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Category: Asia

  • Indian delegation to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism in Germany

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad reached Berlin on Thursday to convey India’s united and resolute stand against terrorism.

    India’s Ambassador to Germany, Ajit Gupte, briefed the delegation on India-Germany relations, with a focus on the expanding strategic partnership and growing cooperation across various sectors.

    During their visit to Germany from June 5 to 7, the delegation will engage with senior dignitaries from the German Parliament (Bundestag) and the Federal Foreign Office, along with key representatives from leading think tanks and the Indian community in Germany.

    The visit is part of India’s ongoing diplomatic outreach under Operation Sindoor, underscoring its unwavering commitment to a zero-tolerance policy on terrorism.

    Apart from Prasad, the delegation includes BJP MPs Daggubati Purandeswari, Samik Bhattacharya, and Ghulam Ali Khatana; Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Priyanka Chaturvedi; AIADMK MP M. Thambidurai; Congress MP Amar Singh; former Union Minister M.J. Akbar; and former Ambassador Pankaj Saran.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Thai military prepared for ‘high-level operation’ if Cambodia border row escalates

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Thailand’s military said it is ready to launch a “high-level operation” to counter any violation of its sovereignty, in the strongest words yet in a simmering border dispute with Cambodia that re-erupted with a deadly clash last week.

    The army said in a statement late on Thursday that its intelligence gathering indicated Cambodia had increased military readiness at the border while diplomatic efforts were ongoing, describing that as “worrisome”.

    Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra held a meeting of the National Security Council on Friday and said that while the military was ready to defend Thai sovereignty, it understood the situation and when an escalation would be required.

    “The military has confirmed readiness for any scenario,” she said. “But any clash will cause damage, so we will pursue peaceful means.”

    “The government and military are working together, supporting each other,” Paetongtarn added.

    The two governments had for days exchanged carefully worded statements committing to dialogue after a brief skirmish in an undemarcated border area on May 28 in which a Cambodian soldier was killed.

    Ahead of Friday’s meeting, the army had said it was “now ready for a high-level military operation in case it is necessary to retaliate”.

    “Operations of units at the border have been conducted carefully, calmly and based on an understanding of the situation to prevent losses on all sides, but at the same time, are ready to defend the country’s sovereignty to the fullest extent if the situation is called for.”

    Cambodia’s government did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the Thai military statement on Friday.

    HISTORIC RIVALRY

    Although the two neighbours have a historic rivalry, their governments enjoy friendly ties, partly due to the close relationship between their influential former leaders, Thailand’s Thaksin Shinawatra and Cambodia’s Hun Sen, whose daughter and son respectively are now the prime ministers in their countries.

    The issue comes at a tricky time for the Pheu Thai Party-led administration in Thailand as it battles to revive a flagging economy that could be hit by steep U.S. tariffs, while facing a challenge to its popularity having paused a signature cash handout to tens of millions of people.

    The party of the billionaire Shinawatra family has a troubled history with the Thai military, which twice toppled its governments in 2006 and 2014 coups.

    After Friday’s security meeting, Thai armed forces chief Songwit Noonpackdee said the military supported the government’s approach to settling the dispute peacefully.

    Defence Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said that in a meeting on Thursday with his Cambodian counterpart, Thia Saya, they discussed avoiding violence and proceeding with caution. He said he proposed that both sides retreat to positions previously agreed in 2024.

    Deadly clashes between Cambodia and Thailand last erupted in 2011 over the Preah Vihear, a 900-year-old temple at the heart of a decades-long row that has stirred nationalist sentiment on both sides. The International Court of Justice in 2013 ruled in favour of Cambodia in clarifying a 1962 decision to award it jurisdiction over the temple.

    Cambodia said this week it would refer disputes over four parts of the border to the ICJ and has asked Thailand to cooperate. Thailand says it does not recognise the court’s jurisdiction.

    (Reuters) 

  • India welcomes African Union to CDRI, reaffirms support for WHO initiatives

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has reiterated its steadfast commitment to global disaster risk reduction and public health cooperation at the Global Platform for Disaster Risk Reduction (GPDRR) 2025, currently underway in Geneva.
     
    On the occasion of World Environment Day, Principal Secretary to the Prime Minister, Dr. P. K. Mishra, represented India at the G20 Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) Working Group Roundtable held on the sidelines of the GPDRR. Addressing the forum, Dr. Mishra underlined the G20’s critical role in fostering collective resilience and integrating economic capacities with development goals to address global disaster challenges.
     
    “Disaster risk reduction must be at the core of our global development strategy. The G20, with its economic and policy influence, can play a transformational role in promoting resilience through international cooperation,” Dr. Mishra said during the roundtable discussion.
     
    In the presence of AU Commissioner Mr. Moses Vilakati and a co-chair representative from France. The development marks another chapter in strengthening Global South collaboration, following the AU’s historic inclusion as a permanent member of the G20 during India’s presidency in 2023.
     
    “India strongly believes in expanding global partnerships to secure a resilient and sustainable future. The AU joining the CDRI reinforces our shared vision of infrastructure that is safe, inclusive and future-ready,” Dr. Mishra said.
     
    On the sidelines of GPDRR, Dr. Mishra also held a bilateral meeting with Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization (WHO). The two leaders discussed India’s expanding engagement with WHO on global public health and traditional medicine.
     
    Dr. Mishra conveyed India’s full support for the Second WHO Global Traditional Medicine Summit, scheduled to be held in New Delhi in December 2025.
     
    “India is committed to advancing traditional medicine as a vital pillar of public health. We look forward to welcoming global leaders and practitioners at the Traditional Medicine Summit later this year,” he added.
     
    He also reaffirmed India’s support for the WHO Global Centre for Traditional Medicine located in Jamnagar, Gujarat, which continues to play a key role in integrating traditional practices with modern healthcare systems.

  • Uzbekistan savour sweet taste of success after sealing World Cup spot

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uzbekistan coach Timur Kapadze lauded the efforts of his players after the Central Asian country qualified for the World Cup for the first time.

    The White Wolves claimed their spot at the expanded 48-team 2026 finals on Thursday with a 0-0 draw in the United Arab Emirates, which guaranteed Kapadze’s side a top-two finish in Group A, alongside already-qualified Iran.

    Uzbekistan have tried and failed to qualify seven times since their independence after the break-up of the Soviet Union in 1991, suffering heartbreak in the final stage of continental qualifiers for Germany 2006 and Brazil 2014.

    A genuine force in Asia since their 1994 Asian Games triumph, the Uzbekistan FA has invested heavily in youth development in the attempt to take the final step onto the world stage.

    Kapadze has reaped the dividends with a young generation of players, including Manchester City’s 21-year-old centre back Abdukodir Khusanov at his disposal.

    “We have achieved an important result after a long and difficult journey. A lot of work was done for this result, I sincerely congratulate our people,” Kapadze told Uzbekistan’s online publication Zamin.

    “This is not only our victory, but the victory of our entire people. Our players showed determination in every match, worked with all their might, and we achieved the result … “

    Kapadze, who played 119 times for Uzbekistan and led the under-23 team at last year’s Olympic Games, was appointed coach after Srecko Katanec left because of illness in January.

    “Before the game, (everyone) expressed their confidence in our team’s victory and expected a good result from us,” he said.

    “This confidence also became a great responsibility and pressure for us. But we managed to overcome this pressure and complete the task.”

    Kapadze was mobbed by his players in his post-match press conference and received a congratulatory telephone call from Uzbekistan President Shavkat Mirziyoyev.

    “In a fierce competition against the strongest teams in Asia, you demonstrated true character, unbreakable will, and professionalism,” Mirziyoyev said.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Security: The Hawaii National Guard conducts Urban Rescue training during Pacific Partnership 2025 in Virac, Philippines [Image 1 of 2]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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    Virac, Philippines (June 3, 2025) – Hawaii National Guard 1st Sgt. Rodolfo Acosta, center, instructs local emergency responders and civilian authorities on the proper use of rappelling gear during a training session in Virac, Philippines, June 3, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.03.2025
    Date Posted: 06.06.2025 02:19
    Photo ID: 9088355
    VIRIN: 250603-N-YV347-1136
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    Size: 30.66 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
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  • Trump ban on entry of international Harvard students blocked by US judge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A federal judge in Boston on Thursday temporarily blocked U.S. President Donald Trump from barring U.S. entry of foreign nationals seeking to study or participate in exchange programs at Harvard University.

    Under a two-page temporary restraining order granted to Harvard, U.S. District Judge Allison Burroughs enjoined Trump’s proclamation from taking effect pending further litigation of the matter amid an escalating dispute between the Ivy League school and Republican president.

    The judge ruled that Trump’s directive prohibiting foreign nationals from entering the United States to study at Harvard for the next six months would cause “immediate and irreparable injury” before the courts have a chance to review the case.

    Burroughs last month had blocked Trump from implementing a separate order prohibiting Harvard from enrolling international students, who make up more than a quarter of its student body. Harvard on Thursday amended its lawsuit to challenge the new directive, claiming Trump is violating Burroughs’ decision.

    “The Proclamation denies thousands of Harvard’s students the right to come to this country to pursue their education and follow their dreams, and it denies Harvard the right to teach them. Without its international students, Harvard is not Harvard,” the school said in the filing.

    Burroughs’ order on Thursday also continued a separate temporary restraining order she issued on May 23 against the administration’s restriction on international student enrollment at Harvard.

    Earlier on Thursday, White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson called Harvard “a hotbed of anti-American, anti-Semitic, pro-terrorist agitators,” claims that the school has previously denied.

    “Harvard’s behavior has jeopardized the integrity of the entire U.S. student and exchange visitor visa system and risks compromising national security. Now it must face the consequences of its actions,” Jackson said in a statement.

    Trump cited national security concerns as justification for barring international students from entering the U.S. to pursue studies at the Cambridge, Massachusetts-based university.

    Under Trump’s proclamation, the suspension would initially be for six months but could be extended. Trump’s order also directed the U.S. State Department to consider revoking academic or exchange visas of any current Harvard students who meet his proclamation’s criteria.

    In Thursday’s court filing, Harvard said Trump had violated federal law by failing to back up his claims about national security.

    “The Proclamation does not deem the entry of an alien or class of aliens to be detrimental to the interests of the United States, because noncitizens who are impacted by the Proclamation can enter the United States — just so long as they go somewhere other than Harvard,” the school said.

    The Trump administration has launched a multifront attack on the nation’s oldest and wealthiest university, freezing billions of dollars in grants and other funding and proposing to end its tax-exempt status, prompting a series of legal challenges.

    Harvard argues the administration is retaliating against it for refusing to accede to demands to control the school’s governance, curriculum and the ideology of its faculty and students.

    The university sued after Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced on May 22 that her department was immediately revoking Harvard’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program certification, which allows it to enroll foreign students.

    Noem’s action was temporarily blocked almost immediately by Burroughs. On the eve of a hearing before her last week, the department changed course and said it would instead challenge Harvard’s certification through a lengthier administrative process.

    Nonetheless, Burroughs said she planned to issue a longer-term preliminary injunction at Harvard’s urging, saying one was necessary to give some protection to Harvard’s international students.

    Wednesday’s two-page directive from Trump said Harvard had “demonstrated a history of concerning foreign ties and radicalism,” and had “extensive entanglements with foreign adversaries,” including China.

    It said Harvard had seen a “drastic rise in crime in recent years while failing to discipline at least some categories of conduct violations on campus,” and had failed to provide sufficient information to the Homeland Security Department about foreign students’ “known illegal or dangerous activities.”

    The school in Thursday’s court filing said those claims were unsubstantiated.

    (Reuters)

  • JP Nadda chairs high-level meeting to review availability, distribution of fertilisers in Kharif season

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers, JP Nadda, chaired a high-level meeting on Thursday to review the availability and distribution of fertilizers during the ongoing Kharif season. The meeting, held with officials from the Department of Fertilizers, focused on ensuring timely supply and promoting sustainable agricultural practices.

    During the meeting, Nadda highlighted the vital role of agriculture in ensuring national food security and stressed the importance of making essential nutrients available to support crop productivity. He was briefed on the current status of fertilizer supply and preparations for Kharif 2025. Officials informed that domestic fertilizer production is being maintained at an optimum level, with diammonium phosphate (DAP) production reaching 3.84 lakh metric tonnes—the highest in recent months.

    To bridge the gap between demand and domestic supply, Indian fertilizer companies have secured agreements with key exporters, including Saudi Arabia, Morocco, and Russia. These tie-ups aim to ensure consistent imports throughout the year. Nadda instructed officials to ensure fertilizers are promptly distributed across all states to meet farmers’ requirements. He also emphasised the need for close coordination with state governments, fertilizer companies, Indian Railways, and port authorities to streamline the supply chain.

    Expressing concern over the increasing reliance on chemical fertilizers, especially urea, the minister called for a renewed focus on sustainable agriculture. He directed officials to intensify the implementation of PM-PRANAM (PM Programme for Restoration, Awareness Generation, Nourishment, and Amelioration of Mother-Earth). The initiative promotes balanced fertilizer use, adoption of alternatives, and encourages organic and natural farming. States demonstrating a reduction in chemical fertilizer use will be eligible for incentives under the scheme.

    Nadda also underlined the need for strict action to curb the illegal diversion, hoarding, and black marketing of fertilizers. He called for coordinated efforts with state governments to prevent such practices and ensure fertilizers reach the intended beneficiaries.

    The meeting was attended by Rajat Kumar Mishra, Secretary, Department of Fertilizers, along with senior officials including Anita Meshram and Aparna S. Sharma, Additional Secretaries, and Abhay Sharma, Director (Movement).

  • India’s youth are powering global change, says PM Modi as NDA completes 11 years

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday lauded the remarkable global achievements of India’s youth, describing them as symbols of “dynamism, innovation and determination.” He said the nation’s progress over the past 11 years has been driven by the “unmatched energy and conviction” of Yuva Shakti.
     
    In a post on X, the Prime Minister said, “India’s youth have made a mark globally. Our Yuva Shakti is associated with dynamism, innovation and determination. Our youth have driven India’s growth with unmatched energy and conviction.”
     
    Referring to notable contributions in diverse fields, Prime Minister Modi highlighted that young Indians have excelled across sectors such as startups, science, sports, community service, and culture. “In the last 11 years, we have witnessed remarkable instances of youngsters who have done the unthinkable,” he said.
     
    The Prime Minister also underlined the transformative role of policy changes and government programmes introduced since 2014 that focus on youth empowerment. “The last 11 years have also seen a decisive shift in policy and programmes aimed at youth empowerment,” he added.
     
    He cited flagship initiatives such as StartUp India, Skill India, Digital India and the National Education Policy 2020, and said these reforms are rooted in the firm belief that “empowering youth is the most powerful thing a nation can do.”
     
    Addressing the importance of youth in the journey towards a developed India, Prime Minister Modi said, “With the new education policy and focus on skill development and start-ups, the youth have become important partners in the resolution of ‘Viksit Bharat’.”
     
    He further added, “The government has made continuous efforts to empower the youth. I’m confident that our youth will keep strengthening the efforts to build a Viksit Bharat.”
     
