NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21)

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    1. The 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) was held on 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia, chaired by H.E. Dr. Laksana Tri Handoko, AMMSTI Chair and Chairman of the National Research and Innovation Agency (BRIN), Indonesia. The Meeting was attended by ministers, high level representatives from all 10 ASEAN Member States, Timor-Leste and the Secretary-General of ASEAN.
     
    2. The Meeting congratulated Indonesia on successful hosting of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) and the 87th Meeting of the ASEAN Committee on Science, Technology and Innovation (COSTI-87) and related meetings, held from 16 to 20 June 2025, in Jakarta, Indonesia.
     
    Download the full statement here.
    The post Joint Media Statement of the 21st ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Science, Technology and Innovation (AMMSTI-21) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Central Asia embrace new cooperation opportunities

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

    XI’AN, June 20 — The rhythmic clatter of wheels on rail tracks echoed the fading tinkle of camel bells, heralding a renaissance of the ancient and timeless Silk Road, invigorated by blossoming cooperation between China and Central Asian countries.

    With the second China-Central Asia Summit having concluded in Astana, Kazakhstan earlier this week, both sides are seizing fresh opportunities for trade and economic cooperation, vowing to uphold multilateralism, consolidate the multilateral trading system, and deepen cooperation in key areas such as agriculture and energy.

    Since the inaugural summit held two years ago in Xi’an, a historic city in northwest China, cooperation between China and Central Asia has drawn these land-linked economies closer to each other, yielding mutually beneficial outcomes across various sectors.

    ENHANCED CONNECTIVITY

    Xi’an, once a bustling gateway to the Silk Road, is witnessing the revival of this ancient trade route, with a recently launched international tourist train service making exchanges between China and Kazakhstan easier.

    As a hallmark achievement of the 2023 summit, this 3,000-kilometer journey connects Xi’an in Shaanxi Province with Almaty, the largest city in Kazakhstan. Traversing snow-capped mountains and vast grasslands, what makes this train route truly special is the opportunities it provides for cultural and artistic exchanges between the two countries. Such cultural interactions can, notably, also translate into valuable business opportunities.

    During the train’s maiden journey in 2025, Yuan Li, head of a Xi’an-based home furnishings company, immersed herself in Central Asian culture. She drew design inspiration from Kazakh embroidery to enrich her business options, saying that her company would invite artisans from both China and Kazakhstan to co-design a Silk Road-themed home collection.

    This train route is one of many vivid examples of enhanced regional connectivity between China and Central Asian countries. In December 2024, the commencement ceremony of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway project was held in Jalalabad, Kyrgyzstan. The railway is a flagship project of the Belt and Road Initiative, serving as a strategic link between China and Central Asia.

    Once completed, the railway will become a strategic corridor benefiting all the three countries and their peoples, contributing to regional economic and social development and playing a significant role in promoting infrastructure connectivity, economic and trade exchanges, and high-quality development of the Belt and Road.

    On a broader scale, cooperation between China and Central Asia is bringing Asia and Europe closer together and at a faster pace, thanks to the China-Europe freight train service. This train service passes through cities like Almaty and Tashkent, transforming them into bustling transit hubs. It now reaches 229 cities in 26 European countries and over 100 cities in 11 Asian countries.

    Central Asia serves as a hub connecting China with the Eurasian continent, and cooperation between China and Central Asian countries has promoted connectivity in infrastructure, energy and trade, said Xu Xiaotian, a researcher with Heilongjiang University in northeast China. “Through economic integration, security collaboration and cultural exchanges, China and Central Asian nations are establishing a tighter network of cooperation,” Xu said.

    “China’s cooperation with Central Asian countries contributes to mutual development and strengthens ties in science, education, culture and socio-economic fields, which are crucial for the stability, development, well-being and prosperity of the entire region,” said Rashid Yusupov, director of the Center for Belt and Road Studies of Kyrgyz State University.

    SHARED PROSPERITY

    In March, a shipment of 16,000 apple seedlings from the city of Weinan, Shaanxi Province, entered Tajikistan through the Karasu Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang. This marked the province’s first-ever export of apple saplings to Tajikistan. Historically, Central Asia is one of the regions from which apples migrated to China.

    According to Liu Zhanyuan, an official with Xi’an customs, these saplings will be planted in an apple orchard commemorating the friendship between China and Tajikistan. The orchard is a project to implement the outcomes of the 2023 China-Central Asia Summit.

    “By sharing advanced apple cultivation techniques and management expertise with Tajikistan, the project will help local farmers improve apple yields and quality,” Liu added.

    The apple orchard project exemplifies the deepening ties between China and Central Asia, where cooperation across various sectors is translating into tangible economic benefits.

    According to China’s General Administration of Customs, China-Central Asia trade reached 94.8 billion U.S. dollars in 2024, marking an increase of 5.4 billion year on year. In the first four months of this year, bilateral trade hit 173.05 billion yuan (about 24.13 billion U.S. dollars), a 37.3-percent surge compared to the same period last year.

    China and Central Asian countries have not only seen a significant increase in trade value but also expanded their economic cooperation into various sectors — creating a comprehensive and multifaceted mutually beneficial economic relationship, Xu said.

    Looking ahead to future cooperation between China and Central Asia, Li Ziguo, an expert with the China Institute of International Studies, said that driven by a new wave of technological revolution, digital economy and e-commerce are emerging as new growth areas for bilateral economic and trade cooperation.

    Moving forward, a series of big data cooperation projects will provide a more efficient and stable network environment for information exchange and resource sharing between China and Central Asian countries, thereby further unlocking digital dividends in areas such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things and e-commerce, Li added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by FS at HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations (English only)(with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is the speech by the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan, at the HKEX 25th Anniversary Celebrations today (June 20):
     
    Deputy Director Yin Zonghua (Deputy Director of the Liaison Office of the Central People’s Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR)), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the HKSAR), Carlson (Chairman of the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited (HKEX), Mr Carlson Tong), Bonnie (Chief Executive Officer of the HKEX, Ms Bonnie Chan), Kelvin (Chairman of the Securities and Futures Commission (SFC), Dr Kelvin Wong), ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good evening. I’m delighted to be here on this special anniversary occasion. Delighted, too, that I get to strike the gong, in just a few minutes, with Carlson.
     
    First and foremost, my warmest congratulations to HKEX on its 25th anniversary. The transformation of HKEX reflects the extraordinary rise of our country and Hong Kong, over the past quarter of a century, underlining our pivotal role in supporting the opening-up of the Mainland’s financial markets.
     
    It’s a testament, too, to the bold and progressive reforms that have reshaped our listing regime. The HKEX itself is part of that reform, where the demutualisation of its predecessors and the listing of HKEX had opened up vast new horizons for growth and development. Since then, landmark initiatives such as the Connect Schemes, as well as the introduction of Chapter 18A and 18C, continue to unlock value and create fresh opportunities for market participants. 
     
    As we celebrate these and many other achievements, it is also important to look ahead. With a solid foundation built over the past 25 years, what’s next?
     
    Let us bear in mind that HKEX is far more than just another listed company. It is a cornerstone of our financial system, a trusted partner of the Government and regulators, and a key participant in safeguarding Hong Kong’s financial security and enhancing market competitiveness. In this connection, allow me to share a few observations important to the continuing success of HKEX and our financial sector.
     
    First, internationalisation. Hong Kong has long been the premier listing venue for Mainland companies. Today, nearly 60 per cent of our 2 600 listed companies are from the Mainland. They account for over 80 per cent of total market capitalisation.
     
    Amid growing geopolitical challenges, Hong Kong has become a safe harbour for international investors seeking to diversify their portfolios. With stronger market liquidity and an increasingly global investor base, HKEX can also emerge as a preferred listing platform for companies from ASEAN, the Middle East and other regions — especially those that find it challenging to access capital markets in the US or Europe.
     
    I am pleased to note that HKEX has already taken critical steps in this direction, including recognising more overseas exchanges to enable dual-primary and secondary listings. These efforts can only enhance the diversity, depth and resilience of our market.
     
    Second, embracing innovation. HKEX consistently demonstrates leadership in expanding product offerings. The development of our exchange-traded products’ market is a prime example. Since the launch of the Tracker Fund in 1999, our ETP market has grown significantly — covering a wide range of asset classes, including equities, bonds, derivatives and, most recently, digital assets. ETPs now account for over 15 per cent of total stock market turnover.
     
    The opportunities in digital assets are vast. From tokenisation and smart contracts to the trading of real-world assets — it’s a new frontier for global finance, and Hong Kong must be at the forefront.
     
    Equally promising is the development of innovative financial products to support the green transition, including carbon trading and other climate-focused instruments.
     
    Third, enhancing market infrastructure and transaction efficiency. 
     
    That includes shortening the settlement cycle. While markets in the US and Europe have already adopted or are moving to the T+1 settlement cycle, much of Asia is still assessing the path forward. HKEX, I’m pleased to say, should be technically ready for T+1 settlement by year’s end. I look to Hong Kong to become a first mover in the region.
     
    And if Hong Kong is to maintain its status as a world-class financial centre, we must also continue to reduce transaction costs and enhance market efficiency.
     
    Ladies and gentlemen, at this time of profound change and new challenges in global financial markets, Hong Kong must act decisively to capture the emerging opportunities.
     
    With its strong foundation, strategic vision, global connectivity and staunch government support, HKEX is doing just that. And I am confident it will continue to lead and help our markets scale new heights.
     
    Once again, congratulations HKEX on your landmark 25th listing anniversary. I wish you continuing success in the years to come. Hong Kong, and this speaker, is banking on it.
     
    Thank you.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: SkyCrest Capital Launches “Pension Plan” to Redefine Structured Asset Execution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Denver, USA, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SkyCrest Capital today announced the official launch of its strategic structured asset execution initiative—the “Pension Plan”—set to go live on Monday, June 23, 2025. Built upon the firm’s proprietary SAX-iCore AI structural engine, the Pension Plan is designed to provide individual traders and investors with an intelligent, system-based path to long-term asset growth—one that eliminates emotional bias, predictive speculation, and reliance on intermediaries.

    This initiative marks a critical advancement in SkyCrest Capital’s long-term vision to transition financial markets from forecast-driven behavior toward structure-based execution. By replacing subjective decision-making with AI-generated structural rhythm, the firm positions itself not merely as a service provider, but as a builder of financial infrastructure for the future.

    Addressing Gaps in Traditional Finance

    While structured financial products have long existed in institutional finance, most individual investors remain excluded—facing challenges such as high entry thresholds, limited access to real-time information, and dependence on brokers. SkyCrest Capital’s Pension Plan seeks to change that by democratizing structural execution for retail users.

    The firm believes the future of financial infrastructure must be:
    AI-powered + user-executed + structurally replicable.

    SkyCrest Capital views this not as a product offering, but as the rollout of a new financial capability model—one that allows individuals to verify structural performance in real market environments and reclaim control over their asset rhythm.

    About the Pension Plan

    The “Pension Plan” is not simply positioned as a post-retirement income solution. Instead, it redefines the concept of a pension as early-stage time-choice freedom, enabling users to begin accumulating structural financial growth well before traditional retirement age.

    Participants in the Pension Plan will gain access to:

    Daily AI-driven structural signal delivery

    Automated rhythm-based execution cycles

    Full-cycle account growth tracking

    Compounding analytics and structural scoring reports

    Key Launch Details:

    Launch Date: Monday, June 23, 2025

    Execution System: SAX-iCore AI Structural Platform

    Eligible Participants: Individual traders, retail investors, and small asset managers

    Entry Model: No fixed capital threshold; performance scored based on execution discipline

    Assessment Cycle: Long-term program with quarterly structural rhythm evaluations

    Upon completing a 40-day structural execution cycle, participants will receive:

    A personalized Structural Execution Report

    Rhythm consistency analytics

    Portfolio configuration insights for the next phase

    Eligibility evaluation for SkyCrest’s Structured Fund Access

    Industry Attention and Institutional Validation

    The Pension Plan has already attracted attention from several industry entities, including hedge strategy research institutions in New York, an AI wealth management platform in Silicon Valley, and a structural ETF innovation fund in Asia. These organizations are currently participating in ongoing validations and risk-control assessments of the plan’s structure.

    SkyCrest Capital emphasizes that the Pension Plan is more than a user initiative—it serves as a strategic launchpad for the firm’s next-generation AI financial strategies, de-intermediated wealth management protocols, and structural fund authorization mechanisms.

    A Paradigm Shift in Financial Execution

    By launching the Pension Plan, SkyCrest Capital reaffirms its position as a system architect, structural executor, and rhythm enabler. The firm offers no promises of speculative gains—only discipline, structure, and the opportunity to co-create a new standard in financial outcomes.

    This initiative marks a fundamental shift in approach:
    SkyCrest Capital does not provide advice—it provides structure.
    It does not seek trust—it builds proof through performance.
    It does not follow the old system—it builds the infrastructure of what’s next.

    Media Contact

    SkyCrest Capital PR Department
    Website: https://www.skyskinla.com/
    Contact: Audrey Sinclair
    Email: service@skyskinla.com

    Disclaimer: The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: RBI imposes monetary penalty on Fino Payments Bank Limited

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) has, by an order dated June 06, 2025, imposed a monetary penalty of ₹29.60 lakh (Rupees Twenty Nine Lakh Sixty Thousand only) on Fino Payments Bank Limited (the bank) for non-compliance with certain directions issued by RBI on ‘Licensing of Payments Banks’. This penalty has been imposed in exercise of powers conferred on RBI under the provisions of Section 47A(1)(c) read with Section 46(4)(i) of the Banking Regulation Act, 1949.

    The Statutory Inspection for Supervisory Evaluation (ISE 2024) of the bank was conducted by RBI with reference to its financial position as on March 31, 2024. Based on supervisory findings of non-compliance with RBI directions and related correspondence in that regard, a notice was issued to the bank advising it to show cause as to why penalty should not be imposed on it for its failure to comply with the said directions.

    After considering the bank’s reply to the notice and oral submissions made during the personal hearing, RBI found that the following charge against the bank was sustained, warranting imposition of monetary penalty:

    The bank breached the regulatory ceiling of end of the day balance, as applicable for a payments bank, in certain accounts on several occasions.

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

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/574

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CHP investigates local measles infection case

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CHP investigates local measles infection case 
    The case involves a 28-year-old female. She sought treatment from a private doctor on June 11 for fever, cough, runny nose and red eyes. She developed a skin rash on June 13 and attended the Accident and Emergency Department of Kwong Wah Hospital twice, once on the same day and again on the following day. She was admitted for treatment on June 14. Her blood sample tested positive for antibodies of measles virus upon laboratory testing. She remains hospitalised and is in stable condition.
     
    An epidemiological investigation revealed that the patient was uncertain whether she had received a measles vaccination. She had no travel history during the incubation period. Her six household contacts are currently asymptomatic. During the communicable period, the patient had visited the Kowloon City Baptist Church Kindergarten, located at 206 Argyle Street in Kowloon City. The CHP is conducting medical surveillance on approximately 170 staff members and students of the kindergarten concerned.

    As measles is highly infectious, the CHP will set up an enquiry hotline (2125 2372) for contact tracing of the case. The CHP appeals to those who visited the Kowloon City Baptist Church Kindergarten between 11.30am and 12.30pm on June 9 or 10 to call the hotline. Officers of the CHP will assess their conditions and offer health advice. The hotline will operate from 9am to 1pm tomorrow (June 21) and June 22, and from 9am to 5pm between June 23 and 27.
     
    The investigations are ongoing. 
    The number of measles cases in some overseas countries remains at a high level this year. The outbreaks in North America (including the United States and Canada), Europe and neighbouring areas (including Vietnam, Cambodia and the Philippines) are ongoing due to the relatively low vaccination rate. Furthermore, an increasing number of measles cases have also been recorded in Japan and Australia this year. For those who plan to travel to measles-endemic areas, they should check their vaccination records and medical history as early as possible. If they have not been diagnosed with measles through laboratory tests and have never received two doses of measles vaccine or are not sure if they have received a measles vaccine, they should consult a doctor at least two weeks prior to their trip for vaccination.
    ???
    Besides being vaccinated against measles, members of the public should take the following measures to prevent infection:
     For more information on measles, the public may visit the CHP’s measles thematic pageIssued at HKT 19:45

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: All-India House Price Index (HPI) for Q4:2024-25

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank released its quarterly house price index (HPI)1 (base: 2010-11=100) for Q4:2024-25, based on transaction-level data received from the registration authorities in ten major cities2. Time series data on all-India and city-wise HPIs are available at the Bank’s database on Indian economy (DBIE) portal (https://data.rbi.org.in/DBIE/#/dbie/home> Statistics > Real Sector > Prices & Wages).

    Highlights:

    • All-India HPI increased by 3.1 per cent (y-o-y) in Q4:2024-25 as compared with 3.1 per cent growth in the previous quarter and 4.1 per cent growth a year ago; annual HPI growth varied widely across the cities – ranging from a high growth of 8.8 per cent (Kolkata) to a contraction of 2.3 per cent (Kochi).

    • On a sequential (q-o-q) basis, all-India HPI increased by 0.9 per cent in Q4:2024-25; Bengaluru, Jaipur, Kolkata and Chennai are the major cities recording a sequential rise in house prices during the latest quarter.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/573

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Nominate Next-Gen Scientists Driving AI and Biotech Innovation Singapore | 20 June 2025 APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation

    Source: APEC – Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation

    The search is underway for outstanding young scientists whose cross-border research in artificial intelligence (AI) and biotechnology is addressing some of the Asia-Pacific’s most pressing social and environmental challenges.

    Nominations are now open for the 2025 APEC Science Prize for Innovation, Research and Education, or ASPIRE, under the theme “Toward AI-Bio Convergence: AI-based Inclusive Biotechnology Solving Social Challenges.” In line with APEC 2025’s focus on digital innovation and inclusive growth, this year’s theme highlights the potential of AI-powered biotechnology to improve health equity, food security, sustainable agriculture and environmental resilience across the region.

    “This year’s ASPIRE theme reflects the growing need for policy-relevant science that bridges disciplines and borders,” said Rahima Kandahari, Chair of the APEC Policy Partnership on Science, Technology and Innovation (PPSTI).

    “By highlighting the convergence of AI and biotechnology, we aim to draw attention to innovations that can deliver practical, inclusive solutions to complex regional challenges, and also reinforces the importance of scientific cooperation and innovation in advancing shared APEC goals.”

    Each APEC economy may nominate one scientist under the age of 40 for the annual prize. Nominees will be evaluated for their excellence in scientific research, evidenced by scholarly publications, and their dedication to cross-economy collaboration, particularly on interdisciplinary projects aligned with the year’s theme.

    “Korea places great importance on empowering young researchers to develop innovative solutions to address complex global challenges. That is why we are proud to support this year’s ASPIRE, which recognizes excellence in cross-border, interdisciplinary science,” said Sunghoon Hwang, Director General of the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea.

    “AI-bio convergence is a key emerging technology with the potential to transform how economies address longstanding issues such as aging populations, health inequities and sustainable agriculture,” Hwang added.

    Now in its 15th year, the prize supports APEC’s broader goals of enhancing science and technology cooperation, strengthening innovation ecosystems, and promoting sustainable and inclusive growth. Past winners have contributed to advancements in fields such as nutrition, renewable energy, nanotechnology, and public health.

    Recent awardees include Dr Zheng Liu of Singapore, who won the 2023 ASPIRE for his pioneering work on two-dimensional materials for sustainable energy and advanced electronics; and Dr Jingzheng Ren of Hong Kong, China, who received the 2022 prize for developing new models that balance economic development with environmental sustainability. Both exemplify the power of cross-border scientific collaboration to solve regional and global challenges.

    The winner of this year’s prize will receive USD 25,000, with prize funding provided by the Ministry of Science and ICT of the Republic of Korea, and will be recognized during the upcoming meeting in Korea on 13 August 2025.

    Nominations must be submitted by 1 July 2025 at 17:30 Singapore time. For eligibility requirements and submission guidelines, please visit the ASPIRE 2025 web page or contact your economy’s PPSTI representative.

     

    For media inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/MYANMAR – With the onset of the rainy season, the situation of earthquake victims in Mandalay is becoming increasingly critical

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Mandalay (Agenzia Fides) – Three months after the devastating earthquake of March 28, 2025, the area around Mandalay in north-central Myanmar has been hit by heavy rains and thunderstorms for more than three weeks. Due to the persistent rains and aftershocks, some buildings already damaged by the earthquake have collapsed, causing further difficulties for the affected communities. This is according to a report by the Emergency Rescue Team for humanitarian assistance of the Archdiocese of Mandalay, sent to Fides, which states: “Many people are still spending the night outdoors or in makeshift shelters. Many houses have been damaged or destroyed by the earthquake, forcing families to sleep outdoors. In and around Mandalay, people are using tarpaulins, tents, or bamboo structures to protect themselves from the weather. Access to clean water, sanitation, and essential goods remains limited, and local assistance is barely sufficient to meet the urgent needs of the affected communities.”With the onset of the monsoon, the report states, the situation for earthquake victims is likely to become even more difficult: “The makeshift shelters, often made of tarpaulin or bamboo, will not be able to withstand heavy rains and winds. We fear that flooding and poor sanitation will increase the risk of waterborne diseases, especially for children and the elderly. Without urgent assistance in providing more permanent shelters and improving sanitation conditions, the safety and well-being of large segments of the population will be seriously threatened during the rainy season.”Meanwhile, the diocese has provided undamaged structures and church buildings or rooms to house the displaced. “Makeshift tents have been set up by earthquake victims at the St. Michael’s Parish complex in Mandalay. Among those affected are not only Catholics but also Buddhists. Their homes were severely damaged and have not yet been repaired,” the report states.Volunteers from the diocesan team are distributing humanitarian aid to the earthquake victims, others have taken charge of the repair of damaged church buildings, and still others are leading emergency relief teams. Priests and religious who share the fate of the refugees are still sleeping outside their usual residence, for example, in the courtyard of the archbishop’s complex. Fr. Peter Kyi Maung, secretary of the archdiocese, explains: “Our rooms were damaged by the earthquake and are not safe at the moment. We have made ourselves comfortable sleeping places with simple sheets and mosquito nets in the open areas of the complex. Until the necessary repairs are carried out, we have no choice but to continue living in these makeshift conditions. But all the volunteers and faithful are working hard every day to improve the situation bit by bit. The Lord gives us the strength to continue.” (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: From Mongolia to the Apostolic memory of Rome: The “ad limina Petri” pilgrimage of a small missionary Church

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Thursday, 19 June 2025

    by Gianni ValenteLess than three years ago, Peter’s successor came to visit them in Ulaanbaatar, even traveling in a wheelchair. Now, some of them have come from there to visit Peter, venerate his memory, and also greet his new Successor. In total, there are 26 people, including their bishop, the missionary Cardinal Giorgio Marengo. Among them are Cecilia, from the Prefecture’s media office, and Amanda, head of the spirituality house. Also present is Amaraa, a driver who does everything, and Zulaa, the cook. In addition, there is the treasurer Andrea, a Salesian brother from Vietnam, and the Korean priest Peter Hong with the 10 parishioners of St. Mary’s Church. A small remnant of the the Catholic community in Mongolia, almost 1,500 souls scattered among those 3.5 million fellow Buddhists, Muslims, and non-believers. From June 15 to 18, they made their Jubilee pilgrimage to the Eternal City, passing first through Turin and then arriving in Assisi. A journey to the apostolic sources of the Church of Rome, undertaken by the sons and daughters of a small and young missionary Church. Days tinged with gratitude, full of many surprising experiences with a reality in which they were also able to recognize something familiar.One does not become a Christian aloneBefore leaving Ulaanbaatar, the pilgrims had studied the history and treasures of Rome’s four papal basilicas, thus preparing themselves to better understand everything they were about to see and hear. Their first fraternal encounter in the Italian capital took place with the parish community of St. Jude Thaddeus, a Roman church dedicated to the apostle of the same name, located in the Appio Latino neighborhood and entrusted to Cardinal Giorgio Marengo. After Mass, they shared a communal lunch in a fraternal atmosphere. In that environment, the simple and profound faith of the Mongolian Catholics made itself felt with clear and direct words, full of apostolic authenticity. “To bring the message of Jesus to Mongolia,” explained Rufina Chamingerel, “the Church did not send parcels of books, but people, like living books.”Saint Peter came from Jerusalem to Rome, where he was martyred. “The Gospel comes from outside,” Pope Leo recalled last Saturday, evoking the figure of Saint Irenaeus, the great theologian who came from Asia Minor and died a martyr as Bishop of Lyon. Rufina echoed that same thing today: “We could not have converted to Christianity on our own if the missionaries had not arrived. The faith has reached us because missionaries, both men and women, have arrived here too.”On Sunday afternoon, led by Cardinal Marengo, the Mongolian pilgrims visited the Basilicas of St. John Lateran and St. Mary Major – Rome’s Bethlehem – which houses the relics of the Nativity of Jesus, the icon of the mary Salus Populi Romani, and now the remains of Pope Francis. “At one point,” Rufina recalled, “Pope Francis wanted to come to Mongolia in person. He, who was the Pope, wanted to visit us as a missionary. His presence among us moved us deeply and gave us great comfort in the faith.”Peter’s Tomb and Pope LeoDuring the visit to St. Peter’s Basilica, Cardinal Giorgio Marengo led his Mongolian friends to the tomb of the Apostle Peter to pray together. There, in the heart of a memory guarded for almost two thousand years, they savored the intimate spiritual affinity that unites the small Christian community of Mongolia with the heart of the Church of Rome and with the events recounted in the Acts of the Apostles: words, gestures, joys, and tribulations of those who saw Jesus and lived with Him. Rufina, like Cecilia and many other Mongolian converts, bears the name of a Roman martyr from the early centuries. Her name was suggested by a nun after having told her the story of the young Rufina, daughter of Senator Astrius, killed along with her sister Secunda during the persecutions of Emperor Valerian. What awakened in her the desire to be baptized, she recalls today, were the parish priest’s homilies: “He described a life and a reality that I felt I had longed for since I was a child. Now I am on my way. In the first steps, one experiences the enthusiasm of the beginning. Then, little by little, I realize that it is necessary to ask each day to begin again.” “We must live our daily lives in faith, with all their challenges. The important thing is that I perceive more and more clearly the dialogue between my daily life and faith.”Thus, in Mongolia too, the mystery of hearts that become Christians happens again by grace. In the young Church of the Apostolic Prefecture of Ulaanbaatar, a precious experience is quietly blossoming for the entire universal Church, which today more than ever needs to recognize itself as nascent and humbly look back on the origins of Christianity.Even Pope Leo was able to embrace the witness of these new Catholics and find solace in their faith when he welcomed the Mongolian pilgrims on Tuesday, June 17, at the Apostolic Palace.”We were very happy to meet Pope Leo. “We recalled the dimension of the Church in Mongolia as a ‘nascent Church,’ as Pope Francis had also described it,” Cardinal Giorgio Marengo told Fides. “It was beautiful to recall with him Pope Francis’s trip to Mongolia. We thanked our Mongolian faithful present during this pilgrimage for their witness of faith, knowing that for them, the choice to become Christians is not at all easy. We asked Pope Leo to pray for us and asked him to come to Mongolia too.”The Mission of the Church and prayer for the NovenaOn Wednesday, June 18, the pilgrims from Mongolia met with Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle, Pro-Prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, at the historic Palace of Propaganda Fide.The experience of the small ecclesial community in Mongolia seems to be able to provide valuable insights for the entire Church, beginning with those who, by virtue of their condition and vocation, are more directly involved in the apostolic and missionary work of the Church. This is what emerges from the words and images used by Rufina, head of the Pastoral Office of the Apostolic Prefecture in Ulaanbaatar, when asked about her work. “We support Cardinal Giorgio Marengo, the missionaries, the parishes; we help them continue their service, taking into account what is needed day by day, moment by moment.” Sometimes it is a matter of finding a small prayer, writing a brief catechesis, doing a translation, or preparing a meeting,” she explains.The daily effort consists of recognizing what ecclesial life needs, grasping real needs, and trying to respond to them. “In recent weeks,” Rufina continues, giving concrete images of her daily work, “we have mobilized so that all the parishes in the prefecture share the same prayers for the Pentecost Novena.”These are simple initiatives, inspired by the shared treasure of the universal Church, that nourish the faith of a growing community. This same simplicity is also revealed in the requests of the faithful. “Those who have recently converted to Christianity always ask us for simple, essential things for their journey in faith. Twenty years ago,” Rufina recalls, “when I was a young catechist, we were delighted to find a useful image for catechesis. Now, with the Internet, there are more possibilities, but we continue to respond to the needs that concrete reality poses to us.”In Mongolia, ecclesial works are not born from a desire for protagonism or abstract voluntarism. They flourish only to respond to real needs, with a perseverance that can only be based on gratitude. (Agenzia Fides, 19/6/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Digital Asset Technologies Celebrates GENIUS Act as Pivotal Moment for U.S. Leadership in Digital Finance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VANCOUVER, BC, June 20, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Digital Asset Technologies Inc. (CSE: DATT) (OTCPK: EATBF) (FSE: 988) (“Digital Asset Technologies” or the “Company”) and its portfolio company LiquidLink AI Corp. (“LinkLink”), strongly supports the U.S. Senate’s passage of the GENIUS Act (S.1582) — a landmark bill establishing the first comprehensive federal regulatory framework for payment stablecoins. The legislation marks a definitive turning point for the digital asset industry and lays the foundation for global programmable money, institutional grade stablecoins, and real-world asset (RWA) tokenization.

    The GENIUS Act not only positions the United States alongside every other G20 nation that has developed or is piloting programmable money systems — including Europe’s MiCA framework and CBDC programs in China, Japan, and Canada — it actually leapfrogs them. Unlike most of these jurisdictions, which are focused solely on central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), the U.S. is now enabling regulated private enterprises to issue secure, redeemable, and transparent stablecoins — unlocking innovation in ways that centralized, government-issued tokens cannot.

    “This legislation marks the official start of the internet of value,” said Marcus Ingram, CEO of LiquidLink, a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc.
    ‎ “The U.S. now leads the world with a market-driven framework that empowers private innovators to build a future where money moves as freely as email — no bank account required.”

    The Rise of a Tokenized Financial System

    The GENIUS Act doesn’t just legitimize payment stablecoins — it signals the beginning of a broader regulatory framework that will support the tokenization of all real-world assets, from equities and commodities to real estate and intellectual property. By setting capital, liquidity, and transparency standards for issuers and custodians, the bill lays the groundwork for a compliant, programmable, and interoperable global financial system.

    XRPL: The Network for Real-World Asset Settlement

    With this evolution now underway, the XRP Ledger (XRPL) stands out as the ideal network to support a stablecoin- and RWA-driven future:

    • Built for payments: XRPL features fast, low-cost, and energy-efficient transactions.
      ‎
    • Native tokenization: The protocol includes built-in tools for issuing, managing, and freezing assets.
      ‎
    • Institutional readiness: Decentralized yet trusted, XRPL is widely supported by regulated financial entities.
      ‎
    • Compliance-friendly: XRPL includes functions that make regulatory enforcement (e.g., asset clawbacks) possible.‎

    As stablecoins and CBDCs become dominant global payment mechanisms, XRPL is poised to become the primary distributed ledger infrastructure for institutional finance.

    Why LiquidLink Is Critical Infrastructure

    LiquidLink’s flagship platform is purpose-built for the programmable financial system envisioned by the GENIUS Act. As a self-custody-first discovery and analytics tool for XRPL, it will be essential infrastructure in a world where digital assets, stablecoins, and RWAs move seamlessly across chains and borders.

    Key features include:

    • On-Chain Discovery: LiquidLink allows users to locate and analyze tokenized assets, stablecoins, and Web3 tokens on XRPL — all while retaining custody of their own funds.
      ‎
    • Advanced Trading Intelligence: LiquidLink identifies optimal DEX routes and arbitrage opportunities using real-time analytics.
      ‎
    • No Custodial Risk: Entirely client-side, LiquidLink ensures that users — not third parties — control their assets and private keys.
      ‎
    • RWA Launchpad: Integrated launchpad capabilities make it easy for token issuers to bring real-world assets on-chain with optional KYC and compliance modules.

    ‎“In a programmable financial system, compliance and automation must be inseparable,” added Ingram. “LiquidLink ensures that tokenized assets — whether stablecoins or RWAs — can be issued, traded, and settled securely and lawfully across borders.”

    Looking Ahead

    Digital Asset Technologies is preparing its infrastructure and compliance strategy in anticipation of the GENIUS Act becoming law. Through LiquidLink, the company will actively engage with U.S. regulators to align with the forthcoming licensing framework for payment stablecoin issuers.

    “This is not just a bill — it’s the foundation of an entirely new monetary architecture,” said Ingram. 
    ‎ “We’re building the tools and infrastructure to power that future.”

    About Digital Asset Technologies Inc.

    Digital Asset Technologies (CSE: DATT) is a publicly traded investment issuer that identifies and makes equity investments in global companies that are developing and commercializing innovative food tech, sustainability and technology. The Company provides retail investors with the unique opportunity to participate in the growth of a broad cross-section of opportunities in the alternative food, sustainability and technology sectors. Through its portfolio company, Liquidlink AI Corp., the Company has entered the blockchain technology sector with a focus on real-world asset tokenization, decentralized infrastructure, and advanced trading analytics.

    Learn more: https://www.datech.ca/

    About LiquidLink

    LiquidLink is a portfolio company of Digital Asset Technologies Inc., focused on building secure, interoperable infrastructure for the tokenized economy. Its flagship product, Xrpfy, provides self-custody discovery tools, trading intelligence, and RWA launchpad capabilities for the XRPL ecosystem and is expanding to support multiple blockchains.

    Media Contact:
    ‎    Marcus Ingram
    marcus@liquidlink.ai

    Sources:
    Atlantic Council CBDC Tracker
    European Commission – Digital Finance‎
    [KPMG Regulatory Insights – GENIUS Act, June 2025]
    ‎LiquidLink Strategic Update on Xrpfy
    ‎

    The Canadian Securities Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release.

    For further information: For further information, please contact Young Bann, CEO, young@purposeesg.com.

    Cautionary Note regarding Forward Looking Statements

    This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as, “subject to”, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results “may” or “will” be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding the Company’s business strategy, current and future investments, the proposed name change, the updated Investment Policy, and the Company’s ability to obtain the necessary shareholder and regulatory approvals in connection with the proposed name change and updated Investment Policy. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions, but the actual results may be materially different from any future expectations expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements can be affected by known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, including, but not limited to, the equity markets generally and a failure to obtain the necessary approvals from the Canadian Securities Exchange. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • British lawmakers to vote on landmark assisted dying law

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British lawmakers held their final debate ahead of a historic vote on Friday on whether to legalise assisted dying for terminally ill people, in what would be a major step toward the biggest social reform in the country for a generation.

    The vote is expected at about 2:30 p.m. (1330 GMT) and if it goes in favour, the proposed new law will have cleared its biggest parliamentary hurdle. That would pave the way for Britain to follow Australia, Canada and other countries, as well as some U.S. states in permitting assisted dying.

    A vote against would stop the bill in its tracks.

    Last November, lawmakers voted 330 to 275 in favour of the principle of allowing assisted dying, but since then the bill has been scrutinised and amended, and some lawmakers have publicly changed their position, citing changes to provisions that they say weaken protections for vulnerable people.

    Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s Labour government is neutral on the legislation meaning politicians can vote according to their conscience rather than along party lines. Last year, Starmer voted in favour of the legislation and has indicated he continues to support it.

    The law was proposed under a process led by an individual member of parliament rather than being government policy, which has limited the amount of parliamentary time allocated to it.

    Some lawmakers have said that such a major social change should be allocated more parliamentary time for debate and involve a greater degree of ministerial involvement and accountability.

    If Friday’s vote is in favour, assisted dying stays on the road to legalisation, a process that could still take months.

    The Labour lawmaker who proposed the new law, Kim Leadbeater, said there could be a reduction in the number of members of parliament who support the bill on Friday compared with last year’s vote, but that she was confident it would still be approved.

    Opening the debate, Leadbeater said that the legislation was “desperately needed” and would provide dignity and compassion to people suffering. She argued it had robust safeguards that made it practical and safe.

    “This is not a choice between living and dying. It is a choice for terminally ill people about how they die,” she said.

    On Thursday, four Labour lawmakers switched sides to oppose the bill, joining the dozens who earlier this month said there had not been enough time to debate the details of such a consequential law change.

    “The bill before us simply does not do enough to safeguard people who may want to choose to live,” the four lawmakers said in a letter.

    Leadbeater said her biggest fear was that if the legislation was voted down, it could be another decade before the issue returns to parliament. It was last considered in 2015, when lawmakers voted against it.

    PUBLIC SUPPORT

    Opinion polls show that a majority of Britons back assisted dying, and supporters say the law needs to catch up with public opinion.

    Under the proposed law, mentally competent, terminally ill adults in England and Wales with six months or less to live would be given the right to end their lives with medical help.

    In the original plan, an assisted death would have required court approval. That has been replaced by a requirement for a judgement by a panel including a social worker, a senior legal figure and a psychiatrist, which is seen by some as a watering down.

    Lawmakers have also raised questions about the impact of assisted dying on the finances and resources of Britain’s state-run National Health Service and on the need to improve palliative care.

    If the vote passes, the proposed new law is sent to the House of Lords, parliament’s upper chamber. But the unelected Lords will be reluctant to block legislation that has been passed by elected members of the House of Commons.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Senegal and Kenya Top African Development Bank’s Electricity Regulatory Index, as Regulators Drive Tangible Reforms

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

    Kenya and Senegal have claimed the top spots in the African Development Bank’s 2024 Electricity Regulatory Index (ERI) (www.AfDB.org), demonstrating exceptional progress in power sector governance and regulatory outcomes. The comprehensive assessment, officially unveiled today at the Africa Energy Forum in Cape Town, evaluates regulatory frameworks across 43 African countries. 

    Uganda, Liberia and Niger round out the top five performers, with Niger registering one of the biggest gains, underlining the strong impact of sustained reforms and political commitment to power sector development. 

    The ERI evaluates three dimensions—Regulatory Governance, Regulatory Substance, and Regulatory Outcomes (ROI). Notably, the ROI, which tracks service delivery and utility performance, recorded the most substantial improvement across the continent. 

    Key findings from the 2024 ERI: 

    • Kenya and Senegal led with a score of 0.892, reflecting standout progress in tariff reform, regulatory outcomes, and utility performance. 
    • A remarkable 41 out of 43 participating countries achieved RGI scores above 0.5, representing a significant increase from 24 countries in 2022.  
    • Countries scoring below 0.500 reduced significantly from 19 in 2022 to just 6 in 2024.  
    • Even the lowest-performing country tripled its score—from about 0.10 to 0.33. 
    • The ROI surged from roughly 0.40 in 2022 to 0.62 in 2024, showing that reforms are delivering tangible service improvements on the ground. 

    Now in its seventh edition, the ERI shows strong momentum toward more effective, transparent, and impactful regulation, with real-world results beginning to emerge. 

    “The 2024 ERI shows that Africa’s regulators are stepping up. We are now seeing stronger institutions delivering real results for utilities and consumers. This shift is critical if we are to achieve Mission 300 and connect 300 million people to electricity by 2030,” says Dr. Kevin Kariuki, AfDB Vice President for Power, Energy, Climate and Green Growth. 

    For the first time, the 2024 ERI also assessed regional regulatory bodies, recognizing their growing role in harmonizing technical standards and enabling cross-border electricity trade. 

    As the backbone of Mission 300, ERI continues to inform the design and implementation of national energy compacts—currently active in 12 countries, with another 20 in development. 

    Bridging the Gap – Addressing Ongoing Challenges 

    While celebrating regulatory progress, the report calls for greater focus on regulatory independence, the financial viability of utilities, and the integration of off-grid and mini-grid systems into national frameworks. The ERI underscores that regulation must translate into better access, affordability, and reliability, especially for underserved rural populations.  

    The report outlines priority areas for enhancing regulatory effectiveness:  

    • Strengthening regulatory independence 
    • Enhancing accountability mechanisms 
    • Promoting transparency and predictability 
    • Improving stakeholder participation 
    • Deepening economic regulation and advancing cost-reflective tariff methodologies. 

    “The ERI 2024 tells a hopeful story. African countries are not just passing laws—they are implementing them. Regulators are transforming from administrative bodies into strategic institutions with measurable influence. However, challenges related to independence, financing, and enforcement persist,” said Wale Shonibare, Director for Energy Financial Solutions, Policy and Regulation at the Bank Group. 

    Launched in 2018, the ERI is a diagnostic and policy tool used by governments, regulators, and development partners to identify gaps, track progress, and prioritize reform efforts. The 2024 edition incorporates extensive feedback from utilities, regulators, and regional energy bodies.  

    The full ERI 2024 report will be available here (https://apo-opa.co/4kPeDmZ). 

    – on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).

    Media Contact: 
    Gertrude Kitongo
    Communication and External Relations Department 

    Technical Contact: 
    Callixte Kambanda
    Manager, Energy Policy, Regulations, and Statistics 
    email: c.kambanda@afdb.org

    About the African Development Bank Group:
    The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) is Africa’s premier development finance institution. It comprises three distinct entities: the African Development Bank (AfDB), the African Development Fund (ADF) and the Nigeria Trust Fund (NTF). On the ground in 44 African countries with an external office in Japan, the AfDB contributes to the economic development and the social progress of its 54 regional member states. 

    Media files

    Download logo

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Iran says no nuclear talks under Israeli fire, Trump considers options

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran said on Friday it would not discuss the future of its nuclear programme while under attack by Israel, as Europe tried to coax Tehran back into negotiations and the United States considers whether to get involved in the conflict.

    A week after it began attacking Iran, Israel’s military said it had carried out new strikes on dozens of military targets overnight, including missile production sites and a research organisation involved in nuclear weapons development in Tehran.

    Iran launched at least one new barrage of missiles early on Friday, striking near residential apartments, office buildings and industrial facilities in the southern city of Beersheba.

    The White House said on Thursday that President Donald Trump would decide on “whether or not to go” with U.S. involvement in the conflict in the next two weeks, citing the possibility of negotiations involving Iran in the near future.

    Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said on Friday there was no room for negotiations with Israel’s superpower ally the United States “until Israeli aggression stops”.

    But he was due to meet European foreign ministers in Geneva later on Friday for talks at which Europe hopes to establish a path back to diplomacy over Iran’s nuclear programme.

    Two diplomats said before the meeting involving France, Britain, Germany and the European Union’s foreign policy chief that Araqchi would be told the U.S. is still open to direct talks. Expectations for a breakthrough are low, diplomats say.

    Israel began attacking Iran last Friday, saying its longtime enemy was on the verge of developing nuclear weapons. Iran, which says its nuclear programme is only for peaceful purposes, retaliated with missile and drone strikes on Israel.

    Israel is widely assumed to possess nuclear weapons. It neither confirms nor denies this.

    Israeli air attacks have killed 639 people in Iran, according to the Human Rights Activists News Agency, a U.S.-based human rights organisation that tracks Iran. The dead include the military’s top echelon and nuclear scientists.

    Israel has said at least two dozen Israeli civilians have been killed in Iranian missile attacks.

    Reuters could not independently verify the death toll from either side. Details of casualties in the latest strikes were not immediately known.

    CIVILIANS KILLED

    Both sides say they are attacking military and defence-related targets, but civilians have also been caught in the crossfire and each has accused the other of hitting hospitals.

    An Iranian news website said a drone had struck an apartment in a residential building in central Tehran on Friday, but did not give details.

    Israel’s strikes on Iran’s nuclear installations so far pose only limited risks of contamination, experts say. But they warn that any attack on the nuclear power station at Bushehr could cause a nuclear disaster.

    Israel says it is determined to destroy Iran’s nuclear capabilities but that it wants to avoid any nuclear disaster in a region that is inhabited by tens of millions of people and produces much of the world’s oil.

    The meeting in Geneva was due to start on Friday afternoon. The Swiss city is where an initial accord was struck in 2013 to curb Iran’s nuclear programme in return for sanctions being lifted. A comprehensive deal followed in 2015.

    Trump pulled the U.S. out of the agreement in 2018. A new series of talks between Iran and the U.S. collapsed when Israel launched what it called Operation Rising Lion against Iran’s nuclear facilities and ballistic capabilities on June 12.

    Trump has alternated between threatening Tehran and urging it to resume nuclear talks. His special envoy to the region, Steve Witkoff, has spoken to Araqchi several times since last week, sources say.

    The Middle East has been on edge since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked it in October of 2023, triggering the Gaza war, and Israel has been fighting on several fronts against Iran’s regional allies.

    Israeli Foreign Minister Israel Katz warned on Friday of further action against Iranian ally Hezbollah, a day after the Lebanese militant group suggested it would come to Iran’s aid.

    Western and regional officials say Israel is trying to shatter the government of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

    Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Thursday “the downfall of the regime … may be a result, but it’s up to the Iranian people to rise for their freedom.”

    Iranian opposition groups think their time may be near, but activists involved in previous protests say they are unwilling to unleash mass unrest with their nation under attack, and Iranian authorities have cracked down hard on dissent.

    “How are people supposed to pour into the streets? In such horrifying circumstances, people are solely focused on saving themselves, their families, their compatriots, and even their pets,” said Atena Daemi, a prominent activist who spent six years in prison before leaving Iran.

    (Reuters)

  • Four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in a decade, says PM Modi in Siwan

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly four crore people in Bihar have overcome poverty in the past decade, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Friday, highlighting his government’s sustained efforts to uplift the poor and dismantle the legacy of deprivation left by previous regimes.
     
    Addressing a large public gathering in Siwan district, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹5,200 crore, the Prime Minister said his government had delivered tangible results where previous governments had offered only slogans.
     
    “For decades, the country heard only slogans about poverty eradication,” PM Modi said. “But in the past ten years, a record 25 crore Indians have come out of poverty. Institutions like the World Bank have also acknowledged this achievement.”
     
    He noted that Bihar, particularly under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has played a pivotal role in this national transformation. “More than half of Bihar’s population once lived in extreme poverty,” he said. “But in the last ten years alone, nearly four crore people in the state have moved out of poverty. This is a remarkable turnaround.”
     
    PM Modi noted that for decades after independence, it wasn’t a lack of effort that held the poor back, but the absence of opportunities to move ahead. He said that even basic services were entangled in bureaucratic hurdles, turning routine tasks into major challenges. “People had to approach MPs just to get a gas connection, and bribes or personal contacts were often the only way to secure employment,” he said. He added that these conditions impacted Dalits, Mahadalits, and backward communities the most.
     
    He accused previous governments of turning the dreams of the poor into an opportunity for a select few families to accumulate wealth. “They sold dreams of poverty eradication, but only a handful became millionaires and billionaires,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that in the last 11 years, the government has worked tirelessly to remove every hurdle from the path of the poor. “As a result, visible and impactful outcomes are now before the nation,” he said. Over four crore poor families across India have been provided with pucca houses under government schemes, he added, with another three crore houses planned. In Bihar alone, more than 57 lakh houses have been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, including over 1.10 lakh homes in Siwan district.
     
    He also noted that housing installments were disbursed for over 50,000 families in Bihar today. “What makes me proud is that a majority of these homes are registered in the names of women. Women who never had any property in their names are today becoming proud homeowners,” he said.
     
    PM Modi said that the Centre was not only providing housing, but also ensuring food, electricity, and water for every household. “More than 12 crore new households in the country have been connected with tap water. In Siwan alone, over 4.5 lakh families received water connections for the first time,” he said. He added that efforts were underway to ensure every rural household has access to clean drinking water and that urban infrastructure is being upgraded through the approval of new pipeline and sewage treatment projects across multiple cities in Bihar.
     
    Taking aim at previous administrations, the Prime Minister said their record on development was dismal. “Whenever these parties speak of development, people are reminded of shuttered shops, stalled businesses, and collapsed industries,” he said, accusing them of promoting a climate of lawlessness, corruption, and mafia control. “They have always been anti-Bihar and anti-investment. That is why they have never been able to win the trust of Bihar’s youth,” he remarked.
     
    The Prime Minister said that all the developmental efforts currently underway are driven by a vision to create a better life for the poor, the backward, and the middle class. “These projects are not just infrastructure initiatives. They are steps towards restoring dignity, ensuring justice, and securing the future for generations to come,” PM Modi added.

  • Bihar made engines will now power trains in Africa: PM Modi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that Bihar’s youth are closely observing the transformation taking place across the state, citing the Marhowra Locomotive Factory as an example of the government’s development model. Addressing a gathering in Siwan, PM Modi said that the first engine manufactured at the Marhowra facility is now being exported to Africa. 
     
    “The same Saran district that was once dismissed as backward is now exporting engines to Africa. This is a proud moment for Bihar,” the Prime Minister said. He added that the engines made in Bihar, now powering trains abroad, marks a significant milestone and reflects the broader transformation underway in the state. PM Modi said that Bihar is steadily becoming a hub for ‘Made in India’ manufacturing and noted that the state’s local produce e.g. makhana, fruits, and vegetables will reach international markets alongside industrial goods produced by local factories.
     
    “The products created by the youth of Bihar will strengthen the vision of an Atmanirbhar Bharat,” the Prime Minister said.
     
    PM Modi stated that infrastructure investments across the state are contributing to Bihar’s progress. He said new developments are taking place in roadways, railways, air travel, and inland waterways. Citing the recent expansion of train services, Modi said Bihar is regularly receiving new trains, including Vande Bharat Express services.
     
    He announced that before the onset of the holy month of Sawan, the newly launched Patna–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express has established a direct rail link between Baba Hariharnath’s land and the land of Baba Gorakhnath. He added that this new route would be especially beneficial for devotees in Purvanchal, offering a convenient travel option to visit places of religious and cultural importance. PM Modi said the train will also connect sites associated with the life of the Buddha, including his place of penance and the Mahaparinirvana site at Kushinagar.
     
    The Prime Minister said that these infrastructure developments will support industrial growth and also contribute to the tourism sector. He said that the state’s presence on the global tourism map will improve, bringing with it new employment opportunities for the youth.
     
    PM Modi reiterated the government’s commitment to equal opportunities for all, saying that the principle of ‘Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas’ reflects the true spirit of the Constitution. He contrasted this with what he described as the “family-first” model of the previous regime. PM Modi accused previous governments of using power for the benefit of their own families, and said this had harmed the lives of millions of families across Bihar and the country.
     
    Referring to Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, PM Modi said that the architect of the Constitution had consistently spoken out against dynastic politics. He criticised certain parties for dishonouring Ambedkar’s legacy, pointing to a recent incident in which his photograph was allegedly disrespected. “Posters have appeared across Bihar demanding an apology, but it is unlikely to come,” PM Modi said. He claimed that these political parties do not respect Dalits or Mahadalits, and added, “While they keep Dr. Ambedkar’s photograph at their feet, I carry him in my heart.”
     
    He said the people of Bihar would remember the way Baba Saheb had been treated. The Prime Minister added that the groundwork for Bihar’s development had already been laid through the efforts of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, and said it is now the responsibility of the NDA alliance to take the state forward.
     

  • MIL-OSI Banking: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

    Source: WTO

    Headline: WTO members examine LDC trade interests, trade and development priorities

    LDC trade interests
    At the meeting of the WTO Sub-Committee on LDCs on 16 June, members considered   several LDC related proposals, including those on LDC graduation, LDC accessions and the future of the Enhanced Integrated Framework (EIF). They exchanged views on the latest proposal on LDC graduation, which focuses on three areas: subsidies, trade-related aspects of intellectual property rights and agriculture. A communication on strengthening the implementation of the LDC accession guidelines was submitted by India and Djibouti on behalf of the LDC Group.
    Members exchanged views on the future of the EIF, an Aid for Trade programme aimed at enhancing  LDC  integration  into global trade, which was implemented in two phases (2008 to 2015 and 2016 to 2022). Delegations considered the report of the EIF Task Force that included a set of proposed recommendations for a third phase covering the period from 2025 to 2031.
    An experience-sharing session in the Sub-Committee on LDCs explored new pathways for LDC trade growth. United Nations Trade and Development (UNCTAD) presented its 2024 report “Leveraging carbon markets for development”. Capital-based officials from Bangladesh and The Gambia shared insights on accessing green investment and leveraging trade-related climate finance for strengthening the competitiveness and resilience of key export sectors, including textiles and agriculture. The European Union and the LDC Fund for the Global Environmental Facility shared examples of support offered to LDCs with a view to achieving sustainable development and  transitioning to net zero for greenhouse gas emissions.
    Aid for Trade
    At the Aid for Trade session of the Committee on Trade and Development on 17 June, members continued sharing experiences on trade policy and regulatory support. Capital-based officials from Canada, China, Japan and Lao PDR participated in the discussion.
    Members welcomed Canada’s Expert Deployment Mechanism for Trade and Development, implemented by Cowater International, which supports developing economies in defining negotiating positions and implementing trade agreements. Representatives from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) highlighted Japan’s “co-creation” approach, which involves collaboration with the private sector, civil society and other donors. It was also noted that the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) would be held in August 2025 in Yokohama, Japan, under the theme “Co-create innovative solutions with Africa”.
    China and Lao PDR shared   South-South cooperation initiatives, including efforts to improve quarantine capacity and trade readiness.  Investments in railway infrastructure between the two countries were also acknowledged. UNCTAD’s efforts in measuring South-South flows were highlighted.
    Members reviewed a communication from Australia and Barbados proposing a draft ministerial decision titled “Reinforcing members’ commitment to Aid for Trade”. The proposal, set against the backdrop of declining official development assistance, calls for stronger monitoring and evaluation mechanisms and the establishment of a digital platform on existing trade-related technical assistance and capacity building programmes.
    During the experience-sharing session, key trends and challenges in global value chain (GVC) integration for developing economies were explored. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) noted that global trade remains resilient, though uncertainty remains. Professor Juan Carlos Hallak, University of Buenos Aires, emphasized the importance of public-private sectoral roundtables in Latin America. He recommended a bottom-up approach that begins with trade facilitation and regulatory reforms before tackling more complex issues such as investment and technology.
    The Lowy Institute, Australia, highlighted Southeast Asia’s trade openness and manufacturing diversification, while stressing the need to boost services productivity and ease regulatory barriers. PrimeSilicon Technology showcased Bangladesh’s experience in supplying digitally delivered services in the semiconductor value chain. The B20, represented by Ms. Trudi Makhaya, outlined three policy priorities: restoring trust in multilateral trade, advancing African integration through the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and promoting a climate-responsive trading system.
    Revitalizing trade and development work
    At the Committee on Trade and Development meeting on 18 June, the Secretariat presented a note on the implementation of the special and differential treatment provisions in the Agreement on Agriculture and the TRIPS Agreement. Members appreciated the Secretariat’s efforts in analysing special and differential treatment provisions. Members also explored how to revitalize trade and development deliberations.  Follow-up to the WTO Development Retreat was also discussed.
    Members   reviewed a communication from China titled “ Heightened Trade Turbulence and Responses from the WTO”. Other topics included the development aspects of the work programme on electronic commerce and duty-free, quota-free market access for LDCs. The Chair of the Committee on Trade and Development, Ambassador Mzukisi Qobo of South Africa, will consult members on a request by the co-convenors of the Investment Facilitation for Development Agreement to discuss progress made on the needs assessments under the WTO Committee on Trade and Development.
    Technical assistance
    The Secretariat presented the 2024 WTO Technical Assistance Report, highlighting four key results related to i) implementing WTO agreements; ii) accompanying new accessions; iii) advancing academic research; and iv) reaching out to various stakeholders. It was noted that in 2024 the Secretariat expanded its curriculum to include technical assistance activities on transparency in customs valuation and import licensing. As a result, 35 draft customs valuation notifications were received, with 22 circulated. The Secretariat also acknowledged technical assistance support to facilitate the WTO accessions of Comoros and Timor-Leste.
    On academic research, the WTO Chairs Programme saw a 13 per cent increase in WTO-related courses and a 16 per cent increase in trade-related research.  Five new universities joined the programme in 2024. However, due to budget constraints, the full potential of outreach activities to various stakeholders is yet to be fully explored.
    Members exchanged views on preparations for the next biennial WTO Technical Assistance and Training plan (2026 – 2027). The Secretariat provided an update on its ongoing work, including insights from beneficiaries. The Secretariat also highlighted that in view of limited resources, evolving approaches in the delivery of technical assistance and various funding scenarios were being considered going forward. Members welcomed the Secretariat’s efforts and expressed willingness to engage further in developing the WTO technical assistance plan.
    The next WTO Development Week is scheduled to take place from 17 to 19 November 2025.

    Share

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Parent Seminar on Admission Arrangements for Nursery (K1) Classes in Kindergartens for the 2026/27 School Year; “Smart Parent Net” Recommendation: Parent-child code – (Parental Responsibilities) (Chinese version only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The EDB will conduct 5 parent seminars in July this year to explain the details of the “2026/27 K1 Admission Arrangements”. Parent seminar coded “2427” will be conducted in English, with simultaneous interpretation services available in Urdu, Hindi and Nepali. There will also be a session where a non-Chinese speaking (NCS) guest shares his personal experience in learning the Chinese Language, and parents of NCS children are welcome to join. Other seminars will be conducted in Cantonese. For details, please visit https://www.edb.gov.hk/parentstalks_eAdmission Arrangements for Nursery (K1) Classes in KindergartensParents’ Talks

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Highlights – Situation in the Philippines in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights – Subcommittee on Human Rights

    Source: European Parliament

    Philippines © Image used under license from Adobe Stock

    On 26 June, DROI jointly with AFET will hold an exchange of views on the situation in the Philippines in the field of democracy, rule of law and human rights after the general elections of 12 May 2025, with speakers from academia, civil society, and the European External Action Service.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: 8 out of 10 Indian support taxing oil and gas corporations to pay for climate damages, global survey finds 

    Source: Greenpeace Statement –

    New Delhi, 19 June 2025 – A global survey shows a strong support for holding fossil fuel companies accountable for environmental damage. 80% Indian respondents believe the fossil fuel corporations should be taxed for environmental damage they cause.  The data from the survey reflects a growing public consensus that the industries driving the climate crisis should be held financially accountable for the destruction they caused. 

    A remarkable 86% of people support government spending on climate disaster relief–provided it is funded by tax on coal, oil, and gas polluters. Notably, 89% of BJP supporters and 82% of Congress (INC) supporters agree on the need to increase taxes on oil and gas corporations to support those hit hardest by extreme weather events, highlighting rare cross-party unity on climate accountability.   

    The study, jointly commissioned by Greenpeace International and Oxfam International, was launched today at the UN Climate Meetings in Bonn (SB62), where government representatives are discussing climate policies, including ways to mobilise at least US$ 1.3 trillion annually in climate finance for Global South countries by 2035. The survey was conducted across 13 countries, including most G7 countries. 

    Selomi Garnaik, Climate and Energy Campaigner at Greenpeace India said: “Communities in developing countries are paying the price for a crisis they did not cause, while fossil fuel companies continue to profit. The science is clear—over a century of burning coal, oil, and gas has fueled the climate damage we face today. This new survey reveals strong public support for making polluters pay. As we head into COP30, governments have a clear public mandate to act- stand with the people, not the polluters, and make fossil fuel companies pay for the harm they have caused.”

    The study, run by Dynata, was unveiled alongside the Polluters Pay Pact, a global alliance of communities on the frontlines of climate disasters. The Pact demands that governments make oil, gas and coal corporations – not the people – pay their fair share for the damages they cause, through the introduction of new taxes and fines.

    The Pact is backed by firefighters and other first responders, trade unions and worker groups, and mayors from countries including Australia, Brazil, Bangladesh, India, the Philippines, Sri Lanka, Nigeria, and South Africa, the US, and plaintiffs in landmark climate cases from Pacific island states to Switzerland.

    The Pact is also supported by over 60 NGOs, including Oxfam International, 350.org, Avaaz, Islamic Relief UK, Asociación Interamericana para la Defensa del Ambiente (AIDA), Indian Hawkers Alliance, Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change, Jubilee Australia and the Greenpeace network.

    The survey’s findings published today reveal broad public support for the core demands of the Polluters Pay Pact, as climate impacts worsen worldwide and global inequality grows.

    Key findings of the survey include:

    • 81% of people surveyed globally would support taxes on the oil, gas, and coal industry to pay for damages caused by fossil-fuel driven climate disasters like storms, floods, droughts and wildfires. 
    • 87% of people surveyed in India support channeling revenues from higher taxes on oil and gas corporations towards communities most impacted by the climate crisis. Climate change is disproportionately hitting people in Global South countries, who are historically least responsible for greenhouse gas emissions. 
    • 68% of people surveyed globally felt that the fossil fuel industry and the super-rich had a negative influence on politics in their country. 77% say they would be more willing to support a political candidate who prioritises taxing the super-rich and the fossil fuel industry. 

    Amitabh Behar, Executive Director of Oxfam International, said: “Fossil fuel companies have known for decades about the damage their polluting products wreak on humanity. Corporations continue to cash in on climate devastation, and their profiteering destroys the lives and livelihoods of millions of women, men and children, predominantly those in the Global South who have done the least to cause the climate crisis. Governments must listen to their people and hold polluters responsible for their damages. A new tax on polluting industries could provide immediate and significant support to climate-vulnerable countries, and finally incentivise investment in renewables and a just transition.” 

    The Polluters Pay Pact demonstrates popular support for the campaign to make polluters pay. The campaign is being waged throughout 2025 in countries worldwide and in critical international forums, including the 4th International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), and negotiations for a UN tax convention that could include new rules to make multinational oil and gas companies pay their fair share for their pollution.

    ENDS

    Notes:

    [1] The research was conducted by first-party data company Dynata in May-June, 2025, in Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Kenya, Italy, India, Mexico, the Philippines, South Africa, Spain, the UK and the US, with approximately 1200 respondents in each country and a theoretical margin of error of approximately 2.83%. Together, these countries represent close to half the world’s population. Statistics available here. 

    Additional background information available here.

    [2] Learn more about the Polluters Pay Pact: polluterspaypact.org

    [3] Additional quotes here from people around the world who are backing the Polluters Pay Pact, including first responders, local administration, youth, union representatives and people bringing climate cases to courts. 

    Contacts: 

    For Greenpeace India:
    Nibedita Saha, Media Officer, [email protected]

     For Greenpeace International: 

    Tal Harris, Greenpeace International, Global Media Lead – Stop Drilling Start Paying campaign, [email protected], +41-782530550

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: RM of BTS Debuts as Samsung Electronics’ Art TV Global Ambassador at Art Basel in Basel 2025

    Source: Samsung

    Samsung Electronics announced that RM of 21st century pop icons BTS has been named the new global ambassador for Samsung Art TVs earlier this week. RM joined Samsung at Art Basel in Basel 2025 to celebrate creativity, share his passion for art and spotlight how Samsung Art TVs and Samsung Art Store are making curated art experiences more accessible than ever before.
     
    
    ▲ RM’s interview at Samsung ArtCube during Art Basel in Basel 2025
     

    ▲ RM admires artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM engages with a piece by Basim Magdy.

     

    ▲ RM stops to look at artwork inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM checks out a piece on display at ArtCube.

     
    As an artist, collector and cultural voice, RM has long expressed his love for visual art — often sharing museum visits, artist insights and his own growing collection with the global audience. At Samsung’s ArtCube lounge, he reflected on what it means to live with art in a digital age, why accessibility matters and how technology is opening new doors for global discovery.
     

    ▲ RM participates in a talk session at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
     
    Art, Technology and the Everyday
    “When I connect with a piece of art, it’s like having a silent conversation,” said RM. “Samsung Art TV lets those conversations happen anywhere. It makes it easier for people to discover artists, reflect on their own emotions and build a personal connection with the art they choose to live with.”
     
    Known for his thoughtful approach to art and culture, RM took the opportunity to share his personal reflections. He spoke about how art has influenced his worldview and how platforms like Samsung Art TV offer an opportunity for everyone to make art a part of their daily lives.
     

    ▲ RM views the artwork on display inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM snaps a photo inside ArtCube.

     

    ▲ RM creates a personalized selfie in the artistic style of Marc Dennis.

     

    ▲ RM reflects on artwork by Kun-Yong Lee.

     

    ▲ RM observes a piece by Kun-Yong Lee.

     
    Through the Samsung Art TV’s expansive discovery features and curated collections, RM shared that he’s been exposed to a wider world of creativity — sparking curiosity and reshaping how he thinks about visual culture. He reflected on how digital platforms like Samsung Art Store are helping viewers break out of their comfort zones and pre-set tastes shaped by algorithms.
     
    “Every space has a mood,” RM shared during the talk session. “And sometimes a single artwork or a frame can shift that feeling. I love that Samsung Art TV gives people the freedom to discover and live with art in a way that fits their everyday rhythm.”
     
    A Personal Vision for the Future    
    RM also confirmed he is actively searching for a physical space to house his growing collection, an idea he’s hinted at in previous interviews. This gallery, he explained, would be rooted in a desire to connect East and West, past and present as well as personality and universality.
     
    “I want to bring everything together into one space,” he said. “Maybe I’ll call it ‘rkive’ like my Instagram. It won’t be easy, but I want to try.”
     

    ▲ RM shares his thoughts on art during a talk session held at Art Basel in Basel 2025.

     
    He expressed hope that, one day, his collection could be shared digitally through Samsung Art TV, reaching people around the world — especially those who can’t visit museums or galleries. “Unless you live in Seoul, it’s not easy to access museums or galleries to experience art in Korea.” He added that it would be great to have an ‘art bridge’ through Samsung Art TV one day, that would allow someone to “press a button and be led into a new world of art.”
     
     
    Reimagining Art for Everyone
    Samsung’s partnership with RM is rooted in a shared belief that technology can be a bridge to meaningful experiences. Whether it’s discovering a new artist, reinterpreting a classic or simply finding beauty in a quiet moment, Samsung Art TVs bring emotional and artistic depth to any space.
     
    “RM’s sincerity and influence make him a natural partner for Samsung Art TV,” said Sofia Monteiro, Curator at Samsung Art Store Europe. “He’s someone who doesn’t just appreciate art — he lives with it. And that reflects exactly what our platform is all about.”
     
    
    ▲ “Talk With RM” at Art Basel in Basel
     
    Through Samsung Art TVs, Samsung continues to redefine how people connect with art, turning walls into ever-evolving canvases and living spaces into curated galleries.
     
     
    RM and Samsung Invite the World To Live With Art
    As Samsung’s Art TV ambassador, RM continues to champion a more personal connection to art, design and culture. His partnership encourages art lovers everywhere to see creativity not as something reserved just for galleries but as something to bring into everyday life.
     
     
    About RM of BTS
    RM (Kim, Namjun) is a South Korean rapper, songwriter, music producer and leader of 21st century pop icons BTS. His discography includes solo mixtapes “RM” (March 2015) and “mono.” (October 2018), as well as solo albums “Indigo” (December 2022) and “Right Place, Wrong Person” (May 2024), which showcase his remarkable versatility across genres. As a creative powerhouse and avid art enthusiast, RM is renowned for crafting profound lyrics often inspired by various art forms. His flexible and philosophical approach to music and ability to push creative boundaries with cutting-edge collaborations has led him to work with a diverse range of artists, including Erykah Badu, Anderson .Paak, Lil Nas X, HONNE, Mahalia and more. On May 24, 2024, RM released his critically-acclaimed second solo album “Right Place, Wrong Person.”

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Scottish HealthTech delegation heads to Japan

    Source: Scottish Government

    Promoting Scotland’s innovation and international partnerships in health technology.

    A delegation from Scotland’s world-leading health technology sector, led by Health Secretary Neil Gray, will visit Japan next week to strengthen trade and innovation ties and promote Scottish expertise on the global stage.

    The trade mission will showcase Scotland’s strengths in digital health and life sciences at a series of events, including Japan Health 2025 in Osaka and a programme at the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025.

    Organised by the Scottish Government and Scottish Enterprise, the visit aims to raise international awareness of Scotland’s health innovation ecosystem, build long-term relationships with Japanese industry partners, encourage inward investment and share best practice in global healthcare collaboration.

    Scotland has a long history of medical innovation – from the invention of the hypodermic syringe to pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in diagnostics. Today, the country is home to one of Europe’s most dynamic life sciences clusters, driven by collaboration between government, academia, and industry.

    As part of the mission, the Scottish delegation will visit Canon Medical Systems Inc. in Tokyo – a key partner in Scotland’s growing medtech network – to explore opportunities for deeper technical cooperation. The visit will also feature panel discussions and networking events at the British Embassy in Tokyo and the UK Pavilion at Expo 2025, showcasing Scotland as a strategic partner in global health innovation.

    Health Secretary Neil Gray said:

    “Scotland has earned a strong international reputation for pioneering health technologies that improve outcomes and enhance care.

    “This trade mission is an opportunity to demonstrate our strengths to new audiences, deepen our relationships with Japanese innovators and investors, and share how Scotland’s integrated approach to healthcare and innovation is delivering real-world benefits. By supporting Scotland’s healthcare innovation sector we can help to encourage the kind of technologies that will ultimately benefit patients in Scotland.

    “Strengthening international partnerships like this supports economic growth, attracts inward investment and jobs, and ultimately helps us tackle some of the biggest challenges facing health systems at home and across the world.”

    Managing Director of International Operations at Scottish Enterprise, Reuben Aitken said:

    “Life sciences and healthtech generate over £10 billion annually for the Scottish economy and international events such as Expo 2025 provide opportunities for trade, export, and collaboration across these key industries. The companies heading to Japan are at the forefront of their fields in medical devices, AI and robotics. They are exhibiting their products and connecting with new markets in Japan. Our analysis from our previous Expo 2025 trade mission has forecast sales worth over £7 million and here at Scottish Enterprise we’re continuing to back ambitious companies to internationalise.”

    Managing Director of Talking Mats Ltd, Margo Mackay said:

    “Talking Mats Ltd is delighted to be travelling to Japan with the support of Scottish Enterprise and the Scottish Government. We look forward to extending our partnership with SDM Japan; networking with peers in healthtech and forging wider connections at Expo and Japan Health. Talking Mats’ ambition is to grow our community internationally and supply innovative solutions to support our vision of accessible and inclusive communication for all. We see Asia as a key market for expansion.”

    Background

    Key engagements in Mr Gray’s programme will include:

    • Leading Scotland’s presence at Expo Osaka:
      • Delivering a keynote speech on ‘Scotland’s health system and legacy of innovation’
      • Sitting as a panellist on ‘bridging innovation between Japan and Scotland – a collaborative future’
      • Chairing a company pitching session
      • Hosting a networking reception
    • Visit to Canon Medical Systems Inc.
    • Meeting the Japanese Ministry of Health to discuss the shared challenges of caring for a growing ageing population and understand possible areas for collaboration.
    • A keynote address at Japan Health on Scotland’s health system overview and Scotland’s legacy on innovation
    • A keynote address at the Global Healthcare Challenge on health longevity society in Scotland

    The healthtech mission follows the first ‘Scotland Day’ in April, when a delegation of companies from the gaming and consumer industries took part in Expo 2025 Japan organised by Scottish Enterprise and Scottish Government on the UK Pavilion. This activity helped Scottish companies access new markets, strengthen trading relationships and build international networks. Feedback from the gaming start-ups was positive as they were able to explore new markets in Japan and generate new business leads with early data from consumer-focused companies forecasting sales of over £7 million. A third event, focusing on offshore wind, will take place in September.

    Further information on Scotland’s healthtech presence at Expo.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Judicial Officers Recommendation Commission———–
    Chief Justice of the Court of Final Appeal———–
    Secretary for Justice (ex-officio member)
    Mr Justice Jeremy Poon Shiu-chor
    Madam Justice Carlye Chu Fun-ling
    Mr Victor Dawes, SC 
    Mr Roden Tong Man-lung
    Mr Carlson Tong
    Mr Philip Chen Nan-lok
    Professor Nancy Ip Yuk-yu
    Issued at HKT 15:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Joint announcement of People’s Bank of China and Hong Kong Monetary Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

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

    To deepen financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and to meet the demand of residents in both places for secure, efficient and convenient cross-boundary remittance service, the People’s Bank of China (PBoC) and the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) have jointly pushed forward the cooperation between the China National Clearing Center (CNCC) and the Hong Kong Interbank Clearing Limited (HKICL) in linking the faster payment systems in the Mainland and Hong Kong (hereafter referred to as Payment Connect). It is hereby announced that:

    1. Payment Connect refers to the linkage between the Mainland’s Internet Banking Payment System (IBPS) and Hong Kong’s Faster Payment System (FPS). It supports real-time cross-boundary payment services for residents in both places, in compliance with relevant laws and regulations of the two places.

    2. Payment Connect supports the participating institutions of the faster payment systems in both places to provide convenient remittance services in Renminbi and Hong Kong dollar for residents in both places under the current account. It also supports the participating institutions in both places, on the basis of implementing relevant policies, to provide instant remittance services for salary disbursements, payments of tuition fees and medical bills, as well as other use cases beneficial to the integration of the two places.

    3. Payment Connect represents another key measure of the Central Government in supporting the development of Hong Kong. It brings convenience to people’s daily lives, deepens financial cooperation between the Mainland and Hong Kong, and enhances the efficiency and service quality of cross-boundary payments between the two places. It also facilitates economic and trade activities and flow of people, benefits Hong Kong in elevating its competitive edge, and reinforces its position as an international financial centre and a global offshore Renminbi business hub.

    4. Under the framework of the Memorandum of Understanding on Cross-Boundary Linkage of Payment Systems between the Mainland and Hong Kong, the PBoC and the HKMA will establish an effective collaboration mechanism for the Payment Connect to ensure the related services are operated in an orderly manner and comply with the respective legal and regulatory requirements in the two places.

    5. The CNCC and HKICL, having regard to the operation procedures and risk management principles, will coordinate with participating institutions to provide secure and efficient cross-boundary payment services to residents in both places, ensuring the smooth operation of the system and its transactions, while actively coordinating in resolving issues which may arise.

    6. Institutions participating in the Payment Connect shall strictly comply with the relevant laws and regulations on anti-money laundering, counter-terrorist financing, counter-proliferation financing and cross-boundary payment settlement.

    7. Payment Connect will be launched on June 22, 2025.

    Note: This is a translated version of the official announcement in Chinese.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by DCS at Canada Day Reception (English only) (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is the speech by the Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, at the Canada Day Reception today (June 20):

    Consul General Reeves (Consul General of Canada to Hong Kong and Macao, Mr Charles Edwin Reeves), Deputy Commissioner Li Yongsheng (Deputy Commissioner of the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the People’s Republic of China in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Immigration Department repatriates 56 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants to their places of origin (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Immigration Department (ImmD) carried out repatriation operations from June 18 to today (June 20). A total of 56 unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants who were illegal immigrants and overstayers were repatriated to their places of origin. The persons removed comprised 28 men and 28 women. Among them were discharged prisoners who had committed criminal offences and had been sentenced to imprisonment as well as former foreign domestic helpers.
     
         The ImmD has been committed to promptly removing unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong to maintain effective immigration control and safeguard the public interest. Under the updated removal policy effective from December 7, 2022, the ImmD may generally proceed with the removal of a claimant whose judicial review case has been dismissed by the Court of First Instance of the High Court, thereby enhancing the efficiency of and efforts in removing unsubstantiated claimants.

         Depending on circumstances and needs, the ImmD will remain committed to expediting the removal process and actively maintain close liaison with governments of major source countries of non-refoulement claimants, airline companies and other government departments to repatriate unsubstantiated non-refoulement claimants from Hong Kong as soon as practicable through all appropriate measures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DEVB strengthens ties with Middle East on infrastructure development (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Permanent Secretary for Development (Works), Mr Ricky Lau, visited the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East from June 15 to 19 to introduce and promote the developments and strengths of Hong Kong’s infrastructure development, learn about the development opportunities of the infrastructure and construction market in the Middle East and strengthen mutual ties and co-operation.
     
    In his keynote presentation at the first Abu Dhabi Infrastructure Summit in Abu Dhabi of the UAE on June 17 (Abu Dhabi time), Mr Lau introduced the latest infrastructure developments in Hong Kong, as well as the experience, opportunities and strengths brought by the adoption of innovative technologies in the implementation of infrastructure projects, including proactively promoting high productivity construction methods such as Modular Integrated Construction, spearheading the digital transformation of the construction industry and adopting innovative procurement approaches to consolidate Hong Kong’s position as an international infrastructure centre. During the summit, Mr Lau met with the Director General of the Abu Dhabi Projects and Infrastructure Centre of the Government of the UAE, H.E. Maysarah Mahmoud Eid, to share strategies and initiatives for taking forward infrastructure projects in both places. Both parties will also enhance co-operation in infrastructure development in both places.
     
    Mr Lau met with the President of the Public Works Authority of Qatar, H.E. Mohammed bin Abdulaziz Al-Meer, in Doha, Qatar, on June 18 (Doha time). They exchanged views on taking forward infrastructure projects and each learned about the challenges and experience of both places. Both parties plan to sign a Memorandum of Understanding, with a view to strengthening the exchange of professional knowledge and experience in taking forward major infrastructure projects and realising complementary advantages in both places. The areas of collaboration may include the promotion of a public-private partnership approach, collaboration with foreign investment, smart construction and innovative technologies, technical capability building and professional knowledge exchanges, thereby enhancing productivity, cost management and project performance of the construction industry in both places, as well as laying a foundation for seeking further collaboration in the future.
     
        On June 19 (Riyadh time), Mr Lau visited two major development projects, Qiddiya and Diriyah Gate, in Riyadh of Saudi Arabia and met with senior members of the projects to learn about the planning and progress of the work. They also shared experiences in taking forward major infrastructure projects.
     
    During his visit to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Doha and Riyadh, Mr Lau called on local officials, visited major infrastructure development projects and met with industry representatives to exchange views on issues related to infrastructure development, including the achievements of the introduction of advanced construction materials and technologies from the Mainland to Hong Kong. He said that Hong Kong would serve as a “super connector” between the Mainland and the rest of the world, support and take forward the development of the Belt and Road Initiative with a view to making significant contributions to the high-quality development of the country.
     
    Mr Lau concluded his visit on June 19 (Riyadh time) and returned to Hong Kong today (June 20).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Basic Housing Units Bill gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Basic Housing Units Bill gazetted 
         The Bill requires SDUs in residential buildings to comply with a set of minimum standards of living conditions, including internal floor area, headroom, fire safety, structural safety (i.e. loading), lighting and ventilation, toilet, water supply point, as well as water and electricity meters, and to obtain BHU recognition before they are allowed to be let out for habitation. There would be criminal liability on the person who lets out unrecognised SDUs, while the tenants concerned will not be held liable.
     
         A Government spokesperson said, “As a transitional arrangement to implement the BHU regulatory regime progressively, the Government will set up a 12-month registration system for residential flats with pre-existing SDUs, under which a 36-month grace period will be provided to SDUs in registered flats for carrying out necessary alteration works and making applications for BHU recognition. Unregistered SDUs, registered SDUs with grace period expired, as well as new SDUs entering the market must apply for recognition as up-to-standard BHUs before they can be lawfully let out for habitation.”
     
         The spokesperson added, “Since the establishment of the Task Force on Tackling the Issue of Subdivided Units in October 2023, the Government has extensively consulted various stakeholders on the handling of the SDU issue. A two-month stakeholder consultation exercise was conducted in December 2024 on the legislative proposals for the BHU regulatory regime. The LegCo Panel on Housing was also consulted in December 2024 and March 2025 respectively. During the period, nearly 40 engagement sessions were organised with nearly 700 participants met, and a total of some 2 200 written submissions of views (including around 1 600 template submissions) were received. Stakeholders generally supported the policy objective and legislative framework of the BHU regulatory regime. The Bill has suitably reflected the views received. Overall speaking, stakeholders and society have responded positively to the legislative proposals.”
     
         The Government will make every effort to facilitate the LegCo’s scrutiny work and strive for the LegCo’s passage of the Bill as soon as possible, with a view to rolling out the BHU regulatory regime in March 2026, which represents a significant milestone in eradicating substandard SDUs.
    Issued at HKT 9:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Indian missions in Riyadh and Doha to mark International Day of yoga with community events

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Embassy in Saudi Arabia will celebrate the 11th International Day of Yoga tomorrow in partnership with the Saudi Yoga Committee and the Indian diaspora.

    The event, to be held at Prince Faisal bin Fahd Sports City Stadium in Riyadh, will see participation from students of the International Indian Public School and Al Alia International Indian School. In Jeddah, celebrations took place a day earlier with students from the International Indian School showcasing their enthusiasm for yoga and its unifying spirit.

    Meanwhile, the Indian Embassy in Qatar, in collaboration with the Indian Sports Centre, will observe International Day of Yoga 2025 on June 21 at Ideal Indian School, Doha. The event will bring together members of the Indian community and yoga practitioners for an evening dedicated to well-being and cultural exchange. Highlights will include a rhythmic yoga display by children, a yoga quiz, a challenge session, guided meditation, and a mass yoga practice based on the Common Yoga Protocol.