NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Castle Peak Hospital appeals to public on missing patient

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Castle Peak Hospital appeals to public on missing patient 
         A 43-year-old female inpatient absconded at about 9am today during a dental follow-up appointment at a clinic outside CPH, for which she had been escorted by staff. CPH immediately reported the incident to the Police for assistance, and has informed the patient’s relatives. The hospital will fully co-operate with the Police for the search.
     
         The patient is 1.61 metres tall, is of medium build with a ponytail. She was wearing a dark blue long-sleeved top, a blue vest jacket and red trousers when she left the hospital.
     
         CPH has reported the case to the Hospital Authority Head Office via the Advance Incident Reporting System. The hospital appeals to the public to contact Tuen Mun Police Station at 3661 5810 if they know the whereabouts of the patient.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special offers announced for Jul 1

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s establishment on July 1, the Government and different sectors of the community will launch a rich array of special offers and activities to share with the public the joy of Hong Kong’s return to the motherland.

    The MTR will give away 71,000 e-single journey tickets through a lucky draw on July 1 and provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus and JoyYou Cards.

    Free rides on several ferry routes will be offered on July 1, with vouchers for certain ferry routes to be distributed in advance. Citizens can also enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes from July 1 to 3.

    On July 1, the use of fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities of the Leisure & Cultural Services Department and admission to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries & Conservation Department will be complimentary.

    The public can also enjoy free admission to all General Admission exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum.

    Additional free guided tours, dining, consumption and accommodation offers will be available from mid-June to early July by the 12 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.

    As for dining and consumption, over 1,000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1.

    Several public markets under the Food & Environmental Hygiene Department will roll out offers. Additionally, people can enjoy a 29% discount when purchasing selected products via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7.

    The Environmental Protection Department will award double GREEN$ Points to users who recycle at GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1.

    Separately, the Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park will offer ticket discounts, while Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, various shopping malls and department stores will roll out shopping, dining, consumption or parking offers.

    The Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with local businesses to provide various dining, shopping, attractions, tours and entertainment deals.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Flagship schemes drive India’s sporting transformation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past 11 years, India has witnessed a dramatic transformation in its sporting landscape, driven by a series of ambitious flagship schemes launched under the Modi government. From building grassroots infrastructure to supporting Olympic medal hopefuls, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports has played a pivotal role in shaping a new sporting era for the nation.

    With India’s youth forming nearly 65% of its population, the government has identified sports as a key tool for empowerment and nation-building. Reflecting this, the sports ministry’s budget has seen a 130.9% increase from ₹1,643 crore in 2014–15 to a record ₹3,794 crore in 2025–26.

    Central to this transformation is the Khelo India programme, launched in 2016–17. With ₹1,000 crore allocated in the latest budget, it has supported the creation of over 1,000 training centres, approved 326 infrastructure projects, and nurtured nearly 2,845 athletes through coaching and financial assistance.

    The Khelo India Games—covering youth, university, para and winter editions—have grown significantly, with over 50,000 athletes participating in 17 editions since 2018. Talent identification is being sharpened through KIRTI, a data-driven program using AI-based protocols to scout young talent aged 9–18.

    At the elite level, the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) has backed India’s Olympic and Paralympic champions, offering customized training and monthly allowances to core athletes. The results are evident: India won 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 and 6 at Paris 2024, while Paralympians clinched a record 29 medals in Paris.

    The Fit India Movement, launched in 2019, has further promoted a culture of fitness through mass participation events, online campaigns, and family engagement sessions.

    In addition, a ₹200 crore special package has bolstered sports infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, while programs under Nehru Yuva Kendra Sangathan (NYKS) have empowered youth across 623 districts.

    From village-level talent to international podiums, India’s sports ecosystem is now more inclusive, robust, and performance-driven than ever. As the nation looks ahead to the 2036 Olympics and beyond, these initiatives reflect a clear vision: to make India a top-10 sporting nation in the world.

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Indian athletes shine on global stage with record-breaking performances

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s sporting achievements have witnessed a remarkable surge over the past 11 years, with Indian athletes delivering historic performances across major international competitions. Backed by flagship initiatives like Khelo India, TOPS, and KIRTI, the country has steadily climbed the global sporting ladder.

    At the Olympics, India went from winning just 2 medals at Rio 2016 to a record 7 medals at Tokyo 2020 and 6 at Paris 2024. Star performers such as Neeraj Chopra, who clinched India’s first Olympic athletics gold, and Mirabai Chanu in weightlifting, led the way in India’s Olympic resurgence.

    The Paralympics marked an even more dramatic transformation. From just 4 medals in Rio 2016, India bagged 19 in Tokyo 2020 and a record-breaking 29 medals in Paris 2024, including 7 golds. This success reflects the impact of structured support and inclusion of para-athletes in schemes like TOPS and the Khelo India Para Games.

    India’s rise continued at the Asian Games, where the Hangzhou 2023 edition became historic with 107 medals from a record 655-member contingent. Similarly, at the Commonwealth Games, India consistently maintained strong performances, securing over 60 medals in each edition from 2014 to 2022.

    Indian athletes also made global headlines elsewhere—winning double gold at the 2024 FIDE Chess Olympiad, a gold in javelin at the World Athletics Championships 2023, and a historic Thomas Cup win in badminton in 2022. Shooters and para-table tennis players also delivered standout performances in global competitions.

    India has also emerged as a hub for major international sports events, hosting the FIDE Chess Olympiad (Chennai), MotoGP Bharat (Noida), BIMSTEC Aquatics Championship (Delhi), and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup (Bhubaneswar). In 2023, India hosted the prestigious IOC Session in Mumbai, further strengthening its role in global sports diplomacy.

    With increased investment, strategic planning, and world-class talent, India’s sporting transformation under the Modi government is no longer a vision — it’s an unfolding reality. As the country eyes the 2036 Olympics, its journey towards becoming a top-10 sporting nation is firmly on track.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samarkand 2026: ADB’s 59th Annual Meeting in the Heart of History

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Uzbekistan will host the Asian Development Bank’s (ADB) 59th Annual Meeting on 3 to 6 May 2026. The meeting will be held in the historic city of Samarkand, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. This is the second time that Uzbekistan will host the ADB Annual Meeting, following the successful 43rd Annual Meeting in Tashkent in 2010.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi became an Honorary Doctor of SPbPU

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    On June 9, a solemn ceremony of presenting the mantle and diploma of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi took place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University.

    In accordance with the official regulations, the title of “Honorary Doctor of Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University” is awarded to outstanding figures in science and technology, education and culture, as well as leading specialists from Russia and foreign countries for significant contribution to the development of advanced areas of knowledge and science, whose activities contribute to strategic development, expansion of areas of cooperation and increasing the authority of the university at the international level. The decision to award the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Mohammed Ali Beravi was unanimously adopted by the members of the SPbPU Academic Council on September 27, 2024. The University’s Scientific Secretary Dmitry Karpov introduced the new Honorary Doctor.

    Mohamed Ali Berawi is a Professor of Engineering, M.Eng., Ph.D., and Professor in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, and Executive Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, University of Indonesia. He is the Chairman of the Indonesian Faculty Association and the Advisory Board of the Forum of Professional Organizations in Science and Technology, Director of the Center for Sustainable Infrastructure Development, Executive Director of the ASEAN University Network for Sustainable Cities and Urbanization, and the Leader of the Smart Cities Working Group of the Association of Pacific Rim Universities Sustainable Cities and Landscapes. Mohamed Ali Berawi was ranked in the top 2% of scientists in the world by Elsevier and Stanford University from 2021 to 2024.

    Professor Berawi has served as a leading advisor to the Ministry of Transport of the Republic of Indonesia, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Strategic Infrastructure Policy of the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce, and Member Secretary of the Presidential Advisory Council of the Republic of Indonesia. Since 2022, he has served as the Deputy for Green and Digital Transformation at Nusantara Metropolitan Office in Indonesia.

    Students in the uniform of the Polytechnic University of the early 20th century brought in the doctoral mantle, the Polyhymnia choir performed the Gaudeamus anthem. Rector of SPbPU, academician of the Russian Academy of Sciences Andrey Rudskoy presented a book about honorary doctors of the Polytechnic University, which has a page dedicated to Mohammed Ali Beravi.

    Awarding the title of Honorary Doctor of SPbPU to Professor Beravi is a recognition of his outstanding achievements in science and practical activities aimed at sustainable development and the implementation of advanced technologies. His work is ideally in line with the spirit and strategic goals of our university. His many years of work at the Polytechnic contributed to the development of the master’s programs “Bioeconomics” and “Energy Economics”, where he shared his competencies in the field of sustainable development of territories using the city of Nusantara as an example. In particular, Professor Beravi taught courses and supervised, together with Polytechnic teachers, students’ research work in English. Together with Professor Beravi and his Indonesian colleagues, the Polytechnic hopes to implement a joint project on modeling the development of smart cities, – Andrey Rudskoy emphasized.

    It is a great honour for me to receive the title of Honorary Doctor of the Polytechnic University. This recognition reflects our shared commitment to the development of knowledge, innovation and international cooperation. I hope that this achievement will inspire our joint initiatives in the field of science and technology development. I believe that science and technology should serve higher purposes, offering real solutions that improve the quality of life, support sustainability and ensure a better future for the next generations, – thanked Professor Mohamed Ali Berawi.

    The ceremony was also attended by the Honorary Consul of the Republic of Indonesia in St. Petersburg, President of the Association of Industrial Enterprises of St. Petersburg Valery Radchenko, a graduate of the Polytechnic University. He congratulated Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi on receiving the honorary title. In addition, the Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to the Russian Federation and the Republic of Belarus Jose Tavares sent his congratulations in the form of a video message.

    After the ceremony, Mohammed Ali Berawi met with Indonesian students who performed the national dance Ratoh Jaroe.

    We are immensely proud that Professor Mohammed Ali Berawi is part of the Polytechnic family. It is a great honor for us that a world-class scientist, whose projects change the future of cities, has been making a significant contribution to the development of our university for many years. It is especially inspiring that he is our fellow countryman, glorifying Indonesia and Polytech on the global stage. We say with all our hearts: Welcome home, Professor, Selamat datang di Polytech! — shared the chairman of the Indonesian community at SPbPU, a postgraduate student of IMMiT Tegu Imanullah.

    Professor Mohammed Ali Beravi gave a lecture to students and staff of the university at the Technopolis Polytech research complex. Before that, Vice-Rector for Youth Policy and Communication Technologies Maxim Pasholikov awarded Professor Beravi with gratitude and a commemorative medal of SPbPU for assisting in the development of the University Endowment Fund.

    The lecture was dedicated to the creation of a smart sustainable city Nusantara — the new capital of Indonesia, where environmental responsibility and digital innovations are combined. The concept is based on the triad of Nature 5.0, Industry 4.0 and Society 5.0, which ensures the restoration of nature through technological progress, innovations for sustainable development and a human-oriented society. Nusantara is designed as the world’s first carbon-neutral city by 2045. To achieve this, 65% of its territory will be occupied by restored tropical forests — natural absorbers of CO₂. Among the innovations are autonomous transport and “smart buildings”. Professor Berawi presented the national project being implemented, which will become a global example of the balance between technology, ecology and the quality of life of people.

    During the visit, Mohammed Ali Beravi was given a tour of the Main Academic Building. He visited the SPbPU History Museum, the White Hall, the Reading Room, and looked at the gallery of outstanding polytechnic scientists. Professor Beravi was also told about the Polytechnic Supercomputer Center and the MetaCampus Polytech project of the Civil Engineering Institute.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Scans Ahead at Solana Summit 2025 with QR-based Payment Rollout

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget Wallet, the leading non-custodial Web3 wallet, concluded an impactful showing at the Solana APAC Summit 2025, held in Da Nang, Vietnam from June 5 to 7. As a major sponsor of the summit, Bitget Wallet used the three-day event to debut its newest payment features, connect with builders from across the Solana ecosystem, and demonstrate how onchain tools can power real-world use cases across Asia and beyond.

    On the opening day, Bitget Wallet formally announced the integration of QR-based payment integrations, which includes Solana Pay and national QR payment systems, for seamless, multi-currency payments. This integration lives up to Bitget Wallet’s new identity of ‘Crypto for Everyone’, bridging the gap between blockchain and everyday commerce. Bitget Wallet also hosted a developer workshop showcasing the ease of integrating Solana dApps into the wallet’s infrastructure, including support for seamless swaps, staking, and native Solana trading via Jupiter DEX.

    Day 2 of the Summit saw Bitget Wallet’s Business Development Manager, Xavier Ow Yeong, take the stage to discuss how onchain finance is changing the way users spend, save, and access capital. That evening, Bitget Wallet co-hosted a meetup with Saros, previewing its upcoming VietQR payment feature in a live test environment. Over 150 community members attended the event, explored new Bitget Wallet integrations firsthand, and received exclusive merchandise alongside a live airdrop reward for early testers.

    The Solana APAC Summit marks a significant milestone in Bitget Wallet’s roadmap to turn crypto wallets from storage tools into everyday super apps. As part of a broader mission to scale real-world adoption, the event demonstrates how embedded payment infrastructure, cross-chain liquidity, and user-first design can unlock new crypto behaviors, whether in emerging markets or global hubs of Web3 development.

    Bitget Wallet’s participation in the Solana Summit is part of its ongoing initiative to expand crypto access across Asia, aligning ecosystem partners, developers, and communities around the next wave of practical, onchain tools.

    About Bitget Wallet
    Bitget Wallet is a non-custodial crypto wallet designed to make crypto simple and secure for everyone. With over 80 million users, it brings together a full suite of crypto services, including swaps, market insights, staking, rewards, DApp exploration, and payment solutions. Supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens, Bitget Wallet enables seamless multi-chain trading across hundreds of DEXs and cross-chain bridges. Backed by a $300+ million user protection fund, it ensures the highest level of security for users’ assets. Its vision is Crypto for Everyone — to make crypto simpler, safer, and part of everyday life for a billion people.
    For more information, visit: X | Telegram | Instagram | YouTube | LinkedIn | TikTok | Discord | Facebook
    For media inquiries, contact media.web3@bitget.com

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/91b54b94-4741-40ed-b89f-148168f60fdd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/55eded33-ff2f-4c2e-8049-588eba6af3f6
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0687e900-51a8-4caf-bebd-b9b229aa8fcd
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e4a31e7f-1fa4-46f5-83f3-dd3536d378bb
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/fa35936b-7656-4156-995e-211e4d503db5
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/0fd5bd5b-c1ae-46db-af86-08a14f2f75a9
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/205bbae6-30c4-4605-9d97-de11d0109ccf
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/2be5f55d-8911-4f2f-a0be-e09dec432a1b
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff8c528-21a6-49ed-b61a-eef93d06febc

    The MIL Network –

  • Yogi Adityanath highlights govt’s achievements as PM Modi completes 11 years in office

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath on Tuesday inaugurated an exhibition at the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) office in Lucknow to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s completion of 11 years in office. Deputy Chief Ministers Keshav Prasad Maurya and Brajesh Pathak were also present at the event.

    Highlighting the Modi government’s achievements over the past 11 years, Yogi described this period as a golden era of good governance and welfare for the poor—an era that laid the foundation for a developed and self-reliant India. He emphasized that under PM Modi’s leadership, India has not only accelerated its growth but also emerged as a symbol of global trust, gaining a strong international identity.

    Criticizing the Congress for decades of misgovernance, the Uttar Pradesh CM said, “Due to Congress-led governments and other unstable administrations in the 65 years following independence, the common citizen’s trust was broken, and India’s global image was tarnished. But over the past 11 years, under PM Modi’s leadership, a corruption-free, appeasement-free, unified India has been realised.”

    Yogi stressed that during this period, India has forged a new identity in social welfare, governance, the economy, and security. “Government transparency and accountability towards the public have become distinguishing hallmarks. A new harmony between development and heritage has been created,” the UP CM said.

    Emphasising PM Modi’s idea of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, Yogi said the mantra has become the face of the government. “Now, benefits are delivered not based on who someone is, but impartially — and Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas (together with all, development for all) has become the new face of governance,” he said.

    Yogi pointed out the steps taken by the NDA government against terrorism, highlighting recent actions during Operation Sindoor.

    “Now, we have changed our approach to terrorism compared to before 2014 — India favours peace. PM Modi, by setting a new normal, has changed the entire concept — we will live in peace with friends, but if someone imposes war on us, induces terrorism in our country, and threatens our security, the response will be surgical strikes, air strikes, and Operation Sindoor. We have demonstrated this with ‘Made in India’ capability, and the world has recently realised India’s strength,” he said.

    Yogi also mentioned the abrogation of Article 370: “Article 370, which had been in place since 1952, was repealed by our government. India’s integrity was reinforced — from Kashmir to Kanyakumari.”

    Highlighting achievements in the agriculture sector, he said the double-engine government has benefited farmers and the agri-industry.

    “Before 2017, sugar mills in Uttar Pradesh were shutting down. Between 1996 and 2017, there were payments due for 22 years, but in just the last seven years, an additional ₹71,000 crore has been paid. This is the guarantee of a double-engine government,” Yogi said.

    The UP Chief Minister also underlined government schemes aimed at empowering women, such as the Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao campaign, 33 per cent reservation for women in legislatures, the abolition of triple talaq, granting freedom to women, and the Lakhpati Didi scheme for women entrepreneurs.

    ANI

  • MIL-Evening Report: In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Greste, Professor of Journalism and Communications, Macquarie University

    The video of a Los Angeles police officer shooting a rubber bullet at Channel Nine reporter Lauren Tomasi is as shocking as it is revealing.

    In her live broadcast, Tomasi is standing to the side of a rank of police in riot gear. She describes the way they have begun firing rubber bullets to disperse protesters angry with US President Donald Trump’s crackdown on illegal immigrants.

    As Tomasi finishes her sentence, the camera pans to the left, just in time to catch the officer raising his gun and firing a non-lethal round into her leg. She said a day later she is sore, but otherwise OK.

    Although a more thorough investigation might find mitigating circumstances, from the video evidence, it is hard to dismiss the shot as “crossfire”. The reporter and cameraman were off to one side of the police, clearly identified and working legitimately.

    The shooting is also not a one-off. Since the protests against Trump’s mass deportations policy began three days ago, a reporter with the LA Daily News and a freelance journalist have been hit with pepper balls and tear gas.

    British freelance photojournalist Nick Stern also had emergency surgery to remove a three-inch plastic bullet from his leg.

    In all, the Los Angeles Press Club has documented more than 30 incidents of obstruction and attacks on journalists during the protests.

    Trump’s assault on the media

    It now seems assaults on the media are no longer confined to warzones or despotic regimes. They are happening in American cities, in broad daylight, often at the hands of those tasked with upholding the law.

    But violence is only one piece of the picture. In the nearly five months since taking office, the Trump administration has moved to defund public broadcasters, curtail access to information and undermine the credibility of independent media.

    International services once used to project democratic values and American soft power around the world, such as Voice of America, Radio Free Europe and Radio Free Asia, have all had their funding cut and been threatened with closure. (The Voice of America website is still operational but hasn’t been updated since mid-March, with one headline on the front page reading “Vatican: Francis stable, out of ‘imminent danger’ of death”).

    The Associated Press, one of the most respected and important news agencies in the world, has been restricted from its access to the White House and covering Trump. The reason? It decided to defy Trump’s directive to change the name of the Gulf of Mexico to Gulf of America.

    Even broadcast licenses for major US networks, such as ABC, NBC and CBS, have been publicly threatened — a signal to editors and executives that political loyalty might soon outweigh journalistic integrity.

    The Committee to Protect Journalists is more used to condemning attacks on the media in places like Russia. However, in April, it issued a report headlined: “Alarm bells: Trump’s first 100 days ramp up fear for the press, democracy”.

    A requirement for peace

    Why does this matter? The success of American democracy has never depended on unity or even civility. It has depended on scrutiny. A system where power is challenged, not flattered.

    The First Amendment to the US Constitution – which protects freedom of speech – has long been considered the gold standard for building the institutions of free press and free expression. That only works when journalism is protected — not in theory but in practice.

    Now, strikingly, the language once reserved for autocracies and failed states has begun to appear in assessments of the US. Civicus, which tracks declining democracies around the world, recently put the US on its watchlist, alongside the Democratic Republic of Congo, Italy, Serbia and Pakistan.

    The attacks on the journalists in LA are troubling not only for their sake, but for ours. This is about civic architecture. The kind of framework that makes space for disagreement without descending into disorder.

    Press freedom is not a luxury for peacetime. It is a requirement for peace.

    Peter Greste is Professor of Journalism at Macquarie University and the Executive Director for the advocacy group, the Alliance for Journalists’ Freedom.

    – ref. In Trump’s America, the shooting of a journalist is not a one-off. Press freedom itself is under attack – https://theconversation.com/in-trumps-america-the-shooting-of-a-journalist-is-not-a-one-off-press-freedom-itself-is-under-attack-258578

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges China, S. Korea to lift strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi urges China, S. Korea to lift strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and South Korea should lift their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level, so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples and bring greater certainty to the turbulent regional and international landscapes.

    Xi made the remarks during a telephone conversation with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

    Extending congratulations once again to Lee on his election as South Korean president, Xi said that China and South Korea are close neighbors that cannot be moved away from each other.

    Over the past 33 years since the establishment of diplomatic ties, the two countries have transcended differences in ideology and social systems, and actively advanced exchanges and cooperation across various fields, thus contributing to each other’s success and achieving common development, he said.

    A sound, stable and ever-deepening China-South Korea relationship, Xi said, conforms to the trend of the times, serves the fundamental interests of the two peoples, and contributes to regional and global peace, stability, development and prosperity.

    China and South Korea should stay committed to the original aspiration of establishing their diplomatic ties, uphold good-neighborliness and friendship, and strive for mutual benefit and win-win outcomes, Xi said.

    The two sides, he said, should enhance exchanges at various levels and across various areas to increase strategic mutual trust, strengthen bilateral cooperation and multilateral coordination to jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure stable and smooth global and regional industrial and supply chains.

    China and South Korea should deepen people-to-people and cultural exchanges to enhance mutual understanding and cement public support, so as to plant the seeds of China-South Korea friendship deep in the hearts of the two peoples, Xi said.

    They should respect each other’s core interests and major concerns and keep bilateral relations on the right track to ensure the sound and steady growth of China-South Korea relations, he added.

    Lee, for his part, said he agrees with Xi’s remarks, stressing the close geographical proximity, longstanding exchanges, and close economic, trade, and cultural connections between South Korea and China.

    While expressing admiration for China’s impressive development achievements under Xi’s outstanding leadership, Lee said that he attaches great importance to South Korea-China relations, and is ready to work with China to deepen their good-neighborly and friendly relations, enhance mutual goodwill between the two peoples and achieve more results in bilateral cooperation. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wishes Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla ahead of Axiom-4 space mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission, an official statement from the Indian Air Force said.

    Air Chief Marshal Singh extended best wishes to Group Captain Shukla, who will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984.

    In a post on X, IAF said, “As Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey”.

    The Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for launch on June 10, was postponed due to unfavorable weather and is now set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11. The mission will carry Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS. According to Axiom Space, this will be India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

    In a video message shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed his excitement about the opportunity, recalling how he was inspired by India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He also revealed that he learned about his selection just a week before reporting for training.

    Earlier, SpaceX Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, emphasized safety improvements in the Dragon capsule used for this mission, noting design changes to propulsion components to enhance reliability for human spaceflight.

    Notably, SpaceX is on track for a record-breaking year, with around 100 launches remaining to reach its ambitious target of 170 orbital missions in 2025.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Free use of leisure and cultural facilities on July 1 in celebration of 28th anniversary of establishment of HKSAR

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         To celebrate the 28th anniversary of the establishment of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, a number of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department (LCSD)’s fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities will open for use by members of the public free of charge on July 1 (Tuesday), which include:
     

    • Indoor leisure facilities: badminton courts, tennis courts, basketball courts, netball courts, volleyball courts, squash courts, table tennis tables, American pool tables, billiard tables, sport climbing walls*, bowling greens, golf facilities, fitness rooms*, activity rooms, dance rooms and a cycling track*; 
    • Outdoor leisure facilities: tennis courts, tennis practice courts, bowling greens, batting cages, archery ranges* and golf facilities (excluding camp facilities, sports grounds as well as artificial and natural turf pitches); 
    • Public swimming pools (excluding Wan Chai Swimming Pool, and Kowloon Tsai Swimming Pool which is temporarily closed for redevelopment);
    • Craft at water sports centres* (recreational kayaks, pedal-driven boats, sampans and colour boats at Chong Hing Water Sports Centre are available for free use by campers only); and
    • Permanent exhibitions of the Hong Kong Science Museum and the Hong Kong Space Museum (excluding the shows at Space Theatre)

    (* Users are required to possess the relevant qualification certificates.)

         The free-of-charge sessions on July 1 will be allocated through balloting. During the period June 14 to 20, members of the public can make ballot applications via SmartPLAY as individual users. Each application can cover a maximum of three balloting choices. For applications made, each applicant can revise the choices before the closing of the application period at 11.59pm on June 20. The computer balloting results will be announced on June 23. Successful applicants will be notified by the SmartPLAY system. For members of the public not having been allocated any balloted free session or made any application, they can book the remaining free sessions, if any, via SmartPLAY on a first-come, first-served basis from June 25. Each successful applicant will be allocated one free session, whether through balloting or first-come, first-served booking. 

         The LCSD appeals to successful applicants to arrive on time and make the best use of the booked facilities. If a successful applicant fails to take up a booked session 10 minutes after the starting time, the facility will be reallocated to walk-in participants on a first-come, first-served basis for use as the same purpose as that for which it has been booked. The facility should be returned to the original successful applicant if he/she shows up later. All users should observe the Conditions of Use of LCSD Recreation and Sports Facilities as shown on the LCSD website www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/condition/index.html (including the “no-show/not present during the use of the booked sessions” penalty). Please call 2414 5555 for enquiry or visit the thematic website at www.lcsd.gov.hk/en/freeuseday/index.html.

         No prior booking is required for public swimming pool facilities. Members of the public may line up at the entrances of swimming pools before the start of a session. Free admission is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

         Admission will continue to be free at the Hong Kong Museum of Art, the Hong Kong Heritage Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of History, the Flagstaff House Museum of Tea Ware, the Hong Kong Railway Museum, the Hong Kong Museum of the War of Resistance and Coastal Defence, the Fireboat Alexander Grantham Exhibition Gallery, the Law Uk Folk Museum, the Lei Cheng Uk Han Tomb Museum, the Sheung Yiu Folk Museum, the Hong Kong Film Archive, the Sam Tung Uk Museum and the Oil Street Art Space (Oi!). (The Dr Sun Yat-sen Museum is temporarily closed for upgrading works. The Hong Kong Visual Arts Centre is closed on Tuesdays (including July 1).)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: SEON Launches AI-Powered Anti-Money Laundering Suite, Enhancing its Comprehensive Command Center for Risk Management

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    AUSTIN, Texas, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — SEON, a global leader in digital fraud prevention, announced the launch of its expanded Anti-Money Laundering (AML) Compliance suite, a significant step in the company’s evolution from fraud prevention to a unified risk solution. This release introduces real-time AI-powered capabilities, including Payment Screening, Transaction Monitoring and integrated fraud and AML Case Management with regulatory reporting filling functionalities.

    SEON’s 2025 Digital Fraud Outlook reveals real-time transaction monitoring is the top investment priority for compliance and fraud teams this year — with 62% of organizations making this shift. To meet this demand, SEON’s AML suite delivers granular, real-time monitoring alerts that reduce false positives and improve detection accuracy across both fraud and AML use cases.

    “We already use SEON as a key part of how we manage fraud risk at Casumo,” said Sebastian Brant, Director of CEX, Casumo. “They bring depth in proprietary risk signals we can’t get anywhere else, flexible tools that we can adapt to any scenario and a level of customer service responsiveness and expertise we simply haven’t seen elsewhere. We see the significant value of having one system that can help teams operate more efficiently and effectively.”

    SEON serves as the unified solution for teams managing both fraud and AML compliance, helping them detect risks proactively, resolve cases faster and keep records audit-ready — all without navigating between different systems, eliminating manual steps or working off spreadsheets.

    “Risk teams don’t need more tools — they need one that gives them a full picture,” said Tamas Kadar, Co-Founder and CEO, SEON. “This launch gives fraud and compliance teams a multi-dimensional command center to manage risk in one place. And because we own our data pipeline and can control data accuracy, this means our models deliver more accurate risk decisions.”

    Built for the Way Risk and Compliance Work Today

    Most risk teams are using legacy solutions that were not designed to support real-time decisions, instead relying on batch processing, leading to delayed reviews, siloed data and scattered case files with no audit trail. SEON replaces that with a single solution where fraud and AML data work together — giving teams a holistic view with more context, less noise and quicker paths to action.

    Developed through customer collaboration, SEON’s AML Compliance solution applies the same real-time capabilities, data quality and limitless customization that SEON is known for to compliance use cases, helping teams tailor risk programs to new products, regulatory jurisdictions, internal policies and evolving risks.

    Key Capabilities

    • Spot bad actors early with digital footprint and fraud signals before users enter KYC or AML checks
    • Expedite reviews with AI-assisted customer screening that helps analysts resolve hits faster
    • Detect risks instantly with real-time transaction monitoring and payment screening
    • Investigate efficiently and close out cases faster with unified fraud intelligence, AML signals and transaction data in one dashboard
    • Reduce time spent on regulatory reporting with autofill capabilities and AI-powered SAR narratives
    • Submit SAR, CTR, and Form 8300 reports to FinCEN in one click, with status tracking and audit history; with expansion in progress to other regulatory bodies
    • Lean on expert support from SEON’s Managed Risk Services team, offering guidance and rule management for leaner teams

    About SEON
    SEON helps risk teams detect and stop fraud and money laundering while ensuring regulatory compliance. By combining real-time digital footprint analysis, device intelligence and AI-driven rules, SEON empowers thousands of businesses globally to prevent threats before they occur. With integrated fraud prevention and AML capabilities, SEON operates from Austin, London, Budapest and Singapore. Learn more at seon.io.

    Media
    Press@seon.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI China: APP China targets sustainability at China Intl Supply Chain Expo

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

    APP China, the Chinese unit of Indonesia’s Asia Pulp & Paper (Sinar Mas Paper (China) Investment Co., Ltd.), said it will seek new partnerships and promote green and efficient industrial practices at the upcoming China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE), after making its debut at the event last year.

    Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of APP China, delivers a speech at the second China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE). [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    “We experienced CISCE’s powerful resource integration and global communication capabilities during our participation last year,” said Zhai Jingli, deputy CEO of APP China.

    At the 2024 expo, APP China showcased its full industrial chain, from papermaking machinery to pulp and paper, offering supply chain solutions to support the high-quality development of China’s papermaking industry.

    “We strongly support CISCE’s vision of promoting the stable development of global industrial and supply chains for win-win results,” said Zhai. “By joining the expo again, we reaffirm our commitment to strengthening, stabilizing and expanding supply chains.”

    APP China’s vertically integrated pulp and paper production has helped stabilize its supply chain amid global uncertainties.

    “From forest cultivation to pulping, papermaking and even manufacturing papermaking equipment, we have developed a complete industrial chain that ensures stable supply and raw material quality control, while reducing costs and increasing efficiency. This achieves sustainable development from source to end,” Zhai said.

    Looking ahead, the company said it plans to use the expo to expand its trade network and collaborate with global partners to promote a green, efficient and sustainable industrial ecosystem.

    The third China International Supply Chain Expo will take place in Beijing from July 16 to 20, focusing on supply chains in advanced manufacturing, clean energy and other sectors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Indian corporates to double capital spending to $800-$850 billion over next 5 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian corporates are projected to double their capital spending to $800 billion-$850 billion over the next five years, which will be largely financed by operating cash flows and facilitated by ample domestic funding options, said an S&P Global Ratings report on Tuesday.

    Barring execution mistakes or negative macro changes, these investments should boost business scale without driving up leverage, the report noted.

    “Corporate India is chasing growth opportunities. In our view, Indian companies are well positioned for a growth run. Balance sheets are the leanest they’ve been in years. Companies are investing to meet demand underpinned by favourable government policies and a positive economic outlook,” according to the credit rating agency.

    Successful execution of plans would enlarge their operational scale, providing lasting cost benefits and business efficiencies.

    Higher investments in power, particularly renewables, will be a major spending area. Power, including transmission, combined with airlines, and emerging areas like green hydrogen, will (by estimates) account for about three-quarters of the increase in capex over the next five years.

    “In absolute terms, investments in airports could double, or even triple during this period. Conventional sectors such as steel, cement, oil and gas, telecom and autos will grow at a more steady pace of 30-40 per cent,” said the report.

    Healthy starting points and strong operating cash flows will keep credit strains in check. Companies across sectors have deleveraged meaningfully over the past three to four years including utilities (except renewables).

    Earnings and operating cash flow across sectors are about 60 per cent higher or double the levels from five years back, and will grow further, the report noted.

    In the airlines sector, total investment in new aircrafts will likely exceed $100 billion.

    New areas such as green hydrogen, semiconductors and battery plants should see significant debt funding. However, these projects are undertaken predominantly by large companies, including conglomerates, the report noted.

    (IANS)

  • Frederick Forsyth, ‘Day of the Jackal’ author, dies at 86

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    British novelist Frederick Forsyth, who authored best-selling thrillers such as “The Day of the Jackal” and “The Dogs of War,” has died aged 86, his publisher said.

    A former correspondent for Reuters and the BBC, and an informant for Britain’s MI6 foreign spy agency, Forsyth made his name by using his experiences as a reporter in Paris to pen the story of a failed assassination plot on Charles de Gaulle.

    “The Day of the Jackal”, in which an English assassin, played in the film by Edward Fox, is hired by French paramilitaries angry at de Gaulle’s withdrawal from Algeria, was published in 1971 after Forsyth found himself penniless in London.

    Written in just 35 days, the book was rejected by a host of publishers who worried that the story was flawed and would not sell as de Gaulle had not been assassinated. De Gaulle died in 1970 from a ruptured aorta while playing Solitaire.

    But Forsyth’s hurricane-paced thriller complete with journalistic-style detail and brutal sub-plots of lust, betrayal and murder was an instant hit. The once poor journalist became a wealthy writer of fiction.

    “I never intended to be a writer at all,” Forsyth later wrote in his memoire, “The Outsider – My Life in Intrigue”. “After all, writers are odd creatures, and if they try to make a living at it, even more so.”

    So influential was the novel that Venezuelan militant revolutionary Illich Ramirez Sanchez, was dubbed “Carlos the Jackal”.

    Forsyth presented himself as a cross between Ernest Hemingway and John le Carre – both action man and Cold War spy – but delighted in turning around the insult that he was a literary lightweight.

    “I am lightweight but popular. My books sell,” he once said.

    His books, fantastical plots that almost rejoiced in the cynicism of an underworld of spies, criminals, hackers and killers, sold more than 75 million copies.

    Behind the swashbuckling bravado, though, there were hints of sadness. He later spoke of turning inwards to his imagination as a lonely only child during and after World War Two.

    The isolated Forsyth discovered a talent for languages: he claimed to be a native French speaker by the age of 12 and a native German speaker by the age of 16, largely due to exchanges.

    He went to Tonbridge School, one of England’s ancient fee-paying schools, and learned Russian from two emigre Georgian princesses in Paris. He added Spanish by the age of 18.

    He also learned to fly and did his national service in the Royal Air Force where he flew fighters such as a single seater version of the de Havilland Vampire.

    THE REPORTER

    Impressing Reuters’ editors with his languages and knowledge that Bujumbura was a city in Burundi, he was offered a job at the news agency in 1961 and sent to Paris and then East Berlin where the Stasi secret police kept close tabs on him.

    He left Reuters for the BBC but soon became disillusioned by its bureaucracy and what he saw as the corporation’s failure to cover Nigeria properly due to the government’s incompetent post-colonial views on Africa.

    It was in 1968 that Forsyth was approached by the Secret Intelligence Service, known as MI6, and asked by an officer named “Ronnie” to inform on what was really going on in Biafra.

    By his own account, he would keep contacts with the MI6, which he called “the Firm”, for many years. His novels showed extensive knowledge of the world of spies and he even edited out bits of The Fourth Protocol (1984), he said, so that militants would not know how to detonate an atomic bomb.

    His writing was sometimes cruel, such as when the Jackal kills his lover after she discovers he is an assassin.

    “He looked down at her, and for the first time she noticed that the grey flecks in his eyes had spread and clouded over the whole expression, which had become dead and lifeless like a machine staring down at her.”

    THE WRITER

    After finally finding a publisher for “The Day of the Jackal,” he was offered a three-novel contract by Harold Harris of Hutchinson.

    Next came “The Odessa File” in 1972, the story of a young German freelance journalist who tries to track down SS man Eduard Roschmann, or “The Butcher of Riga”.

    After that, “The Dogs of War” in 1974 is about a group of white mercenaries hired by a British mining magnate to kill the mad dictator of an African republic – based on Equatorial Guinea’s Francisco Macias Nguema – and replace him with a puppet.

    The New York Times said at the time that the novel was “pitched at the level of a suburban Saturday night movie audience” and that it was “informed with a kind of post‐imperial condescension toward the black man”.

    Divorced from Carole Cunningham in 1988, he married Sandy Molloy in 1994. But he lost a fortune in an investment scam and had to write more novels to support himself. He had two sons – Stuart and Shane – with his first wife.

    His later novels variously cast hackers, Russians, al Qaeda militants and cocaine smugglers against the forces of good – broadly Britain and the West. But the novels never quite reached the level of the Jackal.

    A supporter of the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union, Forsyth scolded Britain’s elites for what he cast as their treachery and naivety.

    In columns for The Daily Express, he gave a host of withering assessments of the modern world from an intellectual right-wing perspective.

    The world, he said, worried too much about “the oriental pandemic” (known to most as COVID-19), Donald Trump was “deranged”, Vladimir Putin “a tyrant” and “liberal luvvies of the West” were wrong on most things.

    He was, to the end, a reporter who wrote novels.

    “In a world that increasingly obsesses over the gods of power, money and fame, a journalist and a writer must remain detached,” he wrote. “It is our job to hold power to account.”

    (Reuters)

  • Air Chief Marshal AP Singh wishes Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla ahead of Axiom-4 space mission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh, on Tuesday interacted via video conference with Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla, who is set to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission, an official statement from the Indian Air Force said.

    Air Chief Marshal Singh extended best wishes to Group Captain Shukla, who will be India’s second astronaut to travel to space since 1984.

    In a post on X, IAF said, “As Group Captain Shubahanshu Shukla prepares to embark on the Axiom-4 space mission tomorrow, Chief of the Air Staff and all Air Warriors of IAF wish him and the entire crew of Axiom-4 all the best for a safe and successful trip to the International Space Station. This will add a new chapter to the Indian Space Odyssey”.

    The Axiom-4 mission, originally scheduled for launch on June 10, was postponed due to unfavorable weather and is now set for 5:30 PM IST on June 11. The mission will carry Shukla to the International Space Station (ISS). The crew includes members from India, Poland, and Hungary, marking each nation’s first mission to the ISS. According to Axiom Space, this will be India’s second government-sponsored human spaceflight since Rakesh Sharma’s historic flight in 1984.

    In a video message shared by Axiom Space, Shukla expressed his excitement about the opportunity, recalling how he was inspired by India’s first astronaut, Wing Commander Rakesh Sharma. He also revealed that he learned about his selection just a week before reporting for training.

    Earlier, SpaceX Vice President of Build and Flight Reliability, William Gerstenmaier, emphasized safety improvements in the Dragon capsule used for this mission, noting design changes to propulsion components to enhance reliability for human spaceflight.

    Notably, SpaceX is on track for a record-breaking year, with around 100 launches remaining to reach its ambitious target of 170 orbital missions in 2025.

    -ANI

  • MIL-OSI: Revolutionizing Trade Intelligence: Market Inside Unveils Advanced Analytics Dashboard

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    YORK, United Kingdom and LONDON, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Market Inside, a global leader in trade intelligence solutions, has launched three brand-new features under its Advanced Analytics Dashboard, designed to take the stress out of working with trade data. With three new features – “Universal Search”, “All Overview”, and “Custom Sorting” – the dashboard gives users a powerful way to understand global markets.

    Explore The New Features Built For Real Trade Challenges

    These tools don’t just add data – they reduce your effort and increase your confidence.

    Universal Search

    All Markets, All Insights – At a Glance

    With Universal Search, all the country data in your plan comes together in one place – no back-and-forth.

    Let’s say you’re tracking machinery exports from China and want to compare them with India and Vietnam. Instead of opening three separate reports, you get a single, clear view that shows it all side by side.

    All Overview

    Spot Untapped Potential Beyond Your Plan

    Not sure which countries might be relevant for your product?

    All Overview gives you a quick, clear snapshot of product activity across all countries, so you can easily spot where the action is and decide which new markets are truly worth exploring.

    It’s like your personal trade preview tool – offering just the right amount of insight to help you make smart, confident, and data-driven decisions.

    Custom Sorting

    Custom Views for Faster, Sharper Insights

    Digging through messy data when you need fast answers is frustrating. That’s why we built Custom Sorting – so you can organize your trade data exactly the way you work.

    Imagine you’re researching electronics shipments. With one click, sort records by HS code to group similar products, then reorder by country to see which markets lead in exports. Next, sort by date to spot rising trends over the last quarter – all without scrolling through hundreds of lines.

    Time to Experience the Next-Gen Dashboard!

    Explore these features today at Market Inside.

    About Market Inside:

    Market Inside is a trusted global trade data platform helping businesses unlock valuable insights from import-export information. Covering more than 195 countries, we serve global companies, small businesses, and trade professionals who rely on data that drives real growth and smart decisions.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5a3cf892-d23f-4867-9502-eb983815ee2c

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: More funding to grow international tourism

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government is increasing funding for attracting overseas visitors and investing in tourism infrastructure as part of its new Tourism Growth Roadmap, Tourism and Hospitality Minister Louise Upston says.
    “We’re investing $35 million to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap, which sets out the Government’s plan to double the value of tourism,” Louise Upston says.
    “International visitors bring billions of dollars into New Zealand, from big ticket spends to everyday purchases in local cafes and accommodation. 
    “We want to welcome more visitors to New Zealand, and we want our regional communities to improve their capacity to look after those visitors.
    “The Government must work with industry to unlock the full potential of our tourism sector, and the Roadmap lays out initiatives and investments to ensure our infrastructure, workforce and communities can support further growth.
    “For the 2025/26 financial year, we’re investing $6 million in international marketing across emerging tourism markets, $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, and an additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund.
    “These commitments follow the recent announcements of $13.5 million invested in international tourism marketing and $4 million of investment towards improving the visitor experience along the Milford Road corridor.
    “Recent tourism funding has been about boosting visitor numbers. As those higher numbers become established, the Roadmap will shift over time to focus more on supporting communities to look after them well,” Louise Upston says. 
    This investment comes from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy. This levy is charged to most international visitors, and ensures they are contributing to the public services, facilities and natural environment they will enjoy while in New Zealand.
    More information can be found on the MBIE website.
    Notes to editor: 
    The Tourism Growth Roadmap is attached as a separate document.
    New tourism investments for the 2025/26 financial year include:

    $6 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in the emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia,
    $3 million to increase the number of business events hosted in New Zealand, as part of Tourism New Zealand’s collaboration with Business Events Industry Aotearoa,
    An additional $5 million towards the Major Events Fund,
    $13.5 million in Tourism New Zealand’s marketing in core markets of Australia, the United States and China,
    $4 million towards a wider package of work to improve visitor experiences and reduce congestion along the Milford Road corridor. 

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Tourism Growth Roadmap speech to Business Events Industry Aotearoa (BEIA)

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Tēnā koutou katoa. Thank you for the warm welcome. It is my pleasure to welcome you all to MEETINGS 2025.

    First, I would like to acknowledge Mayor Wayne Brown attending MEETINGS 2025 today and a special acknowledgment to Ngāti Whatua Orakei for their pōwhiri and welcome. 

    I would also like to recognise Tataki Auckland Unlimited and in particular the Auckland Convention Bureau for their dedication and hard work advocating for Auckland as a world-class visitor destination.

    Last but not the least, I’d like to extend a heartfelt thank you to some incredible individuals who make events like this possible, a huge thank you again to BEIA Chief Executive Lisa Hopkins and Board Chair Martin Snedden.

    Your leadership across the business events in New Zealand and creating such vibrant and energetic gatherings like MEETINGS 2025 are truly appreciated and make a difference to New Zealand.

    To our local and international buyers, exhibitors and media – thank you for making the journey from around the world to join us in Auckland. 

    Events like MEETINGS are so important for bringing incredible opportunities to our regions, building valuable connections with our offshore markets and strengthening our business events sector.

    There is no doubt that New Zealand’s business events industry is on the rise – and that’s thanks to the fantastic organisations and individuals like you in this room today. 

    You are the driving force behind a growing pipeline of high-value deals across sectors. These opportunities are helping boost productivity, support local communities, and grow our regions.

    Together, we are putting New Zealand as a top place to do business – and the conversations and connections you make over the next few days will help us even further.

    Events like this are a powerful reminder of what it takes to deliver world-class experiences – whether its state-of-the-art venues, exceptional food and catering, smooth logistics, or engaging content. 

    Beyond their direct economic benefits, business events connect us, foster new ideas and drive innovation across industries. I want to acknowledge the vital role you all play – not just as the professionals of tourism and hospitality, but as ambassadors of New Zealand.

    Your commitment lay the foundation for successful events and help position our country as a world leader in the excellence we are known for.

    Increasing tourism and creating a strong economy is a key focus for the next few years, and the economic contribution of the business events sector is a critical element to success. 

    Business events punch well above their weight in attracting high-value international conferences to our regions and main centres throughout the year, and MEETINGS is a prime example of this. 

    I hope you enjoy your Auckland experience and participate in the amazing visitor experience while you are here. 

    As Minister for Tourism and Hospitality, I have two priorities for the portfolio. 

    My first priority is to grow international tourism by both increasing the number of international visitors to New Zealand in the short term, and doubling the value of tourism exports by 2034.

    My second priority is to grow the number of Kiwis in tourism and hospitality jobs which will further support our wider economic growth objectives.

    Our business events sector plays a huge role in showcasing New Zealand as a progressive, entrepreneurial destination and will play a significant role in achieving our goal of doubling tourism exports. 

    Business event participants spend an average of $175 more per day than other visitors, and importantly, often visit in the off-peak period between March and November, boosting tourism and economic activity year-round. This is exactly why we are making positive changes to support its growth.

    In April, alongside the Minister of Health and the Minister for Regulation, I was thrilled to announce a change to the Medicines Act. The change will allow for medicines to be advertised that have not yet been consented by Medsafe at medical conferences in New Zealand. 

    This shift removes a long-standing barrier and opens the door to hosting more international medical conferences and trade shows, unlocking an estimated $90 million in future revenue. 

    On top of that, we’re continuously working to attract high-value incentive business to New Zealand. It’s all part of our effort to make our country a go-to place for significant business events.

    As part of my Tourism Boost package, I provided $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to make an additional 15-20 bids for business events in 2026 and beyond through its existing Conference Assistance Programme. 

    This investment has already supported Tourism New Zealand to win three bids valued at $7.5 million.

    Our message is clear, New Zealand is open for business. We are looking forward to welcoming more business events and conferences to New Zealand and hosting them in our great facilities.

    Tourism is our second largest export earner and a crucial component of our workforce, and we cannot understate the benefits it provides to our country.

    We’re committed to continue growing the sector, which is why today, I am announcing the launch of the Tourism Growth Roadmap. The Roadmap follows my recent Tourism Boost package and is the second step towards doubling our tourism export value by 2034.

    The final Roadmap has been carefully developed based on the conversations I have had with industry leaders since taking over the portfolio and reflects what I’ve heard is important to you. 

    The first package of investment will continue to prioritise increasing international visitor volumes, with around 80 per cent of the investment going towards demand initiatives and 20 per cent towards supply initiatives.

    I am also announcing a $35 million investment from the International Visitor Conservation and Tourism Levy to deliver the first stage of the Roadmap.

    Yesterday, the Prime Minister and I announced $13.5 million in new funding to Tourism New Zealand to uplift marketing activity in our core markets of Australia, the United States and China. 

    This investment is expected to generate around $300 million in spending and deliver an extra 72,000 international visitors to our shores.

    These are big numbers, but this is only part of the full $35 million package we’re unveiling today.

    I am also committing a further $6 million in new funding to uplift marketing activity in our emerging markets of India and Southeast Asia. 

    We know that Tourism New Zealand does an important job of marketing our country internationally, acting as the primary influence for approximately 14 per cent of international holiday visitors. I expect these investments to result in almost $360 million in incremental visitor spend in the economy.

    As I have been saying today, I see the business events sector as an incredibly valuable visitor market for supporting tourism growth.

    That is why I’m thrilled to announce I am committing an additional $3 million to Tourism New Zealand to boost business events attraction for a further year. This reinforces the important role that all of you play, and I am excited to see the positive outcomes from this investment. 

    I am also providing a $5 million boost for major events attraction. Major events drive economic benefits to New Zealand through international visitation and additional direct spend in the host region. 

    To complement these demand initiatives, I am investing in specific regional tourism infrastructure projects. 

    Last week, alongside Minister Potaka, I announced $4 million to improve visitor experiences along the Milford Road corridor. This investment is co-funded and will be delivered by the Department of Conservation.

    As you all know, Milford Sound Piopiotahi is one of our most iconic destinations and a huge drawcard for international visitors. This investment will support improved visitor experiences, infrastructure and reduced congestion. 

    We have an enormous opportunity on our hands. 

    Tourism has the potential to become our biggest export earner – we’ve done it before, and I believe we can do it again. It will take significant effort from us all, and the industry is united with shared purpose, aspirations, and enthusiasm.

    Achieving this will require action on the supply-side and I have asked my officials to begin a review of our tourism system to support this. This includes looking at issues surrounding our workforce:

    • data
    • infrastructure
    • funding
    • our regions and communities
    • aviation and cruise connectivity
    • and the overall visitor experience that we offer.

    We’re looking at what is working well and what do we need to change to ensure we are fit for the future.

    The key to our success will be working together.

    There is plenty of work to do and I am excited to continue working alongside the tourism and hospitality sector to build on the incredible foundations already in place. 

    Ladies and Gentlemen, the next few days are packed with opportunities. 

    New Zealand is open for business, and we welcome the opportunity to attract more business, exhibition and incentive travellers to New Zealand and grow our economy. Together, let’s maximise the value tourism brings to our beautiful country!

    Thank you again.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: Dai-ichi Life Group and Capgemini sign multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center in India to drive international digital transformation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press contact:
    Pek Kee Sum
    Tel.: +65 89 40 71 98
    E-mail: pek-kee.sum@capgemini.com

    Dai-ichi Life Group and Capgemini sign multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center in India to drive international digital transformation

    Singapore, June 10, 2025 – Capgemini and Dai-ichi Life Holdings, today announced the signing of a multi-year agreement to establish a Global Capability Center (GCC) in India.

    This landmark agreement is poised to accelerate Dai-ichi Life Group’s digital transformation globally. The GCC aims to tap into India’s deep pool of skilled professionals to support and enhance its IT and digital strategies. As a result, Dai-ichi Life Group’s goal is to significantly strengthen its in-house digital capabilities and technology platforms, driving innovation and operational efficiency on a global scale.

    This strategic collaboration with Capgemini, which initially spans Japan, the United States, and Australia, will leverage a broad spectrum of the GCC’s digital capabilities including advanced software development, infrastructure modernization, AI & data solutions, and robust cybersecurity measures. It is designed with the flexibility to expand into other countries based on market needs and potential, to support the global ambitions of Dai-ichi Life Group.

    “This strategic partnership with Capgemini supports our long-term ambition to build differentiated, internal capabilities through the establishment of our Global Capability Center,” said Tetsuya Kikuta, President and CEO at Dai-ichi Life Holdings. “By adopting a Build-Operate-Transfer model, we are not only accelerating our digital transformation but also laying the foundation for in-house expertise in critical areas such as AI, data, and cybersecurity. This approach sets us apart and strengthens our ability to deliver innovative, high-impact solutions across the Dai-ichi Life Group.”

    Capgemini will bring its end-to-end capabilities at scale, including its strong presence and delivery track record in Japan, the Asia Pacific region and globally, to enable Dai-ichi Life Group’s transformation agenda. The partnership will focus on co-innovating solutions that streamline operations, harness the power of data analytics and artificial intelligence, and fortify cybersecurity defenses, all while helping to ensure a seamless and enhanced experience for Dai-ichi Life Group’s customers.

    “This strategic collaboration with Dai-ichi Life Group, a distinguished leader in the insurance sector, comes at a crucial time for the industry. Today, customer service remains one of the most powerful tools for encouraging loyalty and shaping brand perception, and this is increasingly enabled through technology,” said Aiman Ezzat, Chief Executive Officer at Capgemini. “This partnership is built on a shared vision to leverage technology and innovation to not only meet but exceed consumer expectations. By combining Dai-ichi Life’s deep industry knowledge with Capgemini’s global business and technology transformation expertise, including our proven ability to deliver complex solutions, our partnership will help unlock new value for the Dai-ichi Life Group and set new benchmarks in customer service and operational efficiency.”

    About Capgemini
    Capgemini is a global business and technology transformation partner, helping organizations to accelerate their dual transition to a digital and sustainable world, while creating tangible impact for enterprises and society. It is a responsible and diverse group of 340,000 team members in more than 50 countries. With its strong over 55-year heritage, Capgemini is trusted by its clients to unlock the value of technology to address the entire breadth of their business needs. It delivers end-to-end services and solutions leveraging strengths from strategy and design to engineering, all fueled by its market leading capabilities in AI, generative AI, cloud and data, combined with its deep industry expertise and partner ecosystem. The Group reported 2024 global revenues of €22.1 billion.
    Get The Future You Want | www.capgemini.com

    About Dai-ichi Life Group
    Dai-ichi Life Group was founded in 1902 as Japan’s first mutual life insurance company. It became a joint-stock company and was listed on the stock exchange in 2010, before transitioning to a holding company structure in 2016. The Group has since expanded its operations globally, including across the Asia-Pacific region and North America, and now serves over 50 million customers while managing approximately USD 430 billion in consolidated assets. Our IT and Digital strategies enable us to innovate, improve efficiency, and enhance customer experience, while driving long-term growth and sustainability.
    By your side, for life | www.dai-ichi-life-hd.com

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    The MIL Network –

  • Making India stronger: PM Modi highlights 11 years of defence reforms, self-reliance

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hailed the remarkable strides made by India’s defence sector over the past 11 years, underlining the twin focus on modernisation and self-reliance.

    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “The last 11 years have marked significant changes in our defence sector, with a clear focus on both modernisation and becoming self reliant when it comes to defence production. It is gladdening to see how the people of India have come together with the resolve of making India stronger! #11YearsOfRakshaShakti”.

    The post was part of a broader national campaign highlighting the transformation of India’s defence capabilities since 2014, coinciding with the beginning of PM Modi’s first term as the Prime Minister.

    From being heavily import-dependent to becoming a notable arms exporter, India’s defence journey has seen a fundamental shift.

    The Ministry of Defence and senior officials echoed the Prime Minister’s sentiment, praising the nation’s move towards indigenisation and innovation.

    The Ministry of Defence elaborated on this transformation in a post on X: “Over the past 11 years, under PM Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership, India’s defence sector has transformed from import-dependent to a global exporter, powered by Aatmanirbhar Bharat & Make In India. Indigenous innovations like Brahmos missile & advanced submarines have fortified our security and global standing. Defence exports now reach 100+ countries, marking a historic rise in self-reliance. As we celebrate 11 Years Of Raksha Shakti, we salute the strides toward a safer, stronger India.”

    Key milestones during this period include the record growth in defence exports, which have surpassed Rs 21,000 crore in recent years, the successful deployment of the BrahMos supersonic cruise missile, the commissioning of indigenous aircraft carriers like INS Vikrant, and the development of homegrown fighter jets like the HAL Tejas.

    The celebration of ’11 Years of Raksha Shakti’ underscores the government’s emphasis on reducing dependency on foreign suppliers and promoting indigenous defence production under flagship initiatives like Aatmanirbhar Bharat and Make in India.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-Evening Report: Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Hazel Moir, Honarary Associate Professor; economics of patents, geographical indications and other “IP”; trade treaties, Australian National University

    TY Lim/Shutterstock

    Trade Minister Don Farrell has confirmed Australia and the European Union will restart negotiations for a free trade agreement immediately. Two years ago, Australia walked away over a disappointing market access offer for our beef, sheep, dairy and sugar exporters.

    But with US President Donald Trump’s unilateral tariff increases, the world has changed. The chances of successfully completing the negotiations with the EU on increasing access for some agricultural products and cutting red tape now seem good.

    Australia wants improved access for its beef and lamb exports to Europe, but European farmers have significant political influence. The 2023 offer from the EU would have accounted for just 0.3% of its agricultural imports. It was also less than that offered to other trading partners.

    Another major stumbling block was the EU’s demand that Australia give up naming rights for hundreds of food and drink products.

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its system of regulating names for regional food and spirit specialties. If accepted, this could negatively impact on consumers, Australian dairies and boutique spirit makers.

    What is the EU asking for?

    The EU wants Australia to adopt its so-called “geographical indications” approach to protect the names of European products. It has listed 170 food names and 236 spirit names for Australia to give up.

    The EU argues Australia should allow only Greek feta to be sold here; currently Australian, Greek, Danish and Bulgarian feta are all sold in our shops. It also wants the names prosecco and parmesan reserved for European producers.

    Australia approaches food product labels differently, mainly through consumer protection laws. Further, there is little culture of fraud here, while the European system was originally introduced for wines because of widespread fraud, before it spread to food products.

    Problems arise with the specific food and spirit names the EU wants reserved for their producers. Australia argues these are common names for the food items and we shouldn’t lose access to them.

    Intellectual property privileges limit what other producers can do. So there is always a process to allow other parties to object. Our trade agreements also provide for objections processes.

    In 2019, the Australian government called for producers to raise any objections, but provided no follow-up and no process for the resolution of objections. Producers have received no feedback. This denies those affected by the European naming demands access to due process of law.

    The problem with parmesan

    The worst problems are with the common names that, in Australia, are recognised as generic product names.

    Prosecco grapes growing in the Veneto region of Italy. The EU wants to restrict use of the name prosecco.
    StevanZZ/Shutterstock

    The EU does recognise many food names as common names, such as gouda, brie, edam and camembert cheese. But they want Australia to declare that feta, parmesan and prosecco are not common names in Australia. Australian producers, retailers and consumers would disagree.

    The Europeans argue parmesan is a translation of its geographical indication, Parmigiano Reggiano. It refuses to accept that in Australia consumers recognise parmesan as the common name for a hard cheese while Parmigiano Reggiano is an Italian cheese.

    In 2024, the Singapore Court of Appeal ruled parmesan is not a translation of Parmigiano Reggiano in Singapore and is available for use in Singapore as a common name. It is also clearly recognised as a common name in the EU-Korea trade agreement.

    Carve-outs for feta producers

    Feta is not a place name (it means slice). Canada solved the feta problem in its trade deal with Europe by accepting feta as a geographical indication, but grandfathered the right of all existing Canadian producers to continue to produce and sell feta. Vietnam achieved similar safeguards.

    Australia could ask for the same deal as provided to Canada, and this would ensure no negative impacts on producers or Australian consumers. To protect Australian consumers, who are currently also able to buy Danish and Bulgarian feta, Australia should ensure this exception includes companies exporting into Australia.

    Who can make prosecco?

    Prosecco is specified as a grape variety in the 1994 Australia-Europe bilateral wine treaty, and in Italy until 2009.

    Since then the Italian government took action to privatise the name prosecco and the EU endorsed prosecco as a proprietary name.

    However, all treaties with geographical indications provisions recognise that animal breed and plant variety names should remain free for common use. Our prosecco producers make wine with the prosecco grape, and should be allowed to label it as such. Just like pinot noir is labelled as pinot noir, the grape variety, and not Burgundy, the region.

    If the EU does not provide better access to its agricultural markets, and demands naming provisions which hurt Australian dairies and consumers, and our boutique spirits industry, we would be better to walk away from the proposed treaty.

    Hazel Moir is affiliated with the Centre for European Studies in the Research School of Social Sciences at the Australian National University. From 2017-2019 she was lead researcher in a co-funded ANU and EU’s Erasmus+ Programme study which involved a meta-analysis of the available empirical evidence on the impact of GIs on farmers and regional development. The project funding was purely for research costs and involved no personal remuneration.

    John Power worked for the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry from 2003 to 2019. He contributed to negotiations of the 2010 Australia-EU Trade in Wine Agreement and Australia’s FTAs. John led the amendments of the Wine Australia Act 2013 that introduced an objections process for wine GIs. In 2020 he joined the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade as a GI specialist negotiator.

    – ref. Australia should stand up for our feta and prosecco in trade talks with the EU – https://theconversation.com/australia-should-stand-up-for-our-feta-and-prosecco-in-trade-talks-with-the-eu-258392

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on June 10, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 25,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 3,853
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 3,853
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.51
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.51
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/518

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Symposium on “One State – Two Systems” Held in Beijing

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) — An academic symposium on “one country, two systems” was held in Beijing on Monday to mark the fifth anniversary of the enactment of the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (SAR).

    The event was attended by about 100 guests, experts and scholars from mainland China, Hong Kong and Macao Special Administrative Regions, as well as 11 countries including the UK, Portugal and Malaysia.

    The symposium, hosted by the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, included sub-forums on topics such as the theory and practice of national security legislation, national security and economic development, and national security and social governance.

    The guests and scholars present agreed that the Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region has played a comprehensive and fundamental role in curbing unrest in Hong Kong, ensuring the implementation of the “one country, two systems” policy, and promoting economic development and human rights protection in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

    The Law on Safeguarding National Security in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region is a model for maintaining and improving the “one country, two systems” policy, said symposium participants, adding that the law has not only played a decisive role in restoring order and ensuring prosperity in Hong Kong, but has also served as a valuable guide for other countries and regions in shaping their legal systems related to national security.

    According to the guests and scholars present, the successful implementation of the “one state – two systems” course will open up new prospects for advancing global governance. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The number of China-Europe freight trains sent from China has exceeded 110 thousand.

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JINAN, June 10 (Xinhua) — The 110,000th freight train to operate on the China-Europe international freight train route departed from Qingdao in east China’s Shandong Province on Tuesday morning, marking a milestone in the high-quality development of the railway service.

    The train, loaded with 55 containers of home appliances worth nearly 20 million yuan (about $2.78 million), including LCD monitors and refrigerators, will leave China through the Ereen Port in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the largest land border crossing on the China-Mongolia border, and is expected to arrive in Europe in 17 days, according to Gao Yitian, an employee of the Jiaozhou branch of the Jinan Railway Logistics Center.

    Over the past decade, China-Europe freight rail services have expanded significantly, with not only the number of trains leaving China increasing but also the range of goods carried expanding, Gao Yitian said, adding that the international logistics network in Shandong not only transports Chinese export products but also cross-border goods from Japan, the Republic of Korea and Southeast Asian countries.

    “I believe these trains will continue to deliver more Made in China products while providing better services to Belt and Road countries and their people,” Gao Yitian added.

    Currently, China-Europe routes link 128 Chinese cities with 229 cities in 26 European countries and more than 100 cities in 11 Asian countries. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lightning: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smooth Operation of Global Industrial and Supply Chains

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    Xinhua | 10. 06. 2025

    Key words: China,Republic of Korea

    Source: Xinhua

    Flash: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smoothness of Global Industrial and Supply Chains Flash: Xi Jinping Calls on China, South Korea to Jointly Safeguard Multilateralism, Free Trade, and Ensure Stability and Smoothness of Global Industrial and Supply Chains

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Urgent: China, ROK Should Elevate Strategic Cooperation and Partnership to Higher Level – Xi Jinping

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 10 (Xinhua) — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and the Republic of Korea (ROK) need to take their strategic partnership to a higher level.

    Xi Jinping made the statement during telephone talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung.

    China and the ROK should bring more certainty to the regional and international situation, he said, adding that the two countries should jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure the stability and smoothness of global and regional supply chains. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Russia’s latest drone strikes hit Kyiv, maternity ward in Odesa, Ukraine says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia launched another prolonged drone attack on Ukraine, killing one person and damaging swathes of Kyiv as well as striking a maternity ward in the southern port of Odesa, regional officials said early on Tuesday.

    The overnight strikes followed Russia’s biggest drone assault on Ukraine on Monday – part of stepped-up operations that Moscow said were retaliatory measures for Kyiv’s recent brazen attacks in Russia.

    At least four people were hospitalised as a result of the hours-long attacks that hit seven of the city’s 10 districts, city officials said.

    “You can’t break Ukrainians with terror,” Andriy Yermak, President Volodymyr Zelenskiy’s chief of staff, said in a Telegram post after the attacks.

    Air raid alerts in Kyiv and most Ukrainian regions lasted five hours until around 5 a.m. (0200 GMT), according to military data.

    “A difficult night for all of us,” Timur Tkachenko, head of Kyiv’s military district, said on Telegram. “Throughout the night, the enemy relentlessly terrorized Kyiv with attack drones. They targeted civilian infrastructure and peaceful residents of the city.”

    The attack sparked fires in residential and non-residential neighbourhoods and open space areas, city officials said. Reuters’ witnesses heard and saw countless loud explosions shaking the city and lighting the night sky.

    Photos and videos posted on Telegram channels showed heavy smoke rising in the darkness in different parts of Kyiv. The scale of the attack was not immediately known.

    Moscow has dramatically increased the pace of its attacks on Ukraine following Kyiv’s strikes on strategic bombers at air bases inside Russia on June 1. Moscow also blamed Kyiv for bridge explosions on the same day that killed seven and injured scores.

    The attacks come despite pressure from U.S. President Donald Trump on both sides to move towards a resolution on the war. Moscow and Kyiv returned to negotiations for the first time in more than three years, but outside an agreement on the exchange of war prisoners, there has been no tangible progress.

    In addition to swarms of drones and missiles launched in recent days, Russia has also been advancing further on the ground along the frontline in eastern Ukraine, claiming on Tuesday to take more territory there.

    In the southern port of Odesa, a “massive” overnight drone attack targeted an emergency medical building and a maternity ward, as well as residential buildings, Oleh Kiper, governor of the broader Odesa region, said on Telegram.

    A 59-year-old man was killed in the attack on a residential area, and four people were injured, but patients and staff were safely evacuated from the maternity hospital, Kiper said.

    He posted photos of broken windows in what looked like a medical facility and of damage to the facade of several buildings.

    Both sides deny targeting civilians in the war. But thousands of civilians have been killed in the conflict, the vast majority of them Ukrainian.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi urges China, S. Korea to take strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

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

    Xi urges China, S. Korea to take strategic cooperative partnership to higher level

    BEIJING, June 10 — Chinese President Xi Jinping said Tuesday that China and South Korea should promote their strategic cooperative partnership to a higher level.

    Xi made the remarks during his talks with South Korean President Lee Jae-myung over phone.

    China and South Korea should inject more certainty into regional and international landscape, he said, adding that the two countries should jointly safeguard multilateralism and free trade, and ensure stable and smooth global and regional industrial and supply chains.

    MIL OSI China News –