    The Prime Minister reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to providing young citizens with every possible opportunity to realise their potential. “The government will always give Yuva Shakti all possible opportunities to shine,” he said.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lai and President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    President Lai and President Bernardo Arévalo of Guatemala hold bilateral talks and witness signing of agreements
    On the morning of June 5, President Lai Ching-te, accompanied by Vice President Bi-khim Hsiao, held bilateral talks with President Bernardo Arévalo of the Republic of Guatemala at the Presidential Office following a welcome ceremony with military honors for him and his wife. The leaders also signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation and jointly witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements. In remarks, President Lai expressed hope that the two nations can deepen their diplomatic alliance, open up more opportunities for cooperation, and continue to contribute to global democratic development as well as regional prosperity and stability.
    A translation of President Lai’s remarks follows:
    I recall my videoconference with President Arévalo last year, the day after Vice President Hsiao and I took office. We exchanged many ideas about ways to strengthen our diplomatic partnership. Today, I am delighted to receive President Arévalo and First Lady Lucrecia Peinado at the Presidential Office. This is not just a heartwarming occasion, but an important moment in deepening the relationship between our two countries. On behalf of the people of Taiwan, I want to extend my sincerest welcome and gratitude.
    Guatemala is an important diplomatic ally of Taiwan. For many years, both our countries have shared universal values such as democracy, freedom, and respect for human rights, continuing to cooperate as a force for good and working together to respond to international challenges.
    I want to extend my thanks to President Arévalo. Since taking office last year, he has spoken up on behalf of Taiwan numerous times at international venues including the United Nations and World Health Assembly, letting the world see that our two countries are determined to protect democracy and freedom and promote global prosperity.
    Taiwan and Guatemala continue to innovate and deepen cooperation in many areas, including public health, agriculture, and women’s empowerment, yielding tangible results. This past May, our two countries cooperated to promote a semiconductor technical vocational course that brought 28 young Guatemalans to Taiwan to receive training. Not only was this an important starting point for cultivating technical personnel in both countries, but it was also a concrete example of putting our Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project into practice.
    Over the past few years, our bilateral trade has flourished, and among many imported products, Guatemalan coffee is extremely popular with Taiwanese consumers. Guatemala is Taiwan’s fourth-largest coffee supplier, and in March this year, we purchased a record high of 720,000 kilos, affirming the high quality of Guatemalan products. At the same time, we encourage even more Taiwanese enterprises to expand investments in Guatemala to leverage its geographic location, natural resources, and high-quality human resources. This would create a mutually beneficial industrial cooperation model, further strengthen supply chain resilience, and give our partnership even greater strategic significance.
    Shortly, President Arévalo and I will sign a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation, and witness the signing of cooperation documents to establish a political consultation mechanism and continue to promote bilateral investment. These achievements will not only deepen our diplomatic alliance, but will also open up more opportunities for cooperation. Looking ahead, Taiwan and Guatemala will advance into the future together, and continue to contribute our efforts to global democratic development, as well as regional prosperity and stability.
    President Arévalo then delivered remarks, expressing that this state visit will help bring the bilateral ties between Guatemala and the Republic of China (Taiwan) to a new level. In addition to continuing to consolidate and advance our relationship to achieve new milestones, he said, the visit will also benefit cooperation in areas such as technology, the economy, education, and healthcare, helping us work toward our goals of sustainable development and global integration. Although our two countries are geographically distant from each other, he said, we are on the same path in pursuing well-being for humankind.
    President Arévalo emphasized that Guatemala highly values and cherishes Taiwan, and that our strong cooperation in key areas such as agriculture, education, technology, healthcare, women’s empowerment, and rural development have generated tangible impacts for Guatemala. This reflects the cooperative spirit of humanitarian care, he said, and shows the world that our nations share common goals and clear guidelines and directions for cooperation.
    Noting that Taiwan is an important economic partner of Guatemala, President Arévalo underlined that since the Taiwan-Guatemala free trade agreement entered into force, considerable progress has been made in our economic and trade ties. He went on to say that the letters of intent they would shortly be signing will help advance bilateral investment and promote development in the semiconductor industry.
    President Arévalo said that the semiconductor technical vocational course just mentioned by President Lai, which was promoted by both nations, attracted enthusiastic participation from Guatemalan university students, engineers, and educators. He added that it will help Guatemala take the first step in its future technological development, and also demonstrates its investment in technological innovation and the global value chain, which is of great significance.
    President Arévalo said he feels that Guatemala and Taiwan are brotherly nations, both being reliable friends as well as strategic allies. He then expressed hope that we can strengthen our existing cooperative mechanisms, explore new avenues for cooperation, and further deepen all manner of ties on the basis of mutual respect, trust, and solidarity. The president said that universal values such as mutual understanding, shared peace, freedom, democracy, and respect for human rights form the solid foundations of the friendship between Taiwan and Guatemala, and that on these foundations, our two nations are certain to further exchanges and cooperation.
    Over the past 90 years, President Arévalo stated, Taiwan and Guatemala have moved forward side by side, sharing each other’s experiences and dreams. Both will strive together to pursue prosperity, happiness, and lives of dignity, he said, and form a bridge of cooperation and dialogue between Central America and Asia and a hub for the development of civilization. The president then expressed hope that our nations’ diplomatic relationship continues to deepen as we advance our peoples’ well-being and promote world peace and prosperity.
    After the bilateral talks, President Lai and President Arévalo witnessed the signing of a letter of intent regarding the promotion of bilateral investment in supply chains by Minister of Economic Affairs Kuo Jyh-huei (郭智輝) and Guatemala Minister of Economy Gabriela García, as well as a memorandum of understanding on a political consultation mechanism by Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung (林佳龍) and Guatemala Minister of Foreign Affairs Carlos Ramiro Martínez. The two heads of state then signed a letter of intent for semiconductor cooperation.
    The visiting delegation was accompanied to the Presidential Office by Guatemala Ambassador Luis Raúl Estévez López.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Pacific Partnership 2025 Conducts Mission Stop in Philippines, June 2025 [Image 2 of 9]

    Source: United States Navy (Logistics Group Western Pacific)

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    VIRAC, Philippines (June 1, 2025) – Hawaii National Guardsmen and personnel from the Armed Forces of the Philippines construct a platform used to conduct urban rescue training with local emergency responders and civilian authorities in Virac, Philippines, June 1, 2025. This effort is part of a two-week urban rescue training exercise supporting the humanitarian assistance and disaster response objectives of Pacific Partnership 2025. Now in its 21st iteration, Pacific Partnership series is the largest annual multinational humanitarian assistance and disaster management preparedness mission conducted in the Indo-Pacific. Pacific Partnership works collaboratively with host and partner nations to enhance regional interoperability and disaster response capabilities, increase security and stability in the region, and foster new and enduring friendships in the Indo-Pacific. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 2nd Class Jordan Jennings)

    Date Taken: 06.01.2025
    Date Posted: 06.03.2025 20:23
    Photo ID: 9081876
    VIRIN: 250601-N-YV347-1021
    Resolution: 7539×5026
    Size: 18.53 MB
    Location: VIRAC, PH
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  • RBI cuts repo rate by 50 basis points to 5.5%, shifts policy stance to neutral

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) on Friday announced a sharp 50 basis points cut in the repo rate, bringing it down from 6 per cent to 5.5 per cent. Announcing the decision, RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra said the central bank was responding to the sharp moderation in inflation, which has now fallen to 3.2 per cent — below the RBI’s lower tolerance band of 4 per cent.
     
    In a further liquidity-boosting measure, the RBI also announced a 100 basis points cut in the Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR), to be implemented in four tranches of 25 basis points each on September 6, October 4, November 1, and November 29. This move is expected to infuse approximately ₹2.5 lakh crore into the banking system.
     
    “The repo rate has now been reduced by a cumulative 100 basis points since February. Given this, we are shifting the monetary policy stance from accommodative to neutral to closely monitor the evolving growth-inflation dynamics,” Governor Malhotra stated.
     
    The repo rate — the rate at which the RBI lends to commercial banks — acts as a key benchmark for interest rates in the economy. A cut in the repo rate typically leads to a reduction in lending rates for borrowers, thereby encouraging both consumption and investment.
     
    However, the Governor stressed that the success of the rate cut would depend on timely and effective transmission by commercial banks to consumers.
     
    RBI’s inflation outlook has been revised downward from 4 per cent to 3.7 per cent. The Governor said the moderation in inflation is broad-based, and the alignment with the RBI’s target band appears durable. He also noted that food inflation is likely to soften further on the back of a strong rabi harvest and record wheat and pulses production.
     
    “There has been a considerable improvement in supply-side conditions. The second advance estimates point to a record wheat crop and robust kharif arrivals, which will help contain food prices,” he added.
     
    Governor Malhotra highlighted that the Indian economy remains on a strong footing. Corporate, bank, and government balance sheets are healthy, and the external sector is stable. He said India continues to be the fastest-growing major economy and offers attractive opportunities for both domestic and international investors.
     
    “India’s economic resilience is underpinned by strong fundamentals — demography, digitalisation, and domestic demand,” he said.
     
    Falling crude oil prices have also contributed to the positive inflation outlook, while anchoring inflation expectations going forward.

  • Operation Sindoor outreach: Indian delegation calls on US Vice President in Washington

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary Delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, on Thursday had an “excellent meeting” with the United States Vice President J.D. Vance in Washington, briefing him about Operation Sindoor, terrorism faced by India and regional security.

    The delegation is on a 2-day visit to the United States as part of India’s global outreach against terrorism following Operation Sindoor.

    The Indian Embassy in the United States said, “The All Party Parliamentary Delegation led by Shashi Tharoor called on Vice President J D Vance this morning. The conversation focused on strengthening the India-US partnership including cooperation in counter-terrorism domain.”

    Vance was on India visit when the Pahalgam terror attack took place on April 22.

    In a strong message of support and solidarity, the US Vice-President had also called Prime Minister Narendra Modi to strongly condemn the terror attack and convey that the United States is ready to provide “all assistance” in the joint fight against terrorism.

    After meeting Vance, Tharoor shared on X, “Excellent meeting with Vice President J D Vance today in Washington D.C. with our delegation. We had comprehensive discussions covering a wide array of critical issues, from counter-terrorism efforts to enhancing technological cooperation. A truly constructive and productive exchange for strengthening India-US strategic partnership, with a great meeting of minds.”

    Earlier on Thursday, Tharoor spoke with Ambassador Ken Juster at Council on Foreign Relations on India’s fight against terrorism.

    The delegation also met Senator Andy Kim, Member of the US Senate Homeland Security Committee.

    “The Indian parliamentary delegation led by Shashi Tharoor had a wonderful conversation with Senator Andy Kim, Member of the US Senate Homeland Security Committee, and briefed him on the heinous terrorist attack in Pahalgam, India’s measured and precise response during Operation Sindoor, and our firm resolve to respond swiftly to any such incidents in the future. The conversation also spanned productive areas of cooperation, including entrepreneurship, trade, technology, and counterterrorism!,” said the Indian embassy.

    Later, the delegation interacted with members of various think tanks at the Indian Embassy. The conversation focused on India’s fight against terrorism and the multi-faceted India-US partnership.

    Tharoor said that the delegation has received solidarity and understanding at everywhere they went.

    He reiterated India’s stance that “there will be a price to pay” if terrorist attacks like the one in Pahalgam are carried out in India.

    He said, “And I’m very pleased to say that everywhere we went and I could say this quite confidently without exception, we have received both of what we sought. We have received understanding and we have received solidarity. And these two things are really what we came for. We will continue to meet others during the remaining time today and tomorrow. I want to stress one thing, and then I’ll be very happy to open it up for discussions, and that thing is quite simply that this is not something we would really have wanted to spend our time on.”

    “We are a country focused on growth and development. Our focus has entirely been on the economic advances that are so essential to pull a few the few people who remain below the poverty line in our country out below that and to take the rest into the developed India of our dreams. But, sadly, when this kind of thing is done to us, and for very cynical motives, which I think are pretty apparent so I won’t spell them out, it was necessary for us to show that we will not allow people to cross the border and kill our citizens with impunity. That for terror strikes like this, which show all the hallmarks of meticulous planning and military style execution, that there will be a price to pay. And that was very strongly the message that we sent,” he added.

    Apart from Tharoor, the delegation includes Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas MP Shambhavi Choudhary, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha’s Sarfaraz Ahmad, Shiv Sena’s Milind Murli Deora; BJP’s Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya; and Telugu Desam Party’s GM Harish Balayogi. Former Indian Ambassador to the US, Taranjit Singh Sandhu, is also accompanying the delegation.

    (With inputs from IANS)

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Voice of the South/ Expert’s view｜The establishment of the International Mediation Organization is particularly relevant in the context of the current unstable situation

    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

    Author: Serik Korzhumbayev

    On May 30, a historic event took place in Hong Kong that could revolutionize the approach to international dispute resolution. Representatives of 32 countries signed the Convention Establishing the International Mediation Organization (IOM). Delegations from more than 85 countries and nearly 20 international organizations, including the UN, also attended the ceremony. The IOM became the world’s first intergovernmental body created exclusively for the peaceful resolution of international conflicts through mediation. China was the main initiator of this initiative, demonstrating new strategic thinking focused on dialogue, mutual respect, and joint search for solutions. In this analytical material, we examine the significance of the new body, China’s role in its development, and the IOM’s potential to promote peace and global cooperation.

    The ceremony in Hong Kong’s Wanzai Business District was not just a diplomatic act, but a symbol of the beginning of a new era in international relations. In his speech, Wang Yi, member of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and head of the PRC Foreign Ministry, emphasized that the IOM reflects the spirit of the UN Charter, in particular Article 33, which mentions mediation as one of the preferred instruments for the peaceful resolution of disputes. For a long time, the international community lacked a specialized legal framework focused on dialogue. The IOM fills this gap by offering a universal platform for states, investors and commercial organizations.

    The establishment of the IOM is particularly relevant in the context of the current unstable situation: growing geopolitical contradictions, trade wars, regional conflicts. In 2025, the world celebrates the 80th anniversary of the creation of the UN and the victory in World War II – it is symbolic that right now a mechanism is emerging that can replace confrontation with dialogue.

    China’s initiative is not accidental. In recent years, Beijing has confidently positioned itself as a supporter of peace and diplomacy, acting as a mediator in resolving crises in Africa, the Middle East and Asia. The proposal to establish the IOM was put forward by China three years ago and became a logical continuation of the idea of a “community with a shared future for mankind” put forward by Chinese President Xi Jinping. This idea has now received institutional embodiment – with its center in Hong Kong.

    China’s role in the creation of the IOM is not only a diplomatic success, but also a testament to its growing influence as a responsible global power. Unlike Western approaches, which often rely on coercion or rigid legal procedures, the Chinese model of mediation is based on principles of harmony, Confucian ethics, and consensus-seeking.

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that mediation is a “natural continuation” of China’s historical tradition of resolving disputes through mutual respect. The effectiveness of this approach has been proven in practice. In 2023, China brokered a historic rapprochement between Saudi Arabia and Iran, which was a breakthrough for the Middle East. Beijing has also played an active role in peace processes in Sudan, Myanmar and other countries, avoiding interference and relying on trust.

    The choice of Hong Kong as the IOM headquarters has symbolic and strategic significance. As Wang Yi emphasized, Hong Kong’s return to China in 1997 is an example of a successful diplomatic settlement. The city, with its Anglo-Chinese legal system, business infrastructure, and status as an arbitration center in Asia, is ideal for such a structure. According to the International Arbitration Review of Queen Mary, University of London, in 2025 Hong Kong tied with Singapore as the preferred jurisdiction for dispute resolution.

    The IOM also reflects China’s broader ambition to reform the global governance system. In a context of growing great power competition, China offers an inclusive, equitable order. The support of 32 founding members, including Indonesia, Pakistan, Serbia, and Cambodia, underscores the credibility of the Chinese initiative, especially among countries in the Global South.

    IOM’s mission is to create a universal platform for resolving interstate, investment and commercial disputes through dialogue and voluntary participation. Unlike courts, where one often wins at the expense of the other, mediation involves a win-win solution, strengthening trust and stability in the long term.

    IOM is based on the principles of equality, fairness and respect for sovereignty. The organization takes into account the specifics of different legal systems and offers a flexible approach that reduces the costs and time spent on dispute resolution. This makes mediation attractive not only for states, but also for businesses.

    The creation of the IOM also offers an alternative to existing Western institutions, such as the International Court of Justice or the Permanent Court of Arbitration. While these bodies remain important, their procedures often exacerbate conflicts. China’s concept of a “culture of harmony” offers a different path – cooperation instead of confrontation, which is especially relevant in a context of global interdependence.

    Despite the bright start, IOM has a difficult path ahead. One of the main challenges will be to ensure trust from a wide range of countries, including Western powers. Some analysts are already expressing doubts about IOM’s ability to remain a neutral structure amid global turbulence. However, professional mechanisms are being created for this purpose – training of mediators, uniform protocols, procedures for implementing decisions.

    Ratification of the Convention by member states and expansion of membership, including major powers, will be of great significance. China has already promised to establish a team of high-level international mediators, which will give the organization credibility.

    IOM can be a key instrument for de-escalation in hot spots from the South China Sea to the Middle East. In Central Asia, where integration and sustainable development are important, mediation can be used to resolve disputes over trade, investment, water, and energy. Kazakhstan, as a strategic partner of China, can also benefit from such an approach.

    In closing, Wang Yi recalled the ancient Chinese parable of the “six-foot alley”: two neighbors each gave each other three feet to walk down a narrow street. The story is a metaphor for the IOM philosophy: the path to cooperation is through compromise. In a world where conflicts are becoming chronic, this idea sounds like a call to reason.

    The creation of the IOM under the auspices of China is not just a diplomatic victory. It is an invitation to the world to resolve disputes not from a position of strength, but through equal dialogue. And if this structure works effectively, it will become the basis for a new architecture of international relations – more just, peaceful and inclusive.

    Note: Serik Korzhumbayev is the editor-in-chief of the newspaper “Business Kazakhstan”.

    The views expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of Xinhua News Agency. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Musk-Trump breakup puts $22 billion of SpaceX contracts at risk, jolting US space program

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    About $22 billion of SpaceX’s government contracts are at risk and multiple U.S. space programs could face dramatic changes in the fallout from Elon Musk and President Donald Trump’s explosive feud on Thursday.

    The disagreement, rooted in Musk’s criticism of Trump’s tax-cut and spending legislation that began last week, quickly spiraled out of control. Trump lashed out at Musk when the president spoke in the Oval Office. Then in a series of X posts, Musk launched barbs at Trump, who threatened to terminate government contracts with Musk’s companies.

    Taking the threat seriously, Musk said he would begin “decommissioning” SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft used by NASA.

    Hours later, however, Musk appeared to reverse course. Responding to a follower on X urging him and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    Still, Musk’s mere threat to abruptly pull its Dragon spacecraft out of service marked an unprecedented outburst from one of NASA’s leading commercial partners.

    Under a roughly $5 billion contract, the Dragon capsule has been the agency’s only U.S. vessel capable of carrying astronauts to and from the International Space Station, making Musk’s company a critical element of the U.S. space program.

    The feud raised questions about how far Trump, an often unpredictable force who has intervened in past procurement efforts, would go to punish Musk, who until last week headed Trump’s initiative to downsize the federal government.

    If the president prioritized political retaliation and canceled billions of dollars of SpaceX contracts with NASA and the Pentagon, it could slow U.S. space progress.

    NASA press secretary Bethany Stevens declined to comment on SpaceX, but said: “We will continue to work with our industry partners to ensure the president’s objectives in space are met.”

    Musk and Trump’s tussle ruptured an extraordinary relationship between a U.S. president and industry titan that had yielded some key favors for SpaceX: a proposed overhaul of NASA’s moon program into a Mars program, a planned effort to build a gigantic missile defense shield in space, and the naming of an Air Force leader who favored SpaceX in a contract award.

    Taking Dragon out of service would likely disrupt the ISS program, which involves dozens of countries under a two-decade-old international agreement. But it was unclear how quickly such a decommissioning would occur. NASA uses Russia’s Soyuz spacecraft as a secondary ride for its astronauts to the ISS.

    SPACEX’S RISE

    SpaceX rose to dominance long before Musk’s foray into Republican politics last year, building formidable market share in the rocket launch and satellite communications industries that could shield it somewhat from Musk’s split with Trump, analysts said.

    “It fortunately wouldn’t be catastrophic, since SpaceX has developed itself into a global powerhouse that dominates most of the space industry, but there’s no question that it would result in significant lost revenue and missed contract opportunities,” said Justus Parmar, CEO of SpaceX investor Fortuna Investments.

    Under Trump in recent months, the U.S. space industry and NASA’s workforce of 18,000 have been whipsawed by looming layoffs and proposed budget cuts that would cancel dozens of science programs, while the U.S. space agency remains without a confirmed administrator.

    Trump’s nominee for NASA administrator, Musk ally and billionaire private astronaut Jared Isaacman, appeared to be an early casualty of Musk’s rift with the president when the White House abruptly removed him from consideration over the weekend, denying Musk his pick to lead the space agency.

    Trump on Thursday explained dumping Isaacman by saying he was “totally Democrat,” in an apparent reference to reports Isaacman had donated to Democrats. Isaacman has donated to some Republican but mostly Democratic candidates for office, according to public records.

    Musk’s quest to send humans to Mars has been a critical element of Trump’s space agenda. The effort has threatened to take resources away from NASA’s flagship effort to send humans back to the moon.

    Trump’s budget plan sought to cancel Artemis moon missions beyond its third mission, effectively ending the over-budget Space Launch System rocket used for those missions.

    But the Senate Commerce Committee version of Trump’s bill released late on Thursday would restore funding for missions four and five, providing at least $1 billion annually for SLS through 2029.

    Since SpaceX’s rockets are a less expensive alternative to SLS, whether the Trump administration opposes the Senate’s changes in the coming weeks will give an indication of Musk’s remaining political power.

    SpaceX, founded in 2002, has won $15 billion of contracts from NASA for the company’s Falcon 9 rockets and development of SpaceX’s Starship, a multipurpose rocket system tapped to land NASA astronauts on the moon this decade.

    The company has also been awarded billions of dollars to launch a majority of the Pentagon’s national security satellites into space while it builds a massive spy satellite constellation in orbit for a U.S. intelligence agency.

    In addition to not being in U.S. interests, former NASA Deputy Administrator Lori Garver said canceling SpaceX’s contracts would probably not be legal.

    But she also added, “A rogue CEO threatening to decommission spacecraft, putting astronauts’ lives at risk, is untenable.”

    (Reuters) 

  • India, England to now play for the Tendulkar-Anderson trophy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India-England Test series will now be known as the Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy, rechristened in honour of two legends of the game, Sachin Tendulkar and James Anderson.

    The new identity was jointly announced on Thursday by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) and the Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI). According to a report by ESPNcricinfo, the trophy will be officially unveiled by Tendulkar and Anderson on the first day of the World Test Championship (WTC) final between Australia and South Africa, on June 11 at Lord’s.

    Notably, India and England are set to begin the new WTC cycle with a five-Test series starting 20 June at Headingley, Leeds.

    Anderson, the most successful fast bowler in Test cricket with 188 appearances, retired in July 2024. Over a career spanning more than two decades, the English seamer took over 700 Test wickets and became the first fast bowler in history to reach that milestone. Known for his relentless accuracy, late swing, and ability to adapt across conditions, Anderson was a mainstay of England’s attack and remains one of the most respected figures in the game.

    Tendulkar, widely regarded as one of the greatest batters in cricket history, retired in 2013 after becoming the first — and so far only — player to feature in 200 Test matches. He scored 15,921 runs in the format, including 51 centuries, and carried the weight of a cricket-obsessed nation for much of his 24-year international career. His technique, temperament, and unmatched consistency made him a global icon and a symbol of Indian cricket’s golden generation.

    Previously, the India-England series was played for different trophies depending on the host country. In England, it was the Pataudi Trophy, named after former India captain Mansur Ali Khan Pataudi. In India, it was the Anthony de Mello Trophy, named after one of the early architects of Indian cricket administration.

    The Tendulkar-Anderson Trophy replaces both to establish a uniform identity across series, while celebrating the legacy of two modern greats who defined the era they played in.

  • Sensex, Nifty open flat ahead of RBI’s monetary policy decision

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Domestic equity markets opened on a cautious note Friday, with benchmark indices trading flat ahead of the Reserve Bank of India’s monetary policy announcement. Investor sentiment remained subdued, even as select buying was observed in IT and PSU bank stocks during early trade.

    At around 9:23 a.m., the BSE Sensex was down by 82.43 points, or 0.10 per cent, at 81,359.61. The NSE Nifty slipped 7.70 points, or 0.03 per cent, to 24,743.20.

    The Nifty Bank index was marginally higher by 4.85 points at 55,765.70. The Nifty Midcap 100 gained 146.25 points, or 0.25 per cent, to trade at 58,449.25, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose 65.50 points, or 0.36 per cent, to 18,498.10.

    Markets are closely watching the RBI’s Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) announcement, where a 25 basis points rate cut is widely expected and already priced in by investors.

    Analysts suggest that the central bank’s commentary on growth and inflation outlook for FY26 will be a more decisive factor for market movement.

    “If the inflation forecast is revised downward from 4 per cent, it could trigger a positive response in the markets,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    On technical levels, analysts believe Nifty has immediate support at 24,500, followed by 24,400 and 24,300. Resistance levels are seen at 24,850, 24,900, and the key psychological mark of 25,000.

    “A breach below 24,500 could trigger further selling pressure, while a breakout above 25,000 may open the door to fresh all-time highs,” said Mandar Bhojane, Equity Research Analyst at Choice Broking.

    Meanwhile, the India VIX, which indicates market volatility, declined by 4.21 per cent to 15.08, suggesting reduced short-term volatility expectations. However, with the RBI policy decision due, analysts urge caution as market volatility may increase depending on the central bank’s guidance.

    In the Sensex basket, top gainers included Bajaj Finserv, Tata Steel, IndusInd Bank, ITC, NTPC, Titan, and Eternal. On the other hand, Tata Motors, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, HDFC Bank, and SBI were among the top laggards.

    Across Asian markets, indices in Hong Kong, China, and Bangkok were trading in the red, while Japan was the only major market in positive territory.

    In the U.S. markets, the Dow Jones Industrial Average closed 108 points lower at 42,319.74 in the previous session. The S&P 500 dropped 31.51 points to 5,939.30, while the Nasdaq Composite fell 162.04 points to 19,298.45.

    On the institutional front, Foreign Institutional Investors (FIIs) were net sellers on June 5, offloading equities worth ₹208.47 crore. In contrast, Domestic Institutional Investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers with net purchases of ₹2,382.40 crore, offering support to the domestic markets.

    -IANS

  • Spain beat France 5-4 in thriller to reach Nations League final

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Spain’s teenage sensation Lamine Yamal inspired his country to a thrilling 5-4 win over France on Thursday to send the holders through to their third successive Nations League final where they will face Iberian neighbours Portugal.

    The European champions dazzled in the first half of the semi-final at the MHP Arena and raced into a 2-0 lead with fine goals by Nico Williams and Mikel Merino inside 25 minutes.

    Spain’s 17-year-old starlet Yamal then got in on the act to coolly add a third from the penalty spot nine minutes into the second half before his Barcelona teammate Pedri clipped a sublime fourth into the net less than a minute later.

    The goals continued to flow as France striker Kylian Mbappe also slotted home from the penalty spot near the hour mark before Yamal added Spain’s fifth after 67 minutes to cap an exhilarating individual performance.

    France then mounted an extraordinary comeback as a stunning strike from Rayan Cherki, Dani Vivian’s own goal and a Randal Kolo Muani finish caused Spain some late jitters but they held on to book a clash with their Portuguese rivals on Sunday.

    “I always say it to my mother, I try to give it all,” Yamal told Teledeporte. “It is what motivates me to play football, why I wake up in the mornings.

    “France have world class players. The scoreline after 60 minutes was very big, but they have players who make you suffer.

    “We (Spain and Portugal) are two very good teams with world-class players. The best will win. I hope to bring the cup to Spain.”

    Spain have been nearly imperious under coach Luis de la Fuente, losing just once in over two years, a run that helped them take home the European Championship title last year with victory over England in the final.

    Key to De la Fuente’s system is his lively wide men Nico Williams and Yamal, and after Mbappe had wasted a golden early chance in Stuttgart and Theo Hernandez crashed an effort against the crossbar, Williams’ emphatic finish edged Spain in front.

    Another fine, flowing move three minutes later resulted in Merino slotting home the second having been picked out by a pinpoint Mikel Oyarzabal pass. It was only the second time France had conceded twice inside the opening half hour of a match during coach Didier Deschamps’ 13-year tenure.

    France continued to create openings but could not make their moments count, with their profligacy proving costly as one of the favourites to win the Ballon d’Or award, Yamal, fired in from the penalty spot after the teenager had been fouled.

    Yamal, who already has over 100 appearances for Barcelona across all competitions before he has even turned 18, was equally calm for his second, after Pedro’s fine fourth and Mbappe’s penalty, poking the ball past France goalkeeper Mike Maignan.

    The strike from Olympique Lyonnais’ Cherki deserved to be more meaningful, before Vivian’s intervention gave Spanish supporters some cause for concern.

    Substitute Kolo Muani’s goal made extra time look a possibility, but it was too little, too late.

    The striker, however, ensured the enthralling semi-final became the first-ever Nations League match to feature nine goals. It was also the first time France had conceded five times in a match since 1969.

    “We had some bursts of play we haven’t had for a long time,” France skipper Mbappe said. “But in just 10 minutes of the first half, we conceded two goals — and the same thing happened in the second half.

    “We weren’t consistent throughout the 90 minutes, but we did improve. When you don’t win, there are always negative points that come out. But it’s not all negative.”

    (Reuters)

  • India test captain Gill ready to lead in his own way

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s new test captain Shubman Gill knows he has big shoes to fill after the retirements of Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli but he wants to develop his own style of leadership, he said on Thursday.

    Rohit and Kohli, former skippers and batting mainstays of the team, both quit test cricket weeks before the start of India’s five-test series in England.

    Gill, 25, impressed as captain of Indian Premier League (IPL) side Gujarat Titans, leading them to the playoffs.

    “The pressure comes with every tour. The two big players have served us for so long, it is not easy to fill that space,” Gill told a news conference in Mumbai.

    “My style of captaincy will be my own, it will develop with experience. I like to communicate with the players. I would try to get them comfortable with their strengths and weaknesses. The players should feel secure, only then will they perform well.”

    Gill was picked as captain ahead of fast bowler Jasprit Bumrah, who led India in two recent tests in Australia.

    Chief selector Ajit Agarkar cited workload management concerns over the 31-year-old Bumrah who will not play all five tests in England.

    “We haven’t taken the call over which three games (Bumrah is) going to play,” India head coach Gautam Gambhir said. “We are going to have a discussion with him and a lot will depend on the results of the series as well, where the series is heading.”

    At least 11 people died and 47 were injured on Wednesday in a crowd surge outside IPL team Royal Challengers Bengaluru’s home stadium during celebrations of their maiden title.

    “My heart goes out to the people who lost their lives,” Gambhir said. “We are all equally responsible for this. Every life matters. If we are not ready to hold a road show, we should not do that.”

    (Reuters)

  • Sabalenka downs holder Swiatek to set up French Open final with Gauff

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    World number one Aryna Sabalenka battled past four-times champion Iga Swiatek to reach her first French Open final with a 7-6(1) 4-6 6-0 win on Thursday that ended the Pole’s reign in Paris and snapped her 26-game winning streak at the tournament.

    The Belarusian will face 2022 finalist Coco Gauff in Saturday’s showcase match after the American crushed French hopes with a straight-sets victory over wild card Lois Boisson.

    Sabalenka’s power proved too much for defending champion Swiatek, who was looking to become the first female player in the Open era since 1968 to win four consecutive titles in Paris.

    Swiatek had won the previous three editions along with her maiden crown in 2020.

    “Honestly, it feels incredible but I understand the job is not done yet. I’m just thrilled today with this win and the atmosphere,” Sabalenka said.

    “She’s the toughest opponent, especially on clay, especially at Roland Garros. It was a tough match, it was a tricky match but I managed.”

    Sabalenka, playing her second French Open semi-final and seeking her first title in Paris, powered into a 3-0 lead, twice breaking the Pole. She kept attacking her opponent’s serve with Swiatek winning just 35% of her points on her second serve.

    Swiatek, who late last year accepted a one-month doping ban and came into the tournament without a title win this season, had reached the semis dropping just one set in five matches. But she looked completely out of sorts on Thursday.

    With seven unforced errors in the first three games the Pole was playing catch-up from the start.

    She struggled with her serve and had racked up two double faults by the fifth game.

    SABALENKA POWER

    Swiatek gradually, however, found her range and precision, countering Sabalenka’s raw power with superb ball placement and levelled when her opponent double-faulted on break point.

    While the Pole found a way to grab the second set, Sabalenka was not to be denied, breaking the 24-year-old world number five at the start of the third to take control.

    “I think the pace from her was super fast,” Swiatek said. “Especially at the beginning of the match, she played just kind of as hard as possible and pretty risky. So it was just hard to get into any rally.”

    “In the third set I feel like we kind of came back to what happened in the first, and she for sure used her chances and I didn’t really keep up what I was doing in the second set.”

    Sabalenka gave her opponent no chance with her thunderous groundstrokes, powering through the decider as Swiatek ran out of steam.

    “It could not be more perfect than that,” Sabalenka said of her third-set performance. “I’m super proud right now, I’m glad I found my serve (again in the third set).”

    Gauff had a much easier task against Boisson, the first player in the Open Era since 1968 to reach the last four of the French Open.

    The wild card, ranked 361st in the world at the start, had taken the tournament by storm, beating two seeded players on her French Open debut, including world number three Jessica Pegula, but her scintillating run came to an abrupt halt against Gauff.

    The 21-year-old second seed, who can become the first American since Serena Williams in 2015 to lift the Suzanne Lenglen Cup, was a cut above her opponent on the day.

    “This is my first time playing a French player here. I was mentally prepared that it (the crowd) was to be 99% for her so I was trying to block it out,” said Gauff.

    For 22-year-old Boisson, who had played only two matches on the main tour in her career prior to the tournament, Gauff proved too big a hurdle.

    “I don’t know how to say, but she played on the right and on the left and on the right,” Boisson said. “I just feel like I was running everywhere on the court today, so it was really tough.”

    “She was really solid, and I couldn’t play my game today because she was just too good.”

    (Reuters)

  • Trump, Musk feud explodes with threats of cutting contracts, backing impeachment

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    President Donald Trump threatened on Thursday to cut off government contracts with billionaire Elon Musk’s companies, while Musk suggested Trump should be impeached, turning their bromance into an all-out brawl on social media.

    The hostilities began when Trump criticized Tesla CEO Musk in the Oval Office. Within hours, the once-close relationship had disintegrated in full public view, as the world’s most powerful man and its richest launched personal barbs at one another on Trump’s Truth Social and Musk’s X.

    “The easiest way to save money in our Budget, Billions and Billions of Dollars, is to terminate Elon’s Governmental Subsidies and Contracts,” Trump posted on Truth Social.

    Wall Street traders dumped shares of Musk’s electric vehicle maker and Tesla closed down 14.3%, losing about $150 billion in market value. It was Tesla’s largest single-day decline in value in its history.

    Minutes after the closing bell, Musk replied, “Yes,” to a post on X saying Trump should be impeached. Trump’s Republicans hold majorities in both chambers of Congress and are highly unlikely to impeach him.

    The trouble between the two started brewing days ago, when Musk denounced Trump’s sweeping tax-cut and spending bill. The president initially held his tongue while Musk campaigned to torpedo the bill, saying it would add too much to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump broke his silence on Thursday, telling reporters in the Oval Office he was “very disappointed” in Musk.

    “Look, Elon and I had a great relationship. I don’t know if we will anymore,” Trump said.

    While Trump spoke, Musk responded with increasingly acerbic posts on X.

    “Without me, Trump would have lost the election,” wrote Musk, who spent nearly $300 million backing Trump and other Republicans in last year’s election. “Such ingratitude.”

    In another post, Musk asserted that Trump’s signature tariffs would push the U.S. into a recession later this year.

    Besides Tesla, Musk’s businesses include rocket company and government contractor SpaceX and its satellite unit Starlink.

    Musk, whose space business plays a critical role in the U.S. government’s space program, said that as a result of Trump’s threats he would begin decommissioning SpaceX’s Dragon spacecraft. Dragon is the only U.S. spacecraft currently capable of sending astronauts to the International Space Station.

    Hours later, Musk appeared to reverse that move. Responding to a follower on X urging Musk and Trump to “cool off and take a step back for a couple of days,” Musk wrote: “Good advice. Ok, we won’t decommission Dragon.”

    In another possible sign of de-escalation on Thursday evening, Musk separately posted, “You’re not wrong,” in response to hedge fund manager Bill Ackman saying Trump and Musk should make peace.

    PUGILISTIC PAIR

    The feud was not entirely unexpected. Trump and Musk are both political pugilists with sizable egos and a penchant for using social media to punch back against their perceived enemies, and many observers had predicted an eventual falling out.

    Even before Musk’s departure from the administration last week, his influence had waned following a series of clashes with cabinet members over his cuts to their agencies.

    For Trump, the fight was the first major rift he has had with a top adviser since taking office for a second time, after his first term was marked by numerous blow-ups.

    Trump parted ways with multiple chiefs of staff, national security advisers and political strategists during his 2017-2021 White House tenure. A few, like Steve Bannon, remained in his good graces, while many others, like U.N. Ambassador John Bolton, became loud and vocal critics.

    After serving as the biggest Republican donor in the 2024 campaign season, Musk became one of Trump’s most visible advisers as head of the Department of Government Efficiency, which mounted a sweeping and controversial effort to downsize the federal workforce and slash spending.

    Musk was frequently present at the White House and made multiple appearances on Capitol Hill, sometimes carrying his young son.

    Only six days before Thursday’s blowup, Trump and Musk held an appearance in the Oval Office where Trump praised Musk’s government service and both men promised to continue working together.

    A prolonged feud between Trump and Musk could make it more difficult for Republicans to keep control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections. In addition to his campaign spending, Musk has a huge online following and helped connect Trump to parts of Silicon Valley and wealthy donors.

    Musk had already said he planned to curtail his political spending in the future.

    Soon after Trump’s Oval Office comments on Thursday, Musk polled his 220 million followers on X: “Is it time to create a new political party in America that actually represents the 80% in the middle?”

    ‘KILL THE BILL’

    Musk targeted what Trump has named his “big, beautiful bill” this week, calling it a “disgusting abomination” that would deepen the federal deficit. His attacks amplified a rift within the Republican Party that could threaten the bill’s prospects in the Senate.

    Nonpartisan analysts say Trump’s bill could add $2.4 trillion to $5 trillion to the nation’s $36.2 trillion in debt.

    Trump asserted that Musk’s true objection was the bill’s elimination of consumer tax credits for electric vehicles. The president also suggested that Musk was upset because he missed working for the White House.

    “He’s not the first,” Trump said on Thursday. “People leave my administration… then at some point they miss it so badly, and some of them embrace it and some of them actually become hostile.”

    Musk wrote on X, “KILL the BILL,” adding he was fine with Trump’s planned cuts to EV credits as long as Republicans rid the bill of “mountain of disgusting pork” or wasteful spending.

    He also pulled up past quotes from Trump decrying the level of federal spending, adding, “Where is this guy today?”

    Musk came into government with brash plans to cut $2 trillion from the federal budget. He left last week having cut only about half of 1% of total spending while causing disruption across multiple agencies.

    Musk’s increasing focus on politics provoked widespread protests at Tesla sites in the U.S. and Europe, driving down sales while investors fretted that Musk’s attention was too divided.

    (Reuters)

  • PM Modi to visit J&K today to launch ₹46,000 crore infra projects, inaugurate world’s highest rail bridge

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Jammu and Kashmir today to inaugurate several key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crore.
     
    These initiatives aim to significantly boost road and rail connectivity across the Union Territory, with a focus on improving accessibility, promoting tourism, and generating employment.
     
    In a post on X, PM Modi responded to J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, stating:  “Tomorrow, 6th June is indeed a special day for my sisters and brothers of Jammu and Kashmir. Key infrastructure projects worth ₹46,000 crores are being inaugurated which will have a very positive impact on people’s lives.
     
    During his visit, PM Modi will inaugurate the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, situated 359 metres above the Chenab River. The 1,315-metre-long steel arch bridge is engineered to withstand seismic and wind forces and will cut travel time between Jammu and Srinagar by two to three hours when the new Vande Bharat trains operate on it.
     
    The Prime Minister will also inaugurate the Anji Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge built in challenging terrain. Later, he will flag off Vande Bharat Express trains between Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra and Srinagar, enhancing travel options for residents, tourists, and pilgrims.
     
    The PM will dedicate the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project to the nation. The 272-km rail link, completed at a cost of around ₹43,780 crore, features 36 tunnels spanning 119 km and 943 bridges, providing seamless all-weather rail connectivity to the Kashmir Valley.
     
    Commenting further on X, PM Modi wrote: “In addition to being an extraordinary feat of architecture, the Chenab Rail Bridge will improve connectivity between Jammu and Srinagar. The Anji Bridge stands tall as India’s first cable-stayed rail bridge in a terrain that is challenging,” PM Modi said on X in reply to CM Abdullah’s post.”
     
    “The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project ensures all weather connectivity and the Vande Bharat trains from Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra to Srinagar will boost spiritual tourism and create livelihood opportunities,” he added.
     
    In addition to rail infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone and inaugurate road projects to improve last-mile connectivity, particularly in border areas. These include the widening of the Rafiabad-Kupwara stretch on NH-701 and the construction of the Shopian bypass on NH-444, with a combined investment exceeding ₹1,952 crore.
     
    He will also inaugurate two flyovers at Sangrama Junction on NH-1 in Srinagar and Bemina Junction on NH-44 to ease traffic congestion.
     
    Further, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone of the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra. The ₹350 crore project will be the first medical college in Reasi district, enhancing healthcare infrastructure in the region.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Reappointment of Managing Director of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Reappointment of Managing Director of Mandatory Provident Fund Schemes Authority announced 
         The Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury, Mr Christopher Hui, welcomed the reappointment, adding, “Mr Cheng joined the MPFA in 2013 and has made valuable contributions to the MPFA since then. Under his leadership in the past three years, the MPFA has been actively taking forward various proposals to reform the Mandatory Provident Fund (MPF) System. In particular, the eMPF Platform, as a major reform initiative of the MPF System, has commenced operation since June 2024 with phased onboarding of MPF trustees under way. I look forward to Mr Cheng’s continuous effort in leading the MPFA to discharge its duties.”
     
         Mr Cheng Yan-chee was appointed Chief Corporate Affairs Officer of the MPFA in 2013 and Acting Managing Director in 2021. He has been the Managing Director of the MPFA since 2022.
     
         The MPFA is a statutory body established under the MPFSO in September 1998 for the regulation and supervision of the MPF System.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of Chairman of Insurance Appeals Tribunal announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointment of Chairman of Insurance Appeals Tribunal announced 
         A Government spokesman said, “The IAT provides an effective safeguard to ensure the relevant regulatory decisions made by the Insurance Authority (IA) are reasonable and fair. With his profound expertise in the legal profession and a wealth of experience in public service, we believe that Mr Ma will lead the IAT to operate effectively and raise public confidence in the insurance regulatory regime.”
     
         The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing Chairperson, Ms Rachel Lam Yan-kay, SC, for her valuable contribution and dedicated service. 
     
         The IAT is a statutory tribunal established in 2017 under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to review specified decisions made by the IA, and to hear and determine a question or issue arising out of or in connection with a review. 
    Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Stablecoins Ordinance to commence operation on August 1, 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Stablecoins Ordinance to commence operation on August 1, 2025 
         The Ordinance was gazetted on May 30, 2025. Its main purpose is to supervise activities involving stablecoins, and to introduce a licensing regime for regulated stablecoin activities in Hong Kong. 
     
         Section 1(2) of the Ordinance provides that the Ordinance will come into operation on a day to be appointed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury (SFST) by notice published in the Gazette. For this purpose, the SFST has made the Stablecoins Ordinance (Commencement) Notice to appoint August 1, 2025, as the day on which the Ordinance comes into operation.
     
         At the same time, the Financial Secretary has made the Stablecoins Ordinance (Specification of Persons for Purposes of Section 9(2)(b)(iii)) Notice, to specify professional investors (within the meaning given by section 1 of Part 1 of Schedule 1 to the Securities and Futures Ordinance (Cap. 571)) as a class of persons for the purposes of section 9(2)(b)(iii) of the Ordinance, i.e. allowing the offering of specified stablecoins issued by a person who is not granted a licence under section 15 of the Ordinance to professional investors.
       
         The SFST, Mr Christopher Hui, said, “After the Ordinance commences operation, the licensing regime will provide suitable guardrails for relevant stablecoin activities. It will be a milestone in facilitating the sustainable development of the stablecoin and digital asset ecosystem in Hong Kong.”
     
         The Hong Kong Monetary Authority has also launched a consultation on the detailed regulatory requirements of the regime, including provisions related to anti-money laundering and the counter-financing of terrorism.
     
         The Notices will be tabled before the Legislative Council next Wednesday (June 11) for negative vetting.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps, Armed Forces of the Philippines conduct Maritime Cooperative Activity

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the U.S. Navy and the U.S. Marine Corps, demonstrating a collective commitment to strengthen regional and international cooperation in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific, conducted a bilateral Maritime Cooperative Activity (MCA) within the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone, June 4.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: USS Tripoli forward deploys to Japan

    Source: United States INDO PACIFIC COMMAND

    SAN DIEGO – The America-class amphibious assault ship USS Tripoli (LHA 7) departed Naval Base San Diego May 19 to forward deploy to Sasebo, Japan, as part of a scheduled rotation of forces in the Pacific. The Tripoli will replace the amphibious assault ship USS America (LHA 6), which will depart Sasebo and move to San Diego.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on June 05, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,75,133.57 5.67 4.00-6.90
         I. Call Money 14,807.06 5.76 4.85-5.85
         II. Triparty Repo 3,79,237.90 5.66 5.55-5.75
         III. Market Repo 1,79,788.41 5.71 4.00-5.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,300.20 5.92 5.81-6.90
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 98.30 5.63 5.45-5.70
         II. Term Money@@ 650.00 – 5.70-6.60
         III. Triparty Repo 1,736.00 5.71 5.55-5.75
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 4,138.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 580.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 05/06/2025 1 Fri, 06/06/2025 3,16,403.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -3,11,685.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       8,321.86  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     8,321.86  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,03,363.14  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on June 05, 2025 9,39,627.47  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending June 13, 2025 9,41,551.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ June 05, 2025 4,138.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 16, 2025 3,48,763.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/488

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-Evening Report: The kimono is more than an artefact and more than clothing. It is a concept artists will make their own

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Sasha Grishin, Adjunct Professor of Art History, Australian National University

    The kimono garment, the national dress of Japan, carries within itself all of the magic and traditions of Japanese culture.

    The basic features of the kimono are fairly simple. It is a wrapped front garment with square sleeves that has a rectangular body where the left side is wrapped over the right, except in funerary use.

    The garment may be traced back to the Heian period as a distinctive style of dress for the nobility. In the Edo period (1603–1867) it came to a glorious culmination with colourful and expensive fabrics.

    The great poet Matsuo Bashō once wrote “Spring passes by / again and again in layers / of blossom-kimono”. Since childhood I’ve loved the mystical image “blossom-kimono”.

    In 2020, the Victoria and Albert Museum in London staged their epic exhibition Kimono: Kyoto to Catwalk, where hundreds of garments, accessories, prints and photographs charted the history of the kimono from the 17th century through to the present.

    A new exhibition from the National Gallery of Victoria is similarly ambitious. Over 70 fabulous garments of exquisite craftsmanship – some made of silk with gold and silver embroidery and dazzling designs – have been assembled within a context of over 150 paintings, posters, wood block prints, magazines and decorative arts.

    Although many of the items have never been previously exhibited in Australia, most are now in the collection of the NGV, with many specifically acquired for this exhibition.

    Exquisite production

    There are seven newly acquired Edo-period silk and ramie kimonos, richly decorated with leaves, tendrils and falling snow. They provide us with a glimpse at the wealth and sophistication of the samurai and merchant classes of the 18th and 19th centuries.

    One of the highlights is the Uchikake Furisode wedding kimono with pine, bamboo, plum and cranes, from the early to mid-19th century.

    It is a display of exquisite taste with satin silk, shibori tie dyeing, and embroidery with gold thread. The birds and the vegetation seem to float on the surface and must have created an amazing sight when worn.

    Uchikake Furisode wedding kimono with pine, bamboo, plum, and cranes early–mid 19th century. Satin silk, shibori tie dyeing, embroidery, gold thread, 177.5 cm (centre back) 131.0 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Michael and Emily Tong, 2024

    The garment is simple and functional and, despite the exquisiteness of its production, it is also restrained in contrast to the conspicuous exuberance of some examples of 19th century European courtly dress.

    Some of these Edo period kimonos can become quite narrative-driven in their design, as with the Hitoe kosode kimono with themes alluding to eight Noh theatre plays of the late Edo period. Slightly smaller than the wedding kimono, that was 177.5 cm long as opposed to 167 cm, this one revels in a blue background on gauze satin silk with a multiplicity of little narrative scenes like an assembly of diverse stage sets.

    Hitoe kosode, kimono with themes alluding to eight Noh theatre plays late Edo period. Gauze satin silk, paste resist dye, embroidery, gold thread, 167.0 cm (centre back) 124.0 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Purchased with funds donated by Jennifer Lempriere and Michael Pithie, 2024

    The exhibition also includes the work of contemporary Japanese kimono designers including Hiroko Takahashi, Jotaro Saito, Modern Antenna, Tamao Shigemune, Y&SONS, Rumi Rock and Robe Japonica.

    The kimono as a concept

    The kimono is more than an historic artefact, one where ideas and methods of production were to remain constant for centuries. It is also an idea that inspires designers working in international fashion houses.

    The NGV exhibition includes kimono-inspired works of Issey Miyake, Yohji Yamamoto, John Galliano, Comme des Garçon, Alexander McQueen, Givenchy, Zambesi and Rudi Gernreich.

    Alexander McQueen’s Gown, belt and sandals (Dégradé) (2007) is one of the takeaway memories from this exhibition. The humble functional kimono has been totally transfigured.

    To the silk-satin shell there have been added leather, metal and rubber accessories and synthetic shoulder pads. The purple and pink colour scheme and the sweeping sleeves that trail along the ground create a mesmerising and dominant phantom-like character that owns and dominates the space.

    Gown, belt and sandals (Dégradé), 2007. The blue lady (La Dame Bleue) collection, spring-summer 2008. Silk (satin), patent leather, leather, synthetic fabric (shoulder pads, wadding), cotton (laces), metal (fastenings), rubber, (a) 176.0 cm (centre back) 33.5 cm (waist, flat) (dress) (b) 37.0 × 61.0 cm (belt) (c-d) 23.0 × 19.5 × 80.0 cm (each) (sandals).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne, Gift of Krystyna Campbell-Pretty AM and Family through the Australian Government’s Cultural Gifts Program, 2021 ©Alexander McQueen

    It is difficult not to be impressed by McQueen’s vision, but we have now moved quite a long way from the kimono.

    The kimono is a wonderful concept – an armature on which to hang many different ideas. The beauty of this exhibition is that it frees the idea of a garment from a static piece of cloth, at best to be displayed on a dummy, to something approaching a concept in design that artists will clasp and from which they will create their own work.

    There are many rich nuances in the show, for example the superb almost monochrome and somewhat gothic Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon (c.1930).

    Men’s undergarment (nagajuban) with graveyard, skulls and crescent moon c. 1930. Silk, wool, cotton 127.0 cm (centre back) 130.5 cm (cuff to cuff).
    National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Maureen Morrisey Bequest, 2018

    At the same time, we have Women’s kimono with geometric design and accessories (c.1930) with its polychrome exuberance with reds, blacks and greys combining geometric motifs with soft organic feather-like forms.

    Bashō’s “blossom-kimono” was a meditation on the passing of time and the hope that a young girl will live to experience wrinkles that come with old age. The kimono in this exhibition celebrates the passing of time and generational change within the life of an immortal idea about function, form and ideas of beauty.

    Kimono is at the National Gallery of Victoria until October 5.

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

    – ref. The kimono is more than an artefact and more than clothing. It is a concept artists will make their own – https://theconversation.com/the-kimono-is-more-than-an-artefact-and-more-than-clothing-it-is-a-concept-artists-will-make-their-own-253030

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 1 800 quality job vacancies to be offered at Career Connect Job Fair

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Over 1 800 quality job vacancies to be offered at Career Connect Job Fair
         About 50 organisations will participate in the two-day job fair, offering over 1 800 quality job vacancies from various industries, among which more than 1 200 are from transport, real estate, catering and retail industries. Around 25 organisations will set up booths and conduct recruitment on the spot each day. A wide variety of positions will be offered including system analyst, assistant plant supervisor, technician officer, accounting officer, sales officer, security guard, reservations services associate, building services mechanic, taxi driver, cleaner, packer, electrician, cashier, etc. Job seekers can visit the Interactive Employment Service website (www.jobs.gov.hk
         Around 78 per cent of the vacancies offered at the job fair are full-time jobs. Most vacancies offer monthly salaries ranging from $12,000 to $25,000. About 95 per cent of the vacancies require a Secondary Seven education level or below. Around 69 per cent are open to job seekers without relevant work experience.

         Job seekers can submit job applications during the event and may be selected for on-the-spot interviews. They can also make enquiries on the employment services provided by the LD at its counter inside the venue.

         The job fair will be held from 11am to 5.30pm at the Tin Ching Community Hall, Tin Ching Estate, Tin Wah Road, Tin Shui Wai (near Light Rail Tin Yuet Station). Admission is free, with final admission time at 5pm each day.
    Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Gazettal of Notices for introduction of additional microchip formats for dog identification

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Rabies Regulation (Amendment of Schedule 3) Notice 2025 (the Amendment Notice) and the Rabies (Transponders on Imported Dogs) (Exemption) Notice (the Exemption Notice) were published in the Gazette today (June 6). The Amendment Notice aims to introduce the International Organization for Standardization standard microchip (ISO microchip) containing the specific code of Hong Kong for dog identification purposes and as evidence that the dog has been vaccinated against rabies, while the Exemption Notice will exempt legally imported dogs from the need of implanting a microchip as mentioned above.
     
    A spokesman for the Environment and Ecology Bureau said, “Currently, many countries and places commonly use the ISO microchip. The Government will introduce an ISO microchip containing the specific code of Hong Kong in addition to the existing AVID microchip. Dogs in Hong Kong already implanted with the AVID microchip and dogs legally imported and implanted with the ISO microchip do not need to additionally implant the ISO microchip containing the specific code of Hong Kong. The new measure will further facilitate the movement of dogs into and out of Hong Kong while ensuring the source of the microchip could be traced.”
     
    To prevent and control rabies, the Rabies Regulation (Cap. 421A) requires keepers of dogs to ensure that their dogs are vaccinated against rabies, microchipped and licensed at the age of 5 months, and thereafter the dogs are to be revaccinated against rabies and have the licence renewed every three years. The Government has consulted the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene of the Legislative Council and stakeholders, including licensed animal traders, animal welfare organisations, pet transport agents, veterinary clinics and animal organisations regarding the Notices and have obtained general support.
     
    The two Notices will be tabled by the Government before the Legislative Council at its sitting on June 11 for negative vetting, and will enter into force on August 1, 2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –