NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China and Kazakhstan are ready to develop cooperation in the engineering field

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — Luo Hui, a member of the leadership group and head of the international cooperation department of the China Association of Science and Technology (CAST), met with Abdumutalip Abzhapparov, head of the Central Asian Association for Education Accreditation in Kazakhstan, in Beijing on Wednesday, the CAST reported.

    The parties unanimously believe that, in accordance with the new cooperation map, the prospects for cooperation in the engineering field between the two countries are very broad, and it is necessary to further increase exchanges and strengthen mutual trust in this area. This is stated in a statement posted on the official website of KANT.

    KANT noted that consultations were also held on a number of issues, including the establishment of a Chinese-Central Asian cooperation mechanism in the engineering field, joint development of engineering education standards and qualifications of engineers for the future development of the relevant industry, pooling resources for the continuous professional development of engineers, organizing exchanges among young engineers, etc. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Over 20 schools in Delhi receive bomb threats emails

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    NEW DELHI, July 18 (Xinhua) — More than 20 schools in the Indian city of Delhi received bomb threats via email on Friday morning, prompting the schools to be evacuated and thoroughly searched.

    According to the latest reports, no bombs or other explosives were found in the schools.

    Threatening emails cause panic among security services. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Central Asia Fair Competition Policy Research Institute Opens in Xi’an

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — The China-Central Asia Fair Competition Policy Research Institute has been established in Xi’an, capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, the provincial market regulation bureau said Friday.

    The opening ceremony of the institute took place on Wednesday afternoon at the Northwestern University of Political Science and Law, according to a statement posted on the official website of the aforementioned department.

    In his speech, Zhang Xiaoping, head of the department, called the establishment of the institute a key step to serve the Belt and Road Initiative and promote the development of an open economy in Shaanxi Province. According to him, in order to ensure the effective operation of the institute and enhance its influence, it is necessary to deepen research on competition policy and promote the realization of great results of institutional cooperation with Central Asian countries.

    It is necessary to innovatively build a system of service support for enterprises entering international markets to help enterprises from Shaanxi strengthen their positions in the Central Asian markets, he added.

    Zhao Wandong, secretary of the Party Committee of Northwest University of Political Science and Law, said the establishment of the institute offers a favorable opportunity to deepen theoretical innovation and practical research in the field of fair competition and antitrust regulation policies and promote the construction of a unified pan-China market. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointment of supervisory committee to conduct investigation into alleged misconduct of District Council member

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs (SHYA), Miss Alice Mak, appointed a supervisory committee today (July 18) to investigate alleged misconduct of Tuen Mun District Council (DC) member Mr Kenneth Yip Kat-kong.
      
         The Chairman and three members of the Tuen Mun DC initiated an investigation into Mr Yip’s alleged misconduct pursuant to the District Councils Ordinance (Cap. 547) on July 15. The SHYA appointed a supervisory committee according to the Ordinance to conduct the investigation, and the five committee members are Mr Li Tak-hong, Ms Luparker Wong Shuk-fan, Mr Ng King-wah, Ms Janus Lau Yuen-yee, and Mr Lau Kar-wah. The supervisory committee will establish whether the facts on which the allegation is based are true; give its opinion on whether the established facts constitute grounds for imposing a sanction under section 72D of the Ordinance; and if there is ground for imposing a sanction, give its opinion on the appropriate sanction to be imposed on the DC member concerned. After completing the investigation, the supervisory committee will submit a report to the SHYA for consideration. The SHYA will make a decision after considering the report and announce such a decision in due course.
     
         Miss Mak said, “The Government places strong emphasis on the conduct and integrity of DC members, and they should conduct themselves in a manner that is in line with public expectations and commensurate with the reputation of the DC and its members. Under the Ordinance, the Government may investigate DC members’ misconduct and impose sanctions according to the performance monitoring mechanism for DC members to ensure that every DC member upholds their duties faithfully to serve the people.”
     
         Miss Mak continued, “The five members of the supervisory committee include one person who is not a DC member and four DC members from districts other than Tuen Mun. They have diverse backgrounds and rich district experience. The supervisory committee will handle the investigation in a robust, fair, just, impartial, independent and objective manner in accordance with the established mechanism.”
     
         The supervisory committee was appointed pursuant to section 72C of the Ordinance. In order to avoid impacting the impartiality of the supervisory committee’s investigation, the Home and Youth Affairs Bureau will not comment on the case during the supervisory committee’s investigation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong House at Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2025 to stage in Tsunan, Japan, from tomorrow (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Hong Kong House at the Echigo-Tsumari Art Field 2025 – The Whispers of Stone, organised by the Art Promotion Office (APO) of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department, will be staged in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, from tomorrow (July 19) until November 9. This year’s Hong Kong artists of the exhibition, Chris Cheung and Sim Shum, create a whimsical space using water stones as a medium, alongside sound, light and painting, combining the ancient legend of “The Talking Stone of Weiyu” about “speaking stones” from the Spring and Autumn period. The exhibition intertwines the themes of nature and humanity in an art space of sight and sound, offering audiences an immersive sensory experience of the environment.
     
         The Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale, held every three years, is one of the world’s largest international outdoor art festivals. With the support of the Tsunan Town Government and in collaboration with the Echigo-Tsumari Art Triennale Executive Committee and the NPO Echigo-Tsumari Satoyama Collaborative Organization, the APO has launched the Hong Kong House in Tsunan, Niigata Prefecture, Japan, since 2018, serving as a platform for artist residencies, exchanges and exhibitions.
     
         Cheung and Shum were deeply touched by the uniquely shaped water stones of the Shinano River in Echigo-Tsumari, and their art works whisper the stories found in the lyrics of folk songs from the two places, diffusing emotions and memories. They referenced Morse code to develop a language system for the water stones and created the ink art work “The Ode of Stone” and the light installation “The Shades of Stones”, facilitating interaction with audiences. The other two installations, “The Book of Stones” and “The Blessings of Stone” draw inspiration from the Japanese garden design concept “Suikinkutsu” and sacred stones.
     
         The artists will also organise workshops to guide participants in creating a light installation, projecting their inner thoughts into the space through light and shadows.
     
         In addition, the activity collaborator, Make A Difference Institute, will organise a community-based food culture project “Minna no Tsukemono”, inviting participants to taste preserved foods from around the world.
     
         For details of the exhibition, please visit the APO’s website www.apo.hk/en/web/apo/there_hkh2025_the_whispers_of_stone.html, or Hong Kong House’s Facebook at www.facebook.com/apo.hkhouse and Instagram at www.instagram.com/hongkonghouse.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HYAB invites organisations to operate youth facilities

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    HYAB invites organisations to operate youth facilities 
    As announced in “The Chief Executive’s 2024 Policy Address”, the HYAB will set up a physical platform for interaction for Youth Link members in the Nam Cheong District Community Centre and the adjacent Tung Chau Street Temporary Market, which includes youth facilities such as multifunction areas, a youth culture and creativity bazaar, and small-scale performance spaces. The goal is to provide a gathering place for ongoing interaction among Youth Link members and establish a base for implementing the Youth Development Blueprint measures to encourage communication and collaboration among the Government, the Youth Development Commission and young people participating in various youth development programmes.
     
    In addition, to strengthen support for unleashing the potential of young people, the HYAB will convert part of the Youth Square to establish a new interactive space for young people to gather for exchanges, to develop personal potential and participate in different activities. The HYAB will roll out the Good Stories of Hong Kong Youth Programme by reserving part of the Youth Square for setting up a video studio for young people to produce video clippings to promote good stories of Hong Kong youths, and providing relevant training on the production and filming of video clippings.

    The operating organisations of the youth facilities are required to organise on-site events during the operation period. Activities may include workshops, cultural performances, collaborative projects, seminars and youth-led initiatives. The operating organisations are also required to manage the facilities and food and beverage corners.
     
    Details of the projects, the application criteria and the briefing sessions are set out in the invitation of proposals, which is available on the HYAB website (www.hyab.gov.hk 
    The deadline for application is 5pm on August 19.
    Issued at HKT 15:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Speech by SCST at completion ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza (English only)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Speech by SCST at completion ceremony of Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza (English only) 
    Mr Hext (Chairman of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum, Mr Richard Hext), Mr Hunsworth (Steward of the Hong Kong Jockey Club, Mr Nicholas D Hunsworth), distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen,
     
    Good morning. As they say, weathering choppy waters is perhaps the trick of the trade of the maritime industry. So, here we are, a trail to our professionalism. It is my great pleasure to join you all today at the completion ceremony of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza. Even despite the weather, it is worth taking a good look at our anchor and hearing what Richard will have to say later, introducing what the Anchor’s importance is.  
     
    Founded in 2005, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has long been preserving and promoting the unique maritime history and culture of Hong Kong. As it approaches its 20th anniversary this year, the Maritime Museum’s journey has been remarkable. From its origins at Murray House in Stanley to its current home at Central Pier No. 8, the Museum has evolved into a cultural treasure, showcasing an impressive collection of maritime heritage, welcoming around 100 000 visitors every year, and establishing itself as a vital maritime landmark in Hong Kong over the past two decades. I am also glad to know that the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has been increasingly popular among tourists, with over 20 000 visitors from the Mainland of China and overseas recorded just last year.
     
    Today, I am delighted to witness the completion of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum Jockey Club Anchor Plaza, one of the Chief Executive’s Community Projects. This milestone, achieved after years of dedicated efforts, represents an exciting new chapter in the development of the Museum. Featuring a striking anchor about 7 metres high and a ship-like pavilion, the Anchor Plaza will provide a brand-new public learning space, inviting visitors to explore Hong Kong’s maritime culture while adding yet another vibrant attraction to the iconic Victoria Harbour. I believe that the Anchor Plaza will draw more people to come and appreciate Hong Kong’s unique history and culture as a port city.
     
    The next part of my speech is actually to give you an idea of what we give to have the museum and the support to the arts and culture scenes. But I think you would rather hear from Richard the story of the Anchor than listen to my speech. So I’m sure when I issue it as the press release, you will be able to learn about it.
     
    As you are all aware, the Government has been sparing no effort in fostering the development of arts and culture in recent years. Museums play an important role in preserving and disseminating cultural heritage. Apart from continuously improving public museum services, the Culture, Sports and Tourism Bureau and the Leisure and Cultural Services Department have been actively providing robust support for private institutions like the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. From thematic exhibitions like “Across Victoria Harbour” that revisit the past of Hong Kong, to the upcoming 2025 Forum for Asia-Pacific Maritime Culture to be held at the Museum, the Hong Kong Maritime Museum has played an integral role in enriching Hong Kong’s cultural landscape and fostering international cultural exchange that complements the Government’s work in a truly meaningful way.
     
    In addition to support from the Government, the successful completion of the great Anchor Plaza and the remarkable achievements of the Museum would not be possible without the dedication of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum team and the unwavering support from the Hong Kong Jockey Club, other patrons of the Museum, and the wider community. I would like to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to everyone who has contributed to this project and to the ongoing growth of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum. Let’s join hands to make lasting contributions to the cultural development of Hong Kong.
     
    Let me wish the completion ceremony and the future of the Hong Kong Maritime Museum to weather through the choppy weather like right now, and I wish everybody a good day. Thank you.
    Issued at HKT 15:10

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Exam date provisionally set

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government announced today that the sitting of the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) has been tentatively scheduled for September 27.

     

    The CRE application process will open tomorrow and close at 11.59pm on August 1. Prospective applicants for civil service posts at the degree or professional level can apply.

     

    The next round of recruitment exercises for the posts of Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer II (EOII), Assistant Labour Officer II (ALOII), Assistant Trade Officer II (ATOII) and Management Services Officer II (MSOII) will begin in September.

     

    The Civil Service Bureau iterated that those who plan to apply for civil service posts at the degree or professional level in the near future must have the requisite CRE results and are advised to take part in this round of examination.

     

    The pool of eligible candidates for civil service jobs requiring an undergraduate degree has been expanded to students in their third year of undergraduate studies in a four-year curriculum.

     

    This means that those eligible to sit the examination include holders of a degree, or a professional qualification meeting the entry requirements of the posts, and university students graduating in the 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic year.

     

    Details about the upcoming CRE will be uploaded to the bureau’s webpage tomorrow.

     

    Candidates who are interested in applying for the above vacancies but have not attained a pass result in the Basic Law & National Security Law Test (BLNST) must separately apply and obtain a pass result before the specified date, ie November 29, in order to be considered for appointment.

     

    Additionally, for the convenience of those studying or residing outside Hong Kong, the CRE and the paper-based BLNST are tentatively scheduled to be held on November 29 in Beijing, Shanghai, London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney. Applications will open later this year.

     

    Call the Civil Service Examinations Unit at 2537 6429 or email it for enquiries.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • Amit Shah congratulates Ahmedabad for topping cleanest big cities list in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday congratulated the people of Ahmedabad after the city was ranked the cleanest metropolis in the million-plus population category in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25.

    In a post on X, Amit Shah said, “A moment of pride for Ahmedabadis as the city is ranked at the top among the cleanest big cities in India in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. This honor stands as a testimony to the success of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision behind Swachhta Abhiyan, pursuing the principle of cleanliness as the key to public health, and mirrors the shared commitment of the people to the cause.”

