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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mable Chan to promote HK logistics

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Transport & Logistics Mable Chan will lead Logistics Development Council members on a visit to Chengdu and Chongqing tomorrow to promote Hong Kong’s strengths in logistics.

    Ms Chan and the delegation will visit local logistics facilities to gain insights into their operations and explore collaboration opportunities in logistics.

    She will also attend the Hong Kong-Chongqing logistics sector co-operation seminar, organised by the Logistics Development Council and Trade Development Council, to foster exchanges between industry players from Hong Kong and Chongqing.

    Furthermore, she will meet government officials from Chengdu and Chongqing to discuss issues of mutual interest.

    Ms Chan will return to Hong Kong on Friday evening. During her absence, Under Secretary for Transport & Logistics Liu Chun-san will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • At least 27 Palestinians killed near Gaza aid site, medics say

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    At least 27 Palestinians were killed and dozens wounded by Israeli fire near a food distribution site in the southern Gaza Strip on Tuesday, local health authorities said, in the third day of chaos and bloodshed to affect the aid operation.

    The Israeli military said its forces had opened fire on a group of individuals who had left designated access routes near the distribution centre in Rafah.

    It added it was still investigating what had happened.

    The deaths came hours after Israel said three of its soldiers had been killed in fighting in the northern Gaza Strip, as its forces pushed ahead with a months-long offensive against Hamas militants that has laid waste to much of the enclave.

    A spokesperson for the International Committee of the Red Cross told media that its field hospital in Rafah received 184 casualties, adding that 19 of those were declared dead upon arrival, and eight died of their wounds shortly after.

    More than 35 patients required immediate intervention, the spokesperson added.

    The U.S.-backed Gaza Humanitarian Foundation launched its first distribution sites last week in an effort to alleviate widespread hunger amongst Gaza’s war-battered population, most of whom have had to abandon their homes to flee fighting.

    The Foundation’s aid plan, which bypasses traditional aid groups, has come under fierce criticism from the United Nations and established charities which say it does not follow humanitarian principles.

    The private group, which is endorsed by Israel, said it distributed 21 truckloads of food early on Tuesday and that the aid operation was “conducted safely and without incident within the site”.

    However, there have been reports of repeated killings near Rafah as crowds gather to get desperately needed supplies.

    On Sunday, Palestinian and international officials reported that at least 31 people were killed and dozens more injured. On Monday, three more Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli fire.

    The Israeli military has denied targeting civilians gathering for aid and called reports of deaths during Sunday’s distribution “fabrications” by Hamas.

    On Tuesday, it said IDF forces had identified “a number of suspects” moving towards them while deviating from the access routes. “The forces fired evasive shots, and after they did not move away, additional shots were fired near the individual suspects who were advancing towards the forces,” it said.

    MASS EVACUATIONS ORDERED

    U.N. Secretary-General António Guterres said on Monday he was “appalled” by reports of Palestinians killed and wounded while seeking aid and called for an independent investigation.

    The Israeli military issued new evacuation orders to residents of several districts in Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip late on Monday, warning that the army would act forcefully against militants operating in those areas.

    The military told residents to head west towards the Mawasi humanitarian area. Palestinian and United Nations officials say there are no safe areas in the enclave, and that most of its 2.3 million population has become internally displaced.

    The territory’s health ministry said on Tuesday that the new evacuation orders could halt work at the Nasser Hospital, the largest, still-functioning medical facility in the south, endangering the lives of those being treated there.

    Israel launched its military campaign in Gaza following the October 7, 2023 assault in which Hamas-led gunmen killed 1,200 people and took 251 hostages, by Israeli tallies.

    In the subsequent fighting, more than 54,000 Palestinians have been killed, local health authorities say.

    (Reuters)

  • Astronomers fear impact of Musk’s Starlink on South Africa mega-telescope observations

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Astronomers working with South Africa‘s SKA telescope are pushing authorities to ensure that any licensing agreement with Elon Musk’s Starlink will protect their groundbreaking observations, a senior scientist said.

    Discussions to bring Musk’s internet service Starlink in South Africa have already been contentious, with parent company SpaceX criticising local shareholding laws while backing equity equivalent programmes.

    Attaching astronomy-linked licensing conditions may further complicate attempts to introduce Starlink to the country of Musk’s birth, where he has already said he is deterred by government Black empowerment policies.

    South Africa said it will review its Information and Communication Technology sector rules but will not back down on government policies to transform the economy three decades after white-minority rule ended.

    Scientists fear South Africa‘s Square Kilometre Array (SKA-Mid), the world’s most powerful radio telescope together with another array co-hosted in Australia, will have their sensitive space observations distorted by Starlink‘s low-orbiting satellites.

    “It will be like shining a spotlight into someone’s eyes, blinding us to the faint radio signals from celestial bodies,” Federico Di Vruno, co-chair of International Astronomical Union Centre for the Protection of the Dark and Quiet Sky, told Reuters in a telephone interview.

    Di Vruno said the SKA Observatory, where he is spectrum manager, and the South African Radio Astronomy Observatory (SARAO) were lobbying for license requirements to reduce the impact on observations in certain frequency ranges, including some that SKA-Mid uses.

    That could direct Starlink to steer satellite beams away from SKA receivers or stop transmission for a few seconds to minimise interference, he said.

    South Africa‘s current SKA antennae, in the remote Northern Cape town of Carnarvon, use the 350 megahertz to 15.4 gigahertz bandwidth, a range also used by most satellite operators for downlinks.

    MAJOR OBSERVATIONS

    South Africa‘s MeerKAT radio telescope, a precursor to SKA-Mid which will be incorporated into the larger instrument, has already discovered a rare giant radio galaxy that is 32 times the size of the Milky Way.

    Last year, it found 49 new galaxies in under three hours, according to SARAO.

    SKA Observatory, an international body, also campaigns for conditions on licensing agreements with other major satellite operators such as Amazon and Eutelsat’s OneWeb to ensure quiet skies amid a boom in new satellite launches.

    “We are trying to follow different technical and regulatory avenues to mitigate this issue on the global stage,” Di Vruno said.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mikhail Mishustin takes part in the 10th conference “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    “Digital Industry of Industrial Russia” (CIPR) is the main business event on the digital economy and technologies in Russia. For many years, it has been a key platform for dialogue between business and government representatives on issues of digital transformation of society and various sectors of the economy.

    This year, the main track of the business program will be “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State”. “CIPR-2025” will be visited by delegations from more than 30 countries: China, Serbia, Cuba, India, Argentina, Saudi Arabia, Algeria, Belarus, Armenia, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, the Philippines and others.

    Drive

    The conference business program will include more than 100 sessions covering the digitalization of key economic sectors and interaction with partner countries in the global market. International sessions will be held in partnership with the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and the United Nations Industrial Development Organization. The event will also feature bilateral panel discussions with representatives of the Republic of Belarus and the PRC.

    The exhibition of technological solutions will occupy three pavilions, including solutions from international participants from the BRICS and EAEU countries. International solutions from Chinese, Indian, Cuban and Belarusian companies will be presented here. In addition, for the second time, the CIPR site will feature a specialized stand of “digital attachés” – employees of Russian trade missions abroad who are engaged in the promotion of Russian IT products (the stand will reflect the experience of international cooperation in this area).

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Dutch far-right leader Wilders quits coalition, toppling government

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Dutch far-right leader Geert Wilders’ PVV party left the governing coalition on Tuesday, in a move that is set to topple the right wing government and will likely lead to new elections.

    Wilders said his coalition partners were not willing to support his ideas on halting asylum migration.

    “No signature under our asylum plans. The PVV leaves the coalition,” Wilders said in a post on X.

    Wilders said he had informed Prime Minister Dick Schoof that all ministers from his PVV party would quit the government. Schoof has not yet reacted to the resignation.

    Wilders’ surprise move ends an already fragile coalition which has struggled to reach any consensus since its installation last July.

    It will likely bring new elections in a few months, adding to political uncertainty in the euro zone’s fifth-largest economy.

    It will likely also delay a decision on a possibly historic increase in defense spending to meet new NATO targets.

    And it will leave the Netherlands with only a caretaker government when it receives NATO country leaders for a summit to decide on these targets in The Hague later this month.

    DISBELIEF, ANGER

    Wilders’ coalition partners responded with disbelief and anger.

    “This is making us look like a fool,” the leader of the conservative VVD party Dilan Yesilgoz said. “There is a war on our continent. Instead of meeting the challenge, Wilders is showing he is not willing to take responsibility.”

    “This is incredible,” leader of the centrist NSC party Nicolien van Vroonhoven said. “It is irresponsible to take down the government at this point.”

    With PVV out, the others parties have the theoretical option to try and proceed as a minority government. They are not expected to, and have yet to confirm it.

    Wilders won the most recent election in the Netherlands, but recent polls show he has lost support since joining government.

    Polls now put his party at around 20% of the votes, roughly at par with the Labour/Green combination that is currently the second-largest in parliament.

    Wilders had last week demanded immediate support for his proposals to completely halt asylum migration, send Syrian refugees back to their home country and to close asylum shelters.

    Coalition partners did not embrace his idea, and had said it was up to the migration minister from Wilders’ own party to work on specific proposals. Wilders was not part of the government himself as its leader or a minister.

    He was convicted for discrimination after he insulted Moroccans at a campaign rally in 2014 and only managed to strike a coalition deal with three other conservative parties last year after he gave up his bid to become prime minister.

    Instead, the cabinet was led by the independent and unelected Schoof, a career bureaucrat who had led the Dutch intelligence agency AIVD and was the senior official at the ministry of justice.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Edward S Robinson: Welcome remarks – 12th Asian Monetary Policy Forum

    Source: Bank for International Settlements

    Good morning.
    Deputy Prime Minister Heng Swee Keat, 
    Managing Director Chia Der Jiun,
    Distinguished speakers, central bank colleagues,
    Honoured Guests.

    Introduction

    Thank you for taking the time to be here for the 12th Asian Monetary Policy Forum. We are greatly honoured that DPM Heng Swee Keat has been able to join us. He provided the impetus to the inception of ABFER/AMPF a decade ago and has continued with strong counsel and encouragement.  DPM as a policymaker internalises the economic way of thinking. He applies careful and thoughtful analytical reasoning based on the evidence to a range of policy issues, including enhancing the economy’s macro-competitiveness. He has made significant contributions to the strengthening of Singapore’s international trade relationships and holds a deep conviction in the benefits of comparative advantage and broader economic complementarities across countries. DPM has played a pivotal role in ingraining the principles and practices that define Singapore’s robust, forward-looking approach to economic policy making. 

    The Global Economic Context

    In 2024, the global economy was showing clear signs of recovery. Inflation was easing, growth was holding steady at potential, and central banks were beginning to cut policy rates. Yet today, prospects have darkened against conditions of underlying unpredictability.

    The Economics of Protectionism

    Economists readily acknowledge the firm case against protectionism. Import taxes destroy trade benefits by disrupting efficient resource allocation and reducing consumer surplus, as domestic households face higher prices and fewer choices. Both the targeted and tariff-imposing economies suffer. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Development Blog: Why Central Banks in Asia Should Consider Cutting Interest Rates

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Amid global trade uncertainty and moderating inflation, several Asian economies face growing pressure to reduce interest rates. Falling inflation, high real interest rates, weakening growth, and a softening US dollar suggest conditions may be right for monetary easing in parts of the region.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Indian companies post satisfactory Q4 results despite global challenges: Bank of Baroda Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Corporate performance of Indian companies in the fourth quarter of financial year 2025 remained satisfactory despite a tough global economic environment, according to a recent report by Bank of Baroda.

    The report highlighted that most companies are optimistic about their future growth prospects, and there is potential for further improvement once consumption demand picks up in FY26.

    The report said, “Corporate performance in Q4 FY25 was on the whole satisfactory and there is scope for an upward movement once consumption pick up in FY26. Importantly, despite a challenging global environment, companies remain positive on future growth prospects”.

    The report pointed out that certain sectors are already showing signs of recovery. Sectors linked to infrastructure are experiencing steady growth even though they are being compared to a high base from last year.

    In the case of consumer-related sectors like FMCG and consumer durables, strong rural demand and seasonal factors have played a key role in supporting recovery.

    The services sector has also continued to grow at a steady pace, driven by strong demand.

    The report noted that stable commodity prices, low inflation in India, a favourable monsoon outlook, trade agreements, government spending on infrastructure, and tax benefits are expected to be important drivers of growth and demand in the coming months.

    According to the report, aggregate net sales of a sample of 1,893 companies increased by 5.4 per cent in Q4 FY25, while net profits rose by 7.6 per cent. Expenses and interest costs remained under control, which helped improve the debt repayment ability of companies.

    However, some slowdown in sales was seen in large sectors such as oil and gas, textiles, and iron and steel. This had a negative impact on the overall performance of the sample. But the report suggested that this is likely a one-time occurrence and not a long-term concern.

    Similarly, the BFSI (banking, financial services, and insurance) sector, which performed strongly last year, saw some moderation in growth. This has been linked to a slowdown in credit growth.

    Overall, the report painted a positive picture of India Inc’s performance in Q4 FY25 and suggests that companies are well-positioned to benefit from improving demand and supportive policy measures in the next financial year.

    (ANI)

  • India urges deeper BRICS cooperation for building future-ready digital ecosystem

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and future-ready digital development at the 11th BRICS Communications Ministers’ Meeting held in Brasília, Brazil.
     
    Delivering India’s national statement, Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Dr. Pemmasani Chandra Sekhar, highlighted the country’s progress in digital governance under the theme set by Brazil’s BRICS presidency—Universal and Meaningful Connectivity, Space Sustainability, Environmental Sustainability, and the Digital Ecosystem.
     
    Dr. Chandra Sekhar showcased India’s Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) as a global model for inclusive and transformative digital governance. He underlined the impact of flagship platforms such as Aadhaar and Unified Payments Interface (UPI), stating that Aadhaar has empowered over 950 million Indians with secure digital identity and seamless access to services, while UPI has revolutionised real-time digital payments, contributing to 46 percent of the world’s digital transactions.
     
    He called upon BRICS nations to deepen collaboration and leverage digital public infrastructure for inclusive growth. “India’s DPI model, based on open and interoperable platforms, is a catalyst for good governance, financial inclusion and digital innovation while acting as a safeguard against monopolistic practices,” he added.
     
    Dr. Sekhar also spoke about India’s vibrant startup ecosystem, the growing digital skills network, and progressive legislations such as the Telecommunications Act and the Data Protection Act. Stressing the need for digital trust and user safety, he highlighted India’s Sanchar Saathi initiative to combat telecom-related fraud.
     
    The Minister emphasised the importance of international cooperation in areas such as cybersecurity, data protection and digital integrity, noting that the safety and trustworthiness of interconnected digital societies are crucial for the future.
     
    Reflecting on India’s digital progress, Dr. Sekhar said the country has transitioned from digital divide to digital leadership. He presented the Digital Bharat Nidhi programme as a flagship initiative that has supported projects like BharatNet, which now connects over 2.18 lakh gram panchayats through optical fibre. 
     
    He said that India’s indigenous development and mass deployment of 4G and 5G technologies have brought high-speed connectivity to over 95 percent of the population with 4G and more than 80 percent with 5G. India, he noted, also leads the world in affordable data access, with internet data prices as low as 12 cents per gigabyte.
     
    Speaking on the issue of space sustainability, the Minister said, “Space is no longer a distant frontier—it is now a vital part of our digital infrastructure.” He outlined India’s reforms in satellite communication, including streamlined SATCOM regulations and expanded licensing for mobile and IoT satellite services. He urged BRICS nations to work jointly on global issues such as orbital equity, spectrum management and space traffic regulation through cooperation rather than competition.
     
    Addressing environmental sustainability, Dr. Sekhar acknowledged the dual challenges of climate change and rising e-waste. Citing projections from the Global E-Waste Monitor, he warned that global e-waste could reach 82 billion kilograms by 2030. He informed the forum about India’s initiatives like the Green Development Pact from the G20 Summit in Delhi and the Panchamrit goals announced at COP-26. He urged BRICS members to adopt circular economy practices, integrate green energy into ICT infrastructure and support global frameworks like the ITU’s Green Digital Action.
     

  • IPL 2025: Rain in focus as RCB-PBKS take centerstage for title clash in Ahmedabad

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian Premier League (IPL) is set to welcome its new winner on Tuesday when Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB) and Punjab Kings (PBKS) will take on each other in the title clash at Narendra Modi Stadium in Ahmedabad to lift their maiden silverware.

    RCB and PBKS have been part of the tournament since its inception in 2008. Both sides have come close to lifting the IPL trophy but ended as runners-up. RCB played three finals (2009, 2011, 2016) before this year’s title clash, while Punjab had their chance in 2014.

    With the excitement among fans of both franchises reaching the pinnacle, the encounter is going to be a nail-biting affair. However, the weather is likely to make it more intense for the fans with a rain threat looming around the match.

    According to AccuWeather, the temperature in Ahmedabad will be around 36°C at the beginning of the game, dropping to around 31°C by the end. Humidity levels will range between 52% and 63% during match hours. The sky is expected to be cloudy for most of the time, and there is around 2% to 5% chance of rain to interrupt the game.

    In case of a washout on Tuesday, the IPL 2025 final will be played on the reserve day – Wednesday. In case of a complete washout on both days, which is highly unlikely, the team that has finished at the top (Punjab Kings) will lift the title.

    Ahmedabad also hosted the IPL final in 2023, which was significantly disrupted by rain. The match, initially set for May 28, had to be postponed without a single ball being bowled. Fortunately, the Board of Control for Cricket in India utilised a reserve day to hold the final the following day.

    However, rain continued to interfere, leading to a shortened contest, with the second innings limited to just 15 overs. Ravindra Jadeja’s last-ball heroics guided Chennai Super Kings to their fifth IPL title against the home side Gujarat Titans.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists send pets with cancer to radiation therapy using unique neutron capture technology

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    Based at the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine (LNIM) Faculty of Physics Novosibirsk State University is collecting data to create a Tomographic Atlas of Animals — a large-scale database of images obtained during CT examinations of dogs and cats of various breeds, both healthy and cancer patients. This atlas will become the basis for training artificial intelligence in methods of diagnosing oncological diseases using tomographic data.

    — The use of AI for the analysis of tomographic images of animals will automate the diagnostic process, significantly reducing its dependence on the human factor. Research and treatment of our smaller brothers make a great contribution to the development of medicine and science in general. Studying animal diseases helps not only to improve their health and quality of life, but also to find new approaches to the treatment of cancer in humans, which is ultimately our goal. Artificial intelligence trained on the basis of the tomographic atlas will allow scientists to automatically receive descriptions of serial experimental studies of large groups of animals, taking into account their interspecies and intraspecies differences, — said Vladimir Kanygin, Head of the Laboratory of Nuclear and Innovative Medicine at the LYAIM PF NSU.

    The project is being implemented jointly with the Autonomous Non-Commercial Organization “Siberian Research Center for Medicine and Biotechnology” (“Sibbiotech”), which provides technical and veterinary support: organizes examination of animals, their transportation, and also supports radiation therapy. The source of neutrons for NCT is the research nuclear reactor of Tomsk Polytechnic University.

    As Vladimir Kanygin explained, the employees of this non-profit organization have no direct connection to science, but their work is very important for scientists, since they provide technical and organizational aspects of conducting research and therapy, ensure the search for animals for testing and their transportation to the place of radiation therapy.

    – ANO “Sibbiotech” has contacts with several veterinary clinics and volunteer centers engaged in the help of homeless animals. They direct us cats and dogs for research and treatment. Thanks to this, even homeless dogs and cats have a unique chance to get highly qualified assistance to specialists who are studying therapeutic effects of radiation therapy using neutron capture technology. So far, this process is quite successful. Despite the fact that we are actively working on our tomograph only the last six months, today dozens of animals have passed through it. Among them were not only four -legged patients in whom we conducted a search for tumor formations, but also injured animals. So, in early April, through our partners – ANO “Sibbotech” – volunteers brought a cat found on the street to the tomographic center of our laboratory. The volunteers said that they had once been home, and then the owners threw it away. We found in her body 6 metal artifacts remaining from gunshot wounds. In addition, the cat revealed cancer. Thanks to a timely study, a correct diagnosis was made, the necessary treatment was prescribed and the animal was helped. There are other cases when, after CT, preliminary diagnoses made by the branches are seriously adjusted. For example, it turns out that the animal does not suffer from oncological disease, but in its body any inflammatory process develops. The treatment tactics are changing, and the animal receives the necessary help, ”said Vladimir Kanygin.

    According to LYAIM, over 100 animals underwent neutron capture therapy over three years. Many of them demonstrated significant improvement in their condition: decreased pain, improved quality of life, and in most cases, decreased or stabilized tumor size. A number of scientific articles have been published based on the results of the studies.

    In May, six animals underwent radiation therapy: two dogs and four cats diagnosed with melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and sarcoma. Among them was an Alabai with multiple tumor lesions on the head. The animals received therapeutic doses of radiation and are under remote observation by veterinary specialists from Tomsk. New groups of patients are formed regularly — not only residents of Novosibirsk and the region, but also pet owners from Moscow and St. Petersburg turn to scientists.

    According to experts, neutron capture therapy is effective in treating more than half of stage III and IV malignant tumors. Some animals that were previously offered euthanasia were saved and their condition improved.

    Special attention at LYAIM is given to such difficult-to-treat tumors as melanoma, glioblastoma, meningioma, and carcinoma. In most cases, a significant improvement in the condition and death of tumor cells are observed. The first positive results of therapy are usually recorded 1.5–2 months after the procedure. At the same time, the animals undergo a repeat CT examination, the data from which are also included in the tomographic atlas.

    Before CT scanning, animals are given a contrast agent under general anesthesia. All stages — from the administration of anesthesia to full awakening — are accompanied by a veterinary anesthesiologist, who monitors vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, breathing. The procedure is usually tolerated by animals easily and without complications. The scanning itself takes about 15-20 minutes, and the entire process takes an average of one and a half hours.

    In animals that have been operated on before, LAIM specialists often perform additional histological examinations at their own laboratory, and then a course of neutron capture therapy. They do not refuse help even in the case of advanced tumors with metastases, as well as in the case of malignant tumors of complex localization, such as the brain or spine, when other treatment methods are ineffective or impossible.

    In some cases, NRT can be administered in conjunction with chemotherapy.

    To launch the full-fledged work of artificial intelligence capable of diagnosing oncological diseases based on CT data, it is necessary to collect at least one and a half to two thousand tomographic images of each type of tumor, as well as thousands of scans of healthy animals of different species. The basis of the database will be images of cats and dogs, but it is planned to include data on other species – primates, rodents and other animals that have undergone tomographic examination. The study will include all stages of tumor development.

    – The primary basis of the tumor is determined at all stages, and our task is to teach artificial intelligence to diagnose one or another type of tumor primarily on animal models, so the creation of an electronic tomographic atlas is especially relevant. We see it as a constantly self -reinforcing, self -learning and self -expanding program, which will undergo a certain correction from the point of view of self -learning and from the point of view of improving the algorithm used. At the moment, we have established good working relations with colleagues from Singapore to form joint databases in some areas. The formation of a tomographic atlas is designed for a fairly long perspective. Rather, this is a kind of beta version of a specialized application that will improve the quality of the diagnosis, and its use will imply the user’s participation in improving this program. Each user is involved in this project, since one of the conditions for using the tomographic atlas will be the replenishment of its database. In the meantime, we invite to cooperate the owners of cats, dogs and rodents. If there are suspicions that the pet had any neoplasm, or he already undergoes oncological treatment in a veterinary clinic, it is advisable to conduct an examination for CT for him. Our scientists, using the tomographic and histological base of the laboratory, will make a diagnosis or clarify it if it is already delivered by other specialists, and many pets will be offered radiation neutron therapy on the reactor of the Tomsk Polytechnic University. And the pet’s data will replenish the tomographic atlas, on the basis of which artificial intelligence will be trained, ”Vladimir Kanygin explained. 

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (June 3) released the statistics on vessels, port cargo and containers for the first quarter of 2025.
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, total port cargo throughput decreased by 3.9% to 41.1 million tonnes over a year earlier. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 10.8% to 24.5 million tonnes, while outward port cargo increased by 8.6% to 16.6 million tonnes.
     
         On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, total port cargo throughput increased by 2.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Within this total, inward port cargo decreased by 1.3% compared with the preceding quarter, while outward port cargo increased by 8.9% compared with the preceding quarter. The seasonally adjusted series enables more meaningful shorter-term comparison to be made for discerning possible variations in trends.
     
    Port cargo
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, within port cargo, seaborne and river cargo decreased by 3.7% and 4.2% to 25.9 million tonnes and 15.2 million tonnes respectively over a year earlier.
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, a double-digit increase was recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Chile (+33.3%). On the other hand, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo loaded in Vietnam (-30.6%), Taiwan (-23.9%), Malaysia (-21.6%), Thailand (-21.4%), Korea (-18.5%), Japan (-13.8%) and the mainland of China (-13.2%). For outward port cargo, double-digit increases were recorded in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in Australia (+28.3%), Taiwan (+22.8%) and the mainland of China (+22.5%). On the other hand, double-digit decreases were recorded in the tonnage of outward port cargo discharged in the United States of America (-31.9%), the Philippines (-30.6%), Malaysia (-27.8%), Thailand (-25.9%), Japan (-21.5%) and Vietnam (-18.1%).
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of inward port cargo of “metalliferous ores and metal scrap” (+24.9%), “artificial resins and plastic materials” (-15.0%) and “stone, sand and gravel” (-37.7%). As for outward port cargo, triple-digit or double-digit changes were recorded in the tonnage of “stone, sand and gravel” (+122.9%), “metalliferous ores and metal scrap” (+15.6%) and “artificial resins and plastic materials” (-20.6%).
     
    Containers
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, the port of Hong Kong handled 3.37 million twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs) of containers, representing an increase of 1.6% over a year earlier. Within this total, laden containers decreased by 3.3% to 2.58 million TEUs, while empty containers increased by 21.2% to 0.80 million TEUs. Among laden containers, inward and outward containers decreased by 2.9% and 3.6% to 1.39 million TEUs and 1.19 million TEUs respectively.
     
         On a seasonally adjusted quarter-to-quarter comparison, laden container throughput increased by 1.6% in the first quarter of 2025. Within this total, inward laden containers increased by 3.3%, while outward laden containers decreased by 0.4%.
     
         In the first quarter of 2025, seaborne and river laden containers decreased by 3.3% and 3.2% to 1.82 million TEUs and 0.76 million TEUs respectively over a year earlier.
     
    Vessel arrivals
     
         Comparing the first quarter of 2025 with a year earlier, the number of ocean vessel arrivals decreased by 1.1% to 4 506, with the total capacity also decreasing by 3.8% to 70.8 million net tons. Meanwhile, the number of river vessel arrivals decreased by 0.7% to 19 800, while the total capacity increased by 22.6% to 23.1 million net tons.
     
    Further information
     
         Port cargo and laden container statistics are compiled from a sample of consignments listed in the cargo manifests supplied by shipping companies and agents to the C&SD. Vessel statistics are compiled by the Marine Department primarily from general declarations submitted by ship masters and authorised shipping agents. Pleasure vessels and fishing vessels plying exclusively within the river trade limits are excluded.
     
         Table 1 presents the detailed port cargo statistics.
     
         Table 2 and Table 3 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by main countries/territories of loading and discharge.
     
         Table 4 and Table 5 respectively present the inward and outward port cargo statistics by principal commodities.
     
         Table 6 presents the detailed container statistics.
     
         Table 7 presents the statistics on vessel arrivals in Hong Kong.
     
         More detailed statistics on port cargo, containers and vessels are published in the report “Hong Kong Shipping Statistics, First Quarter 2025”. Users can browse and download this publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1020008&scode=230).
     
         For enquiries about port cargo and container statistics, please contact the Electronic Trading Services and Cargo Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 2582 2126 or email: shipping@censtatd.gov.hk). For enquiries about vessel statistics, readers may contact the Statistics Section under the Planning, Development and Port Security Branch of the Marine Department (Tel: 2852 3662 or email: st-sec@mardep.gov.hk).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Chris Sun to visit Geneva, Munich

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Labour & Welfare Chris Sun will depart for Geneva, Switzerland, tonight to attend the 113th Session of the International Labour Conference, before heading to Munich, Germany, to continue his visit.

    Mr Sun will attend the conference as part of the People’s Republic of China (PRC) delegation. Commissioner for Labour May Chan, as well as Labour Advisory Board employee and employer members will join him.

    While in Geneva, Mr Sun will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the International Labour Organization and leading figures of international organisations attending the conference.

    He will also meet government, employer and employee representatives of the PRC delegation, as well as representatives from the Permanent Mission of the PRC to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other international organisations in Switzerland.

    On June 7, Mr Sun will leave for Munich, Germany, for the second leg of his visit.

    Joined by Hong Kong Talent Engage Director Anthony Lau, the labour chief will meet young entrepreneurs and talent to exchange ideas and introduce the latest developments in manpower policies in Hong Kong.

    Mr Sun will arrive in Hong Kong on June 9. During his absence, Under Secretary for Labour & Welfare Ho Kai-ming will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Property sales fall 10.9%

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Land Registry logged 6,442 sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in May, down 10.9% compared with April and 12.5% lower year-on-year.

    The total consideration for such agreements in May dropped 0.5% from the previous month to $49.8 billion, representing a 20% year-on-year decrease.

    Of the agreements, 5,105 were for residential units, amounting to a 10.3% decrease from April and an 8% drop from a year ago.

    The total consideration for residential units was $38.2 billion, down 9.4% compared with April and 28.3% lower year-on-year.

    There were 403,745 land register searches last month.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • After month-long exposition in Vietnam, holy Buddha relics return to India

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The holy relics of Lord Buddha returned to India on Tuesday after a month-long exposition tour across Vietnam.

    The relics were ceremoniously received at Palam Air Force Station in New Delhi. The delegation accompanying the relics was led by Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati , along with representation from the International Buddhist Confederation (IBC) led by Shartse Khensur Jangchup Choeden Rinpoche, Secretary General, and National Museum officials.

    “The holy relics will be publicly displayed at the National Museum, Delhi, for a day, allowing devotees and dignitaries to offer their respects. A formal prayer meeting with senior monks, IBC officials, and diplomats will follow,” the IBC said in a post on X.

    “On June 4, the relics will travel in a Presidential cavalcade to Sarnath via Varanasi, where they will be ceremonially enshrined at Mulagandha Kuti Vihar, marking the grand conclusion of this historic international pilgrimage,” it added.

    The sacred tour in Vietnam, spanning multiple locations from the south to the north, drew more than 17.8 million devotees in total.

    External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar had called the exhibition of these relics in Vietnam an “expression of close and friendly ties over centuries.”

    The ceremonies included relic processions, meditative gatherings, chanting, and educational sessions, fostering spiritual mindfulness among attendees of all ages.

    The holy relics arrived in Vietnam from India on May 2 with an Indian delegation led by Union Minister of Parliamentary and Minority Affairs Kiren Rijiju, which also included Andhra Pradesh Minister Kandula Durgesh, senior monks and officials.

    The relics were supposed to remain in Vietnam until May 21 as part of the UN Day of Vesak celebrations.

    However, India extended the enshrinement of sacred relics in Vietnam beyond May 21, on the recommendation of the Committee for Ethnic and Religious Affairs after a formal request from Vietnamese government, said the local media.

    The relics were displayed at Thanh Tam Pagoda in Ho Chi Minh City, then in Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh province, Quan Su Pagoda in Hanoi, Tam Chuc Pagoda in Ha Nam, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh province, Phuc Son Pagoda, Bac Giang Province, Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery in Quang Ninh, Chuong Pagoda in Hung Yen and Quan Am Ngu Hanh Son Pagoda in Da Nang City of Vietnam.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI: HashiCorp Expands Unified Lifecycle Management for Hybrid Cloud Operations

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LONDON, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Today at HashiDays London, its first international user conference as an IBM company, HashiCorp unveiled the vision for partnering with IBM to shape the future of hybrid cloud automation. Despite widespread adoption, most enterprises have not reached cloud maturity — out of the 94% using cloud services, only 20% are receiving full ROI. IBM estimates that one billion new AI applications will emerge by 2028, driving greater cloud complexity and forcing enterprises to make critical decisions about their hybrid cloud strategies. Together with IBM’s software automation portfolio, HashiCorp is delivering the automated hybrid cloud platform that unifies infrastructure and security workflows, reduces complexity, and enhances visibility and control.

    At HashiDays London, HashiCorp announced new products and integrations that expand the capabilities of its Infrastructure Cloud across Infrastructure and Security Lifecycle Management (ILM and SLM) to help organizations automate hybrid infrastructure delivery, reduce operational risk, and improve security posture throughout the entire application lifecycle.

    “I’m excited to welcome our global community to HashiDays 2025, where we are sharing our vision for how HashiCorp and IBM will work together to build an automated hybrid cloud platform,” said Armon Dadgar, CTO and Co-Founder, HashiCorp. “With this vision, we’ll deliver a unified control plane that powers hybrid applications, embedding policy, automation, and observability into every layer of the stack, so enterprises can modernize securely, streamline operations, and unlock AI-driven automation at scale.”

    For more than 10 years, HashiCorp has helped thousands of customers across every geography and industry do cloud right. At HashiDays, customers from EMEA and APAC, including Booking.com, BT Group, Helvetia Insurance, HTX, InfoCert, shiftavenue, Trust Bank, SPH Media, and more, are sharing stories of how they manage cloud infrastructure and security with HashiCorp.

    Infrastructure Lifecycle Management

    As customers scale their hybrid strategies with IBM and HashiCorp, Infrastructure Lifecycle Management (ILM) continues to be a foundational priority. From building landing zones to enabling secure Day 2+ automation, organizations are using ILM to drive faster delivery and infrastructure resilience across teams and environments.

    Helvetia Insurance | How Terraform supported an ambitious cloud migration

    Founded in 1858 and headquartered in St. Gallen, Switzerland, Helvetia Insurance Group is a major player in the European insurance market. A few years ago, the cloud enablement team started a complete migration from on-premises datacenters to the public cloud. The ambitious goal: move 200 applications to AWS and Azure within one year. Using HashiCorp Terraform, Helvetia’s cloud enablement team created landing zones — fully configured cloud accounts with connectivity and policies — for its internal product teams. They then collaborated with a partner to build modules for hardened virtual machines and other critical resources allowing them to follow a lift-and-shift approach, expediting the migration without sacrificing security or governance. “Terraform was instrumental in achieving our migration goals. Without it, moving 200 applications in about a year would have been impossible. Our teams now have the tools to work faster and with greater confidence,” said Matthias Mertens, Cloud Solution Architect, Helvetia Insurance.

    HashiCorp’s ILM capabilities help platform and operations teams accelerate delivery, enforce policy, and optimize infrastructure from Day 0 to Day N. Today’s announcements expand support for secure, policy-enforced infrastructure delivery with new features across Terraform, Packer, Nomad, and Waypoint. These updates automate critical workflows that improve team productivity and infrastructure resilience throughout the full lifecycle.

    Build: Define and provision infrastructure in a standardized, scalable way to avoid configuration drift and manual rework.

    • Terraform ephemeral resources (GA): Protect sensitive values from persisting in state files
    • Sentinel policy library for AWS (GA): Enforce secure-by-default configurations with pre-written policies
    • Terraform + Red Hat Ansible Automation Platform: Enable orchestration of complex infrastructure workflows with end-to-end infrastructure as code

    Deploy: Enable repeatable, secure, and policy-aligned delivery of applications and environments.

    • HCP Waypoint actions (GA): Offer Day 2+ lifecycle workflows like rollback and restart, exposed through UI or CLI, to provide an internal developer platform that shields users from the underlying infrastructure complexity

    Manage: Monitor, update, and deprecate infrastructure components securely and efficiently across teams and environments.

    • HCP module revocation: Prevent use of revoked modules in HCP Terraform as part of module lifecycle management
    • HCP Terraform Premium SKU: Unlock advanced governance and private VCS support
    • Dynamic host volumes (Nomad): Enable more flexible, scalable provisioning of persistent storage across Nomad clients, essential for stateful workloads that require resilient storage operations in dynamic environments
    • Terraform provider for IBM Z: Empower organizations to integrate their mainframe platforms into modern workflows and hybrid cloud strategies

    Security Lifecycle Management

    As organizations modernize their infrastructure, their security surface area grows, along with the need to continuously inspect, protect, and govern sensitive data. Security Lifecycle Management (SLM) ensures that identity-based security, secrets management, and access governance are built directly into hybrid workflows, rather than bolted on after deployment.

    IG Group | Strengthened security while accelerating delivery with HCP Vault

    “As a security leader, my job is to reduce risk for my company without slowing down our development teams,” said Andrew Blooman, Platform Security Team Lead, IG Group. “Over the past few years, HashiCorp has helped us achieve these goals as we adopted multiple products for a number of use cases. We started with Community Edition versions of Vault, Nomad, and Consul, used HashiCorp Professional Services to accelerate this deployment, and added HCP Vault this year. We now have 63 teams onboarded to HCP Vault, with a centralized GitOps workflow allowing for version control, change approvals, and an audit log of newly onboarded teams.”

    HashiCorp’s SLM capabilities help security and compliance teams safeguard sensitive data, enforce access policies, and maintain governance from Day 0 through Day N. These updates provide proactive tools for visibility, access control, and cryptographic assurance across hybrid environments, and reflect continued investment in helping teams move faster without compromising control.

    Inspect: Identify and address potential security gaps before infrastructure or applications reach production.

    • HCP Vault Radar (GA): Detect and remediate unmanaged secrets and credential sprawl across environments
    • Consul 1.21 (GA): Simplify external service monitoring architecture for enhanced observability and service registration in complex environments

    Protect: Enforce identity-based access and secure application communication across environments.

    • Boundary transparent sessions (GA): Provide secure access to systems without altering user workflows
    • Vault and Consul integrations for Red Hat OpenShift: Streamline secure access across containerized workloads
    • Bring your own DNS to HCP Vault Dedicated: Improve connectivity and security posture in regulated environments, available now in AWS and coming soon to Azure

    Govern: Automate governance of credentials, policies, and encryption standards across systems and teams.

    • Vault Enterprise 1.19: Includes post-quantum cryptography updates, constrained certificate authorities, and automated root password rotation

    Together with IBM, HashiCorp is delivering the unified lifecycle foundation that modern enterprises need to scale securely and confidently in a hybrid world. Recent announcements, including Terraform Enterprise support for IBM Z and Vault Enterprise support for IBM Z and LinuxONE, bring HashiCorp’s ILM and SLM expertise to the mainframe, further enabling hybrid cloud automation that stretches from on-premises to private and public cloud.

    For more information and detailed coverage of all Infrastructure and Security Lifecycle Management announcements at HashiDays 2025, please visit the HashiCorp blog.

    About HashiDays
    HashiDays is taking place in London on June 3 and Singapore on July 22. During the multi-city event, attendees will hear from community members, partners, and customers about the latest advances in HashiCorp’s cloud infrastructure products. The HashiDays London keynote and morning sessions will be available to watch via live stream. The live stream link will be shared on the HashiDays homepage 30 minutes before the keynote begins at 9:30 a.m. BST.

    About HashiCorp
    HashiCorp, an IBM company, helps organizations automate hybrid cloud environments with Infrastructure and Security Lifecycle Management. HashiCorp offers The Infrastructure Cloud on the HashiCorp Cloud Platform (HCP) for managed cloud services, as well as self-hosted enterprise offerings and community source-available products. For more information, visit hashicorp.com.

    All product and company names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders.

    Red Hat, the Red Hat logo, OpenShift and Ansible are trademarks or registered trademarks of Red Hat, Inc. or its subsidiaries in the U.S. and other countries.

    Media and analyst contact
    media@hashicorp.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • Top UK leaders back India’s zero tolerance policy against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad on Monday held high-level engagements in London with UK ministers, lawmakers, leaders, think tanks, and India friendship groups, highlighting Operation Sindoor as a significant shift in the country’s counter-terrorism approach.

    The delegation received wide-ranging support during the discussion on strengthening India–UK collaboration against cross-border terrorism, reaffirming shared commitments to global security, justice, and strategic partnership.

    In an interaction at the British Parliament, the delegation apprised UK Minister for Citizenship and Migration Seema Malhotra of India’s resolve against fighting terrorism.

    Furthermore, the delegation met with UK Minister for the Indo-Pacific, Catherine West, who reaffirmed Britain’s strong condemnation of terrorist attacks in India. She underscored India’s strategic and economic importance to the UK, particularly in promoting stability in the Indo-Pacific region and driving global economic growth.

    As a country that has also endured the impact of terrorism, West stated that the UK firmly believes perpetrators of such acts must be held accountable, and emphasized the need for all nations to work collectively to achieve this goal.

    They also met with Labour Party India Friendship Groups – including Labour Friends of India, Labour Convention of Indian Organisations, Sikhs for Labour, and Hindus for Labour – who expressed their solidarity with India in a unified voice and extended firm support in their fight against terrorism.

    Both sides agreed that terror infrastructure must be dismantled wherever it exists and that terror financing must be addressed decisively, acknowledging that what affects India today could impact any nation, including the UK. They underscored the importance of continued dialogue to foster mutual understanding and expressed a shared commitment to strengthening cooperation and engagement between the Labour Party and India.

    Later, the delegation engaged with Co-Chair of the Conservative Party Dominic Johnson and Co-Chair of the Conservative Friends of India Koolesh Shah at Conservative Campaign Headquarters.

    Earlier, on Monday, the delegates interacted with UK-based think tanks.

    “Today, alongside my esteemed colleagues from the all-party delegation, I had the privilege of engaging with UK think tanks and the academic community, sharing India’s unwavering stance of zero tolerance towards terrorism. We highlighted the ‘new normal’ established by India in countering state-sponsored terrorism. Our dialogue with leading think tanks was fruitful, and we conveyed our concerns, explaining the purpose of our visit,” Ravi Shankar Prasad posted on X.

    “We emphasised India’s capability in handling Pakistan, which we have successfully done in the past. While we believe in peace and amity, we also recognise the need to take decisive action to protect our citizens from terrorism. The world must understand the scourge of terrorism. We also underscored India’s economic achievements, emerging as a manufacturing hub with global recognition. As a sovereign nation with a significant growth trajectory, we firmly believe terrorism and trade are incompatible,” he added.

    The delegation concluded the day by interacting with UK thought leaders over dinner, discussing the global threat posed to all societies by terrorism, its social impact, and the connected rise of radicalisation.

    The Indian delegation arrived in London on Saturday after concluding visits to France, Italy, and Denmark.

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

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • PM Modi assures full central support to flood-hit northeast states

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday spoke with the Chief Ministers of Assam and Sikkim and Manipur Governor Ajay Bhalla to assess the flood situation in the northeastern region. He assured them of all possible support from the Centre to aid relief and rehabilitation efforts.
     
    Heavy rainfall over the past several days has led to severe flooding across northeastern states including Assam, Sikkim, Manipur, Tripura, and Arunachal Pradesh. The situation has disrupted daily life, submerged vast stretches of land, and severed crucial supply links to remote areas.
     
    The Prime Minister expressed concern over the rising water levels in major rivers such as the Brahmaputra, Pachnoi, and Kushiyara, which are flowing above danger marks in several locations. Thousands have been displaced, with many forced to evacuate from low-lying areas.
     
    Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said in a post on X that the Prime Minister had called him to inquire about the situation. “I briefed the Prime Minister on how continuous rainfall in Assam and adjoining states has led to flooding and impacted many lives. I also apprised him of the relief operation undertaken by the state government,” he posted. Sarma added that PM Modi assured full support from the Centre and offered guidance in tackling the crisis.
     
    Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang also expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for reaching out during the ongoing crisis. He stated that the state administration remains committed to managing the landslide and flood emergency and providing all necessary aid to those affected.
     
    In Manipur, the situation remains grim, particularly in the Imphal Valley. The Indian Army and Assam Rifles are leading extensive rescue operations under “Operation Jalrahat-II.” Over the past three days, more than 1,000 people have been rescued from flood-hit areas in Imphal East and West districts.
     
    According to a bulletin issued by the Manipur administration, over 56,000 people across 174 villages remain affected. Relief efforts include the distribution of 1,500 food packets and 4,000 bottles of clean drinking water. A dedicated medical camp was also set up on June 2 at Wangkhei Angom Leikai Rehabilitation Camp, where over 250 displaced individuals received medical aid.
     
    Medical teams provided treatment for injuries, dehydration, infections, and chronic conditions, with special focus on children, the elderly, and vulnerable patients. Awareness sessions on hygiene and disease prevention were also conducted to help reduce the risk of secondary health issues.
     
    (inputs from agencies )

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Sham Shui Po district officer named

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today announced that Oscar Wong will assume the post of District Officer (Sham Shui Po) on June 20.

    Mr Wong joined the Administrative Service in 2015. He has served in the then Home Affairs Bureau and the Financial Services & the Treasury Bureau.

    He is currently a Senior Administrative Officer (Tourism) at the Culture, Sports & Tourism Bureau.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 26 Degrees selects QuantHouse for enhanced US equities coverage

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Sydney, London, New York, June 03, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Iress today announced that 26 Degrees Global Markets, the multi-asset prime broker, has added the QuantHouse Cboe One Feed to its US equity data coverage, further expanding its US trading capabilities and enhancing its offering for retail brokers seeking ‘out of hours’ access to US markets.

    The Cboe One Feed is the latest QuantHouse market data feed for Sydney-headquartered 26 Degrees and complements existing feeds for multi-asset data from North America, Europe and APAC trading venues.

    The addition of QuantHouse Cboe One Feed data will support 26 Degrees in the delivery of innovative and client-centric solutions to their global client base, and also reflects growing industry demand for extended market access, particularly in Asia. The Cboe One Feed offers consolidated, real-time market data from Cboe’s four US equities exchanges – which collectively account for 21.2%* of US equities on-exchange trading. This includes data from the early hours trading session (4am – 7am ET), during which Cboe has a 40.5% market share*.

    QuantHouse’s Head of EMEA & APAC Sales and Business Development, Rob Kirby, said: “The integration of the new Cboe One Feed by 26 Degrees enhances its US market data coverage considerably, supporting CFD retail flow and meeting growing investor appetite, particularly in Asia, to trade around the clock. We are delighted to continue to support 26 Degrees’ growth strategy with efficient, low latency access to market data from around the world, through a single connection.”

    26 Degrees’ Group Chief Commercial Officer, James Alexander, added: “26 Degrees’ long-standing partnership with QuantHouse ensures our clients benefit from reliable, low-latency market data. By integrating new Cboe One Feed market data within our QuantHouse API interface, we can offer traders, particularly in Asia, unparalleled access to US markets, unlocking new growth opportunities.”

    Adam Inzirillo, Cboe’s Global Head of Data Vantage, said: “We are pleased that 26 Degrees and its clients now have access to the Cboe One Feed, which represents a comprehensive, reliable and high-quality source of US equities market data. Cboe is committed to meet the growing international demand for access to US markets, by delivering high-quality market data as efficiently as possible.”

    QuantHouse continues to expand its global market data reach and connectivity. The Cboe One Feed complements existing US equity venues and other exchange feeds across Canada, Europe and Asia Pacific regions, including Blue Ocean Technologies ATS, created specifically to enable global investors to trade US equities outside of New York Eastern Time market hours.

    For more information on accessing US Equities market data via QuantHouse, a division of Iress, clients are encouraged to contact their account manager.

    * Data 2025 YTD (January – May), excludes off-exchange trading reported through the Trade Reporting Facility (TRF)

    Ends

    For further details, please contact:
    Melanie Budden
    Mobile: +44 (0) 7974 937970
    Email: melanie.budden@therealizationgroup.com

    About QuantHouse
    QuantHouse (part of Iress) is a leading provider of international market data. It delivers high-performance API data feeds, historical and analytics data products it has crafted over the past 20+years to hedge funds, investment banks, brokers, market makers, financial technology providers and trading venues supporting integrated trading strategies, applications, and analytic databases.

    For more information please visit the website.

    About Iress
    Iress (IRE.ASX) is a technology company providing software to the financial services industry. We provide software and services for trading & market data, financial advice, investment management, superannuation, life & pensions and data intelligence in Asia-Pacific, North America, Africa, the UK and Europe. 

    www.iress.com

    About 26 Degrees
    26 Degrees Global Markets is an award-winning multi-asset Prime Broker specialising in providing prime services to broker-dealers, hedge funds, proprietary trading firms and family offices globally. With over a decade of proven history under former brand Invast Global, 26 Degrees is continuing to revolutionise the prime brokerage space by providing bespoke and innovative solutions to their clients internationally and responding quickly to the constantly evolving institutional client needs. 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BSMI Publishes SAF National Standards and Enforces Inspection to Ensure Quality and Promote Carbon Reduction

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    In response to global climate change, countries worldwide are actively implementing carbon reduction policies. Within the aviation sector, the adoption of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) has become a key strategy in advancing low-carbon transportation. To align with national aviation policies and meet the growing demand for SAF, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has established national standards for SAF and requires that SAF be subject to mandatory inspection. These measures ensures compliance with quality specifications and contribute to the aviation industry’s efforts to achieve net-zero carbon emissions.

    According to the BSMI, the Executive Yuan has designated SAF as a key initiative under Taiwan’s national carbon reduction policies. In alignment with the policies implementation timeline, BSMI has adopted relevant international standards-ASTM D7566 and ASTM D1655-as the reference for establishing and revising the national standards CNS 16221 “Aviation Turbine Fuel Containing Synthesized Hydrocarbons” and CNS 2558 “Aviation Turbine Fuel.” These standards define the quality requirements-such as total sulfur content, distillation characteristics, copper strip corrosion, and thermal stability-as well as the corresponding test methods for SAF produced through various processes, serving as regulatory guidance for the domestic aviation fuel manufacturing industry.

    BSMI further stated that SAF is primarily produced from non-petroleum-based feedstocks, such as used waste cooking oil. Compared to conventional petroleum-derived aviation fuels, SAF offers significant carbon reduction benefits. The Ministry of Transportation and Communications has set a target for SAF to account for 5% of total aviation fuel consumption by 2030. In addition to advancing carbon reduction goals, ensuring fuel quality is critical. To this end, BSMI has included SAF within the scope of mandatory inspection. All SAF products-whether imported or domestically produced-must comply with national standards CNS 16221 or CNS 2558. This measure ensures that all SAF supplied within the aviation fuel supply chain meets national regulatory requirements.

    The relevant CNS national standards are available through the BSMI “CNS Online Service System” (website: http://www.cnsonline.com.tw).
    Information on SAF-related inspection requirements, following its inclusion in the list of commodities subject to mandatory inspection, can be found on the BSMI website (http://www.bsmi.gov.tw) under “Focus News” > “Business Announcements.”

    The public is welcome to visit the websites or call the toll-free service line at 0800-007123 for further information.

    Responsible Division: Inspection Administration Division
    Contact Person : Cheng, Ching-Hung., Deputy Director
    Tel. (O):+886-23431700#1221
    Email: ch.cheng@bsmi.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Toyota Group to Accelerate Collaboration Towards Transforming into a Mobility Company Through Privatization of Toyota Industries Corporation

    Source: Toyota

    Headline: Toyota Group to Accelerate Collaboration Towards Transforming into a Mobility Company Through Privatization of Toyota Industries Corporation

    Toyota Group, with its mission of “producing happiness for all,” is taking on the challenge of “transforming into a mobility company” and aiming to contribute to the development of the mobility industry in Japan and the world through these challenges.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community meets with Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Indonesia, ASEAN, and Timor Leste

    Source: ASEAN

    H.E. San Lwin, Deputy Secretary-General of ASEAN for ASEAN Socio-Cultural Community received a courtesy visit from H.E. Ambassador Ina Ruth Luise Lepel. Their discussions explored potential cooperation within the socio-cultural development spheres, encompassing health, disaster management, Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), social inclusion, climate cooperation and environmental protection.
     

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: BSMI Ensures Accuracy of Weighing Scales for Dragon Boat Festival

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    As the Dragon Boat Festival approaches, vibrant holiday shopping scenes are emerging across Taiwan. To ensure accurate weight measurements during transactions, the Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI) has completed a nationwide inspection of weighing scales used in markets ahead of the holiday. The results showed a 99.99% compliance rate, assuring consumers of a fair and reliable shopping experience during the festive season.

    The BSMI conducted targeted inspections at 168 locations, including traditional markets, supermarkets, and hypermarkets in various cities. A total of 6,976 weighing scales were examined, of which 6,975 passed and only one was found non-compliant. The non-compliant scale was immediately labeled “Suspended” and was subject to follow-up monitoring. Vendors using the failed scales face fines ranging from NT$15,000 to NT$75,000 under the “Weights and Measures Act” if they continue their use.

    The BSMI emphasized its commitment to ongoing vigilance by conducting year-round inspection projects to monitor the accuracy of weighing scales in transactions. Consumers are encouraged to report any scales that do not bear the verification mark (Picture as attachment file) or those they suspect of being inaccurate. Reports can be made by calling the BSMI at 02-23434567. Investigations will be carried out to protect the interests of both buyers and sellers, ensuring a fair and reliable marketplace.

    This initiative made by the BSMI not only safeguards consumer rights but also promotes trust and transparency in the market during this significant cultural celebration.

    Responsible Division: Metrology Technology Division
    Contact Person: Chen, Horng-Lin, Deputy Director
    Telephone No.: +886-2343-4567#5211
    Email: hl.chen@bsmi.gov.tw

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Shashi Tharoor-led delegation meets Brazil’s Acting Foreign Minister, discusses enhancing anti-terror cooperation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    An all-party Indian Parliamentary delegation led by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor held a meeting with Brazil’s Acting Foreign Minister Maria Laura da Rocha on Monday and discussed strengthening bilateral collaboration on anti-terrorism, multilateralism, and democratic values.

    The Indian Embassy in Brazil said in a statement, “A high-level All-Party Delegation led by MP Shashi Tharoor met Acting Foreign Minister of Brazil, Ambassador Maria Laura da Rocha. They thanked Brazil for its understanding against terrorism, shared views on the Pahalgam attack, and discussed strengthening cooperation on anti-terrorist cooperation, multilateralism, and democratic values.”

    Earlier, the delegation met Brazilian Senator Nelson Trad Filho, President of the India-Brazil Friendship Front in the Federal Senate, and conveyed India’s bipartisan resolve, while thanking Brazil for its support in the global fight against terror.

    The delegation also briefed Ambassador Celso Amorim, Head Adviser to the President of Brazil, on India’s resolute response to the recent terror attack in Pahalgam and discussed the need for strengthened global cooperation against terrorism, alongside shared commitments to peace, security, and democratic values.

    In a post on X on Monday, Tharoor said: “Our day in Brasilia begins with a visit to the Presidential Palace, where we meet with my old friend the Diplomatic Advisor to the President, Ambassador Celso Amorim (Brazil’s longest-serving Foreign Minister twice & Defence Minister once). A full & rewarding discussion followed.”

    After successful visits to Guyana, Panama, Colombia, the nine-member Indian delegation arrived in Brazil on Sunday evening (local time).

    The delegation includes Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) MP Shambhavi Choudhary, Jharkhand Mukti Morcha MP Sarfaraz Ahmad, Telugu Desam Party MP GM Harish Balayogi, Bharatiya Janata Party MPs — Shashank Mani Tripathi, Bhubaneswar Kalita, Tejasvi Surya, Shiv Sena MP Milind Deora and Ambassador Taranjit Singh Sandhu.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of District Officer for Sham Shui Po District (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Mr Oscar Wong will assume the post of District Officer (Sham Shui Po) on June 20.
     
         Since joining the Administrative Service in 2015, Mr Wong has served in the then Home Affairs Bureau and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau.
     
         He is currently a Senior Administrative Officer (Tourism) at the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SLW to visit Switzerland and Germany

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SLW to visit Switzerland and Germany 
         While in Geneva, Mr Sun will also hold bilateral meetings with senior officials of the International Labour Organization and leading figures of international organisations attending the conference. He will also meet with government, employer and employee representatives of the PRC delegation, as well as representatives from the Permanent Mission of the PRC to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland.
     
         On June 7, Mr Sun will leave for Munich, Germany, for the second leg of his visit. He will meet with young entrepreneurs and talent to exchange ideas and introduce the latest developments in manpower policies in Hong Kong. The Director of Hong Kong Talent Engage, Mr Anthony Lau, will also join him.

         Mr Sun will arrive in Hong Kong on the evening of June 9. In his absence, the Under Secretary for Labour and Welfare, Mr Ho Kai-ming, will be the Acting Secretary for Labour and Welfare.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: A relatively dry and hot May

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A relatively dry and hot May 
    A fresh to strong easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on May 8. Locally, there were sunny intervals and one or two showers. Around 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Tai Po and Sha Tin Districts. Areas of intense thundery showers associated with a trough of low pressure moved across the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary the next day. It was mainly cloudy with a few showers. Showers were heavier over some areas during the day with squally thunderstorms. More than 10 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over the eastern part of Hong Kong. A cold front formed over the northern part of southern China on May 10 and moved across the coast of Guangdong the next morning. Locally, it was mainly cloudy on May 10 with a few showers overnight and the next morning. The temperature at the Observatory dropped to a minimum of 21.0 degrees on May 11, the lowest of the month. The associated northeast monsoon brought very dry and generally fine weather that afternoon and the next day, with the relative humidity falling below 40 per cent over many places.
     
    Under the influence of an easterly airstream over the coast of Guangdong, local weather was hot during the day with sunny periods from May 13 to 15. A southerly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong in the following six days. The weather was mainly cloudy with one or two showers on May 16 and turned sunnier and very hot in the following two days. An upper-air disturbance affected the coast of Guangdong on May 19 and 20, bringing a few showers to some areas in Hong Kong. With the departure of the disturbance, the weather became very hot with sunny intervals on May 21.
     
    Under the influence of an anticyclone aloft over the coast of Guangdong and the northern part of the South China Sea, it remained very hot with sunny periods on May 22 and 23. The temperature at the Observatory rose to a maximum of 33.0 degrees on May 22, the highest of the month. With a trough of low pressure moving across the coast of Guangdong overnight on May 23 and 24, its associated showers and thunderstorms affected the territory on the night of May 23 and the next day. More than 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over many places on Hong Kong Island on May 24. With a broad band of clouds covering southern China, the weather was mainly cloudy on May 25 and 26. With the band of clouds thinning out, there were sunny periods during the day on May 27. An easterly airstream brought showers to the coast of Guangdong the next day. Locally, showers mainly affected the eastern part of the territory and brought more than 10 millimetres of rainfall to Sai Kung, Tseung Kwan O and the eastern part of Hong Kong Island. Meanwhile, a trough of low pressure edged closer to the coast of Guangdong that night, bringing showers and a few thunderstorms to Hong Kong on May 29. Showers were heavy in the afternoon with more than 30 millimetres of rainfall generally recorded over the territory. A strong easterly airstream affected the coast of Guangdong on the last two days of the month. Locally, it was cloudy with rain on May 30. Around 20 millimetres of rainfall were recorded over Hong Kong Island, Kowloon East, Sha Tin and Sai Kung districts. It was mainly cloudy on the last day of the month, with one or two rain patches in the morning and at night.     
     
    There was no tropical cyclone over the South China Sea and the western North Pacific in May 2025.
     
    Details of issuance and cancellation of various warnings/signals in the month are summarised in Table 1. Monthly meteorological figures and departures from normal for May are tabulated in Table 2.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Land Registry releases statistics for May

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Land Registry today (June 3) released its statistics for May 2025.
     
    Land registration    
    ——————-
    *   The number of sale and purchase agreements for all building units received for registration in May was 6 442 (-10.9 per cent compared with April 2025 and -12.5 per cent compared with May 2024)
     
    *   The 12-month moving average for May was 5 643 (1.3 per cent below the 12-month moving average for April 2025 but 17.1 per cent above that for May 2024)
     
    *   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements of building units in May was $49.8 billion (-0.5 per cent compared with April 2025 and -20.0 per cent compared with May 2024)
     
    *   Among the sale and purchase agreements, 5 105 were for residential units (-10.3 per cent compared with April 2025 and -8.0 per cent compared with May 2024)
     
    *   The total consideration for sale and purchase agreements in respect of residential units was $38.2 billion (-9.4 per cent compared with April 2025 and -28.3 per cent compared with May 2024)
     
    Statistics on sales of residential units do not include sale and purchase agreements relating to sales of units under the Home Ownership Scheme, the Private Sector Participation Scheme, the Tenants Purchase Scheme, etc, unless the premium of the unit concerned has been paid after the sale restriction period.
     
    Figures on sale and purchase agreements received for the past 12 months, the year-on-year rate of change and breakdown figures on residential sales have also been released.
     
    As deeds may not be lodged with the Land Registry until up to 30 days after the transaction, these statistics generally relate to land transactions in the previous month.
     
    Land search    
    ————-
    *   The number of searches of land registers made by the public in May was 403 745 (+9.6 per cent compared with April 2025 but -0.3 per cent compared with May 2024)
     
    The statistics cover searches made at the counter, through the self-service terminals and via the Integrated Registration Information System Online Services.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: 21Shares Launches 21Shares Hedera ETP (HDRA) on Euronext

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    New ETP offers regulated exposure to one of the most scalable and sustainable distributed ledger technologies

    Zurich, 3 June 2025 – 21Shares AG (“21Shares”), one of the world’s largest issuers of crypto exchange-traded products (ETPs), today announced the launch of the 21Shares Hedera ETP (Ticker: HDRA). The product is now listed on Euronext Amsterdam (USD) and Euronext Paris (EUR), offering investors simple, transparent, and regulated access to Hedera’s enterprise-grade DLT (distributed ledger technology).

    Exchange Product Name Ticker ISIN Fee
    Euronext Paris and Euronext Amsterdam 21Shares Hedera ETP HDRA CH1456607683 2.50%

    The 21Shares Hedera ETP provides 100% physically backed exposure to HBAR, the native token of the Hedera network. It allows investors to gain institutional-grade access, directly through traditional bank or brokerage accounts, to one of the most energy-efficient and scalable distributed ledger technologies available today.

    “With its unique architecture, strong governance model, and real-world adoption, Hedera stands out as one of the most advanced distributed ledger technologies on the market,” said Duncan Moir, President at 21Shares and Board Member at Hedera Hashgraph LLC. “By launching the 21Shares Hedera ETP, we are enabling both institutional and retail investors to participate in the growing Hedera ecosystem through a fully regulated, transparent investment vehicle.”

    Hedera is an open-source distributed ledger designed for real-world innovation and enterprise use. It is governed by a global council of up to 39 renowned institutions, including Google, IBM, LG, Dell, EDF, and Deutsche Telekom, operating under legally binding, transparent terms. This governance model emphasises trust, resilience, and long-term stability – redefining decentralisation for scalable, mainstream adoption.

    “As more institutions seek secure ways to access digital assets, 21Shares continues to lead the way by bridging traditional finance and crypto with clarity and confidence,” said Gregg Bell, Chief Business Officer at Hedera Foundation. “This collaboration gives investors a straightforward way to access HBAR and brings them closer to a network trusted by leading institutions worldwide.”

    Unlike traditional blockchains, Hedera leverages its novel Hashgraph consensus mechanism that delivers industry-leading performance. It supports up to 500,000 transactions per second under testing conditions, offers predictable, fixed fees in USD, and consumes just 0.000003 kWh per transaction – making it 1,000 times more energy-efficient than a typical Visa transaction. 

    For more information, visit www.21Shares.com.

    Notes to editors

    About 21Shares

    21Shares is one of the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange traded product providers and offers the largest suite of crypto ETPs in the market. The company was founded to make cryptocurrency more accessible to investors, and to bridge the gap between traditional finance and decentralized finance. 21Shares listed the world’s first physically-backed crypto ETP in 2018, building a seven-year track record of creating crypto exchange-traded funds that are listed on some of the biggest, most liquid securities exchanges globally. Backed by a specialized research team, proprietary technology, and deep capital markets expertise, 21Shares delivers innovative, simple and cost-efficient investment solutions.

    21Shares is a member of 21.co, a global leader in decentralized finance. For more information, please visit www.21Shares.com

    Media Contact
    Matteo Valli
    matteo.valli@21shares.com

    About Hedera Foundation

    Hedera Foundation fuels the innovation and development of public-network applications on the Hedera network. By providing grants, technical assistance, and community support, we empower projects that leverage Hedera’s fast, secure, and sustainable ledger to solve real-world problems. Learn more at hedera.foundation.

    DISCLAIMER

    This document is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for securities of 21Shares AG in any jurisdiction. Neither this document nor anything contained herein shall form the basis of, or be relied upon in connection with, any offer or commitment whatsoever or for any other purpose in any jurisdiction. Nothing in this document should be considered investment advice.

    This document and the information contained herein are not for distribution in or into (directly or indirectly) the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan or any other jurisdiction in which the distribution or release would be unlawful.

    This document does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in or into the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. The securities of 21Shares AG to which these materials relate have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the “Securities Act”), and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will not be a public offering of securities in the United States. Neither the US Securities and Exchange Commission nor any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States has approved or disapproved of an investment in the securities or passed on the accuracy or adequacy of the contents of this presentation. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offence in the United States.

    Within the United Kingdom, this document is only being distributed to and is only directed at: (i) to investment professionals falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the “Order”); or (ii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as “relevant persons”); or (iii) persons who fall within Article 43(2) of the Order, including existing members and creditors of the Company or (iv) any other persons to whom this document can be lawfully distributed in circumstances where section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply. The securities are only available to, and any invitation, offer or agreement to subscribe, purchase or otherwise acquire such securities will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person who is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents.

    Exclusively for potential investors in any EEA Member State that has implemented the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) is made available on the Issuer’s website under www.21Shares.com.

    The approval of the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) should not be understood as an endorsement by the SFSA of the securities offered or admitted to trading on a regulated market. Eligible potential investors should read the Issuer’s Base Prospectus (EU) and the relevant Final Terms before making an investment decision in order to understand the potential risks associated with the decision to invest in the securities. You are about to purchase a product that is not simple and may be difficult to understand.

    This document constitutes advertisement within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 and the Swiss Financial Services Act (the “FinSA”) and not a prospectus. The 2024 Base Prospectus of 21Shares AG has been deposited pursuant to article 54(2) FinSA with BX Swiss AG in its function as Swiss prospectus review body within the meaning of article 52 FinSA. The 2024 Base Prospectus and the key information document for any products may be obtained at 21Shares AG’s website (https://21shares.com/ir/prospectus or https://21shares.com/ir/kids).

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    The MIL Network –