NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Security: St. Petersburg Man Deported From the Philippines to the United States Sentenced to Three Years for Threatening to Kill a Political Rival

    Source: US FBI

    Tampa, Florida – U.S. District Judge William F. Jung today sentenced William Robert Braddock, III (41, St. Petersburg) to three years in federal prison for interstate transmission of threat to injure. Braddock pled guilty on February 3, 2025.

    According to court documents and evidence discussed in open court, in 2021 Braddock and Victim-1 were candidates in the primary election to represent the 13th Congressional District of Florida in the United States House of Representatives. Braddock viewed Victim-1, the Republican party frontrunner, as his only obstacle to winning that race. For months, Braddock disparaged Victim-1 with her peers and attempted to inject himself into her life. During a June 2021 telephone call with Victim-2, a private citizen and acquaintance of Victim-1, Braddock threatened to have Victim-1 murdered if she continued to poll well in the race for the 13th District. Specifically, Braddock threatened, in part, to “call up my Russian-Ukrainian hit squad” and make Victim-1 “disappear.” Braddock further stated, “I will be the next congressman for this District. Period. End of discussion. And anybody going up against me is f—ing [expletive] ignorant for doing so. [Victim-1]’s ignorant so I don’t have a problem taking her out, but I’m not going to do that dirty work myself obviously.”

    In November 2021, Braddock flew to Thailand on a one-way ticket, and ultimately settled in the area of Santa Rosa, Laguna, Philippines. He remained in the Philippines until self-surrendering to authorities in Manila in June 2023. Braddock remained in foreign custody until being transported to the United States in September 2024.

    This investigation was led by the FBI Tampa Division and the St. Petersburg Police Department. The United States Marshals Service provided substantial assistance. The investigation also benefited from foreign law enforcement cooperation provided by the Philippine Department of Justice, the Philippine Bureau of Immigration, and the Manila Office of the Legal Attaché. It was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Carlton C. Gammons and Trial Attorney Alexandre Dempsey of the Department of Justice’s Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Ascendiant Capital Markets: Society Pass Inc (Nasdaq: SOPA) 1Q 2025 Sees Growth Over the Next Year with 2 IPOs Providing Key Catalysts in 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW YORK, May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ascendiant Capital Markets LLC (“Ascendiant”) publishes equity research coverage on Society Pass Inc. (Nasdaq: SOPA) (“SoPa” or the “Company”), Southeast Asia’s (SEA) next generation, data-driven, loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem.

    Click Here (on Society Pass website) or here (on Ascendiant website) to view the full Ascendiant Capital Markets Equity Research Report.

    Summary Points:

    • 2 IPOs Planned: In October 2023, the company announced plans to spinoff two of its businesses in IPOs in 2024 (originally planned), its digital advertising ecosystem, Thoughtful Media Group Inc., and its online travel platform, NusaTrip Inc. Ascendiant believes that these IPOs will drive significant value to Society Pass’s shareholders and will be key catalysts for the company in 2025.
    • Positive high risks versus high rewards: Overall, concerns outweighed by growth prospects and valuation. Society Pass’s main products still has long commercialization challenges ahead, but Ascendiant believes the ~billion dollars market potential presents high rewards for the risks.
    • Company trading at cash value: The company’s market capitalization is only ~$7 million while it has ~$7 million in cash implying its shares and business are significantly undervalued.
    • Valuation attractive: Ascendiant maintains BUY rating, and raises 12-month price target to $15 from $14, based on a NPV analysis, representing significant upside from the current share price. Ascendiant believes this valuation appropriately balances out the company’s high risks with its high growth prospects and large upside opportunities.

    About Society Pass Inc.
    Founded in 2018 as a data-driven loyalty, fintech and e-commerce ecosystem in the fast-growing markets of Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand, which account for more than 80% of the SEA population, and with offices located in Angeles, Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Jakarta, Manila, and Singapore, Society Pass Incorporated (Nasdaq: SOPA) is an acquisition-focused holding company operating 6 interconnected verticals (loyalty, digital media, travel, telecoms, lifestyle, and F&B), which seamlessly connects millions of registered consumers and hundreds of thousands of registered merchants/brands across multiple product and service categories throughout SEA.

    Society Pass completed an initial public offering and began trading on the Nasdaq under the ticker SOPA in November 2021.

    SoPa acquires fast growing e-commerce companies and expands its user base across a robust product and service ecosystem. SoPa integrates these complementary businesses through its signature Society Pass fintech platform and circulation of its universal loyalty points or Society Points, which has entered beta testing and is expected to launch broadly at the beginning of 2023. Society Pass loyalty program members earn and redeem Society Points and receive personalised promotions based on SoPa’s data capabilities and understanding of consumer shopping behaviour. SoPa has amassed more than 3.3 million registered consumers and over 650,000 registered merchants and brands. It has invested 2+ years building proprietary IT architecture to effectively scale and support its consumers, merchants, and acquisitions.

    Society Pass leverages technology to tailor a more personalised experience for customers in the purchase journey and to transform the entire retail value chain in SEA. SoPa operates Thoughtful Media Group, a Thailand-based, a social commerce-focused, premium digital video multi-platform network; NusaTrip, a leading Indonesia-based Online Travel Agency; VLeisure, Vietnam’s leading provider of hotel management and payment solutions; Gorilla Global, a Singapore-based, mobile network operator; Leflair.com, Vietnam’s leading lifestyle e-commerce platform; Pushkart.ph, a popular grocery delivery company in Philippines; and NextGen Retail, a Indonesia-based e-commerce platform.

    For more information on Society Pass, please visit:

    Website at https://www.thesocietypass.com or

    LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/societypass or

    Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/thesocietypass or

    Twitter at https://twitter.com/society_pass or

    Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/societypass/.

    Cautionary Note Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
    This press release may include “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. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release are forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “expect”, “intend” and similar expressions, as they relate to us or our management team, identify forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs of management, as well as assumptions made by, and information currently available to, the Company’s management. Actual results could differ materially from those contemplated by the forward-looking statements as a result of certain factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the SEC. All subsequent written or oral forward-looking statements attributable to us or persons acting on our behalf are qualified in their entirety by this paragraph. Forward-looking statements are subject to numerous conditions, many of which are beyond the control of the Company, including those set forth in the Risk Factors section of the Company’s registration statement and prospectus relating to the Company’s initial public offering filed with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these statements for revisions or changes after the date of this release, except as required by law.

    Media Contact:
    Raynauld Liang
    Chief Executive Officer
    ray@thesocietypass.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation and Global Forum on International Mediation successfully conclude today

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation and Global Forum on International Mediation successfully conclude today 
         Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Wang Yi, attended the Signing Ceremony of the Convention in Hong Kong. Mr Wang was the first to sign the Convention on behalf of China. Thirty-three countries, including China and countries from Asia, Africa, Latin America and Europe, jointly signed the Convention. In addition, more than 50 countries and nearly 20 international organisations, including the United Nations (UN), also sent senior representatives to witness the Signing Ceremony. The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee; the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki; the Financial Secretary, Mr Paul Chan; and the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, were also present.
     
         Addressing the ceremony, Mr Wang said that as an innovative step in international rule of law, the IOMed has great significance in the history of international relations. The establishment of the IOMed is an actualisation of the purposes and principles of the UN Charter; it is also an example of a civilisational belief in harmony and an epitome of inclusiveness in the culture of the rule of law. The IOMed will be headquartered in Hong Kong, whose handover is itself a success story of peaceful settlement of international disputes. The success of the “one country, two systems” principle has created brighter prospects for prosperity and stability in Hong Kong. Mr Wang said that he looks forward to all parties working together to let the IOMed play a positive role in peacefully resolving international disputes for a brighter future for humanity.
        
         Addressing the ceremony, Mr Lee expressed his sincere gratitude to the Central Government for its staunch support of Hong Kong, allowing Hong Kong the honour of housing the IOMed headquarters. He also thanked the international community for placing their trust and confidence in the city. He said that Hong Kong is the only common law jurisdiction in China. With a robust, efficient and well-respected legal system, as well as world-class legal and dispute resolution services professionals, Hong Kong is also the most preferred seat of arbitration in the Asia-Pacific region. Hong Kong goes all out to build bridges with the world and will actively support and facilitate the IOMed’s valuable work in settling international disputes through mediation, thereby providing a pathway for countries to resolve international disputes based on mutual respect and understanding.
     
         The Global Forum on International Mediation in the afternoon discussed topics such as mediation of disputes among countries and mediation of international investment and commercial disputes. Twenty-three leaders from different countries and international organisations shared their experiences on how a neutral third party can effectively assist in the mediation of disputes between countries through dialogue and consultation, highlighting the importance of mediation to the peaceful development of the world and the practice of justice. The speakers also discussed new developments in international investment and commercial dispute mediation and the contributions that the IOMed can make.
     
         Witnessed by forum guests, Mr Lam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Minister of Commerce of Cambodia, Mrs Cham Nimul, to strengthen co-operation between the two places on issues relating to dispute avoidance and resolution.
     
         The objective and goal of the IOMed is to promote and facilitate the peaceful settlement of international disputes and to develop friendly relations and co-operation between countries through mediation. It is an important mechanism for implementing Article 33 of the UN Charter to peacefully settle international disputes through mediation and other means. It is of great significance to achieving win-win co-operation among all parties to the dispute, improving global governance, and promoting world peace and stability in the international order. The IOMed will be the first international intergovernmental legal organisation devoted to the use of mediation in resolving international disputes. It will be a beneficial supplement to the current international dispute settlement mechanism and will provide a new legal public good in international rule of law, marking a milestone in promoting the settlement of international disputes through mediation.
     
         The Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation is the legal basis for the establishment of the IOMed, which covers important provisions such as the functions, governance structure, operation, scope of cases accepted, privileges and immunities of the IOMed. With the signing of the Convention, the IOMed will be formally established after signatories’ ratification of the Convention and be headquartered in Hong Kong. The IOMed headquarters is expected to be operational by the end of this year or early next year at the earliest, providing friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services to all parties, thereby strengthening Hong Kong’s role as an international dispute resolution services centre and a capital for international mediation. Fully harnessing the institutional strengths under the “one country, two systems” principle and integrating into the national development strategy, Hong Kong will contribute to building a world of peace and justice. 
     
         The text of the Convention is available on the IOMed’s websiteIssued at HKT 23:19

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: “Exciting, but incredibly inspiring”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University Higher School of Economics – State University Higher School of Economics –

    Photo: Dmitry Novikov

    On May 28, the students of the university-wide elective course “GR in modern Russia: theory and practice” The projects were evaluated by three commissions consisting of professors. Department of Theory and Practice of Interaction between Business and Government HSE University. One of the commissions was headed by the head of the department, HSE President Alexander Shokhin.

    This academic year, the Department of Theory and Practice of Business and Government Interaction at the National Research University Higher School of Economics celebrated its 20th anniversary. For over 15 years, its key project has been a university-wide elective course. It is attended not only by HSE students, but also by representatives of other universities, government agencies, commercial organizations, etc.

    The department was one of the first at the university to use a project-based approach to teaching. “Students in our elective write their final theses not as classic coursework or diploma theses, but as projects, including group projects, aimed at solving specific problems. This is due to the fact that the faculty of the department are practicing politicians, officials and entrepreneurs,” notes Alexander Shokhin.

    The head of the department himself annually supervises the preparation of several projects. In the current academic year, one of them was devoted to youth entrepreneurship; a team of four people worked on it: two HSE Master’s students and two elective students who had already received a higher education.

    “Writing the paper under the guidance of Alexander Nikolaevich was exciting, but incredibly inspiring,” says Alena Velikanova, a first-year student in the master’s program.Media management” He was deeply immersed in the topic, guided us, helped to build a clear structure for the research and set the accents. And most importantly, he was sincerely interested not only in the successful defense of the work, but also in its further development. His recommendations went far beyond the scope of the academic assignment and concerned the prospects for the practical application of our developments.”

    Alena completed the elective for the second time, and became its listener for the first time in the third year of the bachelor’s program “Journalism” Then her work, carried out under the supervision of Professor Nikolai Tsekhomsky, was devoted to public-private partnership in infrastructure projects of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. Thanks to the elective, she deeply mastered economic issues, and this helped her in professional self-realization – she began to work in the Youth Council at the Representative Office of Kamchatka Krai.

    “I am an ambitious person, and the elective has become a serious challenge for me for the second year: I prove to myself that I can handle any topic,” admits Alena. “This is a great opportunity to prove myself, to master a new direction in an intensive format under the guidance of real leaders, to adopt their invaluable experience. In the future, I would like to do an internship at the Russian Union of Industrialists and Entrepreneurs, and then work in my specialty – in the field of media management.”

    Another team of students, led by Professor Vladimir Salamatov, developed a project entitled “Development of the Northern Sea Route in the Context of Eastern Transport Infrastructure and Integration into International Transport Corridors.” It included Sergey Kharyushin, a second-year student in the bachelor’s program “State and municipal administration“, Alexey Proskurin, HSE graduate, head of the data analytics department of the Moscow Department of Information Technologies, and Elizaveta Metelyova, head of the operational analytics department of the Analytical Center under the Government of the Russian Federation.

    “The Northern Sea Route is a unique transport artery that connects Europe and Asia. After the introduction of sanctions, it became the most relevant, many problems associated with its use became more acute, and their solution required the combined efforts of various departments and shippers. The Northern Sea Route expands every year, attracts new participants, and last year it set a historical record for cargo turnover,” explains Elizaveta.

    “We have developed a number of recommendations – for example, we proposed creating the Main Directorate of the Northern Sea Route, an independent institution that will coordinate interdepartmental cooperation between Rosmorrechflot, Rosatom, the Ministry of Digital Development, Communications and Mass Media of Russia and other structures on this issue. For online navigation tracking, we proposed creating a digital twin with the involvement of the Agency for Strategic Initiatives. The problem of the shortage of icebreaker and Arctic cargo fleet was also highlighted in the work,” adds Alexey.

    During the defense, the commission highly appreciated the project, and Professor Kirill Androsov recommended that its materials be submitted to the government commission. According to the authors, the expertise of Vladimir Salamatov, who has been working at the Department of Theory and Practice of Interaction between Business and Government at the National Research University Higher School of Economics since 2015, helped to prepare it at a high level and adequately defend it. In different years, he was Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade of the Russian Federation, General Director of the International Trade Center, and created his own analytical center dealing with issues of international trade.

    “I came to this department because it is unique. People who have achieved great results, worked or work in very important positions and, of course, have invaluable experience work here. They all understand that only the state or only business will not be able to solve the issues of our country’s development, that their alliance is needed for this. Both in professorial lectures and in student projects, the topic of interaction between business and government is highlighted every time,” Vladimir Salamatov notes.

    According to his assessment, there is a noticeable differentiation among the elective course participants by educational tracks: not only economists and political scientists come here, but even engineers, graduates of the Higher School of Economics and other universities. By and large, anyone can participate in the selection for the elective course. “I am equally interested in working with first-year students and graduates who perceive the material, including through the prism of their experience,” the professor adds.

    He recommends that elective students “not stand still, constantly study, test themselves, and if you do this constantly, success will not be long in coming.”

    Among the professors of the department who supervised the projects of the students this year was Deputy Minister of Economic Development of the Russian Federation Tatyana Ilyushnikova. The topic of one of the projects was devoted to the mechanisms of partnership interaction between the state and large businesses, the state and small businesses, large and small businesses, and another to the landscape of entrepreneurial awards as platforms for interaction between government bodies and businesses and identifying public opinion leaders in the entrepreneurial environment.

    “GR is the art of building a dialogue between business and the state based on mutual trust and strategic vision. Our elective course at HSE is a unique platform where future economists, managers and analysts learn to understand real decision-making mechanisms by working with relevant cases from practice. In the modern economy, where the regulatory environment is rapidly changing, such competencies are becoming critically important. Come and we will analyze real cases and explore the field of interaction between business and government in our joint project work,” said Tatyana Ilyushnikova.

    “In this elective, you will be able to receive exclusive information from outstanding experts – ministers, deputy ministers, State Duma deputies, famous entrepreneurs, and it will certainly be useful when studying in virtually any educational program. Personally, I learned a lot not only from the professors, but also from my senior comrades with whom I worked on the project,” says HSE student Sergey Kharyushin.

    At the end of this academic year, 45 students of the university-wide elective course “GR in Modern Russia: Theory and Practice” defended 27 projects, including 12 group projects. The range of scores was quite large. The maximum score, which only some managed to get, was 9 out of 10. It gives the right to apply for publication in the electronic journal “Business. Society. Power”, 8-point works can also be considered.

    After the defense, Alexander Shokhin thanked the audience for their involvement in the elective. Each was given a copy of the magazine “Business and Power in Russia”, published for the 20th anniversary of the department, with autographs of its professors.

    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 USA: Governor Ivey Continues Bolstering Veteran Support, Unveils Members of State Board of Veterans Affairs

    Source: US State of Alabama

    MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday unveiled the newly restructured Alabama State Board of Veterans Affairs (SBVA) members.

    “In Alabama, we proudly support the men and women who wore the uniform to fight for our freedoms. We continue to prioritize veteran needs in our state and want to ensure we have every available resource for these men and women who served our country,” said Governor Ivey. “I am proud to assemble a strong and wide-ranging Board of veterans to serve all of their fellow veterans. I look forward to continue working with this group to make Alabama the number one state for veterans.”

    The SBVA members include:

    • Colonel (Ret.) Larry Vannoy, American Legion*
    • Colonel (Ret.) Walter Kozak, American Legion*
    • John Keen, Jr., American Legion*
    • Jeffrey Fisher, American Veterans*
    • Sergeant Brandi Whitman, Disabled American Veterans*
    • Deborah Walker, Disabled American Veterans
    • Charles Waugh, Disabled American Veterans
    • John Burks, Marine Corps League*
    • Michael Urquhart, Military Officers Association of America*
    • Lorenzo Nathan, Military Order of the Purple Heart*
    • Colonel (Ret.) Anne Toms, Military Officers Association of America
    • Colonel (Ret.) Scott Gedling, The Veterans of Foreign Wars
    • Robert Schmidbauer, The Veterans of Foreign Wars*
    • Michael Davis, Vietnam Veterans of America*
    • Colonel (Ret.) Lori Rasmussen, At Large, U.S. Air Force*

    *Denotes new appointment

    Governor Ivey, by virtue of her office, serves on the Board as well.

    During the 2025 Regular Session of the Alabama Legislature, Governor Ivey championed Senate Bill 67, sponsored by Sen. Andrew Jones and Rep. Ed Oliver, to restructure both the Alabama Department of Veterans Affairs and the SBVA, further elevating veteran needs in Alabama.

    Governor Ivey thanks these Board members for not only their service to the country, but also to Alabama and the state’s veterans. The appointments are effective immediately.

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Indianapolis Man Sentenced to 46 Months in Prison

    Source: United States Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco Firearms and Explosives (ATF)

    SOUTH BEND – Queyoun Foulks-Smith, 20 years old, of Indianapolis, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Judge Cristal C. Brisco after pleading guilty to possession of a machinegun, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Foulks-Smith was sentenced to 46 months in prison followed by 3 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, on July 4, 2024, law enforcement found Foulks-Smith in possession of a machinegun—a stolen firearm with a loaded 50-round drum magazine and a “switch.”  The switch converted this firearm into an automatic firearm, allowing it to fire multiple bullets instantaneously with a single function of the trigger.

    This case was investigated by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives with assistance from the South Bend Police Department.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Joseph P. Falvey.

    This case is part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Leveraging Migration for Sustainable Development: IOM Director General Visits Central Asia 

    Source: International Organization for Migration (IOM)

    Bishkek/Astana, 30 May 2025 – International Organization for Migration (IOM) Director General Amy Pope made her first-ever visit to Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, and Astana, Kazakhstan, this week, working with key partners and government officials on ways in which migration can contribute to economic growth and sustainable development in the region.  

    “As Central Asia takes on an increasingly prominent role as a destination and host for migrants, IOM stands ready to support national governments to harness the potential of migration for long-term sustainable development,” DG Pope said. “By working together, we can address the drivers of migration, support and stabilize vulnerable communities, and ensure the safe, dignified return of migrants to their countries of origin when possible.”   

    In Astana, DG Pope met with His Excellency, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of the Republic of Kazakhstan, together with IOM’s regional Goodwill Ambassador, Dimash Qudaibergen, and discussed the impacts of migration and mobility in the region. DG Pope commended President Tokayev’s commitment to upholding the rights and economic contributions of migrants.  

    DG Pope also attended the Astana International Forum which brought together heads of states, thought leaders, and experts from the public and private sectors. The Forum aims to reignite multilateralism and spark transformative dialogue, positioning Central Asia as a key global partner.  

    Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia and historically a bridge between East and West, hosts the largest number of migrants in the region. Most come from neighboring Commonwealth of Independent States countries, primarily Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, and the Russian Federation. In addition to regional flows, migrants are coming increasingly from other countries, notably China, Türkiye, and India.   

    During her visit in the Kyrgyz capital of Bishkek, DG Pope met with H.E. Prime-Minister Adylbek Kasymaliev and reiterated how migration can significantly impact Kyrgyzstan’s socio-economic landscape. DG Pope then joined partners to officially open the pre-departure orientation and reintegration centre for migrants. The centre will equip prospective and returning migrants with the necessary tools to have a safe migration experience.  

    For over two decades, IOM has worked closely and remains committed to deepening collaboration with Kazakhstan and Kyrgyzstan in implementing projects and policies that improve migrant protection, combat trafficking in persons, address climate-induced mobility, and support South-North labour migration in the country. 

     

    For more information, please contact IOM Media Centre. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Promoting women’s leadership in peace and security in focus of OSCE regional workshop in Ashgabat

    Source: Organization for Security and Co-operation in Europe – OSCE

    Headline: Promoting women’s leadership in peace and security in focus of OSCE regional workshop in Ashgabat

    Participants of a two-day regional workshop on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in Central Asia, with a focus on Turkmenistan, Ashgabat, 27 May 2025. (Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan) Photo details

    To strengthen the role of women in peacebuilding and security across Central Asia, the OSCE Gender Issues Programme organized a two-day regional workshop on 27 and 28 May in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan. The event focused on advancing the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda and supporting the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1325 in Central Asia, with a focus on Turkmenistan.
    The workshop brought together government officials, scholars, civil society representatives, and international experts to exchange experiences and good practices and explore practical strategies for integrating gender perspectives into national peace and security efforts. Special emphasis was placed on supporting Turkmenistan in updating its Gender Equality National Action Plan (NAP) to align with global standards and regional priorities.
    In her opening remarks, Her Excellency Mahri Bashimova, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan, emphasized the country’s commitment to neutrality, peaceful coexistence, and international law, highlighting gender equality as a key element of its sustainable development and security policy. “We believe that women’s participation in peacebuilding and security processes must be systemic and institutionalized, not occasional,” she said.
    Organized under the OSCE’s WIN Project and hosted by the Government of Turkmenistan —with support from Finland’s 2025 OSCE Chairpersonship—the event built on momentum from previous regional initiatives, including a 2024 expert workshop in Vienna.
    “We must renew our resolve to empower women and girls and ensure their full participation in every sphere of life. Finland welcomes Turkmenistan’s efforts on WPS—particularly its National Action Plan on gender equality. Gender equality and full inclusion lie at the heart of Finland’s foreign policy and our OSCE Chairpersonship,” stated Ambassador Terhi Hakala, Special Envoy of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office.
    Participants engaged in expert-led sessions covering key areas such as developing and monitoring National Action Plans, strengthening inter-agency collaboration, and ensuring meaningful participation of civil society and the security sector.
    “For OSCE gender equality is not only as a matter of rights but the cornerstone of peace and security. This event reflects our commitment to the Women, Peace and Security Agenda — supporting participating States in developing and implementing effective National Action Plans. By promoting good practices in monitoring, co-ordination, and inclusive engagement, we are helping to build more responsive and resilient peace and security policies,” outlined Dr Lara Scarpitta, OSCE Senior Adviser on Gender Issues.
    The participants explored ways to ensure that the voices of women are heard and integrated into all aspects of peace and security in Central Asia.
    Ambassador John MacGregor, Head of the OSCE Centre in Ashgabat, reflected on the workshop’s impact: “One of the key outcomes of this two-day event was the opportunity to share national experiences and OSCE best practices in advancing the WPS agenda and tailoring National Action Plans accordingly. Sustainable peace cannot be achieved without the meaningful participation of women. Women bring essential perspectives shaped by their roles in families, communities, and economies — raising critical issues such as education, healthcare, and justice.”

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 30 May 2025 Departmental update Experts and officials show strong support for WHO’s Traditional Medicine Strategy

    Source: World Health Organisation

    The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 received a powerful endorsement at the Seventy-eighth World Health Assembly (WHA), with China and India hosting two influential side events that galvanized international momentum for integrating traditional, complementary, and integrative medicine (TCIM) into global health systems.

    On 20 May 2025, China’s National Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine (NATCM), joined by Malaysia, Nepal, Saudi Arabia and Seychelles, convened a high-level event titled “Improving Universal Health Coverage through the Implementation of the WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034”. Over 100 health leaders, ambassadors, WHO officials and experts gathered to explore the Strategy’s potential to enhance health systems worldwide.

    Photo credit: Team Reporters

    Dr Margaret Chan, former WHO Director-General, hailed the Strategy as “a further step to integrate traditional medicine into national health systems in ways that are evidence-based, people-centred, and respectful of cultural heritage.” WHO Regional Director for the Western Pacific, Dr Saia Ma’u Piukala, praised China’s model of embedding TCIM at all levels of care and underscored the significance of the Beijing Declaration, while Dr Bruce Aylward, WHO Assistant Director-General of the Universal Health Coverage, Life Course Division, emphasized that WHO is committed to supporting Member States in their efforts to advance the safe, effective and evidence-based use of traditional, complementary and integrative medicine.

    Photo credit: Team Reporters

    Professor Yu Yanhong, Commissioner of NATCM, highlighted China’s legislative, educational and research efforts to strengthen traditional Chinese medicine, stressing its complementarity with modern medicine. Dr Rudi Eggers, WHO Director of Integrated Health Services, presented the Strategy’s vision and guiding principles, followed by a panel of global experts sharing country-level experiences and technical insights.

    Photo credit: Team Reporters

    Photo credit: Team Reporters

    On 23 May, India’s Permanent Mission in Geneva, in collaboration with 31 Member States of the Group of Friends of Traditional Medicine (GFTM), hosted a second official side event titled “WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034: From Traditional Heritage to Frontier Science – Health for All.” With over 250 delegates in attendance, the event showcased national experiences and reaffirmed global commitment to traditional medicine.

    Photo credit: Permanent Mission of India in Geneva

    India’s Permanent Representative, H.E. Arindam Bagchi, in his welcome address said, “Let’s work together to build strong regulatory frameworks that leverage the immense strengths of traditional medicine while ensuring protection of intellectual property and ensuring quality and safety – advancing Health for All in an equitable, affordable, and sustainable way.”

    Photo credit: Permanent Mission of India in Geneva

    In his opening remarks on behalf of the Member States, H.E. Vaidya Rajesh Kotecha, Secretary, Ministry of Ayush, Government of India, shared about India’s leadership in the field of traditional medicine and its integration into national health system. Mauritius’ Health Minister, H.E. Anil Kumar Bachoo, shared how Ayurveda is integrated into his country’s health system.

    Dr Yukiko Nakatani, WHO Assistant Director-General, Access to Medicines and Health Products & Assistant Director-General, Antimicrobial Resistance, urged Member States to build a strong evidence base for traditional medicine. Dr Eggers reiterated the Strategy’s inclusive framework, while Jaswinder Singh of India’s Ministry of Ayush presented the Ayush Grid – an AI-powered digital platform for integrating traditional medicine into health care.

    Country presentations included Bolivia’s emphasis on the cultural and medicinal value of coca leaves, Sri Lanka’s advancements in Ayurveda integration, and Malaysia’s national model for traditional medicine inclusion. Dr Shyama Kuruvilla, Director a.i. of the WHO Global Traditional Medicine Centre, concluded the session by announcing the 2nd Global Traditional Medicine Summit, to be held in New Delhi from 2–4 December 2025.

    Photo credit: Permanent Mission of India in Geneva

    The event concluded with a lively questions and answers session moderated by Dr Pradeep Dua, WHO Technical Officer. During the interaction, participants expressed great enthusiasm and optimism about the future of traditional medicine as a vital component of universal health coverage.

    Together, these events showcased a unified global vision to elevate traditional, complementary and integrative medicine, as a vital, evidence-based component of universal health coverage. The WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 2025–2034 is poised to transform health systems by bridging traditional knowledge with modern science –ensuring health and well-being of one and all.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Roanoke Man Sentenced to 188 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE – Yesterday, William Edwards, 37 years old, of Roanoke, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady, after pleading guilty to Distribution of Child Pornography, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Edwards was sentenced to 188 months in prison followed by 7 years of supervised release. Restitution will be imposed at a later date.

    According to documents in the case, on or about October 18, 2023, Edwards distributed child sexual abuse material.

    This case was investigated by the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations, with assistance from the Indiana State Police, the Fort Wayne Police Department, the Lagrange Police Department, and the Roanoke Police Department. The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Lesley J. Miller Lowery.

    The case was brought as part of Project Safe Childhood. In 2006, the Department of Justice created Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative designed to protect children from exploitation and abuse. Led by the U.S. Attorneys’ Offices and the DOJ’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who exploit children, as well as identify and rescue victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.projectsafechildhood.gov.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Marion County Man Sentenced To 15 Years In Federal Prison For Receiving Child Sex Abuse Material

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    Ocala, Florida – United States District Judge Thomas P. Barber has sentenced Kyle Burbank (32, Belleview) to 15 years in federal prison for receiving child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Burbank pleaded guilty on October 21, 2024. 

    According to court documents, between January 5 and 17, 2024, Burbank received five video files depicting CSAM over the internet from a 12-year-old child in another state. During a review of Burbank’s social media accounts, investigators identified a second victim, a 13-year-old child, who also was living in a different state. Burbank received CSAM from the second victim on September 26, 2023. 

    “The sentencing of this predator represents the grave nature of his crimes in exploiting children online,” said Homeland Security Investigation Orlando Assistant Special Agent in Charge David Pezzutti. “Protecting our children is the highest priority for HSI and our law enforcement partners. We vow to remain vigilant ensuring those who prey on children face swift and decisive justice.”

    This case was investigated by Homeland Security Investigations with assistance from the Clinton County (Indiana) Sheriff’s Office and the Rossville (Indiana) Police Department. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sarah Janette Swartzberg.

    It is another case brought as part of Project Safe Childhood, a nationwide initiative launched in 2006 by the Department of Justice to combat the growing epidemic of child sexual exploitation and abuse. Led by the United States Attorneys’ Offices and the Criminal Division’s Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section, Project Safe Childhood marshals federal, state, and local resources to locate, apprehend, and prosecute individuals who sexually exploit children, and to identify and rescue child victims. For more information about Project Safe Childhood, please visit www.justice.gov/psc.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Fort Wayne Man Sentenced to 195 Months in Prison

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    FORT WAYNE–Yesterday, Jamic C. Johnson, 50 years old, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, was sentenced by United States District Court Chief Judge Holly A. Brady after his guilty plea to possessing methamphetamine with intent to distribute, possessing a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime, and being a convicted felon in possession of a firearm, announced Acting United States Attorney Tina L. Nommay.

    Johnson was sentenced to a total of 195 months in prison followed by 5 years of supervised release.

    According to documents in the case, Johnson had been selling methamphetamine in 2020, and law enforcement located multiple ounces of methamphetamine in his Fort Wayne residence during the service of a search warrant in October of 2020.  Officers also found firearms in Johnson’s home that Johnson was using to facilitate and protect his drug trafficking activity.  Johnson was previously convicted of dealing in cocaine or narcotic drug and carrying a handgun without a license, meaning that he was a convicted felon and prohibited from possessing a firearm. 

    This case was investigated by the Drug Enforcement Administration with the assistance of the Fort Wayne Police Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives.  Also assisting in this investigation was the Drug Enforcement Administration’s North Central Laboratory.  The case was prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Anthony W. Geller.

    This case was also part of Project Safe Neighborhoods (PSN), a program bringing together all levels of law enforcement and the communities they serve to reduce violent crime and gun violence, and to make our neighborhoods safer for everyone. On May 26, 2021, the Department launched a violent crime reduction strategy strengthening PSN based on these core principles: fostering trust and legitimacy in our communities, supporting community-based organizations that help prevent violence from occurring in the first place, setting focused and strategic enforcement priorities, and measuring the results.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets foreign govt officials

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met senior officials from foreign governments attending the Signing Ceremony of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed).

    Mr Lee met Switzerland’s Federal Councillor & Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs Ignazio Cassis, Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister & Foreign Minister Mohammad Ishaq Dar, Papua New Guinea’s Minister for Justice & Attorney General Pila Niningi and Laos’ Deputy Prime Minister Saleumxay Kommasith.

    Welcoming them to the signing ceremony, Mr Lee said Hong Kong is pleased to contribute to and serve the successful establishment and operation of the IOMed.

    He outlined that upon its establishment, the IOMed will provide friendly, flexible, economical and efficient mediation services for international disputes.

    On economic and trade co-operation, the Chief Executive said the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government attaches great importance to strengthening bilateral economic and trade relations with different countries.

    In the face of emerging unilateralism and protectionism, Mr Lee emphasised that the Hong Kong SAR Government will remain steadfast in maintaining the city’s status as a free port and pursuing free trade policies, ensuring the free flow of goods, capital and information, and attracting enterprises from around the world to explore trading and investment opportunities in Hong Kong.

    He highlighted that as an international financial, shipping and trade centre, Hong Kong is the only city that enjoys both “the China advantage” and “the global advantage”. He invited enterprises from all countries to leverage Hong Kong’s platform to explore overseas and Mainland markets.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets central govt official

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Chief Executive John Lee today met CPC Central Committee Political Bureau Member and Foreign Affairs Minister Wang Yi at Government House.

     

    Mr Wang is visiting Hong Kong to attend the signing of the Convention on the Establishment of the International Organization for Mediation.

     

    Mr Lee and Mr Wang had a working lunch together and discussed the work of the International Organization for Mediation (IOMed), and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region’s international exchanges and co-operation.

     

    Mr Lee expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the central government for its strong support in establishing the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong.

     

    Emphasising that the IOMed is a high-level international organisation, Mr Lee said the central government had demonstrated its staunch support of the Hong Kong SAR in its development as a centre for international legal and dispute resolution services in the Asia-Pacific region under the National 14th Five-Year Plan.

     

    The process involved setting up an IOMed preparatory office in Hong Kong, completing negotiations, facilitating a consensus on situating the headquarters in the city, and hosting the convention’s signing ceremony today.

     

    Mr Lee said Mr Wang’s presence to witness the historic moment of the signing is a great encouragement to him and the Hong Kong SAR Government, which he added is well-equipped to promote the IOMed.

     

    The Chief Executive stressed that basing the IOMed headquarters in Hong Kong will bring a host of significant benefits to the city.

     

    Firstly, the IOMed will elevate Hong Kong’s international status and role in international mediation. In turn, the city will be able to make important contributions to the IOMed’s work given its status as the only common law jurisdiction in China under the “one country, two systems” principle.

     

    The city also boasts an established legal system, a solid foundation of the rule of law, diverse legal and dispute resolution services, and a wide pool of legal professionals with a global perspective.

     

    Secondly, the IOMed will generate substantial economic benefits. Its service demand will create a large number of job opportunities for mediators, translators, researchers and more.

     

    The IOMed will also attract international organisations, non-governmental organisations and academic institutions to establish a presence in Hong Kong, drawing high-quality conferences and exhibitions to the city and further boosting other sectors such as hospitality, logistics and transportation.

     

    With a status on a par with the International Court of Justice and the United Nations Permanent Court of Arbitration in The Hague, the IOMed will become a pivotal institution for resolving international disputes.

     

    This will facilitate deeper economic co-operation between Hong Kong and overseas economies, including regions participating in the Belt & Road Initiative, thereby creating more business opportunities, Mr Lee added.

     

    Thirdly, the IOMed will further enhance Hong Kong’s ecosystem relating to the rule of law, promote the popularity of mediation and encourage the community to resolve issues through dialogue.

     

    Mr Lee highlighted that the IOMed will help Hong Kong to attract more legal and dispute resolution professionals from around the globe, contributing to the development of the legal framework for dispute resolution, and further consolidating the city’s status as an international legal hub.

     

    He also thanked the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA), the Office of the MFA Commissioner in the Hong Kong SAR, and Chinese diplomatic and consular missions overseas for their continued support in deepening the Hong Kong SAR Government’s international exchanges and co-operation.

     

    Mr Lee added that the Hong Kong SAR Government will continue to enhance Hong Kong people’s understanding of consular work and protection policies, and raise their awareness of security and protection.

     

    Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki, Financial Secretary Paul Chan, Deputy Secretary for Justice Cheung Kwok-kwan, and Director of the Chief Executive’s Office Carol Yip also attended the meeting.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mission Woman Sentenced to Over Two Years in Federal Prison for Assaulting Another Person within the Rosebud Reservation

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    PIERRE – United States Attorney Alison J. Ramsdell announced today that U.S. District Judge Eric C. Schulte has sentenced a Mission, South Dakota, woman convicted of Assault Resulting in Substantial Bodily Injury to a Dating Partner. The sentencing took place on May 27, 2025.

    Korilyn M. Whipple-Wright, age 25, was sentenced to two years and three months in federal prison, followed by three years of supervised release, and ordered to pay a $100 special assessment to the Federal Crime Victims Fund.

    Whipple-Wright was indicted by a federal grand jury in August 2024. She pleaded guilty on February 26, 2025.

    On February 16, 2024, Whipple-Wright assaulted her former girlfriend in Rosebud, South Dakota, which lies within the Rosebud Sioux Indian Reservation. The women had recently broken up after dating for approximately six years. Whipple-Wright wrapped her arm around the woman’s neck and choked her, causing her to temporarily lose consciousness. Whipple-Wright also pushed the woman’s face into a wall and punched her. The woman incurred bruising to her forehead, a black eye, and a cut to her head in the assault.

    This matter was prosecuted by the U.S. Attorney’s Office because the Major Crimes Act, a federal statute, mandates that certain violent crimes alleged to have occurred in Indian country be prosecuted in federal court as opposed to State court.

    This case was investigated by the Rosebud Sioux Tribe Law Enforcement Services. Assistant U.S. Attorney Carl Thunem prosecuted the case.

    Whipple-Wright was immediately remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Xinjiang aims to boost economy at checkpoints

    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

    URUMQI, May 30 (Xinhua) — The Standing Committee of the People’s Congress of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Friday announced regulations to promote economic development at border crossings, which will take effect on July 1 this year.

    The document noted that people’s governments of counties, cities and prefectures where checkpoints are located should strengthen the construction of a comprehensive transportation network, checkpoint inspection infrastructure, and commodity inspection and control facilities to promote transportation connectivity and ensure efficient customs clearance.

    Under the new rules, local border crossings are encouraged to promote the development of multimodal transport and build modern logistics bases and centers that combine functions such as transportation, warehousing, packaging, distribution and delivery.

    Local authorities should improve the placement of production facilities within the checkpoint area and promote international cooperation in production chains and supply chains based on their own resource advantages, according to the provisions.

    As stated in the document, priority attention in the economic development plan at the checkpoint will be given to such emerging industries of strategic importance as oil and gas production and processing, clean and efficient use of coal and new energy systems, as well as specific advantageous industries including grain, oil and food processing, cotton and textile industry, green livestock products and high-quality fruits and vegetables.

    To attract enterprises and projects related to trade, processing, bonded logistics and cross-border e-commerce, it is necessary to utilize open platforms such as the Xinjiang Pilot Free Trade Zone, the Kashgar and Horgos economic development zones, comprehensive bonded zones and cross-border economic cooperation zones.

    The provisions also encourage local enterprises to carry out investment cooperation with Belt and Road Initiative countries in areas such as energy resources, new materials, specialty medicine and pharmaceuticals, and agricultural crop cultivation.

    The document also emphasizes the need to create an internationalized business environment that operates on the basis of market principles and the rule of law.

    The development of these provisions is aimed at stimulating high-quality economic development at Xinjiang checkpoints, promoting the construction of the core zone of the Silk Road Economic Belt and expanding high-level openness, the document noted.

    Let us recall that Xinjiang borders eight countries, including Mongolia, Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Afghanistan, Pakistan and India. There are 21 checkpoints on its territory. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Global universities seek to lure US-bound students amid Trump crackdown

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Universities around the world are seeking to offer refuge for students impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump’s crackdown on academic institutions, targeting top talent and a slice of the billions of dollars in academic revenue in the United States.

    Osaka University, one of the top ranked in Japan, is offering tuition fee waivers, research grants and help with travel arrangements for students and researchers at U.S. institutions who want to transfer.

    Japan’s Kyoto University and Tokyo University are also considering similar schemes, while Hong Kong has instructed its universities to attract top talent from the United States. China’s Xi’an Jiaotong University has appealed for students at Harvard, singled out in Trump’s crackdown, promising “streamlined” admissions and “comprehensive” support.

    Trump’s administration has enacted massive funding cuts for academic research, curbed visas for foreign students – especially those from China – and plans to hike taxes on elite schools.

    Trump alleges top U.S. universities are cradles of anti-American movements. In a dramatic escalation, his administration last week revoked Harvard’s ability to enrol foreign students, a move later blocked by a federal judge.

    Masaru Ishii, dean of the graduate school of medicine at Osaka University, described the impact on U.S. universities as “a loss for all of humanity”.

    Japan aims to ramp up its number of foreign students to 400,000 over the next decade, from around 337,000 currently.

    Jessica Turner, CEO of Quacquarelli Symonds, a London-based analytics firm that ranks universities globally, said other leading universities around the world were trying to attract students unsure of going to the United States.

    Germany, France and Ireland are emerging as particularly attractive alternatives in Europe, she said, while in the Asia-Pacific, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China are rising in profile.

    SWITCHING SCHOOLS

    Chinese students have been particularly targeted in Trump’s crackdown, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledging to “aggressively” crack down on their visas.

    More than 275,000 Chinese students are enrolled in hundreds of U.S. colleges, providing a major source of revenue for the schools and a crucial pipeline of talent for U.S. technology companies.

    International students – 54% of them from India and China – contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

    Trump’s crackdown comes at a critical period in the international student application process, as many young people prepare to travel to the U.S. in August to find accommodation and settle in before term starts.

    Dai, 25, a Chinese student based in Chengdu, had planned to head to the U.S. to complete her master’s but is now seriously considering taking up an offer in Britain instead.

    “The various policies (by the U.S. government) were a slap in my face,” she said, requesting to be identified only by her surname for privacy reasons. “I’m thinking about my mental health and it’s possible that I indeed change schools.”

    Students from Britain and the European Union are also now more hesitant to apply to U.S. universities, said Tom Moon, deputy head of consultancy at Oxbridge Applications, which helps students in their university applications.

    He said many international students currently enrolled at U.S. universities were now contacting the consultancy to discuss transfer options to Canada, the UK and Europe.

    According to a survey the consultancy ran earlier this week, 54% of its clients said they were now “less likely” to enrol at an American university than they were at the start of the year.

    There has been an uptick in applications to British universities from prospective students in the U.S., said Universities UK, an organisation that promotes British institutions. It cautioned, however, that it was too early to say whether that translates into more students enrolling.

    REPUTATIONAL EFFECTS

    Ella Ricketts, an 18-year-old first year student at Harvard from Canada, said she receives a generous aid package paid for by the school’s donors and is concerned that she won’t be able to afford other options if forced to transfer.

    “Around the time I was applying to schools, the only university across the Atlantic I considered was Oxford… However, I realised that I would not be able to afford the international tuition and there was no sufficient scholarship or financial aid available,” she said.

    If Harvard’s ability to enrol foreign students is revoked, she would most likely apply to the University of Toronto, she said.

    Analytics firm QS said overall visits to its ‘Study in America’ online guide have declined by 17.6% in the last year — with interest from India alone down over 50%.

    “Measurable impacts on enrolment typically emerge within six to 18 months. Reputational effects, however, often linger far longer, particularly where visa uncertainty and shifting work rights play into perceptions of risk versus return,” said QS’ Turner.

    That reputational risk, and the ensuing brain drain, could be even more damaging for U.S. institutions than the immediate economic hit from students leaving.

    “If America turns these brilliant and talented students away, they will find other places to work and study,” said Caleb Thompson, a 20-year-old U.S. student at Harvard, who lives with eight international scholars.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Deposits with Scheduled Commercial Banks – March 2025 (Annual BSR-2)

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank released1 the web publication ‘Deposits with Scheduled Commercial Banks2 – March 20253’ on its ‘Database on Indian Economy’ portal4 (https://data.rbi.org.in Homepage > Publications).

    Scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) (including regional rural banks) report branch-wise data on type of deposits (current, savings and term), its institutional sector wise ownership, age wise distribution of deposits pertaining to individuals, maturity pattern of term deposits as well as number of employees in the annual ‘Basic Statistical Return’ (BSR) – 2 return. These data are released at disaggregated level (viz., type of deposits, population groups5, bank groups, states, districts, centres, interest rate ranges, size, original and residual maturity).

    Highlights:

    • Bank deposits grew (y-o-y) by 10.6 per cent during FY 2024-25 as compared to 13.0 per cent, net of merger, in the previous year (Chart I).

    • Household sector6 accounted for the largest share of SCB’s deposits at 60.2 per cent; the share of female depositors was 20.7 per cent in March 2025 (Chart II).

    • Branches in metropolitan areas, which constituted the dominant share in deposits, recorded 11.7 per cent annual growth in March 2025; whereas rural, semi-urban and urban centres registered 10.1 per cent, 8.9 per cent, and 9.3 per cent annual growth, respectively.

    • The higher returns on term deposits led to higher accretion in such deposits as compared to other type of deposits; the share of saving deposits declined to 29.1 per cent in March 2025 as compared to 30.8 per cent a year ago and 33.0 per cent two years ago.

    • Nearly 68.4 per cent of term deposits were having the original maturity of one to three as on March 2025.

    • The share of term deposits bearing interest rate of ‘7 per cent and above’ increased and stood at 72.7 per cent in March 2025 as compared to 64.2 per cent a year ago and 33.5 per cent two years ago.

    • The share of term deposits of size ‘Rs. one crore and above’ increased to 45.1 per cent in March 2025 from 43.7 per cent in March 2024.

    • The share of senior citizens’ deposits was 20.2 per cent of total deposits as on March 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/448

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Credit by Scheduled Commercial Banks – March 2025 (Annual BSR-1)

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Today, the Reserve Bank released the web publication ‘Basic Statistical Return on Credit by Scheduled Commercial Banks (SCBs) in India – March 2025’1 on its ‘Database on Indian Economy’ (DBIE) portal2 (https://data.rbi.org.in Homepage > Publications). The publication provides information on various characteristics of bank credit in India, based on data submitted by SCBs {including Regional Rural Banks (RRBs)} under the annual ‘Basic Statistical Return (BSR) – 1’ system, which collects information on type of account, organisation, occupation/activity and category of the borrower, district and population3 group of the place of utilisation of credit, rate of interest, credit limit and amount outstanding.

    Highlights:

    • Bank credit growth (y-o-y) decelerated to 11.1 per cent in March 2025 from 15.3 (net of merger4) per cent in the previous financial year.

    • The deceleration in credit growth (y-o-y) was observed across all bank groups during FY 2024-25. Private sector banks witnessed the steepest decline to 9.5 per cent in March 2025 after a sustained credit growth above 15 per cent for the preceding three years.

    • With higher credit growth in rural, semi-urban and urban areas compared to metropolitan area, the share of metropolitan branches in total credit declined to 58.7 per cent in March 2025 from 63.5 per cent five years ago.

    • The growth in personal loans,5 though moderated sharply to 13.2 per cent, continued to outpace headline credit growth, which has led to an increase in their share to 31.0 per cent (24.1 per cent five years ago).
    • Share of housing loans bearing interest rate 9 per cent and above came down to 36.8 per cent in March 2025 from 54.5 per cent a year ago which signifies decline in cost of housing loans.
    • Consumer durables and other personal loans accounted for nearly one third of total personal loans; the share of these loans bearing interest rate 11 per cent and above has declined to 47.4 per cent in March 2025 from 50.3 per cent in the previous year. 
    • Loans to industry accounted for nearly one fourth of total bank credit and increased at a (y-o-y) rate of 9.4 per cent in March 2025, down from 10.4 per cent a year earlier.
    • The share of Individuals in total credit maintained its increasing momentum and stood at 47.8 per cent in March 2025 as compared to 41.5 per cent in March 2020. Within individuals, the share of female borrowers also gradually rose to 23.8 per cent from 22.0 per cent in the said period.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/449

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Canada diversifies trade in the Indo-Pacific region through the Team Canada Trade Mission to Thailand and Cambodia

    Source: Government of Canada News

    May 30, 2025 – Phnom Penh, Cambodia – Global Affairs Canada

    Today, the Government of Canada concluded a successful Team Canada Trade Mission (TCTM) to Thailand and Cambodia. The delegation, led by Sara Wilshaw, Canada’s Chief Trade Commissioner and Senior Assistant Deputy Minister, International Trade, brought together more than 150 representatives from over 90 Canadian organizations, of which 80% are small and medium-sized enterprises, to explore the unique business opportunities that Thailand and Cambodia have to offer.

    As Canada works to build a stronger, more resilient economy, the Team Canada approach to trade missions is a proven tool that generates economic benefits for Canadians. As a key initiative under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, this TCTM opened doors for Canadian businesses in a wide range of sectors to:

    • form new connections in 2 of Southeast Asia’s emerging markets
    • diversify their trade strategies
    • increase their resilience
    • develop products and services that benefit Canada

    During the TCTM’s business-to-business sessions, Ms. Wilshaw saw Canadian, Thai and Cambodian companies in action. She was impressed by the number of meaningful connections made between Canada and its trade partners through this trade mission.

    In Bangkok, Thailand, Ms. Wilshaw met with Dr. Nalinee Taveesin, President of Thailand Trade Representatives and Adviser to the Prime Minister of Thailand. She also spoke with members of the board of the Thai-Canadian Chamber of Commerce and senior executives of the Charoen Pokphand Group, the largest Thai investor in Canada. In doing so, she highlighted Canada’s work in expanding trade, investment and supply-chain resilience in the Indo-Pacific region. For example, she noted the opening of a 12th Export Development Canada representation in Bangkok, which helps Canadian companies diversify into the Indo-Pacific region, resulting in more and better business opportunities for Canadians. She also noted Canada’s 15 free trade agreements, spanning 51 countries, as the foundation of Canada’s trade-diversification efforts.

    In Phnom Penh, Cambodia, Ms. Wilshaw met with Sun Chanthol, Deputy Prime Minister and first vice-president of the Council for the Development of Cambodia, Sok Siphana, Senior Minister and Adviser to the Prime Minister; Cham Nimul, Minister of Commerce; and Dith Tina, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries. She spoke about mutual trade and investment priorities, sector-specific opportunities and the progress being made on a free trade agreement between Canada and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. She also highlighted Canada’s commitment to deepening its engagement in Cambodia under Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy. She noted that Canada’s presence in Phnom Penh was upgraded to an embassy in March 2025 and that this TCTM was the largest-ever Canadian delegation to visit Cambodia.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign affairs talk held

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Civil Service College today held the latest in a series of talks on the country’s foreign affairs, with about 140 senior officials and civil servants in the directorate and senior ranks attending.

     

    Addressing those in attendance, Secretary for the Civil Service Ingrid Yeung said Hong Kong Special Administrative Region civil servants shoulder a mission of connecting the country with the world.

     

    She highlighted that with the support of the Central People’s Government, the Hong Kong SAR Government has sent young public officers recommended by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to participate in the United Nations Junior Professional Officer Programme, enabling them to contribute their expertise to the country and international organisations.

     

    The talk, organised jointly with the Office of the Commissioner of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (OCMFA) in the Hong Kong SAR, was delivered by Ambassador Extraordinary & Plenipotentiary Permanent Representative of the People’s Republic of China to the United Nations Office at Geneva and other International Organizations in Switzerland Chen Xu.

     

    The theme of the talk was “China on the International Stage: Its Role and Experience in Participating in International Organisations”.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Why auction of Buddha relics was called off and why it matters – an expert in Asian art explains

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Stephen A Murphy, Pratapaditya Pal Senior Lecturer in Curating and Museology of Asian Art, SOAS, University of London

    The slick online catalogue entry for “Premium Lot 1, The Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha” on the Sotheby’s Hong Kong website was abruptly replaced on May 7 with a single line notification: “The auction has been postponed.”

    Shortly afterwards, the associated webpages went blank. The only evidence remaining on Sotheby’s Hong Kong website was an entry on the Piprahwa gems’ history and a short YouTube promotional clip for the sale (below).

    Sotheby’s had first announced its intention to auction the relics on February 6 2025. Discovered in northern India in 1898 and thought to date to the third century BC, it was estimated they would fetch up to HK$100m (£9.7m). The collection was consigned by Chris Peppé on behalf of his family, who had inherited the relics from his great grandfather, William Caxton Peppé – a 19th-century British colonial landowner who owned an estate in India.

    Looking for something good? Cut through the noise with a carefully curated selection of the latest releases, live events and exhibitions, straight to your inbox every fortnight, on Fridays. Sign up here.

    Reaction was muted at first, but as a scholar who researches the early history and archaeology of Buddhism and issues surrounding loot and restitution, I was gravely concerned by this proposed sale. Fortunately, I was not alone, and thanks to detailed research of SOAS colleagues such as Conan Cheong, Ashley Thompson and Thai academic Pipad Krajaejun, as well as protests from Buddhist devotees worldwide, a groundswell of disapproval began to grow.

    A letter sent to Sotheby’s by the British Maha Bodhi Society, and shared with me, states:

    Millions around the world, whether Buddhist or not, have religious and ethical concerns and believe that the sale of sacred items is morally wrong and offensive … Members of the Buddhist sangha [monkhood], as well as lay followers from all traditions, are appalled that the gems offered in devotional acts by the Buddha’s own clan, have been separated from his corporeal remains and are now being sold to the highest bidder.

    This disapproval turned into a tidal wave on May 5, two days before the planned auction, with the intervention of the Indian government – which is now threatening legal action against both Sotheby’s and the Peppé family, demanding that the relics be repatriated to India.

    In terms of his rights and those of his relatives to sell the relics, Chris Peppé previously had told the Guardian newspaper: “Legally, the ownership is unchallenged.”

    Sotheby’s confirmed to me that it and the Indian government are “currently in discussions regarding the Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha, and are pleased to be working together to find the best possible outcome for all parties”.

    How we got here

    To understand how we reached this impasse, we must cast our eyes back to 19th-century British colonial India, then forward again to 2018-2023 and a number of high-profile exhibitions at some of the world’s most prestigious museums.

    In 1898, the family’s great grandfather, William Caxton Peppé, excavated a Buddhist reliquary monument (known as a stupa) on his estate in Piprahwa, northern India. He uncovered what is now considered by scholars to be the most significant cache of Buddhist relics found in India.

    The discovery included five reliquary urns containing gems, ash and bone fragments. An inscription on one suggested the remains could be those of the historical Buddha, who is thought to have been cremated around 200 years prior to their burial.

    The Indian Treasure Trove Act of 1878 allowed Peppé to keep a portion referred to as “duplicates” (an art-history term used to justify the dividing up of similar material from a hoard or archaeological site that is very much frowned upon today). The British authorities gifted the bones and ash to King Chulalongkorn of Siam, who enshrined them in Bangkok and distributed portions to other Buddhist nations.

    The majority of the 1,800 gems, meanwhile, had been deposited in the Indian Museum in Kolkata. It is a longstanding issue, however, that the bulk of this collection remains locked away in the museum safe, off limits to Buddhists, the wider public and scholars alike. Perhaps the publicity surrounding the Peppé portion of the reliquary contents might prompt that museum to review this policy after 120 years.

    About ten years ago, armed with his inherited share of the relics, Chris Peppé began reaching out to museums worldwide, proposing to loan them. This, he recently stated, was to make them accessible to Buddhist devotees and the general public alike. Five museums took him up on the offer and, starting in 2018, duly curated high-profile exhibitions around them or incorporated them into larger shows.

    Chief among these was the 2023 blockbuster Tree And Serpent: Early Buddhist Art of India at the Metropolitan Museum of Art New York, where Peppé took part in the exhibition symposium, delivering a lecture on the relics.

    Objects with a history of celebrated exhibitions tend to reach higher prices at auction. Whether the Peppé family intentionally built up the Piprahwa exhibition history with the aim of eventually auctioning the relics is unclear. I contacted Chris Peppé directly and posed this question to him, but he declined to comment.

    Tellingly, the Sotheby’s website included a scholarly article from 2023 in Orientations Magazine by John Guy, curator of the Tree and Serpent exhibition. But it was dated to February 2025, which perhaps inadvertently made it appear to have been written as an endorsement of the sale. In fact, the paper had been published to coincide with the exhibition. I contacted Guy about this, and he responded by saying:

    I regard the linking of my publication to the Sotheby’s sale as highly inappropriate and this was done without my knowledge or consent. The Met’s lawyers demanded that it be removed immediately, which was done, along with a written apology from Sotheby’s.

    When I spoke to Nancy Wong at Sotheby’s, she confirmed this, saying: “We apologised and immediately removed the relevant reference from our website.”

    Given the events of the past few weeks, the Peppé family now find themselves in a bind. With the Indian government engaged, and it may not be long before Sotheby’s drops them and the relics altogether. Despite their cultured facades and high-society veneers, auction houses are businesses, designed to make a profit – and any potential buyers may have been thoroughly scared off by recent events.

    It is hard, however, for me to have much sympathy for the family who could have prevented this whole affair by donating the relics to a Buddhist community or museum in the first place.

    Stephen A Murphy is a Senior Lecturer at SOAS, University of London. Prior to this he was a senior curator at the Asian Civilisations Museum, Singapore, from July 2014-October 2020 where an exhibition displaying the The Piprahwa Gems of the Historical Buddha took place in November 2022-March 2023.

    – ref. Why auction of Buddha relics was called off and why it matters – an expert in Asian art explains – https://theconversation.com/why-auction-of-buddha-relics-was-called-off-and-why-it-matters-an-expert-in-asian-art-explains-256379

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Paul N. McDaniel, Associate Professor of Geography, Kennesaw State University

    The Mexican-American community in southwest Detroit held a rally in March 2025, asking ICE to leave the immigrant community alone. Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Detroit’s population grew in 2024 for the second year in a row. This is a remarkable comeback after decades of population decline in the Motor City.

    What explains the turnaround? One factor may be Detroit’s efforts to attract and settle immigrants.

    These efforts continue despite a dramatic national shift in tone toward new arrivals. This includes executive orders from the second Trump administration targeting immigrant communities, international students and their universities, and cities in which immigrants live.

    We study urban geography and immigrant integration. Despite these federal policy shifts, our own research and that of others has found that local leaders in cities across the U.S. are actively working to bring immigrants in and help them become part of local communities, generally for economic reasons.

    Our recent publications on immigrant integration and immigrant community engagement show how and why cities adapt to changes in their population and economies.

    Detroit and other former immigrant gateway metro areas such as Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, Missouri experienced significant immigration in the early 20th century. These population booms were followed by a period of decline in immigration numbers.

    Now these cities are using branding strategies to construct inclusive identities designed to attract and retain immigrants. It may be surprising to think of a city branding itself, but local governments often work with private nonprofits to shape and manage their city’s image. They try to build a unique and desirable identity for the city, differentiate it from competitors, and attract new businesses, residents and tourists this way.

    Here are three reasons why Detroit and other cities want to welcome immigrants:

    1. Encouraging economic growth and attracting talent

    Immigration has a positive impact on the economy, research shows.

    Local leaders in Detroit recognize that in a global economy, a thriving industrial sector and robust labor market are linked to the contributions of immigrant communities. They also understand that the growth of these communities brings positive economic ripple effects.

    Immigrants are more likely than the general population to own their own businesses. Organizations such as Global Detroit encourage entrepreneurship through programs such as the Global Talent Retention Initiative, Global Talent Accelerator and Global Entrepreneur in Residence and provide resources for small businesses.

    Immigrants also fill labor needs, from high-tech fields such as engineering and research to manual labor sectors such as construction and food service.

    The City of Detroit Office of Immigrant Affairs promotes economic development and immigrant integration through education, English as a second language programs, economic empowerment and community resources.

    These efforts are paying off by attracting immigrants to the city.

    This economic impact extends to tourism as well. The region’s marketing campaigns embracing diversity shape how visitors perceive the region. The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau spotlights the unique experiences the city’s diverse neighborhoods offer to tourists.

    2. Enhancing community and regional resilience

    Regional resilience describes a region’s ability to withstand and adapt to challenges such as economic shocks and natural disasters. Cities like Detroit that are still trying to bounce back from deindustrialization know from experience how critical this is.

    Immigration contributes to regional resilience, research shows. In addition to supporting local economies and strengthening the labor force, the arrival of immigrants in Detroit has helped offset native-born population decline, stabilizing the overall population and bolstering local tax bases.

    According to our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area grew by 1.2%, from a total population of 4,291,843 in 2010 to 4,342,304 in 2023.

    According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the Detroit metro area’s native-born population decreased by 58,693 people during that 13-year period, while the foreign-born population increased by 109,154. The top five countries of origin for immigrants in the metro area are India, Iraq, Mexico, Yemen and Lebanon.

    From 2023 to 2024, the metro area’s population gained 40,347 immigrants and lost 11,626 native born residents – resulting in a population gain of 28,721.

    Efforts to welcome immigrants in Detroit and its surrounding communities contributed to this trend of immigrant population growth offsetting overall population decline.

    3. Promoting social cohesion and enhanced civic engagement

    Successful place brands are rooted in inclusion and a strong civil society. Detroit’s rich tapestry of cultures in areas such as Dearborn and Hamtramck creates a vibrant regional identity.

    Organizations such as Global Detroit’s Welcoming Michigan actively support local grassroots efforts to build mutual respect and ensure that immigrants are able to participate fully in the social, civic and economic fabric of their hometowns.

    Examples include Global Detroit’s Social Cohesion Initiative, Common Bond and Opportunity Neighborhoods. These initiatives help bring neighborhood residents of various backgrounds together to share their cultures, support each other’s small businesses and socialize. Such programs strengthen the region’s democratic foundations and enhance its appeal as a welcoming and inclusive place to live.

    Forging a way forward

    Detroit has found that welcoming immigrants and integrating them into the life of the city is one way to navigate the economic, political and cultural challenges it faces.

    And it is not alone in embracing this strategy. Other cities practicing similar strategies include Baltimore; Boise, Idaho; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Dayton, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans; Pittsburgh; Roanoke, Virginia; and Salt Lake City.

    Although not all cities choose to pursue such strategies, in those that do, local leaders signal a region ready for a globalized future.

    Paul N. McDaniel previously received funding from the National Geographic Society, served on the Content Advisory Board for the Welcoming Standard and on the Steering Committee for Welcoming America’s One Region Initiative, and is a member of the American Association of Geographers.

    Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez was co-PI on funding received from the National Geographic Society and served on the national pilot program with Welcoming America One Region Initiative’s Steering Committee and Program Evaluation Team.

    – ref. Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline – https://theconversation.com/detroits-population-grew-in-2023-2024-a-strategy-to-welcome-immigrants-helps-explain-the-turnaround-from-decades-of-population-decline-255557

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue Kicks Off in Singapore Amid Geopolitical Tensions

    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

    SINGAPORE, May 30 (Xinhua) — The 22nd Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defense and security summit, opened here on Friday amid geopolitical tensions.

    This year, representatives from 47 countries are participating in the dialogue, including 40 minister-level delegates, 20 chiefs-of-defence delegates, more than 20 senior military officials, as well as eminent academics, Singapore’s Ministry of Defence said.

    French President Emmanuel Macron will deliver a keynote speech on Friday evening in which he is expected to portray France and Europe as supporters of international cooperation and rules-based trade.

    Analysts expect regional cooperation, U.S. security policy, and the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict to be key topics at the conference. The fallout from the U.S. tariff hike is also likely to draw attention. Officials will use the platform to reassure partners and find guidance in an increasingly multipolar security landscape.

    The dialogue will last from May 30 to June 1. –0– Oleg

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: United Christian Hospital announces incident involving insertion of nasogastric tube

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The following is issued on behalf of the Hospital Authority:

    The spokesperson for United Christian Hospital (UCH) made the following announcement today (May 30) regarding an incident involving insertion of a nasogastric tube:Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityConsultant, Department of Intensive Care, Tseung Kwan O HospitalChief Manager, Quality & Safety Division (Patient Safety & Risk Management), Hospital AuthorityDeputy Service Director (Quality & Safety), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityDepartment Operations Manager, Department of Intensive Care, Prince of Wales HospitalCluster General Manager (Nursing), Kowloon East Cluster, Hospital AuthorityChief of Service, Intensive Care Unit, Queen Elizabeth HospitalChief of Service, Department of Ear, Nose & Throat, Alice Ho Miu Ling Nethersole Hospital

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Division between US and China is the biggest risk confronting world now, France’s Macron says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday that division between the two superpowers, the United States and China, is the main risk currently confronting the world as he emphasized the need for building new coalitions between Paris and partners in the Indo-Pacific.

    Macron is visiting the region as France and the European Union aim to strengthen their commercial ties in Asia to offset uncertainty over U.S. President Donald Trump’s tariff measures.

    “I will be clear, France is a friend and an ally of the United States, and is a friend, and we do cooperate – even if sometimes we disagree and compete – with China,” said Macron, who was speaking at the Shangri-La Dialogue, Asia’s premier defence forum, alongside a two-day state visit to Singapore.

    The French president said Asia and Europe have a common interest in preventing the disintegration of the global order.

    “The time for non-alignment has undoubtedly passed, but the time for coalitions of action has come, and requires that countries capable of acting together give themselves every means to do so,” Macron said.

    Macron is following leaders of China, Japan and other European countries in visiting the region in recent weeks, in a sign of south east Asia’s strategic importance amid uncertainties on global supply chains and trade.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/HONG KONG – Cardinal Chow: Pope Leo wants to visit China, let us pray that his dream may come true.

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Hong Kong (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Stephen Chow Sau-yan, Bishop of Hong Kong, invited all the faithful to pray “that Leo XIV may set foot in China as Pope.” During the Mass celebrated on May 22 in Hong Kong Cathedral, dedicated to the Immaculate Conception, the Jesuit Cardinal also offered prayers recalling the beginning of Pope Leo’s Petrine ministry, which took place with the Eucharistic celebration presided over by the Pontiff four days earlier in St. Peter’s Square. Pope Leo XIV, the Bishop of Hong Kong confided during his homily, “told me he would like to make a pastoral visit to China. I ask you to pray for him, so that he may realize the unfulfilled dream of Pope Francis. He also told me,” Cardinal Chow added, “that he was the first Pope to visit mainland China (before his papal election, ed.). I believe he is not foreign to Chinese culture. It would be very significant if he could make a pastoral visit to China as Pope, so I ask you to pray for this dream.”Two days later, at the end of the Eucharistic liturgy on Saturday, May 24, celebrated on the occasion of the Day of Prayer for the Church in China, Cardinal Chow renewed his appeal, sharing with those present his experience as a pilgrim to the Marian shrine of Sheshan, near Shanghai, which he experienced last February with a representative of the Diocese of Hong Kong. Cardinal Stephen recounted the great emotion he felt upon finally seeing the large statue at the top of the hill and how, standing before it, everyone prayed for Pope Francis’s health when he was admitted to the Gemelli hospital in Rome.”Now,” Cardinal Chow added, ” Pope Francis is in heaven, praying for us and for our Church in China. He always longed to visit China and meet our brothers and sisters there… We now pray that his successor, as the successor of St. Peter, may one day set foot on Chinese soil as pope.”According to Kung Kao Pao, the weekly bulletin of the Diocese of Hong Kong, following the election of Pope Leo XIV, a solemn ecumenical celebration was held in Hong Kong Cathedral to invoke heaven’s blessings for Pope Francis. The event was attended by several leaders of local Churches and ecclesial communities, local government officials, diplomats present in Hong Kong, and more than 700 faithful. On that occasion, Cardinal Chow emphasized that the ministry exercised by Pope Leo is a ministry at the service of unity. “Today we pray for the new Pope Leo XIV, that he may be blessed with good health and wisdom for his mission, and that, following him as head of our Church, we may be united in communion and continue spreading the Gospel in a spirit of synodality and communion.” In the aforementioned May 24 liturgy, the Cardinal also implored everyone “not to judge or generalise about people in either the open or underground Church.” “Only they know the circumstances influencing their decisions, and only the Lord can see into their hearts,” Cardinal Chow added, recalling Jesus’ words in the Gospel according to Saint Luke: “Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful… Do not judge, and you will not be judged.” “Our Lady of China, and Mary, Help of Christians of Sheshan,” added the Bishop of Hong Kong, “is and will always be with the people of God in mainland China.” At the end of the liturgy, the assembly also recited in community the Prayer to Our Lady of Sheshan written by Pope Benedict XVI to invoke God’s blessing on all Chinese people. (NZ) (Agenzia Fides, 30/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: ASIA/SOUTH KOREA – Archdiocese of Seoul remembers its martyrs: “Fertile ground for the Korean Church”

    Source: Agenzia Fides – MIL OSI

    Friday, 30 May 2025

    Committee for Communications, Archdiocese of Seoul

    Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The Catholic faithful of Seoul gathered for prayer at the Seosomun Shrine, where the memory of Blessed Paul Yun Ji-chung and his 123 companions, martyred at the end of the 18th century, was celebrated in their final hours.The Archbishop of Seoul, Peter Soon-taick Chung, presided over the solemn Mass, which marked the 11th anniversary of the beatification, presided over by Pope Francis during his visit to Korea in 2014. Cardinal Andrew Soo-jung Yeom, Archbishop Emeritus of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Pyongyang, and Job Yo-bi Koo, Auxiliary Bishop of Seoul, concelebrated along with several dozen priests.In his homily, Archbishop Soon-taick Chung addressed the significance of the place where the Mass was celebrated. Many Catholics were killed at the site of the shrine during the anti-Christian persecutions in the Joseon Dynasty. Among them are today 44 saints and 27 blessed.”This holy land is soaked with the blood of those who testified to their love for God through martyrdom,” said the archbishop, emphasizing that over time the site has become “fertile ground for the Korean Church.” “The sacrifice of these witnesses laid the foundation on which our faith community rests today,” he said.”Their faith remains a living example, a compass that guides us even today,” the Archbishop of Seoul continued, before quoting the words spoken by Pope Francis during the beatification Mass: “They were willing to make great sacrifices and renounce everything that could have separated them from Christ, because they knew that he alone was their true treasure.”And it is precisely the example of these martyrs “that calls each of us to bear witness to the love of God through an authentic Christian life.” Through their actions, he continued, “they entrusted us with a mission that demands our charity and our commitment to justice and reconciliation.”Therefore, Archbishop Soon-taick Chung concluded, “today we not only remember the martyrs, but we renew our commitment to the fidelity of which they were an example. The courage, conviction, and unwavering love they demonstrated must serve as a guide for our present and future generations.”The Archdiocese of Seoul announced that the descendants of the Servants of God Kwon Il-shin and Yi Seung-hun, two figures of early Korean Catholicism, were also present at the celebration, symbolizing the bond between that first generation that gave its life for the Catholic faith and the Church of today. (F.B.) (Agenzia Fides, 30/5/2025)
    Share:

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paul N. McDaniel, Associate Professor of Geography, Kennesaw State University

    The Mexican-American community in southwest Detroit held a rally in March 2025, asking ICE to leave the immigrant community alone. Jim West/UCG/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Detroit’s population grew in 2024 for the second year in a row. This is a remarkable comeback after decades of population decline in the Motor City.

    What explains the turnaround? One factor may be Detroit’s efforts to attract and settle immigrants.

    These efforts continue despite a dramatic national shift in tone toward new arrivals. This includes executive orders from the second Trump administration targeting immigrant communities, international students and their universities, and cities in which immigrants live.

    We study urban geography and immigrant integration. Despite these federal policy shifts, our own research and that of others has found that local leaders in cities across the U.S. are actively working to bring immigrants in and help them become part of local communities, generally for economic reasons.

    Our recent publications on immigrant integration and immigrant community engagement show how and why cities adapt to changes in their population and economies.

    Detroit and other former immigrant gateway metro areas such as Buffalo, New York; Cleveland, Ohio; Milwaukee, Wisconsin; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and St. Louis, Missouri experienced significant immigration in the early 20th century. These population booms were followed by a period of decline in immigration numbers.

    Now these cities are using branding strategies to construct inclusive identities designed to attract and retain immigrants. It may be surprising to think of a city branding itself, but local governments often work with private nonprofits to shape and manage their city’s image. They try to build a unique and desirable identity for the city, differentiate it from competitors, and attract new businesses, residents and tourists this way.

    Here are three reasons why Detroit and other cities want to welcome immigrants:

    1. Encouraging economic growth and attracting talent

    Immigration has a positive impact on the economy, research shows.

    Local leaders in Detroit recognize that in a global economy, a thriving industrial sector and robust labor market are linked to the contributions of immigrant communities. They also understand that the growth of these communities brings positive economic ripple effects.

    Immigrants are more likely than the general population to own their own businesses. Organizations such as Global Detroit encourage entrepreneurship through programs such as the Global Talent Retention Initiative, Global Talent Accelerator and Global Entrepreneur in Residence and provide resources for small businesses.

    Immigrants also fill labor needs, from high-tech fields such as engineering and research to manual labor sectors such as construction and food service.

    The City of Detroit Office of Immigrant Affairs promotes economic development and immigrant integration through education, English as a second language programs, economic empowerment and community resources.

    These efforts are paying off by attracting immigrants to the city.

    This economic impact extends to tourism as well. The region’s marketing campaigns embracing diversity shape how visitors perceive the region. The Detroit Metro Convention & Visitors Bureau spotlights the unique experiences the city’s diverse neighborhoods offer to tourists.

    2. Enhancing community and regional resilience

    Regional resilience describes a region’s ability to withstand and adapt to challenges such as economic shocks and natural disasters. Cities like Detroit that are still trying to bounce back from deindustrialization know from experience how critical this is.

    Immigration contributes to regional resilience, research shows. In addition to supporting local economies and strengthening the labor force, the arrival of immigrants in Detroit has helped offset native-born population decline, stabilizing the overall population and bolstering local tax bases.

    According to our analysis of U.S. Census Bureau data, the Detroit-Warren-Dearborn metro area grew by 1.2%, from a total population of 4,291,843 in 2010 to 4,342,304 in 2023.

    According to U.S. Census Bureau estimates, the Detroit metro area’s native-born population decreased by 58,693 people during that 13-year period, while the foreign-born population increased by 109,154. The top five countries of origin for immigrants in the metro area are India, Iraq, Mexico, Yemen and Lebanon.

    From 2023 to 2024, the metro area’s population gained 40,347 immigrants and lost 11,626 native born residents – resulting in a population gain of 28,721.

    Efforts to welcome immigrants in Detroit and its surrounding communities contributed to this trend of immigrant population growth offsetting overall population decline.

    3. Promoting social cohesion and enhanced civic engagement

    Successful place brands are rooted in inclusion and a strong civil society. Detroit’s rich tapestry of cultures in areas such as Dearborn and Hamtramck creates a vibrant regional identity.

    Organizations such as Global Detroit’s Welcoming Michigan actively support local grassroots efforts to build mutual respect and ensure that immigrants are able to participate fully in the social, civic and economic fabric of their hometowns.

    Examples include Global Detroit’s Social Cohesion Initiative, Common Bond and Opportunity Neighborhoods. These initiatives help bring neighborhood residents of various backgrounds together to share their cultures, support each other’s small businesses and socialize. Such programs strengthen the region’s democratic foundations and enhance its appeal as a welcoming and inclusive place to live.

    Forging a way forward

    Detroit has found that welcoming immigrants and integrating them into the life of the city is one way to navigate the economic, political and cultural challenges it faces.

    And it is not alone in embracing this strategy. Other cities practicing similar strategies include Baltimore; Boise, Idaho; Charlotte, North Carolina; Dallas; Dayton, Ohio; Louisville, Kentucky; New Orleans; Pittsburgh; Roanoke, Virginia; and Salt Lake City.

    Although not all cities choose to pursue such strategies, in those that do, local leaders signal a region ready for a globalized future.

    Paul N. McDaniel previously received funding from the National Geographic Society, served on the Content Advisory Board for the Welcoming Standard and on the Steering Committee for Welcoming America’s One Region Initiative, and is a member of the American Association of Geographers.

    Darlene Xiomara Rodriguez was co-PI on funding received from the National Geographic Society and served on the national pilot program with Welcoming America One Region Initiative’s Steering Committee and Program Evaluation Team.

    – ref. Detroit’s population grew in 2023, 2024 − a strategy to welcome immigrants helps explain the turnaround from decades of population decline – https://theconversation.com/detroits-population-grew-in-2023-2024-a-strategy-to-welcome-immigrants-helps-explain-the-turnaround-from-decades-of-population-decline-255557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • India’s real GDP grows at 6.5% in FY 2024-25; Q4 sees strong 7.4% expansion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The National Statistics Office (NSO), under the Ministry of Statistics and Programme Implementation (MoSPI), has released the Provisional Estimates of Annual Gross Domestic Product (GDP) for the financial year 2024–25, along with the Quarterly Estimates for the January–March period (Q4) of the same year.

    India’s real GDP at constant (2011–12) prices is estimated to have grown by 6.5% in FY 2024–25, reaching ₹187.97 lakh crore, compared to ₹176.51 lakh crore in 2023–24. At current prices, the nominal GDP has increased by 9.8%, amounting to ₹330.68 lakh crore, up from ₹301.23 lakh crore in the previous financial year.

    Real Gross Value Added (GVA) for the year is estimated at ₹171.87 lakh crore, reflecting a 6.4% growth from ₹161.51 lakh crore in FY 2023–24. The nominal GVA stands at ₹300.22 lakh crore, a 9.5% increase over the previous year.

    In the fourth quarter (January to March) of FY 2024–25, real GDP rose to ₹51.35 lakh crore, a 7.4% increase from ₹47.82 lakh crore in Q4 of FY 2023–24. Nominal GDP during the same period reached ₹88.18 lakh crore, reflecting a 10.8% growth. Real GVA in Q4 stood at ₹45.76 lakh crore, up 6.8% from ₹42.86 lakh crore, while nominal GVA reached ₹79.46 lakh crore, marking a 9.6% increase.

    Among the key drivers of this economic performance, the construction sector led with an annual growth of 9.4%, accelerating to 10.8% growth in Q4. The public administration, defence, and other services sector followed with 8.9% growth during the year and 8.7% in Q4. Financial, real estate, and professional services saw a 7.2% increase annually and 7.8% growth in the final quarter.

    The primary sector, which includes agriculture, livestock, forestry, fishing, mining, and quarrying, registered a growth rate of 4.4% in FY 2024–25, a notable improvement from 2.7% in the previous year. In Q4 alone, the sector grew by 5.0%, up significantly from 0.8% in the same quarter of the previous year.

    Private Final Consumption Expenditure (PFCE) recorded a 7.2% growth during FY 2024–25, reflecting stronger consumer spending compared to 5.6% in FY 2023–24. Gross Fixed Capital Formation (GFCF), an indicator of investment demand, grew by 7.1% for the full year and 9.4% in Q4.

    The GDP estimates were compiled using the benchmark-indicator method, based on the extrapolation of the previous year’s estimates using sector-specific performance indicators. These include data from the Index of Industrial Production (IIP), financial performance of listed companies, crop and livestock output, energy and construction material production, transport and trade data, banking and insurance activity, GST collections, and government expenditure records.

    The estimates also reflect the tax and subsidy data available from both the Central and State Governments. For tax calculations, both GST and non-GST revenues were considered, and for subsidies, major components such as food, urea, petroleum, and nutrient-based subsidies were accounted for.

    These provisional figures are subject to revision based on updated inputs from source agencies. Users are advised to interpret the data with this in mind.

    The next release of GDP data, covering the first quarter of FY 2025–26 (April–June), is scheduled for 29 August 2025.