    “Let this achievement be the cornerstone for achieving new heights in this arena by advancing the culture of cleanliness to new frontiers. My heartiest congratulations to the people of Ahmedabad and all the sanitation workers for their immense contributions,” he added.

    Bhopal and Lucknow followed Ahmedabad in the rankings, while Indore, maintaining its clean city record for eight consecutive years, was elevated to the newly created Super Swachh League.

    Expressing her happiness, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain told IANS, “I am truly delighted. Ahmedabad, being declared the cleanest big city, is a result of the relentless efforts of the entire administration and the active participation of our citizens. I wholeheartedly thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their visionary leadership and constant encouragement.”

    She added, “We worked tirelessly using the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). We also implemented a waste-to-energy plant, which played a major role in our success. I hope that every city in Gujarat rises to the top in the coming years.”

    The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.

    Launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Swachh Survekshan has grown exponentially over the years. From just 73 cities in its inaugural edition, the 2024–25 survey covered an impressive 4,589 cities between April 2024 and March 2025.

    This year, awards were presented across four key segments: Super Swachh League Cities, Top Three Clean Cities in Five Population Categories, Special Categories (including Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, and Mahakumbh), and State-Level Awards recognizing the most promising clean cities.

    For the first time, cities were classified into five population-based categories, including a newly introduced segment for very small cities with populations under 10 lakh.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • Amit Shah congratulates Ahmedabad for topping cleanest big cities list in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday congratulated the people of Ahmedabad after the city was ranked the cleanest metropolis in the million-plus population category in the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25.

    In a post on X, Amit Shah said, “A moment of pride for Ahmedabadis as the city is ranked at the top among the cleanest big cities in India in Swachh Survekshan 2024-25. This honor stands as a testimony to the success of PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji’s vision behind Swachhta Abhiyan, pursuing the principle of cleanliness as the key to public health, and mirrors the shared commitment of the people to the cause.”

    “Let this achievement be the cornerstone for achieving new heights in this arena by advancing the culture of cleanliness to new frontiers. My heartiest congratulations to the people of Ahmedabad and all the sanitation workers for their immense contributions,” he added.

    Bhopal and Lucknow followed Ahmedabad in the rankings, while Indore, maintaining its clean city record for eight consecutive years, was elevated to the newly created Super Swachh League.

    Expressing her happiness, Ahmedabad Mayor Pratibha Jain told IANS, “I am truly delighted. Ahmedabad, being declared the cleanest big city, is a result of the relentless efforts of the entire administration and the active participation of our citizens. I wholeheartedly thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for their visionary leadership and constant encouragement.”

    She added, “We worked tirelessly using the principles of Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle (3R). We also implemented a waste-to-energy plant, which played a major role in our success. I hope that every city in Gujarat rises to the top in the coming years.”

    The awards were presented at a ceremony held at Vigyan Bhavan, New Delhi, in the presence of President Droupadi Murmu on Thursday.

    Launched in 2016 under the Swachh Bharat Mission by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the Swachh Survekshan has grown exponentially over the years. From just 73 cities in its inaugural edition, the 2024–25 survey covered an impressive 4,589 cities between April 2024 and March 2025.

    This year, awards were presented across four key segments: Super Swachh League Cities, Top Three Clean Cities in Five Population Categories, Special Categories (including Ganga Towns, Cantonment Boards, SafaiMitra Suraksha, and Mahakumbh), and State-Level Awards recognizing the most promising clean cities.

    For the first time, cities were classified into five population-based categories, including a newly introduced segment for very small cities with populations under 10 lakh.

    (With inputs from IANS)

  • MIL-OSI: MoneyHero Group Announces Winners of the SingSaver Best-Of Awards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, July 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) (“MoneyHero” or the “Company”), a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia, successfully hosted the inaugural MoneyHero Group Presents: SingSaver Best-Of Awards gala on 17 July 2025. The event celebrated credit cards, investment products, insurance offerings, and digital banks that deliver the most exceptional value to Singapore consumers.

    The gala was well attended by over 170 guests, including senior executives from leading financial institutions, industry experts, and members of the media. This milestone event underscored MoneyHero’s commitment to promoting financial literacy and driving excellence within Singapore’s personal finance landscape.

    Beyond recognising excellence, the event fostered valuable connections across MoneyHero’s extensive network of partnerships, strengthening collaboration and supporting the continued growth of the personal finance ecosystem in Singapore.

    A total of 45 awards were presented across categories, such as credit cards, digital banks, investment products, and insurance. Winners this year included:

    • Best Credit Card for Travel Rewards: UOB Visa Signature Card
    • Best Credit Card for Dining: HSBC Live+ Credit Card
    • Best Credit Card for Shopping: OCBC Rewards Card
    • Best Credit Card for Everyday Spending: DBS yuu Card
    • Best Premium Credit Card: Citi Prestige Card
    • Best Credit Card for Simple Cashback: SCB Simply Cash Credit Card
    • Best Digital Bank for Seamless Onboarding: Trust Bank
    • Best Digital Bank for Integrated Investing Options: MariBank
    • Best Brokerage for Global Trading Experience for Everyday Investors: Tiger Brokers
    • Best Brokerage for US, SG, and HK Stocks: Webull Singapore
    • Best Brokerage for Beginner Investors in Singapore: Moomoo Singapore
    • Best Overall Travel Insurance Plan: FWD Premium
    • Top-Selling Insurance Provider on SingSaver: MSIG Insurance
    • Best Global Insurance Provider: Allianz Partners

    A full list of awardees and details of the judging methodology are available at:
    https://www.singsaver.com.sg/campaign/best-of-awards-2025

    Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero, said: “The inaugural MoneyHero Group Presents: SingSaver Best-Of Awards was a landmark event that brought together the personal finance community to recognise and celebrate products that deliver exceptional value to Singaporeans. By uniting our partners through this annual event, we aim to strengthen collaboration and foster innovation across the ecosystem—an approach we plan to extend to all markets where we operate. We sincerely thank the winners, nominees, judges, and attendees for their valuable contributions to this milestone event and their shared commitments to advancing financial empowerment.”

    Catherine Pang, Sales Director at Allianz Partners Singapore said: “We are honoured to be recognised in SingSaver Best-of Awards 2025. At Allianz Partners, our mission has always been to provide travellers with peace of mind through comprehensive, accessible, and responsive travel insurance solutions. This award is a reflection of the trust our customers place in us and the dedication of our team to deliver exceptional service — from seamless digital claims to round-the-clock emergency assistance. We are proud to stand alongside SingSaver and MoneyHero Group in empowering consumers to make informed financial decisions, and we remain committed to protecting every journey, near or far.”

