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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI: Quadient Q1 2025 sales at €258m, with strong performance in Digital and Lockers. FY 2025 guidance maintained

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Key highlights

    • Q1 2025 consolidated revenue of €258 million, down 1.1% on a reported basis, including the contribution of Package Concierge, and down 2.5% organically(1)
    • Continued good momentum in Digital and Lockers, with double-digit growth in subscription-related revenue
    • Low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected
    • Positive current EBIT evolution supported by all three Solutions
    • Acceleration of digital financial automation strategy in Europe with the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform
    • Stronger H2 anticipated on the back of continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers with further improvement in profitability, expected Mail recovery and good order pipeline across Solutions
    • FY 2025 guidance maintained, i.e. organic growth acceleration in both revenue and current EBIT

    Paris, 3 June 2025

    Quadient S.A. (Euronext Paris: QDT), a global automation platform powering secure and sustainable business connections, today announces its 2025 first quarter consolidated revenue (period ended on 30 April 2025).

    Geoffrey Godet, Chief Executive Officer of Quadient S.A., stated:

    “The first quarter of 2025 has been another strong quarter for our Digital and Lockers solutions, which delivered solid levels of subscription-related revenue organic growth at +11.1% for Digital and +12.7% for Lockers, demonstrating the strength and success of our two fast growing solutions as well as the quality of our recurring business model.

    As expected, our Mail performance was softer, reflecting the low point in the renewal cycle and a tough comparison base following the decertification-driven boost in 2024 in the United-States. The situation was further exacerbated by a particularly challenging American macroeconomic environment during the first quarter.

    Despite these headwinds in the quarter, we achieved current EBIT organic growth, supported by EBITDA margin positive development in all three solutions.

    With the acquisition of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe and will bring superior digital intelligent automation capabilities to its 300K+ customers worldwide, and notably to its 60K+ French customers, further accelerating their digital transformation, as they anticipate the 2026 mandatory e-invoicing law in France.

    While we expect the same uncertainty and market conditions to continue in Q2, we remain confident in our ability to deliver a stronger second half. As a result, we are maintaining our full-year 2025 guidance of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates.”

    Comments on Q1 2025 performance

    Group revenue came in at €258 million in Q1 2025, down 1.1% on a reported basis, and 2.5% organically compared to Q1 2024. Reported growth includes a positive scope effect of €4 million from the acquisition of Package Concierge in December 2024. The currency impact was broadly flat over the period.

    Subscription related revenue (€193 million, 75% of total sales) increased by +1.2% organically over Q1 2025, reflecting the continued strong momentum in Digital and Lockers. In contrast, non-recurring revenue declined by 12.0% organically against Q1 2024, due to a low point in the renewal cycle of mail equipment installed base, as expected. The decline in hardware sales has however been amplified by the challenging macroeconomic environment in the United States.

    By geography, North America (59% of revenue) declined organically by 2.4% in Q1 2025, impacted by macroeconomic uncertainty in the US delaying customer decision making and a strong comparison base in Mail following last year’s decertification-driven uplift in sales. The Main European countries (33% of revenue) recorded a 2.8% organic decline, while the International segment (8% of revenue) was down 2.0% organically.

    Consolidated revenue by Solution

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic change
    Digital 67 63 +6.5% +7.2%
    Mail 164 178 (7.9)% (7.9)%
    Lockers 27 20 +35.4% +12.2%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
     

    Digital

    In Q1 2025, revenue from Digital reached €67 million, up 7.2% organically and up 6.5% on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.

    This solid performance was driven by a strong 11.1% organic growth in Q1 2025 in subscription-related revenue, in acceleration compared to the previous quarter. Growth was broad-based across all regions, including a double-digit growth in North America. Subscription-related revenue represented 85% of Digital total sales, a further increase compared to 82% in Q1 2024.

    At the end of Q1 2025, annual recurring revenue (ARR) reached €237 million(2), vs. €232 million at the end of FY 2024, representing a 9.6% organic growth on an annualized basis.

    The Digital solution continued to demonstrate healthy booking trends, highlighted by:

    • Robust cross-selling bookings with Mail customers, up c. +50% year-on-year;
    • Double-digit growth in new customer acquisition within the Enterprise business.

    During the quarter, Quadient’s Digital Automation platform received several leadership recognitions across multiple analyst rankings, notably in AP/AR financial automation, where it is now ranked on par with its high positions in CCM/CXM.

    Quadient is accelerating its digital financial automation strategy in Europe, with the acquisition on 2nd June 2025 of Serensia, a leading French electronic invoicing certified platform, trusted by more than 160 customers (including TotalEnergies, Dalkia, RATP…), processing nearly 200 million invoices annually. This acquisition provides Quadient with:

    • First-class software Intellectual Property for its PDP platform (Partner Dematerialization Platform, registered by the French State), and
    • Access to Pan-European Public Procurement Online (PEPPOL) market.

    This acquisition further strengthens Quadient’s Finance Automation portfolio (which includes online payment, e-invoicing, account payable and account receivable automation, credit analysis, hybrid mail, …), and further accelerates Quadient’s Mail customers’ digital transformation, by providing additional pathways towards the necessary adoption of e-invoicing solutions, legally mandated across Europe. Please refer to our dedicated press release published on 2nd June for more details.

    Mail

    Mail revenue reached €164 million in Q1 2025, down 7.9% organically and on a reported basis compared to Q1 2024.   

    Hardware sales recorded a 15.8% organic decline in the first quarter of 2025. This decrease was primarily driven by:

    • A softer performance across all regions. This was expected, given the echo effect of the COVID period, with fewer contracts for renewal, reflecting the lower level of hardware placements made during the pandemic 5 years ago;
    • The United States was particularly affected, with a strong comparison base in Q1 2024, which had benefited from the decertification boosting effect (which ended in Q4 2024), as well as by increased economic uncertainty that delayed customer decision-making.

    Subscription-related revenue (72% of Mail sales) recorded an organic decline of 4.4% in the quarter.

    Despite these headwinds, Quadient continued to outperform the market this quarter.

    The Mail automation platform continued to show good commercial momentum, and double-digit growth in cross-sell order intake with Lockers and +50% for Digital bookings in Q1 2025. This dynamic is illustrated by the expansion of the partnership with the University of Pittsburgh, which has long relied on Quadient’s parcel locker systems to facilitate on-campus student and staff deliveries and is now extending the relationship to include a comprehensive mail management solution.

    At the end of April 2025, already 44.0% of Quadient installed base has been upgraded with its newest technology, compared to 42.4% at the end of January 2025.

    H2 2025 performance is expected to recover as the Mail equipment business will be supported by a stronger pipeline of contracts up for renewal over the second part of the year.

    Lockers

    Lockers revenue reached €27 million in Q1 2025, a 12.2% increase on an organic basis. The reported growth stood at 35.4% year-on-year, reflecting the positive contribution from Package Concierge (€4 million in Q1 2025).

    Subscription-related revenue increased by 12.7% organically in Q1 2025, benefiting from:

    • The outstanding strong volumes ramp up in the UK and French open networks;
    • The continued momentum in the US, driven by higher monetization of usage fees.

    Overall, subscription-related revenue stood at 65% of total revenue in Q1 2025 (vs. 68% in Q1 2024, this small drop reflecting the different revenue mix at the recently acquired Package Concierge).

    Non-recurring revenue (license & hardware sales and professional services) grew strongly by 11.4% organically in Q1 2025, driven by a significant locker placement in International, which more than offset the softer performance in North America. Moreover, another hardware sales deal for circa €5 million has been signed in International and will be recognized in H2 2025

    Quadient’s global locker installed base reached c.26,100 units at the end of Q1 2025, with 600 new lockers deployed over the quarter. This reflects the accelerated pace of new locker installations, particularly in the UK open network, which has expanded nearly fourfold over the last 15 months. This growth is driven by partnerships signed in recent quarters to host parcel lockers in new prime locations.

    In the UK, Quadient extended its partnership with EVRi, with a new large and long-term deal signed, including the consolidation of returns (Drop Box functionality). Quadient also signed a strategic partnership with Stasher, offering travelers a nationwide luggage storage service through Quadient’s smart locker network. These partnerships are expected to further drive volume and support continued adoption growth. In Japan (International segment), Quadient expanded the access to its network so that Amazon parcels can be delivered within approximately 6,000 “PUDO Stations” nationwide.

    LIQUIDITY MANAGEMENT

    In May 2025, Quadient proactively extended the maturity of its €300 million undrawn Revolving Credit Facility by an additional year, pushing it to 2030.

    FY 2025 GUIDANCE MAINTAINED

    While Q2 is expected to face similar markets conditions to the previous quarter and continued macroeconomic uncertainty, Quadient remains confident in its ability to deliver a stronger performance in the second half of the year. This confidence is supported by:

    • A good profitability start of the year, with an improvement in EBITDA margin across solutions;
    • Moving forward:
      • Sustained strong momentum in Digital and Lockers, with further improvement in profitability;
      • An expected recovery in Mail in H2, as the renewal cycle of the mail equipment installed base should reverse and provide greater opportunities;
      • A promising order pipeline across solutions.

    In this this context, Quadient maintains its full-year 2025 guidance, of acceleration in both organic revenue growth and organic current EBIT growth compared to the 2024 growth rates, while acknowledging that ongoing global economic disruptions and their impact, in particular on the US market, remain difficult to predict at this stage.

    Q1 2025 BUSINESS HIGHLIGHTS

    Quadient Recognized in Inaugural 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Accounts Payable Applications
    On 4 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in the first ever 2025 Gartner Magic Quadrant for Accounts Payable Applications. A Gartner Magic Quadrant is a culmination of research in a specific market, giving a wide-angle view of the relative positions of the market’s competitors3.

    Quadient Receives SBTi’s Validation of its GHG Emission Reduction Targets
    On 7 April 2025, Quadient announced that the Science-Based Targets initiative (SBTi) has validated its greenhouse gas (GHG) emission reduction targets. SBTi is a corporate climate action initiative that provides companies with science-based guidance to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in line with the goals of the Paris Agreement. This validation confirms that Quadient’s commitments align with scientific requirements to limit global warming to 1.5°C.

    Quadient Recognized in Analyst Report on Top AI Use Cases for Finance Automation
    On 16 April 2025, Quadient announced it has been recognized in a recent Forrester report on ways artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming accounts receivable (AR) processes. The report, “Top AI Use Cases for Accounts Receivable Automation In 2025,” includes mentions of Quadient AR for cash application and payment notice. Quadient considers its inclusion in the report as proof of the impact its AI- and machine learning-powered financial process automation offer, enhancing efficiency, accuracy, and decision-making capabilities.

    Quadient Named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management Report for 2025
    On 24 April 2025, Quadient has been recognized as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Customer Communication Management (CCM), Q2, 2025 report by global advisory and consulting firm QKS Group. This marks the fifth consecutive year Quadient has been named a Leader in the SPARK Matrix for CCM, a strategic vendor performance assessment tool that ranks vendors across the categories of Technology Excellence and Customer Impact.

    Quadient: 11% Increase in Software Sales to Mail Clients in 2024 Reflects Rising Demand for Smarter, Multichannel Communications
    On 30 April 2025, Quadient shared that businesses are increasingly turning to digital solutions to meet rising customer expectations for modern, multichannel communication. This shift is driving tangible growth: in fiscal year 2024, Quadient recorded a record 11% increase in cross-sales of its Digital automation solutions within its Mail customer base.

    POST-CLOSING EVENTS

    Stasher and Quadient Partner to Launch Nationwide Luggage Storage Using UK Smart Locker Network
    On 7 May 2025, Quadient announced a strategic partnership with Stasher, the world’s first luggage storage platform. This partnership marks a significant expansion of Stasher’s UK network and will provide travelers in key cities throughout the UK, including London, Birmingham, York, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Cardiff and Manchester, with more convenient, secure, and accessible luggage storage options through more than 1,640 Parcel Pending by Quadient smart lockers.

    Quadient and Nuvei Sign New Partnership to Enhance Cloud Payment Capabilities for Businesses Globally
    On 13 May 2025, Quadient and Nuvei announced a strategic technology partnership to enhance cloud payment capabilities for businesses globally. Through this partnership, Nuvei’s advanced payment processing technology is now integrated into Quadient’s cloud-based Accounts Receivable (AR) and Accounts Payable (AP) automation solutions, providing businesses of all sizes across North America, the UK, and Europe with a unified platform to manage B2B payments more efficiently, securely, and at scale.

    AI-powered Automation and Real-Time Payments Secure Quadient Leader Position in SPARK Matrix for Accounts Receivable
    On 15 May 2025, Quadient has been positioned as a Leader in the SPARK Matrix™: Accounts Receivable Applications, 2025. This marks the fourth consecutive year Quadient has been named as a leader in the report produced by the technology advisory and research firm QKS Group. Quadient believes this recognition is a testament to its continuing commitment to help businesses accelerate digital transformation, automate financial processes to increase business performance and create high-value customer interactions.

    Quadient Surpasses 300 Higher Education Locker Customers, Helping Campuses Modernize Logistics and Tackle Food Insecurity
    On 27 May 2025, Quadient announced that more than 300 higher education institutions in the U.S. are now relying on Parcel Pending by Quadient Lockers for streamlined package pickup and drop-off, bookstore merchandise, class and IT equipment exchange points, and addressing the challenge of student food insecurity.

    Quadient Advances AI Capabilities to Help Organizations Power Better Customer Interactions and Revenue Growth
    On 28 May 2025, Quadient announced the release of advanced AI capabilities designed for crafting and orchestrating highly personalized, omnichannel customer interactions. The extended AI is part of the latest release of Quadient Inspire, an industry-leading customer communications management (CCM) solution, and represents Quadient’s continued investment in transforming the way businesses dynamically communicate with customers.

    Quadient Accelerates its Digital Financial Automation Strategy in Europe with the Acquisition of Serensia
    On 2 Juin 2025, Quadient announced the acquisition of Serensia, a highly recognized a leading French electronic invoicing platform provider accredited by the French government as a Partner Dematerialization Platform (PDP). This strategic acquisition strengthens Quadient’s position in digital compliance and its ability to support both its 150,000 European customers and the more than 8 million businesses impacted in France as they transition to mandatory electronic invoicing.

    To know more about Quadient’s news flow, previous press releases are available on our website at the following address: https://invest.quadient.com/en/newsroom.

    CONFERENCE CALL & WEBCAST

    Quadient will host a conference call and webcast today at 6:00 pm Paris time (5:00 pm London time).

    To join the webcast, click on the following link: Webcast.

    To listen to the presentation by phone, please register using the following link to receive the dial-in details: Conference call.

    A replay of the webcast will also be available on Quadient’s Investor Relations website for 12 months.

    Calendar

    • 13 June 2025: Annual General Assembly
    • 24 September 2025: Half-year results and Q2 2025 sales

    About Quadient®

    Quadient is a global automation platform provider powering secure and sustainable business connections through digital and physical channels. Quadient supports businesses of all sizes in their digital transformation and growth journey, unlocking operational efficiency and creating meaningful customer experiences. Listed in compartment B of Euronext Paris (QDT) and part of the CAC® Mid & Small and EnterNext® Tech 40 indices, Quadient shares are eligible for PEA-PME investing.

    For more information about Quadient, visit https://invest.quadient.com/en/.

    Contacts

    APPENDIX

    Digital: New name for Intelligent Communication Automation

    Mail: New name for Mail-Related Solutions

    Lockers: New name for Parcel Locker Solutions

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue

    Q1 2025 consolidated revenue by geography

    In € million Q1 2025 Q1 2024 Change Organic
    change
    North America(a) 151 150 +0.6%(d) (2.4)%
    Main European countries(b) 86 89 (2.9)% (2.8)%
    International(c) 21 23      (5.6)%(d) (2.0)%
    Group total 258 261 (1.1)% (2.5)%
    (a)  Including the United States and Canada. Brazil and Mexico are also part of this segment as of 1stJanuary 2025.
    (b)  Including Austria, Benelux, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy (excluding Mail), Switzerland, and the United Kingdom.
    (c)  International includes the activities of Digital, Mail and Lockers outside of North America and the Main European countries. From 1stJanuary 2025, Brazil and Mexico are no longer included and are now part of North America.
    (d)  The reported changes reflect a €0.9m reclassification effect due to the transfer of Brazil and Mexico from International to North America as of 1stJanuary 2025.

    (1) Q1 2025 sales are compared to Q1 2024 sales, to which is added pro rata temporis the revenue of Package Concierge for a consolidated amount of €4 million. The currency impact is broadly neutral in the period.
    (2) Q1 2025 ARR includes a €1.3 million positive currency effect vs 31 January 2025.
    (3) Gartner Research Methodologies, Gartner Magic Quadrant, 28 March 2025

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Illegal immigrant gets 12 years in prison for his part in India-based fraud targeting elderly victims across the Midwest

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    EAST ST. LOUIS, Ill. – An illegal immigrant from India got 12 years in prison for his role in an imposter scam that defrauded elderly victims in three states out of more than $400,000.

    In February, a federal jury convicted Nirav B. Patel, 44, an Indian citizen, of one count of conspiracy to commit wire and mail fraud, three counts of wire fraud, and one count of illegal entry into the U.S. by an alien.

    “This illegal alien admitted that he came to Illinois because the state would give him a driver’s license, and then he used that license to steal from the elderly all across the Midwest,” said U.S. Attorney Steven D. Weinhoeft. “We will continue to do all we can to remove this criminal element from our country.”

    In an imposter scam, fraudsters pose as government officials to manipulate and exploit elderly victims for money.  This scheme targeted elderly victims with text messages and emails purportedly warning that their Amazon accounts had been compromised. When the victims followed up on the messages, they were redirected to scammers posing as federal agents who convinced the victims that they were victims of identity theft who needed to withdraw their life savings to be held in phony U.S. Treasury or FTC trust accounts for safekeeping. 

    In reality, the money was stolen and ultimately transferred to accounts controlled by the scammers in India.  The fraudsters kept the victims on the hook by calling them constantly, sometimes for up to 12 hours a day.  The scammers also threatened victims with criminal liability if they told their friends or family what was going on. 

    Patel traveled to the elderly victims’ residences to pick up cash and assets to support the crime.  Trial testimony established that, in one instance, Patel picked up $177,000 in gold bars from an elderly resident at her assisted living facility, even though she was pushing a walker and on oxygen.

    In addition to the fraud charges, Patel was convicted for entering the U.S. illegally. Evidence showed that Patel snuck into the U.S. near Vancouver before connecting with the fraudsters in Georgia.  Patel’s fraud operation was based in the Chicago, where he could get an Illinois driver’s license despite being in the U.S. unlawfully.  From there, he drove hundreds of miles through Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana to take money and gold from elderly victims on behalf of the fraud scheme.

    In imposing the 12-year sentence, the Court rejected Patel’s claim that he had no idea what was going on, noting the scammers entrusted Patel with hundreds of thousands of dollars at a time.  These scams need people on the ground in the U.S. in order to be successful, the court continued, and those willing to help them steal from elderly victims should receive stiff sentences to deter others from doing the same thing in the future.

    “This case highlights the serious public safety risks posed by individuals who enter the United States illegally and exploit our systems to target some of the most vulnerable among us,” said ICE Homeland Security Investigations Chicago Special Agent in Charge Matthew Scarpino. “HSI remains committed to identifying and dismantling transnational criminal schemes, especially carried out by perpetrators who flout our immigration laws to defraud and target elderly Americans. HSI will continue working with our partners to ensure that those who abuse our country’s generosity are held accountable.”

    The Federal Trade Commission reported in March 2025 that imposter scams are now the most common type of consumer fraud against Americans.  If you or a loved one has been a victim of this kind of fraud, call the National Elder Fraud Hotline by dialing 1-833-372-8311.

    The case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations, the Edwardsville Police Department, the Merrill Wisconsin Police Department, the Lincoln County Wisconsin Sheriff’s Office, and the Franklin Indiana Police Department.

    Assistant U.S. Attorneys Peter T. Reed and Steve Weinhoeft prosecuted the case.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers interventions in Breakout Session on multilateral cooperation and rules-based international trading system at OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM)

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, on 3 June 2025, delivered interventions in Breakout Session 2.2 at the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM), in Paris, France. In his interventions, SG Dr. Kao shared ASEAN’s perspectives on enhancing multilateral cooperation and rules-based international trading system to foster more stable and robust global value chains.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers interventions in Breakout Session on multilateral cooperation and rules-based international trading system at OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN participates in Breakout Session on promoting economic growth at OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM)

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, participated in Breakout Session 3.2 at the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM), in Paris, France, on 3 June 2025. The meeting discussed efforts at promoting inclusive economic growth to advance sustainable development objectives.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN participates in Breakout Session on promoting economic growth at OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Education Ministry launches multilingual quiz to mark World No Tobacco Day 2025

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a powerful move to combat tobacco use through education and awareness, the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with MyGov, has launched the World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz 2025. The initiative aims to inform and empower students, educators, and citizens across India about the harmful effects of tobacco and the importance of making healthy, informed lifestyle choices.

    What sets this year’s campaign apart is its unprecedented multilingual approach. For the first time, the awareness quiz is available in twelve Indian languages: English, Hindi, Assamese, Bengali, Gujarati, Kannada, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Marathi, Odia, and Punjabi. This aligns with the principles of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, which emphasizes inclusivity and learning in local and regional languages to ensure no one is excluded due to linguistic barriers.

    “This is more than just a health initiative—it’s a social and educational mission,” a Ministry spokesperson said. “By making the quiz multilingual, we are reinforcing our commitment to reach every learner in a language they understand, ensuring that awareness is widespread and accessible.”

    The quiz is free and open to all. Interested participants can visit https://quiz.mygov.in/quiz/world-no-tobacco-day-awareness-quiz to select the “World No Tobacco Day Awareness Quiz – 2025”, choose their preferred language, and complete a simple registration using a mobile number or email. Upon completion, participants will receive a digital certificate from MyGov as recognition of their contribution to a tobacco-free India.

    By engaging with this digital platform, participants not only promote healthier lifestyles—particularly among adolescents—but also advance the NEP’s goal of inclusive education that respects India’s linguistic and cultural diversity.

    The Ministry is encouraging schools, teachers, students, and community members nationwide to take part and spread the word. “Let this be more than a digital event—let it become a movement,” the Ministry said. “Awareness begins with understanding, and understanding begins with language.”

  • Election Commission of India introduces tech-driven voter turnout reporting system

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Election Commission of India (ECI) on Tuesday announced a significant upgrade to its voter turnout reporting process, introducing a streamlined, technology-driven system to provide faster and more accurate updates on approximate voter turnout trends. This initiative, set to be implemented before the upcoming Bihar elections, aims to reduce delays and enhance transparency in public communication, a priority emphasized by Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar.

    Under the new system, Presiding Officers (PROs) at polling stations will directly input voter turnout data into the ECINET App every two hours on polling day. This replaces the earlier manual process, where Sector Officers collected data and relayed it to Returning Officers (ROs) via phone calls, SMS, or messaging apps, often leading to delays of 4–5 hours or more. The updated process will allow real-time aggregation of data at the constituency level, with approximate voting percentage trends published every two hours, as before.

    The ECINET App also enables PROs to enter final voter turnout data immediately after polls close, before leaving the polling station, subject to network availability. In areas with limited connectivity, offline entries can be synced once connectivity is restored. This ensures that constituency-wise voter turnout percentages are available on the updated Voter Turnout (VTR) App shortly after polling ends, minimizing delays and addressing public misperceptions caused by late updates.

    The initiative aligns with the statutory framework of Rule 49S of the Conduct of Elections Rules, 1961, which mandates Presiding Officers to provide Form 17C—detailing the account of votes recorded—to polling agents nominated by candidates at the close of polls. While this legal requirement remains unchanged, the non-statutory VTR App, used to share approximate turnout trends with the public, will now integrate with ECINET for faster and more efficient updates.

  • MIL-OSI: Luna PR Partners with The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia to Drive Web3 Growth and Collaboration In The Region

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Dubai, United Arab Emirates, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) —    Luna PR, a global Web3-focused PR and marketing agency, announced today its strategic partnership with the Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA), a key player in advancing blockchain adoption and policy in the Kingdom. This collaboration marks a major step in Luna PR’s expansion into Saudi Arabia and underscores its commitment to accelerating Web3 innovation across the Middle East.

    As one of the most respected agencies in the Web3 and emerging tech sectors, Luna PR, brings a global network of regulators, founders, and investors into alignment with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030. Through this partnership, Luna PR and WASA will work closely to support companies looking to establish and grow their Web3 presence in Saudi Arabia, while also helping shape the region’s policy landscape through high-level dialogue with government entities and regulators.

    “This partnership reflects our long-term commitment to supporting regions that are shaping the future of Web3, ” said Nikita Sachdev, Founder and CEO of Luna Media Corp and Luna PR. “Saudi Arabia is positioning itself as a global technology hub and taking steps to lead through innovation, regulation, and education. Through our strategic alliance with WASA marks a powerful step towards driving meaningful growth and collaboration across the region..

    Through joint initiatives, Luna PR and WASA will support both local startups and international projects by providing them with the strategic guidance, regulatory access, and communication tools needed to succeed in the Saudi market. From entity formation and policy navigation to ecosystem engagement and public narrative building, the partnership aims to make Saudi Arabia a globally competitive hub for Web3 innovation.

    “We are excited to partner with Luna PR as they enter the Saudi market.” Said Billal Yamak, Chairman of WASA. “Their deep understanding of the Web3 landscape makes them an ideal collaborator for advancing our mission to drive blockchain adoption in the Kingdom.”

    This partnership will serve as a launchpad for workshops, roundtables, and policy-aligned initiatives designed to bridge the gap between innovation and implementation, empowering founders, regulators, and institutions to co-create the future of decentralized technology in the region.

    About Luna PR
    Luna PR is a multi-award-winning public relations and communications agency headquartered in Dubai, with a global presence across the US, UK, and Asia. Since 2017, the agency has partnered with over 600 clients in Web3, fintech, and emerging technology – supporting startups, multinational corporations, and government entities alike. Luna PR positions itself as more than a service provider – it acts as a strategic partner that shapes narratives and accelerates market adoption for disruptive technologies.

    About Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia
    The Web3 Alliance of Saudi Arabia (WASA) unites the foremost leaders and innovators of the Web3 ecosystem in Saudi Arabia, dedicated to cultivating a vibrant environment in the Kingdom in alignment with Vision 2030. WASA promotes innovation, collaboration, education and regulation to accelerate the adoption of blockchain technology and Web3 innovations across both public and private sectors. By bringing together industry experts and promoting practical implementation projects, WASA aims to position Saudi Arabia as a hub for decentralized technology, driving technological transformation and empowering local startups and enterprises.

    Media contact:
    Yousef Al Alami
    yousef@lunapr.io

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Tuen Ng visitors hit 460k

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The interdepartmental working group on festival arrangements, led by Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, today announced that around 460,000 visitor arrivals were recorded during the Mainland’s Tuen Ng Festival long weekend, representing a year-on-year increase of about 11%.

    All arrangements for receiving visitors operated smoothly, the working group added.

    Mr Chan said Hong Kong once again successfully promoted the integration of culture and tourism during the Mainland’s Tuen Ng Festival long weekend from May 31 to June 2, enabling both visitors and the general public to experience Hong Kong’s unique festive atmosphere.

    On the day of the Dragon Boat Festival, the Tourism Board organised Dragon Boat Food Lane and festive photo spots at the Avenue of Stars.

    In addition to dragon boat races held across various districts, Tai O held the unique Dragon Boat Water Parade, which attracted a large number of tourists and locals to experience the city’s authentic Dragon Boat Festival culture.

    There were also the opening ceremony and carnival of Hong Kong Intangible Cultural Heritage Month 2025 at the Cultural Centre Piazza in Tsim Sha Tsui.

    Furthermore, the popularity of the movie “Twilight of the Warriors: Walled In” attracted numerous tourists to visit the Kowloon Walled City Park, exploring the newly opened “Kowloon Walled City: A Cinematic Journey” Movie Set Exhibition.

    The working group said the overall operation of the control points, traffic conditions and transport services were mostly smooth during the long weekend.

    The Immigration Department recorded a total of around 460,000 inbound visitors to Hong Kong through various sea, land and air control points.

    Among them, Mainland visitors accounted for about 360,000, representing a year-on-year increase of about 10% and around 80% of the total arrivals. Meanwhile, the number of non-Mainland visitors was around 94,000, representing a year-on-year increase of about 14%.

    The arrival of Mainland visitors peaked on May 31, with around 140,000 arriving in Hong Kong.

    During the long weekend, the Express Rail Link West Kowloon Control Point received the highest number of Mainland visitors, followed by the Lok Ma Chau Spur Line Control Point.

    The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre operated round the clock throughout the long weekend to holistically monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services of all districts, including boundary control points, major stations and various tourist hotspots, across the territory.

    To meet visitors’ demand, the department directed local and cross-boundary public transport operators to enhance their carrying capacity, including increasing the frequency of bus and green minibus services connecting various land-based boundary control points and strengthening cross-boundary coach services.

    Mr Chan thanked relevant government departments, organisations and industries for their dedication and collaboration in making comprehensive preparations, which provided visitors and the public with a high-quality experience during the long weekend.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Feenstra, Smith Lead Letter Urging U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer to Prioritize Improved Market Access for American Agricultural Exports in India

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Randy Feenstra (IA-04)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, U.S. Reps. Randy Feenstra (R-IA) and Adrian Smith (R-NE) led a letter to U.S. Trade Ambassador Jamieson Representative urging improved market access for American agricultural exports – specifically U.S. ethanol, distillers’ dried grains with solubles (DDGS) and soybean meal (SBM) – in India. 

    In their letter, the lawmakers write that “India has publicly expressed its willingness to proceed in high-volume agricultural trade negotiations with the U.S., increasing demand for American farmers. The long-term demand opportunity for DDGS alone could be two million metric tons per year valued at $500 million, which would turn into the second largest export market (behind Mexico). For ethanol, India is already our 3rd largest export destination at 170 million gallons valued at $393 million, however further reducing existing market barriers would allow for over $400 million of additional exports. We are encouraged that the United States and India have been making rapid progress so far in negotiations on reciprocal trade, and are hopeful that farmers throughout the United States can benefit from results in the near future related to exports to India of DDGS and SBM, which comply with its strict non-GMO import restrictions.”

    “President Trump’s America First agenda includes increasing exports of U.S. agriculture products to reduce the trade deficit. Each year, American farmers continue to increase yield per acre with fewer inputs. Since 2010, corn and soybean production have increased by 20 percent and 31 percent, respectively. Unfortunately, commodity prices have dropped by over 30 percent in the past three years, intensifying the need to expand export markets to keep up with increasing supplies. We believe U.S. Ethanol, DDGS, and SBM exports to India represents an easy win for American farmers and will be a terrific way to begin addressing the federal trade deficit through mutually beneficial trade with India,” the lawmakers added.

    The letter is supported by the National Corn Growers Association, the American Soybean Association, the Iowa Corn Growers Association, and the Iowa Soybean Association.

    This comes as historic advances are made in negotiating a bilateral trade agreement with India, the framework of which was announced by Vice President J.D. Vance and USTR in April. Further, U.S. Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins is slated to travel to India, among other countries, this year in efforts to continue discussions to open new markets for agricultural exports. 

    The full letter can be found HERE.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: The Netherlands supports Radio Free Europe with donation of €3 million

    Source: Government of the Netherlands

    News item | 03-06-2025 | 16:39

    The Netherlands is donating €3 million to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/FL), a media organisation that brings independent factual news to regions where press freedom is under pressure or non-existent. This was announced today by the Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp. With this donation the Netherlands hopes to enable RFE/RL to continue its vital work.

    ‘Radio Free Europe plays an important role in providing independent journalism, from Eastern Europe to Asia,’ says Mr Veldkamp. ‘It serves as a counterweight to Russian propaganda and disinformation, and promotes press freedom. With this donation the Netherlands hopes to promote press freedom and democratic values in the countries where RFE/RL works.’

    RFE/RL has been experiencing financial problems since March, when the US government cut funding for the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM) – the government agency that financed RFE/RL – with immediate effect. 

    That same month, the Netherlands signed a statement initiated by Czechia underscoring the importance of RFE/RL and calling for the implementation of a long-term financial solution. RFE/RL has been headquartered in Prague since 1995, and Czechia is working hard to ensure the organisation’s future.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Cancer committee meets

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Acting Secretary for Health Dr Libby Lee chaired the 20th meeting of the Cancer Coordinating Committee today to discuss the response strategies and measures against cancer with relevant government departments and organisations.

    During the meeting, the committee examined the implementation of the Hong Kong Cancer Strategy, and looked at in detail the citywide population-based cancer surveillance data for 2022, including figures on incidence, mortality, survival rates and cancer prevalence in the population for major cancers.

    A total of 35,373 newly diagnosed cancer cases were recorded in 2022, involving 17,239 men and 18,134 women. In other words, 97 new cancer cases were diagnosed every day on average.

    Lung cancer, logging 5,707 cases, remains the most common cancer in Hong Kong.

    Breast cancer (5,208 cases) has for the first time outnumbered colorectal cancer (5,190 cases), accounting for the second and third most common cancers.

    Dr Lee said: “Cancer mortality rates of both males and females have shown a declining trend over the past three decades, indicating Hong Kong’s healthcare system has yielded positive results in combating cancer.”

    She noted that the stage-specific survival rates of various cancers show that the survival rate will be higher if a patient has the cancer detected at an early stage followed by early treatment.

    “In Hong Kong, most patients with early-stage cancers have a five-year relative survival rate reaching 90% or higher. The ratio of surviving for more than five years for those with certain early-stage cancers, such as female breast, prostate and thyroid cancers, is comparable to that of the general population.”

    The committee also reviewed and discussed various work on cancer prevention and control.

    In this respect, the Department of Health has been promoting to the public a healthy lifestyle as the primary strategy for cancer prevention.

    Primary prevention, ie reducing exposure to cancer risk factors, is the most important strategy for reducing the risk of developing cancer. The Government has long been adopting a multipronged approach, including publicity, education, promotion, legislation and regulation, to encourage citizens to lead a healthy lifestyle to reduce the risks of contracting non-communicable diseases including cancer.

    For screening, the department has implemented the Cervical Screening Programme, the Colorectal Cancer Screening Programme and the Breast Cancer Screening Pilot Programme.

    It highlighted that most of the cancer cases identified through various screening programmes are at earlier stages, leading to a more favourable prognosis, therefore, the Government will explore the use of artificial intelligence to assist lung cancer screening and implement hepatitis B screening to prevent liver cancer. Details will be announced in due course.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare Launch 2025 Global Pet Food Innovation Program in Collaboration with AAK, Bühler, and Givaudan

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Building on the success of last year’s program, the second round aims to find the next cohort of trailblazers who can deliver innovation in the sustainable pet food space.

    Startups from around the world are invited to apply, with selected participants to showcase their solutions at the Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit.

    The program continues to unite leading food and pet care experts to accelerate sustainable pet food innovation.

    New York, NY , June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Following the success of last year’s program, Big Idea Ventures and Mars Petcare will launch the second round of the Next Generation Pet Food Program, in collaboration with AAK, Bühler, and Givaudan.

    This initiative aims to accelerate sustainable innovation in the pet food sector by supporting startups with novel ingredients, sustainable fats and proteins, and advanced processing technologies.

    Mars is exploring alternative ingredients in its pet food products to create more sustainable, future-ready nutrition. As consumer preference evolves Mars is working to give pet parents the opportunity to make more environmentally conscious choices, while taking steps to reduce its own carbon footprint.

    This year, Givaudan, a global leader in taste and wellbeing, joins AAK and Bühler as a collaborator, offering expertise in ingredient innovation and product development for humans and pets.

    Andrew D. Ive, Founder and Managing General Partner of Big Idea Ventures, stated:
    “Working with Mars last year was fantastic! We want to take the learnings and implement them on a big scale as we continue to search for and develop sustainable solutions for the pet food ecosystem. Last year, the teams from Mars Petcare, Bühler, and AAK offered invaluable insights to our startups. Now, by integrating Givaudan into the mix, we will further enhance the resources available to the startups we choose.”

    Paul Gardner, Commercial VP, Mars Pet Nutrition added: “We must invest in innovation to help us source the best ingredients and build a future where the planet stays healthy, and where people and their pets are thriving. We’re excited to be launching the second round of this program harnessing the creativity of startups, alongside partners that share our vision”

    “We were thrilled at the enthusiastic response we got from last’s program. It is a testament that innovative startups are the driving force behind the future of sustainable pet nutrition. The program offers a unique opportunity for visionary entrepreneurs to collaborate with leading industry experts, access state-of-the-art technology, and accelerate their impact on the global petfood market. I encourage all startups with bold ideas and a passion for transformation to apply and help us shape a healthier, more sustainable future for pets and planet alike,” said Dr. Ian Roberts, CTO at Bühler Group.

    Niall Sands, President Commercial Innovation and Development, AAK, shared that the company is excited to support pet food innovators to bring nutrition and health-promoting functionality to our beloved pets. They look forward to exploring how innovation in this space is helping pet parents support and care for our 4-legged family members.

    Fabio Campanile, Global Head of Science & Technology, Givaudan Taste & Wellbeing, noted, “Givaudan is excited to be part of this program as it presents a unique opportunity to collaborate with innovative startups and partners, paving the way for a more sustainable and enriching world for pets. We look forward to building on our current capabilities in the pet food space as well as exploring new technologies.”

    Companies selected for the program will benefit from expert guidance, potential commercial partnerships, and the opportunity to showcase their solutions on a global stage at Asia-Pacific Agri-Food Innovation Summit in Singapore from November 4–6, 2025.

    Winners of the 2024 Global Pet Food Innovation Program include BiomeMega, Anomaly Bio, KIDEMIS, String Bio Private Limited, MiAlgae, who have been under the mentorship of Big Venture Idea, Mars, AAK and Bühler. The startups have gained insights from top pet food experts and collaborated with leading CPG, ingredient, and technology companies to further develop their concepts with the potential to develop future long-term collaborations.

    The program is open to startups from around the world, with a strong preference for scalable solutions that can demonstrate real-world impact and sustainability. While APAC-based startups are preferred, companies from all geographies are encouraged to apply.

    For more information, visit bigideaventures.com/petfoodprogram. Interested startups are encouraged to apply here as early as possible and will be able to do so until July 16.

     

    Media contacts:

     

    Bühler:

    Dalen Jacomino Panto, Media Relations Manager

    Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Switzerland

    Phone: +41 71 955 37 57

    Mobile: +41 79 900 53 88

    E-mail: dalen.jacomino_panto@buhlergroup.com

    Katja Hartmann, Media Relations Manager

    Bühler AG, 9240 Uzwil, Schweiz

    Mobile: +41 79 483 68 07

    E-mail: katja.hartmann@buhlergroup.com

    Givaudan:

    Jeff Peppet, Content and Communications Director, T&W

    jeff.peppet@givaudan.com

    +1 513 293 3740

    AAK:

    Carl Ahlgren

    Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communication

    IR, Communications and Brand

    Malmo, Sweden

    +46706810734

    carl.ahlgren@aak.com

    Mars:

    Alex Lloyd, Global R&D Communications Senior Manager

    Email: alex.lloyd@effem.com

    Big Idea Ventures:

    259 Nassau St Ste 2, #1292 Princeton, NJ 08542

    Shruti Salkar

    Email: news@bigideaventures.com

    About the Partners

    Big Idea Ventures

    Big Idea Ventures is the leading investor in food and agri technology globally. As one of the most active investors in the food-tech, agri-tech, and materials science sectors, we focus on identifying and investing in the most innovative and sustainable technology companies around the world. We collaborate with universities for tech transfer and by combining capital, knowledge, and partnerships, we drive economic growth and help to create food ecosystems. Our collaborations with leading corporations and governments aim to support entrepreneurs, scientists, and engineers in solving some of the world’s biggest challenges. Big Idea Ventures has teams in New York, Paris and Asia and has invested in more than 120 companies across 30 countries.

    www.bigideaventures.com

    Mars, Incorporated

    Mars, Incorporated is driven by the belief that the world we want tomorrow starts with how we do business today. As a $50bn+ family-owned business, our diverse and expanding portfolio of leading pet care products and veterinary services support pets all around the world and our quality snacking and food products delight millions of people every day. We produce some of the world’s best-loved brands including ROYAL CANIN®, PEDIGREE®, WHISKAS®, CESAR®, DOVE®, EXTRA®, M&M’S®, SNICKERS® and BEN’S ORIGINAL™. Our international networks of pet hospitals, including BANFIELD™, BLUEPEARL™, VCA™ and ANICURA™ span preventive, general, specialty, and emergency veterinary care, and our global veterinary diagnostics business ANTECH® offers breakthrough capabilities in pet diagnostics. The Mars Five Principles — Quality, Responsibility, Mutuality, Efficiency and Freedom — inspire our 150,000 Associates to act every day to help create a better world for people, pets and the planet.

    www.mars.com

    AAK

    Everything AAK does is about Making Better Happen™. We specialize in plant-based oils and fats, the value-adding ingredients in many products people love to consume. We make these products better tasting, healthier, and more sustainable. At the heart of AAK’s offer is Customer Co-Development, combining our desire to understand what Making Better Happen™ means for each customer, with the unique flexibility of our production assets, and deep knowledge of products and industries, including Chocolate & Confectionery, Bakery, Dairy, Plant-based Foods, Special Nutrition, Foodservice, and Personal Care. Our 4,100 employees support our close collaboration with customers through 25 regional sales offices, 16 dedicated Customer Innovation Centers, and with the support of more than 20 production facilities. Listed on Nasdaq Stockholm and headquartered in Malmö, Sweden, AAK has been Making Better Happen™ for more than 150 years.

    www.aak.com

    Bühler

    Bühler is driven by its purpose of creating innovations for a better world, balancing the needs of economy, humanity, and nature in all its decision-making processes. Billions of people come into contact with Bühler technologies as they cover their basic needs for food and mobility every day. Two billion people each day enjoy foods produced on Bühler equipment; and one billion people travel in vehicles manufactured using parts produced with Bühler solutions. Countless people wear eyeglasses, use smartphones, and read newspapers and magazines – all of which depend on Bühler process technologies and solutions. Having this global relevance, Bühler is in a unique position to turn today’s global challenges into sustainable business. As a technology partner for the food, feed, and mobility industries, Bühler has committed to having solutions ready to multiply by 2025 that reduce energy, waste, and water by 50% in the value chains of its customers. It also proactively collaborates with suppliers to reduce climate impacts throughout the value chain. In its own operations, Bühler has developed a pathway to achieve a 60% reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by 2030 (Greenhouse Gas Protocol Scopes 1 & 2, against a 2019 baseline). Bühler spends up to 5% of turnover on research and development annually to improve both the commercial and sustainability performance of its solutions, products, and services. In 2023, some 12,500 employees generated a turnover of CHF 3.0 billion. As a Swiss family-owned company with a history spanning 164 years, Bühler is active in 140 countries around the world and operates a global network of 105 service stations, 30 manufacturing sites, and Application & Training Centers in 25 locations.

    www.buhlergroup.com

    Givaudan

    Givaudan is a global leader in Fragrance & Beauty and Taste & Wellbeing. We celebrate the beauty of human experience by creating happier, healthier lives with love for nature. Together with our customers, we deliver food experiences, craft inspired fragrances, and develop beauty and wellbeing solutions that make people look and feel good. From your favourite drink to your daily meal, from prestige perfumes to laundry care, our products help people live happier and healthier lives, and we create them in a way that respects natural resources and the environment.

    www.givaudan.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Crypto Exchange BexBack Offers 100x Leverage, No KYC, and Up to 10 BTC Bonus for New Users

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BexBack, a rising star in the crypto derivatives industry, today announced the official launch of its global crypto futures trading platform. The exchange offers up to 100x leverage, a 100% deposit bonus, and no KYC requirement, giving users around the world unprecedented access to fast, private, and flexible crypto trading.

    What Is 100x Leverage and How Does It Work?

    Simply put, 100x leverage allows you to open larger trading positions with less capital. For example:

    Suppose the Bitcoin price is $100,000 that day, and you open a long contract with 1 BTC. After using 100x leverage, the transaction amount is equivalent to 100 BTC.

    One day later, if the price rises to $105,000, your profit will be (105,000 – 100,000) * 100 BTC / 100,000 = 5 BTC, a yield of up to 500%.

    With BexBack’s deposit bonus

    BexBack offers a 100% deposit bonus. If the initial investment is 2 BTC, the profit will increase to 10 BTC, and the return on investment will double to 1000%.

    Note: Although leveraged trading can magnify profits, you also need to be wary of liquidation risks.

    How Does the 100% Deposit Bonus Work?
    The deposit bonus from BexBack cannot be directly withdrawn but can be used to open larger positions and increase potential profits. Additionally, during significant market fluctuations, the bonus can serve as extra margin, effectively reducing the risk of liquidation.

    Built for traders of all levels, BexBack supports over 50 major crypto contracts, including BTC, ETH, XRP, SOL, and ADA. With zero spreads, no slippage, and lightning-fast execution, it delivers an institutional-grade trading experience optimized for speed and precision.

    “Our mission is to empower traders — without the limitations imposed by traditional platforms,” said David, Operations Director at BexBack. “From high leverage to fast onboarding, we remove the friction and put powerful tools in the hands of every user.”

    Double Bonus for New Users

    New users who deposit at least 0.001 BTC or 100 USDT are eligible for a 100% deposit bonus. After completing their first trade (open and close a position), users can request the $50 welcome trading bonus by emailing support@bexback.com. Once verified, the bonus will be credited to their USDT-M futures account within 24 hours.

    This $50 bonus can be used to open leveraged positions or offset potential losses, giving new traders a practical edge in volatile markets.

    Key Highlights of BexBack:

    • Up to 100x leverage on 50+ crypto contracts
    • Zero spread and no slippage execution
    • No KYC required for trading
    • Mobile and desktop friendly interface
    • Funding fee charged only once per day
    • Supports BTC, USDT, ETH, XRP, ADA, SOL and more

    BexBack has rapidly gained traction, with over 500,000 users from 200+ countries and regions. The company is registered with the U.S. FinCEN as a Money Services Business (MSB), and headquartered in Singapore with support offices in Hong Kong and other regions.

    About BexBack

    BexBack is a next-generation crypto futures trading platform that offers up to 100x leverage, deep liquidity, zero KYC onboarding, and exclusive deposit bonuses. Focused on speed, security, and user empowerment, BexBack is committed to providing a high-performance experience for traders worldwide.

    Sign up on BexBack now, claim your exclusive bonus and start accumulating more BTC today!

    Website: www.bexback.com

    Contact: business@bexback.com

    Contact:
    Amanda
    business@bexback.com

    Disclaimer: This content is provided by BexBack. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at:

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/587023cc-a549-4169-93e6-497f920fbe52

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/27e2a3c6-8195-4664-a32e-03d63cfc1161

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c676118c-e7a3-46de-adb3-04e387bf81b7

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3311d6e2-ff0d-4107-9893-bf1883a2b2ef

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/64fef48b-6d50-42f5-a453-604aa1733714

    The MIL Network –

  • India to build first-ever Polar Research Vessel as GRSE signs MoU with Norway’s Kongsberg

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a major milestone for India’s maritime sector, the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Kolkata-based Garden Reach Shipbuilders and Engineers Limited (GRSE) and Norwegian firm Kongsberg, marking the beginning of India’s journey to build its first-ever Polar Research Vessel (PRV).

    The MoU was signed during Sonowal’s official visit to Norway as part of the Nor-Shipping 2025 event, highlighting India’s commitment to advancing oceanic and polar research capabilities while strengthening its indigenous shipbuilding industry under the ‘Make in India’ initiative.

    “Let this MoU be a beacon of hope and progress,” said Sonowal at the signing ceremony. “Together, we are building not just a vessel but a legacy of innovation, exploration, and international cooperation. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji, this vessel represents a leap in India’s capabilities in ocean research and climate action.”

    The PRV will be developed with design expertise from Kongsberg and constructed by GRSE in Kolkata. It will cater to the requirements of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), enabling scientific exploration in the polar and Southern Ocean regions. Equipped with state-of-the-art scientific instruments, the vessel will support marine research, ecosystem studies, and contribute to global climate change efforts.

    GRSE’s extensive experience in building complex maritime platforms such as warships and research vessels positions it as a natural choice for this pioneering project. The initiative is expected to enhance India’s strategic autonomy in the polar research domain and bolster the country’s maritime R&D capacity.

    While in Norway, Sonowal also participated in a high-level ministerial panel on “Shipping and Ocean Business,” where he presented India’s expanded maritime strategy—MAHASAGAR (Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security Across the Regions)—an upgrade from the earlier SAGAR initiative..

    Sonowal emphasized the government’s ambitious Sagarmala 2.0 programme, which focuses on infrastructure modernization, shipbuilding, recycling, and logistics to position India as a global maritime hub.

    The Union Minister also held a roundtable with the Norwegian Shipowners’ Association (NSA), inviting increased investment in India’s maritime sector. Speaking alongside NSA President Harald Fotland, Sonowal underscored the shared values of sustainability and innovation between the two nations.

    India’s shipyards currently handle 11% of NSA’s global order book. Sonowal called for further expansion of these orders and encouraged recruitment from India’s seafaring workforce—ranked second in NSA’s fleet.

    He highlighted investment opportunities under the $2.9 billion Maritime Development Fund and the Sagarmala initiative, and called for collaboration in green shipping, digital innovation through platforms like ONOP and MAITRI, and sustainable ship recycling. Notably, 87% of India’s ship recycling yards are now Hong Kong Convention (HKC) compliant.

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: KAMANDAG 9 | 3d MLR Conducts Simulated Maritime Strikes with NMESIS

    Source: United States Navy

    BATANES ISLANDS, Philippines — Strategically positioned on an island in the Luzon Strait, U.S. Marines with 3d Littoral Combat Team, 3d Marine Littoral Regiment, 3d Marine Division, established a Fires Expeditionary Advanced Base (EAB) with the Navy-Marine Expeditionary Ship Interdiction System (NMESIS) and conducted simulated maritime interdiction as a part of Exercise KAMANDAG 9, June 1, 2025.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News: U.S. Navy completes Integrated Battle Problem 25.5

    Source: United States Navy

    SASEBO, Japan – Navy units assigned to U.S. 7th Fleet concluded Integrated Battle Problem (IBP) 25.5, May 23, after spending nearly a week off the coast of Sasebo conducting a tactical warfighting rehearsal event that tests and develops fleet-centric concepts and capabilities.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Launch of five-part documentary series on RBI

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    The Reserve Bank of India, in collaboration with JioHotstar, has launched a five-part documentary series titled ‘RBI Unlocked: Beyond the Rupee’. The project has been produced by Chalkboard Entertainment.

    The project was commissioned by RBI to visually document its 90-year history, with the objective of creating awareness about its various functions and roles.

    The RBI, as a full-service central bank, performs a wide range of functions including currency management, monetary policy, regulation and supervision of banks and NBFCs, regulation of currency and interest rate, markets and payment and settlement systems, and financial inclusion. This documentary portrays the essence of RBI’s functions in an intelligible manner to a wider demographic of people.

    The documentary provides a first-time insight into the working of the RBI. The episodes, starting on June 03, 2025 can be viewed at https://hotstar.com/1271419667

    (Puneet Pancholy)  
    Chief General Manager

    Press Release: 2025-2026/471

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: “Through Her Lens”: New UN Photo Exhibit Celebrates Women Leading Peace

    Source: United Nations – Peacekeeping

    New York, 7 June 2025 – This June, the United Nations will unveil a compelling new photo exhibit at New York’s Photoville Festival, bringing global attention to the leadership, courage and impact of women and their allies driving peace in some of the world’s most volatile places. Featuring original photos by local women photographers, the exhibition spotlights women peacebuilders, human rights defenders, UN peacekeepers and grassroots activists whose stories are too often overlooked. Their portraits and environments reflect both the challenges of conflict and the possibilities that emerge when women lead.

    Launched in commemoration of the 25th anniversary of UN Security Council resolution 1325 (2000), the exhibition highlights the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda which recognises not only the disproportionate impact of conflict on women but also their indispensable role in shaping peace, building trust, and leading transformative change.

    “The fight for gender equality is not just about fairness,” said United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres in his remarks at the 2025 International Women’s Day commemoration in New York. “It is about power – who gets a seat at the table, and who is locked out. Simply put, when women and girls rise, everyone thrives.”

    Captured across eleven settings – Abyei, Cyprus, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Kosovo, Lebanon, Mozambique, Occupied Palestinian Territory, South Sudan and Sudan – the images tell a collective story of resilience, resistance, and transformation.

    “Too often, the role of women in peace processes and trust building is overlooked or underrepresented,” said Laura Hasani, a photojournalist from Kosovo with over 25 years’ experience. “These photos aim to change that, so the world sees and hears from the women who are rebuilding communities and leading change.”

    In Haiti, Clyfane Saintil, a feminist activist and nonprofit leader featured in the exhibit, helps Haitian girls and women build confidence to claim their rights and shape their futures. “Change begins in our communities, where women and girls rise, and when men choose to be allies rather than obstacles,” she said.

    Through the lens of those living the realities of conflict, the exhibition reframes how we see women: not only as victims, but as architects of peace and justice. It also calls on governments, international organisations, and communities to recommit to the promise of the WPS agenda, which remains as urgent today as it was 25 years ago.

    Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace is a collaboration between the United Nations Department of Peace Operations and Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, UN Women, and the Elsie Initiative Fund. Premiering in Brooklyn Bridge Park on 7 June 2025, it will remain open to the public until 22 June, then travel to some of the countries featured before reaching the European Parliament in Brussels and, in October, UN Headquarters in New York, among others.

    The exhibition is supported by the governments of Australia, Canada, Denmark, the European Union, Finland, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, the Republic of Korea and the United Kingdom, whose generous contributions made it possible to share these powerful stories worldwide.

    The exhibition is free to view from June 7-22, 2025, at the Photoville Festival, Brooklyn Bridge Park, Pier 1, New York City.

    Find out more: Through Her Lens: Women Rising for Peace – Photoville Festival

    Download the digital assets: Trello board

    Note to the editors: The ‘Through Their Lens: Women Rising for Peace’ photo exhibition is underpinned by the principles outlined in United Nations Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) and subsequent nine resolutions on Women, Peace and Security. The resolutions recognise the importance of women’s full, equal and meaningful participation in conflict resolution and call for greater inclusion of women in peacemaking and decision-making at all levels in peace and political processes.

    * * * *

    Media contacts:

    UN Department of Peace Operations

    Sophie Boudre

    Email: boudre@un.org

    Tel.: +1 917 691 5359

    Milly Copping James

    Email: milly.coppingjames@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 897 6383

    UN Department of Peacebuilding and Political Affairs

    Kyung Ae (Susie) Lim

    Email: lim7@un.org

    Tel.: +1 646 595 7068

    UN Women

    Media Team Email: media.team@unwomen.org

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 5 arrested in security investigation

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Police’s National Security Department yesterday arrested one man and four women, aged 24 to 38, for conspiracy to commit terrorist activities.

    Investigations revealed that the arrested individuals were allegedly involved in sending messages to Police via telephone, email and instant messaging applications on multiple occasions between April 29 and May 13, the content of which included claims to detonate bombs planted within various offices of the Central People’s Government in Hong Kong and Kai Tak Sports Park, as well as seditious messages inciting Taiwan independence and Hong Kong independence.

    With court warrants, Police conducted searches at the five people’s residences and seized electronic communication devices suspected to be involved in the case.

    The arrested man is being detained for further enquiries, while the four arrested women were released on bail pending further investigations.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New NIST Standard Helps Deliver the Right Dosage of Cancer-Fighting Drugs

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Actinium-225 and some other radioactive elements that emit alpha rays can be transformed into cancer-fighting missiles if they are attached to molecules that seek out and attach to tumor cells. Because alpha rays dump most of their energy within extremely short distances in the human body, this radiation can be harnessed to kill cancer cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

    Credit: S. Kelley/NIST

    Scientists at the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) have developed the first U.S. standard for measuring the radioactivity of actinium-225, a radioactive isotope that drug companies are using to develop a new class of anticancer drugs.

    The new standard, which is tied to the International System of Units (SI), has enabled NIST to open a calibration service for drug companies and research institutions studying the cancer-fighting potential of actinium-225. By comparing NIST’s measurement of a sample of actinium-225 to their own measurements, the companies can ensure that human volunteers injected with actinium-225 receive the exact amount of radioactivity required for it to be effective.

    “Health care providers don’t want to overdose patients. Then they risk doing more harm than good,” said NIST chemist Denis Bergeron. “But they also don’t want to underdose patients. In a way, that’s even worse because a patient is exposed to potentially harmful radiation without effectively treating their cancer. This is a case where you have to get it precisely right. That’s our job at NIST. For actinium-225, that means accurately measuring the injected radioactivity.”

    As the national measurement institute for the U.S., NIST provides a wide range of calibration services to industry and other organizations to help ensure that their equipment is providing accurate readings. This latest calibration service could facilitate FDA review of anticancer drugs based on actinium-225, potentially speeding their deployment to cancer patients. More than 15 clinical trials in the U.S. have revealed that drugs based on actinium-225 show promise for fighting several cancers, including prostate cancer, neuroendocrine tumors and acute myeloid leukemia.

    Blasting Tumors With Radioactive Atoms

    Actinium-225 is one of several radioisotopes — radioactive versions of stable elements — that dump a massive amount of energy, in the form of alpha particles, within an extremely short distance in the human body. Alpha particles, composed of two protons and two neutrons, are relatively bulky and dense, so they don’t travel far before depositing all their energy.

    Taking advantage of this short-range blast of energy, clinicians have devised drugs that act like anticancer missiles, binding actinium-225 or another alpha-emitting radioisotope to molecules that seek out and attach to cancer cells specifically. Once the radioactive source arrives at a tumor, alpha particles destroy the DNA of the cancer cells while leaving healthy cells unscathed.

    To deliver the right dose to the tumor, clinicians must know how many alpha particles are being emitted at the tumor site. But counting radioactive decays is not as simple as it may seem.

    When it decays, actinium-225 successively transforms into a series of smaller atoms that are also unstable and emit their own alpha particles, along with gamma rays (a form of high-energy electromagnetic radiation) and beta particles (electrons). To measure radioactivity, researchers must account for all the decay products.

    The radioactive decay chain of actinium-225 includes several lighter radioactive elements as daughter products. As the elements decay, they emit alpha (α), beta (β) and gamma (γ) ray radiation.

    Credit: S. Kelley/NIST

    Setting the Standard for Measuring a Radioactive Drug

    To create the new standard, Bergeron and his NIST colleagues relied on an established method of measuring radioactivity known as the triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR). They placed a small amount of actinium-225 in a vial filled with a liquid that emits flashes of light when struck by radioactive particles. They then converted the flashes into electrical signals.

    This allowed the researchers to accurately measure the number of decays per second of actinium-225, a unit of measure known as the becquerel that is defined by using fundamental constants of nature. Other measurement techniques confirmed the accuracy of the new standard, the team reported online in the journal Applied Radiation and Isotopes.                             

    Helping Pharmaceutical Companies Accurately Measure Their Drug’s Dosage

    Once the NIST team established the new standard with TDCR, pharmaceutical companies began sending NIST samples of actinium-225 that they had measured in their own laboratories. The NIST scientists measured the radioactivity of the samples using the NIST standard. By comparing NIST’s measurement to its own, each pharmaceutical company was able to calibrate its equipment to the NIST standard.

    “When you inject a radioactive drug into a patient, you want to make sure that the strength is exactly right for treating a tumor; a lower amount could harm the patient without any benefit,” said Elisa Napoli, a nuclear physicist at the pharmaceutical company ARTBIO in Cambridge, Massachusetts, which specializes in developing radioactive anticancer drugs. “If you have different dial settings or different instruments that measure radioactivity [in different parts of the world] and they are not calibrated with the same standard, then it’s a mess,” she added. “You don’t know how much radioactivity you’re injecting into a patient in Japan or how much you’re injecting into another patient in Italy.”

    The service is in high demand: Since November, five pharmaceutical companies have sent samples of actinium-225 to NIST for radioactivity measurements, and several other companies are on a waiting list. Instructions for using the service are available on the NIST website.

    “Our goal in developing, improving and disseminating radioactivity standards is to give pharmaceutical companies and research facilities the resources they need to accurately monitor the activity of radionuclides on their own,” Bergeron said.

    Linking Radioactivity Measurements to the NIST Standard

    Pharmaceutical companies measured the radioactivity of actinium-225 by using a simpler, easier-to-use method than NIST’s. They placed the radioactive element in a gas-filled device known as an ionization chamber. Gamma rays released by the sample of actinium-225 ionized the gas, stripping atoms in the gas of electrons and creating an electric current proportional to the intensity of the radiation.

    When they received a company’s sample, the NIST scientists measured the radioactivity of the sample also using an ionization chamber — but with one important difference. The radioactivity recorded by the chamber at NIST had been calibrated according to the NIST standard.

    “We let the calibrated ionization chamber serve as the repository, or memory, for our primary standard,” Bergeron said.

    Paper: Bergeron, D.E.; Hamad, G.; Broder, B.A.; Cesna, J.T.; Pearce, A.J.; LaRosa, J.; Pibida, L.; Salter, R.; Saxena, N.S.; and Zimmerman, B.E. Activity measurements and calibrations for 225Ac in radioactive equilibrium with its progeny. Applied Radiation and Isotopes. Published online Dec. 9, 2024. DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2024.111630

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: CBAK Energy Secures $3 Million Follow-up Order from Livguard, Strengthening Strategic Partnership in India

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    DALIAN, China, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) (“CBAK Energy,” or the “Company”), a leading lithium-ion battery manufacturer and electric energy solution provider in China, today announced the receipt of a significant follow-up order from Livguard, a prominent Indian energy storage solutions provider. Valued at approximately USD 3 million, this order brings the cumulative value of orders from Livguard to USD 7.9 million since the inception of the partnership.

    Founded in India, Livguard is backed by the 37-year legacy of the esteemed SAR Group and has emerged as a leader in the Indian energy solutions landscape. With a broad portfolio including inverters, batteries, solar energy systems, and automotive power solutions, Livguard is supported by a robust nationwide sales and service network, catering to millions of customers and accelerating India’s transition to sustainable energy.

    Livguard has been sourcing Model 32140 cylindrical lithium-ion batteries from CBAK Energy, leveraging their high performance and reliability across a range of energy applications.

    Zhiguang Hu, Chief Executive Officer of CBAK Energy, commented: “In January, we announced our collaboration with Ather, one of India’s top five two- and three-wheeler manufacturers. Now, with this substantial order from Livguard, we are further strengthening our presence in India’s fast-growing energy market. This order is a strong validation of the quality and dependability of our battery technology. We look forward to deepening our strategic collaboration with Livguard and continuing to provide innovative energy solutions that meet the evolving demands of the global market.” 

    About CBAK Energy

    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBAT) is a leading high-tech enterprise in China engaged in the development, manufacturing, and sales of new energy high power lithium batteries and raw materials for use in manufacturing high power lithium batteries. The applications of the Company’s products and solutions include electric vehicles, light electric vehicles, electric tools, energy storage, uninterruptible power supply (UPS), and other high-power applications. In January 2006, CBAK Energy became the first lithium battery manufacturer in China listed on the Nasdaq Stock Market. CBAK Energy has multiple operating subsidiaries in Dalian, Nanjing and Shaoxing, as well as a large-scale R&D and production base in Dalian.

    For more information, please visit ir.cbak.com.cn.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This press release contains “forward-looking statements” that involve substantial risks and uncertainties. All statements other than statements of historical facts contained in this press release, including statements regarding our future results of operations and financial position, strategy and plans, and our expectations for future operations, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. We have attempted to identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “anticipates,” “believes,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimates,” “expects,” “intends,” “may,” “plans,” “potential,” “predicts,” “should,” or “will” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. Our actual results may differ materially or perhaps significantly from those discussed herein, or implied by, these forward-looking statements.

    The forward-looking statements included in this press release are made as of the date of this press release and the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, other than as required by applicable law.

    For further inquiries, please contact:

    In China:
    CBAK Energy Technology, Inc.
    Investor Relations Department
    Mr. Thierry Jiewei Li
    Phone: 86-18675423231
    Email: ir@cbak.com.cn 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: First Federal Savings Bank and ICBA Provide Tips to Support the Homebuying Process

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EVANSVILLE, Ind., June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In recognition of National Homeownership Month, First Federal Savings Bank and the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) are encouraging consumers to consult their local community banker about how to make the homebuying process simple, efficient and more affordable.

    “An important component in building financial independence is owning a home,” said Elisa Snyder, FVP, Retail Lending Sales Manager. “At First Federal Savings Bank, we want to simplify the homeownership process to make it as easy and affordable as possible. After you assess your needs, we can help find suitable options to finance your home, from first homes to forever homes.”

    Whether you are refinancing or purchasing your home, First Federal Savings Bank can help you determine:

    • The ideal loan amount and products to meet your budget considerations. We can review the mortgage process in detail and flag ideal programs and loan features.
    • How mortgage rates, terms, and related expenses (including property taxes and insurance premiums) affect payments. This will help you set a home budget and manage your homeownership expenses.
    • Your rights and obligations under your mortgage contract. Today’s consumers have many financing options—each with unique stipulations outlined in fine print.
    • Suitable government-sponsored programs. In addition to federal homeownership and home-buying assistance programs, we can recommend state, local government, and specialty programs for consideration.
    • Additional resources to help create a budget and set financial targets. We offer homebuyer seminars and other helpful resources. Free online educational tools can also be found at www.hud.gov.

    “Homeownership is an important step for many Americans in establishing financial stability and strengthening community roots,” said ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey. “Your community bank can help guide you through the process and provide tips to improve your position as informed buyers.”

    For more information on how First Federal Savings Bank can support your homeownership needs, visit us at https://www.firstfedsavings.bank or contact our Retail Loan Advisors at (812) 492-8142.

    About First Federal Savings Bank Member FDIC Equal Housing Lender NMLS# 433121

    First Federal Savings Bank was established on Evansville, Indiana’s Westside in 1904. A community bank offering eight locations in Posey, Vanderburgh, Warrick, and Henderson County. First Federal Savings Bank is also proud to offer Home Building Savings Bank locations in Daviess and Pike County.

    About ICBA

    The Independent Community Bankers of America® has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation’s community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.

    As local and trusted sources of credit, America’s community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers’ financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA’s website at icba.org.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China introduces special visa for 10 ASEAN countries and East Timor as an observer of the association

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 3 (Xinhua) — China has introduced the “Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) visa” for 10 ASEAN countries and East Timor as an observer state, Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian said at a regular press conference Tuesday.

    According to a Chinese diplomat, China will issue an “ASEAN visa” to businessmen from 11 countries, as well as their spouses and children who meet the requirements. With this type of visa, they are allowed multiple entries into the country over five years, with a maximum stay of 180 days.

    Lin Jian said the “ASEAN visa” is being implemented on the basis of comprehensive mutual visa exemption with Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia and other countries, and the issuance of “Lancang-Mekong visa” to Mekong River countries, to further facilitate cross-border movement of people in the region.

    In recent years, the construction of a community with a shared future between China and ASEAN has made steady progress, and important achievements have been made in jointly building a common home featuring peace, tranquility, prosperity, a beautiful environment and friendship, Lin Jian said.

    Noting that China and Southeast Asian countries have maintained close people-to-people exchanges, Lin Jian said it is the common aspiration of both sides to further promote mutual travel. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese citizen arrested on suspicion of killing two Japanese citizens over commercial disputes /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    DALIAN, June 3 (Xinhua) — A Chinese citizen has been detained on suspicion of killing two Japanese nationals over a business dispute, police in northeast China’s Dalian city said Tuesday.

    A preliminary investigation found that the victims, who were Japanese citizens and were temporarily staying in the city, were former business partners of the suspect, a 42-year-old Chinese citizen surnamed Yuan. The murders were caused by disputes over business cooperation, the Dalian City Public Security Bureau said.

    According to the department, a criminal case involving two fatalities was reported in the Pulandian district of Dalian on May 23. Yuan, who had previously lived in Japan for a long time, was detained on May 24. The suspect’s full name has not been disclosed.

    Yuan is currently in custody. After further investigation, the case will be forwarded to the prosecutor’s office for review and indictment.

    Local authorities informed the families of the victims of the investigation, and relevant agencies assisted with cremation of the remains and other necessary procedures. The victims’ family members returned to Japan on June 1. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Lee Jae-myung, candidate of the Toburo Democratic Party, leads in the presidential election in the Republic of Korea – media

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    SEOUL, June 3 (Xinhua) — Lee Jae-myung, leader of South Korea’s leading Toburo Democratic Party, is comfortably ahead in Tuesday’s snap presidential election, according to exit polls.

    Lee Jae-myung won 51.7 percent of the vote in an exit poll conducted jointly by three media outlets, beating conservative Civil Power Party candidate Kim Moon-soo, who won 39.3 percent.

    Lee Joon-suk, a candidate from the small conservative New Reform Party, received 7.7 percent of the vote.

    According to separate estimates from local media outlets /JTBC, Channel A and MBN/, Lee Jae-myung is ahead of Kim Moon-soo by about 10 percentage points. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Silkworms Weave New Ties of Cooperation Between China and Azerbaijan under Belt and Road Initiative

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BAKU, June 3 (Xinhua) — In the small town of Gakh, 350 km northwest of Baku, Chief Engineer Manet Suleymanli was inspecting a mulberry plantation at the Gakh Sericulture Breeding Station on a foggy morning. Pointing to the trees, he said: “There are 30,000 Chinese saplings planted in 2019 growing on these three hectares. See, they are almost reaching my shoulders. In six years, we have imported 4.5 million saplings, they are planted all over the country. This is a revival.”

    THIRTY YEARS OF DECLINE: FROM SOVIET GREATNESS TO OBLIVION

    Azerbaijan was one of the centers of the eastern silk industry with a history of more than 1,500 years. In the 1960s and 70s, cocoon production exceeded 20 thousand tons – the second place in the USSR after Uzbekistan. In terms of quality, Azerbaijani silk was considered the best in the world and was exported to Japan, Switzerland, and Italy. But after the collapse of the USSR in the 1990s, economic ties were destroyed, collective farms disappeared, plantations were abandoned, breeds degraded, and specialists left. Akram Fataliyev, who headed the Gakh station for 40 years, recalls: “In 1986, 6,000 tons of cocoons were produced, in 2014 – only 10 tons, in 2015 – 236 kilograms. Production was disappearing.” According to him, with the decline of sericulture, he had to go into business.

    CHINESE TECHNOLOGY BEARS FRUIT: “PROJECT GREEN” REVITALIZES THE INDUSTRY

    The turning point came in 2016, when President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree on state support for sericulture. The “new silkworm project” began, and the first Chinese seedlings and silkworms crossed the Tien Shan and the Caspian to take root again in Azerbaijan. This became a new chapter in the cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative. M. Suleymanli explains: “The Chinese tree has large leaves – the caterpillars love them. But the Chinese caterpillars eat little, but produce a lot of silk.”

    In order to develop the industry, the “State Program for the Development of Cocoon Farming and Sericulture in the Republic of Azerbaijan for 2018-2025” was adopted in 2017. The country began actively purchasing cocoons from China, incubating them and distributing them free of charge to farmers in order to increase cocoon production to 6,000 tons per year.

    The main partner is Shandong Guangtong Silkworm Eggs Co., Ltd. Li Qiliang, who worked in Gakh from 2016 to 2019, explains: “The mulberry tree bears fruit for 15-20 years, then the harvest declines. Most of the trees were inherited from the USSR – they are old. China supplies grafted seedlings of the Jisang No. 3 variety – they are resistant to diseases, heat and drought, and produce high-quality leaves.” The Chinese breed of silkworms Huakang No. 3 forms cocoons up to 1,200 meters long – this is 300-400 meters longer than local caterpillars.

    GAKHSKAYA STATION OF SILKWORM BREEDING: INDEPENDENT SELECTION OF HYBRID LINES OF SILKWORMS

    In 2018, cooperation between China and Azerbaijan in the field of sericulture reached a new level. With technical support from China, the breeding station in Gakh was reconstructed. President I. Aliyev and his wife attended the opening ceremony, emphasizing the importance of the project. Three Chinese specialists, including Li Qiliang, took a commemorative photo with the presidential couple.

    Silkworms are the basis of sericulture. The Gakh station is the only institution in the country engaged in their breeding. Investment in its restoration was the first step towards self-sufficiency in this area. Founded in 1973, the station ceased operations in 1998, but after reconstruction it occupies five hectares, including an administrative building, a laboratory, incubation and hybrid centers.

    Three hectares of mulberry plantations have been created at the station. In 2019, 30,000 Chinese seedlings resistant to the harsh climate began to grow here. That same year, research on silkworm hybridization began – for the first time in the history of Azerbaijan. According to Li Qiliang, the training was carried out strictly according to Chinese standards. Hybridization increases the resistance of silkworms to diseases and increases the yield of cocoons.

    Chief Engineer M. Suleymanli said that currently “Gakh-1” and “Gakh-2” are being grown, having reached the fifth age. Soon they will begin to form cocoons, after which mating will occur to obtain a new species. Delivery of two more varieties of gren from China is expected.

    In 2018, Lalazar Gaidarova, an employee of the station, completed a two-week training in China. “Chinese technologies are modern and effective. Now we do everything the same way as in China. Even the equipment was brought from there,” she shared. L. Gaidarova advocates for a regular exchange of experience with the Chinese side and sending Azerbaijani youth for internships. “Our specialists are getting older. 62-year-old Manet is the youngest. We need to prepare a replacement,” she says.

    This year, the Ministry of Agriculture of Azerbaijan again imported 5,000 boxes of garnets from China, supplementing them with 1,000 boxes of local production. A total of 6,000 boxes were distributed among 40 districts and Nakhchivan. The projected harvest is 240 tons. M. Suleymanli noted that in sericulture, as in viticulture, there are lean years, and the current year is not the best.

    Farmers have realized the advantages of sericulture: high profits and quick results – after 40 days the caterpillars form cocoons. Capital turnover is only two months. Now farmers in 40 of the country’s 66 regions and in Nakhchivan are engaged in sericulture. The leaders are Zardab, Fizuli, Zagatala and others.

    According to Zaur Abbasov, Advisor to the Head of the Gakh District, registration of farmers begins in February. Based on applications, the Ministry of Agriculture imports the required amount of grains. By the end of April and the beginning of May, the grains are distributed among the regions. “Grans and mulberry tree seedlings are provided free of charge. The revival of sericulture is important for diversifying the economy and preserving traditions,” he noted.

    To stimulate farmers, the state increased the purchase price of cocoons from three to 11 manats per kilogram, of which five is paid by the buyer and six by the state in the form of a subsidy.

    There are already tangible results: 236 kg of cocoons were collected in 2015, and 643.7 tons in 2019, which provided income for more than 10,000 rural families.

    Xinhua met Sahib, Azerbaijan’s champion sericulturist. In 2018, he collected one ton of cocoons from 20 boxes of geraniums, setting a record. Now he works with five boxes, expecting a 250-kilogram harvest. His sericulture workshop resembles a factory, with two-tiered racks and temperature and humidity controls. “Look, the caterpillars are sleeping. In 15 days, the cocoons will be ready. At 11 manat per kilogram, that will bring in 2,750 manat, a third of the family’s annual income,” he said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NSF announces new NextG wireless funding opportunity

    Source: US Government research organizations

    The NSF VINES program will invest up to $100 million in advanced wireless communications networks

    The U.S. National Science Foundation today announced a new funding opportunity to support research and technology development that will improve the next generation of wireless communication systems known as NextG.     In collaboration with industry, other government agencies, and international partners, the NSF Verticals-enabling Intelligent NEtwork  Systems (NSF VINES) program will invest up to $100 million to accelerate performance and capabilities of next-generation (NextG) advanced intelligent network systems  spanning the user-edge-core-cloud continuum. 

    “NSF VINES will enhance U.S. competitiveness in advanced telecommunications technologies, including NextG wireless telecommunications and emerging potential NextG vertical industries, and prepare the American workforce for jobs available now and in the future,” said Brian Stone, performing the duties of the NSF Director.

    “This important investment from NSF, in collaboration with industry and other government agencies, will help strengthen U.S. leadership and ensure the American people reap the benefits in areas such as self-driving cars, advanced manufacturing, energy infrastructure, and beyond,” said Dr. Lynne Parker, Principal Deputy Director of The White House Office of Science and Technology Policy. 

    NSF VINES is in partnership with several major industry organizations and U.S. federal agencies, including Ericsson, Intel, Qualcomm, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Department of Defense Office of the Under Secretary for Research and Engineering, and U.S. Department of Commerce National Institute of Standards and Technology, as well as international partners from Finland, India, Japan and Sweden. 

    NSF VINES will invest in both use-inspired basic research (Track 1) as well as technological innovations that enable vertical applications, including piloting, prototyping and demonstration of high technology-readiness level solutions (Track 2). By collaborating with industry and international partners, the program will ensure U.S.-led technological advancements drive NextG global telecommunication networks as well as emerging “vertical industries” such as connected autonomous vehicles, advanced manufacturing, precision agriculture, disaster response, remote healthcare, critical infrastructure, and smart grids, among others. NSF will fund research teams spanning multiple fields to achieve the program goals. 

     Partnering with international organizations will also bring complementary expertise and resources that will accelerate the program’s impact on the development of global standards and interoperability. These collaborations will ensure that solutions address worldwide market and economic needs. 

    In addition, NSF VINES will support research and technology development that leverage other emerging technologies to advance NextG telecommunications networks. For example, artificial intelligence, machine learning and quantum communications will be deeply embedded in NextG networks, potentially transforming how they are designed, managed and utilized.

    NSF VINES offers two tracks:

    • Track 1 (Use-inspired Fundamental Research) will invest in activities focused on use-inspired fundamental research to develop novel networking techniques and solutions; and
    • Track 2 (Verticals-Driven Technology Development, Demonstration and Translation) will invest in activities focused on technology development, maturation, demonstration, integration and translation of solutions with higher technology readiness levels, with the goal of producing adoption-ready technologies.

    More information about VINES

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) in Paris

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, delivered remarks at the Opening Ceremony of the 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) on 3 June 2025, commemorating the handover of the co-chairmanship of the OECD Southeast Asia Regional Programme (SEARP) from current Co-Chairs, Australia and Viet Nam, to the incoming Co-Chairs, Canada and the Philippines.
     
    In his remarks, Dr. Kao welcomed the continued collaboration between ASEAN and the OECD, underscoring shared commitment to promote good regulatory practices, prioritise sustainable development, and place inclusive growth at the core of region’s economic progress.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers remarks at the Opening Ceremony of 2025 Meeting of the OECD Council at Ministerial Level (MCM) in Paris appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Global: We asked over 8,700 people in 6 countries to think about future generations in decision-making, and this is what we found

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Stylianos Syropoulos, Assistant Professor of Psychology, Arizona State University

    Shifting the public’s perspective toward greater concern for future generations could result in more support for climate change policies, among others. Artur Debat/Moment via Getty Images

    People often prioritize the well-being of family, friends and neighbors, as they feel a closeness emotionally and share the same temporal context. But they overlook how people born decades or centuries from now may suffer as a result of today’s failures to address major global risks such as climate change, future pandemics and unregulated artificial intelligence.

    Our new research, published in the British Journal of Social Psychology, shows that brief, low-cost psychological interventions can help individuals adopt a more expansive moral perspective to include future generations.

    We conducted three online studies with over 8,700 participants to examine whether prompting people to consider the long-term consequences of their actions could shift moral priorities beyond the present.

    In one of two interventions, participants imagined themselves serving on a government committee responsible for protecting future generations. Their task was to ensure that new legislation accounted not only for immediate needs but also for long-term impacts; they were asked to write a speech communicating these goals to the American public. This exercise highlighted institutional responsibility and the role of collective action across time.

    In the second intervention, participants engaged with a more personal thought experiment adapted from philosopher William MacAskill’s book “What We Owe the Future,” which explores our moral responsibility toward humanity’s long-term future.

    The impact of actions over time.

    Here, they read a scenario about a hiker who comes across broken glass on a remote trail – glass that may one day injure an unknown child. Should the hiker clean it up, even though no one is watching and the child may not appear for decades? After reflecting on this story, participants were asked to write about what they themselves could do to help make the future better for others.

    Moral concern for both intervention and control participants was assessed using the Moral Expansiveness Scale. We asked participants to rate how much moral concern they felt for a wide range of issues. These included concern for future generations, alongside family and friends, strangers, marginalized groups such as LGBTQ+ people, animals and the natural environment.

    Why it matters

    Although these exercises differed, one emphasizing collective responsibility and the other individual, both led to the same outcome: Participants randomly assigned to an intervention condition expressed significantly greater moral concern for future generations than those assigned to a control condition who completed neither exercise.

    This effect held across cultural contexts and across six diverse countries – the U.S., Argentina, South Africa, the Philippines, the U.K. and Australia – and persisted even when participants were required to make trade-offs in a zero-sum version of the Moral Expansiveness Scale. In this version of the task, they distributed a fixed number of “moral concern points” across competing groups, compelling them to weigh the moral importance of future generations against that of present-day entities like family members, strangers, nature and others.

    What’s especially intriguing, however, is that the elevated concern for future generations among intervention participants did not come at the expense of concern for other socially distant entities or those viewed as marginalized.

    What changed was how participants prioritized their moral concern: They placed slightly less emphasis on family and friends – groups that people typically prioritize most, even when they may be least in need of moral protection.

    In contrast, concern increased for distant others, both living today and in the future.

    What’s next

    This perspective, encouraged by the interventions, could perhaps help lay the groundwork for more durable public support for addressing long-term challenges.

    In future work, we hope to explore whether these interventions can inspire real-world action. This could include increased support for climate policies, voting for leaders who prioritize long-term investments like sustainable infrastructure and pandemic preparedness, or donating to causes that benefit future generations.

    But how might these interventions be integrated into everyday life? One promising approach is to embed them into settings where such reflections already occur, such as schools, civic education programs or public awareness campaigns.

    To assess their real-world potential, we plan to examine the durability of these effects. We want to see whether deploying them in such contexts can meaningfully inspire long-term shifts in attitudes and – importantly – behavior.

    For example, brief storytelling exercises or classroom role-plays, like imagining oneself as a future-focused policymaker, could be incorporated into high school or college curricula to shape students’ values, goals and even career trajectories. Similarly, community workshops, online media or social campaigns could adapt these scenarios to foster long-term thinking in broader populations.

    When people reflect on how their actions today shape the future, they may be more likely to back solutions to present-day issues like poverty and inequality, knowing these problems can have ripple effects for generations to come. They may also become more motivated to confront emerging risks, such as unregulated artificial intelligence or future pandemics, before those risks escalate.

    The Research Brief is a short take on interesting academic work.

    The research relevant to this article was funded by the John Templeton Foundation and APA Division 48.

    The research relevant to this article was funded by the John Templeton Foundation and APA Division 48.

    – ref. We asked over 8,700 people in 6 countries to think about future generations in decision-making, and this is what we found – https://theconversation.com/we-asked-over-8-700-people-in-6-countries-to-think-about-future-generations-in-decision-making-and-this-is-what-we-found-256767

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya launches ‘Urban Adda 2025’ and cycling books, calls cycling the “Solution to Pollution”

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Minister for Youth Affairs & Sports, Dr. Mansukh Mandaviya on Tuesday launched the Urban Adda 2025 conclave at the India Habitat Centre in New Delhi. The three-day event focuses on promoting sustainable urban futures through discussions on key issues like climate resilience, mobility, and inclusive transport.

    Marking World Bicycle Day, Dr. Mandaviya also unveiled two significant books, Cycling, Children & Cities by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Road to Cycle2School by Dr. Bhairavi Joshi and Ar. Kush Parikh, which highlight cycling’s benefits for health, environmental sustainability, and urban transformation.

    In his address, Dr. Mandaviya championed cycling as a cornerstone of fitness and environmental conservation, stating, “Cycling is the best form of exercise. It not only makes us healthy but also helps in environmental sustainability. Cycling is the solution to pollution.” Reflecting on his personal experience, he shared, “When I first became an MP, I used to cycle to Parliament every day, and people saw me as the ‘cycle-wala MP.’ We must turn cycling into a movement, dispel the notion that it is only meant for a particular segment of society, and make it a fashion for everyone.” He highlighted the success of the Sundays on Cycle initiative, describing it as a nationwide movement promoting the Fit India campaign, and urged citizens to embrace cycling daily to contribute to the vision of a Viksit Bharat (Developed India) by 2047.

    Running from June 3 to 5, Urban Adda 2025 brings together young voices, experts, and leaders to discuss critical urban issues such as climate-resilient cities, gender and mobility, clean air and water, waste management, and inclusive transport. The event features a Youth Adda, a forum empowering young people to shape urban transformation, a Cyclothon flagged off on World Bicycle Day with over 100 cyclists promoting active mobility, the Urban Adda Film Festival (UAFF-25) on June 4 showcasing short films on climate resilience and urban innovation followed by a Gala Night attended by actor Pooja Bedi, and interactive public art exhibits led by artist Sagar Singh, blending art, movement, and sustainability.

    Organized by the Raahgiri Foundation in partnership with the International Council on Clean Transportation (ICCT) and GuruJal, and supported by Nagarro, the event was attended by dignitaries including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, Delhi Transport Minister Dr. Pankaj Kumar Singh, Haryana Minister Rao Narbir Singh, Rajasthan Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore, and thought leaders from academia, civil society, and international organizations.