NewzIntel.com

Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ABC Adelaide, interview

    Source: Australian Attorney General’s Agencies

    This transcript has been redacted in accordance with Digital Transformation Agency guidelines.

    Rory McClaren: In a time of growing global uncertainty, my next guest is currently charged with trying to navigate Australia’s international trade relationships. Federal Minister for Trade and Tourism and South Australian Senator Don Farrell. Good morning to you.

    Trade Minister: Good morning, Rory.

    Rory McClaren: Minister, ABC News is reporting today that a lobby group representing the big tech sector in the US Is encouraging the Trump administration to try and put pressure on Australia to change its policies. And the group has attacked the way that social media, streaming services, and artificial intelligence is being regulated. How do you respond to that criticism?

    Trade Minister: Well, every day, Rory, you get reports of things happening in the United States. I don’t panic about them and try and work through all of these issues, in a calm and consistent way. On this particular topic, of course, we are not singling out United States companies. We treat all companies from all countries equally, and that’s how it should be, and that’s how we’ll proceed to deal with these issues. We have been working to try and improve online safety for all Australians and of course, ensure that we’ve got a diverse and sustainable news media sector. So, that’s our objective out of all of this. And we’ll keep working in the interest of Australians on that online safety and that diversification of the media sector.

    Rory McClaren: But is this intervention from this lobby group just another example of how volatile this trade relationship is becoming with the United States?

    Trade Minister: Look, again, I don’t think we should be overreacting to everything that comes out from the United States. We’ve had a very long standing and good relationship with the United States. Sure, things have started to change in the last few weeks and the last few months. But the goodwill that we have towards the Americans and that they have towards us is still on display. I spoke with my counterpart, the United States Trade Representative, on Tuesday morning. We had a very good discussion. He got to explain what their objectives are. And I explained to them just how important we think we are to the American economy. We have an interesting trade relationship with America. We roughly have $100 billion worth of trade. We buy $70 billion worth of product off them and we sell them $30 billion worth of product. So, we say to them, look, why would you impose a tariff on a country where you have a trade surplus? He pointed out to me that there are only a few other countries in the world where the United States has a trade surplus. One is Hong Kong and the other one is the Netherlands. So, as best we can, we are trying to explain to the highest levels of the United States government just how our trading relationship works. And we’ll continue to do that over the days and the weeks ahead. Obviously, there’s going to be some developments next week. The American government is going to announce what it’s going to do across the board on tariffs on that.

    Rory McClaren: Have you received any reassurances from the Trump administration about Australia and how Australia will be impacted?

    Trade Minister: We’re continuing to talk with them, Rory. I think that’s the most appropriate thing I can say at this stage. We want to engage with the Americans. We want to understand what it is that they want out there, out of the relationship. We’ve had 20 years of our free trade agreement. We think it’s been beneficial to both countries. We want that relationship to continue. Obviously, we have a very important relationship, particularly in South Australia with the AUKUS arrangement. We continue to talk to them about that and we have good, strong, friendly relationships with the United States and we want to keep it that way.

    Rory McClaren: Just on that, we’ve had a text with a question for you, Senator Don Farrell. Do we have a free trade agreement with the U.S. and if so, have they broken it? Do these free trade agreements really mean anything?

    Trade Minister: Well, answering that final question, yes, yes, they are important. You might recall three years ago when I first came into this job, we had $20 billion worth of tariffs and impediments imposed on us by the Chinese government. Despite the fact that we had a free trade agreement with the Chinese. Over that three year period, we – one by one – managed to remove all of those tariffs and all of those trade impediments. The last of them, interestingly, was crayfish just before Christmas last year. And already in that first month we’ve sold $33 million worth of crayfish back into the Chinese market. A record amount. But what did we use? We used our free trade agreement to take issues to, for instance, the World Trade Organization. And we were able to, by combination of diplomacy and other remedies, we were able to resolve each and every one of those issues. So, yes, we do have a free trade agreement with the United States and yes, we are able to use those free trade agreements to progress issues if there is a dispute. Now, obviously first point is we’re trying to resolve issues with the United States by discussion. That’s the first starting point. What we might do subsequently to that. Well, let’s, let’s see what happens. But my ambition is to do what we did in the China situation, that is sit down, open the dialogue, start talking, try and understand what their issues are, but also explain to the Americans what our issues are.

    Rory McClaren: Minister, could that also see you travel to the United States ahead of that decision?

    Trade Minister: Well, I’ve been taking video conferences in the post Covid world. That’s a pretty good way to talk to people and to communicate with people. I don’t want to predict just how we’ll conduct those negotiations, but the listeners should be, should rest assured that we’re open to dialogue and we are having dialogue with the Americans as we speak. And we’ll continue to do that because I think that’s the way you resolve issues. That’s how you resolve issues. Between other people. And that’s how you resolve issues between countries. And that’s what I’d like to do.

    Rory McClaren: Don Farrell, Federal Trade Tourism Minister, thank you for your time.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI: 14/2025・Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Company announcement no. 14 / 2025
    Schindellegi, Switzerland – 24 March 2025


    Trifork Group: Weekly report on share buyback

    On 28 February 2025, Trifork initiated a share buyback program in accordance with Regulation No. 596/2014 of the European Parliament and Council of 16 April 2014 (MAR) and Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052, (Safe Harbour regulation). The share buyback program runs from 4 March 2025 up to and including no later than 30 June 2025. The buyback program will not be active from 9 to 15 April 2025. For details, please see company announcement no. 7 of 28 February 2025.

    Under the share buyback program, Trifork will purchase shares for up to a total of DKK 14.92 million (approximately EUR 2 million).

    Prior to the launch of the share buyback, Trifork held 256,329 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.3% of the share capital.

    Under the program, the following transactions have been made:

    Date    Number of shares       Average purchase price (DKK)       Transaction value (DKK)
    Total beginning 19,188 80.74 1,549,334
    17 March 2025 2,000 84.74 169,480
    18 March 2025 2,000 87.22 174,440
    19 March 2025 2,200 90.81 199,782
    20 March 2025 2,100 94.39 198,219
    21 March 2025 1,900 94.01 178,619
    Accumulated 29,388 84.04 2,469,874

    Since the share buyback program was started on 4 March 2025, the total number of repurchased shares is 29,388 at a total amount of DKK 2,469,874.

    With the transactions stated above, Trifork holds a total of 285,717 treasury shares, corresponding to 1.4%. The total number of registered shares in Trifork is 19,744,899. Adjusted for treasury shares, the number of outstanding shares is 19,459,182.


    Investor and media contact
    Frederik Svanholm, Group Investment Director & Head of Investor Relations
    frsv@trifork.com, +41 79 357 73 17


    About Trifork
    Trifork is a pioneering global technology partner, empowering enterprise and public sector customers with innovative solutions. With 1,229 professionals across 73 business units in 16 countries, Trifork delivers expertise in inspiring, building, and running advanced software solutions across diverse sectors, including public administration, healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, energy, financial services, retail, and real estate. Trifork Labs, the Group’s R&D hub, drives innovation by investing in and developing synergistic and high-potential technology companies. Trifork Group AG is a publicly listed company on Nasdaq Copenhagen. Learn more at trifork.com.

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    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN tours the National Museum of Indonesia and meets with Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia

    Source: ASEAN

    Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, together with H.E. Dr. H. Fadli Zon, Minister of the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia, today toured the exhibitions that showcased the rich cultural heritage and history of Indonesia, at the National Museum of Indonesia in Jakarta. Following the tour, both sides took the opportunity to discuss and exchange views on cultural cooperation including heritage initiatives in ASEAN, and explored new opportunity to strengthen regional cultural cooperation towards advancing ASEAN’s cultural agenda.  

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN tours the National Museum of Indonesia and meets with Minister of Culture of the Republic of Indonesia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor

    Translartion. Region: Russians Fedetion –

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

    Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor

    March 21, 2025

    Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor

    March 21, 2025

    Previous news Next news

    Tatyana Golikova took part in an extended meeting of the board of Rospotrebnadzor

    An extended board meeting was held at Rospotrebnadzor, dedicated to the results of the agency’s activities in 2024 and tasks for 2025. Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova, head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova, and Minister of Health Mikhail Murashko took part in the work of the board.

    The meeting was opened by Deputy Prime Minister Tatyana Golikova. She emphasized that Rospotrebnadzor regularly faces new challenges and threats, but coordinated work and accumulated experience allow preventing the import and spread of dangerous infections. Based on the century-long history of its existence, the service is constantly developing. Participation in the state programs “Development of Healthcare”, “Ensuring Chemical and Biological Safety of the Russian Federation” and “Scientific and Technological Development of the Russian Federation”, the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies, the implementation of the “Sanitary Shield of the Country” initiative gave the service the opportunity to reach a new technological level.

    According to Tatyana Golikova, the key area of the service’s work is the country’s biological safety. “Over three years, a network of 54 sequencing centers, 153 PCR centers has been formed, 20 mobile rapid response laboratories and 14 mobile sanitary and quarantine points operate in the regions. Of the 80 biological safety reference centers existing in the country, 46 operate in Rospotrebnadzor institutions,” she noted.

    What was introduced as pilot approaches and innovations during the COVID-19 pandemic has become routine today. “First of all, this is genomic surveillance and population immunological monitoring. Sequencing capacity in the country has increased fivefold since 2021 – up to 10 thousand sequences per week, which makes Russia one of the world leaders in genomic surveillance,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    The second block of tasks of the service is hygiene. The issues of healthy nutrition, clean water, safe environment are becoming increasingly relevant, as they directly affect the health of each person.

    “As part of the national project “Demography” completed in 2024, a large-scale information and communication campaign on healthy eating was conducted with an audience reach of more than 2 billion views. It was possible to achieve a reduction of almost three times the rate of growth of primary obesity incidence in 2019-2024,” said Tatyana Golikova.

    Rospotrebnadzor will continue activities to implement individual healthy nutrition programs within the framework of the federal project “Health for Everyone”, which is part of the national project “Long and Active Life”, which was launched on January 1 of this year.

    An important area of activity is quality control and food safety. The Service has conducted more than 1 million studies of food products for vitamin and macro- and micronutrient content and surveyed more than 675 thousand students in more than 15 thousand schools. A large-scale in-depth assessment of the actual nutrition of schoolchildren made it possible to identify problems in each region and develop recommendations for each of them on the consumption of food products that meet the requirements of healthy nutrition.

    The product traceability system is gradually expanding the list of products for assessing their compliance with mandatory requirements through the Honest Sign application. In September 2024, the procedure for licensing disinfection activities came into force. A lot of work has been done to change the methodological framework, and amendments to the sanitary rules have been prepared.

    The third important block of the service’s work is consumer rights protection.

    At the end of last year, amendments to the legislation aimed at protecting citizens from the imposition of goods or services on them were adopted in the first reading. “We expect that the proposed amendments will strengthen control in this area and, as a result, will increase the effectiveness of protecting the rights of consumers, as well as bona fide entrepreneurs who avoid such tricks in their activities,” noted Tatyana Golikova.

    In addition, in December of last year, amendments were made to the Code of Administrative Offences, which increased the amount of administrative fines for failure by entrepreneurs to submit notification of the commencement of activities and increased the statute of limitations for bringing to administrative responsibility from three to six months.

    An equally important block is science. The service has a unique scientific base, its infrastructure is constantly being modernized.

    Breakthrough research for biological safety is carried out by Rospotrebnadzor scientific institutions, including within the framework of the Federal Scientific and Technical Program for the Development of Genetic Technologies. The latest candidate vaccines against especially dangerous infections have been developed. Plague and tularemia vaccines are already undergoing preclinical trials.

    “49 new rapid tests for diagnosing infections have been created, and the range should be expanded to effectively identify biological threats. The indisputable merit of the service’s scientific organizations is technological independence in the development and production of diagnostic test systems. Today, 100% import substitution of test system production has been ensured, with the release of up to 1 million kits per year,” the Deputy Prime Minister emphasized.

    The work of the World-Class Genomic Research Center based at the service’s scientific institutions will continue in 2025–2030.

    An equally important block of tasks is international cooperation. The Service monitors and controls infections at near and far approaches. Today, the Service interacts with 30 countries, constantly works in joint centers in Southeast Asia and Latin America. 41 mobile laboratories have been transferred to 16 countries to ensure biological safety. In 2024, the warning and response system in the single epidemiological space of the CIS was strengthened. Fulfilling the initiative of the President of Russia, announced at the Russia-Africa summit in 2023, the geography of the presence of Rospotrebnadzor specialists in Africa has been expanded to 15 countries.

    Tatyana Golikova thanked her colleagues for their success in defending Russia’s position at the WHO and preventing changes to international health regulations.

    All achievements are impossible without the main thing – professional staff. Today, the service employs about 15 thousand young specialists under 35 years of age – this is almost a quarter of all employees. Tatyana Golikova thanked the employees of Rospotrebnadzor for their work and wished them new successes.

    In his speech, Health Minister Mikhail Murashko spoke about the joint work of Rospotrebnadzor and the Ministry of Health, aimed at reducing the total duration of temporary disability among unemployed citizens. By 2030, it is planned to reduce this figure by 15%.

    In turn, the head of Rospotrebnadzor Anna Popova announced the results of the department’s activities in 2024 and tasks for 2025. Thus, the unified information system of Rospotrebnadzor allows informing the population and authorities about the quality of drinking water and air within the framework of the Clean Water and Clean Air projects. The interactive water quality control map, which has been in operation since 2022, contains more than 19 million research results.

    An alternative method for determining the contamination of drinking water and reservoirs has been introduced – the “toxicity index”. Methods have been developed for determining eight antibiotics in drinking water.

    Anna Popova emphasized that Rospotrebnadzor actively protects consumer rights in court, which ensures a high level of legal protection in the consumer market. In 2024, 94–98% of claims were made in favor of consumers, the amount of awarded payments amounted to 4.2 billion rubles.

    As part of the federal project “Sanitary Shield of the Country”, a unique fleet of mobile laboratories has been created, which allows for a prompt response to risks: anywhere in the country within 24 hours and in the world – within 48 hours. Since 2023, the AIS “Perimeter” has been operating at 241 checkpoints to assess epidemiological risks in real time. Remote thermometry and testing at the border have also been introduced, and mobile sanitary and quarantine complexes with laboratory support have been installed in 14 constituent entities of the Russian Federation.

    Territorial bodies of Rospotrebnadzor and hygiene and epidemiology centers operate in the Donetsk People’s Republic, Luhansk People’s Republic, Zaporizhia Oblast and Kherson Oblast. Since the summer of 2022, mobile complexes of anti-epidemic teams have been operating in the regions. Mobile laboratories for rapid response have been delivered to four entities, the work of which is integrated into the Rospotrebnadzor network, ensuring readiness to detect infectious diseases.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: ADB’s Partnership with Canada

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    • ADB and Canada have been working together for nearly six decades to tackle some of the most pressing development challenges in Asia and the Pacific.

    Article | 24 March 2025

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    •  A founding member of ADB, Canada has contributed $245 million to sovereign projects, matched by $868 million of ADB’s resources, and $530 million to ADB-managed trust funds.
    •  Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy’s investment of about Can$2.3 billion over the next five years focuses on sustainable infrastructure, gender equality, climate change, and inclusive development.
    •  ADB and FinDev, Canada’s development finance institution, signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2023 to cooperate on sustainable and inclusive private sector investments that promote development in Asia and the Pacific.

    For nearly six decades, the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Canada have collaborated to tackle some of the most pressing development challenges in Asia and the Pacific. From advancing gender equality to addressing the climate crisis, environmental degradation, and poverty and inequality, the partnership has played an important role in the region’s sustainable development.

    A founding member of ADB, Canada has contributed $245 million to sovereign projects, matched by $868 million of ADB’s resources, and $530 million to ADB-managed trust funds. Canada-based private entities have also committed $383 million to nonsovereign operations.

    In 2023, Canada’s cofinancing commitments amounted to $6.9 million. In the same year, ADB’s Trade and Supply Chain Finance Program supported five Canadian exports and/or imports valued at $2.1 million.

    Advancing shared priorities

    Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy, launched in November 2022, identifies Asia and the Pacific as a region of immense opportunity. With an investment of about Can$2.3 billion over the next five years, the strategy signals Canada’s commitment to the region. It focuses on sustainable infrastructure, gender equality, climate change, and inclusive development. It also aligns efforts with global initiatives such as the G7 Partnership for Global Infrastructure Investment.

    Collaborating with FinDev Canada

    ADB and FinDev, Canada’s development finance institution, signed a memorandum of understanding in May 2023 to cooperate on sustainable and inclusive private sector investments that promote development in Asia and the Pacific. They will jointly support private sector growth and investments in emerging and developing markets that advance women’s economic empowerment, climate action, and local market development.

    Driving results through trust funds

    ADB’s trust funds are essential to mobilize private financing and accelerate private sector participation in development. Canada has supported 6 ADB-managed trust funds, including:

    Asia Pacific Project Preparation Facility. Enhancing infrastructure development with $63.3 million in collective contributions alongside Australia, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. It supports the preparation and structuring of infrastructure projects, with private sector participation, and bringing them to the global market.

    Canadian Climate and Nature Fund for the Private Sector in Asia. Supporting private sector projects in the region focused on climate and nature-based solutions, with $255 million in commitments.

    Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia. Catalyzing private investment in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Asia and the Pacific. It is ADB’s first concessional debt cofinancing facility focused on private sector climate actions, with $77.3 million in commitments.

    Canadian Climate Fund for the Private Sector in Asia II. Supporting private sector participation in climate change mitigation and adaptation in low- and lower-middle-income countries and upper-middle-income small island developing states, with $149.5 million in commitments.

    Stories of ADB-Canada partnerships

    Bangladesh: Keeping the Kids in Primary School. Bangladesh’s Primary Education Development Program, cofinanced by ADB and Canada, and other partners, introduced innovative approaches that changed the face of basic education in the country, such as the adoption of multimedia, teacher training, and reward schemes to encourage kids to stay in school.

    Lao People’s Democratic Republic: Southeast Asia’s Biggest Wind Power Plant. The Monsoon Wind Power Company is building a wind power plant in the Lao PDR. ADB and Canada, along with other partners, are cofinancing what is poised to become the largest wind power facility in Southeast Asia.

    Maldives: Boosting Small Businesses and the Blue Economy. ADB and Canada, along with other partners, are providing the Bank of Maldives with a financing package to boost small businesses and investments in sustainable blue economy projects.

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    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s manufacturing hub launches global initiative to expand trade

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A major manufacturing city in east China’s Zhejiang Province has kicked off its 2025 global trade promotion initiative in a bid to boost exports, amid rising trade protectionism and weakening demand in key global markets.

    As the first step of this endeavor, a delegation of 55 companies from the city of Jinhua, home to some 2 million market entities, participated in the National Hardware Show in Las Vegas in the United States from March 18 to 20.

    “Participating in exhibitions can help us win new customers and also strengthen relationships with old customers. It also allows us to better understand customer demands and experience,” said Li Xing, general manager of Jinhua Bangte Electric Co., Ltd.

    Li’s company took over 10 types of hardware and electrical accessories to the exhibition to further tap the U.S. market. Ahead of the trade show, he visited clients in Chicago, Los Angeles and New York to gain deeper market insights and explore potential partnerships.

    “As long as we step out overseas, there will be rewards,” said Li. His company, which mainly exports to the United States and Canada, has achieved annual exports of more than 100 million yuan (about 13.93 million U.S. dollars) on average over the past three years.

    Amid rising tariffs on Chinese goods, Li acknowledged the challenges posed by increased costs. He revealed that his company was negotiating with clients to share the burden. He is also working on establishing a U.S.-based trading company to build overseas warehouses to reduce logistics and warehousing costs.

    Zhejiang Seacoast Industrial Co., Ltd., another exhibitor, received positive feedback at the Las Vegas expo regarding its new balcony and courtyard tables and chairs.

    “The United States is an important export destination for China’s hardware and garden products,” said Gao Junting, general manager of Seacoast Industrial. “Through this exhibition, we aim to expand our offline customer base and enter major U.S. supermarkets.”

    Gao noted that rising living costs in the United States are driving consumers to seek affordable yet high-quality products. “This presents an opportunity for us.”

    Beyond the United States, Seacoast Industrial has made significant progress in expanding into Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    Currently, about 15 percent of its exports, approximately 5 million U.S. dollars annually, are achieved via online platforms like Amazon in the United States, while over 80 percent goes to clients in Europe, Australia, South America and Asia.

    The city of Jinhua is intensifying its global trade efforts. In 2025, the city plans to organize delegations of exporters to participate in seven more trade exhibitions in Russia, Thailand, Indonesia, South Africa, Britain, Morocco and Türkiye.

    These exhibitions will showcase a wide range of products such as hardware tools, gardening products, kitchen and bathroom products, and lighting equipment.

    With the help of new trade models, including cross-border e-commerce, Jinhua reported strong trade growth in 2024, with total exports rising 16.4 percent year on year to 771.9 billion yuan. The number of local companies engaged in international trade surpassed 17,000 in 2024, a year-on-year increase of 10.3 percent. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Judiciary launches LinkedIn page

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Judiciary launches LinkedIn page 
    The Judiciary officially launched its LinkedIn page today (March 24) to foster professional understanding and enhance transparency in its work, both locally and internationally.
     
    Through this platform, the Judiciary will share updates on significant court judgments, major professional exchanges with other jurisdictions, key events, and important initiatives.
     
    Please visit and follow the Judiciary’s LinkedIn page (www.Linkedin.com/company/hk-judiciaryIssued at HKT 13:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Hack the Future” Hackathon at IIT Gandhinagar organized by NSO, India successfully concluded

    Source: Government of India (2)

    Posted On: 24 MAR 2025 8:52AM by PIB Delhi

    NSO. India in collaboration with the Indian Institute of Technology Gandhinagar (IITGN), successfully concluded its 36-hour hackathon titled “Hack the Future” today at the IITGN campus.

    The event witnessed participation from 18 teams representing prestigious academic institutions across India which included IITs, NITs, IIITs etc. Participants tackled three innovative challenges presented to them with guidance given by mentors from the Ministry and the institute. A five jury members comprising experts from industry, academia, and the Ministry evaluated the final solutions.

    The valedictory session was graced by Dr. Saurabh Garg, Secretary, MoSPI & Head NSO; Shri P.R. Meshram, Director General, NSO India and Dr. Rajat Moona, Director, IIT Gandhinagar.

    In his address, Shri P.R. Meshram congratulated all participants and highlighted that the hackathon represents an extension of the Ministry’s ongoing modernization initiatives. Dr. Moona encouraged participants to continue their work in data science and statistics beyond the hackathon, leveraging the extensive datasets made available by MoSPI. He also commended the Ministry for its innovative initiatives.

    Dr. Garg expressed satisfaction with the nationwide participation and congratulated all finalist teams. He encouraged participants to continue working in this field to contribute to nation-building efforts.

    Prizes were awarded to the top three solutions across three categories. Plaksha University, Chandigarh claimed the top spot in two categories, while Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Petroleum Technology won in the remaining category. The second-place winners were IIT Jammu, VIT Vellore, and NIT Goa in their respective categories, while NMIMS Mumbai, IIIT Vadodara, and IIT Kharagpur secured third place in their respective categories.

    The event concluded with a collective commitment to continue fostering innovation through multi-stakeholder collaboration.

    ***

    Samrat/Allen

    (Release ID: 2114242) Visitor Counter : 92

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Flower Show’s flower distribution activity concludes

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Flower Show’s flower distribution activity concludes 
    Please broadcast the following at suitable intervals:
     
         The Leisure and Cultural Services Department announced today (March 24) that due to an overwhelming response from the public, the Hong Kong Flower Show’s flower distribution activity on Green Recycling Day has concluded. Members of the public are advised not to proceed to Victoria Park for the collection of flowers.
    Issued at HKT 11:15

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Small-scale Test Survey of 2026 Population Census

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Small-scale Test Survey of 2026 Population Census 
         Hong Kong will conduct population census in 2026. The purpose is to obtain up-to-date benchmark information on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population of Hong Kong and on its geographical distribution. Such information is important to the Government for planning and policy formulation, and the private sector and academia for business and research purposes respectively.
     
         A sample of some 9 000 quarters located in the Eastern District, Kwun Tong, Sham Shui Po and Tsuen Wan has been selected by the C&SD for the Small-scale Test Survey. Households in the selected quarters will be required to provide information on demographic and socio-economic characteristics. The C&SD will also invite households to provide opinions on the questionnaire design and the census operation.
     
         Households selected for this Survey will receive a notification letter issued by the C&SD. They can follow the information provided in the notification letters to complete the questionnaires through the “Online Questionnaire System”, or call the Census Hotline 18 2026 to conduct telephone interviews. Census officers of this Department will also visit households not yet responded to conduct face-to-face interviews.
     
         The C&SD reminded households that if they have not provided the C&SD with their contact information, the C&SD will not initiate call, send email or SMS to them. Each census officer will wear a vest uniform and carry a Government Identity Card / Enumerator Identity Card and a Certificate of Identity issued by the C&SD for verification. Households can call 18 2026 to check the identity of census officer.
     
         This Survey is conducted under Part IIIA of the Census and Statistics Ordinance (Chapter 316). Information collected regarding individual persons and households will be kept in strict confidence.
     
         For enquiries about the Survey, please call 18 2026.
    Issued at HKT 10:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Former registered minor works contractor, its authorised signatory, contractor, its sub-contractor and worker fined over $130,000 in total for contravention of Buildings Ordinance

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    A former registered minor works contractor (RMWC), its authorised signatory (AS), a contractor, its subcontractor and a worker were fined $137,000 in total at the Kowloon City Magistrates’ Courts on March 5, for contravention of the Buildings Ordinance (Cap. 123) (BO).  

    The case involved a fatal incident at a composite building at Cheung Wong Road, Mong Kok, when carrying out the removal works of an unauthorised flat roof structure in February 2023. The removal works, being a minor works item, were required to be carried out by a prescribed registered contractor (PRC) in accordance with the simplified requirements of the Minor Works Control System (MWCS). During the removal works, a flat steel bar fell onto the street and struck a pedestrian, who was subsequently certified dead.  

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: SED to attend International Summit on the Teaching Profession and Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    SED to attend International Summit on the Teaching Profession and Asia-Pacific Association for International Education Conference and Exhibition 
         On March 25 (Reykjavík time), Dr Choi will lead a delegation of Hong Kong principals and education experts to attend the International Summit on the Teaching Profession 2025 in Reykjavík, Iceland, to discuss the latest trends in global education development with education ministers from around the world. She will also visit local schools and meet education experts there.
     
         On March 27 (Delhi time), she will depart for Delhi, India, and lead a delegation of representatives of the University Grants Committee (UGC) and UGC-funded universities to attend the Asia-Pacific Association for International Education 2025 Conference and Exhibition, during which she will deliver a speech on “Study in Hong Kong”. The Secretary-General of the UGC, Professor James Tang, will join part of the visit.
     
         Dr Choi will conclude her visit on March 28 (Delhi time) and return to Hong Kong. During her absence, the Under Secretary for Education, Dr Sze Chun-fai, will be the Acting Secretary for Education.
    Issued at HKT 11:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Leading Mainland supply chain and logistics service provider JD Logistics leverages Hong Kong’s status as multinational supply chain management centre to expand Hong Kong operation (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Leading Mainland supply chain and logistics service provider JD Logistics leverages Hong Kong’s status as multinational supply chain management centre to expand Hong Kong operation  
    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Charles Ng said, “The expansion of JD Logistics in Hong Kong reinforces the city’s status as an international supply chain management centre. We look forward to closer collaboration with them to enhance supply chain efficiency and inject new momentum into Hong Kong’s economic growth and innovation development.”
     
    Since its service upgrade in Hong Kong, JD Logistics has opened four operations centres in Kwun Tong, Kwai Tsing, Sha Tin, and Yuen Long. To increase coverage on Hong Kong Island, a fifth operations centre has been established in Chai Wan, with an area of over 10 000 sq ft. Equipped with automated sorting equipment, the efficiency of the operations centre is expected to double.
     
         The Director of Public Affairs at JD Logistics, Mr Lin Ruibin, said, “The opening of our new operations centre in Hong Kong is not only a commitment to the local market but also an essential step in enhancing supply chain efficiency. The centre is equipped with advanced logistics technologies and automation equipment to ensure rapid delivery and precise management of goods.”
     
    He continued, “Last year, daily package deliveries increased 24-fold in Hong Kong and 14-fold in Macao, while the volume of cross-border packages between Mainland China and Hong Kong grew by 16 times, resulting in double-digit growth overall in our express delivery volume. This reflects the enormous business opportunities in the local market. With the rapid development of e-commerce, JD Logistics will further enhance its operational capacity in Hong Kong to provide customers both locally and across Asia with more convenient logistics solutions.”

         He added, “JD Logistics has been strategically positioned in Hong Kong for years, recognising Hong Kong’s strong purchasing power and its importance as a key node in the Greater Bay Area. Since starting operations in Hong Kong a year ago, we have hired over 450 local employees and will continue to recruit more to meet business needs in the future.”
     
    For more information about JD Logistics, please visit www.jdl.com/en
    To get a copy of the photo, please visit     www.flickr.com/photos/investhk/albums/72177720324566538Issued at HKT 10:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Prime Minister condoles demise of Pasala Krishna Bharathi

    Source: Government of India

    Posted On: 23 MAR 2025 11:55PM by PIB Delhi

    The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of Pasala Krishna Bharathi, a devoted Gandhian who dedicated her life to nation-building through Mahatma Gandhi’s ideals.

    In a heartfelt message on X, the Prime Minister stated;

    “Pained by the passing away of Pasala Krishna Bharathi Ji. She was devoted to Gandhian values and dedicated her life towards nation-building through Bapu’s ideals. She wonderfully carried forward the legacy of her parents, who were active during our freedom struggle. I recall meeting her during the programme held in Bhimavaram. Condolences to her family and admirers. Om Shanti: PM @narendramodi”

     

     

    “పసల కృష్ణ భారతి గారి మరణం ఎంతో బాధించింది . గాంధీజీ ఆదర్శాలకు తన  జీవితాన్ని అంకితం  చేసిన ఆమె బాపూజీ విలువలతో దేశాభివృద్ధికి కృషి చేశారు . మన దేశ స్వాతంత్ర్య పోరాటంలో పాల్గొన్న  తన తల్లితండ్రుల వారసత్వాన్ని ఆమె  ఎంతో గొప్పగా కొనసాగించారు . భీమవరం లో జరిగిన కార్యక్రమంలో ఆమెను కలవడం నాకు గుర్తుంది .ఆమె కుటుంబానికీ , అభిమానులకూ నా సంతాపం . ఓం శాంతి : ప్రధాన మంత్రి @narendramodi”

     

     

    ***

    MJPS/ST

    (Release ID: 2114239) Visitor Counter : 41

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE to attend Boao Forum annual conference in Hainan

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CE to attend Boao Forum annual conference in Hainan 
    The theme of this year’s conference is “Asia in the Changing World: Towards a Shared Future”. Mr Lee will attend the opening plenary of the annual conference and deliver a speech at the Global Free Trade Port Development Forum. Additionally, the Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, will attend and speak at the “Enhancing Digital Capacity Building & Bridging Digital Divide” Forum.
     
    During his visit to Hainan, Mr Lee will also witness the signing of Memoranda of Understanding between the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the People’s Government of Hainan Province. The Deputy Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Cheuk Wing-hing, and the Under Secretary for Constitutional and Mainland Affairs, Mr Clement Woo, will join relevant parts of the visit.
     
    Mr Lee will return to Hong Kong on March 27. During his absence, the Chief Secretary for Administration, Mr Chan Kwok-ki, will be the Acting Chief Executive.
    Issued at HKT 9:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Daily Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on March 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 1,50,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 66,215
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 66,215
    Cut off Rate (%) 6.26
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 6.26
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2024-2025/2443

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Why isn’t there an opposition leader to unite Democrats in the US?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samuel Garrett, Research Associate, United States Studies Centre, University of Sydney

    In just two months back in the Oval Office, President Donald Trump has tested the limits of the US Constitution, from overhauling immigration to drastically reducing the federal workforce and dismantling government agencies.

    With Republicans now in control of both the Senate and House of Representatives, Congress has so far shown little sign it will stand in Trump’s way.

    The judiciary is the other branch of government that can check the power of the president. However, the Trump administration has appeared increasingly willing to simply ignore decisions handed down by judges.

    There has also been a notable lack of unified opposition from the Democratic Party.

    Congressional Democrats are demoralised and deeply divided over how to respond to Trump. They face criticism, too, over their apparent lack of strategy.

    This has led some to ask why the United States lacks a formal political opposition leader.

    How opposition leaders operate in other countries

    In the American political system, the loser of the presidential election doesn’t retain a position as leader of the party in opposition. Instead, they tend to disappear from view.

    Kamala Harris is considering a run for governor of California — and could well attempt another run for president in 2028 or beyond. But she hasn’t remained a vocal counterpoint to Trump since he took office.

    By contrast, in countries with Westminster-style parliamentary systems, such as Australia, the United Kingdom, Canada and India, the main party not in power selects an opposition leader from among their ranks. In most countries, this position is defined by convention, not law.

    The opposition leader in many countries serves as the main face — and voice — of the party not in power. They work to keep the government accountable and are seen as the leader of an alternative government-in-waiting.

    What it takes to lead the opposition in the US

    During Trump’s first term, the Democratic speaker of the House, Nancy Pelosi, was widely recognised as the de facto Democratic opposition leader.

    A skilled negotiator, Pelosi was largely able to unite the Democrats behind her to lead the opposition to Trump’s legislative agenda — famously ripping up a copy of Trump’s State of the Union address on the House podium in 2020.

    As Senate majority and minority leader, Republican Senator Mitch McConnell successfully blocked swathes of legislation during Barack Obama’s presidency. He even thwarted a US Supreme Court nomination.

    In the 1980s, then-Speaker of the House Tip O’Neill led the Democratic opposition to Republican President Ronald Reagan’s domestic agenda, without resorting to obstructionism.

    However, for an opposition figure to have this level of influence, they usually need decades of experience, political skill, and a party in control of the House or Senate.

    The Democrats no longer have a majority in either chamber and are no longer led by Pelosi. Hakeem Jeffries has been the House minority leader since 2023, but without the speaker’s gavel or control of any committees, he has limited influence.

    Party discipline is typically far more unwieldy in the United States compared to other countries. In Australia, for instance, crossing the floor to vote against your own party is very rare.

    Unruly party caucuses make it significantly more difficult for a single party figurehead to emerge unless they command near-universal party loyalty and respect among their members in both chambers.

    Will Democratic cracks shatter the party?

    The Democratic caucus, already strained by Joe Biden’s late withdrawal from the 2024 presidential race, is now even more fractured.

    The Democrats continue to grapple with their resounding defeat in November, which saw the party lose ground with almost every demographic across the country. Polling shows public support for the Democrats has slumped to unprecedented lows, with just over a quarter of voters holding a positive view of the party.

    Most dramatically, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer defied fellow Democrats (including Jeffries) by voting in favour of a resolution in recent weeks to avoid a government shutdown. His decision sparked an uproar from his party colleagues.

    Visual images of the party’s disarray were also on clear display during Trump’s joint address to Congress earlier this month. While some representatives protested loudly, others followed leadership instruction to remain silent.

    Democrats were in near lock-step on almost all issues during Trump’s first term, as well as Biden’s presidency. Now, some are calling on Schumer to step aside as minority leader — and for the Democrats to coalesce behind a younger, more outspoken leader such as Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

    Where next for the party?

    In the fractious debates now consuming the party, some see parallels with the emergence of the Tea Party movement within the Republican Party during Barack Obama’s first term in office.

    The current Democratic division could result in the emergence of a stronger dissident faction within the party. And this could push a harder line in opposition to Trump, no longer toeing the line from party leadership.

    Yet, while the political outlook for Democrats may appear bleak, electoral turnarounds can happen quickly in the United States.

    Few expected a demoralised Democratic party to turn John Kerry’s heavy defeat to George W Bush in 2004 into a generational victory just four years later. Similarly, after Obama decisively won reelection against Mitt Romney in 2012, few Republicans could have predicted they’d soon be back in power with Trump.

    But, as was the case 20 years ago, the soul-searching process will be painful for the Democrats. Whether it’s Ocasio-Cortez or another figure, the 2026 midterm elections are likely to be the best opportunity for a new central leader to emerge on the national stage.

    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. Why isn’t there an opposition leader to unite Democrats in the US? – https://theconversation.com/why-isnt-there-an-opposition-leader-to-unite-democrats-in-the-us-252384

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Mystery solved: our tests reveal the tiny algae killing fish and harming surfers on SA beaches

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Shauna Murray, Professor; Faculty of Science, University of Technology Sydney

    Anthony Rowland

    Confronting images of dead seadragons, fish and octopuses washed up on South Australian beaches – and disturbing reports of “more than 100” surfers and beachgoers suffering flu-like symptoms after swimming or merely breathing in sea spray – attracted international concern last week.

    Speculation about the likely cause ranged from pollution and algae to unusual bacterial infections or viruses. Today we can reveal the culprit was a tiny – but harmful – type of planktonic algae called Karenia mikimotoi.

    The SA government sent us water samples from Waitpinga Beach, Petrel Cove Beach, Encounter Bay Boat Ramp and Parsons Headland on Tuesday. We studied the water under the microscope and extracted DNA for genetic analysis.

    Our results revealed high numbers of the tiny harmful algal species – each just 20 microns in diameter (where one micron is one thousandth of a millimetre). While relatively common in Australian coastal waters, blooms of K. mikimotoi occur only sporadically. But similar harmful algal blooms and fish kills due to K. mikimotoi have happened in the past, such as the 2014 bloom in Coffin Bay, SA. And this latest one won’t be the last.

    Sick surfers and dead marine life from strange sea foam (ABC News)

    Harmful algal blooms

    Single-celled, microbial algae occur naturally in seawater all over the world.

    They are also called phytoplankton, because they float in the water column and photosynthesise like plants. “Phyto” comes from the Greek word for plant and “plankton” comes from the Greek word for wanderer, which relates to their floating movement with ocean currents and tides.

    Like plants on land, the microalgae or phytoplankton in the ocean capture sunlight and produce up to half the oxygen in our atmosphere. There are more than 100,000 different species of microalgae. Every litre of seawater will normally contain a mixed group of these different microalgae species.

    But under certain conditions, just a single species of microalgae can accumulate in one area and dominate over the others. If we are unlucky, the dominant species may be one that produces a toxin or has a harmful effect.

    This so-called “harmful algal bloom” can cause problems for people and for marine life such as fish, invertebrates such as crabs, and even marine mammals such as whales and seals.

    There are hundreds of different species of harmful algae. Each produces its own type of toxin with a particular toxic effect.

    Most of these toxic chemical compounds produced by harmful algae are quite well known, including neurotoxins that affect the brain. But others are more complicated, and the mechanisms of toxicity are poorly understood. This can make it more difficult to understand the factors leading to the deaths of fish and other marine life. Unfortunately, the toxins from K. mikimotoi fall into this latter category.

    Introducing Karenia mikimotoi

    Karenia mikimotoi under the microscope.
    Shauna Murray

    The species responsible for recent events in SA beaches, K. mikimotoi, causes harmful algal blooms in Asia, Europe, South Africa and South America, as well as Australia and New Zealand. These blooms all caused fish deaths, and some also caused breathing difficulties among local beachgoers.

    The most drastic of these K. mikimotoi blooms have occurred in China over the past two decades. In 2012, more than 300 square kilometres of abalone farms were affected, causing about A$525 million in lost production.

    Explaining the toxic effects

    Microalgae can damage the gills of fish and shellfish, preventing them from breathing. This is the main cause of death. But some studies have also found damage to the gastrointestinal tracts and livers of fish.

    Tests using fish gill cells clearly show the dramatic toxic effect of K. mikimotoi. When the fish gill cells were exposed to intact K. mikimotoi cells, after 3.5 hours more than 80% of the fish cells had died.

    Fortunately, the toxin does not persist in the environment after the K. mikimotoi cells are dead. So once the bloom is over, the marine environment can recover relatively quickly.

    Its toxicity is partly due to the algae’s production of “reactive oxygen species”, reactive forms of oxygen molecules which can cause the deaths of cells in high doses. K. mikimotoi cells may also produce lipid (fat) molecules that cause some toxic effects.

    Finally, a very dense bloom of microalgae can sometimes reduce the amount of dissolved oxygen in the water column, which means there is less oxygen for other marine life.

    The human health effects are not very well known but probably relate to the reactive oxygen species being an irritant.

    K. mikimitoi cells can also produce “mucilage”, a type of thick, gluey substance made of complex sugars, which can accumulate bacteria inside it. This can cause “sea foam”, which was evident on beaches last week.

    South Australia’s marine emblem, the leafy seadragon, washed up dead on the beach.
    Anthony Rowland

    Unanswered questions remain

    A question for many people is whether increasing water temperatures make blooms of K. mikimotoi more likely.

    Another concern is whether nutrient runoff from farms, cities and aquaculture could cause more harmful algal blooms.

    Unfortunately, for Australia at least, the answer to these questions is we don’t know yet. While we know some harmful algal blooms do increase when nutrient runoff is higher, others actually prefer fewer nutrients or colder temperatures.

    We do know warmer water species seem to be moving further south along the Australian coastline, changing phytoplankton species abundance and distribution.

    While some microalgal blooms can cause bioluminescence that is beautiful to watch, others such as K. mikimotoi can cause skin and respiratory irritations.

    If you notice discoloured water, fish deaths or excessive sea foam along the coast or in an estuary, avoid fishing or swimming in the area and notify local primary industry or environmental authorities in your state.

    Shauna Murray receives funding from the Fisheries Research and Development Corporation, the New South Wales Recreational Fisheries Trust, the Australian Centre for International Agricultural Research, and the Storm and Flood Industry Recovery Program. She is President of the Austalasian Society of Phycology and Aquatic Botany and past chair of the NSW Shellfish Committee.

    Greta Gaiani 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. Mystery solved: our tests reveal the tiny algae killing fish and harming surfers on SA beaches – https://theconversation.com/mystery-solved-our-tests-reveal-the-tiny-algae-killing-fish-and-harming-surfers-on-sa-beaches-252810

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Singapore mobile services to hit $2 billion in 2029 with 5G driving revenue stability, says GlobalData

    Source: GlobalData

    The growing adoption of 5G services in Singapore is set to drive revenue stability and innovation in the telecom sector, counteracting the decline in mobile voice service revenue. By the end of 2029, the country’s total mobile service revenue is expected to reach $2.0 billion, maintaining a steady compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 0.8% from 2024 to 2029, according to GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

    GlobalData’s Singapore Mobile Broadband Forecast (Q4-2024) reveals that mobile voice service revenue will decline at a 5.4% CAGR over the forecast period due to the widespread consumer shift towards over-the-top- based (OTT) communication platforms and the subsequent decline in voice service average revenue per user (ARPU) levels.

    Mobile data service revenue, on the other hand, will increase at a healthy CAGR of 5.2% between 2024 and 2029, driven by the growing consumption of mobile data services and projected rise in higher-ARPU yielding-5G subscriptions as 5G services become more widely available across the country.

    Kantipudi Pradeepthi, Telecom Analyst at GlobalData, says: “4G will remain the leading mobile technology, in terms of subscriptions, until 2024. 5G service will see its subscriptions surpass 4G subscriptions in 2025 and is expected to account for an impressive 90% share of the total mobile subscriptions by the end of 2029. This growth in 5G subscriptions will be primarily driven by the rising demand for highspeed data services, ongoing 5G network expansions by MNOs, and a subsequent increase in availability of 5G services across the nation.”

    Singtel will continue to dominate the mobile services market in terms of subscriptions through 2029, given its strong position in both the prepaid and postpaid segments and its focus on 5G network developments and expansion across the country. In February 2025, Singtel upgraded its 5G offering to 5G+ service with the deployment of the 700 MHz spectrum, enabling stronger signals (up to 40%) in high-rise indoor and underground locations, wider coverage, including in remote areas and improved connectivity for both consumers and enterprises.

    Pradeepthi concludes: “Singapore’s telecom market is undergoing a pivotal transformation, with 5G adoption serving as the key driver of future growth. The shift towards data-centric services, coupled with strong infrastructure investments by major players like Singtel, will not only sustain market stability but also pave the way for innovation in IoT, M2M services, and advanced connectivity solutions, positioning Singapore as a regional telecom leader.”

    About GlobalData

    4,000 of the world’s largest companies, including over 70% of FTSE 100 and 60% of Fortune 100 companies, make more timely and better business decisions thanks to GlobalData’s unique data, expert analysis and innovative solutions, all in one platform. GlobalData’s mission is to help our clients decode the future to be more successful and innovative across a range of industries, including the healthcare, consumer, retail, financial, technology and professional services sectors.

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New planning laws to end the culture of ‘no’

    Source: New Zealand Government

    The Government’s new planning legislation to replace the Resource Management Act will make it easier to get things done while protecting the environment, say Minister Responsible for RMA Reform Chris Bishop and Under-Secretary Simon Court.

    “The RMA is broken and everyone knows it. It makes it too hard to build the infrastructure and houses New Zealand desperately needs, too hard to use our abundant natural resources, and hasn’t resulted in better management of our natural environment,” Mr Bishop says.

    “Replacing the RMA with new legislation premised on property rights is critical to the government’s mission of growing the economy and lifting living standards for New Zealanders.

    “In our first year in office we repealed Labour’s botched RMA reforms and made a series of quick and targeted amendments to provide relief to our primary sector, such as repealing the permitted and restricted discretionary intensive winter grazing regulations. We also passed the Fast-track Approvals Act to make it much easier to deliver projects with regional or nationally significant benefits. 

    “Cabinet has now agreed on the shape of the Government’s replacement legislation, signalling a radical transition to a far more liberal planning system with less red tape, premised on the enjoyment of property rights.

    “Turning our economy around requires changing the culture of ‘no’ that permeates decision making in New Zealand. Whether it’s aquaculture off the coast of the South Island or a new green building replacing a heritage gravel pit next to a train station in the centre of our biggest city, the RMA has obstructed growth instead of enabling it. 

    “That’s all about to change. Enough is enough. 

    “Last year, the Government set ten principles for the new RMA system and tasked an Expert Advisory Group to work at pace to test and further refine these principles and develop a blueprint for reform. The EAG delivered their blueprint earlier this year.

    “Cabinet has agreed that the EAG Blueprint delivers a workable basis for a new planning system and has made in-principle decisions on a range of new features for the system, drawing upon the EAG Blueprint.

    “Economic analysis undertaken on the Blueprint’s proposals show that they are estimated to deliver a 45% improvement in administrative and compliance costs when compared to the current system. Similar analysis done on the last Government’s RMA replacement estimated that it would deliver only a 7% reduction in process costs.”

    Key features of the new system include:

    • Two Acts: A Planning Act focused on regulating the use, development and enjoyment of land, along with a Natural Environment Act focused on the use, protection and enhancement of the natural environment. 
    • A narrowed approach to effects management: The new system will be based on the economic concept of “externalities”. Effects that are borne solely by the party undertaking the activity will not be controlled by the new system (for example, interior building layouts or exterior aspects of buildings that have no impact on neighbouring properties such as the size and configuration of apartments, the provision of balconies, and the configuration of outdoor open spaces for a private dwelling). Matters such as effects on trade competition will be excluded.
    • Property Rights: Both Acts will include starting presumptions that a land use is enabled, unless there is a significant enough impact on either the ability of others to use their own land or on the natural environment. This will reduce the scope of effects being regulated and enable more activities to take place as of right. There will be clear protection for lawfully established existing use rights, including the potential for the reasonable expansion of existing activities over time where the site is ‘zoned or owned’. There will be a requirement for regulatory justification reports if departing from approaches to regulation standardised at the national level. Compensation may happen for regulatory takings in some circumstances. There will be an expansion in the range of permitted activities.
    • Simplified National Direction: One set of national policy direction under each Act will simplify, streamline, and direct local government plans and decision-making in the system. Direction under the Natural Environment Act will cover freshwater, indigenous biodiversity and coastal policy. Direction under the new Planning Act will cover urban development, infrastructure (including renewable energy) and natural hazards. 
    • Environmental limits: A clearer legislative basis for setting environmental limits for our natural environment will provide more certainty around where development can and should be enabled, whilst protecting the environment.
    • Greater use of standardisation: Nationally set standards, including standardised land use zones, will provide significant system benefits and efficiencies. The new legislation will provide for greater standardisation, while still maintaining local decision making over the things that matter.
    • Spatial Plans: Each region will be required to have a spatial plan, focused on identifying sufficient future urban development areas, development areas that are being prioritised for public investment and existing and planned infrastructure corridors and strategic sites.
    • Streamlining of council plans: A combined plan will include a spatial planning chapter, an environment chapter and planning chapters (one per territorial authority district).
    • Strengthening environmental compliance monitoring and enforcement: To safeguard the environment, a national compliance regulator with a regional presence will be established – taking over a function currently done poorly by regional councils. 

    “Common sense ideas like standardised zoning will be a key feature of the new system. Right now, every individual council determines the technical rules of each of their zones. Across the country there are 1,175 different kinds of zones. In Japan, which utilises standardised zoning, they have only 13”, Mr Bishop says.

    “Standardising these zoning rules will take pressure off ratepayers and make it easier to build more homes for Kiwis. It will also enhance local decision making, allowing elected local representatives to focus more time on deciding where development should and should not occur in their community, and less time on the enormous amount of technical detail that goes into regulating that development.”

    The Phase Three RMA replacement is a key commitment in the National Party’s election manifesto, and its coalition agreement with the ACT Party.

    “The RMA is akin to a gale force headwind battering against any attempts to develop anything anywhere,” Mr Court says.

    “Our population has grown while our infrastructure has crumbled. If we want to retain our status as a first-world nation, we need to build.

    “We need to develop homes, schools, hospitals, and roads. We need to develop ports, windfarms, gas fields and farms. Without good infrastructure and easier access to resources, how can we achieve the quality of life New Zealanders expect of a developed nation in the 21st century?

    “The RMA’s scope is far too broad and allows far too many people to rely on far too many reasons to object and tangle progress in webs of absurd conditions.

    “We must rationalise the system to ensure a tight scope where only those affected get a say, and at the right time. We cannot have Tom, Dick, and Harry weaponise the planning system to block progress from the opposite end of the country.

    “We believe that the best way to stop unnecessary red tape is attach a price to it. The new system will protect landowners against regulatory takings, enabling them to seek recourse if found that unjustified restrictions have been placed on their land.”

    “There’s a lot of work still to do, but this Government is committed to delivering these reforms to unlock the economic growth we need to improve the lives of all New Zealanders.” Mr Bishop says. 

    “We intend to begin work immediately on working through the policy detail, introducing two new Acts into the House before the end of this year.”

    Editor’s note:

    Please find attached:

    Fact Sheet – Resource management reform

    Report from the Expert Advisory Group on RM Reform. Blueprint for resource management reform: A better planning and environmental management system.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Jason uncovers Kunming’s floral magic

    Source: China State Council Information Office 2

    One of Yunnan’s famous “18 Oddities” says, “Flowers here are sold by the kilo.” Jason had a visit at the Dounan Flower Market in Chenggong district in Kunming, down in southwestern China. The Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower market supplies seven out of every 10 flowers sold in China. Every day, more than 1,600 types of flowers are traded here, with annual sales topping 10 billion stems. Dounan’s success isn’t just luck. Beyond high-quality flowers and hardworking farmers, digital technology has transformed the industry.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: AI-powered rubber-tapping robots designed to alleviate labor shortage

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    In a bid to tackle the chronic labor shortages plaguing its natural rubber industry, China has unveiled a mobile rubber-tapping robot, marking a leap forward in agricultural automation.

    Developed jointly by the Chinese Academy of Tropical Agricultural Sciences (CATAS) and Beijing-based tech firm Automotive Walking Technology, the self-navigating robot is set to undergo trials in rubber plantations in south China’s Hainan Province during the upcoming tapping season in April.

    In a demonstration video, the robot can be seen approaching a rubber tree, before halting with pinpoint accuracy and then extending its robotic arm to execute a precise cutting motion on the trunk. Within seconds after this cutting motion, the video reveals milky-white latex flowing steadily from the incision made by the robot.

    China’s natural rubber sector, vital for tire manufacturing and as a source of industrial supplies, is currently facing a significant workforce deficit due to its grueling working conditions, nocturnal shifts and high incidence of occupational diseases.

    “The rubber-tapping robots have been developed to address the exodus of rubber tappers, which is the industry’s critical pain point,” said Cao Jianhua, deputy director of the CATAS rubber research institute.

    The robot, equipped with a multi-degree-of-freedom robotic arm and caterpillar-track mobility, leverages AI-driven technologies to adapt to complex terrain and perform precision cuts.

    Its navigation system combines laser radar and multi-sensor fusion algorithms, enabling high-precision positioning in dense plantations. Also, visual tech determines tree bark depth and cutting angles, achieving 80 percent manual harvesting efficiency with matching latex quality.

    The rubber-tapping robot can harvest 100 to 120 trees per hour, powered by lithium batteries that provide over 8 hours of continuous operation. Notably, its 20-second rapid battery swap capability ensures uninterrupted workflow in large plantations.

    Once in the mass-production phase, the cost of the rubber-tapping robot will drop below 100,000 yuan (13,820 U.S. dollars), and for a 50-mu (3.33 hectares) rubber garden, robot-based tapping will recoup the purchase cost within about 18 months, Sun Yao, co-founder of Automotive Walking Technology, told Xinhua.

    “We’ve been in discussions with several multinational tire companies and rubber growers throughout Southeast Asia, including in Indonesia and Thailand, and they’re showing strong interest in our product,” said Cao.

    Cao’s team is continuing to refine its technology. Soon, users will be able to monitor the robots directly from their smartphones, get a clear picture of the rubber garden’s status, and use more big data and AI technologies for fully automated management.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on March 21, 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) 5,71,400.25 6.33 5.15-6.65
         I. Call Money 16,518.82 6.33 5.15-6.50
         II. Triparty Repo 3,90,123.95 6.30 6.00-6.65
         III. Market Repo 1,62,325.58 6.39 5.50-6.50
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,431.90 6.63 6.60-6.65
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 548.90 6.43 5.90-6.45
         II. Term Money@@ 565.00 – 7.25-7.60
         III. Triparty Repo 190.00 6.23 6.00-6.50
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         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 Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 96,581.00 6.26
      Fri, 21/03/2025 5 Wed, 26/03/2025 46,204.00 6.26
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Fri, 21/03/2025 1 Sat, 22/03/2025 9,778.00 6.50
      Fri, 21/03/2025 2 Sun, 23/03/2025 0.00 6.50
      Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 183.00 6.50
    4. SDFΔ# Fri, 21/03/2025 1 Sat, 22/03/2025 1,32,199.00 6.00
      Fri, 21/03/2025 2 Sun, 23/03/2025 1.00 6.00
      Fri, 21/03/2025 3 Mon, 24/03/2025 6,756.00 6.00
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       13,790.00  
    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          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Fri, 21/02/2025 45 Mon, 07/04/2025 57,951.00 6.26
      Fri, 14/02/2025 49 Fri, 04/04/2025 75,003.00 6.28
      Fri, 07/02/2025 56 Fri, 04/04/2025 50,010.00 6.31
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       9,517.37  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     1,92,481.37  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     2,06,271.37  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on March 21, 2025 8,89,240.46  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending March 21, 2025 9,19,133.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ March 21, 2025 1,42,785.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on March 07, 2025 54,323.00  
    @ 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.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2024-2025/2082 dated February 05, 2025, Press Release No. 2024-2025/2138 dated February 12, 2025, and Press Release No. 2024-2025/2209 dated February 20, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2024-2025/2442

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI China: E-commerce firm gets OK to resume operations after rectification

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    A Hefei joint investigation team declared on Sunday that the e-commerce company Three Sheep Group, which had come under investigation last year for misleading consumers during live-streamed sales, has met the necessary requirements for rectification and fit to resume operations. 

    In October 2024, the company paid a fine of 68.95 million yuan ($9.5 million) in full, according to the investigation team. They have also compensated a total of 27.78 million yuan for products implicated in the case, including “Hong Kong Meicheng Mooncakes” and “Australian Grain-Fed Beef Rolls”. 

    According to earlier reports, the company had deceived customers during live-streamed sales of a mooncake brand, which caused a stir as despite its Hong Kong-suggestive name, no physical stores were located in Hong Kong, with packaging revealing production in Guangzhou and Foshan, Guangdong province.

    The company will continue to uphold the principle of full compensation, implementing a policy of refunding three times the purchase price to ensure proper handling of refunds and compensations, the investigation team said.

    Addressing concerns regarding product selection and quality control, promotional activities, after-sales services, and internal management, the investigation team provided guidance to the company in making 89 specific rectification measures and emphasized the importance of effectively implementing these changes.

    It also urged the company to reflect on inappropriate behaviors during previous live-streamed sales, adhere to requirements for online civility, enhance the management of hosts and live events, strengthen social responsibility and cultivate a positive image.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: S. Korea’s constitutional court rejects PM Han’s impeachment

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    South Korea’s constitutional court on Monday rejected a motion by the parliament to impeach Prime Minister Han Duck-soo, according to the court.

    With the rejection, Han was immediately reinstated as prime minister and acting president as the ruling took effect right after delivering the decision.

    Of eight justices of the nine-member bench, five rejected the motion while one upheld it. The remaining two were in favor of dismissal.

    The impeachment motion against Han was passed by the opposition-controlled National Assembly on Dec. 27 last year following the impeachment of President Yoon Suk-yeol on Dec. 14 over his botched martial law imposition.

    Choi Sang-mok, the economy and finance minister who doubles as deputy prime minister for economic affairs, became an acting president in December last year after the impeachments of both president and prime minister. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Panasonic’s Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 Enhances Real-time Video Production with AI-powered Face Filter and Automatic Face Picture-in-picture

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic’s Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 Enhances Real-time Video Production with AI-powered Face Filter and Automatic Face Picture-in-picture

    Osaka, Japan, March 24th, 2025 – Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. announced today that Version 2 of its AW-SF400 Video Mixer Plug-in, a paid plug-in for the company’s software-based Media Production Suite platform, will be released in the second quarter of CY2025. The new update will introduce advanced AI-driven features to achieve even greater efficiency for simplifying high-quality video production.
    Note: For the latest information on plug-in availability, please refer to the website shown below.
    Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2 is planned to be showcased at the National Association of Broadcasters’ 2025 NAB Show (Booth #N1311), in Las Vegas, USA from April 6–9.The current version, AW-SF400, offers powerful tools, such as AI Keying, which extracts subjects from backgrounds without requiring a green screen, and Smart Switching, which enables quick application of various compositing patterns with a single click. Version 2 enhances these capabilities even further with AI-driven improvements.
    One of the key additions is the AI Effect Filter, which uses AI-based face detection and recognition for real-time mosaic processing. When installed on a PC, the plug-in automatically detects faces during shooting and applies preset filter effects, such as mosaics, in real time.
    In addition, Version 2 introduces AI Face Crop, an automatic face PinP (picture-in-picture) processing feature designed to streamline live video production. Using AI face detection technology, the system can identify and track specific individuals and automatically insert their faces as PinP overlays. By allowing a single camera to display multiple face PinP overlays simultaneously, the new feature eliminates the need for multiple cameras. Even non-professionals can efficiently manage multi-person video production for streaming corporate events, lectures, etc., as well as broadcasting.
    Version 2 also adds audio input/output support and external API integration to optimize live video production workflows and reduce the burden of on-site operations.
    With growing privacy concerns in online streaming, broadcasting and event-video production, there is an increasing need to ensure that unrelated people do not appear on camera. However, this can be difficult to achieve during shooting, and applying mosaic effects manually in post-production is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Version 2 addresses these concerns with AI-driven functionality, allowing video creators to work more efficiently. Panasonic remains committed to enhancing its Media Production Suite to meet the evolving needs of video professionals.

    Key Features:

    1. AI Effect Filter (Face Filtering Processing)

    Leveraging AI technology, this feature detects faces in video feeds and applies real-time filtering effects, such as mosaics or blurring.
    Face filtering for up to 25 people at a time.
    Filtering only specific faces while leaving others unaltered.
    Selected faces can be excluded from filtering.
    Three filter effects: Blur, Mosaic, and Image Overlay.
    Blur and Mosaic effects can be adjusted for intensity.
    Image overlay allows assigning different images to individual faces (up to 8 people).
    AI Effect Filter Examples:

    2. AI Face Crop (AI-powered Auto Face PinP)

    This feature uses AI to detect and track faces in real time and automatically insert them as PinP overlays.
    Cropping and PinP insertion for up to 8 people.
    Tracking continues if subject moves and resumes if subject reappears after exiting frame.
    Customizable layout positioning for cropped images.
    Frames can be added around cropped images (adjustable width, single-color only).
    Provides alpha-channel output for seamless keying and external switcher integration.
    Specific registered faces can be assigned to each PinP overlay.
    AI Face Crop Example:

    3. Enhanced Audio I/O and External API Integration

    Audio Input/Output Capabilities
    Embedded audio input/output via SDI, NDI® and SRT.
    Customizable audio channel assignment for each output, with input audio details viewable in Settings menu.
    Audio output monitoring via PC’s Line Out.
    Seamless audio source switching even while video output is active.
    Audio Follow Video for automatic audio adjustment when switching PGM (IN and Scene only).
    Configuration options for audio sources when PGM is selected in Scene settings.
    Output volume adjustment directly from multi-view screen.
    External API Integration
    HTTP/TCP-based external control.
    Four key control commands: PGM Switching, DSK ON/OFF, PGM/KEY Capture and AI Keying Background Image Capture
    For more details on the Video Mixer Plug-in Version 2:https://pro-av.panasonic.net/en/software/mps/vm/
    Note: Product specifications are under development and subject to change prior to release.

    Media Contact:

    For more information about this topic,please contactpro-av.ad@gg.jp.panasonic.com 

    About Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd.
    Panasonic Entertainment & Communication Co., Ltd. established in April 2022 as part of the Panasonic Group’s switch to an operating company system, is strengthening the bonds among people and enriching our customers’ lives by providing consumer electronics, including AVC products such as OLED TVs, Lumix digital cameras, headphones, phones, intercoms, and more, as well as business products and solutions including for broadcast, professional AV, and sound systems globally. Our mission is to offer people new emotion and relaxation through our entertainment and communication solutions. To fulfill this mission, we strive to act with professionalism to continuously recreate the future by connecting people. For more details, please visit https://www.panasonic.com/global/peac.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Harnessing the Benefits of Regional Cooperation and Integration

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    Transcript

    The rapid growth of the Asia and Pacific region into a global economic powerhouse can be fully understood through the crucial role of deepening regional cooperation and integration.
     
    In recent decades, the region has made remarkable strides in integration through the accelerated growth in trade, investment, movement of people, and―importantly―knowledge.
     
    Asia’s trade integration is drawing closer to that of the European Union, with intraregional trade shares increasing by 10 percentage points from 1990 to 2023. 
     
    Foreign direct investment within Asia has grown, with 52% of FDI from 2013 to 2023 coming from within the region, boosted by investments in services, digital industries, and green sectors. 
     
    Financial integration has lagged behind trade and investment. 
     
    Yet it remains a critical conduit for translating the region’s existing and future savings into regional investments.
     
    Expanding markets and income has made Asia a crucial source of remittances and tourism, beyond pre-pandemic levels. 
     
    For several economies in the region, they have become financial lifelines.
     
    While the region is backed by strong regional cooperation and partnership, growing risks of geopolitical tensions and global fragmentation calls for renewed attention to the benefits of regional cooperation and integration in better cushioning external shocks.
     
    The region needs to broaden, deepen, and modernize its free trade agreements and investment treaties.
     
    Also, existing regional financial arrangements must upgrade their effectiveness to safeguard the region’s financial stability.
     
    Digitalization must ensure it helps facilitate the secure movement of people, money, and ideas; and lower transfer costs.
    Tourism can thrive only if improved connectivity―along with liberal air transport and visa policies―can expand regional travel opportunities.
     
    With these efforts, regional cooperation and integration will increasingly contribute to economic prosperity, help tackle the climate crisis, narrow the digital divide, and navigate geopolitical challenges in the coming decades
     
    To learn more, please read the Asian Economic Integration Report 2025. 

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: France’s Southern Cross regional military exercise moves to Wallis

    By Patrick Decloitre, RNZ Pacific correspondent French Pacific desk

    Southern Cross, a French-hosted regional military exercise, is moving to Wallis and Futuna Islands this year.

    The exercise, which includes participating regional armed and law enforcement forces from Australia, Fiji, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea and Tonga every two years, is scheduled to take place April 22-May 3.

    Since its inception in 2002, the war games have traditionally been hosted in New Caledonia.

    However, New Caledonia was the scene last year of serious riots, causing 14 deaths, hundreds injured, and an estimated cost of 2.2 billion euros (NZ$4.2 billion)

    Southern Cross focuses on the notion of “interoperability” between regional forces, with a joint multinational command following a predefined but realistic scenario, usually in a fictitious island state affected by a natural disaster and/or political unrest.

    This is the first time the regional French exercise will be hosted on Wallis Island, in the French Pacific territory of Wallis and Futuna, near Fiji and Samoa.

    Earlier this month (March 3-5), the Nouméa-based French Armed Forces in New Caledonia (FANC) hosted a “Final Coordination Conference” (FCC) with its regional counterparts after a series of on-site reconnaissance visits to Wallis and Futuna Islands ahead of the Southern Cross 2025 manoeuvres.

    Humanitarian, disaster relief
    FANC also confirmed this year, again in Wallis-and-Futuna, the exercise scenario would mainly focus on Humanitarian Assistance and Disaster Relief (HADR) and that it would involve, apart from the French forces, the deployment of some 19 other participating countries, with an estimated 2000 personnel, including 600 regional.

    A French Carrier Strike Group exercise Clémenceau25 deployment map of operations. Image: ALPACI-Forces armées en Asie-Pacifique et en Polynésie française

    Last week, still in preparation mode, a group of FANC officers travelled again to Wallis for three days to finalise preparations ahead of the exercise.

    In an interview with public broadcaster Wallis and Futuna la 1ère, FANC inter-army chief-of-staff Colonel Frédéric Puchois said the group of officers met local chiefly and royal authorities, as well as the Speaker of the local territorial assembly.

    In 2023, the previous Southern Cross exercise held in New Caledonia involved the participation of about 18 regional countries.

    “It’s all about activating and practising quick and efficient scenarios to respond mainly to a large-scale natural disaster,” Colonel Puchois said.

    “Southern Cross until now took place in New Caledonia, but it was decided for 2025 to choose Wallis and Futuna to work specifically on long-distance projection.

    “So, the Americans will position some of their forces in Pago-Pago in American Samoa to test their capacity to project forces from a rear base located 2000 kms away [from Wallis].

    “And for the French part, the rear base will be New Caledonia,” he added.

    Port Vila earthquake
    He said one of the latest real-life illustrations of this kind of deployment was the recent relief operation from Nouméa following Port Vila’s devastating earthquake in mid-December 2024.

    “We brought essential relief supplies, in coordination with NGOs like the Red Cross. And during Southern Cross 2025, we will again work with them and other NGOs”.

    However, Colonel Puchois said not all personnel would be deployed at the same time.

    “We will project small groups at a time. There will be several phases,” he said.

    “First to secure the airport to ensure it is fit for landing of large aircraft. This could involve parachute personnel and supplies.

    “Then assistance to the population, involving other components such as civil security, fire brigades, gendarmes. It would conclude with evacuating people in need of further assistance.

    “So we won’t project all of the 2000 participants at the same time, but groups of 250 to 300 personnel”.

    Cooperation with Vanuatu Mobile Force
     FANC Commander General Yann Latil was in Vanuatu two weeks ago, where he held meetings with Vanuatu Mobile Forces (VMF) Commander Colonel Ben Nicholson and Vanuatu Internal Affairs minister Andrew Napuat to discuss cooperation, as well as handling and maintenance of the French-supplied FAMAS rifles.

    For two weeks, two FANC instructors were in Port Vila to train a group of about 15 VMF on handling and maintenance of the FAMAS used by the island state’s paramilitary force.

    The VMF were also handed over more ammunition for the standard issue FAMAS (the French equivalent of the US-issued M-16).

    French Armed Forces Commander in New Caledonia (FANC) General Yann Latil visits Vanuatu Mobile Forces (VMF) training in French FAMAS rifles maintenance. Image: FANC Forces Armées en Nouvelle-Calédonie

    During his visit, General Latil also held talks with Vanuatu Internal Affairs Minister Andrew Napuat, who is in charge of the VMF and police.

    FANC and Vanuatu security forces are “working on a regular basis”, Vanuatu-based French Ambassador Jean-Baptiste Jeangène Vilmer said.

    The three-star general (equivalent of a lieutenant-general) flew back to Nouméa about 500 km away on March 8.

    French vessel on fishing policing mission
     At the same time, still in Vanuatu, Nouméa-based overseas support and assistance vessel (BSAOM) the D’Entrecasteaux and its crew were on a courtesy call in Luganville (Espiritu Santo island, North Vanuatu) for three days.

    After hosting local officials and school students for visits, the patrol boat embarked on a surveillance policing mission in high seas off the archipelago.

    One ni-Vanuatu officer also joined the French crew inspecting foreign fishing vessels and checking if they comply with current regulations under the Forum Fisheries Agency (FFA).

    On a regular basis, similar monitoring operations are also carried out by navies from other regional countries such as Australia and New Zealand in order to assist neighbouring Pacific States in protecting their respective Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZ) from what is usually termed Illegal Unregulated and Unreported (IUU) fishing from foreign vessels.

    Last month, the D’Entrecasteaux was engaged in a series of naval exercises off Papua New Guinea.

    Further north in the Pacific, French aircraft carrier Charles de Gaulle and its strike group wrapped up an unprecedented two-month deployment in a series of multinational exercises with Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Vietnam), where “one third of the world’s maritime trade transits every day”.

    This included its own Exercises Clémenceau25 and La Pérouse (with eight neighbouring forces), but also interoperability-focused manoeuvres with the US and Japan (Pacific Steller).

    “The deployment of this military capacity underlines France’s attachment to maritime and aerial freedom of action and movement on all seas and oceans of the world”, the Tahiti-based Pacific Maritime Command (ALPACI) said this week in a release.

    US Navy in Western Pacific activity
     Also in western Pacific waters, the US Navy’s activity has been intense over the past few weeks, and continues.

    The Virginia-class fast-attack submarine USS Vermont (SSN 792) returned on 18 March to Joint Base Pearl Harbour-Hickam, following a seven-month deployment, the submarine’s first deployment to the Western Pacific, the US Third Fleet command stated.

    On Friday, the USS Nimitz (CVN 68) Carrier Strike Group (NIMCSG) left Naval Base Kitsap in Bremerton, Washington, for a regularly scheduled deployment to the Western Pacific.

    The US Third Fleet command said the strike group’s deployment will focus on “demonstrating the US Navy’s unwavering commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific in which all nations are secure in their sovereignty and free from coercion”.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Zealand & India Comprehensive FTA consultation begins

    Source: New Zealand Government

    Trade and Investment Minister Todd McClay has today launched a public consultation on New Zealand and India’s negotiations of a formal comprehensive Free Trade Agreement.
    “Negotiations are getting underway, and the Public’s views will better inform us in the early parts of this important negotiation,” Mr McClay says.
    We are offering all interested New Zealanders, including businesses, NGOs, and members of the public the opportunity to make a submission prior to 15 April 2025. 
    With a population of 1.4 billion people and on track to become the world’s third-largest economy by 2030, India holds significant potential for New Zealand and will play a pivotal role in the Government’s goal to double New Zealand’s exports by value over the next ten years. 
    Alongside trade agreement negotiations, New Zealand will continue to invest in stronger, deeper, more sustainable connections with India across all pillars of the relationship, including our political, defence and security, sporting, environmental, and people-to-people connections.
    For more information, including on how you can make a submission, please share your views at  https://www.mfat.govt.nz/have-your-say before 15 April 2025.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Asian Economic Integration Report 2025: Harnessing the Benefits of Regional Cooperation and Integration

    Source: Asia Development Bank

    The report examines how integration has significantly impacted trade, global value chains, foreign direct investment, finance, migration, remittances, and tourism, and highlights that a renewed focus on regional cooperation could cushion external shocks. Modernizing trade and investment agreements, enhancing regional financial arrangements, and advancing digitalization could help drive economic prosperity, bridge the digital divide, and navigate challenges in the coming decades.

    MIL OSI Economics –