    Gourab Kundu, Head of Digital Growth for Asia South at Citi Wealth said: “We’re honoured that the Citi Prestige and Citi Cash Back credit cards have been recognised at the inaugural SingSaver Best-of Awards 2025. This recognition is a testament to our customer-centric focus, bringing the best proposition to our clients. Moving forward, we will continue to enhance our value proposition for customers to ensure our product offerings fit their lifestyles and their needs.”

    Disclaimer

    The information provided on this press release is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial or investment advice. While MoneyHero reviews and compares financial products to help consumers make informed decisions, it does not offer or provide personalised recommendations or investment advisory services. Consumers should always conduct their own research or consult a licensed financial professional before making any financial decisions.

    MoneyHero has made reasonable efforts to ensure that the information contained in this press release is accurate and up to date as at the date of publication. However, MoneyHero makes no warranties, express or implied, regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information and accepts no liability (including liability to third parties) for any loss or damage arising from any error or omission in compiling or presenting such information, or reliance on the information provided.

    ​​​​​About SingSaver  

    SingSaver, part of MoneyHero Group (Nasdaq: MNY) – a market leading personal finance aggregation and comparison company in Greater Southeast Asia. Founded in May 2015, SingSaver has always been committed to matching consumers with the right financial products they need — from credit cards to personal loans, investing accounts to insurance policies, and much more. SingSaver helps thousands of consumers improve their money health with easy-to-use comparison platform along with impartial product reviews and extensive finance articles. For a full discovery, visit https://www.singsaver.com.sg/ 

    About MoneyHero Group

    MoneyHero Limited (NASDAQ: MNY) is a leading personal finance aggregation and comparison platform, as well as a digital insurance brokerage provider in Greater Southeast Asia. The Company operates in Singapore, Hong Kong, Taiwan and the Philippines.  Its brand portfolio includes B2C platforms MoneyHero, SingSaver, Money101, Moneymax and Seedly, as well as the B2B platform Creatory.  The Company also retains an equity stake in Malaysian fintech company, Jirnexu Pte. Ltd., parent company of Jirnexu Sdn. Bhd., the operator of RinggitPlus, Malaysia’s largest operating B2C platform. MoneyHero had over 260 commercial partner relationships as at 31 March 2025, and had approximately 5.7 million Monthly Unique Users across its platform for the three months ended 31 March 2025. The Company’s backers include Peter Thiel—co-founder of PayPal, Palantir Technologies, and the Founders Fund—and Hong Kong businessman, Richard Li, the founder and chairman of Pacific Century Group. To learn more about MoneyHero and how the innovative fintech company is driving APAC’s digital economy, please visit www.MoneyHeroGroup.com.

    For inquiries, please contact:

    Investor Relations:
    MoneyHero IR Team
    IR@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Media Relations:
    MoneyHero PR Team
    Press@MoneyHeroGroup.com

    Photo 1:

    Group picture of all the guests and winners at the SingSaver Best-Of Awards.

    Photo 2:

    Rohith Murthy, CEO of MoneyHero Group, delivers the keynote address for the SingSaver Best-Of Awards.

    Photo 3:

    Guests at the SingSaver Best-Of Awards.

    Photos accompanying this announcement are available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f7405961-02c5-4496-9e76-6aca94a93d2f

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/858e3357-72d6-4eb2-8650-68361bf3d98e

    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9caddd16-d470-4e76-9d64-0554c9fd42a6

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: PalmPay Named One of the World’s Top 300 Fintech Companies of 2025 by Consumer News and Business Channel (CNBC) & Statista

    Source: APO

     PalmPay (www.PalmPay.com), a leading neobank and fintech platform focused on emerging markets, has been recognised in CNBC and Statista’s 2025 Top 300 Fintech Companies in the World list. This marks the second year in a row that PalmPay has earned a place among the world’s most innovative and impactful financial technology firms.

    The selection is based on a rigorous evaluation of thousands of companies globally, assessing growth, innovation, market penetration, and impact.  This year’s list includes a mix of global leaders – including Revolut, Nubank and Ant Group –  alongside rising stars from high-growth markets, underscoring the growing influence of emerging-market fintechs like PalmPay.

    PalmPay’s inclusion reflects its continued momentum as one of Africa’s leading fintech platforms. With over 35 million registered users and up to 15 million transactions processed daily, the company offers a comprehensive suite of digital financial services tailored to the needs of underserved communities.

    In its main market, Nigeria, PalmPay operates as a full-service neobank, offering consumer financial services such as transfers, bill payments, credit, savings, and insurance – all accessible through its user-friendly app and supported by a nationwide network of over 1 million agents and merchant partners. The company also provides POS and API-driven B2B solutions tailored to the needs of merchants and enterprise clients.

    “To be recognised as one of the world’s top fintech companies by CNBC and Statista is a powerful affirmation of our mission to build a more inclusive financial system,” said Sofia Zab, Founding Chief Marketing Officer at PalmPay. “Through cutting-edge technology, deep local distribution, and a customer-first mindset, we’ve built Nigeria’s leading neobank. As we scale PalmPay to more emerging markets, including Tanzania and Bangladesh, our focus remains on closing financial access gaps for everyday consumers and businesses, while expanding the partner ecosystem that fuels our reach and impact.”

    As part of its broader expansion strategy, PalmPay recently launched in Tanzania and Bangladesh through a smartphone device financing model that serves as an entry point to digital financial services.

    “PalmPay is building a neobanking platform tailored to the realities of emerging markets,” said Jiapei Yan, Group Chief Commercial Officer at PalmPay. “We are creating the infrastructure for a connected digital economy – where people and businesses can thrive through reliable, inclusive financial tools. This recognition from CNBC and Statista affirms our progress and also the scale of the opportunity ahead. As we expand across more emerging markets, we are committed to creating lasting value for our users, partners, and the communities we serve.”

    PalmPay’s inclusion follows another major recognition earlier this year: the company ranked #2 overall and #1 in the financial services sector on the Financial Times  – Africa’s Fastest-Growing Companies 2025 list. The ranking, based on revenue growth between 2020 and 2023, highlighted PalmPay’s rapid scale and market traction across Africa.

    PalmPay currently operates in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh, and is expanding its presence across Africa and Asia through device financing, digital banking, and B2B payment services. Backed by a robust neobanking platform and a partnership-led approach, the company is committed to shaping the next chapter of inclusive financial growth. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of PalmPay.

    About PalmPay:
    PalmPay is a leading neobank and fintech platform driving financial inclusion and economic empowerment in underserved emerging markets. Through its secure, user-friendly, and inclusive suite of financial services, PalmPay empowers individuals and businesses with tools to manage and grow their money.

    PalmPay offers a comprehensive range of products, including mobile payments, credit, savings and micro-insurance via its app and mobile money agent network.

    Since launching in Nigeria in 2019 under a Mobile Money Operator license, the platform has grown to over 35 million app users and processes up to 15 million transactions daily. PalmPay has operations in Nigeria, Ghana, Tanzania, and Bangladesh.

    For more information, visit  www.PalmPay.com

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Prosafe SE: Operational update – June 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    18 July 2025 – Fleet utilisation for June 2025 was 79 per cent. 

    Our operations in Brazil with Safe Eurus, Safe Notos, and Safe Zephyrus operated at full capacity in June, achieving between 99 and 100 per cent commercial uptime.

    Safe Caledonia successfully commenced operations at the Captain Field in the UK on 2 June 2025, delivering a commercial uptime of 94 per cent during the initial period.

    Safe Boreas is currently being transported to Singapore ahead of her upcoming contract in Australia.

    Prosafe is a leading owner and operator of semi-submersible accommodation vessels. The company is listed on the Oslo Stock Exchange with ticker code PRS. For more information, please refer to https://www.prosafe.com

    For further information, please contact:

    Terje Askvig, CEO
    Phone: +47 952 03 886

    Reese McNeel, CFO
    Phone: +47 415 08 186

    This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to Section 5-12 the Norwegian Securities Trading Act.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SHYA continues visit to Sichuan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Secretary for Home and Youth Affairs, Miss Alice Mak, continued her visit to Sichuan today (July 18). She first called on leaders of the Hong Kong and Macao Affairs Office (HKMAO) of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, and visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu to learn about community governance.

    In the morning, Miss Mak called on the Director of the HKMAO of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government, Ms Zhang Tao. Miss Mak introduced the latest developments and work in youth development, district governance, and women’s development of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region and learned about Sichuan Province’s work experience in related areas. She expressed her hope for more opportunities to co-operate and exchange between the two places.

    Miss Mak also visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu. The Shabanqiao community is committed to providing services that improve people’s livelihoods and focus on serving citizens. She also gained insights into their community governance experience.
     
    Miss Mak concluded her visit and returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.
     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China alerts students to risks of studying in Philippines

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

    China’s Ministry of Education released an overseas study alert on Friday, urging students to assess security risks of studying in the Philippines and raise their awareness of precautions.

    The ministry cited the Philippines’ recent deteriorating public security situation and increasing criminal activities against Chinese citizens as the reason for the alert.

    The alert is the second of its kind issued in 2025 following an April one that warned students of risks of studying in certain U.S. states.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: MOFA sincerely thanks Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba for publicly extending sympathies to Taiwan over losses caused by Typhoon Danas

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    MOFA sincerely thanks Japanese Prime Minister Ishiba for publicly extending sympathies to Taiwan over losses caused by Typhoon Danas

    • Date：2025-07-13
    • Data Source：TAIWAN-JAPAN RELATIONS ASSOCIATION

    July 13, 2025 

    No.241 

    In the evening of July 12, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba posted a message on social media platform X extending sympathies to Taiwan over the losses caused by Typhoon Danas and expressing the hope that all those affected would be able to resume their normal lives as soon as possible. 

     

    Both the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office in Japan immediately extended appreciation to the government of Japan for the thoughtful message. 

     

    Japan-Taiwan Exchange Association Taipei Office Chief Representative Kazuyuki Katayama; Mrs. Akie Abe, widow of late Japanese Prime Minster Shinzo Abe; and many Japanese parliamentarians friendly to Taiwan from across the political spectrum also openly and promptly expressed empathy. These gestures fully demonstrate the mutual concern and genuine friendship between Taiwan and Japan. 

     

    Taiwan and Japan are both situated in areas that frequently experience typhoons and earthquakes. Whenever a natural disaster strikes, Taiwan and Japan can count on each other for assistance to overcome related impacts. Indeed, the cordial and cooperative relations between Taiwan and Japan serve as an important asset and model for the international community. Immediately after the occurrence of the typhoon, the people and government of Taiwan fully embarked on disaster relief. Taiwan will continue to maintain close contact with Japan on these efforts. 

     

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung once again sincerely thanks the people and government of Japan for their warm sentiments and assistance. He hopes that in the future Taiwan and Japan will continue to engage in extensive and substantive collaboration and exchanges in all areas, including natural disaster prevention and mitigation, so as to bolster the resilience of their societies and develop an even stronger, closer, and more robust bilateral partnership. (E) 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 7-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 2,00,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 2,07,584
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 2,00,027
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate 95.94

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/737

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the 7-day Variable Rate Reverse Repo (VRRR) auction held on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 7-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 2,00,000
    Total amount of offers received (in ₹ crore) 2,07,584
    Amount accepted (in ₹ crore) 2,00,027
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.49
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.49
    Partial Acceptance Percentage of offers received at cut off rate 95.94

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/737

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: Youth football tournament brings 300 young players to Zhangjiagang

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

    The 26th “Beibei Cup” Youth (U12 Boys) Football Tournament 2025 opens Wednesday in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, July 16, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CSCLF]

    The 26th “Beibei Cup” Youth (U12 Boys) Football Tournament 2025 kicked off Wednesday in Fenghuang town, Zhangjiagang city, Jiangsu province, with nearly 300 young players from China and abroad participating in a week of competition and cultural exchange.

    Li Bin, vice chairwoman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and China Soong Ching Ling Foundation chairperson, opens the 26th “Beibei Cup” Youth (U12 Boys) Football Tournament 2025 in Zhangjiagang, Jiangsu province, July 16, 2025. [Photo courtesy of CSCLF]

    The tournament, co-hosted by the China Soong Ching Ling Foundation (CSCLF), the Chinese Football Association (CFA), and the Zhangjiagang Municipal People’s Government, was opened by Li Bin, vice chairwoman of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference and CSCLF chairperson.

    Shen Beili, secretary of the CSCLF Party Leadership Group and CSCLF vice chairperson, emphasized the “Beibei Cup’s” enduring legacy since its inception in 1983. She highlighted its role in providing a key platform for young football enthusiasts to develop their skills, pursue their aspirations, and build vital life skills like teamwork and resilience.

    Han Wei, secretary of the Zhangjiagang Municipal Party Committee, emphasized the city’s commitment to youth football. He noted the tournament’s role in nurturing young talent for national teams and expressed Zhangjiagang’s goal to innovate youth football development. The aim, he stated, is to transform “Beibei Football” into a hub for cultivating young players’ dreams, a center for international youth football cultural exchange, and an “international sports calling card” for the city.

    The tournament runs from July 16 to 22, featuring 48 matches among 16 teams. Participants include top youth squads from 12 Chinese provinces, municipalities, and autonomous regions, as well as teams from South Korea and Thailand. Two foreign teams — Ulsan from South Korea and Muangthong United from Thailand — are making their debut appearances, highlighting the tournament’s expanding international reach.

    Beyond the competition, the event will also host an elite youth coaching training course and an elite player training camp, expanding investment in young football talent development.

    The opening ceremony featured performances by young people from Beijing and Zhangjiagang, showcasing traditional Chinese arts, including a Chinese drum show, chorus, traditional opera exercises, and a children’s medley of Heyang folk songs, designated as national intangible cultural heritage. The ceremony concluded with Chinese and international young players joining together to sing the tournament’s theme song, “Dream Chasing Youth.”

    Following the ceremony, a team from Zhejiang competed against the Beibei in an exhibition match. CFA Vice Chairman Yang Xu performed the ceremonial kickoff. Former “Beibei Cup” players Zhao Junzhe and Yang Chen, alongside Chinese Super League players Zuo Junjie and Xiao Xuhui, joined the young athletes on the field, providing a live coaching session for the young football stars.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of Underwriting Auction conducted on July 18, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    In the underwriting auction conducted on July 18, 2025, for Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) of the undernoted Government securities, the Reserve Bank of India has set the cut-off rates for underwriting commission payable to Primary Dealers as given below:

    Nomenclature of the Security Notified Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) Amount
    (₹ crore)    		 Additional Competitive Underwriting Amount Accepted
    (₹ crore)    		 Total Amount underwritten
    (₹ crore)    		 ACU Commission Cut-off rate
    (Paise per ₹100)
    New GS 2030 15,000 7,518 7,482 15,000 0.09
    7.09% GS 2054 12,000 6,006 5,994 12,000 0.23
    Auction for the sale of securities will be held on July 18, 2025.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/736

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • Sensex, Nifty open lower amid FII selling pressure

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian equity indices opened lower on Friday, with heavyweights such as Axis Bank and Bharti Airtel among the top losers on the BSE benchmark.

    At 9:25 am, the Sensex was down 171 points or 0.21% at 82,087, while the Nifty slipped 35 points or 0.14% to 25,075.

    In the Sensex pack, M&M, Tata Steel, Power Grid, L&T, UltraTech Cement, Infosys, Tata Motors, BEL, NTPC, TCS, Trent, and Maruti Suzuki emerged as top gainers. On the other hand, Axis Bank, Bharti Airtel, Kotak Mahindra Bank, Tech Mahindra, HDFC Bank, Eternal (Zomato), HUL, Sun Pharma, Bajaj Finance, ICICI Bank, Titan, and Bajaj Finserv were among the major losers.

    On the sectoral front, auto, IT, PSU banks, metal, realty, media, energy, infrastructure, PSE, and commodities witnessed gains, while financial services, FMCG, and private banks traded in the red.

    “In July so far, India has underperformed most global markets, with the Nifty slipping by 1.6%. A key contributor to the decline has been consistent selling by FIIs. There’s a clear pattern in FII activity this year,” said Dr. VK Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    “They were net sellers in the first three months, turned buyers for the next three, and now in the seventh month, the trend has again shifted toward selling — unless some positive triggers reverse the current downtrend,” he added.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) remained net sellers for the second consecutive session on July 17, offloading equities worth ₹3,694 crore. Meanwhile, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) continued their buying streak for the ninth straight session, purchasing equities worth ₹2,820 crore.

    Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, noted that the Nifty ended lower for the fifth time in seven sessions on Thursday, but still held above the rising trendline drawn from the May 9 lows.

    “Technically, Thursday’s daily candle formed a bearish engulfing pattern, which aligns with our earlier view — that a close above 25,245 and then 25,340 was necessary for bulls to regain control. Hence, 25,000 remains a crucial support level, while 25,340 acts as key resistance,” he said.

    In Asia, markets were mostly trading in the green, with Shanghai, Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Jakarta posting gains, while Tokyo and Seoul traded lower. US markets closed higher on Thursday, buoyed by positive investor sentiment.

    -IANS

  • Indian Navy to commission indigenous diving support vessel ‘Nistar’ today at Visakhapatnam

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a boost to India’s maritime capabilities and self-reliance in defence production, the Indian Navy will today commission its first indigenously designed and built Diving Support Vessel (DSV) Nistar at the Naval Dockyard in Visakhapatnam. Defence Minister Rajnath Singh will preside over the commissioning ceremony, marking the formal induction of the state-of-the-art vessel into the Eastern Naval Command.

    Designed and constructed by Hindustan Shipyard Limited (HSL), Visakhapatnam, Nistar represents a major milestone in the nation’s pursuit of Aatmanirbharta (self-reliance) in defence manufacturing. More than 120 Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) contributed to the construction of the vessel, helping achieve an impressive indigenous content of over 80 percent.

    With a length of approximately 120 meters and a displacement exceeding 10,000 tons, Nistar is equipped with cutting-edge technology to support deep-sea diving and submarine rescue missions. It features a Dynamic Positioning System for precise maneuverability, advanced Air and Saturation Diving Systems, underwater Remotely Operated Vehicles (ROVs), and Side Scan SONAR systems.

    Significantly, Nistar will serve as the ‘Mother Ship’ for the Deep Submergence Rescue Vehicle (DSRV), marking a major enhancement in India’s submarine rescue capabilities.

    Onboard medical facilities further strengthen the ship’s versatility, with an operation theatre, intensive care unit, eight-bedded hospital, and hyperbaric medical infrastructure designed to support critical rescue and diving operations. The vessel also boasts an endurance of over 60 days at sea, helicopter staging capability, and a 15-ton subsea crane.

    The new vessel carries forward the legacy of its predecessor – ex-Nistar, a submarine rescue vessel acquired from the erstwhile USSR in 1969, which served the Navy until the early 1990s. The new Nistar inherits her motto: Surakshita Yatharthta Shauryam – “Deliverance with Precision and Bravery.”

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Local firms hit record 1.49m

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Companies Registry today announced that 84,293 local companies were newly registered during the first half of 2025, bringing the total number of registered local companies to an all-time high figure of 1,494,806.

          

    Meanwhile, 761 non-Hong Kong companies have newly established a place of business in the city and were registered under the Companies Ordinance. The total number of registered non-Hong Kong companies reached 15,509 as at the end of June, which is also a record high.

          

    In line with the Government’s policies on facilitating business as well as attracting enterprises and investments, two improvement measures for the Companies Ordinance came into operation during the first half of 2025.

     

    The first measure enabled listed companies incorporated in Hong Kong to hold shares bought back in the treasury and dispose of them. The second one introduced a company re-domiciliation regime in Hong Kong, offering non-Hong Kong corporations a simple and cost-effective route to re-domicile to the city while preserving their legal identity and operational continuity.

       

    From January to June, the number of charges on properties of companies received for registration was 5,970, while the number of notifications of payments and releases was 9,915. There were also 1,678,809 documents delivered to the registry for registration.

     

    For electronic search services, 2,615,652 searches of document image records were carried out.

     

    As for the licensing of trust or company service providers, 350 licences were granted, resulting in 6,971 licensees up to mid-2025.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Pacific – Solomon Islands’ East Malaita Constituency retires 2024 CDF, submits 2025 annual work plan

    Source: Government of the Solomon Islands

    The East Malaita Constituency (EMC) has formally submitted its 2024 Constituency Development Fund (CDF) Expenditure Report to the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD), demonstrating a commitment to transparency, accountability, and compliance with the reporting obligations outlined in Section 29 of the CDF Act 2023.

    The submitted report details the disbursement of about $3.88 million in CDF funds allocated to each constituency for the 2024 financial year. The presentation was made by the Member of Parliament for EMC, Honourable Manasseh Maelanga.

    During the submission, Hon. Maelanga also presented the constituency’s 2025 Annual Work Plan (AWP), which outlines community development programs and initiatives aimed at improving livelihoods and fostering sustainable growth within the constituency.

    Representing the MRD, PS John Misite’e acknowledged the submission as a positive step forward.

    He emphasized that the Ministry remains committed to implementing the CDF legislation and providing guidance to ensure proper administration of constituency programs within this legal framework.

    PS Misite’e highlighted the importance of annual reports, including financial expenditure reports, as critical documents for organizational accountability and transparency, especially when public resources are involved.

    “These reports reinforce transparency and demonstrate accountability in the use of public funds,” he said.

    He also commended Hon. Maelanga and his constituency officers for their diligent efforts in fulfilling their reporting obligations.  He also thanked other constituencies that have already submitted their 2024 CDF reports.

    PS Misite’e called on remaining constituencies to submit their reports by July 31st, reiterating the urgency and importance of compliance. “I urge all constituencies to come forward with their reports soon,” he emphasized.

    Hon. Maelanga, on behalf of the people of East Malaita and his constituency officers, expressed his happiness in submitting the report and pledged ongoing support to the MRD to ensure annual compliance with legal reporting requirements.

    He noted that most of the EMC 2024 budget was allocated to road infrastructure, education support, medical assistance, administration, and other sectors vital to community development.

    Hon. Maelanga reaffirmed EMC’s commitment to its mandate and continued support and purpose to collaborate with MRD, other government agencies, and stakeholders to implement effective development initiatives that will improve the livelihoods of his constituents.

    He extended heartfelt gratitude to the Ministry, his constituency officers, stakeholders, communities, and all supporters of development initiatives undertaken under his leadership.

    The CDF Act 2023 was passed by Parliament on December 22, 2023, and came into effect on January 5, 2024. This legislation makes it clear that any offences committed by recipients of the CDF after this commencement date are subject to penalties.

    Penalties apply to constituents, Members of Parliament, and public officers who commit offences such as:

    Misappropriates any funds or assets from the fund; or
    Advances materials and cash from a supplier without prior approval from the responsible ministry; or
    Fraudulently converts project assets or materials to his own use or to the use of some other person; or
    Deliberately victimises non-voters by excluding them from receiving Constituency Development Funds projects and funds without justifiable grounds; or
    Assists or causes a person to misappropriate or apply the funds otherwise than in the manner provided in this Act and Regulations.

    With the new CDF legislation in place, it is the collective responsibility of all stakeholders to adhere to the law, ensuring proper use of funds and avoiding legal penalties.

    We should view this legislation not as a threat but as a guide to conduct and accountability in managing development funds or public resources.

    The primary purposes of the CDF Act 2023 are:

    To strengthen good governance;
    To ensure improved and effective delivery mechanisms of the Constituency Development Funds and
    To promote equal and inclusive participation of all Solomon Islanders in development.

    Constituents and the public are encouraged to consult their respective constituency offices should they need to get more information about how their constituency offices implement their Constituency Development Program (CDP).

    Constituency Development Program is a national programme of the Solomon Islands Government (SIG) administered by the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD).

    It is implemented by the 50 constituencies in the country purposely to improve the socio-economic livelihoods of Solomon Islanders.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • Lula says he won’t take orders from foreigner Trump, calls tariffs blackmail

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Thursday said he would not take orders over tariffs from a foreigner, referring to U.S. President Donald Trump, and later called the United States’ threatened duty “unacceptable blackmail.”

    The comments, made during two separate events, mark a continuation of a spat between the two leaders that escalated when the U.S. announced a 50% tariff on Brazil last week.

    Trump attributed the tariff, set to start in August, to Brazil’s treatment of former President Jair Bolsonaro and to trade practices against U.S. companies that he said are unfair. The tariff announcement came days after Lula called Trump an “emperor” the world does not want.

    Lula and members of his cabinet have rejected the reasoning behind the tariffs and insisted on Brazil’s sovereignty, while calling for trade negotiations with the United States.

    “No foreigner is going to give orders to this president,” Lula said in a speech, using the slang word ‘gringo’, which in Brazil is a common term for foreigners without the pejorative sense it carries in other parts of Latin America.

    He added that Brazil would go ahead with regulation and taxation of U.S. tech firms, telling a gathering of leftist student activists in the state of Goias that tech firms are conduits of violence and fake news disguised as freedom of expression.

    Later on Thursday, during an evening TV and radio address to the nation, Lula said the defense of Brazil’s sovereignty extends to protecting itself against the actions of foreign digital platforms.

    During the near five-minute address, Lula said Brazil has been negotiating with the U.S. over tariffs, and repeated that the Latin America country had sent a proposal in May.

    “We expected a response, and what we received was unacceptable blackmail, in the form of threats to Brazilian institutions and false information about trade between Brazil and the United States,” Lula said.

    Brasilia has been holding discussions with industry groups and companies that will be affected by the U.S. tariff, while also readying potential retaliatory measures if talks fall through.

    Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira told CNN Brasil separately on Thursday that Lula was open to talks with Trump, who had not yet met each other.

    “If the circumstances are given, they will speak,” he added.

    Lula, who is in his third non-consecutive term as president of Latin America’s largest economy, saw his approval ratings start to rebound after the trade spat with Trump last week.

    (Reuters)

  • India achieves successful trial of Akash Prime at high-altitude

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India achieved a major milestone on Wednesday by successfully intercepting and destroying two high-speed aerial unmanned targets using the Akash Prime air defence system in the high-altitude region of Ladakh, the Ministry of Defence said in an official statement.

    The upgraded variant of the Akash Weapon System has been specifically customised to operate at altitudes above 4,500 metres. It includes several enhancements, most notably an indigenously developed Radio Frequency (RF) seeker for improved target acquisition and engagement.

    According to the Ministry, the Akash Prime system has been developed through collaboration between the Indian Army’s Air Defence units, the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), defence public sector undertakings like Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), along with other industry partners.

    The successful trial was conducted as part of the “First of Production Model” firing tests, intended to validate the system’s performance before its induction into service. The Ministry said the trial would pave the way for timely deployment and bolster India’s air defence capabilities in challenging high-altitude frontiers.

    The test follows the strong operational performance of India’s air defence systems during Operation Sindoor, where Akash systems effectively neutralised aerial threats involving hostile drones and fighter aircraft.

    Defence Minister Rajnath Singh congratulated the Indian Army, DRDO, and the industry partners on the achievement. He described the success as a major boost to India’s air defence capabilities, particularly in meeting operational demands in high-altitude regions.

    Dr. Samir V. Kamat, Secretary of the Department of Defence R&D and Chairman of DRDO, also extended his congratulations, stating that the Akash Prime missile had successfully fulfilled critical air defence requirements for high-altitude deployments.

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Elderly Commission announced

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Elderly Commission announced———–
    Dr Donald Li Kwok-tung ————————
    Professor Bai Xue
    Dr Johnnie Casire Chan Chi-kau
    Ms Grace Chan Man-yee
    Ms Ip Shun-hing 
    Professor Daniel Lai Wing-leung 
    Professor Linda Lam Chiu-wa
    Mr Lau Tat-chuen
    Mr Lee Shing-kan
    Dr Jenny Lee Shun-wah
    Mr Horace Lit Hoo-yin
    Dr James Luk Ka-hay
    Mr Theodore Ma Heng
    Ms Queenie Man Wei-yin
    Mr Godfrey Ngai Shi-shing
    Mr Kyrus Siu King-wai
    Mr Albert Su Yau-on
    Ms Macy Wong Chor-kei——————-
    Secretary for Labour and Welfare or representative
    Secretary for Health or representative
    Secretary for Housing/Director of Housing or representative
    Director of Health or representative
    Director of Social Welfare or representative
    Chief Executive, Hospital Authority or representative
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • India successfully tests Prithvi-II and Agni-I ballistic missiles in Odisha

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India on Thursday successfully test-fired two key strategic ballistic missiles – the short-range Prithvi-II and Agni-I – from the Integrated Test Range (ITR) at Chandipur, Odisha, the Ministry of Defence announced.

    According to the Ministry, the launches were conducted by the Strategic Forces Command as part of routine training and validation exercises. Both missiles met all mission objectives and technical parameters, reaffirming their accuracy and operational readiness.

    “These tests validate key capabilities of India’s nuclear-capable delivery systems and demonstrate the robustness of its indigenous missile arsenal,” the Ministry said in a statement.

    The Prithvi-II and Agni-I are part of India’s domestically developed strategic missile systems and play a crucial role in maintaining the country’s defence preparedness.

    The successful trials come just a day after the Indian Army conducted a high-altitude test of the indigenous Akash Prime air defence system in Ladakh, at an altitude of approximately 15,000 feet.

    Developed by the Defence Research and Development Organisation (DRDO), the Akash Prime system scored direct hits on two high-speed aerial targets during the trial, showcasing its precision in extreme terrain and atmospheric conditions.

    The test was observed by senior officials from the Army’s Air Defence wing and DRDO. Defence officials confirmed that Akash Prime will be deployed in the Army’s third and fourth Akash Regiments, further enhancing India’s air defence capabilities.

    The Akash air defence system has previously demonstrated its operational value, notably during Operation Sindoor, where it successfully intercepted aerial threats involving Chinese fighter aircraft and Turkish drones used by Pakistani forces.

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Money Market Operations as on July 17, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,09,521.02 5.30 4.75-6.35
         I. Call Money 18,360.64 5.35 4.75-5.40
         II. Triparty Repo 4,06,012.65 5.28 5.24-5.32
         III. Market Repo 1,82,713.18 5.34 5.00-6.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,434.55 5.48 5.42-6.35
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 205.10 5.33 4.95-5.50
         II. Term Money@@ 751.50 – 5.20-5.68
         III. Triparty Repo 1,079.00 5.30 5.30-5.30
         IV. Market Repo 189.34 5.50 5.50-5.50
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 17/07/2025 1 Fri, 18/07/2025 808.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 17/07/2025 1 Fri, 18/07/2025 1,06,279.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,05,471.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo Tue, 15/07/2025 3 Fri, 18/07/2025 57,450.00 5.49
      Fri, 11/07/2025 7 Fri, 18/07/2025 1,51,633.00 5.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       5,857.45  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,03,225.55  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -3,08,696.55  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks          
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on July 17, 2025 9,69,527.82  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending July 25, 2025 9,63,288.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ July 17, 2025 0.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on June 27, 2025 5,79,904.00  

    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).

    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.

    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.

    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.

    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.

    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/735

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Candidates interested in applying for five civil service posts reminded to take part in Common Recruitment Examination and Basic Law and National Security Law Test

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

         The Government announced today (July 18) that the next round of recruitment exercises for the posts of Administrative Officer (AO), Executive Officer II (EOII), Assistant Labour Officer II (ALOII), Assistant Trade Officer II (ATOII) and Management Services Officer II (MSOII) will begin in September 2025.

         As part of the entry requirements, applicants for these posts will need to attain: 

    (a) Level 2 in the two language papers (Use of Chinese and Use of English) in the Common Recruitment Examination (CRE) or other results which are accepted as equivalent;
    (b) a pass result in the Aptitude Test paper in the CRE; and
    (c) a pass result in the Basic Law and National Security Law Test (BLNST) (Degree/Professional Grades).

    Candidates who wish to apply for the posts mentioned above but have not attained the requisite results in CRE should apply through an online application system on the Civil Service Bureau (CSB) website from tomorrow (July 19) to August 1 to take the relevant paper(s) in the CRE tentatively scheduled to be held on September 27 in Hong Kong in order to be considered for appointment. Details and the online application system will be made available on the CSB website at www.csb.gov.hk/eng/cre.html during the application period.

    With the launch of Digitalised BLNST (Degree/Professional Grades) this year, which accepts applications year-round, candidates who are interested in applying for the above vacancies but have not attained a pass result in the BLNST must separately apply for Digitalised BLNST (application details are available at www.csb.gov.hk/eng/dblnst.html) and obtain a pass result before the specified date (i.e. November 29) in order to be considered for appointment.  

    Candidates located outside Hong Kong can still apply for the CRE and the BLNST (Degree/Professional Grades) tentatively scheduled to be held in Beijing, Shanghai, London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver and Sydney on November 29. Application details will be announced in September.

    Students who are pursuing a bachelor’s degree, or equivalent, and graduating in the years of 2025-26 or 2026-27 academic years are also eligible to apply for the posts and/or apply to take the CRE and the BLNST.

    Details of the 2025-26 AO, EOII, ALOII, ATOII and MSOII recruitment exercises will also be announced in September.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –