

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The following is issued on behalf of the Transport Advisory Committee:

The Transport Complaints Unit (TCU) of the Transport Advisory Committee received 10 536 complaints and suggestions in the first quarter of 2025, with 188 being pure suggestions.

The complaints and suggestions received during the quarter were mostly related to public transport services (89 per cent), enforcement matters (6 per cent) and traffic conditions (5 per cent).

The number of cases on public transport services decreased from 11 316 in the previous quarter to 9 346 this quarter, while that on illegal parking and other enforcement matters increased from 605 to 632. The number of complaints and suggestions on traffic conditions decreased from 900 to 489 and those on road maintenance decreased from 30 to 25.

All the complaints and suggestions received by the TCU in the quarter were referred to the relevant government departments and public transport operators for follow-up action.

During the period under review, investigations into 11 061 cases were completed. Of these, 9 612 cases (87 per cent) were found to be substantiated, five cases (less than 1 per cent) were unsubstantiated, and the remaining 1 444 cases (13 per cent) could not be pursued due to a lack of evidence.

For the substantiated cases, the relevant government departments and public transport operators have taken steps to rectify the situation or are considering possible solutions to the problems identified. Among these cases, 16 drivers were summonsed by the Police.

During the quarter, the relevant government departments and public transport operators took on board 11 suggestions made by the public to enhance public transport services and improve traffic conditions. A summary of the cases is in the Appendix.

Members of the public may make their suggestions or complaints to the TCU by dialling the hotline 2889 9999 (voice mail service is available outside office hours), by fax to 2577 1858, by email to info@tcu.gov.hk or by filling in a form on the TCU website (www.tcu.gov.hk).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appeal for information on missing man in Sai Kung (with photos)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

     Police today (July 29) appealed to the public for information on a man who went missing in Sai Kung.

     Yan Gan, aged 44, went missing after he was last seen at Pak Lap Wan on July 27 noon. Police received the report on the same day.

     He is about 1.7 metres tall, 75 kilograms in weight and of medium build. He has a long face with yellow complexion and short black hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured swimming suit with orange life jacket and blue cap.

     Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing man or may have seen him is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of Kowloon West on 3661 8036 or 9020 6542 or email to rmpu-kw@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Results of applications for 14th-round funding exercise of Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme announced

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

The Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau today (July 29) announced the application results of the 14th-round funding exercise of the Arts Capacity Development Funding Scheme (ACDFS). A total of 14 successful applications (two for Springboard Grant and 12 for Project Grant) will be funded, involving a total amount of around $38.93 million.

The successful applications of the 14th round are of a high standard, with a diverse representation covering arts education/appreciation/promotion, community arts, dance, media arts, multi-disciplinary arts, music and theatre. The successful applicants (categories and names of organisations in alphabetical order) are as follows:

Name of organisation	Title of proposal	Category
Springboard Grant
Hong Kong Open Printshop Limited	Beyond Ordinary – The Contemporary Book Art	Arts Education/Appreciation/ Promotion
The Hong Kong Virtuoso Chorus Limited	Hong Kong Inter-School Choral Festival 2026	Arts Education/Appreciation/ Promotion
Project Grant
The Conservancy Association x Fragrant Village Creative Limited (joint applicant)	Polishing the Pearl: Shen Zhen Hong Kong Rural Arts Renewal Project at Kat O	Community Arts
H.D. X International Festival Limited	Hong Kong Dance Exchange	Dance
HongkongDance-FLSH Limited	Dynamic Dance Dialogue 2026	Dance
Passoverdance Limited	Fleeting Moments – Stories of Cities and Bodies	Dance
Dimension Plus Limited	Unravelling A.I. Bias with Generative A.I. in Arts	Media Arts
No Discipline Limited	Whatever Wherever Expanded	Multi-disciplinary Arts
King’s Harmonica Quintet Limited	2nd Hong Kong International Chromatic Harmonica Competition	Music
Music Lab Company Limited	Music Lab Projects 2026-2027	Music
Opera Box Limited	Monteverdi: L’incoronazione di Poppea	Music
Alice Theatre Laboratory Limited	An Experimental Project on Symbolist Theatre	Theatre
Hong Kong 3 Arts Musical Institute Limited	GOTTA DANCE – Musical Theatre Project (tentative title)	Theatre
Tang Shu-wing Theatre Studio Limited	The 2nd edition of the Hong Kong International Shakespeare Festival	Theatre

The 14th-round funding exercise continues to implement the Incentive Matching Sum, an initiative introduced in the 13th round to encourage successful Project Grant applicants to seek non-government sponsorship and/or donations during project implementation, offering each successful applicant an extra matching sum up to a ceiling of $800,000.

Introduced by the Government in 2011, the ACDFS aims to provide funding support for innovative and impactful proposals that contribute to the objectives of capacity development of arts practitioners, arts groups, art forms and/or the arts sector; programme/content development; audience building and arts education. The funding scheme is administered on the advice of the Advisory Committee on Arts Development. Members of the Committee take part in the assessment of applications together with Expert Advisers. A total of 89 applications were assessed in the 14th-round funding exercise.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025

IMD predicts heavy rainfall in Rajasthan, MP and northeast; AQI improves in Delhi after downpour

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Several parts of India are expected to receive heavy to very heavy rainfall over the next few days. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast continued intense precipitation over eastern Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh between July 29 and 31, with isolated locations in western MP likely to experience extremely heavy rain on Tuesday.

States in the northeast, including Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, and Meghalaya, are also expected to witness heavy rainfall over the next seven days, with activity likely to intensify from August 1 onwards. Meanwhile, rainfall is expected to reduce gradually over the southern peninsula over the next six to seven days, and over central India starting August 1.

In the past 24 hours, extremely heavy rainfall (exceeding 21 cm) was recorded in isolated areas of western Madhya Pradesh and Himachal Pradesh. Heavy to very heavy showers were also observed in parts of eastern Rajasthan, Punjab, eastern Madhya Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand, sub-Himalayan West Bengal & Sikkim, and Mizoram. Isolated places in the ghat areas of central Maharashtra, Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Haryana, Gujarat, Gangetic West Bengal, Assam, and Arunachal Pradesh also received heavy rain.

Weather forecast for Delhi-NCR

In Delhi-NCR, the weather is expected to remain generally cloudy from July 29 to August 1, with light to moderate rain and occasional thunderstorms and lightning.

On Tuesday, Delhi-NCR received heavy rain in the morning which led to improvement in the air quality index (AQI).

In its weather report for Delhi-NCR, IMD predicted at isolated places on Tuesday, with maximum temperatures expected to range between 29°C and 31°C. The following days will see similar weather, with maximum temperatures staying below normal by 2 to 5 degrees Celsius and minimum temperatures hovering between 23°C and 26°C.

By August 1, the capital may experience only very light to light rainfall, with skies turning partly cloudy. Temperatures are projected to rise slightly, with maximums between 33°C and 35°C, though still remaining below the seasonal average. Winds will predominantly be from the southeast, shifting gradually to southwest and northwest directions through the day.

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: A rare, direct warning from Japan signals a shift in the fight against child sex tourism in Asia

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ming Gao, Research Fellow of East Asia Studies, Lund University

Jonas Gratzer/LightRocket via Getty Images

Japan’s embassy in Laos and its Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued a rare and unusually direct advisory, warning Japanese men against “buying sex from children” in Laos.

The move was sparked by Ayako Iwatake, a restaurant owner in Vientiane, who allegedly saw social media posts of Japanese men bragging about child prostitution. In response, she launched a petition calling for government action.

The Japanese-language bulletin makes clear such conduct is prosecutable under both Laotian law and Japan’s child prostitution and pornography law, which applies extraterritorially.

This diplomatic statement was not only a legal warning. It was a rare public acknowledgement of Japanese men’s alleged entanglement in transnational child sex tourism, particularly in Southeast Asia.

It’s also a moment that demands we look beyond individual criminal acts or any one nation and consider the historical, racial and structural inequalities that make such mobility and exploitation possible.

A changing map of exploitation

Selling and buying sex in Asia is nothing new. The contours have shifted over time but the underlying sentiment has remained constant: some lives are cheap and commodified, and some wallets are deep and entitled.

Japan’s involvement in overseas prostitution stretches back to the Meiji period (1868-1912). Young women from impoverished rural regions (known as karayuki-san) migrated abroad, often to Southeast Asia, to work in the sex industry, from port towns in Malaya to brothels in China and the Pacific Islands.

If poverty once pushed Japanese women abroad to sell their bodies, by the second half of the 20th century – fuelled by Japan’s postwar economic boom – it was wealthy Japanese men who began travelling overseas to buy sex.

Around the 2000s, the dynamic flipped again. In South Korea, now a developed economy, men travelled to Southeast Asia – and later to countries such as Russia and Uzbekistan – following routes once taken by Japanese men.

Later in the same period, the flow took an even darker turn.

Japanese and South Korean men began to emerge as major buyers of child sex abroad, particularly across Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands and even Mongolia.

According to the United States Department of State, Japanese men continued to be “a significant source of demand for sex tourism”, while South Korean men remained “a source of demand for child sex tourism”.

The UN Office on Drugs and Crime and other organisations have also flagged both countries as key contributors to child sexual exploitation in the region.

From exporter to destination: Japan’s new role in the sex trade

A more recent and troubling shift appears to be unfolding within Japan.

Amid ongoing economic stagnation and the depreciation of the yen, Tokyo has reportedly become a destination for inbound sex tourism. Youth protection organisations have observed a notable rise in foreign male clients, particularly Chinese, frequenting areas where teenage girls and young women engage in survival sex.

What ties these movements together is not just culturally specific beliefs, such as the fetishisation of virginity or the superstition that sex with young girls brings good luck in business, but power.

The battle to protect children

The global campaign to end child sex tourism began in earnest with the founding of ECPAT (a global network of organisations that seeks to end the sexual exploitation of children) in 1990 to confront the rising exploitation of children in Southeast Asia.

Despite legal frameworks and international scrutiny, the abuse of children remains disturbingly common.

Several factors converge here: endemic poverty, weak law enforcement and a constant influx of wealthier foreign men. Add to that the digital age of information and communication technologies, where child sex can be advertised, arranged and commodified through encrypted platforms and invitation-only forums, and the crisis deepens.

While local governments often pledge reform, implementation is inconsistent.

Buyers, especially foreign buyers, often manage to evade consequences. However, in early 2025, Japan’s National Police Agency arrested 111 people – including high school teachers and tutors – in a nationwide crackdown on online child sexual exploitation, conducted in coordination with international partners.

Why this moment matters

The shock surrounding the Laos revelations and the unusually direct response from Japanese authorities offers a rare opportunity to confront the deeper systems at work.

Sex tourism doesn’t happen in a vacuum. It’s enabled by uneven development, transnational mobility, weak regulation and social silence. But this moment also shows grassroots activism can force institutional action.

Japan’s official warning wasn’t triggered by a government audit or diplomatic scandal. It came because Ayako Iwatake saw social media posts of Japanese men boasting about buying sex from children and refused to look away.

When she delivered the petition to the embassy, it responded quickly. Less than ten days later, the Foreign Ministry issued a public warning, clearly outlining the legal consequences of child sex crimes committed abroad.

Iwatake’s action is a reminder: it doesn’t take a government to expose a system. It takes someone willing to speak out – even when it’s uncomfortable. As she told Japanese newspaper Mainichi Shimbun:

It was just too blatant. I couldn’t look the other way.

It’s commendable that Japan acted swiftly. But a warning alone isn’t enough. Japan should strengthen and expand its international cooperation to combat these heinous crimes.

A more decisive model can be seen in a recent case in Vietnam, where US authorities infiltrated a livestream child sex abuse network for the first time in that country. Working undercover for months, they coordinated with Vietnamese officials to arrest a mother who had been sexually abusing her daughter on demand for paying viewers abroad.

The rescue of the nine-year-old victim showed what serious cross-border intervention looks like.

But for every headline-grabbing scandal, there are hundreds of untold stories.

The Laos case should be the beginning of a broader reckoning with how sex, money and power move across borders – and who pays the price.

Ming Gao receives funding from the Swedish Research Council. This research was produced with support from the Swedish Research Council grant “Moved Apart” (nr. 2022-01864). Ming Gao is a member of Lund University Profile Area: Human Rights.

– ref. A rare, direct warning from Japan signals a shift in the fight against child sex tourism in Asia – https://theconversation.com/a-rare-direct-warning-from-japan-signals-a-shift-in-the-fight-against-child-sex-tourism-in-asia-261554

MIL OSI –

July 30, 2025
India’s tiger reserves rise from 46 to 58 since 2014: Bhupender Yadav

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Union Minister for Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Bhupender Yadav, on Tuesday announced that the number of tiger reserves in India has grown from 46 in 2014 to 58 as of 2025. The statement was made during the Global Tiger Day 2025 celebrations held at the National Zoological Park in New Delhi.

Presiding over the event, the Minister emphasized the importance of maintaining ecological balance, fostering conservation awareness among children, and cultivating gratitude towards nature. He praised the role of schools and teachers in educating the younger generation about wildlife conservation and biodiversity preservation.

Yadav highlighted that this expansion in tiger reserves is a reflection of the unwavering commitment of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to protecting India’s national animal. He noted that the government continues to prioritize environmental sustainability as part of its broader development agenda.

Marking one of the most ambitious conservation efforts in the world, the Minister announced the launch of a massive nationwide tree plantation drive. Under this initiative, more than one lakh saplings will be planted across all 58 tiger reserves, with each reserve planting approximately 2,000 indigenous trees in degraded forest areas to support habitat restoration and ecological health.

In a move to inspire public participation, the Minister encouraged citizens, especially children, to plant a tree in their mother’s name under the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ campaign. Describing the symbolic connection between motherhood and nature, Yadav said that just as a mother nurtures her child, Mother Earth offers shelter, food, and oxygen selflessly. He urged everyone to plant a tree in honor of their mothers and for the sake of the planet.

Yadav also spotlighted India’s leadership in global big cat conservation through the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA), an initiative launched by India to protect all seven big cat species worldwide. He informed that 24 countries have already joined the alliance, and its headquarters will be established in India, further positioning the country at the forefront of international wildlife conservation.

Addressing the youth, the Minister urged them to lead lives marked by humility, patience, and determination. He called on them to actively contribute to sustainable living and conservation efforts under the government’s Mission LiFE (Lifestyle for Environment), which promotes environmentally conscious behavior.

The Global Tiger Day celebrations also included the virtual inauguration of plantation drives across all tiger reserves, as well as the opening of forest nurseries in three locations across the Aravalli landscape. These nurseries will serve as a sustainable source of native plant species for afforestation and ecological restoration. Another key initiative launched during the event was the ‘Plastic-Free Tiger Reserves’ campaign, aimed at phasing out single-use plastics within all tiger reserves across India.

The event featured the release of four important publications under the National Tiger Conservation Authority (NTCA). These included a report on the “Status of Small Cats in the Tiger Landscape of India”, the Global Tiger Day special edition of STRIPES Magazine, and two books titled Waterfalls of Tiger Reserves in India and Water Bodies Inside Tiger Reserves of India, authored by Bharat Lal and Dr. S.P. Yadav.

As part of recognizing contributions to wildlife protection, Yadav presented NTCA awards across seven categories. These included awards for individuals and groups who demonstrated excellence in wildlife crime investigation, habitat management, anti-poaching efforts, public engagement, voluntary relocation, and posthumous recognition for those who lost their lives in the line of duty.

(with ANI inputs)

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: UN chief welcomes Cambodia-Thailand ceasefire deal

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

UNITED NATIONS, July 29 (Xinhua) — United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres welcomes the ceasefire agreement between Cambodia and Thailand as a positive step toward ending ongoing hostilities and easing tensions, Farhan Haq, deputy spokesman for the world body chief, said on Monday.

A. Guterres “urges both countries to fully comply with the agreement and create conditions conducive to resolving long-standing problems and achieving lasting peace,” the statement said.

“The Secretary-General expresses his appreciation to Malaysia, the current ASEAN Chair, as well as the United States and China, for their tireless efforts to resolve the situation peacefully,” Haq said in a statement, adding that the UN stands ready to support efforts to strengthen peace and stability in the region.

The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire from midnight Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said after a meeting he hosted in the Malaysian city of Putrajaya. –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 –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prepackaged bamboo fungi sample detected with excessive preservative breaches food labelling regulation

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Prepackaged bamboo fungi sample detected with excessive preservative breaches food labelling regulationBrand: (Not available in English)
Place of origin: China
Packer: (Not available in English)
Net weight: 100 grams per pack
Best before date: December 18, 2026
Importer???Jin Fa CoIssued at HKT 18:00

NNNN

CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Fiji ‘failing’ the Gaza genocide and humanity test, says rights group

Asia Pacific Report

The NGO Coalition on Human Rights in Fiji has sharply criticised the Fiji government’s stance over Israel’s genocide in Gaza, saying it “starkly contrasts” with the United Nations and international community’s condemnation as a violation of international law and an impediment to peace.

In a statement today, the NGO Coalition said that the way the government was responding to the genocide and war crimes in Gaza would set a precedent for how it would deal with crises and conflict in future.

It would be a marker for human rights responses both at home and the rest of the world.

“We are now seeing whether our country will be a force that works to uphold human rights and international law, or one that tramples on them whenever convenient,” the statement said.

“Fiji’s position on the genocide in Gaza and the occupation of Palestinians starkly contrasts with the values of justice, freedom, and international law that the Fijian people hold dear.

“The genocide and colonial occupation have been widely recognised by the international community, including the United Nations, as a violation of international law and an impediment to peace and the self-determination of the Palestinian people.”

Last week, French President Emmanuel Macron announced that France would formally recognise the state of Palestine — the first of G7 countries to do so — at the UN general Assembly in September.

142 countries recognise Palestine
At least 142 countries out of the 193 members of the UN currently recognise or plan to recognise a Palestinian state, including European Union members Norway, Ireland, Spain and Slovenia.

However, several powerful Western countries have refused to do so, including the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany.

At the UN this week, Saudi Arabia and France opened a three-day conference with the goal of recognising Palestinian statehood as part of a peaceful settlement to end the war in Gaza.

Last year, Fiji’s coalition government submitted a written statement in support of the Israeli genocidal occupation of Palestine, including East Jerusalem, noted the NGO coalition.

Last month, Fiji’s coalition government again voted against a UN General Assembly resolution that demanded an immediate, unconditional, and permanent ceasefire in Gaza.

Also recently, the Fiji government approved the allocation of $1.12 million to establish an embassy “in the genocidal terror state of Israel as Fijians grapple with urgent issues, including poverty, violence against women and girls, deteriorating water and health infrastructure, drug use, high rates of HIV, poor educational outcomes, climate change, and unfair wages for workers”.

Met with ‘indifference’
The NGO coalition said that it had made repeated requests to the Fiji government to “do the bare minimum and enforce the basic tenets of international law on Israel”.

“We have been calling upon the Fiji government to uphold the principles of peace, justice, and human rights that our nation cherishes,” the statement said.

“We campaigned, we lobbied, we engaged, and we explained. We showed the evidence, pointed to the law, and asked our leaders to do the right thing.

“We’ve been met with nothing but indifference.”

Instead, said the NGO statement, Fiji leaders had met with Israeli government representatives and declared support for a country “committing the most heinous crimes” recognised in international law.

“Fijian leaders and the Fiji government should not be supporting Israel or setting up an embassy in Israel while Israel continues to bomb refugee tents, kill journalists and medics, and block the delivery of humanitarian aid to a population under relentless siege.

“No politician in Fiji can claim ignorance of what is happening.”

62,000 Palestinians killed
More than 62,000 Palestinians have been killed in the war on Gaza, most of them women and children.

“Many more have been maimed, traumatised, and displaced. Starvation is being used by Israel as weapon to kill babies and children.

“Hospitals, churches, mosques,, refugee camps, schools, universities, residential neighbourhoods, water and food facilities have been destroyed.

“History will judge how we respond as Fijians to this moment.

“Our rich cultural heritage and shared values teach us the importance of always standing up for what is right, even when it is not popular or convenient.”

Members of the Fiji NGO Coalition on Human Rights are Fiji Women’s Crisis Centre (chair), Fiji Women’s Rights Movement, Citizens’ Constitutional Forum, femLINKpacific, Social Empowerment and Education Programme, and Diverse Voices and Action (DIVA) for Equality Fiji.

Also, Pacific Network on Globalisation (PANG) is an observer.

The NGO coalition said it stood in solidarity with the Palestinian people out of a shared belief in humanity, justice, and the inalienable human rights of every individual.

“Silence is not an option,” it added.

Fijians for Palestine Solidarity Network said it supported this NGO coalition statement.

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 30, 2025
India’s digital payments index rises sharply to 493.22, says RBI

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Signalling India’s accelerating digital payments revolution, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Monday announced that its Digital Payments Index (RBI-DPI) surged to 493.22 in March 2025, up from 465.33 in September 2024.

The RBI-DPI, introduced in January 2021 with March 2018 as the base period set at 100, is designed to track the extent of digitalisation in payments across the country. The consistent upward trend reflects India’s rapid adoption of digital payment systems, spanning both urban and rural areas.

According to the RBI, the latest increase is primarily driven by improvements in Payment Infrastructure – Supply-side factors – and Payment Performance. These include an expanded merchant acceptance network, wider adoption of QR code-based payments, robust growth in Unified Payments Interface (UPI) transactions, and improved availability of digital banking services nationwide.

This upward momentum highlights a broader transformation in the country’s payments ecosystem, supported by government initiatives such as Digital India, growing smartphone penetration, and active fintech innovation.

The RBI-DPI has shown steady growth since its inception. In March 2019, it stood at 153.47, rising to 207.84 by March 2020. By March 2022, the index had reached 349.30 – a more than threefold increase from the base year.

It continued to rise, recording 445.50 in March 2024 and 465.33 by September 2024. The current level of 493.22 in March 2025 marks a more than fourfold increase in digital payment activity since 2018.

As India moves closer to becoming a digital economy, the RBI-DPI is expected to play a crucial role in policy formulation and benchmarking progress. The latest surge also comes as a positive sign amid global concerns about digital inequality and access to financial services.

(ANI)

July 30, 2025
Kremlin says it ‘noted’ Trump’s statement on shorter deadline for a ceasefire in Ukraine

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Kremlin said on Tuesday that it had “taken note” of a statement by U.S. President Donald Trump that he was shortening his deadline for Moscow to sign up to a ceasefire in Ukraine or face sanctions.

Trump set a new deadline on Monday of 10 or 12 days for Russia to make progress toward ending the war in Ukraine or face consequences, underscoring frustration with President Vladimir Putin over the 3-1/2-year-old conflict.

Asked about Trump’s statement on Tuesday during a conference call with reporters, the Kremlin kept its remarks short.

“We have taken note of President Trump’s statement yesterday. The special military operation continues,” said Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov, employing the term that Moscow uses for its war effort in Ukraine.

“We remain committed to a peace process to resolve the conflict around Ukraine and to ensure our interests in the course of this settlement.”

Trump threatened on July 14 to impose new sanctions on Russia and buyers of its exports within 50 days, a deadline which would have expired in early September.

But on Monday, during a visit to Britain, he shortened that deadline and said:

“There’s no reason in waiting… We just don’t see any progress being made.”

Trump, who has held half a dozen calls with the Kremlin leader since returning to the White House in January, also said he was “not so interested in talking any more”.

Peskov declined to comment on that remark.

(Reuters)

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Implementation of regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:

The Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) published today (July 29) the following documents for the implementation of the regulatory regime for stablecoin issuers, which will come into effect on August 1, 2025:

The two sets of guidelines will also be published in the Gazette on August 1, 2025. As the regulatory regime comes into effect, market participants are advised to observe the Stablecoins Ordinance and the relevant guidelines.

Parties interested in applying for a licence are encouraged to contact the HKMA, via stablecoin_licensing@hkma.gov.hk by August 31, 2025 (Sunday), so that the HKMA may communicate regulatory expectations and provide feedback as appropriate.

While licensing will be an ongoing process, interested parties that consider themselves sufficiently ready and wish to be considered early should submit the application to the HKMA by September 30, 2025 (Tuesday).

The HKMA would like to remind market participants to exercise due caution in their public communications, as well as refrain from making statements that could be misinterpreted or create unrealistic expectations. Among other things, it is an offence under the Stablecoins Ordinance to falsely claim oneself as a licensee or an applicant.

As of today, no licence has been issued by the HKMA. In future, the public may refer to the register of licensed stablecoin issuers as shown on the HKMA’s website. Members of the public are advised to stay vigilant to any persons who claim to be regulated or licensed stablecoin issuers in Hong Kong, as well as those who claim to be applying for a licence. Members of the public who hold unlicensed stablecoins are at their own risk.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI: Baker Hughes to Acquire Chart Industries, Accelerating Energy & Industrial Technology Strategy
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)
- Significant step high-grades the portfolio and adds value accretive customer offerings, transforms Baker Hughes’ Industrial & Energy Technology segment
- Chart Industries brings differentiated capabilities across a diverse set of end markets advantaged by secular growth drivers such as natural gas, data centers and decarbonization
- Highly complementary capabilities enable enhanced value-creation solutions for customers across the lifecycle of projects and accelerate aftermarket growth through increased service penetration of combined installed base
- $325 million in annualized cost synergies expected to be realized at end of third year
- Compelling financial impact, as it is accretive to growth, margins, EPS and cash flow
- Baker Hughes to host conference call today to discuss the transaction at 8:30 a.m. ET / 7:30 a.m. CT
HOUSTON and LONDON and ATLANTA, July 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) and Chart Industries (NYSE: GTLS) (“Chart”) announced Tuesday they have entered into a definitive agreement under which Baker Hughes will acquire all outstanding shares of Chart’s common stock for $210 per share in cash, equivalent to a total enterprise value of $13.6 billion.

Chart is a global leader in the design, engineering and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling across a broad range of industrial and energy end markets. Chart’s highly differentiated products and solutions are used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, from engineering and design to installation, preventative maintenance to repair and service, as well as ongoing digital monitoring. A technology leader in its markets, Chart generated $4.2 billion in revenue and $1.0 billion adjusted EBITDA in 2024. It operates 65 manufacturing locations with over 50 service centers globally.

“This acquisition is a milestone for Baker Hughes and a testament to our strong financial execution and strategic focus as we continue to define our position as a leading energy and industrial technology company,” said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli. “We know Chart well, having worked alongside them on many critical energy infrastructure projects. Their products and services are highly complementary to our offerings and strongly aligned with our intent to deliver distinctive and efficient end-to-end lifecycle solutions for our customers across their most critical applications. The combination positions Baker Hughes to be a technology leader that can provide engineering and technology expertise to meet the growing demand for lower-carbon, efficient energy and industrial solutions across attractive growth markets such as LNG, data centers and New Energy.

“The acquisition also delivers compelling financial returns for our shareholders. Adding this high-growth, high-margin business to our Industrial & Energy Technology segment will deliver strong earnings accretion and returns, contributing to an improved growth and margin profile,” Simonelli said. “We look forward to welcoming Chart into the Baker Hughes organization and, together, achieving even greater success and driving long-term value for shareholders.”

“This all-cash transaction with Baker Hughes delivers immediate value to Chart shareholders,” said Chart President and CEO Jill Evanko. “Thanks to the outstanding work of our global OneChart team, we have successfully built a product and solution portfolio that spans front-end engineering design through aftermarket services. The Baker Hughes team shares our engineering-focused culture and commitment to operational excellence. Our complementary solutions fit seamlessly with Baker Hughes’ Industrial & Energy Technology segment, and together we can help our customers solve the most critical energy access and sustainability needs. Our Board is proud to deliver this outcome to our shareholders.”

Compelling Strategic and Financial Benefits
- Advances Baker Hughes’ Strategic Vision to be an Energy & Industrial Technology Leader: Chart and Baker Hughes together bring a highly differentiated set of capabilities to solve complex energy challenges and support customers’ sustainability goals – positioning the combined company as a leader in a lower-carbon, more resource-efficient future.
- Expands Baker Hughes’ Offerings in Attractive Growth Markets: Chart’s offering is well positioned to deepen Baker Hughes’ exposure to attractive high-growth markets, including data centers, space and New Energy. The acquisition also broadens Baker Hughes’ exposure to more durable industrial sectors including industrial gas, metals and mining, and food and beverage, significantly increasing Baker Hughes’ addressable market and through-cycle growth potential.
- Complementary Product Capabilities: Each company has distinctive products and solutions that together improve customer value proposition. Baker Hughes’ core competencies in rotating equipment, flow control and digital technology pair well with Chart’s competencies in heat transfer, air and gas handling, and process technologies.
- Strengthens Baker Hughes’ Lifecycle Revenue Mix: The combined company will have a large and structurally growing installed base creating opportunities to drive growth in high-value aftermarket products and services, as well as digital services using Chart’s Uptime digital platform. Baker Hughes’ expansive service footprint is expected to increase service rates for Chart’s installed base driving more profitable, recurring revenue across the combined portfolio.
- Delivers Substantial Synergies: Baker Hughes has identified $325 million of annualized cost synergy opportunities by the end of year three. Baker Hughes intends to drive productivity improvements by leveraging Baker Hughes’ scale in manufacturing and consolidating the companies’ supply chains, as well as optimizing costs across the SG&A and R&D functions. Baker Hughes’ confidence in realizing these synergies is supported by the continued success of its business system, a key driver of IET margin expansion over the past three years.
- Attractive Financial Profile and Returns for Shareholders: The transaction is expected to be immediately accretive to growth, margins and cash flow, with double-digit EPS accretion in the first full year after the transaction closes. Chart’s differentiated position in attractive and growing markets is expected to deliver sustainable underlying growth that will be accretive to Baker Hughes’ through-cycle growth profile. The combination of strong growth, attractive margins and the synergy potential to expand operating margins meet all of Baker Hughes’ return criteria, including double-digit ROIC.
Transaction Details & Approvals
Under the terms of the agreement, Chart shareholders will receive $210 per share of common stock in cash. The purchase price represents an enterprise value of $13.6 billion, and a multiple of ~9x Chart Consensus 2025 EBITDA on a fully synergized basis.

Baker Hughes has secured fully committed bridge debt financing to fund the transaction, provided by Goldman Sachs Bank USA, Goldman Sachs Lending Partners LLC, and Morgan Stanley Senior Funding, Inc., which is expected to be replaced with permanent debt financing prior to close. Baker Hughes remains committed to maintaining its A credit rating and will use its strong free cash flow and expected divestiture proceeds to support debt reduction while maintaining, and growing over time, its strong dividend. Baker Hughes projects net leverage at close will be 2.25x and will de-lever to 1.0-1.5x net leverage within 24 months after close. Flexibility will be maintained on share repurchases until leverage reaches the 1.0-1.5x target, after which Baker Hughes intends to return 60-80% of FCF to shareholders.

The Boards of Directors of Baker Hughes and Chart have each unanimously approved the transaction, and the Chart Board of Directors has unanimously recommended that Chart shareholders approve the transaction. The transaction is subject to customary conditions, including approval by Chart shareholders, and the receipt of applicable regulatory approvals. The transaction is expected to be completed by mid-year 2026.

Advisers
Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC, Centerview Partners LLC, and Morgan Stanley & Co. LLC are serving as financial advisers to Baker Hughes, and Cleary Gottlieb Steen & Hamilton LLP, and WilmerHale are serving as legal advisers. Wells Fargo is serving as financial adviser to Chart, and Winston & Strawn is serving as legal adviser.

Investor Conference Call and Presentation
Baker Hughes will host a conference call to discuss the transaction on July 29 at 8:30 a.m. ET, 7:30 a.m. CT. The conference call will be broadcast live via a webcast and can be accessed by visiting the Events and Presentations page on the company’s website at: investors.bakerhughes.com. Those who wish to dial in may call 1-800-343-1703 (U.S.) or 1-785-424-1226 (international) and enter passcode 52472. An archived version of the webcast will be available on the website for one month following the webcast.

About Baker Hughes
Baker Hughes (NASDAQ: BKR) is an energy technology company that provides solutions to energy and industrial customers worldwide. Built on a century of experience and conducting business in over 120 countries, our innovative technologies and services are taking energy forward – making it safer, cleaner and more efficient for people and the planet. Visit us at bakerhughes.com

About Chart Industries, Inc.
Chart Industries, Inc. is a global leader in the design, engineering, and manufacturing of process technologies and equipment for gas and liquid molecule handling for the Nexus of Clean™ – clean power, clean water, clean food, and clean industrials, regardless of molecule. The company’s unique product and solution portfolio across stationary and rotating equipment is used in every phase of the liquid gas supply chain, including engineering, service and repair and from installation to preventive maintenance and digital monitoring. Chart is a leading provider of technology, equipment and services related to liquefied natural gas, hydrogen, biogas and CO2 capture amongst other applications. Chart is committed to excellence in environmental, social and corporate governance issues both for its company as well as its customers. With 64 global manufacturing locations and over 50 service centers from the United States to Asia, Australia, India, Europe and South America, the company maintains accountability and transparency to its team members, suppliers, customers and communities. To learn more, visit www.chartindustries.com.

For more information, please contact:

Media Relations

Baker Hughes
Adrienne M. Lynch
+1 713-906-8407
adrienne.lynch@bakerhughes.com

Chart Industries
Jim Golden / Jude Gorman / Jack Kelleher
Collected Strategies
Chart-CS@collectedstrategies.com

Investor Relations

Baker Hughes
Chase Mulvehill
+1 346-297-2561
investor.relations@bakerhughes.com

Chart Industries
John Walsh
1-770-721-8899
john.walsh@chartindustries.com

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (each a “forward-looking statement”). All statements, other than historical facts, including statements regarding the presentation of Baker Hughes’ operations in future reports and any assumptions underlying any of the foregoing, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements concern future circumstances and results and other statements that are not historical facts and are sometimes identified by the words “may,” “will,” “should,” “potential,” “intend,” “expect,” “would,” “seek,” “anticipate,” “estimate,” “overestimate,” “underestimate,” “believe,” “could,” “project,” “predict,” “continue,” “target,” “goal” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based upon current plans, estimates and expectations that are subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those indicated or anticipated by such forward-looking statements. The inclusion of such statements should not be regarded as a representation that such plans, estimates or expectations will be achieved. Factors that could cause actual results to differ include, but are not limited to: Baker Hughes’ ability to consummate the proposed transaction with Chart (the “Proposed Transaction”); Baker Hughes and Chart obtaining the regulatory approvals required for the Proposed Transaction on the terms expected or on the anticipated schedule or at all; the failure to satisfy other conditions to the completion of the Proposed Transaction, including the receipt of Chart stockholder approval; Baker Hughes’ ability to finance the Proposed Transaction; Baker Hughes’ indebtedness, including the substantial indebtedness Baker Hughes expects to incur in connection with the Proposed Transaction and the need to generate sufficient cash flows to service and repay such debt; the possibility that Baker Hughes may be unable to achieve expected synergies and operating efficiencies from the Proposed Transaction within the expected time-frames or at all and to successfully integrate Chart’s operations with those of Baker Hughes; such integration may be more difficult, time-consuming or costly than expected; operating costs, customer loss and business disruption (including, without limitation, difficulties in retaining or maintaining relationships with employees, customers or suppliers) may be greater than expected following the Proposed Transaction or the public announcement of the Proposed Transaction; Baker Hughes and Chart being subject to competition and increased competition is expected in the future; general economic conditions that are less favorable than expected; the potential for litigation related to the Proposed Transaction. Other important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such plans, estimates or expectations include, among others, the risk factors identified in the “Risk Factors” section of Part 1 of Item 1A of our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 4, 2025, and those set forth from time-to-time in other filings by Baker Hughes with the SEC. Additional risks that may affect Chart’s results of operations are identified in the “Risk Factors” section of Part 1 of Item 1A of Chart’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, which was filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and those set forth from time-to-time in other filings by Chart with the SEC. These documents are available through our website or through the SEC’s Electronic Data Gathering and Analysis Retrieval (EDGAR) system at http://www.sec.gov.

Any forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Neither Baker Hughes nor Chart undertakes any obligation to update any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information or developments, future events or otherwise, except as required by law. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements.

No Offer or Solicitation

This communication shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. No offer of securities shall be made except by means of a prospectus meeting the requirements of Section 10 of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended.

Important Additional Information

This communication may be deemed to be solicitation material in respect of the proposed merger transaction between Chart and Baker Hughes. In connection therewith, Chart intends to file relevant materials with the SEC, including a proxy statement of Chart (the “proxy statement”) that will be mailed to Chart stockholders seeking their approval of its transaction-related proposals. However, such documents are not currently available. BEFORE MAKING ANY VOTING OR ANY INVESTMENT DECISION, INVESTORS AND SECURITY HOLDERS ARE URGED TO READ THE PROXY STATEMENT REGARDING THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND ANY OTHER RELEVANT DOCUMENTS FILED OR TO BE FILED WITH THE SEC CAREFULLY AND IN THEIR ENTIRETY WHEN THEY BECOME AVAILABLE BECAUSE THEY WILL CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION AND THE PARTIES TO THE PROPOSED TRANSACTION. Investors and security holders may obtain free copies of the proxy statement and other documents containing important information about each of Chart and Baker Hughes, once such documents are filed with the SEC, through the website maintained by the SEC at www.sec.gov. Copies of documents filed with the SEC by Chart will be available free of charge on Chart’s website at ir.chartindustries.com.

Participants in the Solicitation

Chart and its directors and executive officers may be deemed to be participants in the solicitation of proxies from Chart’s stockholders in respect of the proposed transaction. Information regarding Chart’s directors and executive officers, including a description of their direct interests, by security holdings or otherwise, is contained in Chart’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the SEC on February 28, 2025, and its proxy statement filed with the SEC on April 8, 2025. To the extent holdings of Chart’s securities by its directors or executive officers have changed since the amounts set forth in Chart’s 2025 proxy statement, such changes have been or will be reflected on Initial Statements of Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 3, Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership on Form 4 or Annual Statements of Changes in Beneficial Ownership of Securities on Form 5 subsequently filed with the SEC. Additional information regarding the interests of such participants in the solicitation of proxies in respect of the proposed merger transaction will be included in the proxy statement and other relevant materials to be filed with the SEC when they become available. These documents (when available) can be obtained free of charge from the sources indicated above.

The MIL Network –
July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN welcomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia on his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

Source: ASEAN

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today warmly welcomed The Honourable Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN Chair for 2025 and the Prime Minister of Malaysia, on the occasion of his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat.

The official visit started with a tree planting ceremony, to be followed by signing of the guestbook, presentation of an artwork, as well as other high-level engagements. The engagements would include an Interface between the Prime Minister and the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR), and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, as well as the delivery of a Policy Speech. The Policy Speech will be attended by members of the diplomatic corps in Jakarta, representatives of ASEAN-associated entities, academia and think tanks, business leaders, and staff members of the ASEAN Secretariat.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN welcomes the Prime Minister of Malaysia on his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN receives artwork from the Prime Minister of Malaysia

Source: ASEAN

During his official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, The Honourable Anwar Ibrahim, ASEAN Chair in 2025 and Prime Minister of Malaysia, presented a Malaysian artwork to Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. This gesture symbolised Malaysia’s commitment to cultural exchange and collaboration within the ASEAN Community and marked a significant moment in fostering deeper ties between Malaysia and ASEAN. The artwork will serve as a lasting reminder of this important official visit and the shared values of unity and cooperation among the ASEAN Member States.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN receives artwork from the Prime Minister of Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

July 30, 2025
The vicious injury cycle of India’s fast bowlers: what’s causing it and how can it be fixed?

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s persistent fast-bowling injury crisis is back in focus after a string of setbacks ahead of the Manchester Test against England. Young quicks Akash Deep (groin), Nitish Kumar Reddy (knee ligament), and Arshdeep Singh (cut on bowling hand) were ruled out, compounding a problem that has increasingly derailed India’s pace resources in recent years.

The latest absentees join a growing list of sidelined fast bowlers, including Mayank Yadav and Umran Malik — both of whom have missed substantial game time due to recurring injuries. Mayank, who impressed with raw pace in the IPL, is now recovering from back surgery in New Zealand. Umran, who briefly returned for Kolkata Knight Riders, is still under rehabilitation after a hip injury and dengue.

Injuries to Mohsin Khan and Avesh Khan, both recovering from knee surgeries, have triggered fresh scrutiny of India’s pace management systems. Concerns now extend beyond injury prevention to how workload, preparation, and rehabilitation are structured.

‘Under-bowled generation’

Steffan Jones, a specialist fast bowling coach and former Rajasthan Royals consultant, said India’s current crop of quicks is suffering from inadequate exposure to sustained high-intensity bowling during formative years.

“There’s a generation of bowlers getting injured because they didn’t bowl enough when they were younger,” Jones told IANS. “Workload spikes — such as bowling 10 overs one week and 50 the next — are causing these problems. The body hasn’t adapted gradually.”

He added that bowling in nets lacks the match-day intensity and shouldn’t be counted towards workload totals. “The mismatch between low-volume, high-intensity loads is a key factor. Bowlers are undercooked when asked to deliver in pressure situations.”

Technique, strength and flawed coaching methods

Jones also pointed to biomechanical flaws and strength deficiencies. “Fast bowling is about torque and speed — generated through trunk-pelvis separation — and that isn’t being taught properly. Many coaches coach the way they played, which is outdated.”

On strength, Jones said cricketers are not as physically developed as athletes in sports with similar movement profiles, such as javelin or sprinting. “Cricketers across nations are just not strong enough. That’s a fact.”

Lumbar stress fractures: a recurring theme

Several Indian quicks, including Jasprit Bumrah, Mayank Yadav and Prasidh Krishna, have suffered lumbar stress fractures — often linked to workload surges. John Gloster, Rajasthan Royals’ head physiotherapist and former India physio, said such injuries carry long-term risks.

“Post-fracture, bone mineral density in the injured area remains low for 12–18 months, increasing the chance of recurrence,” Gloster said. “Spikes in load, along with low Vitamin D3 levels, make the bone extremely vulnerable.”

Bumrah vs Mayank: A case study in development

Bumrah, despite early doubts over his unorthodox action, climbed steadily through U-19, domestic, and IPL levels before breaking into the national team — playing over 20 domestic matches before his India debut. In contrast, Mayank featured in only one Ranji Trophy match and limited List A and T20 appearances before being fast-tracked.

While Bumrah has battled injuries — notably back fractures in 2019 and 2023 — his progress has been more consistent. Mayank’s stop-start career, punctuated by side strains, toe issues, and back problems, underscores the challenges facing fast-tracking decisions.

“Mayank doesn’t have any technical flaw that would make him prone to constant injuries,” said Jones. “But I’d question how much bowling he did when younger. Over- or under-bowling at that stage can both be harmful.”

Rehab under scrutiny

The standard rehabilitation protocol begins with injury assessment at the National Cricket Academy’s Centre of Excellence (CoE), followed by a return-to-play process. But sources say the system lacks consistency.

“There’s often no structured plan,” a source familiar with the process said on condition of anonymity. “Players rest for 15 days, then start running and training without proper progression. It’s a disorganised approach.”

Ashish Kaushik, former CoE head physio and now with Lucknow Super Giants, acknowledged the complexity of fast-bowler rehab. “Diagnoses are usually accurate, but the post-diagnosis rehab and return timelines must be precise. That’s where we need to improve.”

He also raised questions about workload monitoring. “Managing gym and on-field workload is just as important as monitoring skills workload. Definitions of workload management need to evolve.”

Fast-tracking pace at a cost

India’s dearth of genuine 150+ kmph bowlers — such as Mayank and Umran — puts added pressure on rare talents, who are often rushed into top-level cricket. Without patient, long-term development plans, injuries become almost inevitable.

“Mayank’s body went into protection mode after repeated breakdowns,” Jones said. “He needs a tailored plan — not added muscle, but a stronger core and specific movement training, including sprinting and jumping.”

The broader concern, experts say, is cultural. A shift in mindset is needed among coaches, support staff, and administrators — one that prioritises long-term sustainability over short-term gains.

A system under strain

As India continues to suffer from recurring fast-bowling breakdowns, questions grow louder: Are players being rushed back? Are rehab protocols being followed correctly? And most crucially, is the system equipped to manage and preserve its rarest pace talents?

Unless those questions are addressed, the cycle of injuries — and setbacks for team strategies — may continue.

(With agency input)

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Film on Nanjing Massacre ignites strong emotions across China

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

A harrowing new Chinese film about the Nanjing Massacre has stirred strong emotions across the country, sparking widespread reflection on a traumatic chapter in China’s history.

“Dead To Rights” centers on a group of Chinese civilians who take refuge in a photography studio during the Japanese aggressors’ brutal occupation of Nanjing.

In a desperate attempt to stay alive, they are forced to assist a Japanese military photographer in developing film — only to discover that the negatives contain damning evidence of atrocities committed by Japanese forces across the city. They secretly keep the negatives and risk their lives to deliver them to the outside world, in the hope that the truth would be revealed.

Recognized for its emotional weight and stark portrayal of a national trauma, “Dead To Rights” has resonated deeply with audiences. The film’s Douban rating, a key gauge of public sentiment, reached 8.6 out of 10.

A popular comment on Douban observed, “The simplicity and restraint of the storytelling make every scene piercingly poignant. The few images — such as the knife held to a baby, the rolling heads, the red river of blood — are more than enough to communicate the horror. The film doesn’t sensationalize; it lets these chilling images speak for themselves.”

On ticketing platform Maoyan, one user shared a poignant reflection after taking two children to see the film: “At first, I was worried they’d be scared, but then I realized: if we can’t face history, what will we do in the future? I want them to understand real history, which is harsher than what’s depicted in the movie. Our land must never be surrendered!”

In another post, a Maoyan user recalled a tender moment after the screening, when a young girl asked her mother if there were any “post-credit scenes.” The mother replied, “The true ‘post-credit scene’ is when we step out of the cinema.” “Indeed, the lively streets, the bustling crowd, the smell of food in the air — this is the true miracle,” noted the comment. This sentiment captures the essence of the film’s call to cherish the peace and vitality of modern China, all made possible by the sacrifices of the past.

Renowned director Feng Xiaoning, speaking in a video circulated widely online, shared his reaction to the film. “When the film ended, the entire audience remained seated, unmoving, until the credits had fully rolled. Everyone was lost in deep thought,” he said. “I believe every Chinese person, and everyone in the world with a conscience, will be shaken by this film.”

By the end of Sunday, its third day of release, “Dead To Rights” had grossed over 400 million yuan (56 million U.S. dollars), with over 10 million admissions nationwide, according to data from Maoyan.

Largely driven by this film, China’s daily box office on Sunday surpassed 300 million yuan, marking the first time in 154 days that the threshold had been crossed.

According to Maoyan’s latest projection, “Dead To Rights” is expected to earn more than 3.2 billion yuan in total revenue, a substantial upward revision from earlier estimates.

MIL OSI China News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China urges Philippines to stop colluding with other countries to escalate maritime tensions

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

A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Tuesday urged the Philippines to stop colluding with other countries to exacerbate tensions on maritime issues.

Spokesperson Guo Jiakun made the remarks during a daily news briefing in response to a media query about the recent announcement of military cooperation between the Philippines and the United States.

MIL OSI China News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SED shares Hong Kong’s experience in achieving quality and equitable education in Osaka

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

SED shares Hong Kong’s experience in achieving quality and equitable education in Osaka
     The seminar, held on July 28, aimed at exploring how to guarantee equitable learning opportunities for all. In her speech titled “Provision of Quality and Equitable Education in Hong Kong”, Dr Choi outlined Hong Kong’s policy measures and achievements in providing quality and equitable education at the systemic levels.

     Dr Choi said that the Government is committed to investing in education and ensuring equitable distribution of educational resources. In addition to providing 12 years’ free primary and secondary education through public sector schools, it caters to individual differences and promotes whole-person development through diversified support mechanisms. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment (PISA) 2022 results, Hong Kong ranked second in educational equity among countries or economies with high academic achievements, indicating that the family socio-economic status of students had minimal bearing on their performance. Moreover, the Government has launched the Kindergarten Education Scheme to provide good-quality and highly affordable kindergarten education, enabling all children aged from 3 to 6 to access different modes of kindergarten education based on their needs. Currently, about 90 per cent of half-day kindergarten programmes are free of charge, while school fees for whole-day programmes are maintained at a low level.

     On primary and secondary education, the Education Bureau (EDB) has developed a broad and balanced school curriculum framework that helps students build a solid knowledge foundation, nurture proper values and attitudes, and develop generic skills. A diverse range of life-wide learning activities is also provided to enrich students’ horizons. Coupled with the Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education Examination (HKDSE) as the university entrance examination, the curriculum features flexibility and diversity, offering not only traditional academic subjects but also applied learning subjects for selection, which demonstrates the concept of convergence of vocational and general education and helps students plan their careers. Adopting the standards-referenced reporting system to report candidates’ examination results, which is in line with the international standards, the HKDSE is widely recognised locally and abroad.

     In the seminar, Dr Choi also talked about the EDB’s targeted support for non-Chinese speaking (NCS) students and students with special educational needs (SEN). It has been providing NCS students, from pre-primary to secondary levels, with all-encompassing learning support to facilitate their mastery of Chinese language for integration into the community. The EDB is also dedicated to promoting an inclusive learning environment. It has been encouraging schools to adopt the Whole School Approach in supporting students with SEN and implement integrated education based on the spirit of “equal opportunities and teaching students in accordance with their abilities”, enabling students with SEN to integrate into ordinary schools.

     Dr Choi said that Hong Kong’s post-secondary education is highly internationalised and diversified. The quality of teaching and learning is consistently ranked among the top in the international comparative studies, with five publicly funded universities ranking among the world’s top 100. In addition to the Government’s substantial subsidy for tuition fees (87 per cent), various universities provide scholarships, grants and loans to students to ensure that no qualified students will be denied access to higher education due to financial difficulties.

     The Government is committed to developing Hong Kong into an international post-secondary education hub to provide students with broader international perspectives and attract more outstanding talent from around the world. At present, around one out of five students and 70 per cent of academic staff of publicly funded universities come from outside Hong Kong. These universities have also signed over 2 600 student exchange agreements with institutions around the world. In the 2025 ranking of the world’s most international universities published by the Times Higher Education, Hong Kong’s publicly funded universities achieved encouraging results by claiming all top four spots.

     Furthermore, the Government has been actively promoting vocational and professional education and training. By developing universities of applied sciences, and supporting the Vocational Training Council and other post-secondary institutions’ provision of post-secondary programmes of applied nature that blend theory and practice, the Government fosters co-operation between industries and education and collaboration between schools and businesses, and provides young people with diversified learning and employment opportunities as well as multiple pathways, with a view to nurturing more high-quality talent with applied knowledge and skills.

     On July 27 and 28, Dr Choi met representatives from the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, officials of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology of Japan, representatives from several Japanese universities, and education representatives from other places attending the “Theme Weeks” of the Expo to discuss further education collaboration and exchanges.

     On July 27, she exchanged views with a Hong Kong person working in the field of basic education in Japan to learn about the latest developments in Japanese basic education. On the same day, she visited the Sakai City Traditional Townhouse Museums together with Hong Kong secondary students participating in an exchange tour in Japan and learned about the students’ experiential learning.

     This morning, Dr Choi paid a courtesy call on the Consul-General of China in Osaka, Mr Xue Jian, to introduce Hong Kong’s latest education policies. She also visited the Confucius Institute at Osaka Sangyo University and met its teachers and students to learn about the Institute’s experience in promoting Chinese language studies and Chinese culture in Japan. Dr Choi will conclude her visit this afternoon and return to Hong Kong.
Issued at HKT 18:43

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CategoriesMIL-OSI

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 30, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Thai acting PM to discuss Thai-Cambodian border issue in Malaysia

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

Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai will lead a delegation to Malaysia for discussions on the Thai-Cambodian border issue, a Thai government spokesman said on Sunday.

In a statement, government spokesman Jirayu Houngsub said Phumtham will travel to Malaysia on Monday at the invitation of Anwar Ibrahim, prime minister of Malaysia, the current ASEAN chair. The Thai delegation will also include Foreign Minister Maris Sangiampongsa.

According to the spokesman, Malaysia has also invited Cambodian representatives to the discussions, with Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet expected to attend, adding that Thailand will not compromise on sovereignty matters.

MIL OSI China News –

July 28, 2025

Category: Asia

New UK esports collaboration to boost digital and cyber skills

Minister for Veterans and People, Al Carns DSO OBE MC MP, said: [CLEARED]

Chester King, President, British Esports said:

Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes KCB CBE, Deputy Commander UK Strategic Command said:

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