NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • Iran’s Khamenei rejects US nuclear demand, vows to keep enriching uranium

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said on Wednesday Tehran will not abandon its uranium enrichment, rejecting a key U.S. demand aimed at resolving a decades-long nuclear dispute, that he said was against the Islamic Republic’s interests.

    The U.S. proposal for a new nuclear deal was presented to Iran on Saturday by Oman, which has mediated talks between Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi and President Donald Trump’s Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff.

    After five round of talks, several hard-to-bridge issues remain, including Iran’s insistence on maintaining uranium enrichment on its soil and Tehran’s refusal to ship abroad its entire existing stockpile of highly enriched uranium – possible raw material for nuclear bombs.

    “Uranium enrichment is the key to our nuclear programme and the enemies have focused on the enrichment,” Khamenei said in a televised speech. The U.S. proposal “contradicts our nation’s belief in self-reliance and the principle of ‘We Can’,” he said.

    “The rude and arrogant leaders of America repeatedly demand that we should not have a nuclear programme. Who are you to decide whether Iran should have an enrichment?,” he added.

    Tehran says it wants to master nuclear technology for peaceful purposes and has long denied accusations by Western powers that it is seeking to develop nuclear weapons.

    On Monday, Reuters reported Tehran was poised to reject the U.S. proposal on the grounds that it was a “non-starter” that failed to soften Washington’s stance on uranium enrichment or to address Tehran’s interests.

    Trump has revived his “maximum pressure” campaign against Tehran since his return to the White House in January, which included tightening sanctions and threatening to bomb Iran if the negotiations yield no deal.

    During his first term in 2018, Trump ditched Tehran’s 2015 nuclear pact with six powers and reimposed sanctions that have crippled Iran’s economy. Iran responded by escalating enrichment far beyond the pact’s limits.

    Iran’s arch-foe Israel, which sees Iran’s nuclear programme as an existential threat, has repeatedly threatened to bomb the Islamic Republic’s nuclear facilities to prevent Tehran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

    (Reuters) 

  • Over 1.4 million pilgrims begin Hajj journey as Saudi Arabia implements unprecedented heat safety measures

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The annual Hajj pilgrimage officially commenced today with over 1.4 million international pilgrims joining hundreds of thousands of domestic participants in Mecca, as Saudi authorities unveiled the most extensive safety preparations in the pilgrimage’s modern history to combat potentially deadly extreme heat.

    Pilgrims began streaming into the tent city of Mina early this morning to observe the Day of Tarwiyah, marking the formal start of one of the world’s largest religious gatherings. The sacred rites are expected to conclude around June 9, with the Day of Arafah anticipated tomorrow and Eid al-Adha celebrations beginning on June 6.

    The Indian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia issued a statement congratulating the thousands of Indian pilgrims participating this year, emphasizing that consular teams are coordinating closely with Saudi authorities and have established administrative and medical teams in all Mina camps. Indian pilgrims can access support through the “Hajj Suvidha” mobile application and dedicated toll-free numbers.

    Learning from last year’s tragic consequences when extreme temperatures contributed to over 1,300 deaths, Saudi authorities have deployed unprecedented resources for pilgrim safety. More than 400 high-powered cooling units have been installed at key ritual sites, while over 100,000 square meters of new shade structures have been erected in Mina and Arafat. Approximately 103,000 square meters of heat-reducing rubber flooring now cover pathways, designed to lower surface temperatures by 12 degrees Celsius.

    The kingdom has mobilized its largest-ever medical contingent, with the  Ministry of Health, announcing the deployment of 50,000 medical and administrative personnel. Over 700 hospital beds have been designated specifically for treating heat-related illnesses, supported by three field hospitals and 71 emergency response points. Healthcare capacity has increased by 60 percent compared to last year, with more than 98,000 medical services already delivered.

    Saudi authorities have implemented strict enforcement measures against unregistered pilgrims, imposing fines up to 5,000 dollars and potential deportation for anyone performing Hajj without proper permits. This applies to both foreign visitors and Saudi citizens or residents. The policy aims to ensure all pilgrims have proper access to shelter, water, and medical services during what meteorologists warn could be another dangerously hot pilgrimage season with temperatures potentially reaching or exceeding 50 degrees Celsius.

    Advanced technology plays a central role in this year’s safety strategy. Over 250,000 personnel from more than 40 government agencies have been deployed, supported by AI-powered crowd monitoring systems, facial recognition technology, and drones for surveillance and emergency response including fire suppression. The Saudi Arabian Civil Defense confirmed this marks the first time drones will be used during Hajj operations.

    Infrastructure improvements extend beyond heat mitigation. Around Namira Mosque, authorities have installed 350 misting fans and 320 canopies, while over 2,400 cold water dispensers have been strategically placed along pedestrian routes. Pilgrims have been advised to avoid direct sun exposure during peak daylight hours.

    This year’s pilgrimage features several procedural changes, with first-time pilgrims receiving priority through the digitalized “Nusuk” platform. Women are permitted to perform Hajj without a male guardian, reflecting ongoing social reforms in the kingdom.Mina, located five kilometers east of the Grand Mosque, serves as a crucial waypoint with its iconic landscape of over 100,000 fire-resistant white tents designed to accommodate more than 2.6 million pilgrims. The site represents a feat of modern logistics, featuring a complex network of roads, tunnels, and bridges facilitating movement between the three principal Hajj sites of Mina, Arafat, and Muzdalifah.

  • MIL-OSI: The Netherlands and the UK among the simplest countries for doing business in Europe, says GBCI 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Greece, France, Italy and Turkey are the most complex jurisdictions to do business in the region, according to the 2025 Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) recently launched by TMF Group.

    The GBCI studies over 250 indicators of complexity in 79 jurisdictions that represent 94% of the world’s GDP. The report has consistently shown that countries in Southern Europe and Latin America are the most complex for doing business, and that continues to be true in 2025. At the other end of the scale, the least complex places to do business tend to be in Northern Europe and several of the offshore investment hubs.

    The report notes that complexity is relatively straightforward to navigate, at least for larger multinationals able to absorb the cost of complying with local rules. What is much harder to deal with is uncertainty. US-led sanctions, lockdowns in China and the Suez blockage had already begun a shift towards more diversified supply chains, with companies seeking to reduce their reliance on single countries for sourcing, building or selling their products. A part of that solution noted in last year’s report was the rise of connector economies like Mexico and Vietnam, bridging trade between China and the US in the so-called ‘China plus one’ strategy. That strategy has now fallen foul of US tariffs, set to reflect a country’s trade surplus in goods with the US and so punishing countries with connector status.

    Even if tariffs abate, their launch and rapid shifts point to an underlying risk for companies trading from countries with a high US trade surplus. The report notes a drop in confidence in stability, with the majority of jurisdictions (55%) reporting prioritisation of trade corridor diversity. It identifies a number of countries that might now emerge as the new connectors — with low levels of complexity pointing to business-friendly rules, a low US trade surplus pointing to less likely retaliatory action, a reasonable size and sophistication of economy to support a variety of activity at scale and absorb investment without tipping heavily into US trade surplus, and a multipolar stance that should allow them to trade across different blocs. Those countries include the UK and the Netherlands in Europe, Egypt and Saudi Arabia in the Middle East, and Australia and Hong Kong in Asia Pacific.

    TMF Group’s CEO Mark Weil, said:

    “The real challenge for businesses today isn’t complexity, it’s uncertainty. With rising trade tensions, a shifting geopolitical landscape and economic unpredictability, companies are forced to make decisions in an environment that can change overnight. Tariffs are just the latest signal of the risks of supply chain concentration. Diversification is a necessity in this context. The good news is that businesses can offset some of the complexities of diversification by reducing their own internal intricacies. Our benchmarking reveals stark differences in structural complexity among similar firms. We see an opportunity here: by simplifying their structures and support models — for example, by having fewer legal entities and a few trusted global partners — businesses can gain flexibility.”

    Top and bottom ten (1= most complex, 79= least complex) 
    1. Greece  79. Cayman Islands 
    2. France  78. Denmark 
    3. Mexico  77. New Zealand 
    4. Turkey  76. Hong Kong, SAR 
    5. Colombia  75. Jersey 
    6. Brazil  74. Netherlands 
    7. Italy  73. Jamaica 
    8. Bolivia  72. British Virgin Islands 
    9. Kazakhstan  71. Curaçao 
    10. China  70. Czech Republic 
       

    Media Contacts
    Marina Llibre Martín
    marina.llibremartin@tmf-group.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The EU steps up support for Myanmar in response to mounting post-quake needs

    Source: World Food Programme

    MANDALAY – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a EUR 5 million contribution from the European Union (EU) to address the food security of communities devastated by the deadly earthquake in Myanmar.

    Through this funding from the Directorate-General for European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations (ECHO), WFP will provide food or cash for food to those most impacted by the earthquake, as well as specialized nutrition support for children and mothers. WFP will deliver the assistance directly to people in need, working with local partners and non-governmental organisations.

    The contribution follows a recent joint EU and WFP field visit to earthquake-hit Mandalay, where officials observed the ongoing struggle of affected communities.Nearly 2.8 million food insecure people were affected by the earthquake in the hardest hit townships.

    “Even before the devastating earthquake struck Myanmar, humanitarian aid was a lifeline for its people amid ongoing conflict. In the face of this tragedy, the EU remains steadfast in its commitment. Together with trusted partners like the World Food Programme, we are delivering life-saving assistance, and we will continue to do so,” said Mr. Luc Verna, who oversees EU humanitarian programmes in Myanmar.

    WFP reached 400,000 people with emergency food, cash for food, and nutrition support in the worst affected regions including Mandalay, Sagaing, southern Shan and Nay Pyi Taw, during its initial response. Starting from early June, WFP will provide two months of targeted support and recovery initiatives for 150,000 people. 

    “The earthquake was a disaster on top of an ongoing crisis that has existed since 2021,” said Michael Dunford, WFP Representative and Country Director in Myanmar. “The monsoon will make things even tougher, and this crucial humanitarian funding from the EU will allow WFP to meet the needs of the people who find themselves in a desperate situation.”

    While addressing needs in earthquake-hit areas, the EU and WFP urge the international community to act on the immense needs of millions affected by conflict across the country. Due to severe funding gaps, WFP was forced to cut lifesaving assistance to more than one million people in Myanmar since April. Before the earthquake, 20 million people already needed humanitarian assistance. 

    This latest contribution brings EU support for WFP Myanmar to EUR 8.9 million (USD 10 million) in 2025; the largest contributor to WFP’s efforts to address hunger in the crisis hit country.

    Photos are available here. 

    #                    #                   #

    About EU Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid: 

    The European Union and its Member States are among the leading donors of humanitarian aid in the world. Relief assistance is an expression of European solidarity with people in need all around the world. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by disasters and crises. 

    Through its Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations department, the European Union helps millions of victims of conflict and disasters every year. With headquarters in Brussels and a global network of field offices, the EU provides assistance to the most vulnerable people on the basis of humanitarian needs.

    About WFP:

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media and @WFPAsiaPacific

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ9: Complaints and medical incident claims handled by Hospital Authority

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan and a written reply by the Secretary for Health, Professor Lo Chung-mau, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

    Question:

         It has been reported that the Hospital Authority (HA) will handle cases of medical incident claims by such means as compensation and mediation, including the handling of compensation matters through the medical incidents insurance scheme of HA (the scheme). Regarding the complaints and medical incident claims handled by HA, will the Government inform this Council whether it knows:

    (1) the administrative expenses (including insurance and legal costs, etc.) incurred by HA in respect of the scheme in each of the past five years;

    (2) the number of cases of medical incident claims received by HA in each of the past five years; the total amount of compensation paid in such cases and, among them, the respective amounts of compensation borne by insurance companies and HA;

    (3) the number of cases of medical incident claims in the past five years in which HA had reached settlements with the complainants before proceeding to legal proceedings; the total amount of compensation paid in such settled cases and, among them, the highest and lowest amounts of compensation paid;

    (4) the number of medical complaints or cases of medical incident claims in the past five years in which HA had taken the initiative to pay compensation without going through legal proceedings because the responsibility was clearly established; the amounts of compensation paid in such cases; and

    (5) in respect of the medical service-related complaints received by HA in each of the past five years, the average time taken from the receipt of a complaint to the completion of its handling; given that according to HA’s complaint handling mechanism, the target response time for first-time complaint cases is six weeks (three months for complex cases), the number of first-time complaint cases which could not be responded to within the target time in the past five years?

    Reply:

    President,

         In consultation with the Hospital Authority (HA), the reply to the question raised by the Hon Chan Hoi-yan is as follows:

         Upon receipt of a case of claim arising from a medical incident, it is the usual practice of the HA to conduct an investigation, consider medical opinions and seek legal advice before responding and explaining its stance on the claim to the patient or his/her lawyer. The nature of healthcare services involves various known and unknown risks that reflect the actual situations of medical practice. Depending on the circumstances of individual cases, the HA will appoint a loss adjuster or lawyer to conduct negotiation for settlement of the case. In the event that court proceedings have been commenced, the HA will appoint a lawyer to file a defence, collect medical and factual evidence, conduct mediation and negotiate a settlement, etc in light of the circumstances and development of individual cases. For cases of claims received by the HA, some of the claimants may, after learning the explanation from the HA or considering various factors, stop pursuing their claims further.

         The HA attaches great importance to service quality and patient safety. It has put in place mechanisms and guidelines for management and monitoring of medical incidents in public hospitals. Subject to the circumstances of individual cases, the HA will appoint an expert group (such as Root Cause Analysis Panel or Clinical Co-ordinating Committee/Central Committee) as necessary to conduct detailed analysis, identify the possible causes of the incident, study and formulate improvement measures or optimise clinical practice standards and guidelines to prevent similar incidents from happening again in the future. Each year, the HA Head Office will submit to the HA Board a report of sentinel and serious untoward events, which will also be released to the public. The HA will continue to review the relevant mechanisms and arrangements from time to time and make suitable adjustments when necessary. 

         In addition, in response to systemic issues and the need for reform in the management of public hospitals, the HA set up a review committee on July 2, 2024, to conduct an in-depth review on various fronts. The scope of the review was comprehensive, covering areas of governance, appraisal, accountability, operations, risk control, and procedural compliance, etc and touching upon various levels, including the HA Head Office, hospital clusters, hospitals, service units/teams and staff. After detailed deliberations, the review committee consolidated its observations and made a total of 31 improvement recommendations in five areas, namely governance and accountability, safety culture, compliance and monitoring, incident management and enabling factors of the HA. The HA announced the review committee’s report on November 22, 2024. The HA is implementing various improvement measures in an orderly manner and monitoring the implementation progress and effectiveness on an ongoing basis, while submitting progress reports to the Health Bureau on a regular basis.

    (1) to (4) During the process of mediation and settlement negotiation on medical incident claims, the HA takes into account the litigation risk apart from considering whether medical error and legal liability are involved. The agreement of out-of-court settlement without adjudication by court comes as a result of settlement negotiation between two parties after weighing various considerations and negotiation. The table below sets out the statistics on claims received by the HA in respect of medical incidents from 2022 to 2024 (as at early March 2025):
     

    Year in which claims were reported (Note 1) 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024
    Number of claims 97 105 94 105 81
    Number of claims for which compensation was paid (Note 2)
    (Among them, number of claims settled before commencement of court proceedings)    		 25
    (16)    		 18
    (15)    		 12
    (10)    		 15
    (15)    		 4
    (3)
    Total amount of compensation paid in respect of claims settled out of court (Note 3)
    (Among them, total amount of compensation for claims settled before commencement of court proceedings)    		 Figures in million dollars
    23.75
    (7.28)    		 10.38
    (8.22)    		 5.94
    (4.38)    		 10.09
    (10.09)    		 3.21
    (0.21)

    Note 1: Claims reported refer to those reported under the medical incidents insurance scheme of the HA.

    Note 2: All cases were out-of-court settlement cases.

    Note 3: A claim may only be received by the HA after a period of time following the medical incident. Moreover, the duration taken for reaching an out-of-court settlement depends on the nature and complexity of each claim. For example, out of the claims reported in 2024, only four claims were settled out of court as at March 6, 2025. On the other hand, according to the information available, the HA, in 2024, reached out-of-court settlements for 28 claims, covering reporting years from 2016 to 2024.

         Compensation for the above claims was paid by the HA. As the HA is required to keep the settlement details of each claim confidential, the maximum and minimum compensation amount cannot be provided. The amount of compensation for such cases ranged from a few thousand dollars to several million dollars. Apart from the premiums paid to the insurance companies, there are no other administrative expenses for the medical incidents insurance scheme of the HA. As premiums involve commercially sensitive information, they cannot be disclosed.

    (5) The HA attaches great importance to the opinion and enquiries of the public and has in place a two-tier system to handle complaints from patients and the public. All the initial complaints regarding services of public hospitals (including HA’s clinics) will be referred to the relevant hospitals for follow-up and reply. The HA has set the target response time for initial complaints at six weeks, while complex cases may take up to three months. The HA is actively implementing measures, including setting up Cluster Patient Relations Offices, standardising the complaint handling workflow with a view to shortening the response time for complaints. The statistics on the handling of healthcare service complaints by the HA in the past five years are as follows.
     

    Year 2019-20 2020-21 2021-22 2022-23 2023-24
    Number of complaints related to healthcare services 1 133 920 968 1 242 1 135
    Among them, number of complaints completed beyond target response time (Note 4) 128 92 136 51 3
    Average response time of cases
         		 60 days 56 days 64 days 38 days 31 days

    Note 4: As each complaint case varies in complexity, the time required for handling individual cases will be different. For some of the complaint cases that cannot be concluded within the target response time, it may be due to the case involving several hospitals or several departments within a hospital, necessitating repeated clarification or collection of evidence during the handling process; or involving complex clinical management requiring advices from independent medical experts. In addition, with the impact of the COVID-19 epidemic from 2020 to early 2023, healthcare staff needed to focus the manpower on clinical duties and patient care; other staff including Patient Relation Officers might be temporarily deployed to support the logistic work in the fight against the epidemic; and some of the staff members who were confirmed cases were not able to return to the hospitals to work, resulting in handling of some of the healthcare service complaints not being completed within the target response time.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Samsung R&D Institute Noida Ignites India’s Tech Future with 3rd Startup Summit

    Source: Samsung

    Startup Summit 2025 at SRI Noida
     
    Samsung R&D Institute, Noida (SRI-Noida) successfully hosted its third Startup Summit, a dynamic event designed to showcase disruptive technologies, foster meaningful collaborations, and spark conversations on the future of innovation.
     
    The latest edition brought together AI-first startups and global tech leaders, focusing on cutting-edge advancements in healthcare, language models, audio deepfake detection, and extended reality (XR), among others.
     
    The Summit highlighted the critical need for ethical AI, digital trust, and next-generation innovation through cross-functional collaboration. It served as a testament to Samsung’s unwavering commitment to strengthening India’s innovation ecosystem by leveraging robust technology partnerships, cross-industry collaboration, and talent acceleration.
     
    This year’s event featured eight pioneering startups, including Sarvam AI, Jivi AI, HealthifyMe, ValidSoft, KOGO AI, NeoDocs, EnableX and Magnimus working at the intersection of AI, immersive technologies, healthcare, and natural language processing. These startups showcased their breakthrough products and explored potential pilot collaborations with teams from Samsung’s R&D centers, business units, and Samsung Ventures. The participating startups were carefully selected based on their innovation potential, strategic alignment with Samsung’s vision, and capacity to scale globally.
     
    “As SRI-Noida continues to drive the research and innovation agenda, the success of the third Startup Summit underscores our mission to empower next-generation technology leaders through meaningful upskilling, sustained collaboration, and deep ecosystem engagement. This year’s edition was bigger, bolder, and more impact-driven—addressing contemporary challenges while enabling entrepreneurs to create solutions that are globally competitive and locally relevant,” said Kyungyun Roo, Managing Director of SRI-Noida.
     
    List of participating startups included:

    Sarvam AI: A multilingual single model audio LLM platform
    Jivi AI: A large-language-model-based healthcare platform delivering AI doctor and analytics.
    HealthifyMe: An AI-driven nutrition intelligence engine for personalized dietary recommendations.
    ValidSoft: A cutting-edge audio liveness detection system designed to combat deepfake call threats.
    KOGO AI: Large Action Model (LAM) powering voice-driven applications.
    NeoDocs: Mobile-based diagnostics for real-time, point-of-care health assessments.
    EnableX: Real-time facial expression and feature-detection capabilities for enhanced user interaction.
    Magnimus: Gamified XR-based fitness experiences driving engagement and well-being.

     
    A standout moment of the event was a dynamic panel discussion featuring startup founders and SRI-Noida leadership. The conversation explored the rise of AI agents, the need for personalized engagement in digital health platforms, and the imperative of transparent data governance. Panellists also emphasized the ethical deployment of AI and the critical role of trust in shaping user adoption.
     
    Discussions reinforced the growing importance of tailored user experiences and personalized feedback in motivating behaviour change and improving health outcomes. The Summit’s immersive format offered a 360-degree view of Samsung’s innovation network in India, fostering cross-functional collaborations, unlocking new synergies, and aligning startups with global technology trends. Participants praised the platform for facilitating deep-dive conversations with Samsung experts and accelerating product development and market readiness.
     
    By spotlighting emerging technologies in healthcare AI, language processing, deepfake detection, visual AI, and XR, the Startup Summit reaffirmed SRI-Noida’s pivotal role in driving transformational innovation. The event exemplified Samsung’s larger vision—co-creating a future-ready startup ecosystem that delivers meaningful, human-centered impact at scale.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi congratulates Lee Jae-myung on election as president of South Korea

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

    Xi congratulates Lee Jae-myung on election as president of South Korea

    Updated: June 4, 2025 15:58 Xinhua

    BEIJING, June 4 — Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday extended congratulations to Lee Jae-myung on election as the president of South Korea.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Sanjay Jha-led delegation reaches Delhi after concluding India’s outreach against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by JD(U) MP Sanjay Kumar Jha returned to Delhi from Malaysia on Tuesday, concluding its outreach campaign aimed at strengthening international support against terrorism and building a shared understanding of security threats.

    During their visit, the delegation met with YB Tan Sri Dato’ (Dr.) Johari bin Abdul, Speaker of the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat), and members of the Parliamentary Special Committee on International Relations and International Trade, chaired by YB Wong Chen.

    The Speaker reaffirmed Malaysia’s commitment to peace and appreciated India’s briefing on its counter-terrorism efforts. The delegation also engaged with representatives of the Southeast Asia Regional Centre for Counter-Terrorism (SEARCCT), led by Director General Datin Paduka Nur Ashikin Mohd Taib.

    In discussions with SEARCCT, the Indian side highlighted the Centre’s role in the India-Malaysia Joint Working Group on Counterterrorism and stressed the need for greater regional synergy, especially in legal frameworks, counter-terror financing, community resilience, and research on cross-border terrorism.

    The engagements in Malaysia reinforced the India–Malaysia Comprehensive Strategic Partnership and underscored a shared commitment to regional peace and security.

    Speaking to IANS upon returning to Delhi, Sanjay Jha reflected on the outcomes of the multi-nation tour, which included Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Indonesia, and Malaysia.

    “Four or five key messages emerged from the visit,” he said. “First, the delegation delivered a strong, united message—that all parties in India stand together in the fight against terrorism. Second, countries across the region unequivocally condemned the April 22 Pahalgam terror attack and expressed condolences for the 26 victims.”

    He added, “Third, India’s response—targeting only terrorist camps in Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir—was marked by restraint and precision. Fourth, flights have resumed in Jammu and Kashmir, and a Cabinet meeting was held in Pahalgam to assess the situation. We urged that action should be taken against Pakistan by the FATF (Financial Action Task Force).”

    The delegation’s visit, which included stops in Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Singapore, and Malaysia, aimed to deepen India’s diplomatic and security cooperation, while reaffirming its commitment to regional peace, counter-terrorism, and sustainable development.

    Apart from Jha, the delegation included BJP MPs Aparajita Sarangi, Brij Lal, Pradan Baruah, and Hemang Joshi; TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee; CPI(M) MP John Brittas; Congress leader Salman Khurshid; and former diplomat Ambassador Mohan Kumar.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • US: Higher metals tariffs kick in as deadline for ‘best’ offers arrives

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The U.S. tariff rate on most imported steel and aluminum doubled on Wednesday as President Donald Trump ratchets up a global trade war on the same day he expects trading partners to deliver their “best offer” in bids to avoid punishing import tax rates on other goods from taking effect in early July.

    Late on Tuesday, Trump signed an executive proclamation that puts into effect from Wednesday his surprise announcement last week that he was taking the tariffs on steel and aluminum imports that had been in place since March to 50% from 25%.

    “We started at 25 and then after studying the data more, realized that it was a big help, but more help is needed. And so that is why the 50 is starting tomorrow,” White House economic adviser Kevin Hassett said in explaining the move at a steel industry conference in Washington on Tuesday. The increase came into effect at 12:01 am (0401 GMT).

    The increase applies to all trading partners except Britain, the only country so far that has struck a preliminary trade agreement with the U.S. during a 90-day pause on a wider array of Trump tariffs. The rate for steel and aluminum imports from the UK – which does not rank among the top exporters of either metal to the U.S. – will remain at 25% until at least July 9.

    About a quarter of all steel used in the U.S. is imported, and Census Bureau data shows the increased levies will hit the closest U.S. trading partners – Canada and Mexico – especially hard. They rank No. 1 and 3, respectively, in steel shipment volumes to the U.S.

    Canada is even more exposed to the aluminum levies as the top exporter to the U.S. by far at roughly twice the rest of the top 10 exporters’ volumes combined. The U.S. gets about half of its aluminum from foreign sources.

    Prime Minister Mark Carney’s office said Canada was “engaged in intensive and live negotiations to have these and other tariffs removed.”

    Mexico Economy Minister Marcelo Ebrard reiterated that the tariffs were unsustainable and unfair, especially given that Mexico imports more steel from the U.S. than it exports there.

    “It makes no sense for the United States to levy a tariff on a product in which you have a surplus,” he said, adding that Mexico would on Friday seek an exemption from the increase.

    The unexpected increase in the levies jolted the market for both metals this week, especially for aluminum, which has seen price premiums more than double so far this year. With little current capacity to increase domestic production, import volumes are likely to be unaffected unless the price increases undercut demand.

    ‘BEST OFFER’ DUE DATE

    Wednesday is also when the White House would like trading partners to submit their proposals for deals that might help them avoid Trump’s hefty “Liberation Day” tariffs from taking effect in five weeks.

    Administration officials have been in active talks with a number of countries since Trump announced a pause on those tariffs on April 9, but to date only the UK deal has come to fruition. Even that agreement, which provided the basis for the carve out from the metals tariffs, is more of a preliminary framework for more talks.

    With just weeks remaining, the Trump team is eager to bring more deals over the line.

    Reuters reported on Monday that the U.S. Trade Representative was asking countries to list their best proposals in a number of key areas, including tariff and quota offers for purchase of U.S. industrial and agricultural products and plans to remedy any non-tariff barriers.

    In turn, the letter promises answers “within days” with an indication of a “landing zone,” including what tariff rates countries can be expected to be saddled with after a 90-day pause on the tariffs expires on July 8. At issue for most trading partners is whether they retain the current baseline rate of 10% on most exports to the U.S. after that date, or something sharply higher in many cases.

    White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt confirmed the report on Tuesday, saying: “USTR sent this letter to all of our trading partners just to give them a friendly reminder that the deadline is coming up.”

    Other items requested by the Trump administration include any commitments on digital trade and economic security, along with country-specific commitments, according to the letter.

    Japan, a major U.S. trading partner, has not received such letter, top government spokesperson Yoshimasa Hayashi told a regular press conference.

    “Regarding U.S. tariff measures, negotiations are underway between Japan and the United States,” Hayashi said. “The government will keep on tackling them, doing our utmost and giving them a top priority.”

    The U.S. embassy in Tokyo did not immediately comment.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ14: Curbing youth gambling participation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    ​Following is a question by Dr the Hon Starry Lee and a written reply by the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
    In April this year, the Government published a consultation paper on the regulatory regime on basketball betting. There are views pointing out that while the regime aims to combat illegal gambling activities, the community is generally concerned about possible intensification of the gambling craze upon regulation of basketball betting, particularly the negative impact on youths. In addition, it has been reported that the average age of participants in basketball betting is younger than the corresponding figures in horse racing and football betting, and statistical data from gambling counselling organizations also indicate a deteriorating trend in the gambling problem among young people. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as the aforesaid consultation paper has pointed out that the regulation of football betting since 2003 has generally been effective in channelising illegal betting demand to the legal channel, whether the Government has compiled statistics on the changes in betting turnovers of legal and illegal gambling, as well as the number of help-seeking cases from pathological gamblers and the age distribution trend of those help-seekers, since the regulation of football betting; whether it has assessed the effectiveness of the existing betting regulatory regime in reducing youth gambling participation;
     
    (2) of the following information on the assistance provided by the Ping Wo Fund to help youths quit gambling in the past five years: the number of youths assisted, the expenditure on the relevant publicity and education activities and the number of people covered, and the percentage of help-seeking cases from youths involving basketball betting;
     
    (3) whether it will, upon implementation of the regulatory regime on basketball betting, require basketball betting operators to submit data on young bettors on a regular basis; whether it has assessed the adequacy of the existing measures to curb underage betting, including whether it will further restrict advertising targeted at youths;
     
    (4) as there are views in the community that the authorities should consider setting up a dedicated committee to monitor the impact of basketball betting on youths, and strengthening the use of the Ping Wo Fund to take forward anti-gambling education (especially publicity efforts targeting young groups), whether the authorities will study the relevant proposals; and
     
    (5) whether it has studied if implementation of the regulatory regime on basketball betting will result in a lower age range of gamblers; whether it will make use of technology to enhance the monitoring of gambling activities (such as using artificial intelligence to identify abnormal betting patterns), so as to prevent youth gambling addiction?

    Reply:
     
    President,

    As a matter of policy, the Government does not encourage gambling. To address the possible problems brought by gambling, the Government adopts a multi-pronged strategy including law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, public education on the harms of gambling addiction, provision of counselling and support services to people in need and regulation over gambling activities through legislation.
     
    The Government’s consolidated reply to Dr the Hon Starry Lee’s question is as follows:

    Combatting illegal gambling activities
     
    On law enforcement against illegal gambling activities, the existing Gambling Ordinance explicitly stipulates that all unauthorised gambling activities, apart from those situations stated in the ordinance, constitute an offence. The Hong Kong Police Force (HKPF) has put in place strategies to combat illegal gambling activities, especially those involving triad-related or organised crimes, in four aspects, namely prevention, education, intelligence gathering and law enforcement. The HKPF will continue to closely monitor the illegal gambling trend, take appropriate intelligence-led law enforcement actions and strengthen the promotion against these illegal gambling activities. It is worth noting that according to the Gambling Ordinance, participating in illegal gambling (such as betting with an illegal bookmaker) is also an offence. Upon conviction, an offender is liable to a maximum penalty of a $50,000 fine and imprisonment for nine months.
     
    Public education and provision of counselling and support services
     
    The Government attaches great importance to preventing gambling-related problems, particularly among youth. The Government established the Ping Wo Fund (PWF) in 2003 to finance both preventive and remedial measures to address the gambling-related problems. The Ping Wo Fund Advisory Committee (PWFAC) was also established to provide advice to the Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs on the use and application of the PWF.
     
    The PWF provides appropriate counselling, treatment and other support services to individuals affected by gambling as well as their family members. The PWF will also launch targeted public education and publicity campaigns to raise public awareness (particularly among young people) on the harms of gambling addiction, thereby mitigating its associated negative consequences.
     
    The PWF has consistently prioritised public education and awareness campaigns to raise public awareness on the harms of gambling addiction, and to increase public knowledge of the services available, enabling those in need to seek help at an early stage. These public education measures include providing financial support for non-governmental organisations and schools to organise public education programmes aimed at preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems, a publicity truck programme and other promotional efforts on traditional media and online platforms.
     
    The PWF’s funding support on public education and other publicity campaigns aimed at preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems has more than doubled over the past five years. Detailed figures are set out in the Annex.
     
    In the past five years, service-seekers aged 18 or below constituted 1-2 per cent of the total number of persons receiving counselling or treatment services from the four counselling and treatment centres funded by the PWF. These data indicate that there has been no substantial change in the prevalence of gambling among young people. Relevant data (including variation in other age groups) are set out in the Annex. Separately, according to the information from The Hong Kong Jockey Club (HKJC), the proportion of bettors in the 18-21 age group has consistently remained below 2 per cent in the past five years.
     
    We do not maintain a separate breakdown on individuals receiving counselling and treatment services due to illegal basketball betting.
     
    We will review the work of the PWF from time to time, with particular focus on young people, to enhance measures for preventing and alleviating gambling-related problems. The HKJC has also committed to donate to the PWF over a four-year period starting from 2023/24, with contributions set at $45 million per annum for the first two years and $50 million per annum for the subsequent two years.
     
    Regulations
     
    The Government currently regulates the HKJC’s betting activities through the Betting and Lotteries Commission (BLC). Restricting betting activities to a limited number of authorised and regulated outlets is to address the actual and persistent public demand for certain gambling activities which is being satisfied by illegal means and the issue cannot be tackled by law enforcement alone.
     
    According to the HKJC, the amount of football betting turnover ranged from $92.5 billion to $160.3 billion in the past five years. In addition, since the legalisation of football betting in 2003, it has diverted back to the legal channel over $1,581 billion of turnover, which would have continued to flow into the unregulated and illegal gambling market without the regulation.
     
    Under the existing mechanism, the Government requires the HKJC to submit regular work reports for review by both the Government and BLC. The HKJC is also required to meet with the Government and BLC on a regularly basis to report on its progress and plans, ensuring compliance with all licensing conditions and facilitating the review of current betting-related measures. The Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will continue to work closely with BLC to ensure that authorised betting activities are properly regulated.
     
    At present, a number of conditions have been imposed under the licences of horse race betting, football betting and Mark Six Lottery issued to the HKJC to require its adoption of measures to minimise the negative impact of gambling on the public, especially on young people. These conditions include that the HKJC:
     

    1. shall not accept bets from juveniles;
    2. shall not accept credit betting;
    3. shall display notices reminding the public of the seriousness of excessive gambling and provide information on the services available for those with gambling disorder; and
    4. shall not, in conducting any promotional activities, target juveniles, etc.

     
    As stated in the consultation document on the regulatory regime on basketball betting, the above stringent legal and regulatory restraints will continue to be put in place in the proposed basketball betting regime.
     
    We will continue to closely collaborate with the PWFAC and the BLC, observe the prevalence of gambling activities among Hong Kong people, maintain communication with relevant departments, and proactively enhance our efforts to prevent and alleviate problems relating to gambling. As mentioned above, the HKJC has committed to donate to the PWF over a four-year period from 2023/24. If it is decided to implement the proposed regulatory regime for basketball betting, the Government will request the HKJC to further increase the donation to the PWF for stepping up public education programmes, as well as enhancing counselling and support services.     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ4: Opening bus-only lanes to other public transport modes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Adrian Ho and a reply by the Acting Secretary for Transport and Logistics, Mr Liu Chun-san, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):

    Question:

         In the reply to a question from a Member of this Council in 2018, the Government undertook to conduct a study and consult stakeholders on the proposal to convert bus-only lanes into “public transport-only lanes” with a view to allowing the shared use by other public transport modes. Meanwhile, according to information from the Transport Department, the number of bus trips along busy corridors in certain districts decreased cumulatively by 6 762 trips between 2014 and 2023. As such, there are views that this is an appropriate time to review the bus-only lane policy. However, the Government has indicated earlier on that it currently has no plans to open bus-only lanes for use by other vehicles. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:

    (1) whether it has compiled statistics for each year of the past five years on the changes in the number of bus-only lanes in Hong Kong, the average traffic volume and vehicle speed in these lanes during peak hours, as well as how these figures compare with those for other lanes on the same road sections; if so, of the details; if not, how the Government determines the number of bus-only lanes to be added or reduced in the absence of such data;

    (2) of the findings of the Government’s study and consultation on the aforesaid proposal to convert bus-only lanes into “public transport-‍only lanes”, as well as whether there are specific reasons and actual data supporting the current decision of not to open up bus-only lanes; and

    (3) with regard to the reduction in the number of bus trips along certain busy corridors in recent years, whether the authorities have reassessed the need for bus-only lanes on such corridors and studied the opening up of such lanes; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?

    Reply:

    President,

         Hong Kong citizens mainly commute by public transportation, which accounts for nearly 90 per cent of the total passenger trips each day. Franchised bus is a road-based public transport mode with the highest carrying capacity. The average daily patronage in 2024 exceeded 3.7 million, making up over 30 per cent of the total daily public transport ridership.

         Bus-only lanes (BOLs) (see note) are traffic lanes designated for use only by “franchised bus” or “franchised and non-franchised bus” during the prescribed time. Other vehicles have to make use of other traffic lanes next to the BOLs or alternative routes. Under the policy of giving priority to public transportation, the Transport Department (TD) has implemented BOLs to accord priority to buses with high carrying capacity to use the roads, thereby reducing delays caused by traffic congestion and encouraging the public to use convenient public transportation for travel. 

         Our reply in response to the questions raised by the Hon Adrian Ho is set out below:

    (1) In implementing bus priority measures, the TD will consider the actual road situation and traffic conditions, including the design of roads and junctions, the number of traffic lanes, the number of bus routes and bus service frequencies, the traffic volume of other types of vehicles, availability of alternative routes, the impact on the flow of other vehicles, etc and carefully assess the feasibility of such measures, in order to strike a proper balance and ensure smooth operation of the transport network. In addition, the TD will work out the appropriate effective period of bus priority measures based on the actual road conditions and consult relevant stakeholders and districts to ensure the measures are in the interest of the public.

         As of May 2025, there were 115 BOLs in total across Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories. Over the past five years, the TD added 16 BOLs. According to the TD’s on-site observations as well as feedback from bus companies, BOLs can effectively minimise the impact of traffic congestion on bus services, enhance the stability and efficiency of bus frequencies and facilitate the travel of the public. The TD did not compile statistics on the daily average volume of bus traffic and vehicle speed in respect of each BOL compared with those for other lanes on the same road sections.
     
    (2) The TD has examined the proposal of converting some BOLs into “public transport-only lanes” for the shared use by other modes of public transport such as taxis and public light buses (PLBs). In doing so, we need to consider the pros and cons. While the proposal can benefit passengers of PLBs and taxis, it will at the same time increase the number of vehicles sharing the same road space with buses, making BOLs busier and affecting bus passengers. Taking the BOL of Tuen Mun Road eastbound near Harrow International School Hong Kong to Sham Tseng Interchange as an example, about 510 buses pass through the BOL per hour during peak hours on weekdays carrying about 21 000 passengers, compared with the services of taxis and PLBs carrying about 1 100 passengers per hour during peak hours on weekdays at the same road section. On the premise of maintaining smooth operation of the BOL and balancing the needs of various road users, this section of BOL was not opened up. In light of changes in traffic flow and bus operation of Tuen Mun Road after the implementation of new toll plans at the Tai Lam Tunnel, the TD will review the arrangement of BOL of Tuen Mun Road in a timely manner under the public transport-oriented policy.

         If the opening up of certain BOLs can improve the operational efficiency of other public transport modes, the TD will make better use of these BOLs through various means by taking into account relevant factors. For example, some green minibus (GMB) routes require access to specific BOLs to reach designated pick-up and drop-off points. After considering factors such as service frequencies, boarding/alighting points as well as bus traffic of the relevant BOLs, the TD will issue permits to the routes concerned for using the relevant BOLs. At present, a total of 56 GMB routes have been granted such permits.

    (3) The TD is committed to reducing the number of buses plying on busy roads in Central, Causeway Bay and Yau Tsim Mong districts with a view to reducing roadside air pollution, traffic congestion, etc. As most of the BOLs are not located at these busy roads, there is no direct impact on the overall bus traffic of BOLs.

         The TD has from time to time reviewed and improved BOLs and traffic facilities of the road sections in the vicinity. For example, the TD has reviewed the arrangement of the BOL from 200 Hennessy Road westbound to the section of Hennessy Road near Luard Road. After reviewing the traffic data, actual road situation and other factors as well as consulting relevant stakeholders and the district, the TD adjusted the effective period of the BOL of Hennessy Road westbound between Fleming Road and Luard Road from 7am – 9am to 5pm – 7pm, and shortened the BOL by 65 metres to balance the needs of other vehicles for loading and unloading.

         In summary, the TD will continue to monitor the implementation of BOLs and road traffic, and review and enhance individual road sections in a timely manner. 

         Thank you, President.

    Note: BOLs refer to bus lanes and designated bus gates.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Online auction of vehicle registration marks to be held from June 19 to 23

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Transport Department (TD) today (June 4) said that the next online auction of vehicle registration marks (VRMs) will be held from noon on June 19 (Thursday) to noon on June 23 (Monday) through the auction platform E-Auction (e-auction.td.gov.hk). Interested bidders can participate in the online auction only after they have successfully registered as E-Auction users.
     
         A spokesman for the TD said, “A total of 150 Ordinary VRMs will be available at this online public auction. The list of VRMs (see Annex) has been uploaded to the E-Auction website. Applicants who have paid a $1,000 deposit to reserve the Ordinary VRM for auction should also register as an E-Auction user in advance in order to participate in the online bidding, including placing the first bid at the opening price of $1,000. Otherwise, the VRMs reserved by them may be bid on by other interested bidders at or above the opening price. Auctions for VRMs with ‘HK’ or ‘XX’ as a prefix, special VRMs and personalised VRMs will continue to be carried out through physical auctions by bidding paddles, and their announcement arrangements remain unchanged.”
     
         Members of the public participating in the online bidding should take note of the following important points:
     
    (1) Bidders should register in advance as an E-Auction user by “iAM Smart+” equipped with the digital signing function; or by using a valid digital certificate and an email address upon completion of identity verification. Registered “iAM Smart” users should provide their Hong Kong identity card number, while non-Hong Kong residents who are not “iAM Smart” users should provide the number of their passport or other identification documents when registering as E-Auction users.
     
    (2) Bidders are required to provide a digital signature to confirm the submission and amount of the bid by using “iAM Smart+” or a valid digital certificate at the time of the first bid of each online bidding session (including setting automatic bids before the auction begins) to comply with the requirements of the Electronic Transactions Ordinance.
     
    (3) If a bid is made in respect of a VRM within the last 10 minutes before the end of the auction, the auction end time for that particular VRM will be automatically extended by another 10 minutes, up to a maximum of 24 hours.
     
    (4) Successful bidders must follow the instructions in the notification email issued by the TD to log in to the E-Auction within 48 hours from the issuance of email and complete the follow-up procedures, including:
     

    • completing the Purchaser Information for the issuance of the Memorandum of Sale of Registration Mark (Memorandum of Sale); and
    • making the auction payment online by credit card, Faster Payment System (FPS) or Payment by Phone Service (PPS). Cheque or cash payment is not accepted in the E-Auction.

    (5) A VRM can only be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser. Relevant information on the Certificate of Incorporation must be provided by the successful bidder in the Purchaser Information of the Memorandum of Sale if the VRM purchased is to be registered under the name of a body corporate.
     
    (6) Successful bidders will receive a notification email around seven working days after payment has been confirmed and can download the Memorandum of Sale from the E-Auction. The purchaser must apply for the VRM to be assigned to a motor vehicle registered in the name of the purchaser within 12 months from the date of issue of the Memorandum of Sale. If the purchaser fails to do so within the 12-month period, in accordance with the statutory provision, the allocation of the VRM will be cancelled and a new allocation will be arranged by the TD without prior notice to the purchaser.
     
         The TD has informed all applicants who have reserved the Ordinary VRMs for this round of auction of the E-Auction arrangements in detail by post. Members of the public may refer to the E-Auction website or watch the tutorial videos for more information. Please call the E-Auction hotline (3583 3980) or email (e-auction-enquiry@td.gov.hk) for enquiries. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ22: Applying innovative technologies in the management of public housing estates

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
         It is learnt that the Housing Department is actively promoting smart estate management, including employing drones to inspect lift shafts, external walls of buildings and pipes located beneath higher ceilings, utilising LiDAR-based localisation to capture images and analysing the images with artificial intelligence and thermal imaging technology to identify problems with the buildings, thereby reducing the risks of working at height and enhancing work efficiency. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) of the number of public housing estates (PHEs) where drone technology is applied in day-to-day management at present, and its percentage in the total number of PHEs in Hong Kong; whether it has compiled statistics on the specific effectiveness of the authorities in enhancing maintenance efficiency and reducing incident risks (e.g. ‍the time saved or the reduction rate of untoward incidents) since the implementation of smart estate management;
     
    (2) as it is learnt that, prior to using drones for inspections, the management offices of the relevant PHEs will notify households in advance, and the system will automatically blur faces to protect household privacy, of the standard procedures for notifying households (e.g. the number of days of advance notification and the means by which the notification is made) and the operational details of the automatic face blurring technology; how the authorities will handle privacy-related complaints from households arising from drone inspections; and
     
    (3) of the plans in place to further promote the application of drone technology and other innovative technologies in the management of PHEs (including the implementation timetable, the number of estates where such technologies will be applied, as well as an overview of the estimated expenditure and resource allocation)?
     
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         The Hong Kong Housing Authority (HA) is actively promoting smart estate management through innovative technologies to enhance management efficiency and service quality; expedite the handling of maintenance of public facilities; strengthen hygiene and cleanliness; and enhance the sense of well-being and belonging among public rental housing (PRH) residents. In 2024, the HA selected ten public housing estates as pilot projects to proactively introduce suitable innovative technologies for smart estate management, such as the use of Internet of Things sensors, artificial intelligence (AI), mobile devices, and robots. In response to the questions raised by Professor the Hon Priscilla Leung, the reply is as follows:
     
    (1) and (3) In the past, inspections of building facades or lift shafts required work staff to perform on-site work, with the former involving working at height and the latter involving enclosed spaces, which are relatively high-risk types of work. With the advancement of technology, the HA has introduced the use of drones to assist in estate maintenance works in PRH estates since 2023. Compared with the traditional long-distance visual inspections, the use of drones for inspections of building facade not only reduces the risks of working at height for works staff, but also provides clearer, quicker, and safer results. As for the use of drones for lift shaft inspections, compared with the traditional method of scaffolding or setting up work platforms inside the lift shafts for manual survey, use of drones not only reduces the risks of works staff entering and leaving the lift shafts, but also gains a more precise understanding of the issues, and shortens lift suspension time significantly, thereby minimising the impacts and inconvenience to the residents. Drone inspections also make it feasible to survey in high-level and enclosed lift shafts.
     
         For building facade inspections, the HA’s drone inspection contract covers all PRH estates in Hong Kong. To date, the service providers have completed the required facade inspections for about 20 PRH estates, with inspections in others are ongoing.
     
         For lift shaft inspections, the HA has earlier successfully completed a trial use of drone inspections of lift shafts. Utilising the Light Detection And Ranging (LiDAR) positioning technology, the drone can be used by the site staff to conduct clear preliminary inspections and identify the necessary repairs at an early stage, such as concrete spalling and defects in electrical devices, and all can be more accurately displayed. Starting from early 2025, the HA has incorporated drone-based lift shaft inspection requirements in the consultancy contracts for lift modernisation projects. The HA also monitors the effectiveness of these inspections in improving maintenance efficiency and reducing accident risks, as well as collect the relevant data as the basis for further advancement in the future. The cost of drone inspections constitutes only a small portion of the overall estate maintenance and improvement works expenditures. Using drones to collect images and three-dimensional data can create detailed models, together with the AI algorithms, it allows a more precise identification of hard-to-reach defects. This enables works staff to co-ordinate the project and procure necessary materials more effectively, thus enhancing project efficiency. Additionally, using drones for inspections eliminates the need for scaffolding; shortens the inspection time and reduces the inconvenience caused by the works to the residents. At the same time, site staff does not need to enter high-rise enclosed space to check various equipment conditions, which can improve workplace safety management and make the overall process more time-efficient and effective.
     
         To further promote the application of innovative technologies in PRH estate management, the HA has established a dedicated co-ordination team to oversee the trial of various technologies across different management functions and review operational models, including updating workflows and manuals as well as providing appropriate training to staff. The HA will also launch a centralised property management platform within this year to optimise estate management operations through data analysis, so as to enhance management efficiency and improve service quality. The HA will closely monitor relevant technological developments and introduce more innovative technologies as appropriate to optimise estate management works.
     
    (2) Drones used for facade inspections are normally equipped with cameras, infrared detection lenses, and range finders, performing tasks such as capturing images, recording videos, and/or measuring specific targets during flight of designated routes. Through the images collected by the drones, together with AI technology, it helps identify areas of concern for repairs. The estate offices usually issue notices to the residents concerned 14 days before the filming takes place, advising them to close windows and draw curtains during the filming period, so that the residents can be informed of the arrangement and prepared in advance.
     
         Regarding the arrangement for using drones to inspect building facades, the HA has consulted the Office of the Privacy Commissioner for Personal Data (PCPD). The PCPD advised that drone operations in Hong Kong involving the collection, holding, processing, or use of personal data must comply with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance (Cap. 486) and the relevant guidelines issued by the PCPD. In this connection, the HA has requested the service providers to formulate and strictly implement measures to protect residents’ privacy in accordance with the PCPD’s guidelines. Currently, service providers use AI to automatically detect and blur the portrait of a person, and ensure that no records containing identifiable images are retained, thereby safeguarding residents’ privacy. Furthermore, these processes must be irreversible, and the system must not retain unprocessed original images.
     
         The HA will endeavour to protect residents’ privacy. If any related complaints are received, the Housing Department will handle them in accordance with established procedures.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Global alarm rises as China’s critical mineral export curbs take hold

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Alarm over China’s stranglehold on critical minerals grew on Tuesday as global automakers joined their U.S. counterparts to complain that restrictions by China on exports of rare earth alloys, mixtures and magnets could cause production delays and outages without a quick solution.

    German automakers became the latest to warn that China’s export restrictions threaten to shut down production and rattle their local economies, following a similar complaint from an Indian EV maker last week.

    China’s decision in April to suspend exports of a wide range of rare earths and related magnets has upended the supply chains central to automakers, aerospace manufacturers, semiconductor companies and military contractors around the world.

    The move underscores China’s dominance of the critical mineral industry and is seen as leverage by China in its ongoing trade war with U.S. President Donald Trump.

    Trump has sought to redefine the trading relationship with the U.S.’ top economic rival China by imposing steep tariffs on billions of dollars of imported goods in hopes of narrowing a wide trade deficit and bringing back lost manufacturing.

    Trump imposed tariffs as high as 145% against China only to scale them back after stock, bond and currency markets revolted over the sweeping nature of the levies. China has responded with its own tariffs and is leveraging its dominance in key supply chains to persuade Trump to back down.

    Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping are expected to talk this week, White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt told reporters on Tuesday, and the export curbsare expected to be high on the agenda.

    “I can assure you that the administration is actively monitoring China’s compliance with the Geneva trade agreement,” she said. “Our administration officials continue to be engaged in correspondence with their Chinese counterparts.”

    Trump has previously signaled that China’s slow pace of easing the critical mineral export controls represents a violation of the agreementreached last month in Geneva.

    MAGNETS HELD UP AT CHINESE PORTS

    Shipments of the magnets, essential for assembling everything from cars and drones to robots and missiles, have been halted at many Chinese ports while license applications make their way through the Chinese regulatory system.

    The restrictions have triggered anxiety in corporate boardrooms and nations’ capitals – from Tokyo to Washington – as officials scrambled to identify limited alternative options amid fears that production of new automobiles and other items could grind to a halt by summer’s end.

    “If the situation is not changed quickly, production delays and even production outages can no longer be ruled out,” Hildegard Mueller, head of Germany’s auto lobby, told Reuters on Tuesday.

    Chinese state media reported last week that China was considering relaxing the curbs for European semiconductor firms while the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has said it would strengthen cooperation with other countries over its controls.

    However, rare-earth magnet exports from China halved in April as exporters grappled with the opaque licensing scheme.

    Frank Fannon, a minerals industry consultant and former U.S. assistant secretary of state for energy resources during Trump’s first term, said the global disruptions are not shocking to those paying attention.

    “I don’t think anyone should be surprised how this is playing out. We have a production challenge (in the U.S.) and we need to leverage our whole of government approach to secure resources and ramp up domestic capability as soon as possible. The time horizon to do this was yesterday,” Fannon said.

    Diplomats, automakers and other executives from India, Japan and Europe were urgently seeking meetings with Beijing officials to push for faster approval of rare earth magnet exports, sources told Reuters, as shortages threatened to halt global supply chains.

    A business delegation from Japan will visit Beijing in early June to meet the Ministry of Commerce over the curbs, and European diplomats from countries with big auto industries have also sought “emergency” meetings with Chinese officials in recent weeks, Reuters reported.

    India, where Bajaj Auto BAJA.NS warned that any further delays in securing the supply of rare earth magnets from China could “seriously impact” electric vehicle production, is organizing a trip for auto executives in the next two to three weeks.

    In May, the head of the trade group representing General Motors GM.N, Toyota 7203.T, Volkswagen VOWG.DE, Hyundai and other major automakers raised similar concerns in a letter to the Trump administration.

    “Without reliable access to these elements and magnets, automotive suppliers will be unable to produce critical automotive components, including automatic transmissions, throttle bodies, alternators, various motors, sensors, seat belts, speakers, lights, motors, power steering, and cameras,” the Alliance for Automotive Innovation wrote in the letter.

    (Reuters)

     

  • India, UK hold 17th Foreign Office Consultations; launch strategic tech dialogue

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India and the United Kingdom on Tuesday held the 17th round of Foreign Office Consultations (FOC) in New Delhi, where the two sides reviewed the full spectrum of their bilateral ties. The meeting also marked the launch of the first Strategic Exports and Technology Cooperation Dialogue (SETCD), aimed at deepening collaboration in high-technology and strategic sectors.

    Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri led the Indian delegation, while the UK side was represented by Sir Oliver Robbins, Permanent Under-Secretary at the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO). The last FOC was held in London in May 2024.

    The discussions focused on strengthening cooperation across areas such as trade and investment, defence and security, counter-terrorism, climate action, green energy, science and innovation, education, and people-to-people ties. Both sides welcomed the conclusion of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and the Double Contribution Convention.

    The inaugural SETCD addressed export control mechanisms, with a view to facilitating greater technology collaboration in strategic areas.

    India appreciated the UK’s expression of solidarity in its fight against terrorism. The two sides also exchanged views on key regional and global developments, including the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Indo-Pacific, and West Asia.

    Both countries agreed to maintain regular exchanges at the political and senior official levels. The next FOC will be held in London in 2026 at a mutually convenient time.

  • Tharoor-led delegation reaches Washington to push India’s anti-terror message

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor, arrived in Washington, D.C., on Tuesday for the final leg of its diplomatic outreach tour aimed at building global consensus against Pakistan-sponsored cross-border terrorism.

    The delegation was received at the airport by Indian Ambassador to the U.S., Vinay Mohan Kwatra.

    Over the next two days, the delegation will engage with U.S. lawmakers, officials from the Trump administration, policy think tanks, media representatives, and key decision-makers to present India’s position on terrorism and highlight the objectives of Operation Sindoor.

    In a post on X, the Indian Embassy in the U.S. said: “An all party delegation led by Shashi Tharoor arrives in Washington D.C. Over the next two days the delegation will be meeting members of the US Congress and administration, think tanks, media and policymakers to brief them on Operation Sindoor and India’s strong stand against terrorism.”

    The U.S. visit follows successful outreach in Guyana, Panama, Colombia, and Brazil, and marks the final stop in the delegation’s global campaign.

    Apart from Tharoor, the delegation includes Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Sarfaraz Ahmad, Telugu Desam Party MP G.M. Harish Balayogi, BJP MPs Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, and Tejasvi Surya, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora, and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

    Earlier in Brazil, Tharoor emphasized the significance of the U.S. leg of the tour as a platform to counter misinformation and competing narratives.

    “Washington is a particularly interesting case because it is a large country, a superpower with enormous influence in the world, and there are many crosscurrents of information, misinformation, and other narratives circulating,” Tharoor told IANS.

    He underlined the need for international solidarity against terrorism. “We’re looking for solidarity in our struggle against terrorism. What is very clear in these countries is that some of these issues they understand, some they don’t fully understand. And the natural instinct in many countries is to say — why not have a dialogue? But it’s very difficult to have a dialogue with people who are pointing a gun at your head, who are sending terrorists across your border. That becomes a problem,” he said

    Reflecting on the tour so far, Tharoor said: “For us, in these countries, understanding our position and leaving with a sense of solidarity was important – and that we have done.”

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: President Lee Jaemyung

    Source: Government of the Republic of Korea

    National Affairs

    Lee Jaemyung has been sworn in as the Republic of Korea’s 21st president.
    His term began on June 4, 2025, and his core visions for governance are “a nation where the people rule”; “a nation where vigorous growth and development recur”; “a nation where everyone lives well”; “a nation where culture blossoms”; and “a safe and peaceful nation.”

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • ‘On One Mission, One Message, One India’: Indian delegation reaches Brussels to rally global support against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad, arrived in Brussels on Tuesday, marking the final leg of its European tour aimed at strengthening international consensus against Pakistan-backed cross-border terrorism.

    Highlighting the delegation’s bipartisan nature, the Indian Embassy in Belgium and Luxembourg posted on X: “’On One Mission, One Message, One India’. An All-Party Delegation led by Member of Parliament Ravi Shankar Prasad was received by the Indian Ambassador to EU, Belgium and Luxembourg Saurabh Kumar upon arrival in Brussels.”

    During the two-day visit, the delegation is scheduled to hold a series of meetings with EU officials and Belgian authorities to underscore “the scourge of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, Pahalgam terrorist attack and India’s response to the same.”

    The group will reiterate India’s resolve to eradicate terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. Meetings with think tanks, members of the media, and the Indian diaspora in Brussels are also on the agenda.

    Brussels is the concluding stop on a multi-nation tour that has already taken the delegation through France, Italy, Denmark, and the UK.

    In addition to 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.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ21: Employees Retraining Board courses

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         Following is a question by the Hon Chan Pui-leung and a written reply by the Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Chris Sun, in the Legislative Council today (June 4):
     
    Question:
     
         Training courses of the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) offered by the appointed Training Bodies (retraining courses) aim at assisting service targets in entering the employment market and continuously upgrading their skills. It has been reported that at present, the ERB had a balance of over $13 ‍billion but an annual deficit of about $800 million to $900 million, which has aroused public concern about issues such as the effectiveness and coverage of its courses, as well as the adequacy of its financial resources in the long run. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) whether it knows the overall placement rate of trainees who had completed retraining courses in each of the past three years, together with a breakdown by training course;
     
    (2) whether it knows if the ERB has followed up on a long-term basis the employment situation of trainees who have completed placement-tied courses and collected the relevant data (e.g. the average time taken to successfully secure employment, the proportion of trainees who have not successfully secured employment and the reasons for that); whether the ERB has provided trainees with the relevant employment advice; if the ERB has, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as it is learnt that some people have repeatedly attended retraining courses for the purpose of applying for retraining allowance, leading to abuse and waste of resources, whether the Government has followed up in this regard; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (4) as there are views that the contents of some retraining courses are overlapping and outdated, whether the Government knows if the ERB will consider keeping abreast of the times and further enhancing the courses, as well as adding more relevant courses to tie in with the current market demand; if the ERB will, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (5) whether the Government has assessed the effectiveness of retraining courses; as there are views pointing out that the enrolment rate of young people in retraining courses is relatively low, how the authorities promote and attract trainees of different age groups to enrol in such courses; and
     
    (6) given that the ERB currently has an annual deficit of about $800 million to $900 million, how the Government ensures its long-term financial sustainability so that it can continue to provide retraining courses?

    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Since its establishment in 1992, the Employees Retraining Board (ERB) has been playing an important part of the training strategy for the labour force. The 2024 Policy Address announced the reform of the ERB to enhance its role and positioning from providing employment-related training for low-skilled workers to devising skills-based training programmes and strategies for the entire workforce. Since January 2025, the ERB lifted the restriction on educational attainment of trainees and expanded the service targets to the entire workforce; increased the annual number of training places by at least 15 000; strengthened collaboration with higher education institutions and leading enterprises, etc; and enhanced career planning and job matching services, etc. In addition, the ERB is working out the details and timetable for medium- to long-term work, including how it could gauge and project future skills requirements, reposition itself and build a new branding, adjust its structure and staffing and amend the Employees Retraining Ordinance (the Ordinance). The ERB will submit its recommendations by the end of this year.
     
         The ERB’s operation is funded by the Employees Retraining Fund (ERF) under its administration. At present, the major sources of income of the ERF are investment return, Employees Retraining Levy (Levy) and course fees. In 2014, the Government injected $15 billion into the ERF for generating investment income to finance the services and operation of the ERB. In addition, the Government injected $2.5 billion into the ERF in 2020 to enable the ERB to implement the “Love Upgrading Special Scheme” and to meet the anticipated commitment arising from the increase in the statutory cap of monthly training allowance per trainee. On the Levy, all employers of workers imported under the labour importation schemes designated under the Ordinance are required to pay the Levy. The Levy is transferred to the ERF for the provision of training and retraining to local workers. In 2021-22 to 2023-24, the average annual Levy income was around $59 million. The ERB has to optimise the use of the Government injection and strive to operate on a financially sustainable basis with due regard to cost effectiveness.
     
         On the Member’s question, in consultation with the ERB, my reply is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) At present, the ERB provides three main types of training courses, namely placement-tied courses, skills upgrading courses and generic skills courses. Of these, placement-tied courses are tailored for the unemployed to assist them in acquiring industry-specific vocational skills to enhance their employability.
     
         Training bodies appointed by the ERB provide three to six-month placement follow-up services to all trainees who completed placement-tied courses (i.e. with an attendance rate of at least 80 per cent), such as provision of job vacancy information, arrangement of placement counselling and recruitment activities, to help them enter the employment market. In light of the reform measures recommended in the 2024 review, the ERB has strengthened its career planning and job matching services, etc. The ERB will explore ways to enhance the level of its career planning and employment support services, thereby providing more comprehensive career development support for its service targets.
     
         The employment decisions of trainees are affected by multiple factors such as the prevailing market situation, family factors and personal plans. In the past three years (2022-23 to 2024-25), the overall placement rates of ERB’s placement-tied courses were above 80 per cent. The ERB is unable to breakdown the placement rate by training courses as the number of such courses is substantial.
     
    (3) At present, retraining allowance will be provided for full-time placement-tied courses with duration of seven days or more to subsidise trainees’ expenses for transport and meals during the period for attending the courses, with a view to encouraging and supporting citizens in receiving training. Trainees in placement-tied courses are required to pass the interviews conducted by training bodies to ascertain their intention to engage in employment. Only trainees who attain an attendance rate of at least 80 per cent are eligible to apply for retraining allowance. In addition, trainees can enrol in no more than two placement-tied courses within one year, and they are not allowed to apply for the same course, or course at a similar or lower level of competency in the same discipline as the course previously enrolled.
     
         The ERB keeps under review the arrangement for disbursement of retraining allowance and implements enhancements in a timely manner to ensure the effective use of training resources. Starting from April 1 this year, the ERB has tightened the number of times a trainee can apply for retraining allowance each year, from a maximum of two times within one year and four times within three years to no more than once a year, to ensure effective use of the ERB’s resources and that more citizens have access to training opportunities.
     
    (4) The ERB closely observes the latest developments in the local employment market. To ensure that training courses meet the market demand, the ERB, during course development, conducts market research and demand analysis, consults stakeholders of various sectors such as employer associations, trade unions, the ERB’s relevant industry consultation networks, industry experts and technical advisors. This is to ensure that the training courses meet the market needs and complement the industry’s training needs. The ERB also conducts regular reviews of courses and make adjustments as needed after rolling out the courses.
     
         In terms of medium- to long-term measures, the ERB will strengthen its research capabilities to grasp the trends for prevailing and future skills demands and the manpower needs of different industries (including emerging sectors). The ERB will formulate an appropriate training framework to guide its training bodies to develop suitable courses to meet the upskilling needs of people with different backgrounds and educational attainments. The ERB will also strengthen collaboration with higher education institutions and leading enterprises to offer more and a wider diversity of courses on skills upgrading. 
         Apart from training courses for the general public, the ERB also provides dedicated youth programmes for young people aged 15 to 29 to assist them in acquiring vocational skills training and placement services. In the past three years (2022-23 to 2024-25), the number of intakes aged 15 to 29 was around 6 per cent of the total number of intakes of ERB courses. The number of intakes of the dedicated youth programmes was also on the rise.
     
         The ERB convenes regular meetings of the “Focus Group on Training for Youth” with representatives of employers, youth concern groups, social service sector, training bodies and the relevant government departments to review the dedicated youth programmes. The ERB also collects information on the employment and further studies of the graduates of placement-tied courses, to ensure that the courses align with the latest development and cater for the needs of the youth. The reformed ERB will continue to explore development of more skills-based and a wider diversity of courses to meet the upskilling needs of people with different backgrounds and educational attainments (including the youth).
     
    (6) As of March 31, 2024, the ERF’s balance was around $13.5 billion. In 2021-22 to 2023-24, the ERF recorded deficits of around $970 million, $880 million and $930 million respectively. During the same period, the incomes of the ERF was around $610 million, $730 million and $640 million respectively, with interest income being the major income source; the ERB’s expenditure was around $1.59 billion, $1.6 billion and $1.57 billion respectively, with training courses and programme expenses being the major expenditure. The ERB will continue to closely monitor its financial position and report regularly to the full Board and its Finance and Administration Committee.
     
         The medium- to long-term work recommended in the comprehensive review comprises reforming the ERB’s functions, organisational structure and operating mode and consolidation of training resources. These involve amendments to the Ordinance and resources deployment. The ERB is further studying the medium- to long-term reform work with a view to submitting its recommendations to the Government by the end of this year. The Government will then study the follow-up work with the ERB and jointly implement the reform.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Supriya Sule-led delegation welcomes condemnation of Pahalgam terror attack by Egypt

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation, led by NCP (SP) MP Supriya Sule, met Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty in Cairo on Tuesday, seeking support for India’s efforts to counter cross-border terrorism. The meeting marked the second day of the delegation’s visit to Egypt.

    According to the Indian Embassy in Cairo, the delegation welcomed Egypt’s strong condemnation of the recent Pahalgam terror attack.

    “Both sides acknowledged the growing momentum in the India-Egypt Strategic Partnership and reaffirmed their unified stance against terrorism,” the embassy said in a statement.

    “Foreign Minister Abdelatty reiterated Egypt’s full solidarity with India and welcomed deeper bilateral collaboration on counter-terrorism,” the statement added.

    The delegation also met with Ahmed Aboul Gheit, Secretary General of the League of Arab States, to discuss India’s broad-based political, economic, and cultural engagement with the Arab world. The embassy noted that both sides “emphasised the priority accorded to countering terrorism and the need for sustained multilateral cooperation in this regard.”

    Earlier in the day, the delegation held a high-level interaction led by Egypt’s former foreign minister Nabil Fahmy, bringing together leading intellectuals, media figures, and opinion makers. The Indian side reiterated its principled stand and collective resolve to fight terrorism, while appreciating Egypt’s consistent support.

    In a symbolic tribute, the members also visited the Heliopolis War Memorial in Cairo to honour Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First and Second World Wars.

    Besides Sule, the all-party delegation includes BJP leaders Rajiv Pratap Rudy, Anurag Thakur, and V. Muraleedharan; Congress leaders Manish Tewari and Anand Sharma; TDP MP Lavu Sri Krishna Devarayalu; AAP leader Vikramjeet Singh Sawhney; and former diplomat Syed Akbaruddin.

  • PM Modi praises enthusiastic participation in Yogandhra 2025 ahead of International Yoga Day

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lauded the spirited participation in Yogandhra 2025, a yoga event held near Chittoor, Andhra Pradesh, as part of the state’s build-up to International Day of Yoga (IDY) 2025.

    Set against the scenic Puligundu Twin Hills, the event saw over 2,000 yoga enthusiasts gather to kick off the month-long celebrations.

    Calling the initiative “commendable,” the Prime Minister encouraged citizens to actively participate in Yoga Day on June 21 and integrate yoga into their daily lives.

    https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1929910015068123397?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1929910015068123397%7Ctwgr%5E553535cfc519e9ecfed47608659a2869584c5fcf%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.pib.gov.in%2FPressReleasePage.aspx%3FPRID%3D2133645

    Earlier, speaking during the 122nd edition of Mann Ki Baat, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said, ‘The Government of Andhra Pradesh has launched the #YogAndhraAbhiyan. Its objective is to cultivate a strong yoga culture throughout the state. Under this campaign, a pool of 10 lakh yoga practitioners is being created. I will have the opportunity to participate in the Yoga Day programme in Visakhapatnam this year.’

    This year’s International Day of Yoga will be celebrated worldwide under the theme “Yoga for One Earth, One Health,” emphasizing the holistic benefits of yoga for personal well-being and planetary health. The event is expected to witness participation from millions globally, including mass yoga sessions, seminars, and wellness activities aimed at promoting a healthier and more sustainable future.

  • IPL 2025: RCB to celebrate maiden title with CM meet, open-top bus parade and festivities at Chinnaswamy

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) are all set for a grand celebration after clinching their first-ever IPL title following a thrilling six-run victory over Punjab Kings in Ahmedabad on Tuesday.

    The team is scheduled to arrive at Bengaluru’s HAL airport at 1:30 pm, followed by a meeting with Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah at Vidhana Soudha between 4 and 5 pm. Shortly after, at around 5 pm, RCB’s victory parade will commence, proceeding from Vidhana Soudha to M. Chinnaswamy stadium on an open-top bus, allowing fans across the city to join in the celebrations.

    The celebrations will continue at Chinnaswamy stadium from 6 pm onwards, where fans and players will come together to mark the historic triumph.

    Before this landmark win, RCB had faced heartbreak in all three of their previous IPL finals. However, at the Narendra Modi Stadium on June 3, Virat Kohli top-scored with a crucial 43 runs off 35 balls, helping RCB post a competitive total of 190/9.

    In response, Krunal Pandya led a disciplined bowling effort with figures of 2/17 from four overs, restricting Punjab Kings to 184/7 and sealing the victory.

    With this triumph, Kohli, donning the iconic No. 18 jersey, and RCB finally lifted the elusive IPL trophy in their 18th season. The victory sparked celebrations among over 91,000 fans at the stadium and millions more in Bengaluru and worldwide.

    (With agency input)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Man charged by Police National Security Department

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Man charged by Police National Security Department 
         NSD arrested the man for “conspiracy to commit terrorist activities” on June 2.
     
         The case will be mentioned at the Kwun Tong Magistrates’ Courts this afternoon.
     
    Issued at HKT 13:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Egypt and Saudi Arabia are the easiest countries for doing business in the Middle East, says GBCI 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The Middle East is positioned as a mid-complexity region for doing business in the Global Business Complexity Index (GBCI) recently launched by TMF Group.

    The report ranks 79 jurisdictions, accounting for 94% of the world’s GDP, based on their business complexity, with 1 being the most complex and 79 the least complex. Within the Middle East, Egypt is ranked 37th globally, followed closely by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia at 38th, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) at 39th and Qatar at 44th.

    Egypt has decreased in complexity from last year’s position of 28th, mainly due to several strategic efforts and developments. For example, the country’s adoption of diverse logistic solutions and strengthening of trade corridors has played a pivotal role in mitigating economic pressures and geopolitical risks. The establishment of integrated logistics corridors and free zones, coupled with incentives like simplified customs procedures, has also enhanced accessibility for foreign businesses.

    Saudi Arabia has also improved its position, ranking 38th this year (one point less complex than last year), with resilience amid geopolitical disruptions and Vision 2030 initiatives being highlighted as key drivers of the ease of complexity. The country’s strategy to diversify its economy beyond oil dependency continues at the forefront, as the Kingdom invests in trade infrastructure and regulatory frameworks, enhancing supply chain resilience. In addition, under Vision 2030, Saudi Arabia is striving to reduce its vulnerability to geopolitical threats. Parallelly, investments in infrastructure aim to establish the Kingdom as a global logistics hub.

    The UAE, ranking 39th this year, continues to position itself as a resilient hub amid global geopolitical disruptions. Strict regulations in place aim to ensure operations are compliant and secure, and contribute to the UAE being seen as a ‘safe haven’ for a diverse range of sectors. These regulations help mitigate risks and provide stability for businesses, fostering confidence among investors and enterprises. With multiple entry points and robust infrastructure, the UAE offers reliable trade corridors.

    With a slight increase in its complexity, Qatar is ranked 44th (last year, it ranked 48th). The geopolitical landscape remains volatile, with Qatar being involved in multiple peace talks, which underscores regional unpredictability and contributes to the heightened sense of uncertainty in the business environment. Additionally, the labour market faces challenges such as increased staff turnover and wage inflation, impacting cost efficiency.

    Achin Malik, TMF Group’s Middle East, India and Africa Market Head, commented:

    “Complexity is no longer the biggest challenge for business worldwide: uncertainty is. At a time of great instability in global trade and rising geopolitical tensions, the Middle East is increasingly strengthening its trade corridors — and exploring new ones. This positions countries like Egypt, Saudi Arabia, UAE and Qatar as resilient hubs for businesses amid geopolitical and natural disruptions, in a context of increased unpredictability.”

    Global top and bottom ten (1= most complex, 79= least complex) 
    1. Greece  79. Cayman Islands 
    2. France  78. Denmark 
    3. Mexico  77. New Zealand 
    4. Turkey  76. Hong Kong, SAR 
    5. Colombia  75. Jersey 
    6. Brazil  74. Netherlands 
    7. Italy  73. Jamaica 
    8. Bolivia  72. British Virgin Islands 
    9. Kazakhstan  71. Curaçao 
    10. China  70. Czech Republic 

    Media Contacts

    TMF Group

    Marina Llibre Martín, Global PR Manager
    marina.llibremartin@tmf-group.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: CSC, SURF and Nokia Achieve 1.2 Tbit/s Data Transfer to prepare long haul network for new LUMI-AI supercomputer and AI Factories

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Press Release
    CSC, SURF and Nokia Achieve 1.2 Tbit/s Data Transfer to prepare long haul network for new LUMI-AI supercomputer and AI Factories

    • Trial helps researchers prepare network for high performance computing (HPC) clusters and AI Factories handling massive datasets and high-intensity workloads.
    • Results confirm that multi-domain, high-capacity data transfers across European research networks are both feasible and future-ready.

    4 June 2025
    Espoo, Finland – Nokia, CSC – IT Center for Science and SURF have successfully tested a high-capacity, quantum-safe fibre-optic connection exceeding 1.2 terabit per second (Tbit/s) between Amsterdam, the Netherlands and Kajaani, Finland with data traversing over 3500 kilometers. The trial, which was conducted in May 2025, demonstrated the potential of ultra-fast, cross-border connectivity for research.

    Tests were carried out along several routes, including the longest which spanned 4,700 km through Norway at a capacity of 1Tbit/s. To put this in perspective, 1 Tbit/s is enough to stream 200,000 full HD movies (at 5 Mbit/s each) simultaneously. 

    These results are particularly promising as the research community prepares for supercomputers and AI Factories to come online – where reliable, scalable, and secure connections will be critical to supporting some of the world’s largest datasets and most demanding workloads.

    The test used a combination of real research data and synthetic data, transferred directly from disk to disk – from SURF’s facility in Amsterdam to CSC’s data center in Kajaani, across five production research and education networks: SURF (the Netherlands), NORDUnet (Nordic backbone), Sunet (Sweden), SIKT (Norway) and Funet (CSC’s network in Finland).

    The network solution was based on Nokia’s IP/MPLS routing and quantum-safe optical networking gear. Nokia’s IP technology successfully demonstrated Flexible Ethernet (FlexE) to accommodate “elephant flows”, or very large continuous flows of data, and its high-capacity optical transport technology showed the ability to handle massive data sets generated by HPCs over long distances.

    With the exponential growth of research data, especially for training large-scale AI models, the need for resilient, high-throughput and secure connectivity is more critical than ever. This test confirms that multi-domain, high-capacity data transfers across European research networks are both feasible and future-ready. Testing an operational network connection over long distances provides unique insights into data transport and storage of large data volumes. The tests are crucial for improving the infrastructure for data-intensive research. 

    “We design research networks with future needs in mind. CSC’s data center in Kajaani already hosts the pan-European LUMI supercomputer and with the upcoming LUMI-AI supercomputer and AI Factory coming online, reliable and scalable data connections throughout Europe are essential. Even though the geographical distance is significant, it poses no obstacle to data traffic,” said Jani Myyry, Senior Network Specialist, CSC.

    “As SURF we are ready to take the next step in aligning the European supercomputers. These efforts offer future perspectives to train GPT-nl on LUMI or for a researcher to compute on LUMI with very large datasets hosted at SURF, such as the KNMI (The Royal Netherlands Meteorological Institute) datasets. We are very grateful to our Nordic partners for their help setting up this trial connection. This is again an example of the continued good cooperation between NRENs to create the best possible international infrastructure for research and education,” said Arno Bakker, Senior Network Specialist, SURF.

    “Groundbreaking trials like this highlight how advanced networks are foundational to unlocking the full potential of AI and high-performance computing. This successful collaboration with CSC and SURF is a testament to the innovation and leadership of the scientific community, and to what’s possible when we work together. As the network prepares for the next wave of supercomputers and AI Factories, we are proud to deliver the quantum-safe, high-capacity, and resilient IP/MPLS and optical infrastructure that makes these systems viable. We look forward to continuing our support for global research and education networks, helping them scale with confidence and drive the next generation of discovery and innovation,” said Mikhail Lenko, Customer Solutions Architect, Nokia.

    Resources and additional information
    Product Page: 7750 Service Router
    Product Page: 1830 Photonic Service Switch (PSS)
    Product Page: 1830 Photonic Service Interconnect – Modular (PSI-M)
    Web Page: Quantum-safe networks

    About Nokia
    At Nokia, we create technology that helps the world act together.

    As a B2B technology innovation leader, we are pioneering networks that sense, think and act by leveraging our work across mobile, fixed and cloud networks. In addition, we create value with intellectual property and long-term research, led by the award-winning Nokia Bell Labs, which is celebrating 100 years of innovation.

    With truly open architectures that seamlessly integrate into any ecosystem, our high-performance networks create new opportunities for monetization and scale. Service providers, enterprises and partners worldwide trust Nokia to deliver secure, reliable and sustainable networks today – and work with us to create the digital services and applications of the future.

    About CSC – IT Center for Science
    CSC is a Finnish center of expertise in ICT that provides world-class services for research, education, culture, public administration and enterprises, to help them thrive and benefit society at large. csc.fi

    About SURF 
    SURF is the ICT cooperative of Dutch education and research institutions. The members, the owners of SURF, join forces to develop or procure the best possible digital services, work together on complex innovation issues and develop and share knowledge with each other. 
    SURF actively collaborates with other European NRENs united in GÉANT and participates in global consortia like the Advanced North Atlantic (ANA) and Asia Pacific Europe Ring (AER).
    NetherLight, SURF’s Global Exchange Point (GXP) dedicated to research and education data in Amsterdam connects similar GXPs and advanced high-capacity networks for scientific and educational collaboration. The NetherLight GXP plays a major and vital role in the federation of research and education networks worldwide, also known as the Global Research and Education Network (GREN). www.surf.nl

    Media inquiries
    Nokia Press Office
    Email: Press.Services@nokia.com

    Nokia Media Relations
    Sarah Miller
    Phone: +1 613-720-9716
    Email: sarah.miller@nokia.com

    CSC Media Relations
    Sanna Kostiainen
    Phone: +358 40 0712072
    Email: viestinta@csc.fi

    SURF Spokesperson
    Tom Hoven
    Phone: +31 641 439 398
    Email: tom.hoven@surf.nl 

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Kazuo Ueda: Economic activity and prices, and monetary policy in Japan

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Introduction

    Thank you for the opportunity to speak today at the Naigai Josei Chosa Kai. It was two years ago at this event that I gave my first speech after becoming Governor of the Bank of Japan. In that speech, I stated that I would endeavor to make logical decisions and provide explanations as clearly as possible in fulfilling my duties as Governor. Moreover, with a view to carrying out the Bank’s mandate of achieving price stability, I highlighted the importance of carefully supporting “nascent developments,” which were finally in sight at that time, in maturing toward achieving the price stability target of 2 percent.

    Fortunately, Japan’s economic activity and prices have continued to improve since then, and the “nascent developments” toward achieving the 2 percent target have steadily gained momentum, accompanied by wage increases. In March 2024, the Bank judged it was within sight that the price stability target of 2 percent would be achieved in a sustainable and stable manner, and changed its large-scale monetary easing framework, which had lasted for over a decade. Thereafter, it adjusted the degree of monetary accommodation by raising the policy interest rate in July 2024 and again in January 2025.

    However, the scale of the tariffs announced by the U.S. administration since early spring of this year was considerably larger than what many people had expected, and the environment surrounding economic activity and prices at home and abroad is changing significantly. While the environment surrounding Japan’s economic activity and prices also has become increasingly complex, today I would like to return to what I stated as my intention when I spoke here two years ago and explain, as clearly as possible, the Bank’s view on Japan’s economic activity and prices and its thinking on the conduct of monetary policy.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Jerome H Powell: Opening remarks

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Thank you, Beth Anne.

    I want to start by offering my condolences to the family and friends of former Vice Chair Stanley Fischer. Stan was a colleague of ours at the Fed, and a giant in the field of international economics. In addition to reaching the highest levels of the field in his own right, he was a trusted and generous mentor and teacher to a generation of the most important economic thinkers, including many heads of global central banks, advisers to presidents, and countless economists. We will miss him.

    Congratulations to Division of International Finance (IF) on 75 years of outstanding work in service to the Federal Reserve Board and, by extension, to all Americans. Many current staff members are here to celebrate today, as well as a number of IF alumni, including past division directors Ted Truman, Karen Johnson, Nathan Sheets, and Steve Kamin. The division has produced many other notable alums, including Chair and Secretary Janet Yellen; professor, author, chess grandmaster, and our keynote speaker, Ken Rogoff; and humanitarian and economist Albert Hirschman, famous for the Herfindahl–Hirschman Index and more recently as a character in Netflix’s Transatlantic, to name just a few.

    In my time at the Fed, the IF division has provided invaluable insight into global economic activity, international trade and capital flows, and developments in foreign financial markets. Division staff have also played a key role during episodes of global financial stress. And your research and analysis are critical inputs into our monetary policy decisions. Thank you to all that have served in this division over the past 75 years. Today I will kick off this conference by briefly reviewing why the division was created and highlighting a few of its many accomplishments over the years, before turning you over to a robust set of presentations and panels.

    New Era for Global Economy

    The IF division was created on July 1, 1950, but the idea began to germinate a few years earlier. The U.S. emerged from World War II as a global economic superpower. The Bretton Woods Agreement placed the U.S., and the Fed, in a central position in the global economy. Our mission then, as it is now, was to serve the American people. But it was clear at that moment that the Fed needed to have better knowledge of global developments to achieve our dual-mandate goals.

    A 1948 memo proposing to create this division stated, “Problems of international economics and finance have become increasingly large, complex, and significant in recent years, and our foreign economic relations will undoubtedly continue to give rise to issues of the first magnitude.” That is the rare economic forecast that turned out to be spot on!

    Seventy-five years later, it remains critical that the Fed understand the policies and practices of other governments and central banks, and their implications for the U.S. economy and financial markets. Exchange rate policy, of course, is now firmly in the hands of the U.S. Treasury. However, the end of the Bretton Woods era in the 1970s fundamentally changed the conduct of monetary policy, as policymakers had to understand the effects of potentially more volatile movements of the U.S. dollar on American families and businesses.

    Understanding global trade and capital movements has only grown in importance since 1950, as we saw during the pandemic. The IF division helps produce the data on international capital flows, and has spent decades researching the effects of these flows and international trade on U.S. and foreign economies. Understanding this complex and interconnected web is essential for us to anticipate the path of employment and inflation.

    Another important development in the 1970s was the increasing use of macroeconomic modeling, which greatly influenced the division’s work. Under the direction of former Division Director Ralph Bryant, IF developed its first multicountry model. Always on the forefront, over the years, economists in the division-many of whom are in this room today-developed increasingly sophisticated models, with each new generation expanding the capability to tackle the international risks and issues of the day. These models have proven useful for understanding how international shocks transmit through the economy and financial markets, for assessing risks and uncertainties through alternative scenarios, and for better comprehending the implications of various shocks for the U.S. and global economy. The results have informed research papers, Board memos and briefings, as well as the risks and uncertainty assessment that Federal Open Market Committee members receive in advance of every meeting.

    Prepared for Crisis

    The IF division has also played an important role in responding to global economic turbulence. A prime example is the Latin American debt crisis of the 1980s. That episode required analytical thinking about the macroeconomic repercussions of the crisis as it played out around the world. Work by division, and by the International Monetary Fund and other institutions, led to the establishment of emergency facilities to prevent more dire financial outcomes. As global capital flows increased, other episodes of financial distress surfaced across the world, including in Mexico, Asia, and Russia. International capital flows and spillovers became, and remain, a recurrent feature in the division’s analytical and monitoring work.

    The expertise generated through study and response to those global challenges proved invaluable when stress hit closer to home during the Global Financial Crisis and the pandemic. Both of those events required immediate, broad, and, in many cases, unprecedented responses to avoid disrupting the availability of credit to American households and businesses. The nation, and the world, looked to the Federal Reserve to lead in these moments. During the Global Financial Crisis, when global funding markets came under stress, the IF division worked to establish swap line arrangements with several major central banks that helped restore stability in U.S. dollar funding markets. And during the pandemic, the IF division helped lead efforts to expand the provision of dollar liquidity by setting up the FIMA Repo Facility.1

    These periods of acute financial stress and uncertainty prompted the division to develop new tools and analytical products that could be used to understand and respond to the events unfolding on the ground. For instance, the division has devised new methods to measure and assess the effect of various types of uncertainty on economic activity, including new indexes that were built to track geopolitical risk, inflation, trade policy, and economic uncertainty. As we continue to navigate the current period of heightened uncertainty, this work is critical to understanding the quantitative implications of uncertainty shocks.

    Conclusion

    I will conclude by saying that, for 75 years, nine Fed chairs and countless Board members have greatly benefited from the guidance and counsel of IF staff-and not just when responding to crisis. This team helps assure we are well prepared for our international engagements, by providing detailed materials ahead of time and often by traveling with us. IF staff are always welcome and productive companions. In these and other endeavors, we benefit from the robust relationships you establish and maintain with our global counterparts.

    Thank you to Beth Anne and all the staff here that organized this wonderful event. And, finally, thank you again to all the current and former IF staff for what you have done and continue to do to help us be a globally knowledgeable and responsive central bank, so that we can deliver on our dual mandate for all Americans.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Extreme weather events have slowed economic growth, adding to the case for another rate cut

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Stella Huangfu, Associate Professor, School of Economics, University of Sydney

    Australia’s economy slowed sharply in the March quarter, growing by just 0.2% as government spending slowed and extreme weather events dampened demand. That followed an increase of 0.6% in the previous quarter.

    The national accounts report from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) showed annual growth steady at 1.3%, below market forecasts for an improvement to 1.5%.

    The result is also weaker than the Reserve Bank of Australia’s forecasts.

    The ABS said: “Extreme weather events further dampened domestic demand and reduced exports”, with the impact particularly evident in mining, tourism and shipping.

    This report on Gross Domestic Product (GDP) will be a key consideration for the Reserve Bank’s next meeting on July 7–8, helping shape its decision on whether to cut rates again. In May, the central bank cut the cash rate by 0.25% to 3.85%.

    On balance, the softer than expected pace of growth makes another rate cut in July a bit more likely.

    Private demand drives growth as public spending slumps

    Household spending slowed to 0.4% in the quarter from 0.7%. Essential spending led the way, with a sharp 10.2% rise in electricity costs due to a warmer-than-usual summer and reduced electricity bill rebates. Food spending also increased as Queenslanders stocked up ahead of Tropical Cyclone Alfred.

    Investment also contributed to growth, though its composition shifted. Private investment rose 0.7%, driven by a rebound in house building and strong non-dwelling construction, particularly in mining and electricity projects. But business investment in equipment and machinery slumped.

    Public investment fell 2.0%, ending a run of positive growth since September 2024. This decline, which detracted 0.1 percentage points from GDP, reflected the completion or delay of energy, rail and road projects.

    “Public spending recorded the largest detraction from growth since the September quarter 2017”, the ABS said.

    Disappointing trade performance

    Exports unexpectedly became the main drag on growth in the March quarter, marking a sharp turnaround from December 2024.

    Total exports fell 0.8%, led by a drop in services – particularly travel – due to weaker foreign student arrivals and lower spending. Goods exports also declined as bad weather disrupted coal and natural gas shipments, and demand from key markets like China and Japan softened.

    The growth outlook is soft

    Given the weaker-than-expected growth in the March quarter, Australia’s economic outlook remains soft.

    A disappointing sign in the report was another fall in GDP per head of population, known as GDP per capita. This measure declined by 0.2%, after just one quarterly rise and seven previous quarters of a “per capita recession”, when population growth outpaces economic growth.

    The household saving rate continue to rise in the March quarter, back to pre-COVID levels at 5.2%. This is because income grew faster than spending, and households remain cautious amid economic uncertainty. Additional government support also boosted savings.

    The economic slowdown reflects weak household spending and a notable pullback in public sector investment. With domestic demand under strain, short-term growth prospects appear limited as the economy continues to adjust to past interest rate hikes and the early effects of the recent cuts.

    The Reserve Bank began cutting official rates in February – its first move after 13 consecutive hikes between May 2022 and November 2023 – but the impact has yet to flow through. The next GDP figures, due on September 3, will offer a clearer picture of how the February and May rate cuts are shaping the recovery.

    Trade tensions add uncertainty

    Global conditions have become more unsettled, with rising trade tensions and shifting geopolitical alliances putting pressure on international trade. Renewed tariff threats – particularly from the US – are disrupting global supply chains. For export-reliant Australia, this increases the risk of weaker trade volumes and greater exposure to external shocks.

    At the same time, China’s post-pandemic recovery is losing momentum, dragged down by weak consumer demand and a struggling property sector.

    Given Australia’s close trade ties with China, any sustained slowdown there poses a clear threat to export earnings and broader economic growth. Together, these global headwinds are adding to the uncertainty surrounding Australia’s economic outlook.

    A balancing act on rates

    With demand soft and the economy losing momentum, the Reserve Bank may cut interest rates again at its July meeting to help boost growth. Key sectors like household spending, public services and mining have been under pressure. A further rate cut could support confidence and encourage more spending.

    However, the monthly inflation report for April adds uncertainty. While headline inflation held steady at 2.4% over the year to April, underlying measures ticked higher.
    The monthly rate excluding volatile items such as fuel and fresh food rose to 2.8%, up from 2.6%. That suggests price pressures are becoming more widespread.

    These mixed signals leave the RBA facing a delicate balancing act. Upcoming data, particularly the employment report on June 19 and the May monthly inflation indicator on June 25, will be critical in determining whether inflation is easing enough to justify another cut or showing signs of persistence that call for caution.

    The Conversation

    Stella Huangfu 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. Extreme weather events have slowed economic growth, adding to the case for another rate cut – https://theconversation.com/extreme-weather-events-have-slowed-economic-growth-adding-to-the-case-for-another-rate-cut-257962

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: Lee Jae-myung sworn in as S. Korea’s new president

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

    Lee Jae-myung was sworn in as South Korea’s new president on Wednesday after formally beginning his single five-year term earlier in the day.

    The country’s 21st president took the oath of office in the National Assembly building, saying in a televised inaugural address that he will serve all people whomever they supported in the presidential election.

    Lee of the majority liberal Democratic Party won 49.42 percent of support, defeating his archrival Kim Moon-soo of the conservative People Power Party by a wide margin of 8.27 percentage points.

    He stressed that the Asian country was standing at a turning point of great transformation in the face of challenges such as competition for artificial intelligence, climate change, and expanded protectionist moves.

    Lee vowed to start with efforts to boost people’s livelihoods and revive the faltering economy, saying his government will create new growth engines and share growth outcomes in a fair manner.

    The liberal leader noted that his administration will pursue balanced regional development across the country for sustainable growth while actively supporting its cultural industry.

    He pledged to build peace on the Korean Peninsula through dialogue and cooperation with the Democratic People’s Republic of Korea (DPRK) while protecting people from various accidents such as crowd crushes and airplane crashes.

    The president assumed duties without a transition period as he won the snap election, triggered by the removal of his predecessor from office over a botched martial law bid last December.

    The scaled-down inauguration event was attended by chiefs of the parliament, the supreme court, the constitutional court and the election watchdog as well as lawmakers and cabinet members.

    Before the event, Lee paid tribute at the Seoul National Cemetery where those who made sacrifices for the country are buried. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MLS eyes bigger presence in China, says communications chief

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

    Major League Soccer (MLS) is looking to expand its global footprint, with China emerging as a market of interest.

    “We welcome more engagement from Chinese fans,” said Dan Courtemanche, Chief Communications Officer of MLS, during a briefing on Tuesday at the New York Foreign Press Center in response to a question from Xinhua. “There are certainly a lot of passionate football fans in that country, and we think there’s an opportunity there.”

    Lionel Messi of Inter Miami waves to the crowd ahead of their friendly against a Hong Kong League XI on Feb. 4, 2024. (Xinhua/Lo Ping Fai)

    Courtemanche acknowledged that players from China are rarely featured in the league, but he said MLS would like to change that. “We’d love to see more players [from China],” he added, noting that the league currently features players from around 80 countries and regions.

    Looking ahead to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, to be co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico, Courtemanche called the tournament “rocket fuel” for the league. 11 of the 13 U.S. host cities are home to MLS clubs.

    The league is also looking to invest in the next generation through programs such as MLS NEXT (youth development), MLS NEXT Pro (professional feeder league), and MLS GO (recreational youth football). All of these were launched in the last five years.

    “We started because FIFA said, ‘You need a Division I league to host the [1994] World Cup,’” Courtemanche said. “Now, 30 years later, we’ve not only built that league – we’ve built a football nation.”

    Courtemanche noted that international engagement is often player-led, though global brands can also play a significant role.

    “Generally, it comes through players, but sometimes it comes through big global brands,” he said, citing Inter Miami’s off-season tour through the Middle East and Asia – led by Lionel Messi and several other international stars – as an example of outreach beyond the Americas.

    To reach global audiences, MLS has partnered with Apple TV, which streams matches in more than 100 countries with no blackout restrictions. “My 13-year-old son doesn’t watch linear television,” Courtemanche said. “He goes to Netflix, he goes to Amazon, he goes to Apple TV, and increasingly, so does much of our audience.”

    Founded in 1996 as a legacy of the 1994 FIFA World Cup in the United States, MLS has grown from 10 to 30 clubs across the U.S. and Canada. More than 10 billion U.S. dollars has been invested in football-specific infrastructure, with teams moving from oversized American football stadiums to football-specific venues. 

    MIL OSI China News –