Category: Asia

MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for July 24, 2025

ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on July 24, 2025.

World’s highest court issues groundbreaking ruling for climate action. Here’s what it means for Australia
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Wesley Morgan, Research Associate, Institute for Climate Risk and Response, UNSW Sydney JOHN THYS/AFP via Getty Images The world’s highest court says countries are legally obliged to prevent harms caused by climate change, in a ruling that repudiates Australia’s claims it is not legally responsible for emissions

Politics with Michelle Grattan: Chris Bowen on why it’s ‘a little frustrating’ bidding for COP 31
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Energy and climate issues are front and centre for both sides of politics. The government is struggling with pushback from some regional communities against the rollout of transmission lines and wind farms. At the same time, it will soon have

Cycling’s governing body is introducing new rules to slow down elite riders. Not everyone’s happy
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Popi Sotiriadou, Associate Professor of Sport Management – Director Business Innovation, Griffith University MARCO BERTORELLO/AFP via Getty Images Most sports look to support their athletes to become “faster, higher, stronger” – in reference to the Olympic Games’ original motto – so it is perhaps surprising that cycling’s

Swirling nebula of two dying stars revealed in spectacular detail in new Webb telescope image
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Benjamin Pope, Associate Professor, School of Mathematical and Physical Sciences, Macquarie University The day before my thesis examination, my friend and radio astronomer Joe Callingham showed me an image we’d been awaiting for five long years – an infrared photo of two dying stars we’d requested from

UN’s highest court finds countries can be held legally responsible for emissions
By Jamie Tahana in The Hague for RNZ Pacific The United Nations’ highest court has found that countries can be held legally responsible for their greenhouse gas emissions, in a ruling highly anticipated by Pacific countries long frustrated with the pace of global action to address climate change. In a landmark opinion delivered yesterday in

Five arms, no heart and a global family: what DNA revealed about the weird deep-sea world of brittle stars
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim O’Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria Research Institute A brittle star of the species _Gorgonocephalus eucnemis_. Lagunatic Photo / Getty Images You may have read that the deep sea is a very different environment from the land and shallow water. There is no light,

Birds use hidden black and white feathers to make themselves more colourful
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Simon Griffith, Professor of Avian Behavioural Ecology, Macquarie University The green-headed tanager (_Tangara seledon_) has a hidden layer of plumage that is white underneath the orange feathers and black underneath the blue and green feathers. Daniel Field Birds are perhaps the most colourful group of animals, bringing

Is sleeping a lot actually bad for your health? A sleep scientist explains
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Charlotte Gupta, Senior Postdoctoral Research Fellow, Appleton Institute, HealthWise Research Group, CQUniversity Australia Walstrom, Susanne/Getty We’re constantly being reminded by news articles and social media posts that we should be getting more sleep. You probably don’t need to hear it again – not sleeping enough is bad

From grasslands to killing fields: why trees are bad news for one of Australia’s most stunning birds
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Gabriel Crowley, Adjunct Associate Professor in Geography, University of Adelaide JJ Harrison/Wikimedia, CC BY Picture this. A small, rainbow-coloured chick emerges from its nest for the first time. It stretches its wings and prepares to take flight. But before the fledgling’s life in the wild has begun,

As seas rise and fish decline, this Fijian village is finding new ways to adapt
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Celia McMichael, Professor in Geography, The University of Melbourne Celia McMichael, CC BY-NC-ND In the village of Nagigi, Fiji, the ocean isn’t just a resource – it’s part of the community’s identity. But in recent years, villagers have seen the sea behave differently. Tides are pushing inland.

After 70 years, twisted gothic thriller The Night of the Hunter remains as disturbing and beguiling as ever
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ben McCann, Associate Professor of French Studies, University of Adelaide United Artists/Getty Images In 1955, director Charles Laughton crafted one of the darkest, strangest fairytales ever to come out of Hollywood. The Night of the Hunter remains visually exquisite and profoundly unsettling. Shortly before Ben Harper is

Almost a third of NZ households face energy hardship – reform has to go beyond cheaper off-peak power
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Kimberley O’Sullivan, Senior Research Fellow, He Kainga Oranga – Housing and Health Research Programme, University of Otago Igor Suka/Getty Images The spotlight is again on New Zealand’s energy sector, with a group of industry bodies and independent retailers pushing for a market overhaul, saying the sector was

Immigration courts hiding the names of ICE lawyers goes against centuries of precedent and legal ethics requiring transparency in courts
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Cassandra Burke Robertson, Professor of Law and Director of the Center for Professional Ethics, Case Western Reserve University Some immigration courts have allowed ICE attorneys to conceal their names during proceedings. Jacob Wackerhausen/iStock via Getty Images Something unusual is happening in U.S. immigration courts. Government lawyers are

How the UK’s immigration system splits families apart – by design
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Nando Sigona, Professor of International Migration and Forced Displacement and Director of the Institute for Research into International Migration and Superdiversity, University of Birmingham arda savasciogullari/Shutterstock The letter that arrived for eleven-year-old Guilherme in June 2025 was addressed personally to him. The UK Home Office was informing

4.48 Psychosis revival: the play’s window into a mind on the edge is as brutal as ever
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Leah Sidi, Associate Professor of Health Humanities, UCL Under bright lights, the audience looks at a bare stage on two planes. Below, a small stage is white and empty, occupied only by a table and two chairs. Above, a huge, slanted mirror reflects a bird’s-eye view of

Togo’s ‘Nana-Benz’: how cheap Chinese imports of African fabrics has hurt the famous women traders
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Fidele B. Ebia, Postdoctoral fellow, Duke Africa Initiative, Duke University The manufacturing of African print textiles has shifted to China in the 21st century. While they are widely consumed in African countries – and symbolic of the continent – the rise of “made in China” has undermined

2 ways cities can beat the heat: Which is best, urban trees or cool roofs?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ian Smith, Research Scientist in Earth & Environment, Boston University Trees like these in Boston can help keep neighborhoods cooler on hot days. Yassine Khalfalli/Unsplash, CC BY When summer turns up the heat, cities can start to feel like an oven, as buildings and pavement trap the

Indonesian military set to complete Trans-Papua Highway under Prabowo’s rule
By Julian Isaac The Indonesian Military (TNI) is committed to supporting the completion of the Trans-Papua Highway during President Prabowo Subianto’s term in office. While the military is not involved in construction, it plays a critical role in securing the project from threats posed by pro-independence Papuan resistance groups in “high-risk” regions. Spanning a total

View from The Hill: Nationals’ mavericks ensure the Coalition is the issue in parliament’s first week
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra For almost as long anyone can remember, the Nationals have caused the Coalition grief on climate and energy policy. Still, for Barnaby Joyce to bring on a fresh load of trouble – with a private member’s bill to scrap Australia’s

Childcare centres will have funding stripped if they’re not ‘up to scratch’. Is this enough?
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Erin Harper, Lecturer, School of Education and Social Work, University of Sydney Maskot/Getty Images Childcare centres will lose their eligibility for fee subsidies if they don’t meet safety standards, according to a new bill introduced to parliament on Wednesday. As Education Minister Jason Clare told parliament: it

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray, British Columbia Premier Eby, WA Small Businesses Speak Out About How Trump’s Reckless Trade War with Canada is Creating Chaos, Hurting Business, and Raising Costs

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

ICYMI: Senator Murray Hears from Mayors and Business Leaders About How Trump’s Trade War is Hurting Border Communities in Northwest Washington

AP: Trump’s 35% Canada tariff plan deepens a rift between the neighbors

***WATCH HERE; DOWNLOAD HERE***

Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, held a virtual press conference with British Columbia Premier David Eby and Washington state business leaders to sound the alarm on how President Trump’s trade war with Canada is driving down business and creating chaos for families, small businesses, and economies on both sides of the border.

Canada is the second-largest export market for Washington state, exporting $7.9 billion in goods and $2.2 billion in services annually. Washington state imports $17.8 billion in goods from Canada each year, with energy imports accounting for 54 percent of that total. 608 Canadian-owned companies employ 25,050 workers in Washington state. Canada is also the largest source of international visitors to the U.S., accounting for 20.4 million visits and $20.5 billion in spending in 2024. The Bureau of Transportation Statistics reported a 35 percent drop in border crossings into the U.S. through the Peace Arch and Pacific Highway Crossings in Washington state this May, compared to the same month last year. Additional data on trade between Washington state and Canada is available HERE.

President Trump recently announced a plan to impose 35 percent tariffs across-the-board on imports from Canada beginning August 1^st. This comes after Trump has already applied 50 percent tariffs on steel and aluminum—of which Canada is the largest exporter to the United States—and 25 percent duties on cars, excluding U.S. made parts. Yesterday, after a meeting with Canada’s political leaders—including Premier Eby—Prime Minister Mark Carney downplayed the chances of success in talks aimed at reaching a trade deal with President Trump.

“Canada isn’t just a trading partner for us—it is our ally, and they are our neighbor. We have friends, and families that span that northern border. We have supply lines and businesses that depend on the open flow of trade, tourism, and goodwill between our countries,” Senator Murray said at the press conference today. “Canada is one of our largest trading partners—accounting for, every year, nearly $8 billion in exports including our seafood, apples, and airplane parts and more than $2 billion in cross-border tourism and business. Not to mention we actually import nearly $18 billion in goods from Canada each year. So, for us, having Trump throw a tantrum with these tariffs is really throwing a wrench into our businesses that have operated for decades, and throwing communities on both sides of the border into chaos, and really throwing our neighborly way of life into jeopardy.”

“Here’s what Trump needs to understand: this is not reality TV. It is actual reality,” Senator Murray continued. “These aren’t people playing ‘businessman’—they are trying to run actual businesses, that employ actual Americans. Unlike him, they don’t thrive on outrage. And they do not want any drama, they need certainty, they need common sense. And they need policies that bring in customers, not drive them away, and bring prices down, not drive them up. So, I want you all to know I am going to keep fighting in Congress to put an end to these pointless tariffs that are making life harder for people on both sides of our border. And I will keep pushing for legislation to reassert Congress’s power over tariff policy. It is beyond clear we cannot entrust this responsibility to a President who is toggling economic policies on and off like a kid with a joystick.”

“We have a long and happy relationship with the American people; they’re our friends, our family members and coworkers. President Trump’s actions have broken our trust with his government, but they’ll never shake our relationship with our closest neighbours. I am grateful for Senator Murray’s leadership at this time in calling out a President that ran on an affordability agenda and is now bringing in tariffs that are raising the price of everyday goods for hard working families,” said David Eby, Premier of British Columbia.

“President Trump seems to have created the 51^st state that he was talking about, which is the great state of uncertainty. And this is affecting all of us and that we predict that in 2025 alone, that tariffs will cost SEL $100 million in unanticipated federal taxes. These $100 million, divided by our 7000 owners, is a hit of $14,000 per employee around the world. And I agree so much with Senator Murray that the best thing we can do is to support the efforts by Democrats and Republicans in both the House and the Senate to restore congressional control over tariffs and block this President and future ones from abusing executive orders, especially here in the case of free trade,” saidDr. Ed Schweitzer, founder of Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories in Pullman.

“Maintaining good relations with our northern neighbors is paramount to our maritime industry. Along with being a key supplier for vital parts of the industry, our relations also impact negotiations, such as the Pacific Salmon Treaty being negotiated right now. These negotiations and trade rely on goodwill and good relations, and we cannot state enough how much we value our Canadian partners in all sectors of our maritime industry here in the United States,” said Dan Tucker, Executive Director of the Whatcom Working Waterfront Coalition.

Washington state has one of the most trade-dependent economies of any state in the country, with 40 percent of jobs in the state tied to international commerce. Washington state is the top U.S. producer of apples, blueberries, hops, pears, spearmint oil, and sweet cherries—all of which risk losing vital export markets due to retaliatory tariffs from key trading partners including Canada. Additionally, more than 12,000 small and medium-sized companies in Washington state export goods and will struggle to absorb the impact of retaliatory tariffs. Trump’s tariffs during his first term were extremely costly for Washington state—for example, India imposed a 20 percent retaliatory tariff on U.S. apples, causing Washington apple shipments to India to fall by 99 percent and growers to lose hundreds of millions of dollars in exports.

Senator Murray has been a vocal opponent of Trump’s chaotic trade war and has been constantly lifting up the voices of people in every corner of Washington state who are being harmed by this administration’s approach to trade. Senator Murray continues to call on Republicans to end Trump’s trade war—which Congress has the power to do—and take back Congress’ Constitutionally-granted power to impose tariffs. Earlier this year—among many other events—Senator Murray brought together leaders across Washington state to highlight how Trump’s ongoing trade war is already a devastating hit to Washington state’s economy, businesses, and our agriculture sector, and held a roundtable discussion in Blaine on how Trump’s chaotic trade war and senseless tariffs are specifically hurting Washington state’s border communities and local businesses. Senator Murray has also taken to the Senate floor to lay out how Trump’s chaotic trade war is seriously threatening our economy, American businesses, families’ retirement savings, and so much else.

Senator Murray’s full remarks, as delivered, are below and video is HERE:

“Thank you everyone for joining us today.

“You know for a so-called businessman, President Trump doesn’t seem to know the first thing about running a business—then again, maybe that explains his six bankruptcies. But besides that, every time Trump opens his mouth, he is demonstrating that he doesn’t understand how tariffs work and doesn’t care if his absurd tax hikes are hurting our economy and our small businesses. The reality is plain as day. Especially in places like Washington state where we are on the front line of a trade war with our neighbors that nobody asked for.

“Canada isn’t just a trading partner for us—it is our ally, and they are our neighbor. We have friends, and families that span that northern border. We have supply lines and businesses that depend on the open flow of trade, tourism, and goodwill between our countries.

“Canada is one of our largest trading partners—accounting for, every year, nearly $8 billion in exports including our seafood, apples, and airplane parts and more than $2 billion in cross-border tourism and business. Not to mention we actually import nearly $18 billion in goods from Canada each year.

“So, for us, having Trump throw a tantrum with these tariffs is really throwing a wrench into our businesses that have operated for decades, and throwing communities on both sides of the border into chaos, and really throwing our neighborly way of life into jeopardy.

“How are farmers supposed to stay afloat when Trump just jacked up the cost of the supplies they need, at the same time that he is driving some of their best customers away?

“How are businesses and factories supposed to keep the lights on when their supply chains are being disrupted, and their inputs—like energy, and steel, and aluminum—keep getting more expensive?

“How are hotels and towns that are fueled by tourism supposed to keep their doors open, when cancellations are going up, bookings are going down, and 75 percent of Canadian travelers who weregoing to visit the U.S. are deciding they’d now rather go somewhere the President doesn’t constantly attack?

“So, let’s be clear, these aren’t hypothetical questions. They are the cold, hard realities Trump is forcing onto our communities. It doesn’t take much imagination to see how hard Trump’s trade war is making life for people—especially for our border communities.

“All you have to do is listen. Talk to ferry operators, who are feeling the squeeze of reduced travel. Talk to community leaders in Bellingham and Whatcom County, where 12 percent of taxable retail sales came from Canadians. Talk to business owners in Point Roberts, which just completely depends on Canadian trade and tourism.

“I have been telling this over and over to my colleagues and anyone who will listen. If you want to understand the real cost of what is happening, come to Washington state, talk to people on the front lines of this pointless, painful trade war.

“And that’s exactly why we are having this call today. To put a spotlight on what we are seeing on both sides of the border; to make more of these voices heard; to raise the alarm; and maybe even offer a little economics lesson to Trump—since he appears to need it.

“When you raise the costs for small businesses—which is exactly what tariffs do, when you drive away loyal customers, and trading partners—which is exactly what happens when you toss up barriers and toss out insults—you make life harder, and you raise costs for everyday Americans. It is very clear that President Trump wants to treat tariffs like a reality TV show, constantly playing up the outrage and the uncertainty of the ‘Will he? Won’t he?’ drama that he seems to like living in. But the questions that I am hearing when I talk to folks home in Washington state, are more like, ‘Why on Earth would he do this?’ and ‘What the heck is he thinking?’ and ‘How am I going to be able to afford this?’

“Because here’s what Trump needs to understand: this is not reality TV. This is actual reality. These aren’t peopleplaying ‘businessman’—they are trying to run actual businesses, that employ actual Americans. Unlike him, they don’t thrive on outrage. And they do not want any drama, they need certainty, they need common sense. And they need policies that bring in customers, not drive them away, and bring prices down, not drive them up.

“So, I want you all to know I am going to keep fighting in Congress to put an end to these pointless tariffs that are making life harder for people on both sides of our border. And I will keep pushing for legislation to reassert Congress’s power over tariff policy.

“It is beyond clear we cannot entrust this responsibility to a President who is toggling economic policies on and off like a kid with a joystick.

“We have got to keep talking about this, which is why we are having this call today, until more of my Republican colleagues get the message. And I thank everybody who’s participating in this today to talk about what you are seeing.

“So, I’m joined on this call by British Columbia Premier David Eby, he will be speaking next. As I’ve told him in the past, I appreciate our relationship and thank you for working with us on this. It’s a joy to have you on this call.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Taisugar Stands with Farmers, Rent Relief of One to Three Months Offered to Typhoon-Affected Tenants, Based on Damage Severity

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

On July 7, Typhoon Danas passed through southern Taiwan leaving a trail of devastation. To reduce the burden on farmers and help them get through these difficult times, Taisugar is offering to waive rent for one to three months depending on the severity of the damage and proof of typhoon-related losses.

According to Taisugar, tenants in areas eligible for agricultural national disaster financial assistance and low-interest rates as announced by the Ministry of Agriculture should report their disaster-related losses to their local town hall/district office and submit proof to the Taisugar land management unit. Taisugar will then issue rent waivers based on the extent of crop damage. Those that suffered between 20% to 40% damage will have their rent waived for 1 month. Those with over 40% but less than 60% damage will have their rent waived for 2 months. Those with over 60% damage will have their rent waived for 3 months. Additional extensions may be negotiated in special circumstances. Rent paid in advance can be rolled over to the following year or used to extend their lease.

Taisugar added that if the tenant wishes to terminate their lease due to the impact of the disaster, any rent or bond paid in advance can be refunded without interest once both parties have agreed on a termination date. Taisugar is willing to do everything possible to stand with farmers and help them get through these difficult times.

TSC News Contact Person:
Chang Mu-Jung
Public Relations, Department of Secretariat, TSC
Contact Number: 886-6-337-8819 / 886-920-636-951
Email:a63449@taisugar.com.tw

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s public security authorities safeguard high-quality development over 14th Five-Year Plan period

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

A telecom fraud suspect is escorted by Chinese police officers at the Kunming Changshui International Airport in Kunming, southwest China’s Yunnan Province, Jan. 30, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s public security organs have helped facilitate the nation’s high-quality development by resolutely safeguarding public safety during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), a senior Chinese public security official said on Wednesday.

“China is widely recognized as one of the safest countries in the world,” Qi Yanjun, vice minister of public security, said at a press conference on public security during the 2021-2025 period.

“China has maintained one of the lowest incidence rates of fatal criminal cases, the lowest rate of criminal offenses, and the fewest cases involving firearms and explosives in the world,” Qi noted.

World’s safest country

During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, public security authorities have focused on safeguarding the safety and well-being of the public, continuously intensifying efforts to combat criminal offenses, leading to a steady decline in the overall number of criminal cases nationwide, senior police officer Jiang Guoli said at the press conference.

China has consistently ranked among the countries with the lowest homicide rates globally, with a rate of 0.44 per 100,000 people in 2024, said Jiang, who is the political commissar of the Ministry of Public Security (MPS) criminal investigation bureau.

China has maintained a hard stance on gang-related crime. Chinese police have dismantled over 590 mafia-style organizations and over 8,900 other criminal gangs to date during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, according to Jiang.

More than 105,000 gang-related criminal cases have been solved nationwide since 2021, he said, stressing that law enforcement agencies have maintained a zero-tolerance policy on organized crime — particularly for complex, high-profile cases.

He noted that law enforcement authorities have also focused on the root causes of organized crime, utilizing long-term crime prevention and social governance mechanisms.

“By disrupting the cycle in which disorder fosters crime and crime evolves into organized gangs, authorities aim to eliminate the conditions that allow such groups to thrive,” Jiang said.

In the field of transportation, the number of major traffic accidents resulting in three or more deaths during the 14th Five-Year Plan period declined significantly — 34 percent — compared to the 2016-2020 period, Qi said.

He highlighted that public security organs across the country have since 2021 intensified their identification and rectification of safety loopholes in sectors such as road traffic, railways and civil aviation, aiming to protect the people’s safety and property to the greatest possible extent.

Telecom fraud crackdowns

China launched harsh crackdowns on telecom and online fraud during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, effectively protecting the people’s lawful interests.

Chinese police resolved 1.739 million such cases and arrested 366,000 related individuals, including 3,442 major financiers and core members of criminal groups, Jiang said.

Police and relevant government departments intercepted 12.41 billion scam calls and 10.93 billion fraudulent text messages over the past five years, he noted.

He said that during the same period, Chinese police deepened law enforcement cooperation with their international counterparts, dispatching work groups to countries such as Myanmar, Thailand and Cambodia to boost joint operations targeting telecom fraud.

“These efforts led to the dismantling of over 2,000 overseas fraud centers and the capture of more than 80,000 individuals,” he added.

Enhancing autonomous driving regulation

Responding to a question on autonomous driving, Wang Qiang, director of the MPS traffic management bureau, said that China will tighten its regulation and management of intelligent driving, as the intelligent driving systems currently installed in vehicles have not yet achieved true autonomous driving.

“The driver remains the ultimate party responsible for operating the vehicle,” Wang said.

He stressed that if a driver takes their hands off the wheel or their eyes off the road while the vehicle is in motion, they pose a serious risk to traffic safety and their actions could result in civil liability, administrative penalties and criminal prosecution.

To strengthen the regulation and management of intelligent driving, police will support the refining of laws and regulations to clarify manual control in vehicle autonomy from Level 0, which indicates no driving automation, to Level 2, which indicates partial driving automation, Wang said.

China will also encourage vehicle manufacturers to continuously improve the reliability of assisted driving systems, and to establish relevant safety technology standards, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Sri Lanka to join China-ASEAN Expo in September as special partner

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

The Port Access Elevated Highway project is pictured in Colombo, Sri Lanka, June 7, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

Sri Lanka will join as a Special Partner Country for the 22nd China-ASEAN Expo (CAEXPO) scheduled for Sept. 17-21 in Nanning, capital city of south China’s Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the expo secretariat confirmed on Wednesday.

A high-level Sri Lankan government delegation led by senior diplomatic officials will attend the event. National key enterprises, including port companies and spice companies, will participate to deepen economic and trade ties with China and ASEAN.

Sri Lanka will hold a national image exhibition, product display and national promotion event during the expo.

Introduced at the 11th CAEXPO, the Special Partner Country mechanism invites Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) member states or Belt and Road participating countries outside China and ASEAN. This makes the expo a platform to boost exchanges and create business opportunities between China, ASEAN and beyond. Sri Lanka previously held the role at the 13th CAEXPO.

China-Sri Lanka cooperation currently spans infrastructure, energy, port development and other sectors, helping strengthen bilateral economic and cultural ties.

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese automakers unveil new models at Indonesia auto show

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

This photo taken on July 23, 2025 shows products of Chinese auto brands during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

Chinese automakers on Wednesday unveiled new electric vehicle (EV) models in Indonesia, as demand for EVs continued to grow across the Southeast Asian country.

At the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS), held in Tangerang, Banten province, Chinese automaker BYD launched its Atto 1 model, known as Seagull or Dolphin Mini in China.

People visit the booth of Chinese auto brand BYD during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia, July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

“This is the first Atto 1 in Southeast Asia. We’re offering it in two variants: Dynamic and Premium,” said BYD Indonesia Operations Director Nathan Sun during the launch.

Meanwhile, Wuling introduced a new multi-purpose vehicle designed for both family and business use, called the Cortez Darion.

People visit the booth of Chinese auto brand Wuling during the exclusive media day of GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) 2025 at the Indonesia Convention Exhibition in Tangerang, Banten Province, Indonesia, July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

The Cortez Darion will be available in two versions: a plug-in hybrid and a full battery electric vehicle.

The 2025 GIIAS officially opened on Wednesday, with public days scheduled from July 24 to Aug. 3.

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China power into women’s basketball final at Universiade

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

China defeated Poland 71-67 after overtime to reach the women’s basketball final at the Rhine-Ruhr World University Games on Wednesday.

China will face the United States, who edged Hungary 73-71 in the other semifinal, for the championship on Friday.

Chinese guard Tian Yuanyuan emerged as the hero, scoring all seven of her points in overtime after the two teams were tied 62-62 at the end of regulation.

China’s small forward Chen Yujie shot nine of 14 for a game-high 24 points, including four of five from beyond the arc. Center Liu Yutong and power forward Tang Zhiting added 14 points apiece.

Poland’s shooting guard Magdalena Szymkiewicz led her side with 13 points, while 2.01-meter center Kamila Borkowska contributed 12.

China started strong, jumping out to a 15-7 lead after Liu, Chen and Tang hit back-to-back 3-pointers, prompting Poland’s coach to call a timeout with four minutes left in the first quarter.

Poland responded with a 26-11 run to take a 33-26 halftime lead.

China surged back in the third quarter with an 11-0 run to go ahead 37-33 midway through the period. Poland answered with a 10-0 run of its own, capped by two free throws and a layup from Anna Winkowska, to take a 48-45 lead into the fourth.

Li Xingnuo opened the final quarter with a 3-pointer to level the game at 48-48. The teams traded baskets down the stretch, tying at 58-58 with 1:50 to play.

Szymkiewicz gave Poland a 60-58 lead with two free throws, but China responded with four straight points on a pair of layups. Poland’s Julia Piestrzynska attacked the basket to tie it 62-62. After Li’s missed 3-pointer, the game went to overtime.

Poland managed just three points in the extra period, falling behind 69-65 with 18 seconds remaining. A timeout and late foul strategy couldn’t prevent China from sealing the 71-67 win.

“We have tired legs after yesterday’s hard-fought quarterfinal win against Japan, so you could see we only scored a few points in the second quarter,” said Chinese coach Zhao Xuetong.

“In the halftime break, I told the players to play as we planned and don’t think much about the result. To tell the truth, we have already reached where we expect before the Games,” added Zhao. “Reaching the last four is OK for us, so everyone is relaxed mentally.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: VIDEO: In Foreign Relations Subcommittee Hearing, Ranking Member Rosen Highlights Urgent Need to Strengthen Middle East Partnerships and Combat Iran

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator Jacky Rosen (D-NV)

Watch the full opening statement HERE.
WASHINGTON, DC – During the first hearing of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee’s Subcommittee on Near East, South Asia, Central Asia, & Counterterrorism, Ranking Member Jacky Rosen (D-NV) stressed the urgent need for a coherent U.S. strategy in the Middle East that strengthens regional integration, restores stability, and counters a nuclear Iran. Senator Rosen called on the Trump Administration to work closely with Congress, particularly following recent U.S. strikes on Iran’s nuclear program, and criticized cuts to our diplomatic workforce and foreign assistance, warning they undermine national security. Emphasizing the importance of diplomacy and development, she advocated for expanding the Abraham Accords, supporting Israel’s qualitative military edge, increasing humanitarian aid into Gaza, and preventing terrorist resurgence throughout the region.
Below is Senator Rosen’s opening statement:
Thank you, Chair McCormick, for holding today’s important hearing – like you said, this is the subcommittee’s first since you and I were named Chair and Ranking Member, respectively. I am incredibly excited about the work we will be able to do together to support U.S. interests across a broad swath of the globe – from the Middle East and North Africa to Central and South Asia.
And I want to thank you as well to our witnesses for taking the time to offer your insights today.
I’d like to build upon your remarks, Senator McCormick, because as you illustrated the Middle East is at a critical juncture, full of risks, as well as opportunities. How we engage in the region in the coming weeks and months has the potential to alter its trajectory for decades to come.
In just the last few weeks, we have seen hostilities between Israel and Iran, we’ve seen increased Houthi attacks on maritime commerce in the Red Sea, skirmishes between Israel and Syria, and a lack of progress in ending the war in Gaza, bringing ALL of the hostages held by Hamas home, and addressing the humanitarian crisis.
But since the beginning of the year, we have also seen the decline of Iran’s nuclear and ballistic capabilities, Assad’s regime crumble in Syria, Hezbollah be diminished to a shell of its former self in Lebanon, and the significant weakening of Hamas.
To help set the Middle East on a path towards peace and prosperity, we not only have to deter our adversaries from engaging in harmful actions, we must also work to advance our interests by implementing a coherent strategy and assistance plan for the region.
So let me be clear – Iran can never be allowed to acquire or develop a nuclear weapon. I am hopeful our targeted strikes on Iran’s nuclear program earlier this summer will pave the way to a negotiated agreement that makes this a reality. It is critical the Administration works hand in glove with Congress on what comes next.
We must also ensure that terror groups, especially Iranian proxies, cannot operate freely and threaten stability in the Middle East. And so on that end, I have led bipartisan efforts to freeze Iranian assets, tighten and renew sanctions, and integrate air and missile defenses throughout the region. But we must do more to bolster regional stability to deny extremist groups the instability on which they thrive.
An integrated Middle East of like-minded partners and allies is essential to advancing our interests, which is why we must widen and deepen the Abraham Accords, including through economic integration and other people-to-people bonds that provide tangible benefits to the region.
In Gaza, Hamas remains an impediment to peace and poses a threat to both Israelis and Palestinians. We must continue to support Israel as it works to free the hostages, defeat Hamas, and protect itself against future threats. And we also must allow for more humanitarian aid for civilians in Gaza and do everything possible to prevent the loss of innocent lives and to support a negotiated end to the war.
In Syria and Iraq, we cannot cede ground where the U.S.-led coalition has made significant progress in eliminating the ISIS threat. To consolidate our military gains, we need to ensure that terrorists are held accountable for their horrific crimes. But we also must make sure that there is a thoughtful plan for reintegration and rehabilitation of individuals from Al Hol and Al Roj camps. If we fail to reintegrate these populations, it will be at our peril.
This leads me to my last point. Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis once said “if you don’t fully fund the State Department, then I will need to buy more ammunition.” Diplomacy and foreign assistance is vital to the future of this region.
When people don’t have access to food or jobs, terror groups recruit them. When children don’t have access to education, they are more easily radicalized.
As this Administration slashes our diplomatic corps, expert civil servants, and foreign assistance programs, we are undeniably less safe and less prosperous.
To set the region on the right path, we can’t be afraid to leverage our military strength. But we certainly must also leverage our diplomatic and foreign assistance tools.
I thank you for being here and I look forward to discussing this with you all further today.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: New investment to drive AI and biotech innovation
Source: New Zealand Government

The Government is investing $24 million in smart, practical science that will help New Zealanders live healthier lives and support the development of sustainable food industries.

Science, Innovation and Technology Minister Dr Shane Reti today announced two major research programmes in partnership with Singapore, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) tools for healthy ageing and biotechnology for future food production.

“Science and innovation are critical to building a high-growth, high-value economy. That’s why we’re investing in research with a clear line of sight to commercial outcomes and real public benefit,” Dr Reti says.

“This Government is focused on backing the technologies that will deliver real-world results for New Zealanders – not just in the lab, but in our hospitals, homes, and businesses.

“Whether it’s supporting older Kiwis to live well for longer or developing smarter food production systems, these projects are about practical applications of advanced science to solve problems and grow our economy.”

Funded through the Catalyst Fund, designed to facilitate international collaboration, the investment will support seven joint research projects over the next three years, deepening New Zealand’s research ties with Singapore and building capability in AI and biotechnology.

The AI programme, delivered alongside AI Singapore, directly supports the Government’s Artificial Intelligence Strategy – a plan to use AI to safely and effectively boost productivity and deliver better public services.

“Our AI Strategy is about encouraging the uptake of AI to improve productivity and realise its potential to deliver faster, smarter, and more personalised services, including in healthcare,” says Dr Reti.

“These projects will help develop tools that support clinicians and improve care for our ageing population. Our collaboration with Singapore, a country well advanced in their use and development of AI, will help grow Kiwi capability to explore future practical uses of AI.”

The biotechnology programme will focus on turning scientific research into scalable food solutions, including alternative proteins and new food ingredients, in partnership with Singapore’s A*STAR.

“These partnerships are about future-proofing our economy and our communities — tackling global challenges with New Zealand science at the forefront,” Dr Reti says.

Notes to the Editor:

The Leveraging AI for Health Ageing programme will partner with AI Singapore (AISG) and will fund three projects which apply AI to improve health outcomes for older adults, particularly in cognitive health and personalised care:
- AI-Assisted interRAI Assessment – University of Otago will enhance aged care assessments by integrating AI to improve efficiency and personalisation.
- AI-Driven Risk Score for Dementia – University of Auckland will build an AI tool to help clinicians identify individuals at high risk of progressing to dementia.
- AI-Augmented Cognitive Health Monitoring – Victoria University of Wellington will develop a remote monitoring platform using speech analysis, cognitive games, and caregiver input.
The Biotech in Future Food Research Programme will partner with Singapore’s Agency for Science, Technology and Research (A*STAR) and fund four groundbreaking projects:
- Algae-Based Future Foods – Cawthron Institute will develop processing methods for two algae species suited to commercial development in both countries.
- Hybrid Meat Production – University of Canterbury will design a novel, scalable approach to producing affordable hybrid meat.
- Bio-Fermented Functional Foods – University of Auckland will create next-generation food ingredients from bacterial cellulose and mushroom mycelium.
- Black Soldier Fly Bioproducts – Scion will explore the use of insect larvae to develop bioactive compounds and protein sources for human and animal nutrition.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection Strengthens Regulation of ‘Slime Toys’ to Ensure Children’s Safety

Source: Republic of China Taiwan

Since March 1, 2024, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has designated boron content in “slime toys” as a mandatory inspection item. Both imported and domestically manufactured slime toys must undergo random sampling inspections according to national standards before being released from the production premises, imported or places on the market. Only products meeting the relevant regulations are allowed to be sold. To further ensure children’s safety, beginning August 1, 2025, the inspection approach for these products will change from Random-selected batch inspection to Batch-by-batch examination, thereby reinforcing control at the source.
BSMI explains that any products failing quality checks during market sampling will be required to be withdrawn and recalled for correction within a specified period in accordance with Article 59, Paragraph 1 of the Commodity Inspection Act. Any person who releases from production premises, exports, imports, or places on the market any commodity failing to meet inspection requirements shall be fined between NT$200,000 and NT$2,000,000 in accordance with Article 60, Paragraph 1 of the same Act. BSMI will continue to conduct market sampling and inspection programs for these toys. If non-compliance is detected, follow-up investigations will be carried out, including interviews and documentation, followed by enforcement actions in line with the Commodity Inspection Act, safeguarding consumer rights with a double protection mechanism.
BSMI emphasizes that all toys intended for children under the age of 14 are subject to mandatory inspection as announced. Regardless of whether the toys are imported or domestically produced, they must complete the inspection process and display the commodity inspection mark before being allowed on the domestic market. BSMI also advises consumers to pay attention to the following when purchasing and playing toys:
1.Purchase toys that label the Commodity Inspection Mark (Picture as attachment file ).
2.Check whether the toy has detailed labeling in Chinese, and carefully read the information regarding the appropriate age range, precautions, main ingredients or materials, warnings, and instructions for playing.
3.Choose toys that are appropriate for the child’s age. Do not give toys intended for older children to young children, as this may cause injury.
4.Stretchable slime toys may contain chemical substances such as borax. Prolonged contact and play can easily cause allergic dermatitis or allergic reactions. Therefore, playing time should be limited, and hands should be washed immediately after playing.

Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
Contact Person: Cheng, Ching-Hong, Deputy Director
Tel (O) +886-2343-1700#1211
Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Chinese team wins RoboCup Humanoid League in AdultSize category

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

China’s Tsinghua University has placed top of the AdultSize category in the RoboCup Humanoid League soccer world championship, in the first time a Chinese team has claimed the top honor.

RoboCup was founded in 1997 and ranks among the world’s most prestigious robotics competitions. This year’s event was held in Brazil, attracting over 20 teams from 12 countries, including China, the United States, Germany, the Republic of Korea and France.

Tsinghua dominated the competition using Chinese-developed Booster T1 robots, achieving decisive victories over multiple opponents, including a team from the University of Texas. In an all-Chinese final, Tsinghua defeated a team from China Agricultural University, marking the first time teams from Chinese institutions secured both gold and silver in the category.

Competing robots require not only lightweight, agile, impact-resistant hardware, but also sophisticated capabilities like real-time perception, cognitive decision-making, advanced motion control and multi-agent coordination, meaning the league constitutes a comprehensive test of full-stack robotic capabilities, according to a senior manager at Booster Robotics, which developed the T1 robots.

Industry analysts noted that the outstanding performance of Chinese robots at this international event has reaffirmed China’s growing expertise in robotics R&D and application.

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Sweet spot for daily steps is lower than often thought, new study finds

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Jack McNamara, Senior Lecturer in Clinical Exercise Physiology, University of East London

Focus and blur.

Your fitness tracker might be lying to you. That 10,000-step target flashing on your wrist? It didn’t come from decades of careful research. It came from a Japanese walking club and a marketing campaign in the 1960s.

A major new study has found that 7,000 steps a day dramatically cuts your risk of death and disease. And more steps bring even greater benefits.

People hitting 7,000 daily steps had a 47% lower risk of dying prematurely than those managing just 2,000 steps, plus extra protection against heart disease, cancer and dementia.

The findings come from the biggest review of step counts and health ever done. Researchers gathered data from 57 separate studies tracking more than 160,000 people for up to two decades, then combined all the results to spot patterns that individual studies might miss. This approach, called a systematic review, gives scientists much more confidence in their conclusions than any single study could.

So where did that magic 10,000 number come from? A pedometer company called Yamasa wanted to cash in on 1964 Tokyo Olympics fever. It launched a device called Manpo-kei – literally “10,000 steps meter”. The Japanese character for 10,000 resembles a walking person, while 10,000 itself is a memorable round number. It was a clever marketing choice that stuck.

At that time, there was no robust evidence for whether a target of 10,000 steps made sense. Early research suggested that jumping from a typical 3,000 to 5,000 daily steps to 10,000 would burn roughly 300 to 400 extra calories a day. So the target wasn’t completely random – just accidentally reasonable.

This latest research paper looked across a broad spectrum – not just whether people died, but heart disease, cancer, diabetes, dementia, depression and even falls. The results tell a fascinating story. Even tiny increases matter. Jump from 2,000 to 4,000 steps daily and your death risk drops by 36%. That’s a substantial improvement.

But here’s where it gets interesting. The biggest health benefits happen between zero and 7,000 steps. Beyond that, benefits keep coming, but they level off considerably. Studies have found meaningful benefits starting at just 2,517 steps per day. For some people, that could be as little as a 20-minute stroll around the block.

Age changes everything, too. If you’re over 60, you hit maximum benefits at 6,000 to 8,000 daily steps. Under 60? You need 8,000 to 10,000 steps for the same protection. Your 70-year-old neighbour gets 77% lower heart disease risk at just 4,500 steps daily.

The real secret of why fitness targets often fail? People give up on them.

Research comparing different step goals found a clear pattern. Eighty-five per cent of people stuck with 10,000 daily steps. Bump it to 12,500 steps and only 77% kept going. Push for 15,000 steps and you lose nearly a third of people.

One major study followed middle-aged adults for 11 years. Those hitting 7,000 to 9,999 steps daily had 50-70% lower death risk. But getting beyond 10,000 steps? No extra benefit. All that extra effort for nothing. Other researchers watching people over a full year saw the same thing. Step programmes worked brilliantly at first, then people slowly drifted back to old habits as targets felt unrealistic.

Steps easily accumulate from everyday activities.
Marius Comanescu/Shutterstock.com

Most steps happen without you realising it

Here’s something that might surprise you. Most of your daily steps don’t come from structured walks or gym sessions. Eighty per cent happen during everyday activities – tidying up, walking to the car, general movement around the house.

People naturally build steps through five main routes: work (walking between meetings), commuting (those train station treks), household chores, evening strolls and tiny incidental movements. People using public transport clock up 19 minutes of walking daily just getting around.

Research has also found something else interesting. Frequent short bursts of activity work as well as longer walks. Your body doesn’t care if you get steps from one epic hike or dozens of trips up the stairs. This matters because it means you don’t need to become a completely different person. You just need to move a bit more within your existing routine.

So, what does this mean for you? Even 2,500 daily steps brings real health benefits. Push up to 4,000 and you’re in serious protection territory. Hit 7,000 and you’ve captured most of the available benefits.

For older people, those with health conditions, or anyone starting from a sedentary baseline, 7,000 steps is brilliant. It’s achievable and delivers massive health returns. But if you’re healthy and can manage more, keep going. The benefits climb all the way up to 12,000 steps daily, cutting death risk by up to 55%.

The 10,000-step target isn’t wrong exactly. It’s just not the magic threshold everyone thinks it is.

What started as a Japanese company’s clever marketing trick has accidentally become one of our most useful health tools. Decades of research have refined that original guess into something much more sophisticated: personalised targets based on your age, health and what you can actually stick to.

The real revelation? You don’t need to hit some arbitrary target to transform your health. You just need to move more than you do now. Every single step counts.

Jack McNamara 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. Sweet spot for daily steps is lower than often thought, new study finds – https://theconversation.com/sweet-spot-for-daily-steps-is-lower-than-often-thought-new-study-finds-261605

MIL OSI –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Yin headlines star-studded field for 2025 Buick LPGA Shanghai

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

The Buick LPGA Shanghai will return to the Shanghai Qizhong Garden Golf Club from October 9-12, organizers announced on Wednesday.

As the first event of the 2025 LPGA Fall Asia Swing, it will bring together the world’s top female golfers for a thrilling showdown, delivering an elite competition and reigniting golf’s momentum.

Yin Ruoning of China competes during the women’s individual stroke play round 1 of golf at the Paris 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, France, Aug. 7, 2024. (Xinhua/Du Yu)

Jointly sanctioned by the LPGA (Ladies Professional Golf Association) and the China LPGA (CLPGA), the Buick LPGA Shanghai has established itself as a global stage for champions.

Featuring 81 top players competing for a 2.2 million U.S. dollars purse under a no-cut format, the Buick LPGA Shanghai will see defending champion Yin Ruoning headline the world-class lineup. The Chinese star, a former world No. 1 and major winner, aims for back-to-back victories on home soil.

In the autumn of 2024, Yin Ruoning delivered a career-defining performance at the Buick LPGA Shanghai, carding eight birdies in a blistering final round to shoot 8-under par and finish at a record-breaking 25-under par, claiming the title and etching her name into the tournament lore.

“The Buick LPGA Shanghai holds a special place in my heart,” said Yin. “It has witnessed my growth and opened the door for countless young Chinese players to pursue their dreams. I am deeply grateful to the Buick brand for its lasting support of me, junior golf, and the overall development of the sport in China.”

MIL OSI China News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Historic trade deal signed with India to deliver £50 million boost to Northern Ireland
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

Press release

Historic trade deal signed with India to deliver £50 million boost to Northern Ireland

New analysis published today [Thursday 24 July] shows the landmark agreement will deliver a £50m boost to the local economy
NEW figures show trade deal with India will deliver £50 million for Northern Ireland’s economy as part of the Plan for Change

Advanced manufacturing and engineering, whiskey producers and services and technology sectors set to benefit from growth following a reduction or near elimination of tariffs

Comes as Prime Minister and Trade Secretary welcome Prime Minister Modi and Commerce Minister to UK for signing of most comprehensive deal India has ever agreed

Businesses and workers in Northern Ireland are set to benefit from the UK’s trade deal with India, as new analysis published today [Thursday 24 July] shows the landmark agreement will deliver a £50m boost to the local economy as part of the Plan for Change.

The Prime Minister will meet his counterpart Narendra Modi this morning for the trade deal signing as Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds and Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal put pen to paper on the landmark agreement. It comes as a series of investment and export wins have been confirmed by UK and Indian businesses, representing an overall boost of nearly £6 billion and creating over 2,200 jobs.

India is a growing market for Northern Ireland businesses, 143 of which exported a total of £65 million in goods there last year– this could grow even more thanks to lower tariffs, fewer barriers to trade, and easier customs.

Advanced manufacturing and engineering – which represent approximately 30 per cent of employment in Northern Ireland – will benefit from removal or reduction of tariffs.

Northern Ireland’s medical technology sector will benefit from tariffs on a range of medical devices, between 8.25% to 13.75% being eliminated or halved within ten years.

Duties on Irish whiskey will immediately fall from 150% to 75%, dropping further to 40% over ten years. Producers will also be able to use Irish barley or neutral grain spirit and bottle products in transit to India, maximising capability to capitalise on tariff reductions.

Secretary of State for Northern Ireland, Hilary Benn, said:

This is a landmark deal that will bring real benefits for businesses and workers in Northern Ireland.

Northern Ireland’s advanced manufacturing, engineering, and medical technology sectors will see tariffs eliminated or significantly reduced, while Irish whiskey producers will benefit from substantial cuts in duties allowing for increased trade with India.

This agreement will help further unlock the huge potential for growth across Northern Ireland, including its thriving services and technology sectors.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The millions brought to Northern Ireland each year from the deal we’ve signed with India today will be keenly felt across local communities, whether that’s higher wages for workers, more choice for shoppers, or increased overseas sales for businesses.

This government is proving time and again that we can deliver on our mission to grow the economy, put more money in pockets and boost living standards under our Plan for Change.

Philip McKee, Sales Manager at Biopanda, a Belfast-based medtech manufacturer which exports in vitro test kits for clinical laboratories, veterinary practice, and food safety laboratories, said:

Biopanda have been supplying a range of diagnostic products to the Indian market throughout the past ten years. We value the business we have done already throughout India and with the introduction of the UK-India FTA this should benefit in increased trade with the removal of export barriers.

This will hopefully increase the market access, allowing our distributors throughout India to provide a larger range of our highly accurate clinical diagnostic products at a lower price to the consumer.

Workers in Northern Ireland will enjoy an uplift in pay as UK wages grow by a total £2.2 billion each year, and could also see cheaper prices and more choice on clothes, shoes, and food products. The UK already imports £11 billion in goods from India but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper to buy their best products.

For businesses in Northern Ireland this could mean potential savings when importing components and materials used in areas such as advanced manufacturing or luxury and consumer goods.

India’s trade weighted average tariff will drop from 15% to 3% which means Northern Ireland companies selling products to India from whiskey, and soft drinks to cosmetics and medical devices will find it easier to sell to the Indian market. It gives the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market, forecast to have over a quarter of a billion high income consumers by 2050.

Aligned with the UK’s recent Industrial and Trade Strategies, the deal will support the sectors which drive the most growth for the economy. In Northern Ireland, sectors such as agriculture and food, advanced manufacturing and engineering, and the services and technology sectors are expected to benefit substantially.

Notes to editor

The government will prepare for the trade agreement to be ratified by Parliament so businesses can begin to use it.

For more information on the Double Contribution Convention, please see the policy explainer attached.

Headline economic estimates of the impact of the FTA along with the methodology were previously set out in the technical notes for the preliminary estimates. The full detailed impact assessment, using the same methodology, will be published shortly.

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Published 24 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Michigan Receives Disaster Declaration from President Trump for Northern Michigan Ice Storm Recovery Efforts

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Jack Bergman (MI-1)

Today, Rep. Jack Bergman joined Governor Gretchen Whitmer announcing that President Donald Trump has approved Michigan’s request for a disaster declaration to help communities impacted by the historic ice storm in Northern Michigan earlier this year. The devastating storm knocked out power and communications and left hundreds of miles of roads blocked by fallen trees and debris.

“President Trump’s approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the counties impacted by March’s devastating ice storm is welcome news,” said U.S. Representative Jack Bergman. “I’m grateful to his Administration for working to get this done. This long-awaited decision unlocks critical resources to help our communities recover and rebuild as quickly as possible. It’s been a true team effort – from local agencies to state and federal partners. Northern Michigan is no stranger to tough times – but it’s in moments like these, when our communities rally and move forward together, that the true spirit of Northern Michigan shines brightest.”

“Yesterday, I spoke to President Trump who confirmed that communities in Northern Michigan impacted by the historic ice storm damage earlier thisnyear will start to receive federal disaster funding,” said Governor Whitmer. “With this initial support, we can help communities recover costs associated with cleanup efforts. I want to thank the president and our congressional delegation for supporting our request, and I look forward to collaborating further on much-needed additional resources. Michiganders across the state stepped up to help our neighbors, and while other parts of our request remain under review, we will continue advocating together to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild.”

“Many Northern Michigan individuals, families, and small businesses are still recovering from the historic ice storms that hit our state earlier this year,” said Lt. Governor Garlin Gilchrist II. “This federal emergency declaration will help local leaders, communities, and Northern Michigan families get back on their feet and move forward with their lives. While this storm was devastating, Michiganders are strong, and we will Stand Tall together.”

“I’m pleased that funding is coming to Northern Michigan to bolster the ongoing recovery efforts following the ice storm this March,” said U.S. Senator Gary Peters. “The State of Michigan and local emergency managers continue to work hard because this job is not finished, and I’ll keep fighting to help our communities get the resources they need to bounce back stronger.”

“The Michigan State Police has supported response efforts from the moment this storm began, coordinating statewide resources through the State Emergency Operations Center to assist local communities impacted by the storm,” said Col. James F. Grady II, director of the MSP. “This federal declaration is a crucial next step. It allows us to continue supporting our partners through long-term recovery.”

Federal Disaster Declaration

The declaration opens the path to Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Public Assistance in Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Kalkaska, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle Counties and the Little Traverse Bay Bands of Odawa Indians. The administration continues to review the request for Individual Assistance and Public Assistance under Schedule F.

Advocating for Northern Michigan

On June 25th, Rep. Jack Bergman led a letter with the entire Michigan Congressional Delegation, urging President Donald J. Trump in the strongest possible terms,to approve Governor Whitmer’s May 16 request for a Major Disaster Declaration.

On May 30th, Rep. Jack Bergman joined Michigan USDA Farm Service Agency (FSA) Director Joel Johnson to announce that assistance through the Emergency Conservation Program (ECP) and Emergency Forest Restoration Program (EFRP) is on the way for Northern Michigan. Both programs are designed to help landowners recover from severe storm damage and restore their operations.

On May 19th, Rep. Jack Bergman expressed his full support for Governor Gretchen Whitmer’s request for a Presidential Major Disaster Declaration in response to the ice storm that struck Northern Michigan and the Upper Peninsula in March.

On April 5th, Rep. Bergman visited the affected counties and met with local emergency leaders, linemen, and first responders to discuss the needs across the region.

State Actions

On March 31, Governor Whitmer declared a state of emergency to respond to the storm’s impact. The declaration initially covered 10 counties and was expanded to include 12 counties: Alcona, Alpena, Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Crawford, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Oscoda, Otsego, and Presque Isle counties. Governor Whitmer also deployed the Michigan National Guard to provide more personnel and specialized equipment to help with ice storm recovery efforts in northern Michigan. Lastly, the Governor Whitmer declared an energy emergency in the Upper Peninsula to help expedite delivery of fuel and other critical supplies to impacted areas.

On May 16, Governor Whitmer submitted a formal request for a major disaster declaration to help Northern Michigan recover and rebuild from the historic ice storms that hit the region hard in late March. The governor also traveled to the White House to meet with President Trump, advocating for federal assistance for Northern Michigan. The governor previously asked for an Emergency Declaration, which would authorize up to $5 million in immediate public assistance to support emergency efforts, including debris management needs.

She will continue working with the administration to pursue further relief from FEMA, and her request for individual assistance (IA) remains under review by the federal administration. IA can include grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster. She will also seek resources for hazard mitigation measures statewide.

Resources

Residents and business owners who sustained losses in the designated areas can begin applying for assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov, by calling 800-621-FEMA (3362), or by using the FEMA App. Anyone using a relay service, such as video relay service (VRS), captioned telephone service or others, can give FEMA the number for that service.

On June 11, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) separately granted an administrative disaster declaration for Cheboygan County and the contiguous counties of Charlevoix, Emmet, Mackinac, Montmorency, Otsego, and Presque Isle. SBA established two Disaster Loan Outreach Centers for one-on-one assistance, open now through July 26 at 2:00pm:

229 Court St.

Cheboygan, MI 49721

8288 S. Pleasantview Rd.

Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Loan applications are also available online or by mail. For additional information on low-interest SBA loans or the application process, visit the MySBA Loan Portal or call 1-800-659-2955. The physical loan application deadline is Aug. 8. Small businesses and non-profits have until March 9, 2026, to apply for EIDLs (working capital loans). So far SBA has disbursed $572,322 in loans for this disaster.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Case Introduces Proposal To Expand Indigenous-Based Tourism

Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Ed Case (Hawai‘i – District 1)

(Washington, DC) — U.S. Representative Ed Case (D-Hawai‘i-First District) has introduced proposed legislation in the U.S. House to authorize federal grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations for fostering indigenous history and culture-based travel and tourism.

“This measure is especially important for my home state of Hawai‘i, where the link between tourism and our indigenous peoples, Native Hawaiians, is essential”, said Case. “Native Hawaiian history and culture is at the heart of our islands’ uniqueness. It is one of the major draws for our visitors, and activities based on our indigenous history and culture should be developed by Native Hawaiians wherever and however possible.”

Case said his measure is the House companion to S. 612, introduced by Senators Lisa Murkowski, Chair of the Senate Indian Affairs Committee, and Brian Schatz, Vice Chairman of the Committee. The bill makes important corrections to the NATIVE Act to authorize grants to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations for recreational travel and tourism activities.

Case said that Congress enacted the NATIVE Act in 2016 to provide grants, loans and technical assistance to Indian Tribes, Tribal organizations, Native Alaskans and Native Hawaiian organizations to assist in developing tourism in indigenous peoples communities and enhancing opportunities for visitors to learn about indigenous peoples’ history, cultures, traditional foods, languages and arts. He said unfortunately, the act did not clearly authorize the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) or the Office of Native Hawaiian Relations (ONHR) to issue the grants, which led to implementation challenges.

“Our bill corrects this oversight by clearly authorizing the BIA and ONHR, along with several other federal agencies, to issue these grants and authorize appropriations for the program,” said Case. “The bill will enable improved access to federal resources, helping these communities build sustainable tourism infrastructure and expand cultural tourism. In turn, it will foster a broader appreciation of indigenous peoples and create jobs and boost economic development in rural and underserved areas.”

Case continued: “The past generations have witnessed a great renaissance of the Hawaiian language and culture, and in turn over the ensuing years Native Hawaiian practitioners and culture have become an increasingly visible and central part of our visitor industry. We in Hawai‘i are committed to fostering this sector of our economy in a way that encourages long-term cultural preservation efforts.

“Through improving the implementation of the NATIVE Act, which has helped both Native Hawaiian Organizations and local Native Hawaiian businesses, our federal government will do a better job preserving and promoting Native Hawaiian culture.

“We can help connect tourists with the rich indigenous heritage of Hawai‘i though community-based visitor experiences that protect cultural sites, promote education and create jobs.”

1. Link to measure is here

2. Link to Case remarks on the measure is here

###

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Sullivan Chairs CECC Hearing on Chinese Transnational Repression & Political Warfare

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Alaska Dan Sullivan

07.23.25

WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), the new chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), today chaired a hearing on the People’s Republic of China’s (PRC) disturbing campaign of transnational political warfare and repression against the people and leaders of Taiwan, and partners of and advocates for Taiwan, including American citizens and others living lawfully in the United States.

“This is transnational repression. It is a coordinated strategy to isolate Taiwan, dominate the global narrative through fear and coercion, and again, not only against Taiwanese citizens, but other citizens, including our own citizens,” said Sen Sullivan. “These threats are multifaceted—AI-generated disinformation; the extraterritorial application of PRC laws; of course, diplomatic pressure on Taiwan’s allies; the public intimidation of democratically elected leaders…Every day, the CCP grows bolder and more aggressive in its threats against Taiwan, the United States and our allies in the Indo-Pacific. We need to call that out, have open hearings like this, and push back against this transnational repression.”

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Click here to watch the full hearing.

The commission heard testimony from Fan Yun, a member of the Legislative Yuan of Taiwan; Rear Admiral Mike Studeman, U.S. Navy (Ret.), former commander of the Office of Naval Intelligence; Peter Mattis, president of the Jamestown Foundation; and Audrye Wong, the Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and assistant professor of political science and international relations at the University of Southern California.

Sen. Sullivan has long been a leading advocate in the Senate for Taiwan, introducing his comprehensive Sanctions Targeting Aggressors of Neighboring Democracies (STAND) with Taiwan Act in the last two Congresses aimed at deterring a Chinese People’s Liberation Army (PLA) military invasion of Taiwan that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) dictatorship has threatened for years. Sullivan is expected to reintroduce the legislation in the fall with a strong, bipartisan slate of cosponsors. Sen. Sullivan was announced as the chairman of the CECC for the 119^th Congress on July 14, 2025, serving alongside Rep. Chris Smith (R-N.J.), the CECC co-chair.

Below is a full transcript of Sen. Sullivan’s introductory remarks.

Today’s hearing comes at a pivotal moment. For 75 years, the People’s Republic of China has vowed to bring Taiwan under its control. We have our own Taiwan Relations Act. We have our “One China” policy. However, in recent years, that pressure—not just, by the way, with regard to Taiwanese, but other people, including American citizens—has intensified and globalized with Beijing not only targeting Taiwan across the strait, it’s projecting intimidation across borders, institutions, using political transnational repression as tools of coercion among people across the globe.

The title of this hearing rhymes with major legislation of mine, the STAND with Taiwan Act. That bill, which I’ve introduced in the last two Congresses and will soon be introducing again, has great bipartisan support. Senators Graham, Duckworth and Coons are the top co-sponsors. I would encourage strong bipartisan support with my colleagues here. What that would do is, if there is a military invasion of Taiwan by the Communist Party and the PLA of China, this would trigger punishing, comprehensive sanctions on the Chinese economy and particularly leaders of the Chinese Communist Party—punishing—economic, trade, financial, energy. We all want deterrence in the Taiwan Strait. I think the threat of these massive sanctions might be critical in terms of deterring a cross-Strait invasion of Taiwan by the PLA.

We also need to deal with the here and now of Chinese coercion abroad. Again, this hearing is going to focus on the coercion of Taiwanese citizens. But I want to make sure, and I certainly will be asking questions in my Q-and-A with the witnesses of repression of others—people from Hong Kong, American citizens, which is really unacceptable when that happens by the Chinese Communist Party. They’re good at coercing their own citizens, but they’re not going to, with this Congress, be allowed to coerce Americans or those who are our allies.

These threats are multifaceted—AI-generated disinformation; the extraterritorial application of PRC laws; of course, diplomatic pressure on Taiwan’s allies; the public intimidation of democratically elected leaders. By the way, that’s something the Chinese Communist Party would never do. They never stand for election themselves. They fear their own people because they know they probably wouldn’t get elected if they had to stand for elections. So that makes them nervous when there are people who actually stand for elections, like we do, and go before the people.

The PRC is also attempting to rewrite international norms, distorting UN General Assembly Resolution 2758, and pressuring countries to embrace Beijing’s view that all necessary measures it might use to achieve unification with regard to Taiwan.

Most disturbingly, the PRC has labeled Taiwan’s vice president, who I know well and is a good friend of mine, and other officials as “obstinate Taiwan independence diehards,” threatening them with life imprisonment or worse. It has declared any Taiwanese citizen, including those living abroad, can be punished under PRC law.

In a closed-door meeting earlier this year, senior CCP official Wang Huning reportedly called for a global expansion of these intimidation tactics. According to credible reporting, Wang instructed embassies and security services—hopefully they’re not doing it here in America, but they probably are—to implement “proactive intimidation against so-called radical Taiwanese independence advocates worldwide, including in the United States of America.

These are not abstract threats last year, Czech intelligence uncovered a planned “kinetic operation” by the PRC to intimidate then Vice President-elect Bi-khim on her visit there. Again, she’s a friend of mine—a great person. The PRC is also harassing international media outlets for interviewing Taiwanese leaders. Individuals around the world who criticize Beijing’s Taiwan policy have been doxed and placed under surveillance. This is transnational repression. It is a coordinated strategy to isolate Taiwan, dominate the global narrative through fear and coercion, and again, not only against Taiwanese citizens, but other citizens, including our own citizens.

Every day, the CCP grows bolder and more aggressive in its threats against Taiwan, the United States and our allies in the Indo-Pacific. We need to call that out, have open hearings like this, and push back against this transnational repression.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
4th Test: Sudharsan’s 61 takes India to 264/4 against England, Pant suffers foot

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Bad light forced an early end to Day One of the fourth Test of the Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy series at Old Trafford, with India reaching 264/4 in 83 overs, largely due to B Sai Sudharsan’s impressive 61 – his first Test fifty.

Brought back into the playing XI in place of Karun Nair, Sudharsan had a nervy start and was even dropped on 20. But the left-handed batter recovered well, striking seven boundaries in his 151-ball knock on a hard pitch under overcast skies.

Yashasvi Jaiswal scored a gritty 58 while sharing a 94-run opening stand with KL Rahul, who made 46. However, India’s biggest concern will be Rishabh Pant’s foot injury, which forced him to retire hurt on 37. After taking a nasty blow and developing significant swelling, Pant was sent for scans, and the extent of his participation could influence the outcome of the match.

In the morning, Ben Stokes won the toss for the fourth time and opted to bowl first. Initially, Jaiswal rode his luck as Chris Woakes repeatedly beat his outside edge. However, the veteran all-rounder couldn’t find the breakthrough in his marathon eight-over spell, with Jaiswal taking three boundaries off him, while Rahul hit two.

When Brydon Carse came on, Rahul cut him twice for fours, and Jaiswal pierced the gap between third slip and gully. Rahul, who surpassed 400 runs in the series, faced more deliveries from Archer than Jaiswal, who had twice fallen to the pacer at Lord’s.

After cutting Stokes for four, Jaiswal got a lucky edge off Archer for another boundary before upper-cutting the England captain for six. He and Rahul ensured India went to lunch without losing a wicket.

The second session began with Jaiswal slashing and punching Carse for a pair of boundaries, before Woakes was finally rewarded for his persistence. On the last ball of the 30th over, a back-of-a-length delivery nipped away and took a thick outside edge from Rahul’s attempted punch, and Zak Crawley held on at third slip. Rahul departed for 46, ending the 94-run opening stand.

Jaiswal went on to record his 12th Test fifty but fell soon after the drinks break. Liam Dawson, making his Test comeback after eight years, claimed his first wicket on just his seventh delivery. Jaiswal, attempting a forward defence, edged to Harry Brook at first slip and was dismissed for 58.

Dawson, playing in place of the injured Shoaib Bashir, managed to tie Sudharsan down. Sudharsan could have fallen on 20 if Jamie Smith hadn’t missed a leg-side chance off Stokes.

However, Stokes struck in his next over when Shubman Gill left an in-ducker that rapped him on the pads. After being adjudged out by on-field umpire Rod Tucker, Gill reviewed, but replays showed the ball clipping the top of off-stump. He walked off for 12, giving England a boost after a wicketless first session.

In the final session, Sudharsan hooked Archer through fine leg for four, then pulled another for a boundary. Pant stunned the crowd with a front-foot sweep off Archer for four, followed by an audacious reverse ramp. He also launched Carse for a six over long-on, as he and Sudharsan brought up a counter-attacking 50-run stand and helped India cross 200.

However, disaster struck in the 68th over when Pant attempted a reverse sweep off Woakes but under-edged the ball onto his right foot. Though England reviewed for lbw and lost it, Pant was clearly in pain. The swelling on his foot ballooned to the size of a table tennis ball, and he was eventually taken off the field in a buggy, retiring hurt on 37 after a 72-run stand with Sudharsan.

Sudharsan went on to bring up his maiden Test fifty in 174 balls with a crisp drive through cover off Joe Root. But Stokes’ short-ball tactic worked once again, as Sudharsan, cramped for room, top-edged a pull to long leg – the third time he’s been dismissed by Stokes in this series.

With bad light forcing England to bowl spin from both ends, Ravindra Jadeja and Shardul Thakur, both unbeaten on 19, added three boundaries between them before play was called off, concluding a see-saw day of Test cricket.

Brief scores:

India 264/4 in 83 overs (B Sai Sudharsan 61, Yashasvi Jaiswal 58; Ben Stokes 2-47, Chris Woakes 1-43) vs England

—IANS

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Law Business and Media – MinterEllisonRuddWatts advises Warner Bros. Discovery on sale of Discovery NZ to Sky

Source: MinterEllisonRuddWatts

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is pleased to have advised Warner Bros. Discovery, Inc. on the sale of its New Zealand subsidiary, Discovery NZ Limited, to Sky Network Television Limited (Sky).

The transaction, announced this week, involves the sale of 100% of the shares in Discovery NZ to Sky, with completion expected on 1 August 2025.

Discovery NZ operates the broadcast-video-on-demand (BVOD) platform ThreeNow, free-to-air channel Three, and a suite of FAST channels in New Zealand.

As part of the deal, Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky have entered into a significant and ongoing content supply agreement, ensuring continued access to premium content for New Zealand audiences.

Michael Brooks, Managing Director Australia and New Zealand for Warner Bros. Discovery commented: “This is a fantastic outcome for both Warner Bros. Discovery and Sky. While Discovery NZ is no longer commercially viable as a standalone asset in our New Zealand portfolio, we see the value Three and ThreeNow can bring to Sky’s offering. The transaction includes a content supply agreement that benefits both parties.”

MinterEllisonRuddWatts advised Warner Bros. Discovery on all legal aspects of the transaction, including deal structuring, negotiation of the share sale agreement, transitional services arrangements, employment aspects, content supply arrangements and regulatory engagement.

Corporate Partner Mark Forman who led the deal, says: “We are proud to have supported Warner Bros. Discovery in this strategic divestment. The transaction reflects our firm’s expertise in cross-border M&A and media sector transactions, and we are pleased to have helped deliver a successful outcome that creates a unique opportunity for Sky.”

The law firm’s deal team included Mark Forman, Tayla Johnston, James Marriner, Nick Stewart, Caitlin Reid, Jennifer Hambleton, Gillian Service, Joshua Kimpton, Simon Akozu, Andrew Ryan, Chris Young, Briar Richardson, David Gilbert, Tom Maasland, Sean Gollin, and Kate Lane.

MinterEllisonRuddWatts is a top tier New Zealand law firm known for providing clients with technically excellent legal solutions and innovative advice. We are trusted advisors and work alongside our clients to ensure success. We are proud to be a New Zealand law firm offering a global outlook. Our offices in Auckland and Wellington can access an international network through our firm’s strategic alliance with MinterEllison, a leading firm in the Asia-Pacific. The firm supports numerous charitable endeavours and organisations through its pro bono and fundraising initiatives.

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Prime Minister secures thousands of British jobs and £6 billion in investment and export wins as historic trade deal with India signed
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

Press release

Prime Minister secures thousands of British jobs and £6 billion in investment and export wins as historic trade deal with India signed

Today, the Prime Minister will welcome nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins.
Thousands of jobs created for Brits through new Indian investment and export wins worth almost £6 billion

New figures show that £4.8bn trade deal will unlock economic growth for each region and nation of the UK – delivering on the government’s Plan for Change

UK and India also agree to ramp up joint efforts against organised crime and illegal migration with new framework to tackle trafficking, document fraud and remove barriers to return

Today, the Prime Minister will welcome nearly £6 billion in new investment and export wins, which will create over 2,200 British jobs across the country as Indian firms expand their operations in the UK and British companies secure new business opportunities in India. These deals will drive jobs in high-growth sectors like aerospace, technology and advanced manufacturing – supporting engineers, technicians and supply chain workers, in every corner of the UK.

It comes as the Prime Minister is set to meet the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, today for the signing of the landmark UK-India trade deal. From Coventry to Carlisle, new analysis shows communities across every region of the UK will benefit from its £4.8 billion increase to UK GDP each year.

Thanks to the deal, British workers will enjoy a collective uplift in wages of £2.2 billion each year and could also see cheaper prices and more choice on clothes, shoes, and food products.

The UK already imports £11 billion in goods from India, but liberalised tariffs on Indian goods will make it easier and cheaper to buy their best products. For businesses, this could mean potential savings when importing components and materials used in areas such as advanced manufacturing or luxury and consumer goods.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:

Our landmark trade deal with India is a major win for Britain. It will create thousands of British jobs across the UK, unlock new opportunities for businesses and drive growth in every corner of the country, delivering on our Plan for Change.

We’re putting more money in the pockets of hardworking Brits and helping families with the cost of living, and we’re determined to go further and faster to grow the economy and raise living standards across the UK.

India’s average tariff on UK products will drop from 15% to 3% which means British companies selling products to India from soft drinks and cosmetics to cars and medical devices will find it easier to sell to the Indian market.

Whisky producers will benefit from tariffs slashed in half, reduced immediately from 150% to 75% and then dropped even further to 40% over the next ten years – giving the UK an advantage over international competitors in reaching the Indian market.

Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds said:

The billions brought to our economy from the trade deal signed today will reach all regions and nations of the UK so working people in every community can feel the benefits.

The almost £6 billion in new investment and export wins announced today will deliver thousands of jobs and shows the strength of our partnership with India as we ensure the UK is the best place in the world to invest and do business.

This government is proving time and again that we can deliver on our mission to grow the economy, put more money in pockets and boost living standards under our Plan for Change.

The two Prime Ministers have also signed a renewed Comprehensive and Strategic Partnership, which will see closer collaboration on defence, education, climate, technology and innovation. This comes exactly one year since the countries signed the landmark UK-India Technology Security Initiative, which sees joint work on telecoms security and unlocking investment across emerging technologies – telecoms, critical minerals, AI, quantum, health/bio tech, advanced materials and semiconductors.

The UK and India have also agreed to strengthen cooperation in tackling corruption, serious fraud, organised crime, and irregular migration through enhanced intelligence sharing and operational collaboration. This includes committing to finalising a groundbreaking new criminal records sharing agreement, facilitating the exchange of criminal records to support criminal proceedings, maintain accurate watchlists and enable the enforcement of travel bans. These measures represent a significant step forward in joint efforts to combat organised immigration crime.

Aligned with the UK’s recent Industrial and Trade Strategies, the deal will support the sectors which drive the most growth for the economy. The UK’s large and varied manufacturing sectors will benefit from tariffs cut on aerospace (as high as 11% reduced to 0%), automotives (up to 110% down to 10% under a quota) and electrical machinery (from up to 22% down to either 0% of a 50% reduction).

A reduction in tariffs, combined with a reduction in regulatory barriers to trade between the UK and India are estimated to:

Increase UK exports to India by nearly 60% in the long run – this is equivalent to an additional £15.7 billion of UK exports to India when applied to projections of future trade in 2040.

Increase bilateral trade by nearly 39% in the long run, equivalent to £25.5 billion a year, when compared to 2040 projected levels of trade in the absence of an agreement

The clean energy industry will have brand new, unprecedented access to India’s vast procurement market as the country makes the switch to renewable energy and continues to see growing energy demand.

For financial and professional business services, locked in access will offer certainty to expand in India’s growing market and measures such as binding India’s foreign investment cap for the insurance sector, ensuring UK financial services companies are treated on an equal footing with domestic suppliers.

Meanwhile, 26 British companies have secured new business in India. Airbus & Rolls-Royce will soon begin delivering Airbus aircraft – with over half powered by Rolls-Royce engines – to major Indian airlines as part of around £5 billion worth of contracts recently agreed. These orders will help sustain hundreds of jobs across their respective sites in Filton, Broughton and Derby.

18 firms have confirmed new investment including Zerowatt Energy, AI powered energy intelligence platform is setting up its Global HQ in Leicester. The firm will invest £10m and create 50 new jobs across Leicester, Manchester, Edinburgh and London over the next three years.

Other UK and Indian businesses who have confirmed almost £6 billion in new investments and export deals today creating over 2,200 jobs across the UK includes:

Carbon Clean, a UK-based leader in carbon capture, with projected UK export contributions of £83 million over the next five years, has invested £7.6 million in a Global Innovation Centre in Mumbai. This ODI and export wins will unlock 250 jobs across London, Glasgow and Huddersfield as well as 100 jobs in Mumbai.

AI and data services company, DCube AI, is investing £5 million in the UK, unlocking 50 jobs across Manchester and London in the next three years to strength its technology offering to UK customers.

Occuity, an innovative UK AI healthcare company has partnered with Remidio Innovative Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leading Indian manufacturer and distributor of ophthalmic medical devices to bring Occuity’ s cutting-edge ophthalmic screening technologies to India, improving access to innovative and non-invasive eye screening and leading to an export value of £74.3 million over 5 years.

Johnson Matthey, a UK-based leader in chemicals and sustainable technologies, has secured recent contracts of over £20 million for process licensing, engineering, and catalysts supply in India. The company will also invest £4 million in a new plant at Taloja (Maharashtra) and in doubling its capacity at an existing site in Panki, Uttar Pradesh, with contracts are helping to create up to 20,000 jobs in India during the construction phase of these projects.

Marcus Evans Group, a global business intelligence and summits business company established its new Global Technology office in Mumbai to serve its 59 offices worldwide and has confirmed a combined Export (£42mn) and ODI (£27mn) win of £69 million over the next five years from India.

LTIMindtree , a global technology consulting and digital solutions company plans to further expand its London operations by adding over 300 highly skilled jobs, investing £1m. This includes a state-of-the-art AI innovation studio and showcase lab.

Aurionpro, a global enterprise technology leader in Banking, Payments, Insurance, Data Centers, and Public Sector technology is investing over £20M to launch its UK HQ, creating 150+ high-value jobs in multiple locations across UK over 3 years. It will also open AI-powered R&D labs in collaboration with top UK universities to develop next-gen transport technology and lead the global Safe Superintelligence (SSI) movement, ensuring AI is built safely and ethically.

Tufan Erginbiligic, Rolls-Royce CEO, said:

India is an important market for our business, with over 90 years of partnership with Indian industry and the Indian Government. We welcome the provisions in this Free Trade Agreement, including those that bring closer alignment with international standards for trade in civil aerospace. These agreements will benefit Rolls-Royce and our customers, paving the way for future aerospace growth in India.

Nik Jhangiani, Interim Chief Executive, Diageo, said:

This agreement marks a great moment for both Scotch and Scotland, and we’ll be raising a glass of Johnnie Walker to all those who have worked so hard to get it secured.

William Bain, Head of Trade Policy at the BCC, said:

The signing of this agreement is a clear signal of the UK’s continuing commitment to free and fair trade. It will open a new era for our businesses and boost investment between two of the world’s largest economies.

Currently around 16,000 UK companies are trading goods with Indian companies, and there is high interest in our Chamber Network to grow that.  This deal will create new opportunities in the transport, travel, creative and business support sectors alongside traditional strengths in finance and professional services.

Jean-Etienne Gourgues, Chivas Brothers Chairman and CEO, said:

Signature of the UK-India FTA is a sign of hope in challenging times for the spirits industry. India is the world’s biggest whisky market by volume and greater access will be an eventual game changer for the export of our Scotch whisky brands, such as Chivas Regal and Ballantine’s.

The deal will support long term investment and jobs in our distilleries in Speyside and our bottling plant at Kilmalid and help deliver growth in both Scotland and India over the next decade. Let’s hope that both governments will move quickly to ratification so business can get to work implementing the deal!

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Published 23 July 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Climate change: ICJ ruling is a landmark win for children – Save the Children
Source: Save the Children

The historic climate change ruling at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) today is a landmark win for child campaigners, acknowledging the adverse impacts of climate change on child rights, and offering children renewed hope, Save the Children said.

The Advisory Opinion delivered by the world’s highest court finds that states’ legal obligations to address climate change extend beyond existing climate agreements. It also found that “states must take their obligations under international human rights law into account when implementing their obligations under the climate change treaties and other relevant environmental treaties.”

While not legally binding, leading environmental lawyers say the ruling “could become a guiding star for climate policies at all levels of governance”, including how States are held accountable under multiple areas of international law.

The Advisory Opinion originated from an extensive campaign led by a group of law students from the Pacific Islands, with strong support from the Republic of Vanuatu [1].

In December last year, Vepaiamele, 16, a child campaigner with Save the Children Vanuatu, travelled to The Hague with the Government of Vanuatu – the only child to attend as part of a government delegation – to speak about the impacts of climate change on the Pacific island nation and call for action.

Vepaiamele said today: “This Advisory Opinion is everything I hoped for and I am so happy with this outcome as I know it will pave the way for a safer future for youth like myself and future generations, too.”

Speaking from The Hague last year , Vepaiamele said:

“As a young Ni-Vanuatu girl, I feel the effects of climate change every day of every year. I’ve experienced many cyclones. It can be kind of terrifying sometimes, especially the really strong ones. Every cyclone, our classrooms are destroyed, our homes are flattened to the ground, and hospitals and communication towers are ripped apart. And then there’s also the mental health impacts, and we don’t really talk about it that much, but it can really cause anxiety in children and young people.”

Human-induced climate change is driving up global temperatures, with the past 10 years the warmest on record, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Children, particularly those affected by inequality and discrimination, bear the brunt of climate change impacts that are already forcing them from their homes, putting food out of reach, damaging schools and increasing risks like child marriage as they are forced out of education and into poverty.

Limiting warming temperatures through the rapid phase-out of the use and subsidy of fossil fuels is critical for children’s rights and lives, Save the Children said.

Earlier this year, research released by the child rights organisation with the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) found that the difference between global temperature rise of 1.5°C and 2.7°C could see 38 million more children from the 2020 birth cohort face unprecedented lifetime exposure to extreme heatwaves. [2] Save the Children also called for increased climate finance targeted at helping children and their families, child-centred and locally led adaptation and an increase in the participation of children in shaping climate action.

Save the Children New Zealand CEO Heather Campbell says, “The ICJ’s opinion strengthens the argument that climate inaction is a form of intergenerational injustice, disproportionately borne by those least responsible and least equipped to adapt.

“At home in Aotearoa New Zealand, children and their families are experiencing the devastating impacts of extensive flooding and other climate-related emergencies, including Cyclone Gabrielle. Communities across the Nelson Tasman region are still reeling from floods that have destroyed homes and farmland, displaced families and closed schools.

“On a recent visit to Solomon Islands, children told us about the impact rising sea levels were having on their communities, including monthly flooding in homes and schools, saline infiltration into fresh water supplies, and crops being destroyed. In other parts of the Pacific, communities are having to constantly rebuild after multiple cyclones in the last few years alone. These are not future scenarios – they are current realities.

“Save the Children welcomes the finding from the ICJ, and we also urge governments and development agencies to ensure that climate finance reaches those on the frontline of this crisis.

“Currently, only 2.4% of climate finance from multilateral funding sources is child centred. Even without the Court’s opinion, we know that states must do far more to protect children from the worst impacts of this crisis, including by significantly increasing climate finance to uphold children’s rights and access to health, education and protection.”

In light of the ICJ’s Advisory Opinion, Save the Children New Zealand is calling on the New Zealand Government to renew its commitment to provide climate finance to help communities recover from climate induced loss and damage as well as working to reduce the country’s carbon emissions.

As the world’s leading independent child rights organisation, Save the Children works in about 110 countries, tackling climate change across everything we do. Save the Children supports children and their communities across the Pacific and globally in preventing, preparing for, adapting to, and recovering from both sudden climate disasters and slow onset climate change. We have set up floating schools, rebuilt destroyed homes and provided cash grants to families hit by disasters.

We also work to influence governments and other key stakeholders in Aotearoa New Zealand and around the world on climate policies, including at the UNFCCC COP summits, giving children a platform for their voices to be heard.

Notes:

Multimedia can be found here including Vepaiamele with other young people on Tuesday 22 July, Vepaiamele at the Hague, and general vision of Vanuatu

[1] The Advisory Opinion is in response to a Pacific-led resolution (A/RES/77/276) to the UN General Assembly adopted by consensus on 29 March 2023. This was the result of an extensive campaign by a group of law students from the University of the South Pacific ( Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change ) with strong support from the Republic of Vanuatu. Save the Children has worked closely with the Pacific Islands Students Fighting Climate Change to ensure the voices of children and young people are incorporated into countries’ written and oral submissions to the Court. As part of her campaigning work, Vepaiamele and other activists met with embassies of high emitting countriesin Vanuatu ahead of the hearing to try and influence their submissions.

[2] The report found that, for children born in 2020, if global temperature rise is limited to 1.5°C rather than reaching 2.7°C above pre-industrial levels:

– About 38 million would be spared from facing unprecedented lifetime exposure to heatwaves; o About 8 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to crop failures; o About 5 million would be spared from unprecedented lifetime exposure to river floods; o About 5 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to tropical cyclones; o About 2 million would avoid unprecedented lifetime exposure to droughts; o About 1.5 million children would be spared unprecedented lifetime exposure to wildfires.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Wasserman Schultz, Carter, Norcross Reintroduce Bipartisan Pool Safety Legislation to Save Young Lives
Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-23)

“No work we do in Congress is more important than keeping our children healthy and safe. And the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act does that by saving countless lives over the years. So, it is critical that we continue this bipartisan, common-sense law, which this reauthorization does by expanding its life-saving impact,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Just this year in my home state we’ve seen over 60 drownings, which is more incidents than at this same time last year. But with education and added layers of protection we can keep more innocent children safe. This law does that by helping decrease drowning in pools and spas, a concern on every parent’s mind as the summer season and water activities pick up. Let’s keep our kids safe with sensible outreach, education, and precautions.”
Washington, D.C. – Today, U.S. Reps. Debbie Wasserman Schultz (FL-25), John Carter (TX-31), and Donald Norcross (NJ-01) re-introduced the bipartisan Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety (VGB) Reauthorization Act to help decrease preventable drownings.

Drownings and near-drownings in pools and spas pose a significant public health risk to our nation’s children. These water-safety fatalities remain the leading cause of unintentional death for children ages one to four, with higher incidents of drowning deaths for American Indian and Black individuals. However, we are not powerless to prevent these tragedies. Strong education, awareness, and enforcement efforts help make children safer around the water and save lives.

“No work we do in Congress is more important than keeping our children healthy and safe. And the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act does that by saving countless lives over the years. So, it is critical that we continue this bipartisan, common-sense law, which this reauthorization does by expanding its life-saving impact,” said Wasserman Schultz. “Just this year in my home state we’ve seen over 60 drownings, which is more incidents than at this same time last year. But with education and added layers of protection we can keep more innocent children safe. This law does that by helping decrease drowning in pools and spas, a concern on every parent’s mind as the summer season and water activities pick up. Let’s keep our kids safe with sensible outreach, education, and precautions.”

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has saved many lives since 2008 by helping to prevent drownings through stronger safety standards and public education,” said Carter. “Now, with summer in full swing and families spending more time at the pool, reauthorizing this law is more important than ever. We should all want our children to be safe around the pool, and this bill is a smart, bipartisan way to protect them. I thank my colleague Rep. Wasserman Schultz for her advocacy on this issue, and I hope my colleagues will support.”

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act is a common-sense bill that has already saved countless lives. It’s a great example of when a policy works the way it was intended. The results speak for themselves since there haven’t been any entrapment deaths in public pools since the legislation was enacted,” said Norcross. “That’s why I’m honored to cosponsor this bill’s reauthorization to continue ensuring our pools install safe drain covers and, most importantly, save lives.”

The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act (VGB), first authorized in 2008, is aimed at improving the safety of all pools and spas by increasing the layers of protection and promoting uninterrupted supervision to prevent child drowning and entrapment. The law has three principal elements, carried out by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC):
1. First, it requires every public pool in the US to install safe drain covers that prevent suction entrapment.
2. Second, it initiates a grant program that incentivizes states, municipalities, and Indian Tribes to adopt their own pool and spa safety laws and support education efforts. These grants provide critical support for local officials to enforce their safety requirements and educate communities about drowning and entrapment dangers.
1. Third, it launches “Pool Safely,” a national public education campaign to raise awareness about drowning prevention.
The VGB Reauthorization Act will continue to carry out these primary functions as it builds on over a decade’s worth of expertise in proper execution of the programs through the CPSC.

Click here for full bill text.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is a perfect example of how sensible and sound policy can save lives. Since the passage of the legislation, entrapment deaths in public pools have ceased and have been substantially reduced in private pool settings. This shows how well-designed legislation can have direct impacts on child safety and engineer our pool environments to be safer for all. The reauthorization not only ensures communities continue to be safe from this preventable tragedy, but also that water safety efforts will continue across the country to address the more than 4,000 fatal drownings the US experiences each year,” said Alissa Magrum, Executive Director of the National Drowning Prevention Alliance (NDPA).

“The passage of the VGB Act, in a significant way, has helped to make some sense of the tragic death of my daughter, Graeme, and so many children whose lives have been lost in preventable drownings. The reauthorization of the legislation also makes sense, as we have learned over the past 15 years what works well and what might be done even better to ensure water safety. I am fully support of the bill,” said Nancy Baker, mother of Virginia Graeme Baker and water safety advocate.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act has saved lives. Reauthorization of this Act allows for its proven safety standards to continue to do its good work, making pools and spas across the United States safer for those who use them. This legislative intervention creates actions and outcomes that those working in public health so often hope to see. It works! The associated Pool Safely funding mechanism is also an essential piece and has been effective in keeping the message of water safety top of mind. The American Red Cross fully supports this reauthorization and all efforts to reduce drownings across the country,” said William Ramos, Ph.D., American Red Cross Scientific Advisory Council Aquatics Chair.

“On behalf of the nation’s YMCAs, which operate more than 2,100 pools across the country, YMCA of the USA strongly supports the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Reauthorization Act. As the largest provider of swim instruction in the country, the Y greatly appreciates the inclusion of nonprofits in the act’s Swimming Pool Safety Grant Program, which creates opportunities for community-based organizations like YMCAs to secure additional resources to raise awareness about drowning prevention and make swim instruction more accessible to those who need it,” said Suzanne McCormick, President and CEO, YMCA of the USA.

“Our daughter Abbey’s hope was that no other child would experience a death or injury from a dangerous pool or spa. The VGB act was the realization of that hope. We can all still do better with the reauthorization of this critical safety legislation. We unequivocally support this bill,” said Scott and Katey Taylor, founders of Abbey’s Hope Charitable Foundation.

“The core purpose of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is to prioritize safety and health in pool and hot tub environments. We have been unwavering in our support for the reauthorization of the VGB Act, recognizing its significant impact on saving lives. PHTA is proud to play a role in the VGB Act through the development of two industry safety standards that establish stringent requirements for suction outlet fitting assemblies and suction entrapment avoidance. By reauthorizing this legislation, we will ensure a substantial reduction in fatal drownings—a cause that deserves universal backing,” said Sabeena Hickman, CAE, President & CEO of the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA).

“The VGB Act, passed only five months after our son Zachary’s death, brought a semblance of peace and hope to our family. That no one has died by entrapment in a public pool since the VGB Act was passed is a victory that we should all celebrate but, there is more work to be done. Even now, sixteen years later, we are seeing recalls on drains that aren’t compliant. The reauthorization of this bill is vital to our communities and will ensure that all public pools comply with entrapment prevention requirements and will support efforts to address traditional forms of drowning. Our family and the ZAC Foundation for Children’s Safety, founded in our son’s honor, are committed to the success of this bill,” said Karen and Brian Cohn, founders of ZAC Foundation.

“CamerEye has always been a vocal leader in advocating for safe aquatic environments—they are absolutely critical to industry. Not only does Virginia Graeme Baker Act reiterate the requirement for safe and compliant drain covers, it incentivizes state, local, and Tribal jurisdictions to implement and enforce swimming pool and spa safety standards which has been proven to save lives. This act is a perfect example of how policy can positively impact saving lives and this reauthorization represents a chance to build on that success. We’re in full support of this reauthorization act.” said Sai Reddy, founder/CEO of CamerEye.ai.

“The Virginia Graeme Baker Act is a shining example of how good policy can save lives, and this reauthorization represents a chance to build on that success. This is also an opportunity to address the serious and persistent inequities that exist around water safety,” said Safe Kids Worldwide President Torine Creppy.

####
MIL OSI USA News –
July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Crapo, Blumenthal, Warren File Major Richard Star Act as Amendment to Must-Pass Defense Bill

US Senate News:

Source: United States Senator for Idaho Mike Crapo

Washington, D.C.–U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut) and Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) announced they are filing the Major Richard Star Act as an amendment to the annual must-pass defense bill, the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Currently, only veterans with disability ratings above 50 percent and more than 20 years of service are eligible to receive the full amount of their U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) retirement and U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) disability payments–leaving behind more than 50,000 combat-injured military retirees. If adopted, the Senators’ Major Richard Star Act will fix this unjust policy for medical retirees with a combat-related disability—providing them their full VA disability and DOD retirement payments.

“The Major Richard Star Act corrects a severe injustice for combat-wounded veterans,” said Senator Crapo. “The support for this correction is clear. Though the namesake of our legislation is no longer with us, we must pass this fix on behalf of the more than 50,000 veterans, including hundreds in Idaho, who stand to benefit.”

“The Major Richard Star Act would correct one of the deepest injustices in our present veterans’ disability system. As an amendment to the NDAA, it would enable tens of thousands of combat-injured veterans to collect the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Right now they’re denied fair, complete compensation because they are subject to a dollar-for-dollar offset of their VA disability and military retirement benefits. It’s unacceptable–and I’m joining my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to right this wrong by seeking to attach our legislation to this year’s NDAA. With more than 31 cosponsors, adopting our amendment is a commonsense next step to finally provide these military retirees who already sacrificed so much the benefits they need and earned.”

“Our veterans put their lives on the line for this country, and it’s time our government gives them the full benefits they’ve earned,” said Senator Warren. “Including this bill in the NDAA will ensure the federal government keeps its promise to our veterans.”

This bipartisan legislation is named in honor of Major Richard A. Star, a decorated war veteran who was forced to medically retire due to his combat-related injuries. Major Star sadly lost his battle with cancer on February 13, 2021.

The Senators’ legislation has 76 bipartisan cosponsors, and is supported by the following military, veterans and survivor organizations: Air Force Sergeants Association (AFSA), Air & Space Forces Association (AFA), American GI Forum, The American Legion, American Logistics Association, American Military Society, American Veterans (AMVETS), America’s Warrior Partnership, American WWII Orphans Network, Armed Forces Retiree Association, Army Aviation Association of America (AAAA), Association of Military Surgeons of the United States (AMSUS), Association of the United States Army (AUSA), Association of the United States Navy (AUSN), Blinded Veterans Association (BVA), Blue Star Families, Burn Pits 360, Catholic War Veterans of the USA & Auxiliary, Chief Warrant Officers Association of the US Coast Guard (CWOA), Code of Support Foundation, Commissioned Officers Association of the U.S. Public Health Service, Inc. (COA), Disabled American Veterans (DAV), Dixon Center for Military and Veterans Services, Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), Gold Star Spouses of America, Grunt Style Foundation, Gold Star Wives of America (GSW), Healing Household, Heroes Athletic Association, Hire Heroes USA, HunterSeven Foundation, Japanese American Veterans Association, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America (IAVA), Jewish War Veterans of the United States of America (JWV), K9s for Warriors, Marine Corps League (MCL), Marine Corps Reserve Association (MCRA), Military Chaplains Association of the United States of America (MCA), Military Family Advisory Network, Military Officers Association of America (MOAA), Military Order of the World Wars, Military Order of the Purple Heart (MOPH), Mission Roll Call, National Association of State Directors of Veterans Affairs (NASDVA), National Defense Committee, National Guard Association of the United States, National Military Family Association (NMFA), Naval Enlisted Reserve Association (NERA), Non Commissioned Officers Association (NCOA), Operation First Response, Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), Project Sanctuary, The Ranger Leadership and Policy Center, Quality of Life Foundation, Reserve Organization of America (ROA), Sea Service Family Foundation, Stronghold Freedom Foundation, Student Veterans of America, TBI Warrior Foundation, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), The Retired Enlisted Association (TREA), The Independence Fund (TIF), United States Army Warrant Officers Association (USAWOA), United States Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association (USCG CPOA), United Through Reading, VetsFirst/United Spinal Association, Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA), Wounded Paw Project and Wounded Warrior Project (WWP).

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
India’s media sector booms with regional growth and digital expansion: govt

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s media and broadcasting sector is undergoing a dynamic transformation, driven by steady growth in traditional platforms and rapid advancement in the digital space.

In a statement presented in the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr. L. Murugan highlighted key developments across print, television, and public broadcasting.

The number of registered publications has increased from 1.05 lakh in 2014-15 to 1.55 lakh in 2024- 25, reflecting the strong rise of regional and vernacular media. Private satellite television channels have also grown from 821 to 908 over the same period, underscoring the sector’s resilience and adaptability.

Doordarshan’s Free Dish platform now carries 92 private channels along with 50 DD channels, offering content in multiple regional languages. This multilingual outreach has played a crucial role in bridging the information gap in remote and underserved areas.

The platform’s expansion is part of a larger strategy to democratize access to news and entertainment. Under the Broadcasting Infrastructure and Network Development (BIND) Scheme 2021- 26, Prasar Bharati continues to modernize its transmission infrastructure.

As part of this initiative, three new transmitters have been approved for Himachal Pradesh- including a 5kW unit in Mandi and 1kW FM transmitters in Chamba and Dharampur.

With a total outlay of ₹2,539 crore, the BIND scheme aims to modernize All India Radio and Doordarshan facilities, expand FM coverage to over 80 percent of the population, and strengthen signal reach in strategically important border areas.

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Maritime News – Passenger Ship HANARIA Equipped with Yanmar’s Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Wins Marine Engineering of the Year 2024

Source: Yanmar Holdings

July 23, 2025 – Osaka, Japan – The passenger vessel HANARIA, equipped with Yanmar Power Technology Co., Ltd.’s GH240FC maritime hydrogen fuel cell system, has received the Marine Engineering of the Year 2024 (Dokou Memorial Award). The honor is awarded by the Japan Institute of Marine Engineering for outstanding technological innovation in the field. This year, the award recognized four companies: MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., HONGAWARA Ship Yard Co., Ltd., Toyota Motor Corporation, and Yanmar Power Technology, a subsidiary of Yanmar Holdings.

HANARIA is Japan’s first hybrid passenger ship powered by both hydrogen and biodiesel. Operated by MOL Techno-Trade, Ltd., the vessel features Yanmar’s first maritime hydrogen fuel cell system, a proprietary lithium-ion battery system developed by Yanmar, and an integrated management system that controls all onboard power. It features two operating modes: a zero-emission mode using only hydrogen fuel cell systems and lithium-ion batteries, and a hybrid mode that combines hydrogen fuel cells, lithium-ion batteries, and a biodiesel generator running in parallel.

The onboard systems aim to reduce the environmental footprint of vessels—a challenge in the hard-to-electrify maritime sector—while also enhancing passenger comfort by significantly cutting noise, vibration and exhaust odor.

Furthermore, HANARIA has been selected for the “Ship of the Year 2024,” an award presented by the Japan Society of Naval Architects and Ocean Engineers that recognizes vessels demonstrating technical, artistic, and social excellence. This marks the first time in history that a vessel has received both the “Marine Engineering of the Year” and the “Ship of the Year” awards.

The Yanmar Group continues to advance its sustainability goals through its YANMAR GREEN CHALLENGE 2050 initiative and remains committed to providing decarbonization solutions that meet customer needs.

References

Press release (November 9, 2023): Yanmar Makes First Delivery of Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System to Hybrid Passenger Ship

https://www.yanmar.com/global/marinecommercial/news/2023/11/09/130776.html

Press release (July 9, 2025): Yanmar Maritime Hydrogen Fuel Cell System Wins Red Dot Design Award 2025

https://www.yanmar.com/global/news/2025/07/09/154079.html

About Yanmar

With beginnings in Osaka, Japan, in 1912, Yanmar was the first ever to succeed in making a compact diesel engine of a practical size in 1933. A pioneer in diesel engine technology, Yanmar is a global innovator in a wide range of industrial equipment, from small and large engines, agricultural machinery and facilities, construction equipment, energy systems, marine, to machine tools, and components — Yanmar’s global business operations span seven domains. On land, at sea, and in the city, Yanmar provides advanced solutions to the challenges customers face, towards realizing A Sustainable Future. For more details, please visit the official website of Yanmar Holdings Co., Ltd.

MIL OSI – Submitted News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI: David M. Findlay Named to Indianapolis Business Journal’s Indiana 250 List for Fourth Consecutive Year

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

WARSAW, Ind., July 23, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Lake City Bank is proud to announce that David M. Findlay, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, has been named to the Indianapolis Business Journal’s Indiana 250 list for the fourth consecutive year. The annual list recognizes the state’s most influential and impactful leaders across business, philanthropy, the arts, government and not-for-profits.

“It’s an honor to be recognized alongside such influential leaders making an impact in our state,” Findlay said. “This list highlights the incredible depth and strength of leadership we have in Indiana to keep our communities moving forward.”

Findlay serves as the Chairman of the boards of directors and Chief Executive Officer of Lakeland Financial and Lake City Bank. He also served as President and Chief Executive Officer from 2014-2023, President and Chief Financial Officer from 2010-2014 and Chief Financial Officer from 2000-2010.

Findlay is active as a board member with many organizations including the Indiana Bankers Association, Indiana Chamber of Commerce, Central Indiana Corporate Partnership, OrthoWorx, Accelinx, the Northeast Indiana Regional Partnership, Parkview Health, Centerfield Capital Partners and the Trine University Board of Trustees.

A full list of those included on the 2025 Indiana 250 list is available on the Indianapolis Business Journal’s website at www.indiana250.com.

Lake City Bank, a $6.9 billion bank headquartered in Warsaw, Indiana, was founded in 1872 and serves Central and Northern Indiana communities with 54 branch offices and a robust digital banking platform. Lake City Bank’s community banking model prioritizes building in-market long-term customer relationships while delivering technology-forward solutions for retail and commercial clients. The bank is the single bank subsidiary of Lakeland Financial Corporation (Nasdaq Global Select/LKFN). For more information visit www.lakecitybank.com.

Contact
Luke Weick
Vice President
Marketing Manager
(574) 267-9198 x47279 office
(260) 431-7061 mobile
luke.weick@lakecitybank.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9db91f9b-e7b5-4a83-9feb-a1016dabf248

The MIL Network –

July 24, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Five arms, no heart and a global family: what DNA revealed about the weird deep-sea world of brittle stars

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Tim O’Hara, Senior Curator of Marine Invertebrates, Museums Victoria Research Institute

A brittle star of the species _Gorgonocephalus eucnemis_. Lagunatic Photo / Getty Images

You may have read that the deep sea is a very different environment from the land and shallow water. There is no light, it is very cold, and the pressure of all the water above is immense.

Plants can’t grow there, and the energy powering life mostly comes from organic matter sinking from the sunlit surface. These facts have been known for more than 150 years.

But I want to tell you something you probably don’t know about the deep sea: for animals on the seafloor, it is a very connected environment. There are few environmental barriers to stop animals slowly expanding their distribution to cover thousands of kilometres. Over a million years, deep-sea animals can spread from Iceland to Tasmania.

In a new study published today in Nature, we map the distribution and relatedness of a single group of marine animals across all ocean seafloors, from the coast down to the abyssal plains of the deep sea, from the equator to the pole.

Australia’s ocean research vessel RV Investigator, operated by the CSIRO Marine National Facility, was used to explore deepsea life around Christmas Island in the Indian Ocean.
Chris Bray / CSIRO, CC BY-NC

Five arms, no brain, no eyes or heart

We sequenced the DNA of thousands of animal specimens stored in natural history collections of museums across the globe, deposited from hundreds of research voyages. For the first time, we have enough data to explore how marine life has evolved and dispersed across the oceans over the past 100 million years.

We studied a group of animals called brittle stars, strange spiny creatures with a disc-like body and five sinuous or branched arms. They have a central mouth and gut, but no brain, no eyes and no heart.

A branched brittle star (Gorgonocephalus chilensis) specimen taken from Coral Seamount, southwest Indian Ocean.
Tim O’Hara / Museums Victoria, CC BY

While these shy animals would not be always familiar to beach combers or snorkelers, they are perfect for our project as they are found in abundance across deep seafloors and frequently surveyed by research expeditions. They have inhabited our planet for more than 480 million years, efficiently consuming and recycling organic matter.

Deep-sea lifestyles

Life in the deep is distributed in a different way to that in shallow seas.

In shallow waters, the temperature differs a lot between the tropics, the temperate regions (mid latitudes) and the poles. This imposes a barrier to the movement of marine life. Animals (and plants) generally adapt to a narrow range of temperatures and only rarely spread to other climates.

So, if you are a tropical shallow-water species, you cannot migrate through frigid waters around South America, or through the Canadian Arctic, to get from the Pacific to Atlantic Ocean. For tens of millions of years, shallow marine species have evolved independently in different oceans and seas.

Tropical shallow-water brittle stars such as Ophiothrix purpurea cannot migrate through cold waters.
Julian Finn / Museums Victoria, CC BY-NC

But we found the deep sea is not like that. Species in different regions are much more closely related.

In fact, the age and geographic distribution of species on a family tree of deep-sea brittle stars resembles that of a group of seabirds or marine mammals. Yet these brittle stars don’t have wings or fins to get around.

The deep-sea brittle star Ophiotholia can burrow like a corkscrew into muddy seafloors.
Caroline Harding / Museums Victoria, CC BY

How eggs and larvae roam the globe

The secret of how slow-moving brittle stars migrate across oceans appears to be their eggs and larvae.

In warm, shallow waters, a yolk-filled food reserve is rapidly used up by the developing larva. But in the cold deep sea, a yolky larva can survive with very slow metabolic activity, drifting on slow-moving currents for more than a year before settling. This greatly expands the range of a brittle star’s offspring.

Moreover, there are numerous seamounts, ridges and plains on the oceanic seafloor that offer transit points for long-distance migration at different depths. This dispersal across oceans has been going on for a long time.

Deep-sea ‘highways’ where brittle stars disperse across the Atlantic and Indian oceans.
Tim O’Hara / Museums Victoria, CC BY

The most prominent of these dispersal highways is across the southern Indian Ocean, transporting deep-sea animals from the Atlantic and Southern Oceans to Australia and New Zealand. In contrast, very few shallow-water animals have traversed such vast distances.

A patchwork of deep-sea life

While brittle star populations show lots of evidence of long-distance connections, deep-sea communities are not uniform around the planet.

Life in the deep is perilous. There is always the threat that a given species may be wiped out in particular regions.

Seawater conditions can change, as can currents and food supplies. New predators or diseases may arrive at any time.

Over time, the combination of high connectivity and high rates of regional extinction has led to a patchwork of deep-sea species distributions across oceans.

To conserve these ecosystems into the future, we will need a much better understanding of the global patterns of deep-sea life.

Tim O’Hara has received funding from CSIRO’s Marine National Facility, Parks Australia, Ocean Census, and from philanthropic support of Museums Victoria Research Institute.

– ref. Five arms, no heart and a global family: what DNA revealed about the weird deep-sea world of brittle stars – https://theconversation.com/five-arms-no-heart-and-a-global-family-what-dna-revealed-about-the-weird-deep-sea-world-of-brittle-stars-261566

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: WHAT THEY ARE SAYING: U.S.-Indonesia Trade Deal Is Another America First Win

US Senate News:

Source: US Whitehouse
President Donald J. Trump’s landmark reciprocal trade agreement with Indonesia is another critical step forward in the Trump Administration’s relentless pursuit of trade policy that finally puts America First. The deal eliminates ~99% of tariff barriers for a full range of U.S. industrial, food, and agricultural exports, unlocks new market access, and breaks down non-tariff barriers — and represents the latest victory for American workers, farmers, and manufacturers.
The trade deal was immediately hailed across American industry:
American Iron and Steel Institute President and CEO Kevin Dempsey: “AISI is encouraged by today’s announcement of a framework for negotiating an agreement with Indonesia to remove Indonesia’s existing export restrictions on critical minerals, such as nickel, which is critical to stainless steel production. Indonesia’s existing export ban and other restrictions on nickel, together with its close ties to Chinese steel producers that have invested in that country as a result of China’s Belt and Road Initiative, have resulted in significant distortions in the global market for nickel to the detriment of steel producers in the United States. We look forward to working with USTR to address the Indonesian nickel export restrictions and other trade-distorting policies as these negotiations move forward.”
Association for Competitive Technology President Morgan Reed: “This is another win for U.S. small tech developers. For years the App Association and our members have raised concerns with the U.S. Trade Representative regarding Indonesia’s inclusion of software and other digital goods in their tariff system, among several other digital trade barriers. We thank USTR and the Administration for their tireless work on behalf of small tech companies and look forward to our continued work strengthening American competitiveness globally. Further, we commend the Indonesian government for joining the United States in committing to support a World Trade Organization agreement that ensures countries will not apply taxes or customs duties to digital service transmissions.”
Business Software Alliance SVP Aaron Cooper: “The US-Indonesia trade agreement is a breakthrough in digital trade policy. The agreement’s provisions to eliminate tariffs on intangible digital products, guaranteeing cross-border data transfers, and supporting the permanent extension of the moratorium on digital customs duties expands access to digital services and supports the adoption of technology. This agreement sends a strong signal to the global economy and many industries that rely on open and secure digital trade, and reflects key reforms that have been core BSA priorities for nearly a decade.”
American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland: “We appreciate President Trump and his administration’s efforts in maintaining market access for U.S. soybeans into Indonesia, and the commitment from USTR to address non-tariff barriers in that market. We look forward to future deals like this that reduce tariffs and ensure continued and increased market access for U.S. agriculture.”
Computer and Communications Industry Association VP Jonathan McHale: “The announced Framework agreement for addressing Indonesia’s many trade barriers, including tariff regimes targeting digital products, restrictions on cross-border data flows, and local content requirements for communications devices, is an important and encouraging step in reforming what has long been one of the most challenging markets for U.S. suppliers. We look forward to a binding agreement addressing not only these restrictions, but a path to resolving all outstanding barriers that remain in this important market.”
Consortium for Common Food Names Executive Director Jaime Castaneda: “The prospect of having Indonesia commit to a more transparent and balanced approach to GIs would be a meaningful advance in the global fight to preserve the use of common food names like parmesan and feta. We commend the U.S. negotiators for prioritizing this issue, particularly at a time when European Union is attempting to expand their GI abuse in growing dairy markets and shut out the United States. We will work diligently with the U.S. government to hold Indonesia accountable to their commitments on common names.”
International Dairy Foods Association SVP Becky Rasdall Vargas: “We could not be more enthusiastic and energized about today’s announcement for improved access for U.S. dairy exports to Indonesia. Indonesia is an important trading partner in a region that is critical to U.S. dairy exports, and growing. Today’s announcement represents the largest improvement of access U.S. dairy exporters have seen in the region in over a decade and will be a timely step towards keeping U.S. dairy exporters globally competitive. We express our sincere appreciation to the Administration and the negotiators for achieving this positive outcome for U.S. dairy.”
National Grain and Feed Association President and CEO Mike Seyfert: “America’s grain and feed industry appreciates President Trump and his negotiating team for advancing a bold and strategic trade framework with Indonesia that delivers meaningful wins for U.S agriculture. This agreement opens the door to billions in new exports – including soybeans, wheat, and other key commodities – while eliminating tariffs and cutting red tape that have long held back U.S. producers. We look forward to swift finalization and implementation of this deal and stand ready to work with the Trump Administration open new markets and tear down unfair trade barriers.”
National Milk Producers Federation President and CEO Gregg Doud: “This looks like it will be a significant win for U.S. dairy. We commend the Trump Administration for securing an agreement that should deliver real benefits for our dairy farmers. We are pleased to hear this framework removes roadblocks to trade and will help grow dairy sales in one of the world’s most populous markets. NMPF looks forward to reviewing the details of the agreement and working with the Administration to ensure Indonesia upholds its end of the bargain.”
National Oilseed Processors Association President and CEO Devin Mogler: “We commend the Trump Administration for prioritizing U.S. farmers in this trade deal with Indonesia, and specifically for including soybean meal purchases. NOPA members have invested over $6 billion to expand U.S. soybean crushing capacity by over 25% since 2023 levels to meet growing demand for food, feed and biofuel use, adding value to the crops our great U.S. farmers produce. Ensuring we have access to growing soybean meal markets like Indonesia ensures our farmers remain competitive relative to global competitors.”
Renewable Fuels Association President and CEO Geoff Cooper: “We’re grateful to President Trump and his team for ensuring U.S. agriculture and renewable fuels are prominently included in these framework agreements. These deals will ultimately help open important Asian markets and allow greater access for American farm products, renewable fuels, and co-products like distillers grains. This administration clearly understands the leading role American farmers and renewable fuel producers can play when it comes to feeding and fueling the world, and we salute President Trump’s efforts to secure fair and reciprocal agreements around the globe. Breaking down barriers to fair trade strengthens our rural economy and the United States as a whole.”
The Meat Institute: “The Meat Institute’s members celebrate @realdonaldtrump and @USTradeRep’s work on a deal with Indonesia opening up this important market for meat & poultry. We look forward to seeing the details of the deal & to continued efforts to remove remaining barriers to trade in other SE Asian markets.”
U.S. Dairy Export Council President and CEO Krysta Harden: “Yesterday’s announcement is an important step forward in advancing opportunities for U.S. dairy exporters. This deal is poised to strengthen our long-term partnership with Indonesia while giving U.S. dairy companies a better shot at competing fairly. While verification that Indonesia honors its commitments will be necessary, the removal of both tariff and nontariff barriers is precisely what our industry needs to create new momentum for U.S. dairy exports and deeper collaboration with a key Southeast Asian partner.”
U.S. Grains Council President and CEO Ryan LeGrand: “The U.S. Grains Council commends the Trump Administration on its historic trade deal with Indonesia, that will enhance trade for both countries and places a zero tariff on the products the Council represents. In the 2023-24 marketing year, Indonesia was the fourth largest importer for U.S. distillers dried grains with solubles at 1,024,000 metric tons. That translates into a nearly $299 million market, and we hope the deal announced today will not only help see those numbers increase but open doors wider to the full range of products we have to offer.”
U.S. Meat Export Federation President and CEO Dan Halstrom: “USMEF thanks USTR for its tireless efforts to negotiate a meaningful agreement with Indonesia, tackling many challenging issues. Indonesia is a market with incredible potential, in which the opportunity for U.S. beef is estimated at $250 million annually. But today, exports are minimal due to numerous trade barriers. We are encouraged to see that the highlights detailed in the U.S.-Indonesia joint statement include resolving key issues such as import licensing, the commodity balance policy, and Indonesia’s onerous plant-by-plant approval process. For both U.S. beef and U.S. pork, these longstanding restrictions have limited exports to Indonesia. Indonesian importers and consumers are demanding U.S. red meat and we look forward to the swift conclusion of these negotiations and expanded export opportunities.”
U.S. Wheat Associates President and CEO Mike Spier: “We are excited and grateful to track this wide-reaching government commitment that includes the agreement signed earlier this month between Indonesian flour millers and the U.S. wheat industry. We thank the Trump Administration, the U.S. Trade Representative and the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Foreign Agricultural Service (USDA-FAS) for their continued work on behalf of American wheat farmers.”

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: Thailand downgrades diplomatic ties with Cambodia after border mine incident, Phnom Penh denies allegations

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

BANGKOK/PHNOM PENH, July 23 (Xinhua) — Thailand downgraded its diplomatic ties with Cambodia on Wednesday after a landmine incident in a border area injured Thai soldiers, with the Cambodian side rejecting Thailand’s accusations.

Acting Thai Prime Minister Phumtham Vechayachai ordered the downgrading of diplomatic relations, the recall of the Thai ambassador to Cambodia and the expulsion of the Cambodian ambassador, according to a statement released by the Prime Minister’s Office.

“Thailand will continue to consider the level of bilateral relations with Cambodia,” the document says.

In addition, Phumtham Vechayachai instructed the country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs to send a note of protest to Cambodia in connection with the incident.

Five soldiers were injured in a mine explosion while patrolling the border area, including one with serious leg injuries, the Thai army said. Three Thai soldiers were also injured in a similar mine explosion near the disputed area last week.

Thai officials said the mines had been planted only recently and accused Cambodia of violating the Anti-Personnel Mine Ban Convention (Ottawa Convention).

The situation on the Thai-Cambodian border remains tense since a brief exchange of fire between the two sides in the disputed border area in late May left a Cambodian soldier dead.

Cambodia on Wednesday rejected Thai allegations that Thai troops were injured in a landmine explosion, saying the incident occurred because the Thai side deviated from mutually agreed patrol routes.

As Deputy Secretary of State and spokesperson for the Cambodian Ministry of Defense Lieutenant General Mali Socheata indicated, the defense ministry completely rejects the baseless accusations made by the Thai side in connection with the injury of five Thai soldiers due to a mine explosion on July 23.

“Cambodia has repeatedly reminded the Thai side of the presence of large numbers of uncleared mines and explosive remnants of war in these areas and called on the Thai side to avoid violating mutually agreed patrol routes as stipulated in the 2000 memorandum of understanding,” the spokesperson said in a statement.

Mali Socheata added that the Ministry of Defence and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces reaffirm their full support for the Cambodian government’s position on resolving the border issue with Thailand through peaceful means and based on international law. –0–

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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MIL OSI Russia News –

July 24, 2025
MIL-OSI USA: Attorney General Alan Wilson leads 17-state brief supporting efforts to exclude racially or sexually divisive materials from public schoolsRead More

Source: US State of South Carolina

(COLUMBIA, S.C.) – South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson announced today that he is leading a 17-state effort to support state lawmakers’ efforts to keep racially or sexually divisive materials out of public schools.

“Our schools are supposed to be places of learning and collaboration, not indoctrination into woke ideologies that assign blame or condemnation based on race or sex,” Attorney General Wilson said.

The South Carolina legislature passed a budget proviso that says the state Department of Education cannot use state money for any instructional materials that teach that one race or sex is inherently superior to another race or sex, or that someone is inherently racist, sexist, or oppressive by virtue of their race or sex. (You can read the Budget Proviso here.)

The South Carolina NAACP, two authors, a teacher, and several students filed a lawsuit to block the proviso, arguing that it violates their First Amendment rights. The attorneys general filed a friend-of-the-court brief in that lawsuit supporting lawmakers’ right to decide which materials belong in public schools.

The attorneys general argue that the Court doesn’t need to endorse the state’s restriction on racially or sexually divisive materials in public schools as sound public policy, only that it needs to follow precedent that says the selection, curation, and placement of educational materials in public schools is a form of government speech.

“A citizen’s right to receive information under the First Amendment is not a right to compel or extract information from the government at the taxpayers’ expense. Accordingly, there is no First Amendment right to compel state-funded schools to implement certain course curricula or require public school libraries to stock their bookshelves with inflammatory and prejudicial materials,” the attorneys general write in their brief.

They also argue that the proviso does not prevent anyone from receiving that information, but rather prevents children from accessing the material in public schools at taxpayers’ expense.

They ask the Court to deny the plaintiffs’ motion for a preliminary injunction and dismiss the case, holding that the plaintiffs are unlikely to succeed on their First Amendment claims.

Joining Attorney General Wilson in the brief are the attorneys general from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, and West Virginia.

You can read their brief here.

MIL OSI USA News –

July 24, 2025