Category: Asia

MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets Minister of General Administration of Customs (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Minister of the General Administration of Customs, Ms Sun Meijun, at Government House today (May 19) to exchange views on strengthening enforcement and co-operation between Hong Kong and Mainland Customs. Also attending the meeting were the Secretary for Environment and Ecology, Mr Tse Chin-wan; the Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development, Mr Algernon Yau; the Acting Secretary for Security, Mr Michael Cheuk; the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip; and the Commissioner of Customs and Excise, Mr Chan Tsz-tat.

Mr Lee welcomed Ms Sun and her delegation to Hong Kong to attend the World Customs Organization (WCO) Asia/Pacific Regional Heads of Customs Administrations Conference. He expressed his gratitude to the General Administration of Customs for supporting the Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department in its bid for the Vice-Chairperson for the Asia/Pacific region of the WCO (2024-2026), which was elected in June last year. Such an election not only reflects the support of the country and the Asia-Pacific region for Hong Kong but also consolidates Hong Kong’s role as a “super-connector”.

Mr Lee also mentioned Ms Sun’s presence at the signing ceremonies of co-operation documents between the General Administration of Customs and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government, which aim to promote the safety and seamless flow of people and goods between the Mainland and Hong Kong, as well as co-operation on exporting Hong Kong dairy and meat products to the Mainland. These initiatives will enhance Hong Kong’s position as an international trade and shipping centre, laying a solid foundation for further co-operation between Hong Kong and Mainland Customs.

On enforcement co-operation, Mr Lee said that Hong Kong and Mainland Customs have been working together to combat cross-boundary smuggling activities and prevent and detect smuggling of contraband through various measures, including the exchange of intelligence and conducting joint operations. He said he hopes that Hong Kong and Mainland Customs in future can continue to maintain close co-operation on immigration and customs clearance, anti-smuggling and anti-drug trafficking, as well as trade facilitation.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: Ryoko Pro Reviews: An In Depth Evaluation Of Ryoko Pro WiFi After Testing
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

KEARNY, N.J., May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — In today’s hyper-connected world, losing internet access feels like losing a lifeline. Whether you’re closing deals from a beachside café, sharing vacation moments instantly with loved ones, or navigating unfamiliar streets in a foreign country, reliable internet isn’t just convenient, it’s what we ought to have.

Some days back, traveling to another country comes with the hassles of getting a new Sim Card and it will become useless immediately when you leave that country and you keep buying. Many things are becoming possible though many people are unaware of this device that is changing the way it will connect to the Internet anywhere in the world.

Meet “Ryoko Pro”, the ultimate solution, the pocket-sized solution to your connectivity challenges, and the most secure. This innovative portable hotspot delivers lightning-fast 4G LTE internet anywhere across 100+ countries, without the headache of roaming fees or complicated contracts. It comes with a Sim Card with 500MB global data so you can turn on and start using it. It doesn’t end there, it also comes with Ads blocking technology that eliminates any annoying pop up.

Imagine the freedom: seamlessly joining video calls from remote locations, streaming your favorite shows during lengthy commutes, in a new country, or uploading content on-the-go without hunting for highly vulnerable public WiFi or draining your phone’s battery.

Ryoko Pro isn’t just another gadget, it’s peace of mind in a world where staying connected means staying relevant. With the ability to connect up to 10 devices simultaneously and an impressive 8-hour battery life, it adapts to your digital lifestyle rather than restricting it.

Trusted by global travelers, remote workers, and digital nomads alike, Ryoko pro has transformed connectivity from an uncertainty to a guarantee. Why compromise on your connection when excellence fits in your pocket?

Stay connected. Stay productive. Here is my honest review of Ryoko Pro after a one month trial.

Key Highlights (Ryoko Pro Reviews)
- No Contracts
- No Roaming Fees Worldwide
- Fast Internet Connection
- Connect 10 Devices
- Fits in Your Pocket
- Simple to Use
- USB Charging
- Long-Lasting Battery
- Ads Blocking
- Comes with a 500MB global data
Ryoko Pro Explained

Ryoko Pro represents the evolution of portable internet connectivity, engineered specifically for our increasingly mobile and digital lifestyles. Unlike traditional hotspot solutions that come with geographical limitations or exorbitant roaming fees, Ryoko Pro has reimagined connectivity from the ground up.

At its core, it uses advanced technology to track and automatically connect to the strongest available network tower in over 100 plus countries, worldwide. Through strategic partnerships with leading global network providers, the device seamlessly transitions between networks as you travel, ensuring you never experience the frustration of dropped connections or unavailable service or tempted to use an unknown public WiFi.

The technology behind Ryoko Pro is both sophisticated and user-friendly. When powered on, it immediately scans available networks in your vicinity, selecting the optimal connection based on signal strength and stability. This intelligent network selection happens continuously in the background, allowing you to focus on your activities rather than managing connection settings.

What truly distinguishes the Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi from the rest is its commitment to hassle-free connectivity. There are no complicated contracts to navigate, no surprise roaming fees to discover on your bill, and no technical expertise required to operate the device. Simply power it on, connect your devices through the intuitive interface, and enjoy high-speed internet access wherever your adventures or business take you.

The device operates on advanced 4G LTE technology, delivering impressive speeds up to 150Mbps that support everything from basic browsing to bandwidth-intensive applications like video conferencing or streaming services. With multi-device capability that supports up to 10 simultaneous connections, Ryoko Pro effectively creates your personal internet bubble that travels with you.

For travelers, remote workers, digital nomads, and anyone who values reliable connectivity without borders, Ryoko Pro eliminates the uncertainty of internet access. It transforms connectivity from a location-dependent variable into a constant companion, empowering users to stay connected, productive, and engaged regardless of geographical location.

CHECK!!! Order Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi From The Official Website At Discounted Price

Specifications (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Color: Sleek and modern design with a black and silver finish

Connectivity: 4G LTE, Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz)

Network: Supports up to 10 devices simultaneously

Speed: Download speeds up to 150 Mbps, upload speeds up to 50 Mbps

Battery Life: More than 8 hours of continuous use

Battery Type: Rechargeable Lithium-ion battery

Power Input: USB-C (5V/2A)

Security: WPA2 encryption, built-in firewall

Operating System: Proprietary OS

Firmware Updates: Automatic firmware updates to ensure latest security patches and features.

Features Of Ryoko Pro (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Ryoko Pro combines cutting-edge technology with user-friendly design to deliver a comprehensive connectivity solution. Let’s explore the extensive feature set that positions this device as a market leader in portable internet solutions.

Advanced Connectivity Technology: At the heart of Ryoko WiFi lies its advanced 4G LTE technology, engineered to deliver consistent high-speed internet access across diverse global locations. The device achieves impressive download speeds of up to 150Mbps, enabling seamless performance for bandwidth-intensive activities like HD video streaming, large file transfers, and real-time collaborative work. The integrated high-gain antenna significantly enhances signal reception, allowing the device to maintain stable connections even in areas with weaker network coverage.

Ryoko Pro’s intelligent network selection algorithm continuously monitors available networks, automatically switching to the strongest and most reliable connection without user intervention. This sophisticated background process ensures you always experience optimal performance without needing to manually adjust settings as you change locations.

Advanced Security Measures: The device employs WPA2 encryption, a widely accepted and highly secure encryption protocol, to safeguard users’ online activities and prevent unauthorized network access. Additionally, the Ryoko Pro features a built-in firewall that blocks malicious traffic and prevents hackers from accessing your device.

Global Coverage Without Boundaries: Perhaps, the most revolutionary aspect of Ryoko Pro is its expansive global coverage network spanning more than 100 countries. Through strategic partnerships with leading telecommunications providers worldwide, Ryoko delivers truly borderless connectivity. The device automatically detects and connects to local networks as you travel, eliminating the need for different SIM cards or complicated international plans.

This global coverage comes without the traditional burden of roaming fees or country-specific limitations. Whether you’re conducting business in Tokyo, vacationing in Barcelona, or working remotely from a beach in Thailand, Ryoko Pro maintains consistent performance without accumulating excessive charges or requiring complicated setup procedures between destinations.

Multi Device Management and Security: Ryoko Pro sophisticated hardware configuration supports simultaneous connection of up to 10 devices without compromising performance. The intelligent bandwidth management system allocates resources efficiently between connected devices, preventing any single connection from monopolizing available bandwidth and ensuring a smooth experience for all users.

Security remains paramount in the Ryoko ecosystem, with enterprise-grade encryption protocols protecting your data transmission. Using WPA2 security standards along with additional proprietary security measures to create a secure connection bubble around your digital activities. Users can further customize security settings through the intuitive management interface, including guest network creation with limited access permissions.

Optimized Battery Performance: Understanding the importance of reliable power for travelers and remote workers, Ryoko Pro features a high-capacity 3500mAh lithium-polymer battery optimized for extended usage. Under typical conditions, the device delivers approximately 8 hours of continuous connectivity on a single charge sufficient for a full workday or long-distance travel.

The intelligent power management system incorporates adaptive usage modes that automatically adjust power consumption based on connected devices and activity levels. When idle or during periods of lower demand, Ryoko Pro automatically transitions to power-saving mode, extending battery life without compromising availability.

The USB-C fast charging capability significantly reduces downtime, with the device reaching approximately 80% capacity in just 45 minutes. For extended trips away from power sources, it is also compatible with standard portable power banks, making it truly adaptable to diverse usage scenarios.

User-Friendly Design and Experience: The physical design of Ryoko Pro exemplifies the perfect balance between functionality and portability. With dimensions comparable to a credit card (though slightly thicker), the device easily fits into pockets, purses, or laptop bags without adding significant bulk or weight. The durable exterior housing protects internal components while maintaining an elegant, professional aesthetic suitable for business environments.

User interaction has been simplified to an intuitive one-button operation for basic functions, while the companion mobile application provides deeper control over advanced settings. The app’s clean interface allows users to monitor data usage, manage connected devices, adjust security settings, and receive notifications about system performance without technical complexity.

The device’s small but informative LED display provides essential status information at a glance, including battery level, signal strength, and connected device count. This thoughtful integration of physical and digital interfaces ensures that users of all technical proficiency levels can effectively manage their connectivity experience.

Flexible Usage Plans: Understanding that connectivity needs vary widely between users, Ryoko Pro offers flexible data plans without contractual obligations. Users can select from pay-as-you-go options ideal for occasional travelers, monthly recurring plans for regular users, or customized enterprise solutions for business teams.

The transparency in pricing structure eliminates surprising charges, with clear data allocation and straightforward renewal processes. Unused data on certain plans rolls over to the following month, ensuring customers receive maximum value from their investment. Additionally, the accompanying app provides real-time data usage statistics and customizable alerts when approaching predetermined thresholds, putting users in complete control of their connectivity expenses.

Through this comprehensive feature set, Ryoko Pro addresses virtually every pain point in the portable connectivity landscape, delivering a solution that adapts to users’ needs rather than forcing users to adapt to technological limitations.

Don’t Miss!!! Place Your Order Today On The Official Product Sales Page

Benefits Of Ryoko Pro

Ryoko Pro delivers substantial benefits that extend far beyond basic internet connectivity, fundamentally transforming how users interact with the digital world while traveling or working remotely.

Unprecedented Freedom and Flexibility

The most immediate benefit of Ryoko Pro is the liberation from geographical connectivity constraints. Users experience unprecedented freedom to work, communicate, and consume content from virtually anywhere without sacrificing connection quality. This location independence empowers professionals to redefine their workplace boundaries, enables travelers to maintain productivity during transit, and allows digital nomads to establish operations from remote or exotic locations without connectivity concerns.

The absence of contracts creates financial flexibility previously unavailable in the connectivity market. Users can adjust their plans based on changing travel schedules or usage requirements without incurring penalties or navigating complicated cancellation procedures. This pay-for-what-you-need approach eliminates wasteful spending on unused services during periods of lower mobility.

Enhanced Productivity and Reliability

Productivity receives a significant boost through consistent, reliable internet access regardless of location. The frustration and time wastage associated with hunting for public WiFi, dealing with spotty hotel connections, or configuring different connectivity solutions for each destination are eliminated. This connectivity continuity maintains workflow momentum and ensures deadline-sensitive projects remain on track even during intensive travel periods.

The multi-device capability transforms Ryoko Pro into a mobile office hub, allowing simultaneous connection of laptops, tablets, smartphones, and other IoT devices. Team members traveling together can share a single connection while maintaining individual productivity, and families can keep multiple devices connected without competing for bandwidth or accumulating charges across separate devices.

Financial Advantages Through Smart Design

Significant financial benefits emerge through the elimination of international roaming charges, which can quickly accumulate to hundreds or even thousands of dollars during global travel. Ryoko Pro predictable pricing structure protects users from bill shock while maintaining premium connectivity quality.

For businesses, Ryoko Pro represents an excellent return on investment by eliminating productivity losses caused by connectivity issues during business travel. The ability to maintain seamless communication with clients, access cloud-based resources, and participate in virtual meetings from any location directly impacts revenue generation and operational efficiency.

Security and Peace of Mind

Perhaps the most valuable yet intangible benefit is the peace of mind that comes from securing your digital activities. Public WiFi networks represent significant security vulnerabilities, potentially exposing sensitive data to malicious actors. Ryoko Pro creates a secure, private connection that protects confidential communications, financial transactions, and proprietary information while working in public spaces, substantially reducing cybersecurity risks associated with mobile work.

Pros (Ryoko Pro Reviews)

Ryoko Pro strengths extend across multiple dimensions, delivering advantages that position it as the premier solution for portable connectivity needs.

The most compelling advantage is the seamless global coverage spanning over 100 countries without roaming fees. Unlike smartphone hotspots that incur substantial international charges, Ryoko maintains consistent pricing regardless of location, eliminating surprise charges on your monthly statement.

Performance reliability distinguishes Ryoko Pro from alternatives, with dedicated hardware specifically engineered for connectivity tasks. This specialized design delivers superior signal reception, more stable connections, and better performance than smartphone hotspots that struggle with simultaneous data transmission and reception tasks.

Battery efficiency represents another significant advantage. While activating your smartphone’s hotspot function dramatically accelerates battery depletion, Ryoko optimized power management, delivers 8 hours of continuous connectivity without impacting your primary communication device’s availability.

The multi-device capability creates exceptional value, supporting up to 10 simultaneous connections without performance degradation. This transforms the Ryoko Pro from an individual solution to a comprehensive connectivity hub for families, small teams, or multi-device users.

From a security perspective, Ryoko Pro implements enterprise-grade encryption that substantially outperforms public WiFi options, protecting sensitive data from potential interception. Combined with the intuitive interface requiring minimal technical knowledge, it delivers sophisticated connectivity benefits with remarkable user-friendliness.

Who Needs Ryoko Pro?

Ryoko Pro serves diverse audiences united by their need for reliable, secure connectivity beyond traditional infrastructure limitations.

Business travelers form a core user base, relying on Ryoko Pro to maintain productivity during international trips. For these professionals, the ability to join video conferences, access cloud resources, and respond to time-sensitive communications from airports, hotels, or client locations represents significant professional value.

Digital nomads and remote workers embrace it as essential equipment enabling their location-independent lifestyle. By providing consistent connectivity from beach destinations, mountain retreats, or foreign cities, Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi removes the geographical restrictions that typically limit remote work options.

Frequent international travelers appreciate its ability to eliminate roaming charges while providing immediate connectivity upon landing in new destinations. The simplicity of having one solution that works across multiple countries removes the complexity of navigating different local SIM cards or connectivity options.

Families traveling together benefit from Ryoko Pro multi-device support, creating a connectivity hub that keeps everyone online without purchasing separate international data plans for each family member’s device.

Event coordinators and field professionals working in locations with unreliable infrastructure utilize it as backup connectivity, ensuring critical operations continue regardless of local network conditions.

Students studying abroad find Ryoko Pro invaluable for maintaining academic continuity while navigating new environments, accessing course materials and submission portals without dependence on variable campus networks.

Why Is Ryoko Pro Recommended?

Industry experts and seasoned travelers consistently recommend Ryoko Pro on its exceptional performance metrics and thoughtful user-centered design that addresses common connectivity pain points.

The recommendation strength stems from its comprehensive approach to global connectivity that eliminates the traditional compromises users face. While other solutions might excel in specific aspects, some offering good domestic coverage, others providing acceptable international options, Ryoko Pro delivers excellence across all critical dimensions including coverage breadth, connection stability, security implementation, and user experience.

Performance testing under diverse conditions demonstrates its technical superiority, maintaining consistent speeds even in challenging environments where competing products struggle to establish reliable connections. The engineering precision evident in signal acquisition and retention capabilities reflects the product’s focused development as a dedicated connectivity solution rather than an afterthought feature.

Customer satisfaction metrics further reinforce the recommendation. Based On Verified Ryoko Pro Reviews, thousands of buyers were reporting transformative improvements in their travel and remote work experiences. The remarkably low return rate during the 30-day guarantee period indicates the product consistently meets or exceeds buyer expectations.

For professionals whose productivity and effectiveness depend on reliable connectivity, Ryoko Pro represents not merely a purchase but an investment in operational consistency. The device’s reasonable acquisition cost combined with transparent usage plans delivers exceptional value when measured against the productivity losses prevented through consistent connectivity.

Ryoko Pro Reviews From Other Users

“As a consultant visiting clients across Asia and Europe monthly, Ryoko Pro has literally transformed my productivity. I’m connected the moment I land no more hunting for SIM cards or paying ridiculous hotel WiFi fees. The battery lasts my entire workday, and I’ve connected my laptop, tablet, and phone simultaneously without any speed issues. Best investment for my business in years!”…….James K.

“Our family of five used Ryoko Pro throughout our three-week European vacation. Everyone stayed connected without fighting over who gets to use the hotel WiFi. The kids could stream, I could post vacation photos instantly, and my husband managed work emergencies seamlessly. Worth every penny”…..Stephanie L.

“I run my entire freelance design business using Ryoko Pro while traveling through South America. The connection is stable enough for video client meetings even from remote locations. No more stressing about finding cafés with decent WiFi before deadlines. Complete game-changer for digital nomads!” – Miguel R.

Prices Of Ryoko Pro Portable WiFi And Where To Buy

Ryoko Pro can be gotten from the official website at the following prices:

One unit of Ryoko Pro costs $89
Two units of Ryoko Pro costs $138
Three units of Ryoko Pro costs $177
Four units of Ryoko Pro costs $220

Concluding Remarks On Ryoko Pro Review

As our world increasingly embraces remote work, digital nomadism, and global connectivity, solutions like Ryoko Pro transition from luxury to necessity. What distinguishes this device in the crowded connectivity marketplace is its unwavering focus on eliminating the compromises traditionally associated with mobile internet access.

Truly, Ryoko Pro represents the convergence of sophisticated technology with intuitive design principles creating a product that delivers technical excellence without imposing complexity on the user. This balance is remarkably difficult to achieve, yet Ryoko pro accomplishes it with apparent effortlessness.

Perhaps, most significantly, Ryoko Pro provides something increasingly precious in our digital existence: certainty. The certainty that your presentation will upload, your video call won’t drop, your critical email will send regardless of where your journey takes you. This reliability fundamentally alters how users approach both work and leisure travel, removing connectivity anxiety from the equation.

As remote work continues reshaping professional landscapes and international travel resumes its upward trajectory, the demand for seamless connectivity solutions will only intensify. Ryoko pro has positioned itself at the forefront of this evolution, not merely meeting current requirements but anticipating tomorrow’s connectivity needs.

For those who value freedom, reliability, and simplicity in their digital existence, Ryoko Pro isn’t just a connectivity solution, it’s an essential companion for modern life. Currently, it is available on the official website at around $90 per Unit. Buy it if you are completely Thrilled.

Media Details:

Project Name: Ryoko Pro
Address: 78 John Miller Way, Kearny, New Jersey 07032, United States
Media Contact: John Allen
Website: https://Ryokorouter.com
Email: j_allen@getryoko.com
Phone: +1 (917) 555-2746

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

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/179e768b-d4ee-4cde-931b-9f5f28849c94

The MIL Network –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Russia: China’s rail freight volume up 3.6 pct in Jan-Apr 2025

Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

BEIJING, May 19 (Xinhua) — China’s rail freight volume was about 1.3 billion tonnes in January-April 2025, up 3.6 percent year on year, the China State Railway Corporation (CSRC) said Monday.

According to the KGZhK, the average daily loading at railway stations amounted to 180 thousand cars, which is 4.7 percent more in annual terms.

From January to April, 672 million tons of coal were transported by rail in the country, 464 million tons of which were intended for electricity generation.

Coal stocks at power plants remained high, while the volume of transportation of mining products and construction materials increased by 29.3 percent, and metallurgical materials by 10.7 percent, the KGZhK reported.

Railway authorities across the country have also strengthened cooperation with shipping companies, creating 119 products under the “single bill of lading” multimodal rail-sea transportation system, reducing transportation time and logistics costs. From January to April 2025, the volume of cargo under the multimodal rail-sea transportation system reached 5.38 million TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit), up 19.1 percent year on year.

During the reporting period, the volume of cross-border freight continued to grow. The China-Europe freight train sector maintained stable dynamics. Moreover, 4,725 trips of freight trains were made on international freight routes between China and Central Asia, up 21 percent year-on-year, the KGRK noted. Meanwhile, 1.976 million tons of cross-border freight were transported on the China-Laos railway, up 7.6 percent year-on-year. -0-

MIL OSI Russia News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in Brazil and US suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (May 19) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Municipality of Montenegro of the State of Rio Grande do Sul in Brazil, and Aurora County of the State of South Dakota and Douglas County of the State of Illinois in the United States (US) respectively, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the above-mentioned areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong.

A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 9 400 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Brazil; and about 12 290 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 1.19 million poultry eggs from the US in the first three months of this year.

“The CFS has contacted the Brazilian and American authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Mui Wo Swimming Pool temporarily closed

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Attention TV/radio announcers:

Please broadcast the following as soon as possible and repeat it at regular intervals:

Here is an item of interest to swimmers.

The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (May 19) that Mui Wo Swimming Pool in Islands District has been temporarily closed for cleaning and superchlorination following the discovery of a small amount of vomit in the pool.

It will be reopened at 4.30pm today.

The department appeals to swimmers to be considerate and to keep the swimming pools clean. They are advised not to swim after a full meal and should use the toilet facilities if necessary before swimming.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: UP Fintech Holding Limited to Report First Quarter 2025 Financial Results on May 30, 2025

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

SINGAPORE, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — UP Fintech Holding Limited (“UP Fintech” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: TIGR), a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors, today announced that it will report its financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025, before the U.S. market opens on May 30, 2025.

UP Fintech’s management will hold an earnings conference call at 8:00 AM on May 30, 2025, U.S. Eastern Time (8:00 PM on May 30, 2025, Singapore/Hong Kong Time).

Conference Call Information:

All participants wishing to attend the call must preregister online before they may receive the dial-in numbers. Preregistration may require a few minutes to complete.

Preregistration Information:

Please note that all participants will need to pre-register for the conference call, using the link:

https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BId8a2d4cd09e14653b3533b8d3745dfa0

It will automatically lead to the registration page of ” UP Fintech Holding Limited First Quarter 2025 Earnings Conference Call “, where details for RSVP are needed.

Upon registering, all participants will be provided with confirmation emails with participant dial-in numbers and personal PINs to access the conference call. Please dial in 10 minutes prior to the call start time using the conference access information.

Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available at https://ir.itigerup.com.

About UP Fintech Holding Limited

UP Fintech Holding Limited is a leading online brokerage firm focusing on global investors. The Company’s proprietary mobile and online trading platform enables investors to trade in equities and other financial instruments on multiple exchanges around the world. The Company offers innovative products and services as well as a superior user experience to customers through its “mobile first” strategy, which enables it to better serve and retain current customers as well as attract new ones. The Company offers customers comprehensive brokerage and value-added services, including trade order placement and execution, margin financing, IPO subscription, ESOP management, investor education, community discussion and customer support. The Company’s proprietary infrastructure and advanced technology are able to support trades across multiple currencies, multiple markets, multiple products, multiple execution venues and multiple clearinghouses. For more information on the Company, please visit: https://ir.itigerup.com.

Investor Relations Contact

UP Fintech Holding Limited
Email: ir@itiger.com

The MIL Network –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why

Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney

I. Noyan Yilmaz, Shutterstock

Societies increasingly rely on scientists to guide decisions in times of uncertainty, from pandemic outbreaks to the rise of artificial intelligence.

Addressing climate change is no different. For governments wanting to introduce ambitious climate policies, public trust in climate scientists is pivotal, because it can determine whether voters support or resist those efforts.

So do people trust climate scientists, and what affects levels of trust? Our new study shows climate scientists are less trusted than other types of scientists globally. But there are profound variations in this trust gap between countries, and within them.

Finding ways to increase trust in climate scientists is crucial if the world is to implement effective policies to avert dangerous global warming.

Low trust in climate scientists may hinder effective climate science communication and reduce public engagement with climate solutions.
Mozgova, Shutterstock.

Examining trust in science

We collaborated with an international team of researchers to analyse data from one of the largest cross-national surveys of public attitudes toward science. The dataset includes responses from nearly 70,000 people across 68 countries. It offers a rare global snapshot of how people perceive scientists in general, and climate scientists in particular.

Each of these people rated their trust in climate scientists on a five-point scale, with a five indicating very high trust and a one being not trusted at all.

Trust in scientists more generally was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured perceptions of expertise, integrity, benevolence and openness. The responses were averaged to create a composite trust score. Higher scores reflected higher levels of trust.

We found trust in scientists was moderately strong worldwide, as it was above the midpoint of the scale (averaging 3.6 out of 5). But trust in climate scientists was slightly lower (averaging 3.5). The difference between the two scores is what we call the “trust gap”.

In 43 of the 68 countries, the trust gap was statistically significant, with people reporting lower trust in climate scientists than in scientists in general.

The size of the trust gap varied between countries. In Europe, Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) and North America the gap tended to be smaller. Larger gaps emerged in parts of Latin America and Africa.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo had the widest gap, with climate scientists trusted less than in any other country. This may reflect local concerns that global climate agendas — often supported by international scientists — prioritise resource extraction for foreign renewable energy demands over local interests. Such feelings may be particularly acute in regions where mining has brought limited community benefit.

Six countries bucked the trend. Climate scientists were more trusted than scientists overall in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Egypt, Israel and Germany.

In China and Germany, this may reflect strong investment in green energy, high levels of public support for climate action, and the visible role climate scientists play in shaping policy.

What’s going on here?

Not surprisingly, people with more positive views of science tended to express higher trust in scientists and even more so, climate scientists. But people with dim views of scientists were less trusting of climate scientists.

Age also played a role. Older people tended to trust scientists more than younger people. But younger people were more likely to trust climate scientists.

Climate scientists were generally less trusted than scientists regardless of gender. While men reported slightly lower trust in scientists than women did, the difference was not statistically significant.

Among all the variables we examined, political orientation emerged as one of the strongest factors associated with trust in climate scientists. People with right-leaning or conservative views reported lower trust in climate scientists compared with those with more left-leaning or liberal views.

However, the meaning of terms such as “liberal” and “conservative” can vary considerably between countries. For example, in Australia, the Liberal Party is politically right-leaning. But in the United States, “liberal” typically refers to left-leaning or progressive views. This variation makes cross-national comparisons complex and requires careful interpretation of results.

As a particular person’s political orientation shifted further to the right, the trust gap between climate scientists and scientists widened.

In 28 countries across the Americas, Europe and Oceania, right-leaning orientation was associated not only with lower trust in climate scientists than people who leaned to the left, but also with a larger gap between trust for scientists generally and trust for climate scientists.

In a smaller subset of countries, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, the pattern reversed – right-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in climate scientists than their left-leaning counterparts.

These findings suggest it is not political orientation alone that drives public trust, but how climate issues are framed in political discourse. In many Western countries, public messaging around climate change — particularly from conservative parties and media — has cast doubt on the credibility of climate science. This politicisation, often amplified by vested interests such as fossil fuel lobbies, may help explain the erosion of trust among some conservative groups.

Closing the trust gap

Trust alone will not solve the climate crisis, but it plays a crucial role in shaping how societies respond to scientific guidance.

Ambitious, evidence-based policies require public support to succeed. A persistent trust gap — no matter how small — can undermine that support and help explain why many governments continue to fall short of their climate targets.

Closing the trust gap through transparent communication, inclusive public engagement, and consistent political leadership is essential for turning awareness into action.

Omid Ghasemi receives funding from the Australian Academy of Science.

Ben Newell receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

– ref. Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-are-trusted-globally-just-not-as-much-as-other-scientists-heres-why-256441

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

May 19, 2025
Iran says nuclear talks will fail if US pushes for zero enrichment

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Nuclear talks between Iran and the United States “will lead nowhere” if Washington insists that Tehran drop its uranium enrichment activity to zero, Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takhtravanchi was quoted by state media on Monday as saying.

U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff reiterated Washington’s stance on Sunday that any new deal between the U.S. and Iran must include an agreement not to enrich uranium, a possible pathway to developing nuclear bombs. Tehran says its nuclear energy programme has entirely peaceful purposes.

“Our position on enrichment is clear and we have repeatedly stated that it is a national achievement from which we will not back down,” Takhtravanchi said.

During his visit to the Gulf region last week, U.S. President Donald Trump said a deal was very close but that Iran needed to move quickly.

During his first, 2017-21 term as president, Trump withdrew the United States from a 2015 deal between Iran and world powers that placed strict limits on Tehran’s enrichment activities in exchange for relief from international sanctions.

Trump, who branded the 2015 accord one-sided in Iran’s favour, also reimposed sweeping U.S. sanctions on Iran. The Islamic Republic responded by escalating enrichment.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE meets Secretary of CPC Jilin Provincial Committee (with photo)

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, met with the Secretary of the CPC Jilin Provincial Committee, Mr Huang Qiang, at Government House today (May 19) to exchange views on co-operation and people-to-people exchanges between Hong Kong and Jilin. Also attending the meeting were the Acting Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, and the Director of the Chief Executive’s Office, Ms Carol Yip.

Mr Lee welcomed Mr Huang and his delegation to Hong Kong for promotion activities on Jilin-Hong Kong economic and trade exchanges and Jilin’s industries. Noting that Jilin serves as an important gateway for the country’s northward opening-up under the Belt and Road Initiative, Mr Lee highlighted that Jilin boasts a robust industrial and manufacturing sector, particularly excelling in the manufacturing of automobiles and high-speed trains, of which Jilin’s expertise is unmatched nationally. As a functional platform for the Belt and Road Initiative, Hong Kong will continue to play its role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder”, fostering international exchanges and co-operation to assist Jilin and other Mainland provinces and cities in expanding to global markets, while attracting more external investment to the country.

Mr Lee said that Hong Kong has long been the largest source of external investment in Jilin, with cumulative investments exceeding US$9 billion as of 2024. Additionally, Hong Kong’s arts and youth groups have frequently visited Jilin in recent years for exchange activities, reflecting the close ties and deep friendship between the two places in areas such as economic and trade, culture and arts, and youth exchanges.

He added that the launch of direct flights between Hong Kong and Changchun, Jilin Province, in December last year will further enhance economic, trade, and cultural exchanges between the two places, fostering people-to-people bonds. Hong Kong will continue to deepen its multifaceted exchanges and co-operation with Jilin, leveraging complementary strengths so the two places can jointly make greater contributions to the country’s development.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Australia: Interview with Kieran Gilbert, Sky News

Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

Kieran Gilbert, Host: Joining me live in the studio is the Minister for Trade and Tourism, Don Farrell. Thanks for your time. A lot to talk about. I will ask you about that issue that the Deputy Prime Minister finished on there in terms of productivity and the superannuation, but let’s start on trade. Will you get the deal done with the EU? We’re hearing that the talks will resume soon.

Trade Minister, Don Farrell: Yes. In fact, I’m going to be talking to my counterpart tomorrow. So, you might recall in the middle of the election, I had a conversation with Trade Minister Maroš. He’s from Slovakia. We hit it off pretty well, I think, in our first discussion. He sent me a very kind and warm message on election night when it was clear that we had won the election. I’ve subsequently had a meeting with the EU Ambassador and reaffirmed our commitment and heard from him his commitment.

Gilbert: Sounding good?

Trade Minister: Sounding good, yeah, yep. And as I said, I’ve got a conversation with him tomorrow. And of course, in the meantime, the Prime Minister has met President von der Leyen.

Gilbert: The sticking point was on the geographical indicators and also on agriculture. Is that right?

Trade Minister: Yeah.

GILBERT: So, will there be compromise there from the EU?

Trade Minister: Look, what – the politics have changed in two years. I think both Australia and Europe now realise that there’s a priority and an imperative to get a free trade agreement. If other countries don’t want to trade with you, well that’s fine, that’s their decision. But if there are countries such as Europe who do want to do trade with you, well then you’ve got to go that extra mile to get an agreement over the line.

Gilbert: And the things that changed, we know, Donald Trump.

Trade Minister: Yeah, yeah, well look, look. A whole lot of things have changed since we last had a conversation. But I think we share the same values as Europe. So, those geographical indicators are hard issues. On the one hand, the Europeans say, well look, you’re using all of our names. On the other hand, what I say to them is, look, after World War II, a whole lot of Europeans came to Australia. They bought their families, they bought their culture, more importantly, they bought their food and wine.

Gilbert: They sure did.

Trade Minister: Yeah. And for them, the link with Europe is not an economic link, it’s a way that they keep in contact with their European roots.

Gilbert: Would you like to see then, that trade deal, you know, if you are successful in landing that, also expand into a security relationship? Because that’s what von der Leyen has raised with the Prime Minister overnight, that we talk not just in trade terms, but security terms, like Japan and Korea have.

Trade Minister: Yeah, look, look. My space is trade. I’m going to be focused on the trade agenda. We’ve gone a long way down that path. We need to complete that process. What happens with defence and all of those other issues? The Prime Minister has addressed that today. He said, look, we’re happy to look at these things, but our immediate priority with the Europeans is all about trade.

Gilbert: When the PM went to the inauguration of Pope Leo XIV, why was it important in your view to be there? Is it something that, you know, a Prime Minister necessarily has to be at, the inauguration of a new Pope?

Trade Minister: Look, I think it was very important that the Prime Minister was there. As you know, he sent me to the funeral a couple of weeks ago. That was obviously, you know, a very solemn event. This was a very joyous event for Australia’s 5 million Catholics, of which the Prime Minister and myself are both adherents to the Catholic faith. I think it was very important that Australia be represented there and represented at the highest level.

Gilbert: Do you think it’s also important in a more secular world that the leadership does show respect to people of faith? Is this something, you know, in simple terms, that people of other faiths will respect?

Trade Minister: Well, look, I think that’s part of it. But this new pope, Pope Leo XIV, has come out very strongly on the issue of peace. That’s very important for Australia. We’ve been calling for peace in Ukraine. We want the Russians to withdraw from Ukraine. And we also want peace in the Middle East. So, I think we’re on board with the agenda for this new Pope to start talking about a more peaceful world. That’s good for Australia and it’s good for the world.

Gilbert: Ok. On some other issues, my colleague Andrew Clennell reported yesterday that state MPs and officials won’t be hit by the government’s super tax on funds upwards of $3 million. Is that viable? You’ve been around politics a long time. Do you think you can still sell that as a policy when people start to realise that some premiers and officials won’t have to pay it?

Trade Minister: Well, look, this tax applies to very, very few people. Less than 0.5 per cent of the population are going to be affected. And of course, it only applies to people on very, very high balances. There are some constitutional issues that relate to how superannuation is dealt with by state governments. But rest assured that the people who are going to be making this decision will themselves be covered by this tax, if they get to that high level of superannuation.

Gilbert: The $3 million fund, I mean, as you touched on, we did go to the election recently, but do you think people, when the details start to emerge about taxing unrealised gains and so on, that that’s going to be a bit complex to try and navigate for the government?

Trade Minister: Look, I hope not. We nailed our colours to the mast in respect to this tax. We tried to get it through the last Parliament, it wasn’t successful. We took it to the last election. So, nobody was in any doubt about what our policy was in respect of this tax. And we’ve received an overwhelming endorsement from the Australian people. So, I think in terms of honesty, if we didn’t proceed with this, then I think people would say, well, what’s going on? You said you were going to do this. We’ve built the savings from this new super tax into our future budgets. So, I think now, we’ve got the endorsement for the Australian people. It’s a very, very minor tax in the scheme of things, and I think the Australian people would now expect us to proceed with it.

Gilbert: And do you think the Treasurer can make it work just with all of those other complications?

Trade Minister: Well, he’s a very, very good Treasurer and I think-

Gilbert: There are those that say it’s just too complex in terms of tax structures and people’s superannuation. You might have an impact on productivity because people will pull out of the workforce before they hit that threshold.

Trade Minister: I think people are barking up the wrong tree. I doubt whether the relatively small impact of this tax is going to result in any of those sorts of things. But we’ve got a very good salesman in Jim Chalmers and of course, now he’s being assisted by Daniel Mulino, who’s a very good friend of mine. He’s got a, I think it’s a Master of Economics from Yale, very smart fellow, and I think that combination will be very successful.

Gilbert: I know you’ve got to go. Just quickly, what else is on your agenda? You’ve got that, the talks tomorrow with the EU.

Trade Minister: Yes, yes, and India.

Gilbert: What’s at the top of your agenda here?

Trade Minister: We were very close to a free trade agreement with India before the election was called. I’m now confident that we’ll get another agreement with them. And of course, in a few weeks’ time, the United Arab Emirates Free Trade Agreement comes into operation. The United Arab Emirates is like the Woollies warehouse of the Middle East. If you can get your product in there. And all of our products are going into the UAE tariff free. It’s a really good, really good agreement.

Gilbert: 93 seats for Labor, you must have said some pretty strong prayers when you were over in the Vatican. They seem like they’ve worked.

Trade Minister: I did. Look, we were the last people, I think, to touch the Pope’s coffin before we went out for the Mass. And I did say a little prayer for the Prime Minister and the Labor Party.

Gilbert: Certainly strengthened your favour. Don Farrell, thanks for your time. Appreciate it.

Trade Minister: Thanks, Kieran.

MIL OSI News –

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with General Secretary of g7+

Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today received a courtesy call by General Secretary of g7+, Dr. Helder da Costa, at the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. They discussed potential areas of cooperation between both organisations, including conflict resolution and prevention as well as climate finance.

The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with General Secretary of g7+ appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

MIL OSI Economics –

May 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Omid Ghasemi, Research Associate in Behavioural Science at the Institute for Climate Risk & Response, UNSW Sydney

I. Noyan Yilmaz, Shutterstock

Societies increasingly rely on scientists to guide decisions in times of uncertainty, from pandemic outbreaks to the rise of artificial intelligence.

Addressing climate change is no different. For governments wanting to introduce ambitious climate policies, public trust in climate scientists is pivotal, because it can determine whether voters support or resist those efforts.

So do people trust climate scientists, and what affects levels of trust? Our new study shows climate scientists are less trusted than other types of scientists globally. But there are profound variations in this trust gap between countries, and within them.

Finding ways to increase trust in climate scientists is crucial if the world is to implement effective policies to avert dangerous global warming.

Low trust in climate scientists may hinder effective climate science communication and reduce public engagement with climate solutions.
Mozgova, Shutterstock.

Examining trust in science

We collaborated with an international team of researchers to analyse data from one of the largest cross-national surveys of public attitudes toward science. The dataset includes responses from nearly 70,000 people across 68 countries. It offers a rare global snapshot of how people perceive scientists in general, and climate scientists in particular.

Each of these people rated their trust in climate scientists on a five-point scale, with a five indicating very high trust and a one being not trusted at all.

Trust in scientists more generally was assessed using a 12-item questionnaire that measured perceptions of expertise, integrity, benevolence and openness. The responses were averaged to create a composite trust score. Higher scores reflected higher levels of trust.

We found trust in scientists was moderately strong worldwide, as it was above the midpoint of the scale (averaging 3.6 out of 5). But trust in climate scientists was slightly lower (averaging 3.5). The difference between the two scores is what we call the “trust gap”.

In 43 of the 68 countries, the trust gap was statistically significant, with people reporting lower trust in climate scientists than in scientists in general.

The size of the trust gap varied between countries. In Europe, Oceania (including Australia and New Zealand) and North America the gap tended to be smaller. Larger gaps emerged in parts of Latin America and Africa.

The Democratic Republic of the Congo had the widest gap, with climate scientists trusted less than in any other country. This may reflect local concerns that global climate agendas — often supported by international scientists — prioritise resource extraction for foreign renewable energy demands over local interests. Such feelings may be particularly acute in regions where mining has brought limited community benefit.

Six countries bucked the trend. Climate scientists were more trusted than scientists overall in China, Taiwan, South Korea, Egypt, Israel and Germany.

In China and Germany, this may reflect strong investment in green energy, high levels of public support for climate action, and the visible role climate scientists play in shaping policy.

What’s going on here?

Not surprisingly, people with more positive views of science tended to express higher trust in scientists and even more so, climate scientists. But people with dim views of scientists were less trusting of climate scientists.

Age also played a role. Older people tended to trust scientists more than younger people. But younger people were more likely to trust climate scientists.

Climate scientists were generally less trusted than scientists regardless of gender. While men reported slightly lower trust in scientists than women did, the difference was not statistically significant.

Among all the variables we examined, political orientation emerged as one of the strongest factors associated with trust in climate scientists. People with right-leaning or conservative views reported lower trust in climate scientists compared with those with more left-leaning or liberal views.

However, the meaning of terms such as “liberal” and “conservative” can vary considerably between countries. For example, in Australia, the Liberal Party is politically right-leaning. But in the United States, “liberal” typically refers to left-leaning or progressive views. This variation makes cross-national comparisons complex and requires careful interpretation of results.

As a particular person’s political orientation shifted further to the right, the trust gap between climate scientists and scientists widened.

In 28 countries across the Americas, Europe and Oceania, right-leaning orientation was associated not only with lower trust in climate scientists than people who leaned to the left, but also with a larger gap between trust for scientists generally and trust for climate scientists.

In a smaller subset of countries, particularly in parts of Asia, Africa and Eastern Europe, the pattern reversed – right-leaning individuals expressed greater trust in climate scientists than their left-leaning counterparts.

These findings suggest it is not political orientation alone that drives public trust, but how climate issues are framed in political discourse. In many Western countries, public messaging around climate change — particularly from conservative parties and media — has cast doubt on the credibility of climate science. This politicisation, often amplified by vested interests such as fossil fuel lobbies, may help explain the erosion of trust among some conservative groups.

Closing the trust gap

Trust alone will not solve the climate crisis, but it plays a crucial role in shaping how societies respond to scientific guidance.

Ambitious, evidence-based policies require public support to succeed. A persistent trust gap — no matter how small — can undermine that support and help explain why many governments continue to fall short of their climate targets.

Closing the trust gap through transparent communication, inclusive public engagement, and consistent political leadership is essential for turning awareness into action.

Omid Ghasemi receives funding from the Australian Academy of Science.

Ben Newell receives funding from The Australian Research Council.

– ref. Climate scientists are trusted globally, just not as much as other scientists – here’s why – https://theconversation.com/climate-scientists-are-trusted-globally-just-not-as-much-as-other-scientists-heres-why-256441

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

May 19, 2025
India’s manufacturing sector gaining appeal among global investors: S&P Global report

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India has made notable progress in improving its competitiveness and making its manufacturing sector more appealing to global investors, according to a report by S&P Global released on Monday.

Although manufacturing value added accounts for a modest 17.2 percent of the country’s real gross domestic product (GDP), the government has introduced targeted policy measures aimed at building domestic manufacturing capacity and strengthening India’s position in global supply chains.

In the long term, India stands to benefit from rising global trade protectionism, which could accelerate supply chain diversification, the report noted.

India is well-positioned to seize emerging opportunities as global trade and cooperation continue to evolve. Over the past three decades, the country has grown significantly in size, scale, and international influence, and it is on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by fiscal year 2030–31.

As global economies adapt to changing trade dynamics and tariff-related challenges, India can leverage this momentum to accelerate its manufacturing growth and deepen integration into global supply chains, said the report titled “India Forward: Transformative Perspectives.”

The report also highlights India’s efforts to promote alternative energy sources in pursuit of a cleaner, self-reliant transportation future.

The adoption of biofuels is a key part of this strategy. Biofuels offer a “triple-win” solution by addressing energy security, reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions, and creating income opportunities for the agricultural sector.

India is also expected to follow a path where energy security aligns with revenue security. Recent regulatory changes have opened new opportunities for enhancing crude oil exploration and development as part of the country’s goal of achieving energy self-sufficiency.

While India has a moderate reliance on external trade for growth, which provides some insulation from global shifts in trade and tariff policies, it is not entirely immune to rising protectionist trends, the report added.

IANS

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Nations: 19 May 2025 Departmental update World No Tobacco Day 2025 Awards – meet the winners
Source: World Health Organisation
Each year, WHO honours individuals and organizations from each of the six WHO regions for their outstanding contributions to tobacco control. These accolades include the WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Awards, the World No Tobacco Day Awards, and, in 2025, one WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition Certificate.

The recipients of the 2025 awards are:

WHO Director-General Special awards:
- Dr Mohamed Muizzu, President, Republic of Maldives
- The Ministry of Health and Wellness, Republic of Mauritius
WHO Director-General’s Special Recognition certificate:
- Global Center for Good Governance in Tobacco Control (GGTC)
African Region
- Programme National de Lutte contre le Tabagisme, l’Alcoolisme, la Toxicomanie et les autres Addictions (PNLTA), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
- Dr Brou Dieudonne Koffi, Secretary, Organization of the Network of NGOs Engaged in Tobacco Control (ROCTACI), Republic of Côte d’Ivoire
- Labram Massawudu Musah, Vision for Accelerated Sustainable Development, Republic of Ghana
- Elvina Majiwa, Student, United States International University-Africa, Republic of Kenya
- Charity Aienobe-Asekharen, Health Promotion, Education and Community Development Initiative (HPECDI), Federal Republic of Nigeria
Region of the Americas
- Agência Nacional de Vigilância Sanitária (ANVISA), Federative Republic of Brazil
- Lisa Lu, CEO, International Youth Tobacco Control, United States of America
Shared award:
- Ministry of Finance, Federative Republic of Brazil
- Ministry of Health, Federative Republic of Brazil
Shared award:
- Denis Choinière, Retired Director, Tobacco Products Regulatory Office, Health Canada
- Clifton Curtis (in memoriam), Environmental Lawyer, United States of America
Shared award:
- Colectivo Todas y Todos por la Vida, Republic of Ecuador
- Acción Jurídica Popular, Republic of Ecuador
Shared award:
- Asociación de Periodismo con Lupa, Republic of Peru
- Cooperativa de Trabajo Sudestada, Eastern Republic of Uruguay
- Proyecto sobre Organización, Desarrollo, Educación e Investigación (PODER), United Mexican States
Eastern Mediterranean Region
- Dr Seyed Morteza Khatami, Deputy for Legal and Parliamentary Affairs, Ministry of Health and Medical Education, Islamic Republic of Iran
- Mr Lhassane Hallou, Director of Studies and International Cooperation, Administration of Customs and Indirect Taxes, Kingdom of Morocco
- Hamad Medical Corporation Tobacco Control Centre, WHO Collaborating Centre, State of Qatar
European Region
- Dr Lena Nanushyan, First Deputy Minister of Health, Republic of Armenia
- Dr Franz Pietsch, Head of Directorate, Federal Ministry of Social Affairs, Health, Care and Consumer Protection, Republic of Austria
- Mr Frank Vandenbroucke, Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Social Affairs and Public Health, Kingdom of Belgium
- Professor Constantine Vardavas, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Greece
- Dr Shukhrat Shukurov, Chief Specialist, Institute of Health and Strategic Development, Republic of Uzbekistan
South-East Asia Region
- National Board of Revenue, People’s Republic of Bangladesh
- State Tobacco Control Cell, Department of Health and Family Welfare, Government of Karnataka, Republic of India
- Ministry of Health and Population, Nepal
- Mr Chadchart Sittipunt, Governor of Bangkok, Chairman of Bangkok Tobacco Products Control Committee, Kingdom of Thailand
Western Pacific Region
- Professor Emily Banks AM, Professor of Epidemiology and Public Health, Senior Principal Research Fellow, National Centre for Epidemiology and Population Health, Australian National University, Australia
- Te Marae Ora, Ministry of Health, Cook Islands
- Philippine College of Chest Physicians, Republic of the Philippines
- Ms Dao Hong Lan, Minister of Health, Socialist Republic of Viet Nam
Shared award:
- YB Datuk Seri Dr Haji Dzulkefly bin Ahmad, Minister of Health, Malaysia
- Dr Noraryana Binti Hassan, Disease Control Division, Ministry of Health, Malaysia
- Dr Murallitharan Munisamy, Malaysian Council for Tobacco Control, Malaysia
MIL OSI United Nations News –
May 19, 2025
FTA likely to double India’s apparel, textile exports to UK: Report

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

India’s apparel and home textiles exports to the UK are expected to double from the current levels in the next 5-6 years, with the bilateral free trade agreement (FTA) scheduled to become operational in calendar year 2026, according to an ICRA report.

Currently, Indian textile exports to the UK face 8-12 per cent duties, but with 99 per cent of goods, including textiles, gaining zero-duty access under the FTA, India will achieve parity with competitors like Bangladesh, Vietnam and Pakistan, the report states.

China leads UK textile imports with a 25 per cent market share, closely followed by Bangladesh, which has a 22 per cent share. Turkey and Pakistan, with 8 per cent and 6.8 per cent share respectively, are the other major exporters. The FTA will enable India’s textile exports to become more competitive in the UK, leading to an increase in market share.

India is currently the 12th largest trading partner of the UK and ranks fifth in apparel and home textiles imports, with $1.4 billion worth of exports in 2024, which constitutes a 6.6 per cent share of the UK’s textile imports.

While the US and EU remain dominant markets with a 61 per cent share in 2024, the UK’s share is expected to rise to 11-12 per cent by 2027, reflecting an 11 per cent compound annual rate of growth (CAGR).

The bilateral trade deal, finalised on May 6, after three years of negotiations, will provide concessional or zero-duty access on select goods, boosting trade volumes and earnings.

India’s Textile and Apparel exports have continued their upward trajectory, recording a growth of 7.45 per cent in April 2025 compared to the same month of the previous year. This positive trend was primarily driven by the strong performance of the apparel segment, which registered a robust 14.43 per cent growth year-on-year, an analysis of the data released by the Ministry of Commerce showed.

“The current growth of 14.43 per cent in apparel exports seems to be mainly driven by increased shipments to the United States, following the announcement of reciprocal tariff measures by the US administration,” Confederation of Indian Textile Industry (CITI) chairman Rakesh Mehra said.

(IANS)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the WHO in 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
World news story

Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the WHO in 2025

English

繁體中文

Joint press release: Support for Taiwan’s meaningful engagement with the World Health Organization and participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly
Logos of all the co-signed offices

We, the British Office Taipei; the Australian Office Taipei; the Canadian Trade Office in Taipei; the Czech Economic and Cultural Office; French Office in Taipei; the German Institute Taipei; the Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association; and the Lithuanian Trade Representative Office wish to reaffirm our support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the work of the World Health Organization and Taiwan’s participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly.

As this year’s 78th session of the World Health Assembly commences in Geneva, Taiwan remains largely excluded from the world’s international health system. As COVID-19 and continued public health crises make plain, infectious diseases and health hazards do not respect borders. Global cooperation is required to keep the whole world safe.

Taiwan has shown itself to be a highly capable, engaged, and responsible member of the global health community and was invited to participate as an observer in WHA meetings from 2009 to 2016. Taiwan’s distinct capabilities and methods – including its significant public health expertise, democratic governance, and advanced technology – bring considerable value that would inform the WHA’s deliberations. Taiwan’s isolation from the WHA, the preeminent global health forum, is entirely unjustified. This undermines inclusive global public health cooperation and security, which the world demands, and which is enshrined in the founding documents of the WHO.

Taiwan’s meaningful participation in the fora and technical committees of the World Health Organization would bring benefits not just to people in Taiwan, but also around the world. Only by including Taiwan as an observer would the WHO be able to fully exemplify the Health Assembly’s commitment to “One World for Health.”

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Published 19 May 2025
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 15 building plans approved in March

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

     The Buildings Department approved 15 building plans in March, with three on Hong Kong Island, four in Kowloon and eight in the New Territories.

     Of the approved plans, eight were for apartment and apartment/commercial developments, one was for commercial development, one was for factory and industrial development, and five were for community services developments.

     In the same month, consent was given for works to start on 10 building projects which, when completed, will provide 74 150 square metres of gross floor area for domestic use involving 794 units, and 28 202 sq m of gross floor area for non-domestic use. The department has received notification of commencement of superstructure works for six building projects.

     The department also issued 23 occupation permits, with 10 on Hong Kong Island, eight in Kowloon and five in the New Territories.

     Of the buildings certified for occupation, the gross floor area for domestic use was 147 050 sq m involving 2 577 units, and 70 865 sq m was for non-domestic use.

     The declared cost of new buildings completed in March totalled about $8.6 billion.

     In addition, nine demolition consents were issued.

     The department received 3 299 reports about unauthorised building works (UBWs) in March and issued 676 removal orders on UBWs.

     The full version of the Monthly Digest for March can be viewed on the Buildings Department’s homepage (www.bd.gov.hk).

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

May 19, 2025
Trump to speak to Putin on end to war in Ukraine as Europeans demand ceasefire

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

U.S. President Donald Trump is set to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin on Monday about peace in Ukraine as European leaders demanded that the Kremlin accept an immediate ceasefire to halt the region’s deadliest conflict since World War Two.

Putin sent thousands of troops into Ukraine in February 2022, triggering the gravest confrontation between Russia and the West since the 1962 Cuban Missile Crisis.

Trump, who says he wants to be remembered as a peacemaker, has repeatedly called for an end to the “bloodbath” of Ukraine, which his administration casts as a proxy war between the United States and Russia.

Under pressure from Trump, delegates from the warring countries met last week in Istanbul for the first time since March 2022, after Putin proposed direct talks and Europeans and Ukraine demanded an immediate ceasefire.

“The subjects of the call will be stopping the ‘bloodbath’ that is killing, on average, more than 5,000 Russian and Ukrainian soldiers a week, and trade,” Trump wrote on his Truth Social website.

“Hopefully it will be a productive day, a ceasefire will take place, and this very violent war, a war that should have never happened, will end.”

Trump, who said that progress on peace was unlikely until he and Putin get together, said he would speak to Putin at 10 a.m. Eastern Time (1400 GMT) on Monday. The Kremlin said preparations for a call were underway.

Trump, whose administration has made clear that Russia could face additional sanctions if it does not take peace talks seriously, said he would also speak to Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and various members of NATO.

Putin, whose forces control a fifth of Ukraine and are advancing, has stood firm on his conditions for ending the war, despite public and private pressure from Trump and repeated warnings from European powers.

On Sunday, Russia launched its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war.

Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile on Sunday, though there was no confirmation from Russia.

In June 2024, Putin said Ukraine must officially drop its NATO ambitions and withdraw its troops from the entire territory of the four Ukrainian regions Russia claims.

On Sunday, British Prime Minister Keir Starmer discussed Russia’s war against Ukraine with leaders of the United States, Italy, France and Germany, a Downing Street spokesperson said.

“Tomorrow, President Putin must show he wants peace by accepting the 30-day unconditional ceasefire proposed by President Trump and backed by Ukraine and Europe,” French President Emmanuel Macron said on X after Sunday’s call.

Putin is wary of a ceasefire and says fighting cannot be paused until a number of crucial conditions are worked out or clarified.

European leaders say Putin is not serious about peace, though they fear Trump and he may force a punitive peace deal that will leave Ukraine essentially shorn of a fifth of its territory and lacking a strong security guarantee against possible future attack from Russia.

Former U.S. President Joe Biden, Western European leaders and Ukraine cast the invasion as an imperial-style land grab and repeatedly vowed to defeat Russian forces which they say could one day attack NATO, a claim denied by Moscow.

Putin casts the war as a watershed moment in Moscow’s relations with the West, which he says humiliated Russia after the 1991 fall of the Soviet Union by enlarging NATO and encroaching on what he considers Moscow’s sphere of influence, including Ukraine.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
ICRA revises outlook for Indian telecom tower industry to ‘Stable’ on improved liquidity and timely collections

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Credit rating agency ICRA has revised the outlook for the Indian telecom tower industry to ‘Stable’ from ‘Negative’, following consistent, timely payments from telecom service providers and the clearance’ of past dues.

The industry had previously been under pressure due to delayed payments, which resulted in elongated receivable cycles and liquidity challenges for tower companies. However, ICRA noted a significant improvement in the payment cycle, with receivable days now reduced to around 45–60 days—well below its threshold of 80 days for a negative outlook.

“The improvement in collections has eased the liquidity stress in the sector, reduced reliance on external debt, and is expected to improve return metrics going forward,” the agency stated.

ICRA projects a 4–6 percent growth in operating income for the sector in FY2026, with operating margins (excluding energy revenues) expected to remain healthy at 70–75 percent.

In addition, cash balances in the sector are estimated to rise to between Rs 5,500 crore and Rs 6,000 crore—more than double the previous range of Rs 2,200 crore to Rs 3,000 crore—due to improved working capital management and reduced provisioning.

“An improvement in the credit profile of key telecom service providers, who are the primary clients of tower companies, has played a major role in easing the working capital cycle,” said Ankit Jain, Vice President and Sector Head – Corporate Ratings at ICRA.

He added that a large portion of past dues has now been cleared, allowing companies to reverse provisions made in FY2023. This has further enhanced cash flows and overall liquidity. Going forward, ICRA expects collection cycles to remain within 60 days, maintaining a healthy receivables position.

This improvement is also expected to lower the industry’s dependence on borrowings. ICRA estimates net external debt to operating profit (OPBDITA) to moderate to approximately 3.4 times by FY2026.

With improved credit profiles and recent fundraising efforts by some telecom service providers, many are likely to resume capital expenditure (capex) initiatives. This is in line with the continued surge in demand for data services in India, which is driving consistent network expansion and upgrades by telecom operators.

The report concludes that these positive developments mark a turning point for the industry, bringing greater financial stability and supporting future growth.

IANS

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: Bitget Launches Live Streaming, Accelerating Real-Time Engagement for Crypto Content Creators

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced a live feature boosting real-time interaction between content creators and their audiences. With this feature, content creators, influencers, and professional traders can go live, including seamless screen sharing, audio streaming, and co-hosting capabilities, allowing creators to engage directly with their community. Additionally, the platform integrates token recommendation features, enabling viewers to explore and trade crypto effortlessly during live sessions.

This feature is at par with Bitget’s strategy of providing creators with a range of tools that facilitate exclusive content delivery and audience engagement. With the launch of in-built features such as real-time chat, scheduling options, and replay availability, the platform ensures that content remains accessible and interactive beyond the live broadcast.

“Crypto is an extremely fast-paced financial ecosystem, where growth and loss happen in minutes and seconds. Live feature creates a gig economy for content creators to provide an interactive experience for our users, while at the same time reaping the benefits of copy-trading, enabling them to have an alternative passive source of income through their community. Our goal here is to provide contributors and users of our community with products that resonate with their trading requirements,” said Gracy Chen, CEO at Bitget.

The LIVE feature presents monetization opportunities for creators. Through referral mechanisms and token promotions during live sessions, creators can generate revenue while expanding their reach. Bitget plans to support creators with promotional activities, including traffic support policies and themed live events, to maximize visibility and audience engagement.

With the Bitget Live feature, users can access an immersive streaming experience, architectured to elevate the quality and immediacy of crypto-focused content. Audiences can join sessions led by creators offering deep dives into market trends, trading insights, and project analysis. With features such as real-time voice engagement, screen projection, and multi-speaker hosting, the platform enables creators to deliver interactive broadcasts. The live feature also allows users to schedule streams in advance, access past replays, and engage with listed tokens mid-session through instant trading prompts—all within a dedicated chat-enabled space that encourages continuous dialogue and community growth.

Bitget Live adds to a growing suite of creator-focused tools, including the industry-first on-chain affiliate program offering up to 40% rebates. Paired with initiatives like Strategy Plaza and Insights, Bitget continues to build a creator-first ecosystem where monetization, engagement, and user experience are seamlessly integrated.

To start going Live on Bitget, visit here.

About Bitget

Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features, including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist), and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to allocate only funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/5316ea7a-6970-4a94-aee0-36b456cf27c6

The MIL Network –

May 19, 2025
Rupee strengthens, gold rallies amid global uncertainty

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

The Indian rupee opened 12 paise stronger at 85.44 against the US dollar on Monday, supported by favorable global cues and market optimism. The rupee had closed at 85.52 per dollar on Friday.

At the same time, gold prices surged nearly 1 percent in the morning session on the domestic futures market, driven by a weakening US dollar and renewed concerns over the possible return of Donald Trump-era trade tariffs.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), the Gold June 5 contract was trading 0.95 percent higher at ₹93,317 per 10 grams. The US dollar index dropped by about 0.3 percent, making gold more affordable in other currencies and boosting global demand.

Rahul Kalantri, Vice President of Commodities at Mehta Equities, noted that gold has support at $3,195–$3,175 and resistance at $3,245–$3,260. For silver, the support levels are $32.10–$31.80, while resistance lies at $32.65–$32.85.

“Gold prices climbed above $3,220 per ounce on Monday, rebounding from last week’s steepest decline in six months,” Kalantri said. “The recovery was fueled by safe-haven demand following Moody’s downgrade of the US sovereign credit rating, citing fiscal imbalances and rising debt costs.”

Despite temporary relief from the US-China tariff truce, weak US economic indicators and subdued inflation have led investors to anticipate additional interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. This sentiment has further bolstered bullion prices.

“In Indian rupee terms, gold has support at ₹91,850–₹91,480 and resistance at ₹92,850–₹93,490,” Kalantri added. “Silver is supported at ₹94,480–₹94,850 per kg and faces resistance at ₹95,950–₹96,650.”

Gold prices have remained rangebound over the past two sessions, largely due to the lack of fresh triggers. The easing of geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan and the temporary US-China truce have contributed to this stability.

However, domestic demand ahead of India’s upcoming wedding season is expected to provide strong support, keeping prices elevated, said Aksha Kamboj, Vice President of the India Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA).

—IANS

May 19, 2025
Microsoft wants AI ‘agents’ to work together and remember things

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Microsoft envisions a future where any company’s artificial intelligence agents can work together with agents from other firms and have better memories of their interactions, its chief technologist said on Sunday ahead of the company’s annual software developer conference.

Microsoft is holding its Build conference in Seattle on May 19, where analysts expect the company to unveil its latest tools for developers building AI systems.

Speaking at Microsoft’s headquarters in Redmond, Washington, ahead of the conference, Chief Technology Officer Kevin Scott told reporters and analysts the company is focused on helping spur the adoption of standards across the technology industry that will let agents from different makers collaborate. Agents are AI systems that can accomplish specific tasks, such as fixing a software bug, on their own.

Scott said that Microsoft is backing a technology called Model Context Protocol (MCP), an open-source protocol introduced by Google-backed Anthropic. Scott said MCP has the potential to create an “agentic web” similar to the way hypertext protocols that helped spread the internet in the 1990s.

“It means that your imagination gets to drive what the agentic web becomes, not just a handful of companies that happen to see some of these problems first,” Scott said.

Scott also said that Microsoft is trying to help AI agents have better memories of things that users have asked them to do, noting that, so far, “most of what we’re building feels very transactional.”

But making an AI agent’s memory better costs a lot of money because it requires more computing power. Microsoft is focusing on a new approach called structured retrieval augmentation, where an agent extracts short bits of each turn in a conversation with a user, creating a roadmap to what was discussed.

“This is a core part of how you train a biological brain – you don’t brute force everything in your head every time you need to solve a particular problem,” Scott said.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
Nvidia plans to sell tech to speed AI chip communication

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (2)

vidia announced on Monday that it will begin offering its advanced chip interconnect technology, NVLink Fusion, to other companies. This technology is designed to enhance chip-to-chip communication, a critical component in building and deploying artificial intelligence (AI) systems.

The new version of NVLink, called NVLink Fusion, enables multiple chips to work together efficiently in custom-built AI hardware systems. Companies such as Marvell Technology and MediaTek have already committed to integrating NVLink Fusion into their custom chip development efforts.

Originally developed years ago, Nvidia’s NVLink facilitates high-speed data exchange between chips. It is currently used in Nvidia’s powerful GB200 system, which combines two Blackwell GPUs with a Grace CPU.

Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang introduced the new technology during his keynote address at the Taipei Music Center, the venue for Computex, one of the world’s largest technology trade shows, taking place from May 20 to 23.

During the event, Huang also revealed plans for a new Nvidia headquarters in Taiwan, to be located in the northern suburbs of Taipei.

In his speech, Huang reflected on Nvidia’s evolution. “There was a time when 90% of my presentations focused on graphics chips,” he noted. Today, however, Nvidia has expanded well beyond its roots in gaming hardware to become a dominant force in AI chip development, especially since the surge in demand driven by tools like ChatGPT, launched in 2022.

As previously reported by Reuters, Nvidia has also been working on designing CPUs compatible with Microsoft’s Windows operating system, using architecture licensed from Arm Holdings (O9Ty.F).

Last year’s Computex saw an enthusiastic reception for Huang, dubbed “Jensanity” by local media, reflecting his rockstar status in the tech community.

At Nvidia’s annual developer conference in March, Huang detailed the company’s vision for transitioning from building large-scale AI models to supporting AI-driven applications. He introduced several next-generation AI chips, including the Blackwell Ultra, which is expected to launch later this year.

Looking ahead, Nvidia’s roadmap includes the Rubin chip series, which will be followed by the Feynman processors, set to arrive in 2028.

Nvidia also announced a desktop version of its AI system, called DGX Spark, aimed at AI researchers. On Monday, Huang stated that the system is in full production and will be available within a few weeks.

Computex, which is expected to feature 1,400 exhibitors, marks the first major gathering of computer and chip industry leaders in Asia since the United States considered sweeping tariffs to encourage domestic production.

REUTERS

May 19, 2025
Russia launches war’s largest drone attack ahead of Putin-Trump call

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Russia launched on Sunday its largest drone attack on Ukraine since the start of the war, destroying homes and killing at least one woman a day before U.S. President Donald Trump is due to discuss a proposed ceasefire with Russia’s Vladimir Putin.

Ukraine’s intelligence service said it also believed Moscow intended to fire an intercontinental ballistic missile later on Sunday as an attempt to intimidate the West. There was no immediate response from Moscow to the accusation.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy, straining to restore ties with Washington after a disastrous February White House visit, met Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Rome on Sunday on the sidelines of Pope Leo’s inauguration.

Zelenskiy said the meeting was “good” and released pictures of Ukrainian and U.S. officials sitting outside at a round table and smiling. Ukrainian media said the meeting lasted 40 minutes.

“I reaffirmed that Ukraine is ready to be engaged in real diplomacy and underscored the importance of a full and unconditional ceasefire as soon as possible,” said Zelenskiy, who also met the new pope.

Ukraine and Russia held their first face-to-face talks in more than three years on Friday, under pressure from Trump to agree to a ceasefire in a war he has pledged to bring to a quick end. The foes agreed to swap 1,000 prisoners each but failed to agree a truce, after Moscow presented conditions that a member of Ukraine’s delegation called “non-starters”.

The leaders of Britain, France, Germany and Poland planned to speak to Trump before the U.S. and Russian presidents speak on Monday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said. The four European leaders jointly visited Kyiv last week and have been calling for Trump to back new sanctions on Russia.

Asked if it was time to impose tougher sanctions on Russia, U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that was up to Trump.

“I think we will see what happens when both sides get to the table,” he told NBC News’ “Meet the Press” programme.

“President Trump has made it very clear, that if President Putin does not negotiate in good faith, that the United States will not hesitate to up the Russia sanctions along with our European partners.”

After a night of air alerts, Ukraine’s air force said that as of 8 a.m. on Sunday Russia had launched 273 drones at Ukrainian cities, more than the previous record Moscow had set in February on the war’s third anniversary.

‘I COULD HEAR THE DRONE’

In the ruins of her family home in the Obukhiv region west of Kyiv, Natalia Piven, 44, recounted how she squeezed into a cellar with her son after an air raid warning, just in time to survive a first wave of drones.

They then ran out to a bomb shelter at a kindergarten, before another wave of drones bore down on the village. Their house was completely destroyed. A 28-year-old woman who lived next door was killed. Ukrainian authorities said three other people were injured, including a four-year-old child.

“I cannot get over it. I simply cannot. I could clearly hear the drone flying right towards my house,” Piven told Reuters.

Trump has shifted U.S. rhetoric from supporting Ukraine towards accepting some of Moscow’s narrative about the war that Putin launched in 2022. But Kyiv and its European allies are working hard to persuade Trump that it is Moscow that is holding up a truce now.

Zelenskiy has said he would accept Trump’s proposal for an immediate ceasefire of at least 30 days with no conditions. Moscow says it would consider a ceasefire but only if conditions are met, including a halt in arms supplies to Kyiv.

It also says any peace talks must address the “root causes” of the conflict, including its demands that Ukraine cede territory, be disarmed and accept neutral status. Kyiv says that would amount to capitulation and leave it defenceless.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI: CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. announces redemption of USD 1,500,000,000 Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 2020 and due June 2026 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63)
Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

Montrouge, May 19, 2025

CREDIT AGRICOLE S.A. ANNOUNCES REDEMPTION OF

USD 1,500,000,000 Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 16, 2020 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63)*

Crédit Agricole S.A. (the “Issuer”) announces today the redemption (the “Redemption”) with effect on June 16, 2025 (the “Redemption Date”) of all of its outstanding USD 1,500,000,000 Senior Non-Preferred Callable Fixed-to-Floating Rate Notes issued on June 16, 2020 (ISIN: Rule 144A: US22535WAG24 and Regulation S: US22536PAG63) (the “Notes”) pursuant to Condition 9(a) (Redemption at the Option of the Issuer) of the terms and conditions of the Notes included in the base offering memorandum dated April 8, 2020, as supplemented by the pricing term sheet dated June 9, 2020 (together, the “Terms and Conditions”), at the outstanding nominal amount thereof, together with any accrued interest thereon (the “Redemption Amount”).

On the Redemption Date, the Redemption Amount shall become due and payable and, unless the Redemption Amount is improperly withheld or refused, each Note shall cease to bear interest on the Redemption Date.

The holders of the Notes will receive formal notice of the Redemption in accordance with the Terms and Conditions.

For further information on Crédit Agricole S.A., please see Crédit Agricole S.A.’s website: https://www.credit-agricole.com/en/finance

DISCLAIMER

This press release does not constitute an offer to buy or the solicitation of an offer to sell the Notes in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan or in any other jurisdiction. The distribution of this press release in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law. Persons into whose possession this announcement comes are required to inform themselves about, and to observe, any such restrictions.

No communication or information relating to the redemption of the Notes may be distributed to the public in a country where a registration obligation or an approval is required. No action has been or will be taken in any country where such action would be required. The redemption of the Notes may be subject to specific legal and regulatory restrictions in certain jurisdictions; Crédit Agricole S.A. accepts no liability in connection with a breach by any person of such restrictions.

This press release is an advertisement; and none of this press release, any notice or any other document or material made public and/or delivered, or which may be made public and/or delivered to the holders of the Notes in connection with the redemption of the Notes is or is intended to be a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council dated 14 June 2017 (as amended, the “Prospectus Regulation”). No prospectus will be published in connection with the redemption of the Notes for the purposes of the Prospectus Regulation.

This press release does not, and shall not, in any circumstances, constitute an offer to the public of Notes by Crédit Agricole S.A. nor an invitation to the public in connection with any offer in any jurisdiction, including France.

* The ISIN number is included solely for the convenience of the holders of the Notes. No representation is being made as to the correctness or accuracy of the ISIN number either as printed on the Notes or as contained herein and the holder may rely only on the identification numbers printed on its Note.

CRÉDIT AGRICOLE S.A. PRESS CONTACT

Alexandre Barat + 33 1 57 72 12 19 alexandre.barat@credit-agricole-sa.fr
Olivier Tassain + 33 1 43 23 25 41 olivier.tassain@credit-agricole-sa.fr

Find our press release on: www.credit-agricole.com – www.creditagricole.info

Attachment
- CASA – SNP Call June 2025 – Press release
The MIL Network –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive
Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute

Last week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The highly infectious virus was found in two healthy, polio-vaccinated children who were screened following detection of the virus during routine wastewater sampling in Lae, PNG’s second largest city. Wastewater samples are also positive in the capital Port Moresby, indicating the potential of spread around the country.

The strain has been identified as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, similar genetically to a strain circulating in Indonesia.

So what does this mean? And what will happen now in PNG?

First, what is polio?

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children.

Most infections don’t cause significant symptoms and go largely unnoticed. But less than 1% of infections result in paralysis.

Poliovirus is spread by person-to-person contact or the ingestion of contaminated virus from faeces. The virus multiplies in the gut of people who are infected, and they shed the virus in their stool for several weeks. In this way it can spread through a community, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

A recent review also suggested a greater role for transmission via respiratory particles than we previously thought.

Wild poliovirus (as distinct from vaccine-derived poliovirus, which we’ll discuss shortly) was a major public health issue prior to the rollout of vaccination in 1950s. This campaign led to the virtual elimination of the disease in rich countries such as Australia.

Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, cases have decreased by 99% globally. Wild poliovirus remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Polio is caused by the poliovirus.
Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

Polio vaccines

There are two types of vaccines – the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine.

Delivered as two drops in the mouth at least four times in early childhood, the oral vaccine contains a live-attenuated (weakened) form of the poliovirus. It triggers a strong immune reaction in the gut that slows the replication of wild poliovirus, and reduces shedding in the stool, limiting transmission.

The oral vaccine does carry a small risk of the weakened vaccine strain causing paralysis. This occurs in
roughly one in 2.7 million doses of the oral vaccine administered, usually at the first dose.

The inactivated polio vaccine (part of the routine immunisation program in Australia) contains an inactivated or dead form of the poliovirus, which is unable to cause polio in the recipient.

Given as an injection, this vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies in the blood against poliovirus. Three doses of the inactivated vaccine are highly protective against developing symptoms and paralysis from polio.

However, this vaccine is thought not to be as effective as the oral vaccine at preventing infection and shedding in the gut. Therefore, it doesn’t prevent transmission.

What is vaccine-derived poliovirus?

As the weakened poliovirus in the oral vaccine is still shed in the stool, it can spread in communities with poor sanitation. The vaccine strain can mutate to a form that can cause paralysis, like wild poliovirus. The result, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, is a problem particularly when polio immunisation rates are low.

The risk of international spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus has been assessed as high by the WHO and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were outbreaks in 39 countries in 2023–24.

A novel oral polio vaccine, nOPV2, which is less likely to mutate, has been used in outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus since 2021.

Routine vaccination with the inactivated polio vaccine is key to preventing vaccine-derived poliovirus, and is recommended by WHO. The polio endgame will involve this transition from the oral vaccine to the inactivated vaccine.

In 2019, all countries had introduced the inactivated vaccine. However uptake remains low because of a lack of resources and inadequate access to health services in poor countries.

What happens now in PNG?

The PNG government has responded swiftly to activate its polio emergency response plan, supported by partners including WHO, UNICEF and the Australian government.

Notably, PNG’s vaccination rate is among the lowest in the world, with only about 50% of children born each year receiving the recommended childhood vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine. To induce herd immunity and prevent outbreaks of disease, coverage should be at least 95%.

PNG was declared polio free in 2000. But there was an outbreak in 2018 of vaccine-derived polio type 1 with 26 cases across nine provinces. The outbreak was brought under control through supplementary rounds of vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and expanded communication and community engagement.

There are many lessons to be learned from the successful response to the 2018 polio outbreak. These three pillars of the response remain relevant:
- mass vaccination (using nOPV2)
- enhanced surveillance for cases and wastewater sampling
- communication (through traditional and social media) and localised community engagement.
Further research will be crucial to understand where transmission is occurring and target the response accordingly. This includes the question of potential for spread between Indonesia and PNG – a neglected health security issue.

How about the risk in Australia?

While the risk of spread of polio in Australia is low, the virus does not respect borders, and we cannot become complacent.

Australia’s overall coverage with the inactivated vaccine is close to 95% but there has been a concerning decline in childhood immunisation since the COVID pandemic. Australia must address this and maintain its polio wastewater monitoring system.

Supporting PNG and working with other countries towards global polio eradication is the best way Australia can protect itself.

This outbreak is a timely reminder that the last mile in the global eradication of polio remains elusive. As we emerge from a pandemic, the need for international cooperation, strengthening health systems and responding swiftly to health emergencies such as polio couldn’t be stronger.

Michael Toole has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Suman Majumdar, through the Burnet Institute receives grant funding from the Victorian Government and the Australian Government via the National Health & Medical Research Council of Australia, the Medical Research Future Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Fredrick Charles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive – https://theconversation.com/the-re-emergence-of-polio-in-papua-new-guinea-shows-global-eradication-remains-elusive-256899
MIL OSI – Global Reports –
May 19, 2025
Indian stock market opens flat amid mixed global cues

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Indian benchmark indices opened flat on Monday amid mixed global cues, as selling was seen in the IT sector in the early trade.

At around 9.32 am, Sensex was trading 3.88 points or 0.00 per cent up at 82,326.71 while the Nifty climbed 14.70 point or 0.06 per cent at 25,034.50.

Nifty Bank was up 134.25 points or 0.24 per cent at 55,489.15. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was trading at 57,203.80 after rising 143.30 points or 0.25 per cent. Nifty Smallcap 100 index was at 17,701.75 after climbing 141.35 points or 0.80 per cent.

According to analysts, “they now have only the October 2024 peak ahead at 25,235, which is in close vicinity, before 26,277, the lofty peak of September stares at us. This warns us to be guarded against sudden withdrawal in risk appetite and buying interest as we push ahead”.

“With this in the backdrop we will begin the week expecting continuation of an uptrend, with an intraday downside marker at 24,950. However, brace for declines, should the upswings there of fail to clear 25,235 or if there is an outright breakdown past 24,870/807 region,” said Anand James, Chief Market Strategist of Geojit Investments Limited.

The prime mover of the ongoing rally in the Indian market is the sustained FII inflows of around Rs 23,800 crore so far this month.

“Of course, the decline in global trade tensions, the rally in global markets led by the US and the India-Pak ceasefire have created the setting for this rally,” said experts.

Meanwhile, in the Sensex pack, Infosys, TCS, IndusInd Bank, HCL Tech, Tech Mahindra, M&M, Eternal, Reliance and L&T were the top losers. Whereas, NTPC, Bajaj Finance, Tata Motors, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finserv, PowerGrid, SBI and HDFC Bank were the top gainers.

In the Asian markets, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Bangkok and Seoul were trading in red, whereas, only Jakarta was trading in green.

In the last trading session on Friday, Dow Jones in the US closed at 42,654.74, up 331.99 points, or 0.78 per cent. The S&P 500 ended with a gain of 41.45 points, or 0.70 per cent, at 5,958.38 and the Nasdaq closed at 19,211.10, up 98.78 points, or 0.52 per cent.

On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers of equities worth Rs 8,831.05 crore on May 16, while domestic institutional investors (DIIs) purchased equities worth Rs 5,187.09 crore.

(IANS)

May 19, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute

Last week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

The highly infectious virus was found in two healthy, polio-vaccinated children who were screened following detection of the virus during routine wastewater sampling in Lae, PNG’s second largest city. Wastewater samples are also positive in the capital Port Moresby, indicating the potential of spread around the country.

The strain has been identified as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, similar genetically to a strain circulating in Indonesia.

So what does this mean? And what will happen now in PNG?

First, what is polio?

Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children.

Most infections don’t cause significant symptoms and go largely unnoticed. But less than 1% of infections result in paralysis.

Poliovirus is spread by person-to-person contact or the ingestion of contaminated virus from faeces. The virus multiplies in the gut of people who are infected, and they shed the virus in their stool for several weeks. In this way it can spread through a community, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

A recent review also suggested a greater role for transmission via respiratory particles than we previously thought.

Wild poliovirus (as distinct from vaccine-derived poliovirus, which we’ll discuss shortly) was a major public health issue prior to the rollout of vaccination in 1950s. This campaign led to the virtual elimination of the disease in rich countries such as Australia.

Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, cases have decreased by 99% globally. Wild poliovirus remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Polio is caused by the poliovirus.
Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

Polio vaccines

There are two types of vaccines – the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine.

Delivered as two drops in the mouth at least four times in early childhood, the oral vaccine contains a live-attenuated (weakened) form of the poliovirus. It triggers a strong immune reaction in the gut that slows the replication of wild poliovirus, and reduces shedding in the stool, limiting transmission.

The oral vaccine does carry a small risk of the weakened vaccine strain causing paralysis. This occurs in
roughly one in 2.7 million doses of the oral vaccine administered, usually at the first dose.

The inactivated polio vaccine (part of the routine immunisation program in Australia) contains an inactivated or dead form of the poliovirus, which is unable to cause polio in the recipient.

Given as an injection, this vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies in the blood against poliovirus. Three doses of the inactivated vaccine are highly protective against developing symptoms and paralysis from polio.

However, this vaccine is thought not to be as effective as the oral vaccine at preventing infection and shedding in the gut. Therefore, it doesn’t prevent transmission.

What is vaccine-derived poliovirus?

As the weakened poliovirus in the oral vaccine is still shed in the stool, it can spread in communities with poor sanitation. The vaccine strain can mutate to a form that can cause paralysis, like wild poliovirus. The result, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, is a problem particularly when polio immunisation rates are low.

The risk of international spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus has been assessed as high by the WHO and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were outbreaks in 39 countries in 2023–24.

A novel oral polio vaccine, nOPV2, which is less likely to mutate, has been used in outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus since 2021.

Routine vaccination with the inactivated polio vaccine is key to preventing vaccine-derived poliovirus, and is recommended by WHO. The polio endgame will involve this transition from the oral vaccine to the inactivated vaccine.

In 2019, all countries had introduced the inactivated vaccine. However uptake remains low because of a lack of resources and inadequate access to health services in poor countries.

What happens now in PNG?

The PNG government has responded swiftly to activate its polio emergency response plan, supported by partners including WHO, UNICEF and the Australian government.

Notably, PNG’s vaccination rate is among the lowest in the world, with only about 50% of children born each year receiving the recommended childhood vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine. To induce herd immunity and prevent outbreaks of disease, coverage should be at least 95%.

PNG was declared polio free in 2000. But there was an outbreak in 2018 of vaccine-derived polio type 1 with 26 cases across nine provinces. The outbreak was brought under control through supplementary rounds of vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and expanded communication and community engagement.

There are many lessons to be learned from the successful response to the 2018 polio outbreak. These three pillars of the response remain relevant:
- mass vaccination (using nOPV2)
- enhanced surveillance for cases and wastewater sampling
- communication (through traditional and social media) and localised community engagement.
Further research will be crucial to understand where transmission is occurring and target the response accordingly. This includes the question of potential for spread between Indonesia and PNG – a neglected health security issue.

How about the risk in Australia?

While the risk of spread of polio in Australia is low, the virus does not respect borders, and we cannot become complacent.

Australia’s overall coverage with the inactivated vaccine is close to 95% but there has been a concerning decline in childhood immunisation since the COVID pandemic. Australia must address this and maintain its polio wastewater monitoring system.

Supporting PNG and working with other countries towards global polio eradication is the best way Australia can protect itself.

This outbreak is a timely reminder that the last mile in the global eradication of polio remains elusive. As we emerge from a pandemic, the need for international cooperation, strengthening health systems and responding swiftly to health emergencies such as polio couldn’t be stronger.

Michael Toole has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

Suman Majumdar, through the Burnet Institute receives grant funding from the Victorian Government and the Australian Government via the National Health & Medical Research Council of Australia, the Medical Research Future Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Fredrick Charles does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

– ref. The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive – https://theconversation.com/the-re-emergence-of-polio-in-papua-new-guinea-shows-global-eradication-remains-elusive-256899
MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –
May 19, 2025
MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s Democratic Party candidate leads poll for June 3 presidential election

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

Lee Jae-myung, presidential candidate of South Korea’s majority liberal Democratic Party, led a poll for the June 3 presidential election, Flower Research survey showed Monday.

Lee came out on top with a support rate of 52.1 percent, taking a big lead over Kim Moon-soo, the second-biggest conservative People Power Party’s presidential candidate who garnered 29.5 percent of support.

The human rights lawyer-turned-politician maintained his position as a presidential frontrunner in the June 3 election, triggered by the removal of former President Yoon Suk-yeol from office over his botched martial law imposition last December.

Lee lost the 2022 presidential election to Yoon by the country’s narrowest margin of 0.73 percentage points.

The Democratic Party won an approval score of 50.3 percent, while 32.0 percent supported the People Power Party, the survey showed.

The result was based on a poll of 2,007 voters conducted between Friday and Saturday. It had plus and minus 2.2 percentage points in margin of error with a 95-percent confidence level.

MIL OSI China News –

May 19, 2025
Trump ‘saddened’ about Biden’s recent cancer diagnosis

Source: Government of India

Source: Government of India (4)

Former U.S. President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an “aggressive form” of prostate cancer that has metastasized to the bone, his office said in a statement on Sunday (May 18)

Biden, 82, was diagnosed on Friday after having experienced urinary symptoms, and he and his family are reviewing treatment options with doctors, according to the statement.

“Melania and I are saddened to hear about Joe Biden’s recent medical diagnosis. We extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery,” wrote Donald Trump in a post in Truth Social.

President Donald Trump has repeatedly berated Biden since he took office in January.

Biden, who served as president from 2021 to 2025, abruptly ended his bid for reelection last July, weeks after a halting performance during a debate against Republican candidate Donald Trump prompted panic among his fellow Democrats. Vice President Kamala Harris took over as the party’s nominee but lost in November to Trump.

Biden’s physical health and mental acuity drew intense media scrutiny even before the debate. At the time of his election, Biden was the oldest person to win the presidency.

Trump, 78, broke that record when he defeated Harris last year.

(Reuters)

May 19, 2025