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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Leads Bipartisan Bill to Increase Resources for Disabled Veterans

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17), Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis (NY-11), and House Veterans Affairs Committee Ranking Member Mark Takano (CA-39) reintroduced the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act, which will provide veterans with additional federal funding to make accessibility improvements to their homes. 

    Senators John Boozman (R-AR) and Catherine Cortez Masto (D-NV) introduced similar companion legislation in the Senate. 

    “The last thing a veteran should worry about is red tape that prevents them from living the life they deserve,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “It’s time to finally increase the federal funding available to help disabled veterans make accessibility improvements to their homes with this bipartisan legislation.” 

    “Every veteran deserves to live in a home that works for them. But right now, VA’s HISA program is not meeting the needs of disabled veterans struggling with higher costs,” said Ranking Member Mark Takano. “That’s why Congressman Sorensen and I are reintroducing the Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act—to raise the amount of help veterans can get and make sure more of them can live safely and independently. If we ask people to serve our country, we owe it to them to take care of them when they come home.” 

    “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this bipartisan legislation to increase the funding available for veterans through the VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations (HISA) program,” said Congresswoman Nicole Malliotakis. “This critical program helps disabled veterans make essential home modifications such as ramps, widened doorways, and accessible bathrooms and by raising the grant cap to $10,000, we’re ensuring that more veterans can live safely and independently in their homes after having served our nation.” 

    “Arkansas veterans have sacrificed tremendously in service to our nation,” said Senator John Boozman. “One of the most important ways we can support our former servicemembers is to ensure those living with a disability feel safer in an accessible home with a greater sense of independence and quality of life. I am pleased to champion commonsense improvements that will better serve those who have worn our nation’s uniform.” 

    “After making countless sacrifices in service to our country, disabled veterans deserve to live in their own home with more freedom and dignity,” said Senator Catherine Cortez Masto. “That’s why I’m proud to work alongside my colleagues to provide them the resources they need to make improvements to their homes for accessibility and safety. I will continue working across the aisle to stand up for Nevada veterans and their families.” 

    “VA’s Home Improvements and Structural Alterations grant program provides medically necessary improvements and structural changes to a veteran or service member’s home,” said Heather Ansley, Chief Policy Officer of Paralyzed Veterans of America. “Unfortunately, grant rates haven’t been increased since 2010, despite rising construction costs, minimizing the purchase power of this important program. We are grateful to Representative Sorensen, Representative Takano, and Representative Malliotakis for introducing this important legislation which will not only increase the grant amount but also tie the grant to an inflation formula to allow it to keep up with rising costs.” 

    “The quality and self-governing of one’s life means having the freedom to make one’s own decisions and act independently,” said Gary Hall, Service Officer at American Legion Post #2. “This is what every veteran wants in life and when you have a condition that limits an individual’s ability to perform physical tasks or functions, impacting mobility, dexterity or stamina. Veterans with physical disabilities resulting from their military service should be thanked for their service by helping them cope with the physical and emotional challenges that come with living with what has happen to them because of serving their country.” 

    “The Home Improvement and Structural Alterations (HISA) Grant is one of the most important grant programs for veterans with disabilities that the Veterans Health Administration administers,” said Dan Smith, Veterans Service Office at the Peoria County Veterans Assistance Commission. “It allows disabled veterans to make improvements to their homes in areas that present obstacles to their ability to live independently. The Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act is vital to offsetting the overwhelming cost increases in the construction industry over the past years, which directly reduce the necessary improvements these Disabled Veterans can make to their homes.” 

    “During my tenure of being a member of a couple of Military Veteran Organizations I have come across several veteran comrades that have physical disabilities,” said Gary Holmes, Col. Thomas G. Lawler VFW Post 342 Commander. “Some of these veterans mention that they have issues in their current living quarters that don’t meet their needs or provide a better quality of life. With the passage of this bill, it will help them reside in their homes and improve their current home situation.” 

    “There is no bad time to increase the grant ceiling to help veterans improve their homes and implement structural alterations. The best time, however, is to do so when the demand for needed support is at its highest. That time is now,” said Eric Willard, Secretary/Treasurer of Chapter 984 of Vietnam Veterans of America. “For the past several years our team of veterans has been helping disabled and other veterans with home improvements that accommodate their needs for adaptive and assistive living in their own homes and apartments. I see the greatest needs of the past decade happening today. Our volunteers and non-profits continue to provide free labor, but we have no funds to purchase the items and supplies to help our disabled peers. The proposed House bill will provide the funds needed by veterans to pay for the ramps, grab bars, and dozens of other accommodations that will make them more independent than otherwise possible. We stand ready to do the work, but our veterans need the money to make it happen.” 

    The Department of Veteran Affairs Home Improvements and Structural Alterations program (HISA) offers funds to help eligible disabled veterans alter their homes to better accommodate their needs. This bipartisan bill will increase the amount available under this program to up to $10,000 for veterans with both service-connected and non-service-connected conditions. This raises the current ceiling offered from $6,800 for those with service-connected conditions and $2,000 to those with non-service-connected conditions. 

    The Autonomy for All Disabled Veterans Act is supported by the Paralyzed Veterans of America (PVA), the Veterans of Foreign Wars (VFW), and AMVETS. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: London ETO supports showcase of Hong Kong artisans in London (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    London ETO supports showcase of Hong Kong artisans in London
    The “Embracing Craft, Connecting Culture” exhibition is being held at the Royal Society of Sculptors (108 Old Brompton Road, London SW7 3RA) from May 12 to 18.  On May 17, Hong Kong artisans will host Lingnan Penjing demonstration and panel discussion.
    Issued at HKT 1:20

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Review: Leaders of Belarus and Vietnam Establish Level of Strategic Partnership

    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

    MINSK, May 12 (Xinhua) — Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko and General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of Vietnam To Lam adopted a joint statement on establishing a strategic partnership between the two countries following talks in Minsk on Monday. The corresponding information was published by the press service of the Belarusian head of state on the same day.

    A. Lukashenko called the adoption of this statement a new milestone in the relations between the two countries. “The decision is quite logical, natural, and long overdue for us. Vietnam is one of Belarus’s key partners in Southeast Asia, and our cooperation is based on sincere friendship, mutual respect, and support. Strictly adhering to these principles, we confidently continue to move forward, aiming for high-quality and long-term cooperation,” the President of Belarus said.

    During the meeting, the Belarusian leader noted that economic revitalization is the main task in cooperation between the two countries. This concerns the resumption of regular supplies of Belarusian agricultural, cargo and quarry equipment to Vietnam. He also expressed confidence in the prospects of joint production of Belarusian tractors and automobile equipment. A. Lukashenko also noted that the issue of the earliest possible opening of direct air traffic between the countries has become urgent.

    In turn, To Lam emphasized the focus on bringing the two countries’ relations to a new level through joint efforts. “In this spirit, the President of Belarus and I held very successful negotiations, reviewed current relations, agreed on measures to expand and deepen traditional areas of cooperation, and identified new areas of interaction. We discussed regional and international issues of mutual interest,” he said, adding that the parties also agreed to intensify ties in defense and security.

    In addition, Belarus and Vietnam signed a package of documents following the talks between the two leaders. Among the documents, the military departments of Belarus and Vietnam signed a protocol of intent to strengthen cooperation in the field of training military personnel and specialists. A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of digital transformation and digital economy was signed between the Ministry of Communications and Informatization of Belarus and the Ministry of Science and Technology of Vietnam. A memorandum of understanding on cooperation in the field of science, technology and innovation with the Vietnamese side was also signed by the State Committee for Science and Technology. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Uzbek Foreign Minister Meets New EU Special Representative for Central Asia

    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

    Tashkent, May 12 /Xinhua/ — Uzbek Foreign Minister Bakhtiyor Saidov today met with visiting EU Special Representative for Central Asia Eduard Stiprais, a Dunyo news agency correspondent reported, citing a post on the Uzbek Foreign Minister’s Telegram channel.

    “The recent Central Asia-European Union summit in Samarkand once again highlighted the enormous potential of partnership that we can harness for the benefit of people in both regions,” the statement said.

    During the meeting, the parties touched upon all aspects of dynamically developing relations – from education to green energy, as well as current regional and global topics. The mutual desire to further expand the horizons of cooperation was emphasized. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • ED conducts searches in WB over food supply corruption case

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Enforcement Directorate (ED) is conducting searches at various places in West Bengal today in connection with the food supply and distribution corruption case. The agency has sent teams to many districts including Paschim Medinipur, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Nadia and Kolkata. Various godowns, fair price shops and houses of the ration dealers are in the scanner.

  • Russia Revokes Accreditation of 6 British Diplomats

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Russia has revoked the accreditation of six British diplomats in Moscow, accusing them of spying and sabotage. Federal Security Service (FSB) of Russia has accused British diplomats of working to ensure Moscow’s defeat in the conflict with Ukraine.

    The FSB claimed to have documents showing a British foreign office department in London was coordinating what it called, the escalation of the political and military situation and was tasked with ensuring Russia’s strategic defeat against Ukraine.

    Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said, the activities of the British embassy in Moscow have gone well beyond diplomatic convention and accused it of carrying out deliberate activity designed to harm the Russian people.

  • Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan to Be Held in New Delhi

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    The Fourth Akhil Bharatiya Rajbhasha Sammelan will be organised at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi tomorrow. On the occasion, Home Minister Amit Shah will inaugurate the Diamond Jubilee Special Edition. Addressing the media, Secretary of the Department of Official Language Anshuli Arya said that to make this diamond jubilee memorable, a memorial postage stamp and commemorative coin will be released.

    During the event, the Indian Language Division under the Official Language Department of the Ministry of Home Affairs will be inaugurated. She said that under this division, the translations of letters which the department receives in other Indian languages will be done. Several books and magazines will also be launched during the event.

  • MIL-OSI Canada: The CBSA launches investigations into the alleged dumping of steel strapping from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam and its subsidization by China

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    May 12, 2025
    Ottawa, Ontario

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) announced today that it is initiating investigations to determine whether steel strapping originating in or exported from China, South Korea, Türkiye and Vietnam is being sold at unfair prices in Canada and whether steel strapping originating in or exported from China is being subsidized. These practices can harm Canadian industries by undercutting Canadian prices, which undermines fair competition.

    The CBSA is investigating because of a complaint filed by JEM Strapping Systems Inc. (JEM). JEM alleges that as a result of an increase in the volume of the dumped and subsidized imports, they have suffered material injury in the form of lost market share, price undercutting, price depression, lost sales, reduced net income and profitability, and reduced employment.

    The CBSA and the Canadian International Trade Tribunal (CITT) both play a role in the investigations. The CITT will begin a preliminary inquiry to determine whether the imports are harming Canadian producers and will issue a decision by July 11, 2025. Concurrently, the CBSA will investigate whether the imports are being sold in Canada at unfair prices and/or are being subsidized, and will make a preliminary decision by August 11, 2025.

    Currently, there are 158 special import measures in force in Canada, covering a wide variety of industrial and consumer products. These measures have directly helped to protect approximately 31,000 Canadian jobs and $11.6 billion in Canadian production.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • Punjab: NIA Conducts Searches Over Pro-Khalistan Attack on Indian High Commission

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    National Investigation Agency today conducted searches at several locations in Punjab in connection with its probe into the attack on the Indian High Commission in Canada alleged by pro-Khalistan supporters. The searches were conducted in Moga, Amritsar, Gurdaspur, and Jalandhar. Last year, the agency had registered a case over a protest by pro-Khalistani supporters outside the Indian mission in Ottawa.

  • Ministry of Environment Organises Dialogue on Montreal Protocol

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Ahead of the 30th World Ozone Day, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change today organized a dialogue on the theme Montreal Protocol: Advancing Climate Action.

    The Montreal Protocol is an international agreement that aims to protect the ozone layer by reducing and consumption of Ozone Depleting substances.

    Addressing the event in New Delhi, Environment Secretary Leena Nandan said that India has done exceptionally well under the Montreal Protocol and has met the commitments due to the collaborative efforts of all the stakeholders. 

     

    Talking about the Ozone Day to be observed on the 16th of this month, United Nations Development Programme India Resident Representative, Angela Lusigi lauded India for being on the forefront of the protocol and the goal of reducing Hydrofluorocarbons.

  • Bangladesh: 6 killed in Cox’s Bazar landslide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    In Bangladesh, Six people have died after separate landslides hit Cox’s Bazar district late on Thursday night and early on Friday morning.

    Out of these six, three members of the same family died after a landslide at the Ukhiya Rohingya camp in Cox’s Bazar on Friday.

     

    Cox’s Bazar has been experiencing persistent heavy rain since Wednesday which has caused severe waterlogging in more than fifty villages, including the district town, on Thursday. Several hundred shops and thousands of houses have been inundated, said the Additional District Magistrate of Cox’s Bazar.

     

    According to media reports, large cracks have appeared on more than 12 hills inside Cox’s Bazar city. There are reports of hill slides in several parts of the city.

  • Sensex & Nifty Dip Slightly After Previous Rally

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Domestic benchmark indices, Sensex and Nifty are trading low after registering a strong rally in the previous session. Both indices witnessed a marginal fall of around 0.1 per cent in the intra-day trade.

    BSE Sensex was trading down 103 points to 82,860, and Nifty-50 was at 25,355 with a loss of 34 points, a short while ago.  

    However, in the broader market at BSE, the Mid-cap index was trading more than half per cent up and the Small-cap index gained nearly one per cent when the reports last came in.

  • Nepal Landslides: Bhimdatta Highway, several roads blocked in Sudurpaschim

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    In Nepal, the Bhimdatta Highway and Dr K I Singh Highway were blocked by landslides that took place due to incessant rain in different places in the district. The landslides have also blocked several road networks connecting the rural areas in the districts of the Sudurpaschim Province. 

     

    According to the Department of Hydrology and Meteorology of Nepal, at present, the weather is partly to fully cloudy in Gandaki, Lumbini, Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces and partly cloudy in the rest of Nepal.

  • Infrastructure key force of national economy to build better future: Nepal PM

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Prime Minister of Nepal K P Sharma Oli addresses Nepal Infrastructure Summit 2024 in Kathmandu emphasizing infrastructure as the key force of the national economy and the foundation to build a better future. The Nepal Infrastructure Summit is jointly organised by the Ministry of Physical Infrastructure and Transport, the Confederation of Nepalese Industries, and the Investment Board.

     

    PM said that Infrastructure development is the most prioritized area of Nepal, which is vital for fostering economic growth and enhancing social development. He expressed his concern that roads, bridges, and public transit systems were neglected for long, which has resulted in increased traffic congestion, delayed goods and services, and a growing divide between those who have access to reliable infrastructure and those who do not. Moreover, the PM underlined the need to augment clean energy, IT and urban infrastructure to spur the growth process. He shared that the government had set high priority toward infrastructure development.

     

    He reminded the gathering at the summit that infrastructure development is a catalyst for growth. Improved transportation systems enable the efficient movement of goods and services, thus lowering costs and boosting trade. Industrial infrastructure is critical for reversing the trend of deindustrialization and promoting exports.

     

    Moreover, the PM said reliable energy attracts investments and fosters industrialization, while better communication networks connect people, facilitate education, and open doors to new opportunities.

     

    The PM also stressed the guarantee of environmentally sustainable infrastructure building. The private sector’s role is essential to this end. All sides’ initiatives are required to realize the shared vision of Happy Nepali and Prosperous Nepal. DPM and FM Bishnu Paudel said that public finance would be mobilized by maintaining economic and fiscal discipline and financial accountability. The Finance Minister argued that as a landlocked country with a difficult geography, infrastructure building is a challenging job for Nepal.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Multiple agreements reached in Qatar

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Continuing his visit to Qatar, Chief Executive John Lee today met local government and business leaders there, and witnessed the reaching of 35 agreements or memoranda of understanding among government departments, enterprises and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar.

     

    In the morning, Mr Lee met Qatar’s Minister of Labour Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri to discuss plans for enhancing talent exchanges. Highlighting that Hong Kong is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities and is on a path to become an international hub for post-secondary education, Mr Lee emphasised that the city offers a Belt & Road Scholarship to encourage students from countries or regions in the Belt & Road Initiative to pursue studies in the city. He invited more young people from Qatar to study in Hong Kong and develop careers in the city.

     

    Afterwards, the Chief Executive and members of his delegation attended a roundtable meeting with representatives of the Qatari Businessmen Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce & Industry.

     

    Extolling Hong Kong’s robust legal system, resilient financial system and simple and low tax regime, Mr Lee said he welcomed Qatari enterprises to capitalise on the city’s advantages in connecting with both Mainland China and other parts of the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. He added that Qatari enterprises can leverage Hong Kong’s financial, logistics and professional services, and its bridging roles, to tap into the Mainland market.

     

    In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a business lunch where he spoke of Hong Kong’s development opportunities and business advantages to over 300 local political and business representatives.

     

    He also took the opportunity to announce that Hong Kong and Qatar have substantially concluded negotiations on an Investment Promotion & Protection Agreement, and will begin discussions on mutual recognition arrangements for their respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes, in order to create a more favourable environment for the flow of capital and goods.

     

    In addition, the Chief Executive revealed that Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders can visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He said he looks forward to deepening co-operation with Qatar, adding that Hong Kong and Qatar can jointly seize development opportunities brought by the Greater Bay Area and the Belt & Road Initiative.

     

    Government departments, enterprises and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar also announced 35 memoranda of understanding or agreements covering economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal collaboration, finance, banking, and capital market development.

     

    Besides co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar, two agreements were signed directly between Mainland and Qatari enterprises to foster co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. A tripartite agreement was also signed among Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar to strengthen co-operation in fintech, covering Web3 and artificial intelligence.

     

    After the lunch event, Mr Lee visited Hamad International Airport in Doha to learn about an autonomous vehicle pilot project there.

     

    The project involves participation by UISEE, a Mainland Chinese enterprise which has established its international headquarters in Hong Kong. Having also collaborated with Hong Kong International Airport on autonomous vehicle projects, UISEE has drawn on those experiences to promote its technology to overseas clients.

     

    Mr Lee and the delegation will depart for Kuwait tonight.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKETO, Brussels supports the Hong Kong architecture exhibition at Venice Biennale (with photo)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels (HKETO, Brussels) supports the architecture exhibition “Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive”, staged at the 19th International Architecture Exhibition – Biennale Architectettura 2025 – at La Biennale di Venezia (Venice Biennale) in Venice, Italy, from May 10 until November 3, 2025. 
     
    Addressing at the grand opening of the Hong Kong Exhibition on 9 May (Venice time), the Special Representative for Hong Kong Economic and Trade Affairs to the European Union in Brussels, Miss Shirley Yung, highlighted Hong Kong’s unique urban identity: “From cooperative housing and multifunctional public complexes to modernist industrial buildings, the exhibition showcases how creativity, community, and sustainability underpin Hong Kong’s architectural energy”. Miss Yung added: “As a city where East meets West; Hong Kong’s architecture embodies a vibrant balance of tradition and innovation, local character and international vision, sustainability and forward-thinking design.”
     
    “Projecting Future Heritage: A Hong Kong Archive” is a Collateral Event of the Venice Biennale. It is organised by the Hong Kong Institute of Architects Biennale Foundation, Hong Kong Institute of Architects and the Hong Kong Arts Development Council, and sponsored by the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau, the Cultural and Creative Industries Development Agency, HKETO, Brussels and other partners.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Is matcha a healthier alternative to coffee? Here’s what you need to know

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Anthony Booker, Reader in Ethnopharmacology, University of Westminster

    Ekateryna Zubal/Shutterstock

    Matcha, with its vibrant green hue and centuries-old tradition, is often celebrated as a health boosting superfood. But what exactly sets it apart from regular green tea, or even your morning coffee?

    Like green and black tea, matcha comes from
    the camellia sinensis plant. The difference lies in how it’s grown and processed. While black tea is fermented and regular green tea is simply dried, matcha is shade-grown for several weeks before harvest.

    This unique method alters the plant’s chemistry, boosting certain compounds like chlorophyll and amino acids and giving matcha its distinct flavour and rich green colour. The leaves are then dried and finely ground into a powder – hence its name, which literally translates to “powdered tea” in Japanese.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    Although widely associated with Japanese culture and Zen tea ceremonies, matcha actually originated in China. It was brought to Japan in the 12th century by Buddhist monks, who used it to support meditation. Over time, it became a staple in Japanese tea culture, especially in formal tea ceremonies.

    From a health perspective, matcha offers many of the same benefits as green tea – thanks to its high content of polyphenols, including flavonoids, which are known antioxidants. However, because the leaves are consumed whole in powdered form, matcha may provide a more concentrated dose of these beneficial compounds.

    Lots of potential, relatively little research

    Matcha is touted for its wide range of potential health benefits: antioxidant, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and even anti-cancer effects, as well as potential improvements in brain function, stress relief, heart health and blood sugar regulation.

    But there’s a catch: most of the evidence supporting these claims comes from lab studies (on cells or animals), not robust clinical trials in humans. So while the early research is promising, it’s far from conclusive.

    One thing we do know: matcha contains caffeine – more than regular green tea, though typically less than coffee. Caffeine itself has well documented health benefits when consumed in moderation, including improved focus, mood, metabolism and even reduced risk of certain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

    But high doses can cause side effects like insomnia, anxiety and elevated blood pressure. The “more is better” approach doesn’t apply here, and the optimal dose of caffeine remains unclear.

    When comparing matcha to coffee, both offer similar antioxidant properties and cardiovascular benefits. However, coffee has been studied more extensively, with clearer guidelines: three to four cups a day appears to be a safe upper limit for most people.

    For matcha, the guidance is slightly more conservative, with sources suggesting one to three cups a day, probably due to the higher levels of polyphenols.



    Read more:
    All the reasons a cup of coffee really can be good for you

    Tannins and polyphenols in both tea and coffee can interfere with iron absorption, especially from plant-based foods. Drinking large amounts regularly, particularly around mealtimes, may increase the risk of iron-deficiency anaemia.

    That’s why it’s recommended to enjoy these beverages at least two hours before or after meals, especially for people who follow a predominantly plant-based diet or are already prone to low iron levels.

    Jitter-free

    Another consideration: both coffee and matcha are mildly acidic and can cause digestive discomfort or reflux in people with sensitive stomachs. That said, matcha may be a better choice for some. Unlike coffee, it contains L-theanine, an amino acid that promotes relaxation and may counteract the jittery effects of caffeine, making it a gentler alternative for people prone to anxiety.

    Both matcha and coffee have potential health benefits and the right choice depends on your personal needs and preferences. Coffee is better studied and may be ideal for those who tolerate caffeine well and enjoy several cups a day. Matcha, on the other hand, is a great option for those looking to consume less caffeine while still benefiting from antioxidants – and without the crash or jitters.

    Just remember to enjoy either in moderation, especially if you’re managing iron levels or digestive issues.

    Anthony Booker 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. Is matcha a healthier alternative to coffee? Here’s what you need to know – https://theconversation.com/is-matcha-a-healthier-alternative-to-coffee-heres-what-you-need-to-know-255729

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Climate Fiction Prize 2025: the five shortlisted books reviewed by our experts

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Louisa Egbunike, Associate Professor in African Literature, Durham University

    Five novels have been shortlisted for the 2025 Climate Fiction Prize. Our academics review the finalists ahead of the announcement of the winner on May 14.

    And So I Roar by Abi Daré

    Abi Daré’s poignant second novel, And So I Roar, charts the parallel stories of Tia, an environmental advocate, and Adunni, a Nigerian teenager first introduced in The Girl with the Louding Voice (2020).

    Now under Tia’s care in Lagos, Adunni has escaped child marriage and domestic abuse.

    When she returns to her village, Ikati, where she and other girls are blamed for the drought and face the threat of violence, the novel unravels long-held secrets. Daré masterfully explores how environmental crises intersect with gendered violence, showing how impoverished women disproportionately bear the burden of climate change.

    And So I Roar highlights intergenerational, inter-ethnic and cross-class solidarity, celebrating the courage of women and girls who defy society’s expectations. It is a powerful testament to resilience, as women and girls confront injustice and find the strength to lift their voices and, finally, roar.

    By Louisa Uchum Egbunike, associate professor in African literature

    The Morningside by Téa Obreht

    Obreht’s The Morningside is a quietly dazzling piece of climate fiction – more adjacent to our world than removed from it, and all the more unsettling for it.

    Set in Island City, a place marked by an unnamed tragedy, the novel centres on Sil, an 11-year-old girl who moves into the Morningside apartment complex with her mother.

    Both are climate refugees, though the novel wears this reality lightly – what matters more are the small acts of home-making, the search for belonging and the ghosts that travel with them. Magical realism is deftly handled here, interlaced with hints of folklore that feel entirely plausible within the book’s fragile ecology.

    The Morningside is deeply readable – generous, tender and brimming with quiet unease. It never tips into bleakness, but its warnings are clear enough. “The things you had, the things you saw,” Sil’s mother tells us, “will probably be gone by the time [your children are] born.”

    By Sam Illingworth, professor of creative pedagogies

    Briefly Very Beautiful by Roz Dineen

    Roz Dineen’s Briefly Very Beautiful immerses readers in a world that both is and is not a familiar fiction. Crisply written, in direct, unfussy prose, it is, at one level, a story of a woman, Cass, trying to protect her children as her relationship unravels.

    At the same time, a parallel social collapse triggered by climate change puts the ordinary in an extraordinary frame.

    Much of the effect of this novel comes from Cass’s utterly believable responses to what is taking place around her, her almost peripheral awareness of other people fleeing the city, her own craving for fresh air “like she’d craved things in pregnancy, with a scary gorging hunger”.

    Briefly Very Beautiful is a novel brave enough to recognise that there is no simple, heroic response to some situations. That sometimes, the determination to live an ordinary life is the truly heroic course of action.

    By Christopher Morash, professor of Irish writing

    Orbital by Samantha Harvey

    Samantha Harvey’s Orbital skilfully exposes the human cost of space flight, set against the urgency of the climate crisis. While a typhoon of life-threatening proportions gathers across south-east Asia, six cosmonauts hurtle around Earth on the International Space Station.

    Their everyday routine of tasteless food and laboratory work is in stark contrast to the awesome spectacle of the blue planet, oscillating between night and day, dark and light, where international borders are meaningless.

    While they teach laboratory mice to orient themselves in micro-gravity, they rigorously document their own bodily functions to satisfy some “grand abstract dream of interplanetary life” away from “the planet held hostage by humans, a gun to its vitals”. These are humans, Harvey tells us, “with a godly view that’s the blessing and also the curse”. Harvey has written a novel for the end of the world as we know it. The hope it offers is that we might learn to know it differently.

    By Debra Benita Shaw, reader in cultural theory

    The Ministry of Time by Kaliane Bradley

    The best novels defy easy categorisation, and The Ministry of Time covers many genres: climate fiction, sci-fi, speculative fiction, romance, action.

    It tells the story of a female civil servant who is a handler for one of five people plucked from history before their death. It was fun to imagine how today’s world would be perceived from various perspectives, including a zesty young lesbian woman from the 17th century, a shy young lieutenant from the first world war and a 19th-century naval officer.

    The story adopts the usual dystopian tropes of a world that has destroyed itself through greed, power-seeking and over-indulgence. In the final plea to the reader not to let this terrible future unfold, the assumption is that if we’re scared enough, we’ll all give up red meat, stop flying and campaign for climate policies.

    My research, and psychological studies of fear caution us that the response is just as likely to be voting for far-right leaders, marginalisation of innocent victims, and buying up all the toilet rolls. I loved this book, but to inspire greener behaviour, showing visions of what a sustainable society might look like if we did things right would be a welcome change.

    By Denise Baden, professor of sustainable business

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

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. The Climate Fiction Prize 2025: the five shortlisted books reviewed by our experts – https://theconversation.com/the-climate-fiction-prize-2025-the-five-shortlisted-books-reviewed-by-our-experts-253056

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Former Philippine President R. Duterte Wins Davao Mayoral Race in Midterm Elections: Preliminary Results

    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

    MANILA, May 12 (Xinhua) — Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has won again the Davao City mayoral race in the 2025 midterm elections, preliminary results showed late Monday.

    According to the Philippine Elections Commission, which was reported by local media, after more than 60 percent of the ballots were counted, Duterte won a comfortable lead, garnering 405,000 votes compared to his closest rival’s 49,000.

    The former president was arrested in March at Manila International Airport and then taken to the International Criminal Court in The Hague, the Netherlands, where he remains in custody.

    Under Philippine electoral law, a candidate can only be disqualified from running for office on the basis of a criminal conviction in a local court. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Joint statement on India-Pakistan conflict

    Source: City of Leeds

    Comment issued by civic and faith leaders in Leeds

    “As civic and faith leaders in Leeds, we welcome news of the ceasefire in hostilities between India and Pakistan following the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir.

    “Terrorism in any form goes against the values of humanity. We condemn all forms of terrorism affecting any communities and countries across the world.

    “We affirm our commitment to stand together at this time of increased tension between India and Pakistan.

    “We are deeply saddened and troubled by the loss of lives, property and livelihoods. Our hearts go out to all those who have been injured, those who are grieving and those who are living in fear of further attacks. We recognise that many in Leeds will also be worried for family and friends in the affected areas. We pray for everyone caught up in the conflict.

    “We have a strong and enduring history in Leeds of caring for one another and of acting responsibly in the face of international events that shake us. We will not let these tensions disrupt the peace we cherish in our neighbourhoods and communities.

    “The faith leaders of Leeds stand firmly against any form of extremism affecting any community in our city. We urge our communities to reject division and to avoid provocation. We would ask all those in our communities to seek to de-escalate tension, recognising our love for our neighbours, reaching out to one another in mutual respect and care. Together, we reaffirm our commitment to peace and concord and to standing against hatred and division.

    “We call on international leaders to continue taking steps to de-escalate the situation through dialogue. Escalation will only lead to the suffering of more innocent people, and everything must be done to prevent further harm.

    “We are a proud city where people of many backgrounds, faiths, and cultures live side by side. Hate has no place on our streets and together we issue this collective call for peace. We have not much control over what is happening internationally, but we can continue to live as neighbours who care for one another and our shared neighbourhoods.

    “In this great city which we all call home, we stand shoulder to shoulder – as part of Team Leeds. One community, one voice, one people. We call on all parties to pray and to work tirelessly for a just peace.”

    Signatories:

    Councillor Abigail Marshall Katung – Lord Mayor of Leeds

    Councillor James Lewis – Leader Leeds City Council

    Ed Whiting – Chief executive Leeds City Council

    Councillor Oliver Edwards – Faith, Religion and Belief Champion

    The Rt. Revd. Arun Arora – Chair Leeds Faith Forum

    Qari Assim MBE – Leeds Faith Forum

    Rasool Bhamani – Leeds Faith Forum

    Dharmesh Mistry – Leeds Faith Forum

    Simon Phillips – Vice Chair Leeds Faith Forum

    Girish Sonigra – Leeds Faith Forum

    Chiragi Solanki – Leeds Faith Forum

    Nirav Thakker – Leeds Faith Forum

    ENDS 

    For media enquiries please contact:

    Leeds City Council communications and marketing,

    Email: communicationsteam@leeds.gov.uk

    Tel: 0113 378 6007

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Global: The Moomins drift through time like a myth – that’s why they resist meaning and endure

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Steve Nash, Lecturer in Literature, Media, and Creative Writing, Leeds Beckett University

    The Moomins may look like hippos in aprons and top hats, but they’re more than just adorable characters from children’s books. Over the decades, these gentle creatures have become part of a living mythology – one that drifts across time, borders and generations.

    Created by Finnish-Swedish author Tove Jansson in the 1940s, the Moomins live in stories that blur the lines between fairy tale, folk wisdom and quiet philosophy. And perhaps that’s the secret to their enduring appeal: they resist being pinned down.

    Unlike traditional children’s characters tied to a tidy moral or neat storyline, the Moomins meander literally and metaphorically. Their world is one of seasonal migrations, long silences, floods, comets and unexpected departures.

    This is part of a series of articles celebrating the 80th anniversary of the Moomins. Want to celebrate their birthday with us? Join The Conversation and a group of experts on May 23 in Bradford for a screening of Moomins on the Riviera and a discussion of the refugee experience in Tove Jansson’s work. Click here for more information and tickets.

    Moominvalley isn’t a safe haven – it’s a landscape shaped by change. In that sense, Jansson’s stories echo something far older than modern literature: the mythic rhythms of Nordic storytelling, where time loops, endings blur and characters return in altered forms.

    A myth that moves

    The Viking sagas, for instance, were not written down at first but passed from voice to voice, reshaped with each telling. They weren’t concerned with tidy endings or moral clarity. Characters disappeared and reappeared. Time looped and fragmented.

    Similarly, Jansson’s stories don’t build to a climax. They wander. One book might end with a mystery, a quiet mood or a long silence. It’s a narrative style that feels strangely modern – and yet deeply ancient.

    Jansson herself resisted giving her stories a single message. In letters and interviews, she said she disliked moralising and preferred ambiguity. “A good story,” she wrote, “has no need to be explained; its truth lies in its telling, not in its conclusion.” That idea – of a truth that doesn’t depend on being pinned down – is at the heart of what makes the Moomins mythic.

    Of course, myths evolve. And the Moomins have evolved spectacularly. After the books found international success, the characters were adapted into Japanese anime, Nordic theatre, British radio and global branding campaigns.

    Each version tells a slightly different story. In Japan, the Moomins became symbols of warmth and nostalgia – gentle mascots of a simpler life. In the UK and US, early translations softened the melancholy and existential tones. More recently, new editions and critical reappraisals have returned to Jansson’s deeper themes of loss, solitude and transformation.

    The many lives of the Moomins

    This global journey has parallels with the evolution of Viking mythology. Once oral stories shared around fires, Norse myths have been repackaged for everything from national pride to Hollywood action. Like the Moomins, they’ve become flexible cultural symbols – used and re-used in ways that often have little to do with their original context.

    But unlike the fierce warriors of Norse myth, the Moomins are gentle, uncertain creatures. They worry. They drift. They don’t fight monsters – they reflect, explore, adapt. In Moominland Midwinter, Moomintroll wakes from hibernation to find the world cold and unfamiliar.

    His journey isn’t about conquering the landscape, it’s about learning how to live in it. That emotional honesty resonates with readers of all ages. It also reflects something uniquely Nordic: an existential awareness of solitude, change and survival.

    Folklore, loneliness and the Groke

    One character, the Groke, captures this beautifully. She’s a shadowy figure who creates frost wherever she walks. She’s not a villain, she’s just lonely. Children often fear her, but readers grow to understand her.

    She recalls Nordic spirits like the huldra or tomte – ghostly beings that live in the forests, blurring the line between human and otherworldly. In Jansson’s hands, this folklore becomes a way to explore anxiety, estrangement and the human need for warmth.

    The Moomins’ refusal to settle – geographically or philosophically – also speaks to today’s world of cultural fluidity. Jansson was from Finland’s Swedish-speaking minority and grew up between languages, cultures and post-war upheaval.

    Her books reflect that liminal identity, and they’ve found a home among readers who don’t always fit neatly into one place. That might be why the Moomins are particularly popular in countries dealing with identity shifts or cultural nostalgia.

    A myth for a shifting world

    As with all mythologies, there’s also a commercial side. The Moomins are now a global brand, with theme parks, merchandise, museums and a thriving fanbase. Some of this has softened their original complexity.

    But even through plush toys and animation, something essential remains: the feeling that these characters, like the stories they inhabit, can’t be reduced to one message. They are always slightly mysterious, slightly out of reach.

    In a world that often demands quick answers and strong opinions, the Moomins offer something gentler: ambiguity, openness and quiet reflection. They remind us that not all stories are meant to be solved with a neat conclusion. Some are meant to be returned to – revisited like familiar places in the mind, reshaped each time we arrive.

    That’s what makes the Moomins mythic. Not just their age or popularity, but their ability to change – and to change us – with every retelling. They invite us to wander, like Snufkin, and to sit still, like Moominmamma.

    They show us that myth isn’t just about gods and monsters – it’s about living with uncertainty, embracing return, and finding meaning in the stories that help us feel at home in the world.

    Steve Nash works for Leeds Beckett University.

    – ref. The Moomins drift through time like a myth – that’s why they resist meaning and endure – https://theconversation.com/the-moomins-drift-through-time-like-a-myth-thats-why-they-resist-meaning-and-endure-254742

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: Nineteen Eighty-Four and Brave New World should be read in tandem to understand today’s troubled times

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Emrah Atasoy, Associate Fellow of English and Comparative Literary Studies & Honorary Research Fellow of IAS, University of Warwick

    Is there any past work of fiction that can help us make sense of today’s troubling trends? Taking into account the proliferation of references to obfuscating “Newspeak”, Big Brother-style leaders and impossible-to-circumvent surveillance systems in newspaper articles, this question cries out for a simple answer: “Yes – and that work is George Orwell’s Nineteen Eighty-Four.”

    People on both the political left and right see Orwell’s 1949 novel as the book from the last century that speaks to the present most powerfully. But there are others who regard consumer culture and social media obsession as the primary concerns of today. They have a different answer: “Yes – and that work is Aldous Huxley’s Brave New World.”

    We, however, think the answer is “both”.

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

    In the long-running debate over who was the most prophetic writer of their era, Orwell, who was a pupil of Huxley’s at Eton, is generally the favourite.

    One reason for this is that international alliances that long seemed stable are now in flux. In Nineteen Eighty-Four, his final novel, Orwell envisioned a future tri-polar world divided into competing blocks with shifting allegiances.

    In the short time since the US president, Donald Trump, began his second term, his policies and statements have triggered surprising realignments. The US and Canada, close partners for more than a century, have faced off against each other. And in April, an official from Beijing joined with his counterparts from South Korea and Japan to push back as an unlikely trio against Trump’s new tariffs.

    That is perhaps why there is a booming field of “Orwell studies”, with its own academic journal, but not “Huxley studies”. It also probably explains why Nineteen Eighty-Four, but not Brave New World, keeps making its way on to bestseller lists – sometimes in tandem with Margaret Atwood’s The Handmaid’s Tale (1985). “Orwellian” (unlike the rarely heard “Huxleyan”) has few competitors other than “Kafkaesque” as an immediately recognisable adjective linked to a 20th-century author.

    Trailer for the film 1984, an adaptation of Orwell’s novel.

    As wonderful as Atwood and Kafka are, we are convinced that combining Orwell’s vision with Huxley’s offers scope for deeper analysis. This is true in part because of, not despite, how common it has been to contrast the modes of autocracy Orwell and Huxley describe.

    Orwellian and Huxleyan visions as one world

    We live in an era when all sorts of systems of control limit our freedoms of expression, identity and religion. Many do not quite fit the template that either Orwell or Huxley imagined, but instead combine elements.

    There are certainly places, such as Myanmar, where those in power rely on techniques that immediately bring Orwell to mind, with his focus on fear and surveillance. There are others, such as Dubai, that more readily evoke Huxley, with his focus on pleasure and distraction. In many cases, though, we find a mixture.

    This is especially clear if you take a global view. That’s something we specialise in as international and interdisciplinary researchers – a literary scholar from Turkey based in the UK, and a Californian cultural historian of China who has also published on southeast Asia.

    Like Orwell, Huxley wrote many books that were not dystopian fiction, but his foray into that genre became his most influential. Brave New World was well known throughout the cold war. In courses and commentaries, it was commonly paired with Nineteen Eighty-Four as a narrative illustrating a shallow society based on indulgence and consumerism, as opposed to the bleaker Orwellian world of suppression of desire and strict control.

    While it is common to approach the two books via their contrasts, they can be treated as interconnected and entangled works as well.

    Trailer for an adaptation of Brave New World, released in 2020.

    During the cold war, some commentators felt that Brave New World showed where capitalist consumerism in the age of television could lead. The west, according to this interpretation, could become a world in which autocrats like those in the novel stayed on top. They would do this by keeping people busy and divided among themselves, happily distracted by entertainment and the drug “soma”.

    Orwell, by contrast, seemed to provide a key to unlock the harder mode of control in non-capitalist, Communist Party-run lands, especially those of the Soviet bloc.

    Huxley himself in Brave New World Revisited, a non-fiction book he published in the 1950s, thought it was important to think about ways the techniques of power and societal engineering in the two novels could be combined, approached and analysed. And there is even more value in combining the approaches now, when capitalism has gone so global and the autocratic wave keeps reaching new shores in the so-called post-truth era.

    Orwellian hard-edged and Huxleyan soft-edged approaches to control and social engineering can be and often are combined. We see this within countries such as China, where the crude repressive methods of a Big Brother state are used against the Uyghur population, while cities such as Shenzhen evoke Brave New World.

    We see this mixing of dystopian elements in many countries – variations on the way that science fiction writer William Gibson, author of novels such as Neuromancer (1984), wrote about Singapore with a phrase that had a soft-edged first half and a hard-edged second: “Disneyland with the death penalty.”

    This can be a useful first step toward better understanding, and perhaps beginning to try to find a way of improving the troubling world of the mid-2020s. A world in which the smartphone in your pocket both keeps track of your actions and provides an endless set of enticing distractions.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Nineteen Eighty-Four and Brave New World should be read in tandem to understand today’s troubled times – https://theconversation.com/nineteen-eighty-four-and-brave-new-world-should-be-read-in-tandem-to-understand-todays-troubled-times-253872

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Global: UK’s India trade deal offers wider access to a surging economy – and could make food imports cheaper

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Sangeeta Khorana, Professor of International Trade Policy, Aston University

    India’s economy is growing rapidly. Radiokafka/Shutterstock

    After more than three years and 14 rounds of negotiations, the UK and India have finally announced a free trade agreement (FTA). UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer will formally sign the deal on a visit to India later this year. This is the biggest and most economically significant bilateral trade deal the UK has struck since leaving the EU. It will have implications for both businesses and workers.

    In 2024, the UK’s trade with India was worth £43 billion – £17.1 billion of exports and £25.5 billion of imports. Government modelling estimates that trade between the nations will increase by as much as 39% and the UK’s GDP will expand by £4.8 billion or 0.1 percentage points per year as a result.

    India’s economy is growing fast. It is expected to expand by 6% annually, becoming the world’s third largest economy by 2028 after the US and China. This certainly makes the deal with the UK very timely.

    With a population of more than 1.4 billion and a growing middle class, the country offers huge market potential. Its import demand is predicted to grow by 144% between 2021 and 2035. This combination of strong economic growth and increasing numbers of citizens with disposable cash makes a compelling case for the deal.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences. Join The Conversation for free today.

    Both the UK and India have agreed to reduce tariffs under the deal. India will immediately lower its 150% tariffs on Scotch whisky and gin to 75%, and then to 40% within ten years. Tariffs on foodstuffs such as lamb, salmon and cheeses will fall from around 30% to zero.

    Simplified trade rules, including faster customs processing, reduced barriers such as complex labelling requirements, and enhanced support for small businesses should bring gains for companies. Timely customs clearance will support exports of perishable items like Scottish salmon, where delays reduce the product’s shelf life. Similarly, exporters of things like biscuits and cheese will benefit from streamlined paperwork and be able to compete in India’s growing market.

    There will no longer be limits on the number of UK businesses allowed to provide telecommunications, environmental and construction services. And UK businesses will not need to set up a company in India or be a resident in India to supply their services in these sectors.

    Once the FTA comes into force, which could take up to a year, the UK will allow 99% of Indian imports duty-free access into the UK. The sectors set to benefit most are footwear, textiles and clothing, as well as processed prawns, basmati rice and ready meals. These reductions will mean lower prices for UK consumers, given tariffs on clothing and footwear are 12% and 16% respectively.

    Clothing and textile imports to the UK will have tariff-free access.
    Yevhen Prozhyrko/Shutterstock

    Tariffs on luxury cars will also be reduced from more than 100% to 10% under quotas on both sides. The FTA locks in zero tariffs on industrial machinery, advanced materials for use in hi-tech industries, and components for electric vehicles. This will position British suppliers inside a manufacturing market ranked the world’s second-most attractive after China.

    In terms of workers, there were well publicised fears that the agreement might lead to UK workers being undercut by Indian counterparts. Plans for a so-called “double contribution convention” grants a three-year exemption from national insurance contributions for Indian employees temporarily working in the UK. But this is a reciprocal deal and is likely to apply only to workers who are seconded from one country to the other, so should not result in UK workers being more expensive to hire.

    And although no changes to immigration policy are planned, the FTA will offer easier movement for skilled workers. UK providers of services like construction and telecoms will have access to India’s growing market.

    Both countries have committed to encouraging the recognition of professional qualifications. A professional services working group for UK and Indian government officials will provide a forum to monitor and support this initiative.

    Timing is everything

    Against a backdrop of rising protectionism and geopolitical tensions, the UK-India FTA stands out as a strategic deal. It is also a significant milestone in Britain’s Indo-Pacific “tilt”. This approach gives UK firms a hedge against over-reliance on any single region or country-centric supply chains, to keep trade flowing in the event of more US tariff shocks, for example.

    With the US fixation on tariffs, and global supply chains facing continued disruption, securing preferential access to the world’s fastest-growing major economy is a strategic win for the UK. From India’s perspective, the trade deal is aligned with its rise as a “China-plus-one” manufacturing hub (where businesses diversify to ensure they do not invest only in China).

    The UK and India share historical ties that are underpinned by cultural, educational and people-to-people links. The UK-India FTA marks a new phase in this relationship, where shared economic interests define a forward-looking partnership between the two countries.

    And in terms of its ongoing talks with the EU, India could use the agreement to showcase its willingness to negotiate ambitious trade deals. For the UK, given its own upcoming trade and cooperation talks with the EU, the FTA with India demonstrates that new partnerships can be built while maintaining vital European ties.

    Sangeeta Khorana has received funding from UK-ESRC, EU and other international organisations. She is affiliated with Chartered Institute of Export and International Trade as a Trustee Director.

    – ref. UK’s India trade deal offers wider access to a surging economy – and could make food imports cheaper – https://theconversation.com/uks-india-trade-deal-offers-wider-access-to-a-surging-economy-and-could-make-food-imports-cheaper-256387

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI: 51Talk Online Education Group to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — 51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) based in Singapore, and focused on global online education, today announced that its Investor Relations Vice President David Chung will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 11:00 a.m. EST
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.  

    Participation is free of charge.

    51Talk Online Education Group: Fourth Quarter 2024 Financial and Operational Highlights

    • Gross billings for the fourth quarter of 2024 were US$21.4 million, a 93.4% growth from the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • Net revenues were US$16.2 million for the fourth quarter of 2024, a 117.3% increase from US$7.5 million for the fourth quarter of 2023.
    • The number of active students with attended lesson consumption was approximately 74,200 in the fourth quarter of 2024, representing an 83.2% increase from approximately 40,500 for the fourth quarter of 2023.

    About 51Talk Online Education Group

    51Talk Online Education Group (NYSE American: COE) is a global online education platform with core expertise in English education. The Company’s mission is to make quality education accessible and affordable. The Company’s online and mobile education platforms enable students to take live interactive English lessons, on demand. The Company connects its students with a large pool of highly qualified teachers that it assembled using a shared economy approach, and employs student and teacher feedback and data analytics to deliver a personalized learning experience to its students.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:
    51Talk Online Education Group

    David Chung

    Investor Relations Vice President

    Jinling Wang

    Investor Relations Manager

    wangjinling@51talk.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: ASM announces the voting results of the 2025 Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Almere, The Netherlands
    May 12, 2025

    ASM International N.V. (Euronext Amsterdam: ASM) today announces the voting results of its Annual General meeting held on May 12, 2025, in the Van der Valk Hotel Almere, in Almere, the Netherlands.

    The shareholders approved all resolutions as proposed to the Annual General Meeting.

    The main resolutions include the following:

    • The annual accounts 2024 were approved and adopted.
    • A positive advisory vote was cast on the 2024 remuneration report.
    • A regular dividend of €3.00 per common share was approved.
    • Mr. Verhagen was reappointed as member of the Management Board for a two-year term.
    • Ms. Van der Meer Mohr and Mr. Sanchez were reappointed as members of the Supervisory Board for a second four-year term and Ms. Kahle-Galonske was reappointed as member of the Supervisory Board for a third term of one year.
    • EY Accountants B.V. was reappointed as auditor to audit the annual accounts for the financial year 2026 and appointed as assurance provider of sustainability information for the financial years 2025 and 2026.

    About ASM International

    ASM International N.V., headquartered in Almere, the Netherlands, and its subsidiaries design and manufacture equipment and process solutions to produce semiconductor devices for wafer processing, and have facilities in the United States, Europe, and Asia. ASM International’s common stock trades on the Euronext Amsterdam Stock Exchange (symbol: ASM). For more information, visit ASM’s website at www.asm.com.

    Contact

    Investor and media relations

    Victor Bareño
    T: +31 88 100 8500
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    Investor relations

    Valentina Fantigrossi
    T: +31 88 100 8502
    E: investor.relations@asm.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: DH announces latest situation of Legionnaires’ disease cases

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Centre for Health Protection (CHP) of the Department of Health today (May 12) reported the latest number of cases of Legionnaires’ disease (LD), and reminded the public of the importance of using and maintaining properly designed man-made water systems, adding that susceptible groups should strictly observe relevant precautions.

         From May 4 to 10, the CHP recorded five community-acquired LD cases. The details of the cases are as follows:
     

    1. A 74-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Wan Chai District;
    2. An 86-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Tuen Mun District;
    3. A 62-year-old male patient with good past health living in Sha Tin District;
    4. An 89-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Central and Western District; and
    5. A 67-year-old male patient with underlying illnesses living in Eastern District.

         The CHP is conducting epidemiological investigations to identify potential sources of infection, high-risk exposure and clusters, if any.

         As of May 10, 49 LD cases had been recorded this year. In 2024 and 2023, there were 135 and 121 LD cases respectively.

         Men, people aged over 50, smokers, alcoholics and persons with weakened immunity are more susceptible to LD. Some situations may also increase the risk of infection, including poor maintenance of water systems; living in areas with old water systems, cooling towers or fountains; using electric water heaters, whirlpools and spas or hot water spring spas; and recent stays in hotels or vessels.

         Legionellae are found in various environmental settings and grow well in warm water (20 to 45 degrees Celsius). They can be found in aqueous environments such as water tanks, hot and cold water systems, cooling towers, whirlpools and spas, water fountains and home apparatus that support breathing. People may become infected when they breathe in contaminated droplets (aerosols) and mist generated by artificial water systems, or when handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes.

         Immunocompromised persons should:
     

    • Use sterile or boiled water for drinking, tooth brushing and mouth rinsing;
    • Avoid using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices; and
    • If using humidifiers, or other mist- or aerosol-generating devices, fill the water tank with only sterile or cooled freshly boiled water, and not water directly from the tap. Also, clean and maintain humidifiers/devices regularly according to manufacturers’ instructions. Never leave stagnant water in a humidifier/device. Empty the water tank, wipe all surfaces dry, and change the water daily. 

         
    The public should observe the health advice below:
     

    • Observe personal hygiene;
    • Do not smoke and avoid alcohol consumption;
    • Strainers in water taps and shower heads should be inspected, cleaned, descaled and disinfected regularly or at a frequency recommended by the manufacturer;
    • If a fresh-water plumbing system is properly maintained, it is not necessary to install domestic water filters. Use of water filters is not encouraged as clogging occurs easily, which can promote growth of micro-organisms. In case water filters are used, the pore size should be 0.2 micrometres (µm) and the filter needs to be changed periodically according to the manufacturer’s recommendations;
    • Drain and clean water tanks of buildings at least quarterly;
    • Drain or purge for at least one minute infrequently used water outlets (e.g. water taps, shower heads and hot water outlets) and stagnant points of the pipework weekly or before use;
    • Seek and follow doctors’ professional advice regarding the use and maintenance of home respiratory devices and use only sterile water (not distilled or tap water) to clean and fill the reservoir. Clean and maintain the device regularly according to the manufacturer’s instructions. After cleaning/disinfection, rinse the device with sterile water, cooled freshly boiled water or water filtered with 0.2 µm filters. Never leave stagnant water in the device. Empty the water tank, keep all surfaces dry, and change the water daily; and
    • When handling garden soil, compost and potting mixes: 
    1. Wear gloves and a face mask;
    2. Water gardens and compost gently using low pressure;
    3. Open composted potting mixes slowly and make sure the opening is directed away from the face;
    4. Wet the soil to reduce dust when potting plants; and
    5. Avoid working in poorly ventilated places such as enclosed greenhouses.

         â€‹â€‹The public may visit the CHP’s LD page, the Code of Practice for Prevention of LD and the Housekeeping Guidelines for Cold and Hot Water Systems for Building Management of the Prevention of LD Committee, and the CHP’s risk-based strategy for prevention and control of LD.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • PM Modi announces success of Operation Sindoor in fight against terrorism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In an address to the nation, Prime Minister Narendra Modi declared the success of Operation Sindoor, a decisive military operation targeting terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, marking a new chapter in India’s fight against terrorism. The operation, launched in response to a barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, has redefined India’s counter-terrorism strategy, with the Prime Minister emphasizing a policy of zero tolerance for terrorism.

    Speaking via videoconference, PM Modi condemned the Pahalgam attack, where terrorists brutally killed innocent civilians after questioning their faith in front of their families. Describing the act as an attempt to fracture India’s harmony, he expressed the nation’s unified resolve to combat terrorism. “Every terrorist now knows the consequences of wiping Sindoor from the foreheads of our sisters and daughters,” he said, dedicating the operation’s success to the courage of India’s armed forces and the unity of its people.

    Operation Sindoor, executed on May 6-7, saw Indian armed forces conduct precise missile and drone strikes on terrorist hideouts and training centers in Pakistan, including notorious hubs in Bahawalpur and Muridke, linked to global attacks like 9/11 and the London Tube bombings. The operation eliminated over 100 dangerous terrorists, including key figures, and dismantled their infrastructure, shattering their morale. “Terrorists dared to wipe the Sindoor from our sisters; India destroyed the very headquarters of terror,” PM Modi asserted.

    The Prime Minister revealed that Pakistan, frustrated by India’s strikes, retaliated by targeting Indian civilian and military sites. However, India’s advanced air defense systems neutralized these attacks, and Indian drones and missiles struck Pakistani airbases, causing significant damage. By May 10, Pakistan’s military, reeling from losses, contacted India’s Director General of Military Operations, assuring a cessation of terrorist activities and aggression. India, after dismantling large-scale terrorist infrastructure, temporarily suspended its counter-operations but vowed to monitor Pakistan’s actions closely.

    PM Modi outlined India’s new security doctrine, built on three pillars: decisive retaliation against terrorist attacks, no tolerance for nuclear blackmail, and no distinction between terrorists and their state sponsors. He criticized Pakistan’s military for openly supporting terrorists, citing their attendance at militants’ funerals as evidence of state-sponsored terrorism. “Operation Sindoor has set a new benchmark, a new normal,” he declared, highlighting the operation’s role in showcasing India’s prowess in modern warfare and the effectiveness of Made-in-India defense systems.

    Emphasizing India’s commitment to peace, PM Modi reiterated that “this is not an era of war, but it is not an era of terrorism either.” He warned Pakistan that continued support for terrorism would lead to its downfall and stressed that any talks with Pakistan would focus solely on terrorism and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (PoK). “Terror and talks cannot coexist,” he said, underscoring India’s firm stance.

    On Buddha Purnima, the Prime Minister invoked Lord Buddha’s teachings, stating that peace requires strength. He saluted the armed forces, intelligence agencies, and scientists for their role in Operation Sindoor and praised the unity of Indian citizens. “Zero tolerance against terrorism is the guarantee of a better world,” Modi concluded, reaffirming India’s resolve to build a strong, prosperous, and peaceful Viksit Bharat.

  • MIL-OSI: Yiren Digital to Present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank ADR Virtual Investor Conference May 15th  

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    BEIJING, May 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Yiren Digital (NYSE:YRD) based in Beijing, an AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in Asia, today announced that its SVP of Capital Market, William Hui, will present at the dbVIC – Deutsche Bank American Depositary Receipt (ADR) Virtual Investor Conference on May 15, 2025. This virtual investor conference is aimed exclusively at introducing global companies with ADR programs to investors.

    DATE: May 15th
    TIME: 11:30 AM ET
    LINK: REGISTER HERE

    This will be a live, interactive online event where investors are invited to ask the company questions in real-time. If attendees are not able to join the event live on the day of the conference, an archived webcast will also be made available after the event.

    It is recommended that online investors pre-register and run the online system check to expedite participation and receive event updates.

    Participation is free of charge.

    About Yiren Digital

    Yiren Digital Ltd. is an advanced, AI-powered platform providing a comprehensive suite of financial and lifestyle services in Asia. Our mission is to elevate customers’ financial well-being and enhance their quality of life by delivering digital financial services, tailor-made insurance solutions, and premium lifestyle services. We support clients at various growth stages, addressing financing needs arising from consumption and production activities, while aiming to augment the overall well-being and security of individuals, families, and businesses.

    About Virtual Investor Conferences®
    Virtual Investor Conferences (VIC) is the leading proprietary investor conference series that provides an interactive forum for publicly traded companies to seamlessly present directly to investors.

    Providing a real-time investor engagement solution, VIC is specifically designed to offer companies more efficient investor access.  Replicating the components of an on-site investor conference, VIC offers companies enhanced capabilities to connect with investors, schedule targeted one-on-one meetings and enhance their presentations with dynamic video content. Accelerating the next level of investor engagement, Virtual Investor Conferences delivers leading investor communications to a global network of retail and institutional investors.

    CONTACTS:

    Yiren Digital
    Name: Keyao He
    Title: IR Director
    Email: ir@yiren.com 

    Virtual Investor Conferences
    John M. Viglotti
    SVP Corporate Services, Investor Access
    OTC Markets Group
    (212) 220-2221
    johnv@otcmarkets.com 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Remarks by CE at media session in Doha (with photo/video)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Remarks by CE at media session in Doha (with photo/video) 
    Chief Executive: I will now turn to our English-speaking friends in the media.
     
    This marks my second duty visit to the Middle East since taking office. Our delegation comprises over 50 professionals and leaders of enterprises from Hong Kong plus Mainland China. The composition of the delegation demonstrates Hong Kong’s unique role as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” under the principle of “one country, two systems”. Hong Kong is dedicated to capitalising on its connectivity with both Mainland China and the world, collaborating and synergising with economies and enterprises that are eager to pursue high-quality development with us.
     
    I have set out three major goals for our visit to the Middle East this time. First, to strengthen government-to-government relations; second, to explore new areas of co-operation; third, to make friends and expand our network.
     
    Yesterday, I had the honour of meeting His Highness the Amir of the State of Qatar, followed by a meeting with the Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs. We also visited the Qatar Investment Authority. I introduced to them Hong Kong’s latest developments in finance, professional services, and innovation and technology. We agreed to deepen collaboration across sectors between Hong Kong and Qatar.
     
    We have also expanded our business networks. During this visit, we have achieved 35 MOUs and agreements spanning trade, investment, technology, legal co-operation, financial markets and so on.
     
    In addition to Hong Kong-Qatar co-operation, two agreements were reached between enterprises from Mainland China and Qatar, supporting the development of financial services and advanced manufacturing.
     
    A tripartite agreement among organisations from Hong Kong, Mainland China and Qatar was also reached, focusing on fintech collaboration, showcasing Hong Kong’s bridging role between different economies.
     
    The delegation has first-hand insights from the visit. The delegation visited the Qatar Foundation to learn about its R&D, education and community projects, and visited Lusail City to better understand the smart infrastructure in Qatar’s second-largest city.
     
    Later today, I will visit an autonomous vehicle project at the airport — a project designed by a Mainland Chinese tech firm with its international headquarters in Hong Kong, and first piloted in the Hong Kong International Airport. This exemplifies our role as a launchpad for global innovation.
     
    Tonight, we will depart for Kuwait and will announce the outcome of our duty visit later.
     
    Reporter: Thank you honourable sir. I wanted to ask you if you could you give a rough figure of the value of the 35 memorandums of understanding (MOUs) that have been signed today? And if you can go into a little bit more about the sectors whereby Qatar and Hong Kong can both benefit from each other? For example, you mentioned earlier technology in autonomous vehicles manufactured by Yutong.
     
    Chief Executive: There are 35 agreements signed within two days. I think that is quite a record. I am very glad that delegate members, plus our counterparts in Qatar, both have been very active and supportive in developing co-operation, collaboration and networking, and I see them really spending their time exchanging contact details and also exchanging ideas on how they can develop the relationship. The 35 co-operation agreements cover areas including economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal co-operation, finance, banking and also capital arrangement. If you want to look at the 35 areas of co-operation, I think if you look at the fullest, then you will see the focus areas of co-operation.
     
    The result of these 35 agreements will have to be judged by those who will then continue their work. What a visit led by the Chief Executive will achieve, and can achieve, is opening the doors first with governments, so that the delegates, business players and entrepreneurs can then continue the liaison to open more doors, windows and opportunities. It is up to them to work hard, and this is something I will be demanding – for them to work hard. But if you look at my last visit to the Middle East, which was about two years ago, after we signed a number of MOUs, we have seen companies producing hydrogen buses for a country in the Middle East. We have seen, for example, on the stock exchange side, stock exchanges exchanging agreements for dual listing. We also see professionals set up their offices in the countries that I visited in the Middle East last time, and they have been receiving work orders and doing their services. I expect the delegates to continue these liaisons amongst themselves. But I am glad to inform you that the amount of enthusiasm is very strong. I will say that there will be more exchanges between not just governments, but in the private sector, chambers, businessmen and associations. And I will see not just exchanges between themselves, but also their participation in some of the events organised in Hong Kong, including both conferences, a lot of match-making deals, etc. I am very positive that the momentum will continue.
     
    (Please also refer to the Chinese portion of the remarks.)
    Issued at HKT 23:58

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE leads delegation to continue visit to Qatar

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE leads delegation to continue visit to Qatar 
    In the morning, Mr Lee met with the Minister of Labour of Qatar, Dr Ali bin Saeed bin Samikh Al Marri, to discuss plans on enhancing talent exchanges between Hong Kong and Qatar, with a view to promoting cultural exchanges and communication between the two places. Noting that Hong Kong is home to five of the world’s top 100 universities and is actively developing into an international hub for post-secondary education, Mr Lee highlighted that Hong Kong offers a Belt and Road Scholarship to encourage students from Belt and Road countries or regions to pursue post-secondary studies in the city. This initiative aims to attract more outstanding non-local students and talent to Hong Kong. He welcomed more young people of Qatar to study and develop their careers in Hong Kong.
     
    After that, Mr Lee and the delegation attended a roundtable meeting with representatives of the Qatari Businessmen Association and the Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry respectively. Highlighting Hong Kong’s robust legal system, resilient financial system and simple and low tax regime, Mr Lee welcomed Qatari enterprises to capitalise on Hong Kong’s advantages in connecting with both the Mainland and the world under the “one country, two systems” principle. Qatari enterprises can also leverage Hong Kong’s high-quality financial, logistics and professional services, as well as its bridging roles to assist enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, tapping into business opportunities on the Mainland market.
     
    In the afternoon, Mr Lee attended a business luncheon co-hosted by the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Dubai and the Hong Kong Trade Development Council. Addressing the luncheon, Mr Lee introduced Hong Kong’s development opportunities and business advantages to over 300 local political and business representatives. Noting that the Middle East is a key region under the Belt and Road Initiative, Mr Lee said this marks his second visit to the Middle East since taking office, and that he was very pleased to see the continuous strengthening of ties and co-operation between Hong Kong and the region. Pointing out that Qatar is Hong Kong’s third-largest trading partner in the Middle East region, Mr Lee announced that Hong Kong and Qatar had substantially concluded negotiations on the Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement, and would begin discussions on mutual recognition arrangements for their respective Authorized Economic Operator Programmes, creating a more favourable environment for flows of capital and goods. He also announced a new arrangement allowing Hong Kong Special Administrative Region passport holders to visit Qatar visa-free for up to 30 days. He said he looks forward to further deepening co-operation with Qatar in such areas as economy and trade, tourism, and culture. He said that Hong Kong and Mainland enterprises complement each other’s strengths, and that Hong Kong will continue to play its bridging role to serve enterprises in going global and attracting external investment, with a view to deepening international exchanges and co-operation. Hong Kong and Qatar can jointly seize the significant development opportunities brought by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area and the Belt and Road Initiative.
     
    During the luncheon, government departments, enterprises, and institutions from Hong Kong, the Mainland and Qatar exchanged and announced 35 MOUs and co-operation agreements covering economic co-operation, investment, technology, legal collaboration, as well as finance, banking, and capital market development. In addition to the co-operation between Hong Kong and Qatar, two agreements were signed directly between Mainland and Qatari enterprises to foster co-operation in financial services and high-end manufacturing. Furthermore, a tripartite agreement was signed among Hong Kong, the Mainland, and Qatar to strengthen co-operation in fintech, covering Web3 and AI, leveraging the respective technological strengths of each region for mutual development.
     
    Afterwards, Mr Lee visited Hamad International Airport in Doha to learn about the operation and effectiveness of its autonomous vehicle pilot project and to examine the application of autonomous buses. The pilot project, which had participation by a Chinese enterprise, UISEE, set a precedent for applying autonomous driving technology at airports in the Middle East region. UISEE is one of the leading companies in autonomous driving technology on the Mainland, having established its international headquarters in Hong Kong as a springboard to expand its business globally. The company collaborated with Hong Kong International Airport on autonomous vehicle projects to enhance the safety and operational efficiency of airport logistics, drawing on the successful experiences to promote the technology to the international market. Hamad International Airport, which is the latest pilot site of UISEE, demonstrated the co-operation among Mainland China, Hong Kong, and Qatar.
     
    Mr Lee and the delegation will depart for Kuwait tonight.
     
    Issued at HKT 23:58

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –