NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI China: Iranian Supreme Leader says US gains nothing from war with Iran

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

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei attends the second round of Iran’s 12th parliamentary election in Tehran, Iran, May 10, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei said on Thursday the United States gained nothing from the war against Iran and instead received a “harsh slap” in the face.

    He made the remarks in a video message broadcast by state-run IRIB TV while congratulating the Iranian nation on its “victory” in the war with Israel and the United States.

    “Despite all its propaganda and claims, Israel was almost knocked down and crushed under Iran’s blows,” said Khamenei.

    He added that the Iranian missiles and other weapons managed to pass through Israel’s “advanced multi-layered defense” and raze to the ground many of Israel’s urban and military areas.

    Khamenei said Israel should know that any aggression against Iran would be heavily costly for it.

    He added the United States entered the war to rescue Israel, “but accomplished nothing from this war.”

    He noted that the United States exaggerated its achievements in the war because they failed to achieve their objective and needed that to cover up the truth, emphasizing that “here again, the Islamic Republic of Iran achieved victory and responded by giving the United States a harsh slap in the face.”

    Khamenei said Iran attacked U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, “which is among the U.S. important bases in the West Asia region,” and inflicted damages, stressing that some sought to downplay it and said nothing had happened.

    On June 13, Israel launched major airstrikes on different areas in Iran, including nuclear and military sites, killing several senior commanders, nuclear scientists and many civilians. Iran responded by launching several waves of missile and drone attacks on Israel, inflicting casualties and damage.

    On Saturday, the U.S. Air Force bombed three Iranian nuclear sites of Fordow, Natanz and Isfahan. In retaliation, Iran on Monday struck the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar with missiles.

    Following the 12-day war, a ceasefire between Iran and Israel was achieved on Tuesday.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Gaza Special Report – “It’s a death trap” – Children killed or injured in half of fatal food distributions in Gaza this month – Save the Children

    Source: Save the Children

    Children have been killed or injured in more than half of the fatal attacks at food distribution sites in Gaza since the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF) began operating four weeks ago, said Save the Children.
    Save the Children analysed reports from the Gaza Media Office and the UN on the number and type of casualties at GHF and other aid distribution points since 27 May 2025, and found in 19 deadly incidents reported, children were among the casualties in 10 of them- or more than half of all incidents [1].
    Some families in Gaza are so desperate – in some cases due to a lack of a healthy adult – that they are sending children to collect food at distribution points, unavoidably exposing them to the risk of being shot by Israeli forces, said Save the Children.
    Since 27 May, more than 500 Palestinians have been killed and at least 3,000 injured by Israeli forces while trying to access aid, either at or on route to GHF distribution points, or while attempting to approach the very few other aid convoys delivered by the UN or NGOs, according to OHCHR.
    Save the Children staff in Gaza say family members and neighbours have witnessed or experienced carnage at the distribution sites over the past month. Save the Children staffer Mohamed- said his neighbour, a father of four, had no choice but to go to a distribution as his family had run out of food and money. He went to Rafah and was shot and killed. Mohamad is now trying to help his neighbour’s widow; he says she is now destitute and traumatised – her children crying all the time.
    Another staffer, Abdallah-, said that a member of his extended family went to a distribution site this month and witnessed a man shot and left bleeding on the ground. He said people were running over the injured man, trying to get to the food, with no one able to stop and help.
    Save the Children’s Regional Director for the Middle East, North Africa and Eastern Europe, Ahmad Alhendawi, said:
    “No-one wants to get aid from these distribution points and who can blame them – it’s a death sentence. People are terrified of being killed. One colleague told us today that even though his family is down to eating one meal a day, he won’t go to a GHF distribution, because he believes his life is worth more than a bag of flour.
    “And to add to the dystopian horror show, children are also being killed and injured trying to reach aid – aid they have a right to. Other families tell us they are now too weak to compete to pick up food. What is happening here is nothing short of abhorrent.
    “No child should be killed searching for food. This is not a humanitarian operation – it’s a death trap. Forcing civilians into fenced-in zones only for them to be gunned down is the opposite of humanitarian – it’s inhumane. And it is not the only option. There is an established humanitarian aid system which must be allowed to function. States have a choice. They can’t undo the past, but they can act now – to stop this, uphold international law, and let experienced humanitarian organisations deliver aid safely and with dignity. A party to conflict cannot be allowed to continue weaponising aid, humanitarian access, and starvation.”
    The Government of Israel continues to maintain a siege on the majority of lifesaving supplies and commercial goods entering Gaza, creating a situation termed by UN officials as ‘ engineered scarcity.’ While death and injury remain the primary risks for children at these distribution sites, the UN has reported additional risks including separation from families.
    Save the Children is running a primary healthcare centre in Deir Al-Balah, providing essential services to children, mothers, and families, including screening and treatment for malnutrition. Our teams deliver lifesaving water, run child-friendly spaces that offer safe places for children to play and receive psychosocial support, and set up temporary learning centres to help children continue their education during the crisis. Since the collapse of the pause on March 18, it has become extremely difficult for our staff to deliver these vital services, despite the colossal needs.
    -Names changed to protect identities
    [1] Save the Children analysed reports from the Gaza Media Office and the UN on the number and type of casualties at GHF and UN distribution points since 27 May 2025. Save the Children found in the 19 fatal incidents reported, children were among the casualties reported in 10 incidents – or more than half. 
    About Save the Children NZ:
    Save the Children works in 120 countries across the world. The organisation responds to emergencies and works with children and their communities to ensure they survive, learn and are protected.
    Save the Children NZ currently supports international programmes in Fiji, Cambodia, Bangladesh, Laos, Nepal, Vanuatu, Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea. Areas of work include child protection, education and literacy, disaster risk reduction and climate adaptation, and alleviating child poverty.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for June 27, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on June 27, 2025.

    Travelling with food allergies? These 8 tips can help you stay safer in the skies
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Koplin, Evidence and Translation Lead, National Allergy Centre of Excellence; Chief Investigator, Centre of Food Allergy Research; Associate Professor and Group Leader, Childhood Allergy & Epidemiology Group, Child Health Research Centre, The University of Queensland Anchiy/Getty Images With the school holidays approaching, many families will be

    Cats at 40: a dazzling cast – stuck in an outdated show
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Karen Cummings, Lecturer in Singing, University of Sydney The star of the 40th anniversary production of Cats – which premiered at the Theatre Royal Sydney last week – is the performing ensemble. Some ensemble scenes, such as The Jellicle Ball, offered the same joy and exhilaration as

    Earth is trapping much more heat than climate models forecast – and the rate has doubled in 20 years
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Steven Sherwood, Professor of Atmospheric Sciences, Climate Change Research Centre, UNSW Sydney NASA, CC BY-NC-ND How do you measure climate change? One way is by recording temperatures in different places over a long period of time. While this works well, natural variation can make it harder to

    The NDIA is changing how it pays for disability supports. What does that mean for rural communities?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Edward Johnson, Lecturer in Social Entrepreneurship and Co-Founder of Umbo, University of Sydney Shutterstock Each year, the National Disability Insurance Agency (NDIA) reviews its pricing rules to ensure services funded under the National Disability Insurance Scheme (NDIS) remain sustainable. This year’s annual pricing review outlines changes that

    1 in 5 community footy umpires have been assaulted, while others cop death threats: new research
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alyson Crozier, Senior Lecturer, Exercise and Sport Psychology, University of South Australia Scott Barbour/Getty Images Umpires’ decisions often upset sports fans, especially during a close contest. At most games, spectators boo loudly, coaches throw their hands up in frustration and players can yell or even physically intimidate

    NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University After lobbying by US President Donald Trump, NATO leaders have promised to boost annual defence spending to 5% of their countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035. A NATO

    Beyond playgrounds: how less structured city spaces can nurture children’s creativity and independence
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jose Antonio Lara-Hernandez, Senior Researcher in Architecture, Auckland University of Technology Getty Images Children’s play is essential for their cognitive, physical and social development. But in cities, spaces to play are usually separated, often literally fenced off, from the rest of urban life. In our new study,

    Lung cancer screening is about to start. What you need to know if you smoke or have quit
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Olver, Adjunct Professsor, School of Psychology, Faculty of Health and Medical Sciences, University of Adelaide Magic mine/Shutterstock From July, eligible Australians will be screened for lung cancer as part of the nation’s first new cancer screening program for almost 20 years. The program aims to detect

    The drought in southern Australia is not over – it just looks that way
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Andrew B. Watkins, Associate research scientist, School of Earth, Atmopshere & Environment, Monash University Andrew Watkins How often do you mow your lawn in winter? That may seem like an odd way to start a conversation about drought. But the answer helps explain why our current drought

    One bad rainstorm away from disaster: why proposed changes to forestry rules won’t solve the ‘slash’ problem
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Mark Bloomberg, Adjunct Senior Fellow, Te Kura Ngahere-New Zealand School of Forestry, University of Canterbury Murry Cave/Gisborne District Council, CC BY-SA The biggest environmental problems for commercial plantation forestry in New Zealand’s steep hill country are discharges of slash (woody debris left behind after logging) and sediment

    Whatever happened to the Albanese government’s wellbeing agenda?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kate Sollis, Research Fellow, University of Tasmania DavideAngelini/Shutterstock The Albanese government devoted time and energy in its first term to developing a wellbeing agenda for the economy and society. It was a passion project of Treasurer Jim Chalmers, who wanted better ways to measure national welfare beyond

    What do the Bible, the Quran and the Torah say about the justification for war?
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robyn J. Whitaker, Associate Professor, New Testament, & Director of The Wesley Centre for Theology, Ethics, and Public Policy, University of Divinity Wars are often waged in the name of religion. So what do key texts from Christianity, Islam and Judaism say about the justification for war?

    Brands want us to trust them. But as the SPF debacle shows, they need to earn it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul Harrison, Director, Master of Business Administration Program (MBA); Co-Director, Better Consumption Lab, Deakin University It’s quite unsettling to discover something so central to our cultural rituals – the “slop” in the Aussie mantra of “Slip! Slop! Slap!” – can no longer be trusted. We’ve never really

    Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants. But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t

    ‘Don’t surrender’ to Indonesian pressure over West Papua, Bomanak warns MSG
    Asia Pacific Report A West Papuan independence movement leader has warned the Melanesian Spearhead Group after its 23rd leaders summit in Suva, Fiji, to not give in to a “neocolonial trade in betrayal and abandonment” over West Papua. While endorsing and acknowledging the “unconditional support” of Melanesian people to the West Papuan cause for decolonisation,

    Grattan on Friday: Jim Chalmers juggles expectations and ambition in pursuing tax reform
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Next week will be the 40th anniversary of the Hawke government’s tax summit. Dominated by then treasurer Paul Keating’s unsuccessful bid to win support for a consumption tax, it was the public centrepiece of an extraordinary political and policy story.

    There’s gold trapped in your iPhone – and chemists have found a safe new way to extract it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Justin M. Chalker, Professor of Chemistry, Flinders University A sample of refined gold recovered from mining and e-waste recycling trials. Justin Chalker In 2022, humans produced an estimated 62 million tonnes of electronic waste – enough to fill more than 1.5 million garbage trucks. This was up

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Ken Henry on changing the tax system to give struggling workers a fairer go
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra In August, the Albanese government will hold an economic “roundtable” that will discuss productivity, budget sustainability and resilience. Australia’s tax system will be one of the central issues, and stakeholders are gearing up with their varying arguments for changes. Ken

    As one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays, Coriolanus is startlingly relevant under Trump 2.0
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kirk Dodd, Lecturer in English and Writing, University of Sydney Brett Boardman/Bell Shakespeare Coriolanus is one of Shakespeare’s least performed plays; perhaps because the hero is so pugnacious and classist, impressive in his strident vehemence, but lacking the vulnerability of a Macbeth or Othello. Set in the

    Magpies may not be a pesky Australian import – new research finds their ancestors thrived in NZ a long time ago
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vanesa De Pietri, Senior Research Fellow in Palaeontology, University of Canterbury Shutterstock/Russ Jenkins For many New Zealanders, the Australian magpie is a familiar, if sometimes vexing, sight. Introduced from Australia in the 1860s, magpies are known for their territorial dive-bombing during nesting season, which has cemented their

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese defense minister meets with guests attending SCO defense ministers’ meeting 2025-06-27 08:57:10 Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Thursday held individual meetings in east China’s Qingdao city with the secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and his counterparts from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and India, all of whom attended the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      QINGDAO, June 26 (Xinhua) — Chinese Defense Minister Dong Jun on Thursday held individual meetings in east China’s Qingdao city with the secretary-general of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and his counterparts from Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and India, all of whom attended the SCO Defense Ministers’ Meeting.

      The SCO is an important force in the practice of true multilateralism, and in safeguarding global strategic stability, Dong said.

      He called for joint efforts to address the serious impacts of unilateralism, protectionism and hegemonic acts, and to inject more certainty and positive energy into regional prosperity and stability.

      China stands ready to work closely with the defense departments and militaries of SCO member states to push for continuous new progress in defense and security cooperation, Dong noted.

      The attendees said they are willing to enhance the level of defense and security cooperation within the SCO framework, and to promote security, stability, development and prosperity in the region and around the world. 

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: CIIE reflects China’s commitment to global development: Chinese ambassador

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

    GENEVA, June 26 — A seminar focused on the China-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) was jointly held on Wednesday by the Permanent Mission of China to the United Nations Office in Geneva and the China International Import Expo (CIIE) Bureau.

    Representatives from international organizations, diplomatic missions in Geneva and global businesses attending the event praised China’s continued efforts to open up to the world and promote shared development.

    Ambassador Chen Xu, China’s permanent representative to the UN Office in Geneva and other international organizations in Switzerland, said that since its launch in 2021, the GDI has taken root on Geneva’s multilateral platforms, with growing consensus and expanding cooperation networks.

    The CIIE, as a global public good, has become an important practice for China to deepen economic and trade cooperation with other developing countries, Chen said. “It demonstrates China’s commitment to global development cooperation,” he added.

    According to official data, the CIIE has been held seven consecutive times since its inception in 2018, attracting participation from more than 180 countries, regions, and international organizations.

    Luz Maria de la Mora, director of the Division on International Trade and Commodities at UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD), said she attended the CIIE in 2019 and witnessed “how China opens its doors to the world and how trade can be a source of economic opportunities for all.”

    High-level representatives from international organizations expressed their support for the CIIE and the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. They also voiced their readiness to strengthen cooperation with China to promote inclusive economic globalization that benefits all.

    The ambassadors of Pakistan, Cambodia, Peru, and other members of the Group of Friends of the GDI expressed their appreciation for China and the CIIE, calling the expo an important platform for advancing the initiative.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s driverless tech finds new traction on global roads

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

    Driverless sedans glide smoothly to the curb, autonomous shuttles whisk travelers through airport terminals, and robotic sweepers hum along busy streets. These once-futuristic scenes are fast entering everyday life across the globe, and many of them are powered by Chinese technology.

    From San Jose of California to Paris and Riyadh, China’s swiftly advancing autonomous driving industry is gaining ground, exporting cutting-edge solutions that are quietly transforming how people move and how cities function.

    “Chinese autonomous driving firms are accelerating their global expansion, fueled by mature technologies, swift deployment cycles and rising international demand,” said Liu Jinshan, a professor at Jinan University in south China’s Guangzhou.

    This photo taken on April 17, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus (front) operating at an airport in Zurich, Switzerland. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Going global 

    In late May, Chinese autonomous driving firm WeRide made headlines as its self-driving vehicles began rolling through the streets of the capital Riyadh and the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia.

    Almost simultaneously, another major player, Guangzhou-based Pony.ai, also shifted its global ambitions into higher gear, announcing a strategic partnership with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) to launch autonomous transport services.

    These moves are among the latest examples of a broader trend — a larger push by Chinese autonomous vehicle (AV) developers to expand their global presence.

    Chinese-developed autonomous driving technologies have made inroads into a growing number of global markets — including the United States, France, Spain, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Singapore, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.

    Chinese tech giant Baidu serves as a prime example of this momentum. In the first quarter of 2025, its autonomous ride-hailing arm, Apollo Go, completed over 1.4 million rides, up 75 percent year on year, bringing its global total to over 11 million rides by May.

    Much of this success can be attributed to China’s innovation-friendly environment. By the end of 2024, the country had established 17 national-level intelligent connected vehicle testing zones, with more than 32,000 kilometers of open test roads and over 120 million kilometers of cumulative test mileage, according to official figures.

    As Chinese AV firms gain global traction, collaboration with global players is deepening. Uber, for instance, has teamed up with WeRide and Pony.ai to integrate Chinese-developed AVs into its ride-hailing platform, starting with pilot operations in the Middle East.

    “It’s clear that the future of mobility will be increasingly shared, electric and autonomous,” said Uber CEO Dara Khosrowshahi. “We look forward to working with Chinese leading AV companies to help bring the benefits of autonomous technology to cities around the world.”

    This photo taken on March 11, 2025 shows an interior view of a WeRide Robobus operating in downtown Barcelona, Spain. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Mutual benefits 

    The rise of China’s autonomous driving industry is creating ripple effects across global markets, offering development opportunities far beyond transportation.

    Peng Jun, co-founder and CEO of Pony.ai, said the company’s overseas expansion has sparked deep collaboration across the broader mobility value chain — spanning auto manufacturing, R&D, logistics and smart mobility services.

    “Deploying autonomous vehicles attracts global component suppliers to invest in local facilities, which helps form industrial clusters and boosts the competitiveness of local manufacturing,” Peng noted.

    The benefits go beyond factories. According to Zhang Yuxue, WeRide’s director of PR and marketing, local partnerships have also led to job creation in areas such as safety operations, fleet management and technical support.

    Notably, as Chinese AV companies venture into regions with varied road conditions, climates and regulatory environments, their technologies are evolving in step.

    “Expanding globally helps us sharpen our algorithms to adapt to complex, real-world scenarios, ranging from the narrow urban roads of Europe to the extreme heat of the Middle East,” said Zhang.

    Wu Qiong, an autonomous driving expert at Baidu, said Apollo Go is building a “full-spectrum technical validation chain” as it expands overseas. “For example, we’re testing in Switzerland, a right-hand-drive country with some of the world’s most stringent traffic laws, which offers one of the toughest proving grounds for autonomous vehicles,” Wu said.

    This photo taken on May 25, 2025 shows a WeRide Robobus operating in the historic city of AlUla in Saudi Arabia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Challenges on road ahead 

    Despite impressive strides, industry insiders note that autonomous driving remains in the early stages of commercialization and global expansion.

    China’s autonomous driving industry still faces significant headwinds on its path to global growth, said Wu Zhanchi, a professor at Jinan University. “Challenges range from adapting to overseas regulatory frameworks and overcoming high technical localization barriers, to ensuring compliance with cross-border data regulations and fierce competition from international giants,” Wu added.

    “The sector also faces significant challenges in technological innovation and the development of sustainable business models,” said Zhu Xichan, professor at Tongji University in Shanghai.

    Zhu emphasized that achieving scale is crucial for the long-term viability of the AV industry. “Global expansion not only broadens the range of real-world application scenarios but also boosts deployment volumes, both of which are vital for refining technologies and developing commercially viable models,” he said.

    Yet, several companies have begun to tackle these hurdles head-on. Peng Jun of Pony.ai said the company has overcome key challenges — such as cost reduction and front-end mass production. “Our products have reached a level of maturity, and we have achieved positive unit economics,” he noted.

    Looking ahead, Peng said Pony.ai will continue to expand in Asia, the Middle East and Europe, leveraging existing partnerships to accelerate the growth of its global footprint.

    Zhang Yuxue echoed this sentiment, saying that WeRide is committed to broadening its international reach by promoting a diverse fleet of autonomous solutions, ranging from robotaxis and minibuses to freight trucks, sanitation vehicles and advanced self-driving systems.

    General Manager of Apollo Go for Europe and the Middle East Zhang Liang said Baidu aims to build the largest driverless fleet in Abu Dhabi by partnering with local stakeholders to jointly foster a robust autonomous driving ecosystem.

    In addition, Baidu is exploring cooperation with local new energy firms to develop innovative services, including battery swapping, which Zhang said will help improve operational efficiency.

    “Given their growing track record in both domestic and international markets, there is good reason to believe that Chinese AV firms will secure a strong foothold in this global mobility market, ultimately becoming a hallmark of ‘Made-in-China’ innovation,” Wu noted. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance to come into effect on January 1, 2026

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Government today (June 27) published the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Commencement) Notice in the Gazette, appointing January 1, 2026, as the date on which the Protection of Critical Infrastructures (Computer Systems) Ordinance (Cap. 653) will come into operation.

    The Ordinance, gazetted on March 28, 2025, aims to impose statutory obligations on designated operators of critical infrastructures to ensure they adopt appropriate measures to protect their computer systems, minimising the risk of essential services being disrupted or compromised due to cyberattacks, thereby maintaining the normal functioning of Hong Kong society and the daily lives of its people.

    Pursuant to section 1(2) of the Ordinance, the Ordinance will come into operation on a date appointed by the Secretary for Security by notice published in the Gazette. The Secretary for Security now decides that the Ordinance shall come into effect on January 1, 2026.

    ​The Government will table the notice at the Legislative Council next Wednesday (July 2) for negative vetting.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: ASEAN advances labour migration governance from recruitment to reintegration

    Source: ASEAN

    MANILA, 27 June 2025 – ASEAN reaffirmed its collective commitment to protect and promote the rights of migrant workers through a series of back-to-back workshops held in Manila, the Philippines, from 23-27 June.
     
    Organised under the auspices of the ASEAN Committee on the Implementation of the ASEAN Declaration on the Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers (ACMW), the events were hosted by the Philippines’ Department of Migrant Workers (DMW). Key support was provided by the ASEAN Secretariat, the International Labour Organization (ILO) through the TRIANGLE in ASEAN and PROTECT programmes, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) through the Migration, Business and Human Rights Programme in Asia.
     
    Secretary Atty. Hans Leo J. Cacdac of DMW graced the workshop series and emphasised the importance of regional coherence and migrant-centred policies. “At the core of fair and ethical recruitment lies the belief in the inherent dignity and rights of every individual,” said Secretary Cacdac in his opening remarks.
     
    Representatives of labour ministries and labour attachés of ASEAN Member States, recruitment agencies, employers’, workers’ and civil society organisations from the region were trained in the first two days on migration governance, case management, crisis response, gender-responsive approaches to migrant protection, and other aspects of labour attaché services.
     
    During the Workshop on Regional Actions on Fair and Ethical Recruitment Practices on 25–26 June, participants identified gaps and concrete actions around recruitment fees, transparency and access to remedies, with an emphasis on operationalising the “employer-pay” principle. The Checklist for ASEAN Member State Governments, Labour Recruiters, and Employers on Fair Recruitment and Decent Employment Practices adopted by the ASEAN Labour Ministers in April 2025 was socialised for completion this year.
     
    On 27 June, participants deliberated on developing a checklist to track progress of the voluntary-based operationalisation of the ASEAN Guidelines on Effective Return and Reintegration for Migrant Workers. The checklist seeks to benchmark national progress in the reintegration programmes of returning migrant workers. Mainstreaming reintegration in labour migration policies was acknowledged to be pivotal in light of post-pandemic recovery, climate challenges, and technological disruptions.
     
    These workshop series were the realisation of the Action Plan of the ASEAN Consensus on Protection and Promotion of the Rights of Migrant Workers. They contribute to the realisation of the ASEAN Community Vision 2045, particularly its goals of a resilient, inclusive, and people-centred ASEAN.
     

     
    Photo credit: Department of Migrant Workers of the Philippines
    The post ASEAN advances labour migration governance from recruitment to reintegration appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University

    In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants.

    But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t accurately represent the broader Korean TV landscape, which is much wider and richer than these select offerings.

    At the same time, there are many challenges in bringing this wide array of content to the rest of the world.

    The rise of hallyu

    Korean media was transformed during the 1990s. The end of military dictatorship led to the gradual relaxation of censorship.

    Satellite media also allowed the export of K-dramas and films to the rest of East Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Some of the first K-dramas to become popular overseas included What Is Love (1991–92) and Star in My Heart (1997). They initiated what would later become known as the Korean wave, or hallyu.

    The hallyu expansion continued with Winter Sonata (2003), which attracted viewers in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Dae Jang Geum/Jewel in the Palace (2005) resonated strongly in Chinese-speaking regions, and was ultimately exported to more than 80 countries.

    A breakthrough occurred in 2016. Netflix entered South Korea and began investing in Korean productions, beginning with Kingdom (2019–21) and Love Alarm (2019–21).

    In 2021, the global hit Squid Game was released simultaneously in 190 countries.

    But Netflix only scratches the surface

    Last year, only 20% of new K-drama releases were available on Western streaming platforms. This means global discussions about K-dramas are based on a limited subgroup of content promoted to viewers outside South Korea.

    Moreover, foreign viewers will generally evaluate this content based on Western conceptions of culture and narrative. They may, for instance, have Western preferences for genre and themes, or may disregard locally-specific contexts.

    This is partly why Korean and foreign audiences can end up with very different ideas of what “Korean” television is.

    Genres

    When a K-drama is classified as a sageuk (historical drama) but also incorporates elements of fantasy, mythology, romance, melodrama, crime fiction and/or comedy, foreign audiences may dismiss it as “genre-confused”. Or, they may praise it for its “genre-blending”.

    But the drama may not have been created with much attention to genre at all. The highly inventive world-building of pre-Netflix dramas such as Arang and the Magistrate (2012) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016) prominently feature all the aforementioned genres.

    While foreign viewers may think visual media begins with readily identifiable genres, many K-dramas aren’t produced on this premise.

    Themes

    Western viewers (and other viewers watching through a Western lens) might assume “liberal” themes such as systemic injustice, women’s rights and collusion in politics entered K-dramas as a result of Western influence. But this is a misconception.

    The emergence of such themes can be attributed to various changes in Korean society, including the easing of censorship, rapid modernisation, and the imposition of neoliberal economics by the International Monetary Fund in 1997.

    Although gender disparities still exist in South Korea, economic uncertainty and modernisation have prompted a deconstruction of patriarchal value systems. Female-centred K-dramas have been around since at least the mid-2000s, with women’s independence as a recurring theme in more recent dramas.

    Local contexts

    A major barrier to exporting K-dramas is the cultural specificity of certain elements, such as Confucian values, hierarchical family dynamics, gender codes, and Korean speech codes.

    The global success of a K-drama comes down to how well its culturally-specific elements can be adapted for different contexts and audiences.

    In some cases, these elements may be minimised, or entirely missed, by foreign viewers.

    For example, in Squid Game, the words spoken by the killer doll in the first game are subtitled as “green light, red light”. What the doll actually says is “mugunghwa-kkochi pieot-seumnida”, which is also what the game is called in Korean.

    This translates to “the mugunghwa (Rose of Saron) has bloomed”, with mugunghwa being South Korea’s national flower.

    These words, in this context, are meant to ironically redefine South Korea as a site of hopelessness and death. But the subtitles erase this double meaning.

    It’s also difficult for subtitles to reflect nuanced Korean honorific systems of address. As such, foreign viewers remain largely oblivious to the subtle power dynamics at play between characters.

    All of this leads to a kind of cultural “flattening”, shifting foreign viewers’ focus to so-called universal themes.

    A case study for global success

    Nevertheless, foreign viewers can still engage with many culturally-specific elements in K-dramas, which can also serve as cultural literacy.

    The hugely successful series Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) explores the personal and professional challenges faced by an autistic lawyer.

    Director Yoo In-sik described the series as distinctly Korean in both its humour and the legal system it portrays, and said he didn’t anticipate its widespread popularity.

    Following success in South Korea, the series was acquired by Netflix and quickly entered the top 10 most popular non-English language shows.

    The global appeal can be attributed to its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist, the problem-solving theme across episodes, and what Yoo describes as a kind and considerate tone. Viewers who resonate with these qualities may not even need to engage with the Korean elements.

    Many K-dramas that achieve global success also feature elements typically considered “Western”, such as zombies.

    While the overall number of zombie-themed productions is low, series and films such as Kingdom (2019–21), All of Us Are Dead (2022), Alive (2020) and Train to Busan (2016) have helped put Korean content on the map.

    One potential effect of the zombie popularity may be the displacement of Korean mythological characters, such as fox spirits, or gumiho, which have traditionally held significant narrative space.

    Shin Min-ah and Lee Seung-gi star in the acclaimed romantic comedy series My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010).
    IMDB

    Local production under threat

    The influence of streaming giants such as Netflix is impacting South Korea’s local production systems.

    One consequence has been a substantial increase in production costs, which local companies can’t compete with.

    The early vision of low-cost, high-return projects such as Squid Game is rapidly diminishing.

    Meanwhile, Netflix is exploring other locations, such as Japan, where dramas can be produced for about half the price of those in Korea. If this continues, the rise of Korean content may slow down.

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

    – ref. Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation – https://theconversation.com/streaming-giants-have-helped-bring-korean-dramas-to-the-world-but-much-is-lost-in-translation-257547

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Produces 10,000th Yutong Bus for Central Asia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    ZHENGZHOU, June 27 (Xinhua) — The 10,000th Yutong bus, intended for Central Asian countries, rolled off the assembly line in Zhengzhou on Thursday.

    Yutong, headquartered in Zhengzhou, the capital of Henan Province in central China, is one of the country’s major bus suppliers. The first Yutong buses were delivered to Kazakhstan back in 2005.

    Over the past 20 years, the company has steadily strengthened its position in the Central Asian market, having supplied a total of 10,000 buses to date, including more than a thousand new energy buses. Yutong has now become the best-selling Chinese bus brand in Central Asia.

    Earlier this year, the company signed a contract with Turkmenistan to supply 700 city buses. After the products are handed over to the customer, Yutong will provide 24-hour after-sales service, the company’s press service said.

    Yutong buses, which operate on the roads of Central Asian countries, including Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan, are generally in good technical condition. The technical characteristics of the company’s products and the level of service have been recognized by our customers, said Geng Jinke, the company’s product manager for the Central Asian market.

    Yutong’s products cover city buses, tourist buses, school buses and other special-purpose vehicles.

    By the end of 2024, the company had sold more than 46,000 Yutong buses, and the operating income of the enterprise exceeded 37 billion yuan. In total, about 200,000 Yutong new energy buses have been sold worldwide, the company’s press service said.

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 Eurasia commodity expo highlights global trade ties

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

    URUMQI, June 26 — The 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo opened Thursday in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, drawing over 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, organizers said.

    This year’s expo is the largest edition to date. Among the attendees are government officials, diplomats, and business associations from Central Asia, the African Union (AU), ASEAN, and beyond. Notably, AU members Ethiopia, Zambia, the Comoros, and Senegal joined for the first time, highlighting expanded global engagement.

    Spanning 140,000 square meters of indoor and outdoor space, the expo features key sectors like new energy, advanced manufacturing, textiles, and food processing. Heavy machinery dominates outdoor displays, while indoor halls spotlight innovations in AI and the low-altitude economy.

    Fu Yunyan, director of Xinjiang international expo affairs bureau, noted “multiple highlights,” including dedicated zones for cutting-edge technologies and over 20 product launches. The five-day event will host over 60 trade and investment sessions focused on industrial matchmaking and project promotion.

    As a pillar of the China-Eurasia Expo framework, the event, now in its fifth iteration, aims to accelerate Xinjiang’s opening-up and development.

    People visit the Trade in Services and Cross-border E-commerce sector during the 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, June 26, 2025. The expo opened here on Thursday, drawing over 2,800 enterprises and delegates from 50 countries and regions to deepen cooperation across Eurasia, organizers said. The five-day event will host over 60 trade and investment sessions focused on industrial matchmaking and project promotion. [Photo/Xinhua]
    This photo taken on June 26, 2025 shows the venue of the 2025 (China) Eurasia Commodity and Trade Expo in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Inter, Dortmund advance as River crash out at Club World Cup

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

    Inter Milan clinched top spot in Group E at the FIFA Club World Cup on Wednesday with a win that knocked River Plate out of the tournament while Borussia Dortmund sealed first place in Group F after beating eliminated Ulsan.

    Elsewhere, Monterrey reached the last 16 by thrashing Urawa Red Diamonds, which was out of contention, and Fluminense advanced following a goalless draw that ended Mamelodi Sundowns’ campaign.

    In Cincinnati, Daniel Svensson’s first-half goal gave German club Borussia Dortmund a 1-0 win over South Korea’s Ulsan. Sweden international Svensson broke the deadlock in the 36th minute as he took a touch to control Jobe Bellingham’s pass before firing low past Jo Hyeon-woo.

    Both teams appeared to lower their intensity in the second half as temperatures reached 34 degrees Celsius (93 degrees Fahrenheit) at TQL Stadium.

    “The only thing we could have done a little better was maybe score a few more goals because we created a lot of chances today,” Svensson said.

    “Football is emotional. It was very nice to score the goal that turned out to be an important one. It’s a nice feeling,” he added.

    Ulsan goalkeeper Jo said his team had suffered in the conditions and expressed his disappointment for the club’s supporters.

    “I’m sorry that we weren’t able to meet our fans’ expectations,” he said. “The weather was really harsh. It wasn’t really appropriate for playing football but it is what it is.”

    While Ulsan departs, Dortmund will vie for a quarterfinal berth against Monterrey in Atlanta on Tuesday.

    In Miami, Brazil’s Fluminense progressed after a goalless draw with South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns in Group F.

    The Pretoria-based club dominated possession in the first half but Fluminense looked sharper in the second despite failing to register a shot on target.

    Veteran Argentine striker German Cano went closest to scoring when his right-footed effort after Jhon Arias’ pass hit the post.

    Fluminense, who finished second in the group, will face Inter Milan in the round of 16 while Mamelodi exits the competition.

    “It was a very hard match. They had most of the possession but we were able to repel them. Now we’re through to the next round and that was our goal,” Fluminense defender Ignacio Oliveira told reporters.

    Mamelodi manager Miguel Cardoso said he was proud of his team’s achievements throughout the group stage.

    “It has been a long journey for all of us, for the club itself and for the people that support it,” Cardoso said. “Today is not a happy result, but it is a very important day for us.”

    In Seattle, Francesco Pio Esposito and Alessandro Bastoni netted second-half goals as Inter Milan topped Group E with a 2-0 win over nine-man River Plate.

    Lucas Martinez Quarta was shown a straight red card in the 66th minute for scything down Henrikh Mkhitaryan when the Armenian midfielder was through on goal.

    Inter immediately took advantage as Esposito finished calmly from 12 yards after Petar Sucic’s clever layoff.

    Alessandro Bastoni added to River Plate’s misery by charging past two defenders and thumping a low 18-yard shot beyond goalkeeper Franco Armani.

    The Argentine outfit finished with nine men after Gonzalo Montiel received a second yellow card in the 95th minute for his part in a scuffle between players from both sides.

    The result left River Plate third in the group as it bid farewell to the competition.

    In Wednesday’s other match, Monterrey scored three first-half goals en route to a 4-0 rout of Japan’s Urawa Red Diamonds.

    Nelson Deossa put the Mexican side ahead on the hour with a stunning 35-yard drive and German Berterame made it 2-0 by slotting into the far corner after Alfonso Alvarado’s assist.

    Mexico international winger Jesus Corona extended the lead with another long-range effort following a swift counterattack.

    Monterrey was in a relentless mood and Berterame completed the rout in the 97th minute as he pounced on a loose ball and slid home from inside the six-yard box.

    The victory meant the Liga MX side finished second in Group E while Urawa was last, having failed to pick up a point. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in an interview with Maghreb Arabe Presse

    Source: ASEAN

    In wrapping up his Official Visit to Morocco, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today shared his views with Maghreb Arabe Presse on the potential of the ASEAN-Morocco Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, which includes the areas of trade and investment, energy and climate change, education and youth, tourism and culture, and connectivity, among others. SG Dr. Kao also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the trajectory of Morocco’s national development, especially through his meetings with high-level Moroccan government officials. He further shared his perspectives on ways to further strengthen ASEAN-Morocco ties, particularly by promoting people-to-people ties, cultural and academic exchanges, facilitating private sector engagement and building institutional linkages. Maghreb Arabe Presse—is the official Moroccan news agency based in Rabat, established in 1959. It serves as the primary source of news and information for the Kingdom of Morocco, both domestically and internationally.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in an interview with Maghreb Arabe Presse appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in an interview with Maghreb Arabe Presse

    Source: ASEAN

    In wrapping up his Official Visit to Morocco, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today shared his views with Maghreb Arabe Presse on the potential of the ASEAN-Morocco Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, which includes the areas of trade and investment, energy and climate change, education and youth, tourism and culture, and connectivity, among others. SG Dr. Kao also expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to learn more about the trajectory of Morocco’s national development, especially through his meetings with high-level Moroccan government officials. He further shared his perspectives on ways to further strengthen ASEAN-Morocco ties, particularly by promoting people-to-people ties, cultural and academic exchanges, facilitating private sector engagement and building institutional linkages. Maghreb Arabe Presse—is the official Moroccan news agency based in Rabat, established in 1959. It serves as the primary source of news and information for the Kingdom of Morocco, both domestically and internationally.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN engages in an interview with Maghreb Arabe Presse appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Prevention of Family and Sexual Violence agency to drop informal name, expand advisory board diversity

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Minister for the Prevention of Family Violence and Sexual Violence Karen Chhour is today announcing it will no longer use the informal name of Te Puna Aonui and will adopt its legal name: the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence.  

    “This decision reflects the reality that all people are potentially victims of Family Violence and Sexual Violence, as well as the wishes of disgruntled former advisory board members who have asked for the gifted Te Reo name to be returned,” says Mrs Chhour.  

    “They have raised their concerns with me around my decision to not extend their tenure as the Ministerial Advisory Board, as well as concerns around my decision to include other communities in a new, multi-cultural advisory board which will replace the current Māori-only one.  

    “I need an advisory board that can advise on all issues victim-survivors face, and one that reflects the diversity of our nation, not just the seventeen per cent of New Zealanders who identify as Māori.  

    “Yes, I am Māori, and proud of this. I am also a mother, a wife, and a survivor of both family and sexual violence. The idea that one part of my being is somehow more important than any other is something I don’t accept, and I don’t believe that the majority of New Zealanders would accept this either.  

    “It is also Government policy that Government departments, with the exception of those focused on Māori, will have their main names in English.  

    “By continuing with a Te Reo name I believe we risk potentially making non-Māori victim-survivors feel like their lived experiences do not matter. I can assure them that they do and will continue to.  

    “This is the right thing to do, it reflects our national values of equality.  

    “The important work of the agency will be strengthened by the incorporating Pasifika, Asian communities, and other groups who were deliberately excluded by the scope of the previous Ministerial Advisory Board for this portfolio.  

    “While Te Puna Aonui is an informal name, not a legal one, it will take time to update the agency’s branding and letterhead.  

    “This is a positive step forward for the Executive Board for the Elimination of Family Violence and Sexual Violence and for our national response to these hugely important issues.”  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Northland News – Te Aupōuri wins big at 2025 Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards

    Source: Northland Regional Council

    After years of protecting and reinvigorating the vast and variable whenua of their beloved Te Aupōuri, Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao’s hard mahi has paid off, winning two top awards at this year’s Northland Regional Council Whakamānawa ā Taiao – Environmental Awards.
    Te Rūnanga Nui O Te Aupōuri’s kaitiaki arm, Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao, were the big winners of Thursday night’s biennial awards ceremony held at the Waitangi Treaty Grounds, taking out not only the Kaitiakitanga award, but the overall Te Tohu Matua- Supreme Award (subs: Thursday, June 26).
    Over the past several years, the team of 12 has installed 16,250 meters of fencing, restored 0.625 hectares of wetland, planted more than 120,000 native plants and captured 2288 invasive species.
    During that time, they also developed essential work skills and achieved significant conservation outcomes, like bringing back the critically endangered Ultriculis australis and declining long-fin tuna.
    Their ‘holistic approach to protecting te taiao’, award judges said, had resulted in significantly improving the wellbeing of their whenua.
    The judges were also impressed at how their kaupapa had strengthened connections between their iwi and their whenua, had fostered environmental awareness amongst local kura and engaged the community in sustainable land management practices.
    Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao lead Niki Conrad says the group is happy and humbled by the accolades.
    “A lot of people are doing some really good work out there and it’s great to be recognised, especially when we are from way up north and a lot of our work is behind the scenes.”
    “We’re sticking true to our kaupapa and all our kaimahi are invested in it.” 
    The awards – held for the sixth time – recognise individuals, groups and organisations making a difference for Northland’s environment.
    According to the judges, competition was fierce across all award categories this year thanks to the high calibre of applications.
    Council Deputy Chair Tui Shortland says she is excited to see the number of incredible projects protecting te taiao across Northland and that the awards are NRC’s way of recognising and celebrating that kaitiakitanga in action.
    Councillor Shortland also congratulated the Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao team and says she commended them for the important improvement to the wellbeing of their lands, which were of cultural, social, and environmental significance.
    “Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata have created employment opportunities for 12 local Te Aupouri iwi members, developing essential skills and achieving notable conservation outcomes,” Shortland says.
    “The project has also involved whānau, hapū, and iwi and enhanced self-confidence, pride, and well-being through activities that deepen understanding of whakapapa, tūpuna heritage, and historical sites.
    “They have also collaborated with Te Kura o Te Kao to carve and erect pou at significant sites, which further underscores their commitment to cultural preservation and environmental stewardship.”
    Other winners:
    Piroa Conservation Trust; Environmental action in water quality improvement.
    The Piroa Conservation Trust is a coalition of over 30 community-led conservation groups dedicated to restoring biodiversity in Bream Bay and surrounding areas.
    The group demonstrated lots of measurable outcomes, high levels of community involvement and an impressive scope of initiatives.
    These included riparian planting (with 10,000 plants already in the ground), water quality testing, wetland restoration and fencing were key to the success of the Wai Tuwhera project, with water quality data being consistently measured.
    The trust has strong relationships with iwi, hapū and community groups, working with Patuharakeke and in partnership with Whitebait Connection and NZ Landcare Trust, and has been thoughtful in seeking ways to engage directly with farmers.   
    A strong focus on educational outreach, including workshops and school programmes, has raised awareness and educated the community about the importance of water quality.
    The trust has also been active on social media, ensuring their activities gain recognition across Te Taitokerau and thought of innovations to develop their reach, for example distributing “riparian gift packs”.
    Trustee and group founder Ann Neill says winning the award is an amazing privilege.
    Highly commended in the water quality category was Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga.
    Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust; Environmental action in the community.
    The trust’s application demonstrates the depth of its engagement and success in drawing in the community to its mahi. Its range covers a very wide geographic area and it is tackling a huge weed control problem – this is a massive commitment and requires an enormous amount of work. 
     The trust has made great connections across the community and has a very good relationship with iwi/hapū, including with Aki Tai Here. They have a good set of well-recorded measurable outcomes.
    Trust ecological advisor Mike Urlich says the recognition had left him “a bit emotional and just really stoked”. “It’s an acknowledgement of all the hard work that goes on.”
    Highly commended in the environmental action in the community category were Tiaki Nga Wai O Hokianga, Bream Head Conservation Trust Reserve Revegetation and Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi.
    Project Island Song; Environmental action to protect native life.
    This project has had an undoubted impact over time, having achieved 15 years of pest-free status and 40,000 trees planted. Long-term commitment is evident and the group’s mahi has made a huge difference to Pewhairangi Bay of Islands. 
    The group works with school groups, individuals, families and businesses and in partnership with hapū and the governing committee. The school involvement was especially inspirational, particularly with the small, isolated schools. 
    The group is working on pest control, returning lost species and clearly making good progress on tackling weeds too. 
    Project Island Song chair William Fuller says the group enjoys good community support and puts the group’s success down to the hard work of hundreds of volunteers over many years. “Everyone has a passion for restoring the bird song.”
    Highly commended in the environmental action to protect native life category were Piroa Conservation Trust, Weed Action Native Habitat Restoration Trust and Jill Mortensen. 
    Bay of Islands International Academy; Environmental action in education.
    This entry demonstrated an outstanding holistic approach, involving all levels and curriculum areas across the school and throughout their local community and hapū. The academy has successfully woven te ao Māori and sustainability throughout its mahi. 
    It was impressive to note the impact on students, who have been empowered to take ownership of environmental change. The academy has also ensured a multi-generational approach by enabling older students to teach younger students and enabling kaumatua as expert helpers. Its trapping programme is extensive.
    Spokesperson Lucy Miller says winning the award was a surprise but felt it was well-deserved.
    “All the kids have been taught to be kaitiaki of their land, the ocean that’s near them and to look after Purerua Peninsula.”
    Highly commended in the environmental action in education category were Whangārei Girls’ High School, Hurupaki School and Te Kura O Hato Hohepa Te Kamura.
    Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust; environmental leadership.
    Mountains to Sea has a broad focus on freshwater and marine ecosystems and the connection between them. Its application stood out for its very strong community partnerships, commitment to education and the cross-community development it fosters throughout its mahi. 
    The freshwater habitat restoration undertaken through its īnanga spawning program has had a huge impact – on protecting biodiversity across Te Taitokerau and enabling a widespread and consistent community engagement programme that upskills and inspires. The trust has active partnerships with iwi, hapū and schools and facilitate high levels of community volunteering.
    Spokesperson Kim Jones says people are doing some amazing work around Te Taitokerau and for the trust to be recognised with the award was awesome, amazing and humbling.
    Highly commended in this category was The Love Bittern Project.
    Earth Buddies; Youth Environmental Leader.
    Earth Buddies is an inspiring youth-led education programme designed and delivered by 25 students from Whangārei Girls’ High School’s kaiarahi (prefect) team and Environmental Committee. 
    The students have formed a partnership with Whangārei Primary School to provide bi-weekly environmental lessons to more than 150 students in Years 3 and 4. The lessons cover topics such as composting, climate change, and pest management.  
    Through these engaging sessions, the secondary students are not only helping to develop critical thinking in the younger generation but are also strengthening their own environmental knowledge. This initiative goes beyond the classroom by encouraging families to adopt eco-friendly practices and inviting parents/caregivers to take part in activities. 
    In helping to educate the next generation, Earth Buddies is contributing to long-term conservation and climate mitigation efforts in Whangārei and is a programme that could be replicated in other communities. 
    Group leader Stella Moreton says the group is very honoured and excited to be recognised.
    Highly commended in this category were Roman Makara – Taiao Club and India Clarke.
    Te Rūnanga Nui o Te Aupōuri – Oranga Whenua Oranga Tangata Taiao Team; Kaitiakitanga.
    Highly commended in this category were Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust – Te Pou Taiao, Ngā Kaitiaki o te Ahi and Ngā Kaitiaki O Ngā Wai Māori.
    Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland; environmental action in business.
    Tū Mai Rā offers solar power solutions, aiming to harness the energy of the sun – Tū Mai Rā means to ‘Stand before the sun’. 
    This entry demonstrated commitment to the community – Tū Mai Rā is not subject to a regulatory requirement to provide electricity, it is doing it to benefit the community. This will have a positive impact on many people by improving climate resilience, and community resilience during natural hazards. A greater uptake of renewable energy will reduce greenhouse gases and resilience will be improved in remote areas. 
    Tū Mai Rā Energy is also providing employment and upskilling opportunities for locals, bringing more benefits to the community. Tū Mai Rā is an excellent application, which is portrayed by its achievement as the winners of the Tai Tokerau Māori Business Merit Award and receiving highly commended in the climate change category as well.
    Company director Ella Te Huia says keeping true to yourselves and what you believe in is the right thing to do.
    Patuharakeke Te Iwi Trust – Te Pou Taiao; environmental action to address climate change.
    Te Pou Taiao o Patuharakake (TPT) is preparing and supporting its people to adapt to a changing climate by equipping them with the tools and strategies to do so. 
    TPT has harnessed technology to begin to address the climate crisis and has developed a climate change risk assessment tool to visually illustrate the risks to Patuharekeke rohe. The toolbox features sea level rise modelling and identifies coastal flood hazard zones and erosion prone land. 
    The toolbox will be used to inform the Patuharakeke Hapū Environmental Management Plan (which is currently in its draft phase), incorporating both mātauranga Māori and western science within mitigation, adaptation and resilience strategies. 
    The levels of community engagement are excellent and its passion shines through in the application. Its approach to developing climate resilience through holistic thinking is impressive.
    Trust pou hautu Juliane Chetham says the trust has a fantastic team and sees a lot of young rangatahi taking a leadership role which is appropriate in the climate change arena.
    Highly commended in this category was Tū Mai Rā Energy Northland. 
    Piroa Conservation Trust; winner Kiwi Coast Special Award.
    Piroa Conservation Trust is a collaborative, forward thinking group which incorporates hapū, schools, community, DOC, businesses and a team of volunteers.
    A strong governance has helped guide direction to become a broad conservation group at the southern area of Northland. The vision for expansion of pest control and kiwi habitat will help the long-term survival of kiwi in Te Tai Tokerau, Northland.
    Project Island Song was highly commended in this category. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SOPA Announces the Winners of its 2025 Awards for Editorial Excellence

    Source: Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA)

    Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain delivered the keynote address about image, voice and trust in the age of AI

    HONG KONG, June 26, 2025 – The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA), a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organization dedicated to encouraging the highest standards in journalism, announced the winners of its prestigious annual Awards for Editorial Excellence. (full list of winners also available here:

    https://sopawards.com/the-sopa-awards/award-winners/)

    The awards recognize outstanding journalistic work from the past year in the Asia-Pacific region and were given out at a celebratory dinner in Hong Kong on Thursday June 26, marking the 27th consecutive year of the awards.

    Global, regional/local, and Chinese-language media outlets submitted more than 700 entries in 21 categories including Bahasa Indonesia, which has been part of the lineup for the past three years.

    Submissions from regional and local publications rose substantially from a year earlier, showing the growing voices of smaller publications around the region. To help showcase grassroots coverage, SOPA offered reduced entry fees to small media outlets and first-time entrants from a dozen countries and regions. Several took home prizes including Mekong Eye, which won the top regional/local award in Investigative Reporting for Cattle Hustle, and Hong Kong’s HK Feature got Honorable Mention in the Chinese-language Feature Writing category for ‘Democracy pineapple’ caught in political dilemma across the Taiwan Strait. Philippine Center for Investigative Journalism won the top regional/local award in Explanatory Reporting for Renewed Attention on Political Dynasties in the Philippines.

    China’s economy and tensions with the U.S. over technology continued to be a focus, while brewing issues on a number of fronts sparked an increase in India-related entries.

    Here are some highlights:

    EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING ON WOMEN’S ISSUES

    The New York Times with The Fuller Project won the top global award for The Brutality of Sugar, with judges calling it an “eye-opening” account “revealing the horrendous conditions facing women in India’s sugar industry.”

    The Wire won the top regional/local award for Breaking The Nets, which the judges said offered “a fascinating insight into the knock-on effects of India’s patriarchal society” and how women contend with them.EXCELLENCE IN AUDIO REPORTING

    Mongabay won the top regional/local award for Wild Frequencies: How listening to India’s animals inspires people to protect wildlife, which judges praised as showing how sounds are a clue to “whether an ecosystem is healthy or imperiled.”

    EXCELLENCE IN HUMAN RIGHTS REPORTING

    The Collective HK won the top Chinese-language award for Five Years After Anti-Extradition Law Amendment Bill Movement: How are they?, which focused on four personalities in the 2019 social movement in Hong Kong and the judges said is “full of drama” without “emotive writing.”

    EXCELLENCE IN FEATURE WRITING

    The Australian Financial Review won the top regional/local award for Inside the ‘unending chaos’ at Andrew Forrest’s Fortescue, which the judges called “an impressive portrait” of an Australian businessman involved in tackling climate change.

    Initium Media won the top Chinese-language group award for Chinese Fighting for Russia: Money, Thrill and Becoming Influencers, which the judges noted had “sparked significant attention and discussion.”

    EXCELLENCE IN TECHNOLOGY REPORTING

    Nikkei Asia won the top global award for China’s tech industry fights back, which the judges called “a well-reported exploration of China’s drive for tech primacy in the face of U.S. restrictions.”

    EXCELLENCE IN ARTS AND CULTURE REPORTING

    The Economist’s 1843 Magazine won the top global award for How I became the Taliban’s portrait artist, which the judges called “a gripping account” of how the author’s own kidnapping in Afghanistan showed an unexpected side of today’s Taliban.

    EXCELLENCE IN REPORTING BREAKING NEWS

    Reuters won the top global and regional/local award for South Korea’s martial law crisis, which judges said, “kept global audiences informed about one of the biggest breaking stories last year.”EXCELLENCE IN OPINION WRITING

    Singapore’s The Straits Times won the regional/local award for No country for young men: Where is Malaysia’s next generation of leaders? The judges said it “demystifies the complex web of personalities shaping Malaysian politics.”

    The judges selected Qianer Liu of The Information for the SOPA Award for Young Journalist citing her “unique insights into the tech competition between the U.S. and China.”

    The Wall Street Journal won the coveted SOPA Award for Public Service Journalism for A Vicious New Scam Industry Metastasizes that detailed the brutal reality of the global criminal enterprise of “pig butchering” cyber fraud.

    “Congratulations to all the winners, honorable mentions and finalists,” said Bill Ridgers, Asia Digital Editor at The Economist and Co-Chair of SOPA’s Editorial Committee. “The high quality of entries for the SOPA 2025 awards is proof that the media continues to perform a critical role in informing readers in Asia Pacific and elsewhere about this region and helping shape public discourse.”

    SOPA would like to thank Bloomberg’s Mishal Husain who spoke on image, voice and trust in the age of AI. Her keynote address will be available on SOPA’s YouTube channel from 28 June, 2025. (link: https://www.youtube.com/@sopaasia)

    We also extend thanks to our nearly 120 volunteer judges and to Karen Koh for being our Master of Ceremonies, and to the University of Hong Kong’s Journalism and Media Studies Centre, which has administered the awards since 2011.

    Critical to presenting the awards are our sponsors. Factiva is an Associate Sponsor and Telum Media is a Supporting Partner.

    Awards Ceremony Dinner photos can be accessed here:

    https://sopawards.com/awards-dinner-photos/

    About SOPA

    The Society of Publishers in Asia (SOPA) is a Hong Kong-based not-for-profit organization that was founded in 1982 to champion freedom of the press, promote excellence in journalism and endorse best practices for all local and regional publishing platforms in the Asia-Pacific region.

    Today, SOPA is the voice of Asia’s media and publishing industry, and continues to work to uphold media standards and freedoms while celebrating and supporting professional journalism and publishing. The SOPA Awards for Editorial Excellence are the annual,flagship awards, serving as a regional benchmark for quality, professional journalism and have been given out every year since 1999.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Receives Phone Call from Indian Minister of External Affairs

    Source: Government of Qatar

    Doha, June 26, 2025

    HE Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al-Thani received a phone call Thursday from HE Minister of External Affairs of the Republic of India Dr. Subrahmanyam Jaishankar

    The call dealt with discussing bilateral cooperation between the two countries and means to support and enhance them. The call also dealt with regional developments, in addition to a number of issues of joint interest. 

    During the call, HE the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs affirmed that the State of Qatar will continue to deal with all developments wisely, within the framework of its full commitment to the principle of good neighborliness and the promotion of security and stability in the region.

    He stressed the need for concerted regional and international efforts to de-escalate and resolve disputes through diplomatic means. 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Australia – Australia’s set to accept its one millionth refugee – AMES

    Source: AMES

    Sometime, probably around October this year, a person will step off aircraft somewhere in Australia in the last stage of their journey way from conflict or persecution.

    This person will be the one millionth refugee settled in Australia since the end of World War II.

    The Department of Home Affairs says Australia has successfully settled more than 985,000 refugees and humanitarian entrants since the country’s first humanitarian intake occurred in 1947.

    With 20,000 refugee places currently allocated for each financial year, the million milestone is due to be reached in the early months of the 2025-26 financial year.

    Based on these figures, it is expected the one-millionth arrival to occur sometime between September and November 2025.

    The milestone represents a million individual journeys toward refuge and a million stories of people rebuilding their lives in safety with hope for the future.

    Since the 1930s, Australia has welcomed refugees fleeing global conflicts — from Jewish refugees before and after World War Two, to Southeast Asians after the Vietnam War.

    Following World War Two, Australia entered formal agreements with international bodies to accept displaced people from Europe.

    In November 1947, more than 800 people from Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania arrived in Fremantle. They were the first of 170,000 displaced persons resettled in Australia after World War Two.

    Later decades saw more structured resettlement, particularly in response to major global conflicts.

    Over the past 40 years, Australia has continued to resettle people from conflict-riven regions, including the Southeast Asia the Middle East, Africa and Myanmar.

    Today, refugees from Ukraine, Afghanistan, Venezuela, Iraq, Syria, Myanmar and countries in the Horn of Africa continue to arrive under the humanitarian program.

    In two recent emergency situations, Australia evacuated 4100 refugees from Afghanistan following the return of the Taliban to power in 2021 and around 4,000 Ukrainians, mostly women and children, who initially arrived on tourist visas after the Russian invasion are new transitioning to permanent protection visas.

    CEO of AMES Australia Cath Scarth said the million-refugee mark was a reflection of Australia’s proud history of affording refugee to people fleeing war, conflict or persecution.

    “Australia has a generous and sophisticated refugee settlement program that not only offers refuge to people fleeing war or persecution but also equips them to build successful lives and become contributors,” Ms Scarth said.

    “We are an example to the world at a time when more than 122 million people are displaced due to war, conflict or persecution,” she said.

    Australia is a leading refugee resettlement country, ranking among the top few resettlement countries on a per capita basis.

    The United States has historically accepted the greatest number of refugees, but its program has recently been effectively shuttered by the Trump administration, meaning the loss of 100,000 annual resettlement places.

    Among refugees who have come to Australia in recent years are:

    Iraqi doctor Asseel Yako who, in his homeland, tended to battlefield wounds suffered by soldiers or militia members fighting ISIS or patching up women children horrifically injured in explosions of gunfire.

    Ten years later he is still saving lives working a consultant physician, specialising in internal medicine at Warragul Hospital, in Gippsland, Victoria.

    The job is the culmination of years of hard work, striving to get his qualifications recognised in Australia.

    He had studied and worked as a doctor for almost twenty years before arriving in Australia, but he was forced to jump through extraordinary hoops to be able practice medicine again.

    Cambodian refugee Chan Uoy has helped breathe new life into the struggling regional town of Dimboola, in Victoria’s west.

    Chan has opened the Dimboola Imaginarium, an eclectic and exotic gift shop and Air BnB recently featured in the high-end magazine Conde Nast Traveller. Chan has also recently become the deputy mayor of the local Hindmarsh Shire.

    The Dimboola Imaginarium is a stimulating space with a cornucopia of exotic wares, including an almost life-size giraffe, oversize world globes, and colourfully painted rocking horses. The five Air BB bedrooms have differing but exotic and indulgent décor.

    He has also launched the Wimmera Steampunk Festival, which this year is expected to attract 5000 visitors to the town.

    Young soccer star Yaya Dukuly is the embodiment of refugee aspiration and success.

    The 22-year-old Adelaide United soccer star was born into a refugee family in Guinea. His father is a Liberian and his mother is from Guinea.

    Yaya arrived in Australia with his family as a child and grew up in Adelaide. Now a professional footballer and Australian under-23 representative, he is also an emerging community leader and role model.

    Yaya brought is powerful and authentic new voice in the multicultural sector, supporting newly arrived refugees and advocating for their communities.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Climate Report – Global Drought Hotspots Report Catalogs Severe Suffering, Economic Damage

    Source: United Nations – Convention to Combat Desertification

    Food, water, energy crises, human tragedies in 2023-2025 detailed in sweeping analysis by U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification.

    Fuelled by climate change and relentless pressure on land and water resources, some of the most widespread and damaging drought events in recorded history have taken place since 2023, according to a UN-backed report launched today.

    Prepared by the U.S. National Drought Mitigation Center (NDMC) and the UN Convention to Combat Desertification (UNCCD), with support from the International Drought Resilience Alliance (IDRA), the report “Drought Hotspots Around the World 2023-2025” provides a comprehensive account of how droughts compound poverty, hunger, energy insecurity, and ecosystem collapse.

    Says UNCCD Executive Secretary Ibrahim Thiaw: “Drought is a silent killer. It creeps in, drains resources, and devastates lives in slow motion. Its scars run deep.”

    “Drought is no longer a distant threat,” he adds. “It is here, escalating, and demands urgent global cooperation. When energy, food, and water all go at once, societies start to unravel. That’s the new normal we need to be ready for.”

    “This is not a dry spell,” says Dr. Mark Svoboda, report co-author and NDMC Founding Director. “This is a slow-moving global catastrophe, the worst I’ve ever seen. This report underscores the need for systematic monitoring of how drought affects lives, livelihoods, and the health of the ecosystems that we all depend on.”

    “The Mediterranean countries represent canaries in the coal mine for all modern economies,” he adds. “The struggles experienced by Spain, Morocco and Türkiye to secure water, food, and energy under persistent drought offer a preview of water futures under unchecked global warming. No country, regardless of wealth or capacity, can afford to be complacent.”

    A wide-ranging crisis

    The new report synthesizes information from hundreds of government, scientific and media sources to highlight impacts within the most acute drought hotspots in Africa (Somalia, Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, Malawi, Botswana, Namibia), the Mediterranean (Spain, Morocco, Türkiye), Latin America (Panama, Amazon Basin), Southeast Asia, and beyond.

    Africa: 

    • Over 90 million people across Eastern and Southern Africa face acute hunger. Some areas have been enduring their worst ever recorded drought.
    • Southern Africa, already drought-prone, was devastated with roughly 1/6th of the population (68 million) needing food aid in August 2024. 
    • In Ethiopia, Zimbabwe, Zambia, and Malawi, maize and wheat crops have failed repeatedly. In Zimbabwe alone, the 2024 corn crop was down 70% year on year, and maize prices doubled while 9,000 cattle died of thirst and starvation. 
    • In Somalia, the government estimated 43,000 people died in 2022 alone due to drought-linked hunger. As of early 2025, 4.4 million people – a quarter of the population – face crisis-level food insecurity, including 784,000 expected to reach emergency levels.
    • Zambia suffered one of the world’s worst energy crises as the Zambezi River in April 2024 plummeted to 20% of its long-term average. The country’s largest hydroelectric plant, the Kariba Dam, fell to 7% generation capacity, causing blackouts of up to 21 hours per day and shuttering hospitals, bakeries, and factories.

    Mediterranean:

    • Spain: Water shortages hit agriculture, tourism, and domestic supply. By September 2023, two years of drought and record heat caused a 50% drop in Spain’s olive crop, causing its olive oil prices to double across the country. 
    • Morocco: The sheep population was 38% smaller in 2025 relative to 2016, prompting a royal plea to cancel traditional Eid sacrifices.
    • Türkiye: Drought accelerated groundwater depletion, triggering sinkholes that present hazards to communities and their infrastructure while permanently reducing aquifer storage capacity.

    Latin America:

    • Amazon Basin: Record-low river levels in 2023 and 2024 led to mass deaths of fish and endangered dolphins, and disrupted drinking water and transport for hundreds of thousands. As deforestation and fires intensify, the Amazon risks transitioning from a carbon sink to a carbon source.
    • Panama Canal: Water levels dropped so low that transits were slashed by over one-third (from 38 to 24 ships daily between October 2023 and January 2024), causing major global trade disruptions. Facing multi-week delays, many ships were rerouted to longer, costlier paths via the Suez Canal or South Africa’s infamous Cape of Good Hope. Among the knock-on effects, U.S. soybean exports slowed, and UK grocery stores reported shortages and rising prices of fruits and vegetables.

    Southeast Asia:

    • Drought disrupted production and supply chains of key crops such as rice, coffee, and sugar. In 2023-2024, dry conditions in Thailand and India, for example, triggered shortages leading to a 8.9% increase in the price of sugar in the US.

    “A Perfect Storm” of El Niño and climate change

    The 2023–2024 El Niño event amplified already harsh climate change impacts, triggering dry conditions across major agricultural and ecological zones. Drought’s impacts hit hardest in climate hotspots, regions already suffering from warming tr

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NEA to recognize nine extraordinary individuals and organizations with its highest honor

    Source: US National Education Union

    Washington – For their exemplary work as advocates in, and outside of, their communities, nine extraordinary individuals and organizations will receive NEA’s highest and most prestigious award, the Human and Civil Rights (HRC) Awards, on July 2, at the Oregon Convention Center, in Portland, Ore.

    The theme of the 58th annual award dinner is “Building a Legacy for Collective Freedom: A Celebration of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion,” a timely acknowledgement of the current administration’s attempts to roll back progress on DEI initiatives, and more importantly, a recognition to the accomplishments of this year’s recipients.

    In 1966, the NEA and the American Teachers Association (ATA), a union for Black teachers at segregated schools in the south, merged into one organization. To carry on with the ATA tradition of honoring leaders of the civil rights movement, the NEA continued to sponsor the HRC awards ceremonies, holding the first award dinner of the merged Association in 1967.

    “This year’s recipients of the NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards are not just meeting the moment—they are redefining it,” said NEA President Becky Pringle. “They’re giving voice to the unheard, breaking barriers, defending the truth of our shared history, and preparing the activists of tomorrow to shine the light across the country. By standing firm against attacks on public education and rooting their deeds and actions in racial and social justice, they are reigniting the promise of democracy—one classroom at a time, one school at a time, one community at a time.”

    Meet the 2025 NEA Human and Civil Rights Awards Recipients

    These NEA allies and partners received HCR awards for leading with courage, creativity, and commitment to advancing social and racial justice:

    A Modern Day MLK

    Leshun “Ship” Collins dedicates his time at Orange High School in Pepper Pike, Ohio to more than just his role as a health and physical education instructor. He has spent the past two decades mentoring young African American men to see their full potential in spite of typical societal perceptions by connecting their pride in their identity to academic achievement.

    The Male Minority Leadership Group, an afterschool mentorship program Collins created, offers a safe space young Black men to bond over their commonalities and embrace their differences. He hopes that they will learn to take control of their destiny through his program.

    As a board member of the Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Collin is also dedicated to respecting and protecting women. His initiative, the White Ribbon Campaign, focuses on the issue of domestic abuse. Collins uses his allyship to support women by raising awareness and advocating for gender equality.

    Collins is the recipient of the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Award, a fitting honor for the community activist.

    Teaching Her Story So It’s Never Repeated

    Holocaust survivor and educator Maude Dahme is committed to teaching young people to stand up for what they believe in. Her own education as a child was interrupted when the German occupation of Holland ordered her and her family into a detention center.

    In 1950, Dahme immigrated to New Jersey, where she started her teaching career. For twenty years, Dahme was a member of the New Jersey Board of Education. For five of those years, she served as president and used her leadership role to implement Holocaust education into the curriculum. As a New Jersey Education Association member, she spends her summers at teacher seminars and visiting concentration camps around the world.

    Dahne is the embodiment of the word “resilient.” Her decision to use her story to teach the younger generation how to accept differences so that the history she teaches them is never repeated is why she was chosen as the recipient of the Dorros Peace and International Understanding Award.

    Breaking Glass Ceilings

    Marissa Winmill, one of the nation’s most influential figures in advancing academic opportunities for young women, strives to create future female icons. Her unrelenting will to break barriers for young women is why she is the recipient of the Mary Hatwood Futrell Award.

    Her position as a board member for the Washington Professional Educator Standards Board has allowed her to propose policies to benefit both female instructors and their students. While teaching at Washington’s Kent-Meridian High School, Winmill started a Girls Who Code club, giving female students access to tools needed to succeed in STEM fields.

    Her initiatives ensure that teenage girls are never denied access to the opportunities they need to reach their full potential show that she is following in the footsteps of former NEA President Mary Hatwood Futrell.

    The Activists of Today and Tomorrow

    Marta Silva is the recipient of the George I. Sánchez Memorial Award. In her role as a heritage language instructor at Olathe North High School in Kentucky and as the creator of the Heritage Language program, an initiative in her district to level the playing field for Hispanic students by promoting translation and interpretation skills, and career training practices, she empowers Latino students to pursue higher education and push through barriers.

    Elise Carter, one of the few African American educators in her district, in Fort Thomas, Kentucky, is carrying on the “Father of Black History’s” mission to advance African American culture, which has earned her the Carter G. Woodson Memorial Award. Carter created an innovative Social Equity course and stood firm when community leaders criticized it as critical race theory. Through years of persistence, she ensured that Black history and principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion remained part of her district’s curriculum.

    Jesús Valle is the recipient of the Wilma Mankiller Memorial Award. Through his work as a tenured professor of Native American Studies at Sacramento’s American River College, as well as his initiative of creating the Native Resource Center for Northern California Indigenous youth, he has advocated for inclusivity, pride and dignity, strengthening Native communities.

    The Showing Up for Education-Kansas City, Education Core (SURJ-KC) is an organization that consists of locally-based white educators in Kansas City seeking to educate themselves on the effects racism and white supremacy has on the public school system. SURJ-KC also creates space in its community for other individuals to gain an understanding of racial injustices by hosting public forums and panel discussions led by diverse speakers. SURJ-KC exemplifies the true allyship that is needed to dismantle harmful systems and ideologies, earning it the H. Councill Trenholm Memorial Award.

    The Mississippi Minority Farmers Alliance of North Mississippi (MMFA) is the recipient of the Reg Weaver Human and Civil Rights Award. Founded by a small group of Black farmers, the MMFA has supported marginalized farmers and brought equity to the world of agriculture.

    As the most developed school in the United States to teach an Indigenous language, Ke Kula ‘O Nāwahīokalani ‘Ōpu ‘U Iki Public Charter School is making a way for Asian American and Pacific Islander youth to embrace their culture by keeping the Hawai’ian language alive. Because of the school’s commitment to reject attempts of assimilation and instead celebrate their students’ Hawai’ian identities, it is the recipient of the Ellison S. Onizuka Memorial Award.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jennifer Parker, Adjunct Fellow, Naval Studies at UNSW Canberra, and Expert Associate, National Security College, Australian National University

    After lobbying by US President Donald Trump, NATO leaders have promised to boost annual defence spending to 5% of their countries’ gross domestic product (GDP) by 2035.

    A NATO statement released this week said:

    United in the face of profound security threats and challenges, in particular the long-term threat posed by Russia to Euro-Atlantic security and the persistent threat of terrorism, allies commit to invest 5% of GDP annually on core defence requirements as well as defence-and security-related spending by 2035.

    This development comes at a tricky time for the Albanese government. It has so far batted away suggestions Australia should increase its defence spending from current levels of around 2% of gross domestic product (GDP), or almost A$59 billion per year (and projected to reach 2.33% of GDP by 2033–34). Trump has called on Australia to increase this to about 3.5%.

    With this NATO agreement, global security deteriorating and defence capability gaps obvious, pressure is mounting on the Australian government to increase defence spending further.

    Pressure from Trump

    A long‑time critic of NATO, Trump and his key officials have castigated NATO’s readiness and spending.

    Meanwhile, Russia’s war on Ukraine, now in its fourth year, and a spate of suspected Russian sabotage across Europe have sharpened concerns about allied preparedness.

    Against this backdrop, the NATO summit saw Trump publicly reaffirms US commitment to the alliance, and European members pledged to lift defence spending.

    What exactly did NATO promise and why?

    The headlines say NATO members agreed to increase annual defence spending to 5% of GDP by 2035.

    In fact, the actual agreement is more nuanced.

    The summit communique, notably shorter than in previous years, broke the pledge down into two parts.

    The first is 3.5% of GDP on what is considered traditional defence spending: ships, tanks, bullets, people and so on.

    The second part – the remaining 1.5% of GDP – is to

    protect our critical infrastructure, defend our networks, ensure our civil preparedness and resilience, unleash innovation, and strengthen our defence industrial base.

    Exactly what strategic resilience initiatives this money will be spent on is up to the individual member nation.

    It might be tempting to paint NATO’s commitment to increased defence spending as evidence of European NATO partners bowing to US political pressure.

    But it’s more than that. It is a direct response to the increased threat posed by Russia to Europe, and perhaps an insurance policy against any doubts European NATO partners may have about the US reliability and enduring commitment to the 76-year-old alliance between the US and Europe.

    However, not all countries are keen on the defence spending commitment, with notable reservations from Spain and Belgium.

    These two countries are yet to meet NATO’s 2014 commitment to spend 2% of GDP on defence.

    What’s all this mean for Australia?

    The commitment to hike NATO defence spending will have an indirect impact on Australia’s own beleaguered defence spending debate.

    As mentioned, Australia’s main strategic ally – the US – has pressured Australia to hike defence spending to 3.5% of GDP, up from around 2.02% of GDP this financial year (which the government projects will reach 2.33% by 2033–34).

    Australia is not the only Indo-Pacific partner being pushed to spend more on defence. Japan is too.

    This is consistent with US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth’s Shangri-La speech in May, when he urged Asian allies to step up on defence spending, pointing to Europe as the model.

    The NATO announcement will likely embolden the US to apply greater pressure on the Australia to increase defence spending.

    Trump’s strategy towards NATO has clearly been to sow ambiguity in the minds of European countries as to the US’ commitment to NATO, to get them to come to the table on defence spending.

    This may well be a future Australia faces, too. It could mean a bumpy road ahead for Australia and its most crucial alliance partner.

    Where to from here?

    Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has said Australia will determine its own level of defence spending, and that arbitrary GDP limits are unhelpful. Defence spending, he argues, should be based on capability needs, not demands from allies.

    And he is right, to a point.

    That said, allies have a right to have an expectation all parties in the alliance are holding up their end of the bargain.

    Australian defence spending should be based on the capabilities it needs to resource its stated defence strategy and defend its core interests. Currently, in my view, Australia’s defence capability does not match its current strategy.

    There are clear gaps in Australia’s defence capabilities, including:

    • its aged naval capability
    • a lack of mine warfare, replenishment and survey capabilities
    • a limited ability to protect critical infrastructure against missile attack
    • space capabilities.

    These are key risks, at the moment of possibly most significant strategic circumstances since the second world war.

    In the event of a major crisis or conflict in the region, Australia would not presently be able to defend itself for a prolonged period. To address this requires structural reform and defence investment.

    In response to this week’s NATO announcement, Defence Minister Richard Marles said:

    We have gone about the business of not chasing a number, but thinking about what is our capability need, and then resourcing it.

    During the election campaign both the prime minister and defence minister left the door open to increasing defence spending.

    The real unknown is how long it will take to make it happen, and how much damage it may do in the meantime to Australia’s relationship with the US and overall defence-preparedness.

    Jennifer Parker is affiliated with UNSW Canberra and ANU’s National Security College.

    – ref. NATO’s 5% of GDP defence target ramps up pressure on Australia to spend vastly more – https://theconversation.com/natos-5-of-gdp-defence-target-ramps-up-pressure-on-australia-to-spend-vastly-more-259886

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces Risk Rating Changes, Annual Management Fee Reductions and Commencement of Securities Lending Transactions

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (“BlackRock”) (NYSE:BLK) today announced updates to the investment risk ratings of certain iShares exchange-traded funds (“iShares ETFs”), a reduction to the annual management fees of certain iShares ETFs, and the commencement of securities lending transactions of certain iShares ETFs, as further described below.

    Risk Rating Changes

    BlackRock Canada announces updated investment risk ratings of the iShares ETFs listed below, effective as of June 26, 2025:

    iShares ETF Name Ticker Previous Risk Rating Updated Risk Rating
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDU Medium to Low Medium
    iShares Japan Fundamental Index Fund (CAD-Hedged) CJP Medium to High Medium
    iShares US Fundamental Index ETF(2) CLU Medium Medium to High
           

    (1) This investment risk rating change only applies to the Canadian dollar units (XDU) and not to the U.S. dollar units (XDU.U).
    (2) This investment risk rating change only applies to the hedged units (CLU) and not to the non-hedged units (CLU.C).

    Annual Management Fee Reductions

    BlackRock Canada has reduced the annual management fees of the iShares ETFs listed below, effective as of July 2, 2025:

    iShares ETF Name Ticker Current Management Fee New Management Fee
    iShares 0-5 TIPS Bond Index ETF XSTP, XSTP.U 0.15% 0.10%
    iShares 0-5 TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSTH 0.15% 0.10%
           

    Securities Lending Transactions

    BlackRock Canada also announces that it may engage in securities lending transactions (the “Transactions”) from time to time for iShares Bitcoin ETF (“IBIT”) in compliance with applicable securities laws.  This is a standard practice for many Canadian iShares ETFs.

    BlackRock Canada is issuing this announcement to provide 60 days’ prior written notice to unitholders of IBIT that IBIT may enter into the Transactions on or after August 25, 2025.

    The prospectus of IBIT dated June 26, 2025, discloses additional information regarding the Transactions, including the policies related to engaging in the Transactions and the related risks.

    About BlackRock

    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate.

    About iShares

    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (“ETFs”) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares ETFs are managed by BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”), which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock on behalf of the applicable ETFs. The Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock and the applicable ETFs. The ETFs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in the ETFs.

    MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETFs are permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.

    ©2025 BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited. All rights reserved. iSHARES and BLACKROCK are registered trademarks of BlackRock, Inc., or its subsidiaries in the United States and elsewhere. Used with permission.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: DRML Miner Launches Cloud-Based XRP Mining Contracts to Empower Global Crypto Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —

    DRML Miner, the revolutionary digital mining ecosystem has announced the commencing of its XRP cloud mining service which is being offered through DRML Miner. This milestone illustrates a broader trend toward increasing XRP accessibility (in response to growing demand from traders and other users). With those barriers out of the way — no costly miners, no complex setups, and no sky-high power bills — DRML Miner is enabling users around the world to mine XRP far more efficiently and safely.

    A Timely Initiative Amid XRP’s Market Volatility

    As the consistent use case of XRP in blockchain-financial services continues to grow, its value has fluctuated through ups and downs. Investors, more so than ever before, are actively seeking reliable and consistent alternatives to buying XRP without the risk associated with trading volatility.

    DRML Miner answers this call by offering cloud mining contracts that provide consistent earnings over time. Users can generate XRP from anywhere in the world without needing specialized knowledge or physical equipment. The cloud model opens up XRP participation to beginners, long-term holders, and even institutions looking to diversify their crypto strategies.

    How DRML Miner Makes XRP Mining Accessible

    In a nutshell, this is why DRML Miner appeals to people. The process for acquiring XRP through DRML Miner is so simple. After registering, a users selects a mining contract from the available offers and begins earning XRP immediately. Everything is so simple and natural too — for example, even first-time crypto users are already accustomed to interacting with a web-based dashboard that guides their experience without requiring special knowledge.

    Key Features of the DRML Miner Platform:

    Immediate Activation: Start mining within minutes of selecting a contract.

    Real-Time Dashboard; Easy access to track crypto earnings, mining performance and contracts.

    No Maintenance; Everything is run with efficiency in the cloud, so no hardware is managed by the user.

    Global Access; Open to anyone in a region free from restrictions, almost anyone across continents.

    24/7 Operations: Cloud servers operate continuously for consistent performance.

    This no-fuss approach helps make crypto mining more inclusive, particularly for users in areas where mining equipment is scarce or prohibitively expensive.

    Sustainable and Scalable Mining Infrastructure

    DRML Miner’s back-end system is a modern cloud architecture that is hosted in secure, energy-efficient data centers. The modern cloud architecture supports scaling operations while remaining perpetual in uptime, efficiency, and sustainability.

    The company is also committed to eco-conscious mining by using energy sources created to minimize environmental impact—one of the ongoing considerations around the carbon footprint of crypto operations. This blend of technology and responsibility puts DRML Miner ahead of many mining services still reliant on outdated, energy-intensive systems.

    The Rise of Alternative Crypto Strategies

    Many crypto investors today are shifting away from active trading and speculation toward passive income strategies. Cloud mining is one such method that offers predictable rewards without market timing or emotional decision-making.

    With DRML Miner’s XRP contracts, users can grow their portfolios gradually and securely. They don’t need to monitor price charts, execute trades, or understand blockchain coding. The system runs automatically, and XRP is credited consistently based on the mining contract.

    This makes DRML Miner a compelling option for those who want to gain exposure to XRP with minimal involvement or risk.

    Global Reception and Early Adoption

    Since its public launch, DRML Miner has reported a steady increase in registrations and mining contract activations. Crypto users from North America, Asia, Europe, and Africa have shown keen interest, especially due to the platform’s ease of use and transparent structure.

    While most cloud mining platforms continue to focus on Bitcoin or Ethereum, DRML Miner’s focus on XRP is a bold but strategic move. XRP’s speed, low transaction costs, and practical applications in global finance make it an ideal candidate for accessible cloud mining.

    Looking Ahead: Continuous Development at DRML Miner

    The team behind DRML Miner has shared that additional features are in development. These include enhancements to the user dashboard, flexible contract upgrades, and support for mining additional cryptocurrencies in future platform updates.

    This ongoing innovation shows that DRML Miner is not only launching a timely solution, but also planning for long-term relevance in the rapidly changing digital asset landscape.

    About DRML Miner

    DRML Miner is a cryptocurrency cloud mining company committed to providing secure, user-friendly, and globally accessible digital asset mining services. The platform focuses on simplifying mining for everyone—regardless of experience level or location. With the launch of its XRP mining contracts, DRML Miner is helping users participate in blockchain-based income generation without traditional limitations.

    For more information, visit: https://drmlminers.com

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

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Westport to Issue Q2 2025 Financial Results on August 11, 2025 and Provides an Update on the Divestment of the Light-Duty Segment

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Westport Fuel Systems Inc. (TSX: WPRT / Nasdaq: WPRT) (“Westport” or “The Company”) announces that the Company will release Q2 2025 financial results on Monday, August 11, 2025, after market close. A conference call and webcast to discuss the financial results and other corporate developments will be held on Tuesday, August 12, 2025.

    Time: 10:00 a.m. ET (7:00 a.m. PT)
    Call Link: https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI842f3b76bd5b44c7aee3e609a6cc77b3
    Webcast: https://investors.westport.com

    Participants may register up to 60 minutes before the event by clicking on the call link and completing the online registration form. Upon registration, the user will receive dial-in info and a unique PIN, along with an email confirming the details.

    The webcast will be archived on Westport’s website and a replay will be available at https://investors.westport.com

    Light-Duty Divestment Transaction Update

    Westport today reaffirms its commitment to the pending sale of its Light-Duty Segment to a wholly-owned investment vehicle of Heliaca Investments Coöperatief U.A. (“Heliaca Investments”), a Netherlands based investment firm supported by Ramphastos Investments Management B.V. a prominent Dutch venture capital and private equity firm (the “Transaction”), first announced in March 2025. The closing of the Transaction is now expected to occur in July 2025, slightly later than originally anticipated. The revised timeline reflects an updated regulatory review process. The Company continues to work closely with all parties as the remaining conditions to close are finalized.

    About Westport Fuel Systems

    At Westport Fuel Systems, we are driving innovation to power a cleaner tomorrow. We are a leading supplier of advanced fuel delivery components and systems for clean, low-carbon fuels such as natural gas, renewable natural gas, propane, and hydrogen to the global transportation industry. Our technology delivers the performance and fuel efficiency required by transportation applications and the environmental benefits that address climate change and urban air quality challenges. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, with operations in Europe, Asia, North America, and South America, we serve our customers in approximately 70 countries with leading global transportation brands. At Westport Fuel Systems, we think ahead. For more information, visit www.westport.com.

    Investor Inquiries:
    Investor Relations
    T: +1 604-718-2046
    E: invest@westport.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Wyden, Colleagues Slam Republicans Over Gutting Tribal Energy Program and Energy Tax Credits

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Ron Wyden (D-Ore)
    June 26, 2025
    More than 100 tribes have signed onto letters calling for the Senate to protect the tribal energy programs and clean energy tax credits
    Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden, D-Ore., Martin Heinrich, D-N.M. and Brian Schatz, D-Hawai’i, today released the following statement on Republicans’ reconciliation bill that harms Tribal communities in Oregon and nationwide:
    “As extreme heat strains the grid and leaves thousands without power, Senate Republicans are pushing a bill that would hike costs and worsen energy shortages. Their plan slashes investments in the new energy sources we need to meet demand and keep prices down.”
    “The bill is particularly harmful to Tribal Nations, pulling the rug out from under projects that would strengthen their energy sovereignty and power local communities. Together, the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and our Inflation Reduction Act’s clean energy tax credits have cleared pathways and removed significant barriers for Tribes to finance and build their own resilient energy infrastructure. More than 100 Tribes have advocated to protect these programs, which are already creating high-quality jobs, increasing energy security, and building economic opportunity in Indian Country and across the nation. We are also committed to taking additional steps to level the playing field for Tribal communities and cut the red tape that has limited their access to these energy programs.”
    “The Big, Beautiful Betrayal isn’t about energy dominance or making life affordable for working families. It’s about cutting essential programs that benefit people from all walks of life to pay for tax cuts for billionaires.”
    More than 100 Tribes have signed onto letters to Wyden, Heinrich, and Schatz expressing the importance of the Tribal Energy Loan Guarantee Program and the clean energy provisions of the Inflation Reduction Act to continue empoweringTribal energy development.
    The Tribal letters are here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Public awareness campaign targets extortion threats

    Source: Government of Canada regional news

    In response to a rise in extortion threats against members of the South Asian community, BC Crime Stoppers is launching a digital media campaign to raise awareness and encourage reporting of extortion activity.

    “The recent surge in extortion threats targeting members of the South Asian community is very concerning, and we are doing everything we can to support police efforts in investigating these crimes,” said Garry Begg, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “Reporting is the most important step in stopping extortion and keeping people safe, so if you are a victim of extortion, or have any information that could help solve a crime, I urge you to contact Crime Stoppers.”

    With support from the federal government’s Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund, the B.C. government has provided $100,000 to help BC Crime Stoppers run a 60-day extortion awareness campaign. The campaign is launching Thursday, June 26, 2025, and shares important information about recognizing and reporting extortion threats, helping individuals, business owners and families stay safe and informed.

    The campaign was developed in consultation with individuals with deep knowledge of extortion, experience in policing and lived experience within the South Asian community. The goal is encouraging people to report extortion threats to help police stop those responsible. The campaign will be available in English and Punjabi, and will include advertisements on radio, podcasts, Spotify, social media and television.

    “Since 1982, BC Crime Stoppers and its local programs have offered the community an anonymous way to report criminal activity,” said Gillian Millam, executive director, BC Crime Stoppers. “In partnership with the provincial government, BC Crime Stoppers aims to educate the community on how to recognize and report cases of extortion. The primary goal of this campaign is to inform the public and help solve crime.”

    The Province continues to take action to combat serious and organized crime with more than $100 million invested annually to bolster provincial firearm forensic capabilities, strengthen gang enforcement and suppression initiatives, and support community-based prevention and intervention programs.

    Provincial efforts are supported by the federal government’s Gun and Gang Violence Action Fund, with the B.C. government receiving nearly $11 million from Public Safety Canada for the 2025-26 fiscal year. The funding will go toward anti-gang and crime initiatives throughout the province, including the Organized Crime Agency of BC, and police departments to support operations in dismantling serious and organized crime.

    Quotes:

    Chief Const. Colin Watson, Abbotsford Police Department –

    “The Abbotsford Police Department remains dedicated to safeguarding our community and local businesses from the threat of extortion. Through focused investigations, strong partnerships with other agencies, and proactive community engagement, we strive to prevent further harm and ensure those responsible are held accountable. We continue to support affected individuals and urge anyone with information related to extortion to contact their local police department.” 

    Chief Const. Harj Sidhu, Delta Police Department –

    “I want to thank the Province and BC Crime Stoppers for raising awareness about the growing issue of extortion, which has impacted the South Asian community and others. These cases are often linked to organized crime and have created real fear. Early reporting is critical. Delta Police are committed to supporting victims, working with partners, and keeping our community safe. If you receive a threat or have information, please report it. We are here to help.”

    Chief Const. Norm Lipinski, Surrey Police Service –

    “Surrey Police Service’s dedicated Extortion Investigations Team is actively working with our policing partners to identify and arrest those engaged in extortion so we can relieve victims and residents of the understandable fear that these crimes create. We remind individuals who are victims of an extortion attempt to report it to your local police as soon as possible. Every detail can help police unravel these highly complex and sophisticated investigations.”

    Chief Supt. Duncan Pound, BC RCMP Lower Mainland District –

    “The RCMP Lower Mainland District is working with municipal, provincial and federal partners to investigate and disrupt organized crime groups engaged in extortion across the region. The number of victims or complaints have spanned multiple jurisdictions and communities and therefore our investigative approach has been cross jurisdictional and collaborative, to determine any connections or similarities. While progress is being made, police continue to stress the importance of anyone impacted to come forward. The public is urged to report any instances of extortion or suspicious activity to the police, as unreported incidents can enable organized crime to continue operating.”

    Quick Facts:

    • BC Crime Stoppers is a non-profit society and registered charity that receives anonymous tip information about criminal activity and provides it to investigators.
    • Anonymous tips may be provided by contacting Crime Stoppers at 1 800 222-8477 or online at bccrimestoppers.com or https://solvecrime.ca/index.php/en/
    • BC Crime Stoppers accepts tips in a variety of languages and will pay a reward of up to $2,000 for information leading to an arrest, a charge, recovery of stolen property, seizure of illegal drugs or guns or denial of a fraudulent insurance claim.

    Learn More:

    To view the campaign webpage, visit: https://bccrimestoppers.com/extortion/

    Watch the 30-second campaign in English here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1xOhv77PTJqpHJBu1C8xbV9K0t4oQY5BG/view

    Watch the 30-second campaign in Punjabi here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1PCzPvE801NE1utwarto7y2etxtojVAdG/view

    To learn more about government’s action to combat serious and organized crime, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/releases/2024PSSG0040-000714

    Victims and their immediate family members may be eligible for benefits to support in their recovery through the Ministry’s Crime Victim Assistance Program: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/bcs-criminal-justice-system/if-you-are-a-victim-of-a-crime/victim-of-crime/financial-assistance-benefits

    To locate a victim service program in your community, contact VictimLinkBC: https://www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/justice/criminal-justice/victims-of-crime/victimlinkbc

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI: Oxley Bridge Acquisition Limited Completes $253 Million Initial Public Offering

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Vancouver, BC, June 26, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Oxley Bridge Acquisition Limited (the “Company”) announced today the closing of its initial public offering of 25,300,000 units, which includes 3,300,000 units issued pursuant to the exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option in full. The offering was priced at $10.00 per unit, resulting in gross proceeds of $253,000,000.

    The Company’s units began trading on June 25, 2025 on The Nasdaq Global Stock Market LLC (“Nasdaq”) under the ticker symbol “OBAWU.” Each unit consists of one Class A ordinary share of the Company and one-half of one redeemable warrant, with each whole warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one Class A ordinary share of the Company at an exercise price of $11.50 per share, subject to certain adjustment. No fractional warrants will be issued upon separation of the units and only whole warrants will trade. Once the securities constituting the units begin separate trading, the Class A ordinary shares and warrants are expected to be listed on Nasdaq under the symbols “OBA” and “OBAWW,” respectively.

    Of the proceeds received from the consummation of the initial public offering (including the exercise of the over-allotment option) and a simultaneous private placement of warrants, $253,000,000 (or $10.00 per unit sold in the offering) was placed in trust.

    The Company is a blank check company formed for the purpose of effecting a merger, amalgamation, share exchange, asset acquisition, share purchase, reorganization or similar business combination with one or more businesses. The Company may pursue an acquisition opportunity in any business or industry or at any stage of its corporate evolution. The Company’s primary focus, however, will be to search globally for a target with operations or prospects focusing on global consumer and technology sectors with disruptive growth potential through the use of technology that can benefit from operations in Asia, excluding the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong and Macau.

    The Company’s management team is led by Jonathan Lin, its Chief Executive Officer and Chairman of the Board of Directors (the “Board”), and Gary Chan, its Chief Financial Officer. The Board also includes Norma Chu, Enrique Gonzalez, Gan Wee Leong, and Jack Cho.

    Cantor Fitzgerald & Co. acted as sole book-running manager for the offering.

    A registration statement relating to the securities was declared effective by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”) on June 24, 2025. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such state or jurisdiction.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    This press release contains statements that constitute “forward-looking statements.” No assurance can be given that the net proceeds of the offering will be used as indicated. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus for the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. Copies of these documents are available on the SEC’s website, www.sec.gov. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Investor Contact:

    Oxley Bridge Acquisition Limited
    Jonathan Lin
    ir@oxleybridgeacquisition.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sung-Ae Lee, Lecturer, Macquarie University

    In less than a decade, Korean TV dramas (K-dramas) have transmuted from a regional industry to a global phenomenon – partly a consequence of the rise of streaming giants.

    But foreign audiences may not realise the K-dramas they’ve seen on Netflix don’t accurately represent the broader Korean TV landscape, which is much wider and richer than these select offerings.

    At the same time, there are many challenges in bringing this wide array of content to the rest of the world.

    The rise of hallyu

    Korean media was transformed during the 1990s. The end of military dictatorship led to the gradual relaxation of censorship.

    Satellite media also allowed the export of K-dramas and films to the rest of East Asia, and parts of Southeast Asia. Some of the first K-dramas to become popular overseas included What Is Love (1991–92) and Star in My Heart (1997). They initiated what would later become known as the Korean wave, or hallyu.

    The hallyu expansion continued with Winter Sonata (2003), which attracted viewers in Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. Dae Jang Geum/Jewel in the Palace (2005) resonated strongly in Chinese-speaking regions, and was ultimately exported to more than 80 countries.

    A breakthrough occurred in 2016. Netflix entered South Korea and began investing in Korean productions, beginning with Kingdom (2019–21) and Love Alarm (2019–21).

    In 2021, the global hit Squid Game was released simultaneously in 190 countries.

    But Netflix only scratches the surface

    Last year, only 20% of new K-drama releases were available on Western streaming platforms. This means global discussions about K-dramas are based on a limited subgroup of content promoted to viewers outside South Korea.

    Moreover, foreign viewers will generally evaluate this content based on Western conceptions of culture and narrative. They may, for instance, have Western preferences for genre and themes, or may disregard locally-specific contexts.

    This is partly why Korean and foreign audiences can end up with very different ideas of what “Korean” television is.

    Genres

    When a K-drama is classified as a sageuk (historical drama) but also incorporates elements of fantasy, mythology, romance, melodrama, crime fiction and/or comedy, foreign audiences may dismiss it as “genre-confused”. Or, they may praise it for its “genre-blending”.

    But the drama may not have been created with much attention to genre at all. The highly inventive world-building of pre-Netflix dramas such as Arang and the Magistrate (2012) and Guardian: The Lonely and Great God (2016) prominently feature all the aforementioned genres.

    While foreign viewers may think visual media begins with readily identifiable genres, many K-dramas aren’t produced on this premise.

    Themes

    Western viewers (and other viewers watching through a Western lens) might assume “liberal” themes such as systemic injustice, women’s rights and collusion in politics entered K-dramas as a result of Western influence. But this is a misconception.

    The emergence of such themes can be attributed to various changes in Korean society, including the easing of censorship, rapid modernisation, and the imposition of neoliberal economics by the International Monetary Fund in 1997.

    Although gender disparities still exist in South Korea, economic uncertainty and modernisation have prompted a deconstruction of patriarchal value systems. Female-centred K-dramas have been around since at least the mid-2000s, with women’s independence as a recurring theme in more recent dramas.

    Local contexts

    A major barrier to exporting K-dramas is the cultural specificity of certain elements, such as Confucian values, hierarchical family dynamics, gender codes, and Korean speech codes.

    The global success of a K-drama comes down to how well its culturally-specific elements can be adapted for different contexts and audiences.

    In some cases, these elements may be minimised, or entirely missed, by foreign viewers.

    For example, in Squid Game, the words spoken by the killer doll in the first game are subtitled as “green light, red light”. What the doll actually says is “mugunghwa-kkochi pieot-seumnida”, which is also what the game is called in Korean.

    This translates to “the mugunghwa (Rose of Saron) has bloomed”, with mugunghwa being South Korea’s national flower.

    These words, in this context, are meant to ironically redefine South Korea as a site of hopelessness and death. But the subtitles erase this double meaning.

    It’s also difficult for subtitles to reflect nuanced Korean honorific systems of address. As such, foreign viewers remain largely oblivious to the subtle power dynamics at play between characters.

    All of this leads to a kind of cultural “flattening”, shifting foreign viewers’ focus to so-called universal themes.

    A case study for global success

    Nevertheless, foreign viewers can still engage with many culturally-specific elements in K-dramas, which can also serve as cultural literacy.

    The hugely successful series Extraordinary Attorney Woo (2022) explores the personal and professional challenges faced by an autistic lawyer.

    Director Yoo In-sik described the series as distinctly Korean in both its humour and the legal system it portrays, and said he didn’t anticipate its widespread popularity.

    Following success in South Korea, the series was acquired by Netflix and quickly entered the top 10 most popular non-English language shows.

    The global appeal can be attributed to its sensitive portrayal of the protagonist, the problem-solving theme across episodes, and what Yoo describes as a kind and considerate tone. Viewers who resonate with these qualities may not even need to engage with the Korean elements.

    Many K-dramas that achieve global success also feature elements typically considered “Western”, such as zombies.

    While the overall number of zombie-themed productions is low, series and films such as Kingdom (2019–21), All of Us Are Dead (2022), Alive (2020) and Train to Busan (2016) have helped put Korean content on the map.

    One potential effect of the zombie popularity may be the displacement of Korean mythological characters, such as fox spirits, or gumiho, which have traditionally held significant narrative space.

    Shin Min-ah and Lee Seung-gi star in the acclaimed romantic comedy series My Girlfriend is a Gumiho (2010).
    IMDB

    Local production under threat

    The influence of streaming giants such as Netflix is impacting South Korea’s local production systems.

    One consequence has been a substantial increase in production costs, which local companies can’t compete with.

    The early vision of low-cost, high-return projects such as Squid Game is rapidly diminishing.

    Meanwhile, Netflix is exploring other locations, such as Japan, where dramas can be produced for about half the price of those in Korea. If this continues, the rise of Korean content may slow down.

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

    – ref. Streaming giants have helped bring Korean dramas to the world – but much is lost in translation – https://theconversation.com/streaming-giants-have-helped-bring-korean-dramas-to-the-world-but-much-is-lost-in-translation-257547

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova: Music is becoming the international language of friendship.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “These two weeks were truly exciting. The entire music community watched wonderful, talented people: which of them would become the laureates of the competition. The competition, which is being held for the second time, was born in the year of Sergei Rachmaninoff’s 150th anniversary and has now definitely entered not only our musical life, but also the musical life of the entire world,” Tatyana Golikova told journalists.

    She emphasized that the competition has become a unique launching pad for gifted, talented musicians.

    “I would like to once again congratulate the laureates and express gratitude to our international jury and the heads of the three areas: Denis Leonidovich Matsuev, who stood at the origins of the competition, Valery Abisalovich Gergiev and Alexander Vladimirovich Tchaikovsky. I am very pleased that our country has become the birthplace of new talents,” the Deputy Prime Minister noted. “We see that art knows no borders, and music is becoming an international language of friendship.”

    The II International Competition of Pianists, Composers and Conductors named after S.V. Rachmaninov was held in Moscow from June 14 to 26. Over 500 applications from 25 countries were submitted for participation. The winners were 24 artists from 8 countries – South Korea, Italy, China, Belarus, Russia, Spain, Kazakhstan and Great Britain.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –