NewzIntel.com

Category: CTF

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: First Responders – Care urged after spate of fatal house fires

    Source: Fire and Emergency New Zealand

    Fire and Emergency New Zealand is asking everyone to put fire safety at the front of their minds following a spike in the number of fatal house fires.
    Risk Reduction and Investigations Manager Peter Gallagher says that in the last 12 months there have been 17 people who have died in avoidable residential house fires.
    “This is our worst year in 10 years. With the cooler weather, we see more house fires. It is so important that people take some simple steps to ensure whanau and fri

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Angus Mitchell, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, University of Adelaide

    Angus Mitchell

    When you think about climate change in our oceans, you may picture coral bleaching, melting sea ice, or extreme weather events. But beneath the ocean’s surface, another quiet shift is underway. Australia’s tropical fish are heading south into cooler waters.

    These fish are not just visiting. They are settling into the milder “temperate” reefs that used to be too cold for them. As they do, they encounter new environments, new challenges and new neighbours.

    In our new research we studied the behaviour of these new migrants. We found some tropical fish are not just surviving in their new homes, they’re thriving. And, surprisingly, much of that success comes down to who they’re hanging out with.

    A slow-motion invasion

    Tropical fish travel poleward via ocean currents.

    On Australia’s east coast, the fish typically hitch a ride on the strengthening East Australian Current as it pushes warm water and the tropical species further south.

    Some species are showing up hundreds of kilometres beyond their usual home range. Many tropical fish arrive on temperate reefs during summer, and used to die over winter when the water grew colder. Now, as winter water temperatures increase, some tropical fish survive year-round in temperate reefs.

    But life at the edge of your range is risky. These fish encounter colder water temperatures, unfamiliar predators and a reef full of competitors. So, how do they cope?

    As waters warm, temperate reefs of kelp and seaweed are becoming home to tropical fish as they venture southward.
    Angus Mitchell

    Risky business: but some fish can adapt

    We studied five tropical fish species and two temperate species across a 2,000km stretch of Australia’s east coast, from the tropics to the cold temperate south. We observed how these fish fed, sheltered and reacted to threats, using underwater video cameras.

    Analysis of the footage revealed tropical fish behaved differently in the colder waters. They spent more time hiding and less time feeding. They were also more wary of predators, displaying a cognitive shift in “lateralisation” — a preference to consistently turn left or right, which can help fish make faster escape decisions when threatened.

    Such risk-averse behaviour is likely to help fish stay alive in unfamiliar reefs by avoiding predators. But it also reduces food intake and growth, unless these fish find new friends.

    New school mates, better outcomes

    Previous research has shown when tropical fish gather or “shoal” with temperate fish, they grow bigger and survive longer into winter than fish in tropical-only shoals.

    We wanted to understand the mechanism for this phenomenon. Could tropical fish be learning from temperate shoal mates? And how might their behaviour change when shoaling with temperate fishes?

    Using underwater videos, we found three tropical damselfish species spent more time feeding and less time sheltering when they formed mixed shoals with temperate fish. They also appeared bolder and were more successful at finding food.

    We think these mixed shoals offer key advantages: safety in numbers, more eyes watching for predators, and perhaps most importantly, social learning. By shoaling with local temperate species such as the Australian Mado, tropical fish may learn where and when it’s safe to feed, and how to behave in these foreign temperate ecosystems.

    This kind of behavioural “plasticity” is a powerful tool in a changing climate. Fish that can adjust their behaviours in ways that boost their fitness are more likely to survive as climatic conditions rapidly shift in our oceans.

    Tropical and temperate fish species form a mixed-species group or shoal at Little Manly in southeastern Australia.
    Angus Mitchell

    Not all fish benefit

    These interactions were not always beneficial. Two herbivorous tropical fish species, the convict tang and brown tang, did not show the same benefits, likely because their specialised diets made it harder to learn from omnivorous temperate species.

    And for the temperate fish, the presence of tropical fish in shoals were often problematic. At the northern, warmer edge of their range, temperate fish fled more often and fed less when tropical fish were present. That’s worrying, because warming alone is already pushing many temperate species toward their biological limits. Adding new competitors might push them over the edge.

    Herbivorous convict tangs (Acanthurus triostegus) shoal tightly near shelter on a temperate oyster reef. At the edge of their range, these tropical fish adopt more cautious behaviours, seeking refuge and foraging less.
    Angus Mitchell

    A changing reef community

    All this comes amid dire news of the Earth’s oceans. Research published today shows 2023 set new records for the duration, extent and intensity of marine heatwaves.

    Fish migration to temperate reefs is a glimpse of the future: even warmer waters, shifting species ranges and new species interactions.

    Our results suggest these new species interactions and relationships, particularly mixed-species shoaling, can help tropical fish survive longer in temperate ecosystems. But they may also disrupt existing ecosystems and place extra stress on local temperate species.

    In this way, climate-driven range shifts are more than just a temperature driven story. They’re stories about behaviour, relationships, and resilience.

    Understanding how fish respond to their new neighbours and how those responses shape who stays and who goes, will be key to managing reefs in a rapidly warming ocean.

    Ivan Nagelkerken receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC).

    Angus Mitchell and Chloe Hayes 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. As oceans warm, tropical fish are moving south. New friendships may be helping them survive – https://theconversation.com/as-oceans-warm-tropical-fish-are-moving-south-new-friendships-may-be-helping-them-survive-258405

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Israel and US recall teams from Gaza truce talks, US says Hamas not showing good faith

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel and the United States recalled their delegations from Gaza ceasefire talks for consultations on Thursday, with U.S. envoy Steve Witkoff accusing the Palestinian militant group Hamas of failing to act in good faith in the talks.

    It marked the latest setback in efforts to secure a deal that would bring a ceasefire to Gaza, secure the release of Israeli hostages held by Hamas, and bring respite to Palestinians suffering a sharply worsening humanitarian crisis.

    Witkoff said mediators had made a great effort but “Hamas does not appear to be coordinated or acting in good faith”. “We will now consider alternative options to bring the hostages home and try to create a more stable environment for the people of Gaza,” he wrote on X.

    Hamas said it was surprised by Witkoff’s remarks, adding that the group’s position had been welcomed by mediators and had opened the door to reaching a comprehensive agreement.

    “The movement affirms its keenness to continue negotiations and engage in them in a manner that helps overcome obstacles and leads to a permanent ceasefire agreement,” Hamas added in a statement early on Friday.

    An Israeli official with knowledge of the talks said Hamas’ response to the latest ceasefire proposal “does not allow for progress without a concession” by the group but that Israel intended to continue discussions.

    Both Israel and Hamas are facing pressure at home and abroad to reach a deal following almost two years of war, with the humanitarian situation inside Gaza deteriorating and Israelis worried about the conditions in which hostages are being held.

    Dozens of people have starved to death in Gaza the last few weeks as a wave of hunger crashes on the enclave, according to local health authorities.

    British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the suffering and starvation in Gaza was an “unspeakable and indefensible” humanitarian catastrophe and called on Israel to urgently let in aid.

    “While the situation has been grave for some time, it has reached new depths and continues to worsen. We are witnessing a humanitarian catastrophe,” Starmer said in a statement.

    He will hold an emergency call with French and German partners on Friday to discuss what could be done to “stop the killing and get people the food they desperately need,” he said.

    The Gaza health ministry said two more people had died of malnutrition. The head of Shifa Hospital in Gaza City said the two were patients suffering from other illnesses who died after going without food for several days.

    Earlier in the day, there had been some apparent signs of progress in the mediation.

    A senior Hamas official told Reuters that there was still a chance of reaching a ceasefire deal but it would take a few days because of what he called Israeli stalling.

    A senior Israeli official had been quoted by local media as saying the new text was something Israel could work with.

    But, Israel’s Channel 12 said a rapid deal was not within reach, with gaps remaining between the two sides, including over where the Israeli military should withdraw to during any truce.

    Witkoff’s team did not immediately respond to a request to explain the Hamas demands that led to his withdrawal of the U.S. negotiators.

    The Hostages Families Forum, representing the family members of those held in Gaza, expressed concern at the recall of the Israeli team. “Each day that passes endangers the hostages’ chances of recovery and risks losing the ability to locate the fallen or gain vital intelligence about them,” it said.

    PEPPER SPRAY FIRED AT AID SITE

    Women going to fetch aid for their families on Thursday said U.S. contractors organising distribution asked them to come to pick up goods and then fired tear gas and pepper spray at them.

    “The Americans said ‘go, go’, and then said no, get back. They sprayed us with pepper spray so we went away. Five minutes later they shot tear gas at us … is this American humanitarian aid?” said Mervat al-Sakani.

    Asked for comment, a spokesperson for the aid organisation – the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation – said a limited amount of pepper spray was used “to prevent civilian injury due to overcrowding”, adding that GHF “didn’t want people to get hurt.” The spokesperson said women-only aid distribution had been “a major success” overall.

    GHF, a U.S.-and Israeli-backed organization, began distributing food packages in Gaza at the end of May.

    The U.N. has called the GHF’s model unsafe and a breach of humanitarian impartiality standards, which GHF denies.

    The U.N. rights office said on July 15 it had recorded at least 875 killings within the preceding six weeks in the vicinity of aid sites and food convoys in Gaza – the majority of them close to GHF distribution points.

    Most of those deaths were caused by gunfire that locals have blamed on the Israeli military. The military has acknowledged that civilians were harmed, saying that Israeli forces had been issued new instructions with “lessons learned”.

    Israel, which cut off all supplies to Gaza from the start of March and reopened it with new restrictions in May, says it is committed to allowing in aid but must control it to prevent Hamas diverting it.

    Israel says it has let in enough food for Gazans, and blames the United Nations for being slow to deliver it; the U.N. says it is operating as effectively as possible under conditions imposed by Israel.

    The war began when Hamas killed some 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in its October 7 attacks on Israel, according to Israeli tallies. Israel has since killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza, according to Gaza health authorities.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI China: ECB keeps rates on hold

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

    European Central Bank President Christine Lagarde attends a press conference in Frankfurt, Germany, on July 24, 2025. [ECB/Handout via Xinhua]

    The European Central Bank (ECB) announced on Thursday that it will keep key interest rates unchanged at its latest rate-setting meeting.

    The deposit facility rate, through which the central bank steers the monetary policy stance, remains unchanged at two percent.

    Inflation in the euro area inched up to two percent in June from 1.9 percent in May, according to data released by the statistical office of the European Union (EU). The ECB said in a statement that domestic price pressures continue to ease and wages grow at a slower pace.

    While short-term consumer inflation expectations declined for two consecutive months in a row, most measures of longer-term inflation expectations continue to stand at around two percent, explained the central bank.

    As inflation in the euro area hovers around the targeted level of two percent, the ECB reaffirmed that it is determined to make sure the inflation stabilises in the medium term.

    “The Governing Council stands ready to adjust all of its instruments within its mandate to ensure that inflation stabilises at its two percent target in the medium term and to preserve the smooth functioning of monetary policy transmission,” it said.

    Data indicate that the euro area economy has turned out to be resilient. The gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter this year rose by 0.6 percent, stronger than expected.

    The ECB cut the interest rate of the deposit facility by two percentage points from June 2024 to June this year.

    While the ECB insists in its press release that the governing council is not pre-committing to a particular rate path, Isabel Schnabel, member of the Executive Board of the ECB, was quoted as saying that the interest rates are in a good place and the bar for another rate cut is very high.

    According to Schnabel, the euro area economy is navigating uncertainties better than expected and “a large fiscal impulse” will further support the economy.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Low-altitude economy attracts more aero firms

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

    Visitors learn about a flying vehicle at the International Advanced Air Mobility Expo in east China’s Shanghai on July 23, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Eyeing China’s booming low-altitude mobility sector, a number of companies unveiled their latest cutting-edge products and solutions at the first International Advanced Air Mobility Expo, which kicked off on Wednesday in Shanghai and will run through Saturday.

    With participation of nearly 300 exhibitors from around the globe, the event is expected to attract over 50,000 visitors, event organizers said.

    A variety of electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft are on display. For example, Vector5 — the world’s first large payload eVTOL aircraft designed by Vision Aero Ltd for emergency medical service and search and rescue — was unveiled at the event.

    With a maximum payload of 680 kilograms and takeoff weight of 3,180 kg, the seven-seat eVTOL aircraft developed by the Xi’an, Shaanxi province-based company is equipped with sufficient medical devices and fixation systems for stretchers. Compared with existing medevac helicopters, the eco-friendly aircraft can greatly reduce costs and improve efficiency when dealing with emergency rescue demands.

    “We expect to roll out a more cost-effective model compared to traditional helicopters with Vector5, by cutting the purchase cost by about 50 percent, thanks to the complete supply chain in China,” said Hu Yiqiang, general manager of the company.

    “The low-altitude economy is booming in China, and we see potential market demand for eVTOL aircraft in the medical service sector.”

    Also eyeing overseas markets, Vision Aeronautics is expanding its layout worldwide in regions such as Europe, the Middle East and Southeast Asia.

    During the expo, unmanned aircraft designed for logistics and transportation also attracted large crowds. Among them, the “Air Jeep” AI-101 — a super short take-off and landing (SuperSTOL) intelligent aircraft developed by McLean (Shanghai) Intelligent Technology Co Ltd — made its world debut at the expo.

    With a take-off and landing distance shorter than 40 meters and a minimum takeoff distance of 7 meters, the large fixed-wing unmanned aircraft is tailored for courier services within 600 kilometers, said the company.

    “The number of deliveries soared over 160-fold from 2010 to 2024 in China. Our aircraft can carry 500 kg of goods, and require no general aviation airports or long runways to take off or land. Logistics firms are in urgent need of such aircraft, which has been rushing us forward,” said Ma Liqi, co-founder and CEO of McLean.

    Big names from overseas are also at the expo. Sky Enterprises Inc from the United States is displaying its amphibious aircraft RC-3 Seabee for the first time in China.

    The model can adapt to complex take-off and landing scenarios such as water surfaces, grasslands, snowy fields and sandy areas. Its first version was produced in 1946, and since then, it has been widely applied in over 30 countries in fields such as tourism, transportation, emergency rescue, logistics and express delivery, forest fire fighting and border patrols.

    The aircraft has been through comprehensive upgrades to improve its load and endurance performance so as to tap into the Chinese market. Planning to obtain Chinese certificates within 10 months, the company said it is looking to launch a manufacturing base in the country, and deliver its upgraded aircraft around the end of next year.

    Celia Chen, CEO of the company, said: “We believe this is the best time for us to enter China as we see the nation’s great efforts in promoting the low-altitude economy, which gives us full confidence and solid support. The nation has a well-developed supply chain and advanced artificial intelligence technologies, and we hope to take such advantages to carry the classic aircraft forward.”

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Local SOEs generate 3.7 trillion yuan added value in H1

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

    China’s locally-administrated state-owned enterprises (SOEs) have operated steadily this year despite various challenges, according to the State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission (SASAC) of the State Council, the country’s top state assets regulator.

    In the first half of this year, China’s local SOEs achieved added value of 3.7 trillion yuan (about 518.32 billion U. S. dollars). Their combined fixed-asset investment reached 2.7 trillion yuan, official data showed.

    During the period, research and development spending by local SOEs kept stable growth to reach 265.55 billion yuan. The increased spending came amid efforts by SOEs to accelerate scientific and technological innovation.

    During a meeting earlier this year, the SASAC urged all local SOEs to strengthen the scientific and technological innovation capabilities and put in place effective mechanisms to drive innovation as a key task for this year.

    In 2024, China’s local SOEs achieved combined added value of 7.7 trillion yuan.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China sets up state-owned fusion energy company

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

    This photo taken on March 9, 2025 shows the one-eighth vacuum chamber and overall installation system, one of the key subsystems of the Comprehensive Research Facility for Fusion Technology (CRAFT), in Hefei, capital of east China’s Anhui Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China has set up a state-owned fusion energy company in its latest drive to commercialize fusion power, aiming to harness an almost inexhaustible source of clean energy.

    China Fusion Energy Co. Ltd (CFEC), a subsidiary of the China National Nuclear Corporation (CNNC), was unveiled in Shanghai this week with a registered capital of 15 billion yuan (about 2.1 billion U.S. dollars).

    The newly-founded firm, positioned as an innovation driver for advancing China’s fusion engineering and commercialization, is tasked with developing platforms for technological research and capital operations, the CFEC said.

    China announced prioritized support for core future energy technologies in 2024, with a focus on nuclear fusion, in a bid to fast-track the transition of this cutting-edge technology from the lab to practical application.

    Shanghai is doubling down on its nuclear ambitions, striving to build a world-class hub for nuclear equipment manufacturing and advanced fusion research and development, while securing double-digit annual growth for its nuclear power sector through 2025.

    China Fusion Energy signed a cooperation agreement for a fusion innovation consortium with Shanghai Jiao Tong University, China Electrical Equipment Group, Shanghai Electric and Shenergy Group. Many of these local heavyweights in the traditional power generation sector are poised to secure market share in upstream and downstream fusion-related equipment.

    CITIC Securities estimates that the global nuclear fusion device market could reach a scale of 2.26 trillion yuan between 2030 and 2035.

    In March, a team from Energy Singularity in Shanghai achieved a breakthrough in high-temperature superconducting tokamak technology, with their magnet surpassing the previous record set by the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Commonwealth Fusion Systems in the United States.

    This Shanghai startup has announced a plan to complete its next-generation tokamak by 2027, targeting a 10-fold energy gain, a critical milestone for commercial fusion viability.

    In addition to the eastern Chinese manufacturing hub, two inland provinces in China have significantly expanded scientific research and investment in the fusion energy sector.

    East China’s Anhui Province is actively constructing the Burning Plasma Experimental Superconducting Tokamak (BEST) in its capital Hefei, which is expected to demonstrate fusion electricity generation for the first time in history.

    The massive facility, an upgraded version of the record-breaking Experimental Advanced Superconducting Tokamak currently operational at a research institute in the city, is also expected to be completed by 2027.

    Fusion Energy Tech., the Hefei-based company building the BEST, is another large firm with majority state-owned capital stakes and a registered capital of 14.5 billion yuan. Chinese automaker NIO is one of its major shareholders.

    Engineers there are aiming to construct a fusion engineering demonstration reactor, based on the BEST project. Commercial operations are projected to start somewhere between 2040 and 2050.

    Separately, research and commercial entities in southwest China’s Sichuan Province are exploring various technical routes to harvesting fusion energy, including tokamak, linear field-reversed configuration (FRC), inertial confinement and magnetically driven fusion.

    Last Friday, a Chengdu-based fusion startup achieved plasma ignition in its FRC device, the HHMAX-901, marking a significant milestone toward scaling the technology for commercial use. Similarly, U.S.-based Helion Energy plans to adopt this approach and is expected to begin supplying power to Microsoft by 2028.

    Earlier this month, the Sichuan provincial government released its plan to support the development of “controlled nuclear fusion” as a future industry.

    A recent analysis by MIT Technology Review suggests that China’s robust industrial base could allow its emerging fusion energy sector to “climb the learning curve much faster and more effectively” than its global competitors.

    China’s industrial might in thin-film processing, large metal-alloy structures and power electronics provides a strong foundation to establish the upstream supply chain for fusion, according to the article.

    The journal specifically highlighted China’s strengths in large-scale power electronics, which are also used in similar systems such as high-speed rail and renewable microgrids.

    Zhou Lisha, a researcher at the China Enterprise Reform and Development Society, noted that the establishment of CFEC will boost the sector’s technical and innovation capabilities, and propel the rapid development of the “artificial sun” industry.

    Despite its promising prospects, CNNC, CFEC’s parent company, has cautioned that controlled nuclear fusion is still in the developmental stage, with uncertainties and even risks of commercial failure.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Insurance Appeals Tribunal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Insurance Appeals Tribunal 
    The panel membership of the IAT for the new term is as follows:
     
    New appointees
    ——————
    Professor Hui Kai-wai
    Ms Janet Li Tze-yan
    Professor Rita Li Yi-man
    Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin
    Ms Wong Yuen-chi

    Reappointed members
    ————————–
    Mr Au Lut-chi
    Mr Kenneth Chan Kin-nin
    Mr Anthony Chan Kwok-tung
    Mr Chan Pui-leung
    Mr Arthur Chan Sung-lai
    Mr Brian Chau
    Professor Chen Nan
    Mr Ian Chu Pak-ning
    Ms Cindi Hui Ming-ming
    Mr Benson Hung Kin-ho
    Mr Jiang Tao
    Mr Mark Norman Reginald Johnson
    Ms Nixie Lam Lam
    Mr Lee Pak-kee
    Mr Peter Li Po-ting
    Mr Ken Lin
    Mr Tommy So Chung
    Professor Tam Kar-yan
    Mr Kevin Wong Ho
    Mr Harry Wong Wing-tai
    Mr James Wong Yuk-loi
    Ms Wendy Yuen Miu-ling
     
    A Government spokesman said, “The IAT provides an effective safeguard to ensure that the relevant regulatory decisions made by the Insurance Authority (IA) are reasonable and fair.”
     
    The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members. They are Professor Chan Koon-hung, Ms Kerry Ching Kim-wai, Dr Gladie Lui Man-ching, Professor Phyllis Mo Lai-lan and Mr Simon Tang Shu-pui.
     
    The IAT is a statutory tribunal established under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to review specified decisions made by the IA. The IAT consists of the chairperson and two ordinary members appointed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury from a pool of panel members on the recommendation of the chairperson. The current chairperson of the IAT is Mr Johnny Ma Ka-chun, SC.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Appointments to Insurance Appeals Tribunal

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Appointments to Insurance Appeals Tribunal 
    The panel membership of the IAT for the new term is as follows:
     
    New appointees
    ——————
    Professor Hui Kai-wai
    Ms Janet Li Tze-yan
    Professor Rita Li Yi-man
    Professor Isabella Poon Wai-yin
    Ms Wong Yuen-chi

    Reappointed members
    ————————–
    Mr Au Lut-chi
    Mr Kenneth Chan Kin-nin
    Mr Anthony Chan Kwok-tung
    Mr Chan Pui-leung
    Mr Arthur Chan Sung-lai
    Mr Brian Chau
    Professor Chen Nan
    Mr Ian Chu Pak-ning
    Ms Cindi Hui Ming-ming
    Mr Benson Hung Kin-ho
    Mr Jiang Tao
    Mr Mark Norman Reginald Johnson
    Ms Nixie Lam Lam
    Mr Lee Pak-kee
    Mr Peter Li Po-ting
    Mr Ken Lin
    Mr Tommy So Chung
    Professor Tam Kar-yan
    Mr Kevin Wong Ho
    Mr Harry Wong Wing-tai
    Mr James Wong Yuk-loi
    Ms Wendy Yuen Miu-ling
     
    A Government spokesman said, “The IAT provides an effective safeguard to ensure that the relevant regulatory decisions made by the Insurance Authority (IA) are reasonable and fair.”
     
    The Government also expressed gratitude to the outgoing members. They are Professor Chan Koon-hung, Ms Kerry Ching Kim-wai, Dr Gladie Lui Man-ching, Professor Phyllis Mo Lai-lan and Mr Simon Tang Shu-pui.
     
    The IAT is a statutory tribunal established under the Insurance Ordinance (Cap. 41) to review specified decisions made by the IA. The IAT consists of the chairperson and two ordinary members appointed by the Secretary for Financial Services and the Treasury from a pool of panel members on the recommendation of the chairperson. The current chairperson of the IAT is Mr Johnny Ma Ka-chun, SC.
    Issued at HKT 12:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Green transit system plan gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Government today published the scheme for the Smart & Green Mass Transit System in Kai Tak in the Gazette, in accordance with the Railways Ordinance.

     

    The Government’s target is to award the contract in 2026 with a view to commissioning the system in 2031.

     

    The system is designated to be about 3.5 km long with six stations. The termini will be connected to the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal and MTR Kai Tak Station respectively, with intermediate stations at Shing King Street, Kai Tak Sky Garden, Shing Fung Road Park and Kai Tak Sports Park, serving a population and visitors of around 50,000 residing and working in the area.

     

    The Government explained that the system will connect the former runway area of Kai Tak to the existing MTR Kai Tak Station, strengthening the connectivity among residential and commercial developments as well as tourism, cultural and recreational, sports and community facilities within the area, while connecting with the existing railway network.

     

    It added that the system will not be affected by road traffic conditions because it will be operated in an elevated mode and separated from at-grade traffic.

     

    Depending on the system to be adopted eventually, the estimated journey time from the Kai Tak Cruise Terminal to the MTR Kai Tak Station will be about 10 minutes.

     

    The Government has collected public views on the system earlier through multiple channels, including consultations with the Kowloon City District Council and the Harbourfront Commission’s Task Force on Kai Tak Harbourfront Development, and exchanging views with relevant Legislative Council members and stakeholders.

     

    Under the Railways Ordinance, members of the public may object to the scheme from today until September 23. Additionally, those with compensable interests can claim compensation.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget KCGI 2025 Heats Up as Team Battle Kicks Off: Communities Unite, Rivalries Ignite

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, July 25, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has kickstarted the next phase of its King’s Cup Global Invitational (KCGI) 2025 with today marking the official start of Team Battle. With a massive 6,000,000 USDT promotion pool and exclusive prizes ranging from LALIGA VIP tickets to MotoGP passes, Team Battle marks the beginning of an electrifying community showdown. Team Battle will run from July 24 till August 12.

    From July 14 to July 23, traders across the globe formed alliances, uniting regional communities and rallying behind captains in preparation for the most competitive season of KCGI yet. Whether you’re a seasoned trader, a strategy-driven team leader, or a rising star in the crypto world, KCGI 2025 is the ultimate platform to showcase your trading skills and team synergy.

    “The Team Battle brings KCGI’s spirit of global collaboration to life,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “As traders rally behind captains and compete across borders, the trading tournament unites celebrating community power, strategic thinking, and Web3’s long-term growth.”

    Over 1,300 teams have already joined the tournament, and registration remains open until August 9 for teams still working to meet the minimum requirement of 10 members. Bitget continues to encourage users to form diverse, dynamic squads. To qualify for a share of the 3,000,000 USDT team battle prize pool, teams must have at least 10 members and achieve a combined trading volume of 30,000 USDT. The prize pool includes:

    • 1.2M USDT for top-performing teams by PnL
    • 1.2M USDT for top regional teams by ROI
    • 300K USDT each for individual PnL and ROI rankings

    Team captains also enjoy exclusive perks, including ROI reset cards, dedicated recognition, and up to 10% of team rewards if they lead their squads to victory.  To further energize team captains, Bitget has introduced a Team Leader Award, allocating a total of 100,000 USDT worth of BGB to reward the first 200 captains whose teams meet the eligibility criteria. This early mover incentive recognizes the leadership and initiative of captains who mobilize their communities swiftly and effectively.

    This year’s tournament emphasizes collaboration, strategic planning, and region-based unity, making it an ideal playground for traders to leverage each other’s strengths. Diverse teams can combine different styles—from high-frequency specialists to long-term visionaries—creating an environment where collective intelligence wins.

    With live leaderboards soon to go live, every trade counts. As communities compete across APAC, LATAM, MENA, Europe, and beyond, friendly rivalries are forming, and social channels are lighting up with battle cries. The leaderboard momentum is designed to inspire competitive spirit and keep audiences engaged with every twist and turn.

    To fuel the buzz, Bitget will spotlight milestone achievements and standout teams across its global marketing channels, bringing well-earned attention to breakout performers.

    Join the action and follow the tournament live via Bitget’s official KCGI page.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

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

    Aligned with its global impact strategy, Bitget has joined hands with UNICEF to support blockchain education for 1.1 million people by 2027. In the world of motorsports, Bitget is the exclusive cryptocurrency exchange partner of MotoGP™, one of the world’s most thrilling championships.

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

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

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

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/67836a19-152b-41da-a3a8-e2d58d174632

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: What is chikungunya virus, and should we be worried about it in Australia?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Stephens, Associate Professor in Public Health, Flinders University

    Noppharat05081977/Getty Images

    This week, the World Health Organization (WHO) raised concerns about a surge in the number of cases of a mosquito-borne viral infection called chikungunya.

    Diana Rojas Alvarez, a medical officer at the WHO, highlighted an outbreak occurring across La Réunion and Mayotte. These small islands in the Indian Ocean were previously hit during an epidemic of the virus in 2004–05.

    Between August 2024 and May 2025, more than 47,500 confirmed cases and 12 deaths from chikungunya were reported in La Réunion. Some 116 cases were reported in Mayotte between March and May this year.

    But more than 100 countries have seen local transmission of this virus to date, and the WHO has also flagged recent cases in Africa, Asia and Europe.

    So, what is chikungunya, how does it spread, and should we be worried here in Australia?

    What are the symptoms?

    The main symptoms of chikungunya include fever, joint pain and joint swelling. However, other symptoms may include headache, rash, muscle pain, nausea and tiredness. On rare occasions, chikungunya can be fatal.

    Some people are more prone to having worse symptoms, including infants, older adults, and people with pre-existing medical conditions.

    Symptoms can take up to 12 days to appear, but most people start to experience symptoms three to seven days after being bitten by an infected mosquito.

    There’s no specific treatment for chikungunya other than managing the pain with medications, such as paracetamol.

    Most people recover after a few weeks, but some people can experience ongoing tiredness and joint pains for many months, or even years.

    How does it spread?

    Infected female mosquitoes spread chikungunya. The mosquitoes become infected when they feed on a person carrying the virus in their blood. Once infected, the virus reproduces in the mosquito, and then they can transmit it to other people when the mosquitoes bite them.

    There are more than 3,000 different types of mosquitoes on Earth, but only two are commonly involved in transmitting chikungunya: Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus.

    A. aegypti and A. albopictus look similar and can be easily confused. Both are about 4–7 millimetres in size and have similar black and white markings on their thorax and legs.

    Both are day-time biters, unlike other mosquitoes that typically bite at dawn or dusk. They’re known as “ankle biters” because they mainly bite exposed legs and ankles. These aggressive mosquitoes bite multiple times and are known to follow people indoors to get their meal of human blood.

    These species also transmit dengue virus, yellow fever virus and Zika virus.

    Where does chikungunya occur?

    Chikungunya was first documented in Tanzania in 1952. While outbreaks initially occurred across Africa and Asia, over time the virus has spread around the world. As of December 2024, local transmission of chikungunya had been reported in 119 countries and territories.

    The 2004–05 epidemic was the largest so far, with hundreds of thousands of people infected. The epidemic started in the Indian Ocean islands, but eventually spread across to India. Since then, outbreaks have become more frequent and widespread.

    A key contributor to the proliferation of chikungunya is climate change. Warmer temperatures, altered rainfall patterns, and increased humidity are creating ideal conditions for mosquito breeding. This allows the mosquitoes to adapt to new environments and therefore expand into new habitats.

    The increase is also partly because chikungunya has evolved and been introduced into new populations, whose immune systems have not previously been exposed to the virus.

    So, should we be worried?

    While evidence suggests A. aegypti has been present in northern Queensland since the 1800s (outbreaks of dengue occurred in Townsville in 1879 and Rockhampton in 1885), A. albopictus is a more recent arrival, first documented in the Torres Strait in 2005.

    A. aegypti mosquitoes are now found in areas across north, central and southern Queensland, while A. albopictus is currently still only found in the Torres Strait.

    Nonetheless, to date, there have been no recorded cases of chikungunya transmission within Australia.

    But cases do occur in people who have recently travelled overseas, most often to South and Southeast Asia, or the Pacific Islands.

    In 2023 there were 42 cases of chikungunya recorded in Australia, 70 in 2024, and 90 so far in 2025. Previous years have seen figures above 100, however numbers in recent years may have been lower due to COVID impacting travel.

    As climate change continues to support the spread of A. aegypti and A. albopictus, the risk of transmission within Australia increases.

    That said, there is some evidence we might be lucky in Australia, with potential immune protection from a related local virus, Ross River virus.

    I’m travelling, what should I do?

    Two vaccines are approved for use in the United States against chikungunya, but there’s currently no vaccine approved in Australia. The only way to reduce your risk of infection is to avoid being bitten by mosquitoes.

    People travelling to places where chikungunya is known to occur should wear loose-fitting and light-coloured clothing with enclosed shoes, use insect repellent, close windows and consider using mosquito bed nets. Taking these steps also reduces the risk of other mosquito-borne infections, such as dengue fever.

    If you travel to a place where chikungunya occurs and you get bitten by mosquitoes, monitor yourself for signs and symptoms.

    If you become unwell, see a doctor immediately.

    Jacqueline Stephens is affiliated with the Australasian Epidemiological Association and the International Network for Epidemiology in Policy.

    Jill Carr is affiliated with the Australasian Virology Society and receives funding from The National Health and Medical Research Council to study viral diseases.

    – ref. What is chikungunya virus, and should we be worried about it in Australia? – https://theconversation.com/what-is-chikungunya-virus-and-should-we-be-worried-about-it-in-australia-261847

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Excitement builds among Indian diaspora in Maldives ahead of PM Modi’s visit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a state visit to the Maldives starting Friday, members of the Indian diaspora in the island nation have expressed overwhelming joy and pride ahead of his arrival.

    The visit, taking place at the invitation of Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu, coincides with the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day and the 60th anniversary of India-Maldives diplomatic relations.

    “We are very happy about his arrival. I came here in Maldives two years ago – the situation was not the same. The way they admire India here today is so great,” said a member of the Indian community in Male.

    Another member remarked on PM Modi’s global diplomatic outreach, saying, “The way PM Modi is visiting different nations and making India famous and proud on the global stage is a proud thing.”

    For many Indians living in the Maldives, the visit is not only symbolic but also personal. “It is a matter of great pride that PM Modi is coming. I am part of the management team where the meeting will take place. Hope to meet him – definitely going to see him,” shared one excited individual.

    “Our PM coming to the Maldives is very exciting. Preparations are at their peak to welcome him, and people here are very happy with his visit, especially the Indian community,” added another.

    During his visit, Prime Minister Modi will serve as the Guest of Honour at the Maldives’ 60th Independence Day celebrations. The visit also aims to reinforce bilateral ties and showcase India’s commitment to its “Neighbourhood First” policy.

    Before departing for the Maldives, PM Modi concluded a “landmark” visit to the United Kingdom, where he signed the India-UK Free Trade Agreement and engaged in high-level talks to strengthen economic and trade ties.

    Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal shared on social media: “A landmark visit to UK concludes, elevating the India-Great Britain trade and economic ties to new heights. PM @narendramodi emplanes for the second leg of his tour – Maldives.” (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Volunteers take centre stage at the MCG

    Source:

    Seventeen CFA volunteers received a hero’s welcome at the MCG last night, completing a lap of honour ahead of the annual Emergency Services Match.

    The volunteers, from CFA Districts 16 and 17, were specially selected following their efforts during the past fire season, including responses to major fires at Kadnook, the Grampians National Park and the Little Desert. 

    CFA Chief Officer Jason Heffernan said the event was a fitting tribute to those who have gone above and beyond for their communities. 

    “These members have worked tirelessly during major incidents, often giving up weeks of their own time to support local and neighbouring communities,” Jason said.  

    “The lap of honour was a nice way to acknowledge their commitment, and we’re proud to see our people recognised on such a big stage.” 

    Participating volunteers hailed from brigades including Horsham, Minyip, Woorndoo, Avoca, Pomonal, Stawell, Ararat, Carapooee, Gooroc, Beaufort, Skipton, Lexton and St Arnaud. 

    One of the CFA members that took the field was Pomonal Fire Brigade 3rd Lieutenant David Compton, who said it had been a challenging couple of years for his community.  

    “It’s been a tough stretch for Pomonal. We’ve had back-to-back fire seasons that really took a toll on locals and CFA crews alike,” David said.  

    “Events like this are a great reminder that the work of emergency services doesn’t go unnoticed. It means a lot to be recognised in this way. 

    “As a footy fan, stepping onto the ‘G was a real buzz, something I’ve always wanted to do.” 

    The opportunity to participate was offered to areas heavily impacted by fire activity in recent years. 

    Many of the members selected had responded to multiple large-scale incidents, and several had returned to the fireground more than once across the same season. 

    The Emergency Services Match is an annual event held by the Hawthorn Football Club highlighting vital contribution made by Victoria’s Emergency Services organisations.

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Hepatitis pilot program breaks down barriers to care for Community Corrections clients

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 25/07/2025

    A new pilot program is removing barriers preventing people in the justice system from accessing life-saving healthcare.

    Launched this month at ACT Community Corrections’ city office, the 12-month initiative allows clients on corrections or parole orders to access free, confidential testing and treatment for hepatitis C while fulfilling their reporting obligations.

    Minister for Corrections, Dr Marisa Paterson, toured the testing site today to mark World Hepatitis Day, which calls for urgent action to remove the financial, social and systemic obstacles that stand in the way of hepatitis elimination and liver cancer prevention.

    “World Hepatitis Day reminds us that no one should miss out on care because of stigma or circumstance,” Dr Paterson said.

    “This pilot brings testing and treatment directly to people who need it most, in an accessible, familiar location.

    “The program reflects the ACT Government’s commitment to improving health outcomes for all Canberrans”

    Hepatitis C is a significant public health concern in Australia, with individuals in correctional settings disproportionately affected due to socio-economic factors such as drug use, mental health issues, homelessness, financial and social disadvantage.

    The pilot program offers quick, finger-prick testing, with results available within minutes for antibody tests, or within an hour for GeneXpert testing for those previously infected. Individuals who test positive can access free treatment with direct-acting antivirals, which cure the virus in 99 per cent of cases.

    The pilot also provides continuity of care for detainees transitioning from the Alexander Maconochie Centre back into the community.

    An evaluation will be conducted after 12 months to assess its impact and explore opportunities to expand the model.

    Quotes attributable to ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close:

    “This is about removing barriers and building trust. By embedding care into a familiar environment, we’re making it easier for people to say yes to testing and treatment.

    “Treatment is simple, effective, and free. But for many, the hardest part is getting started. This program breaks down those first barriers and supports people every step of the way.”

    Quotes attributable to Hepatitis ACT CEO Sarah Ahmed:

    “This pilot is about removing the barriers that too often prevent people in the justice system from accessing life-saving healthcare. Hepatitis C is now curable, yet too many people, particularly those with complex or marginalised lives, remain undiagnosed or untreated.

    “This pilot program demonstrates what’s possible when not-for-profit, health and justice systems collaborate to remove barriers to care. By offering free, fast, and confidential testing and treatment in a community-based corrections setting, we are not only delivering on public health goals, but we are also ensuring that all Canberrans, regardless of their circumstances, can access the care they need.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Arts funding boost for Canberra’s creative community

    Source: Australian National Party

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 25/07/2025

    Thirteen Canberra-based artists and arts groups will share in over $415,000 in funding through the first round of the ACT Government’s 2025 Arts Activities ($5,000 to $50,000) program, supporting a diverse range of creative projects across literature, music, digital games, screen, dance, theatre and visual arts.

    The funding will assist artists to create, develop and promote their work locally, nationally and internationally, and supports the ACT Government’s commitment to strengthening Canberra’s identity as Australia’s Arts Capital.

    Among the successful recipients, Paul House has received support to create a multi-media installation for the National Gallery of Victoria’s Country Road Biennale in 2026. Zora Kerr will be able to develop a prototype for the digital game ‘I Am This Castle’, Dance artist Sugar Kaye Grefaldeo will stage Fortūna, a new dance/theatre work, while James Batchelor will present his new dance work Resonance at the Canberra Theatre Centre. In literature, Marissa McDowell received funding to develop imagiNATION, a project imagining the future through First Nations storytellers, poets and animators.

    Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industries Michael Pettersson congratulated the successful applicants:

    “Congratulations to all the successful recipients of the first round of Arts Activities funding. I’m excited by the diversity and creativity of the projects that this funding will support and look forward to seeing the outcomes.”

    “The continuation of this type of support for Canberra’s unique creative industries is essential in establishing ourselves as Australia’s Arts Capital. This funding enables creative individuals to be innovative and develop and grow their art, while nurturing our region’s creative and diverse arts sector.”

    Arts Activities $5 to $50K funding is open twice a year and provides support for one-off projects that help artists develop their skills and practice, assist their careers and employment, and enable them to engage with audiences through exhibitions and performances in the ACT, interstate and internationally.

    The next round of Arts Activities $5 to $50K funding is currently open and will close on 31 July at 5pm.

    For the full list of recipients and more information go to www.arts.act.gov.au/funding/arts-activities-funding.

    Quotes attributable to Marissa McDowell:

    “This endeavour celebrates the creativity, resilience, and heritage of First Nation culture, fostering connection, understanding, and empowerment. Our project will captivate audiences at film festivals, through light projections, literature and audio recordings, sharing the richness of First Nation culture globally.

    Being selected for this support is a tremendous honour, affirming Black & White Films commitment to amplifying First Nation voices and fuelling our passion for storytelling and cultural expression. We are excited and grateful to embark on this journey to realise our project’s potential.”

    Quotes attributable to Zora Kerr:

    “My team and I are building a digital game based on my story of growing up transgender. That’s important because humans understand each other through stories, they’re how we build compassion, respect and empathy. Our stories make us feel seen, represented, and accepted.

    As a game developer I couldn’t be happier that my game was funded, and as a Canberran, it fills my heart with pride that our city values and financially supports diverse people and communities to tell authentic stories.”

    – Statement ends –

    Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Wastewater testing at the Alexander Maconochie Centre to strengthen drug monitoring

    Source: Australian National Party



    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 25/07/2025

    A new wastewater testing program has been introduced at the Alexander Maconochie Centre (AMC) as part of ongoing efforts to monitor and respond to drug use.

    The testing, which began in May 2025, helps identify traces of drugs and illicit substances present at the AMC. It complements existing drug and alcohol testing strategies, including testing of all incoming detainees as well as random and targeted testing during detention.

    Minister for Corrections Dr Marisa Paterson said the initiative is an important step in strengthening ACT Corrective Services’ approach to drug management.

    “Wastewater testing gives us another tool to understand what substances may be circulating in the AMC,” Dr Paterson said.

    A sample taken on 13 May 2025 showed elevated levels of amphetamines, methylamphetamine and EDDP, a metabolite of methadone. These findings align with urinalysis data from the same period, which indicated a high rate of newly admitted detainees entering custody under the influence of illicit substances.

    While the initial results are informative, Dr Paterson emphasised that more data is needed before drawing firm conclusions.

    “It’s important to note that this is just the beginning. We need ongoing monitoring and comparative data to fully understand the implications and to guide future action,” Dr Paterson said.

    The wastewater testing program will continue as part of the AMC’s broader drug strategy, which includes random and targeted testing, support services, and rehabilitation programs.

    Challenges in keeping correctional centres completely free of contraband, including drugs, are experienced universally across correctional facilities within Australia and beyond.

    ACTCS has a comprehensive range of tools and processes to prevent contraband from entering the AMC and is continually improving its contraband detection and prevention methods to adapt to new and evolving attempts to introduce contraband into AMC.

    Quotes attributable to ACT Corrective Services Commissioner Leanne Close:

    “Wastewater testing provides us with another tool to support policies, programs and intelligence systems currently used to minimise drug harm at the AMC. In line with our health-first approach to treating drug use, this newest form of testing provides valuable evidence to inform our approach and support detainees in managing substance use.

    “By combining wastewater results with other testing methods, we can better understand patterns of drug use and respond more effectively.”

    – Statement ends –

    Marisa Paterson, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard rescues 11-year-old child near San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/24/2025 11:30 PM EDT

     

    07/24/2025 11:02 PM EDT

    PHOTOS AVAILABLE: The Coast Guard rescued an 11-year-old child from their capsized sailing vessel inside the San Diego Bay, Wednesday afternoon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Coast Guard rescues 11-year-old child near San Diego

    Source: United States Coast Guard

    U.S. Coast Guard sent this bulletin at 07/24/2025 11:30 PM EDT

     

    07/24/2025 11:02 PM EDT

    PHOTOS AVAILABLE: The Coast Guard rescued an 11-year-old child from their capsized sailing vessel inside the San Diego Bay, Wednesday afternoon.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on July 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 6,08,438.16 5.47 4.75-6.45
         I. Call Money 15,971.76 5.54 4.75-5.65
         II. Triparty Repo 4,10,930.35 5.44 5.00-5.55
         III. Market Repo 1,79,185.50 5.53 5.00-6.00
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 2,350.55 5.68 5.60-6.45
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 91.54 5.35 4.95-5.51
         II. Term Money@@ 555.00 – 5.45-5.90
         III. Triparty Repo 1,621.75 5.40 5.40-5.65
         IV. Market Repo 142.44 5.50 5.50-5.50
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Thu, 24/07/2025 1 Fri, 25/07/2025 1,421.00 5.51
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Thu, 24/07/2025 1 Fri, 25/07/2025 362.00 5.75
    4. SDFΔ# Thu, 24/07/2025 1 Fri, 25/07/2025 1,17,991.00 5.25
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -1,16,208.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Wed, 23/07/2025 2 Fri, 25/07/2025 50,001.00 5.53
         (b) Reverse Repo Fri, 18/07/2025 7 Fri, 25/07/2025 2,00,027.00 5.49
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       10,403.21  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -1,39,622.79  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -2,55,830.79  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks          
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on July 24, 2025 9,49,868.65  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending July 25, 2025 9,63,288.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ July 24, 2025 1,421.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on June 27, 2025 5,79,904.00  

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

    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.

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

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

    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.

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

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/778

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Liberia salutes African Development Bank President Adesina in landmark Government session

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    Liberian President Joseph Nyuma Boakai convened the full spectrum of his government leadership to hear from African Development Bank President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, whom he lauded for a transformative decade at the helm of Africa’s premier development finance institution.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Tunisia: African Development Bank unveils 2025 Country Report – A Roadmap for Inclusive and Sustainable Growth

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The African Development Bank has presented its 2025 Country Focus Report for Tunisia. Titled “Unlocking Tunisia’s Capital for Sustainable Development,” it highlights key levers for fostering more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable growth through improved mobilization of the country’s human, financial, and…

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: The Gambia: African Development Fund Approves $19.93 Million Grant to Tackle Fragility and Expand Opportunities for Rural Youth and Women

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved $19.93 million grant funding for the Resilience Building – Vulnerable Youth and Women Support Project, designed to improve access to basic social services for underserved communities in The Gambia.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Magnitude 6.6 earthquake hits Wallis and Futuna Islands – USGS

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 25 (Xinhua) — An earthquake with a magnitude of 6.6 jolted 167 km southeast of Mata-Utu (Wallis and Futuna) at 23:37 GMT on Thursday, the U.S. Geological Survey said.

    According to preliminary data, the epicenter of the tremors was located at a point with coordinates of 14.75 degrees south latitude and 175.79 degrees west longitude. The hypocenter was located at a depth of 324 km. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Exclusive: Role of Media and Think Tanks in SCO Matters – Kyrgyz Expert

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BISHKEK, July 25 (Xinhua) — Against the backdrop of the current global situation, the role of media and think tanks within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) is gaining strategic importance, Kanatbek Aziz, director of the Research Institute of Geopolitics and Strategy of Kyrgyzstan, said in a recent exclusive interview with Xinhua.

    “In the context of increasing geopolitical turbulence and the crisis of the global narrative, the role and responsibility of the SCO media and analytical centers is acquiring strategic significance, going beyond information support and moving into the plane of intellectual construction of the future,” noted K. Aziz.

    According to him, the media and analytical centers within the SCO perform a dual function: a relay function, ensuring that the “Shanghai Spirit” is conveyed to national and international audiences and forming a holistic image of the SCO as a responsible participant in the global dialogue; and a conceptual and design function, developing new meanings, forming strategic guidelines and providing intellectual support for integration processes.

    “Their responsibility is institutional in nature: not just to support political messages, but to fill them with arguments based on historical and civilizational codes, regional characteristics and universal principles – justice, sovereignty, balance of interests, collective security,” he said, adding that in the era of fragmentation of the information space, their task is not so much to broadcast as to build trust, protect the semantic field of the SCO from external distortion and promote the establishment of a new format of multilateralism.

    “It is precisely in the connection of media platforms with analytical centers that the intellectual framework of multipolar solidarity can be laid, capable of turning the expert-information track into a fulcrum for the strategic subjectivity of the SCO and into a stabilizing contour of the entire Eurasian architecture,” he emphasized, stating that cooperation between the media and analytical centers of the SCO states has significant potential for transformation into a stable, strategically verified system.

    In the third ten days of July, the city of Zhengzhou in Henan Province /Central China/ will host the SCO Media and Analytical Centers Summit, in which K. Aziz will participate. He believes that the upcoming event should be viewed not only as a platform for exchanging opinions, but also as a potential launch point for a new systemic architecture of cooperation between the media community and analytical centers of the SCO countries.

    “In the context of increasing fragmentation of the global information field, growing competition between narratives and loss of trust in universal platforms, the creation of a common intellectual and media space within the SCO is becoming a strategic task,” he said.

    The expert clarified that this is not about another discussion, but about building a sustainable ecosystem of expert-informational interaction, where analytics and media work in sync, disseminating objective information and promoting regional solutions in the international arena.

    “This is especially relevant against the backdrop of attempts by external pressure on the domestic agenda of the member countries and the distortion of the SCO’s image in the global public discourse,” he emphasized.

    Overall, according to the expert, the Zhengzhou summit could lay the foundations for a new model of institutional interaction aimed at strengthening a single discourse, coordinating strategic narratives, and linking information, educational, and analytical tools.

    “The integration of multilateralism as a philosophy of cooperation is of particular importance: not as an alternative to confrontation, but as a new model of international interaction based on equality, respect for the cultural and civilizational code and recognition of the legitimacy of national choice,” the expert said.

    In this context, the humanitarian track goes beyond the secondary. It becomes a point of strategic convergence of civilizations, a mechanism for restoring interstate trust and a channel for the formation of long-term sustainable ties, the expert noted.

    “It is in these areas – convergence, trust, multilateralism and humanitarian connectivity – that the institutional base of the SCO is being formed,” he said. –0–

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region Government Sets Up Investigation Team to Probe Mining and Processing Plant Incident

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    HOHHOT, July 25 (Xinhua) — The people’s government of north China’s Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region has set up an investigation team to look into the cause of an incident in which six university students drowned after falling into a flotation tank during a field trip to a local copper-molybdenum processing plant.

    The Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region authorities have increased the level of investigation to quickly clarify the causes, determine the nature of the incident, and develop measures to correct the situation. At present, the investigation team has arrived at the scene of the tragedy and has begun work.

    According to the Hulunbuir City Emergency Management Department, the incident occurred at about 10:20 a.m. Wednesday at a plant operated by mining company China National Gold Group Co., Ltd. in Hulunbuir City. The students, all of whom were studying at Northeastern University, were observing the flotation process when a grate plate collapsed, trapping them in the flotation cell.

    All six were pulled out of the cell, but doctors later declared them dead. A teacher was also injured in the incident. -0-

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodia, Thailand trade accusations of escalation, Hun Manet calls for urgent UN Security Council meeting

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH/BANGKOK, July 25 (Xinhua) — Cambodia and Thailand on Thursday accused each other of escalating tensions in border areas, and Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet called on the United Nations Security Council to urgently convene a meeting to discuss the issue.

    In a letter to Pakistan’s permanent representative to the UN, Asim Iftikhar Ahmad, whose country holds the presidency of the Security Council in July, the prime minister said that Thai armed forces had been attacking Cambodian positions since Thursday morning. These attacks violated the fundamental principles of international law, he stressed.

    Cambodia calls on Thailand to immediately cease all hostilities, withdraw troops crossing the border and refrain from any further provocations that could escalate the situation, Hun Manet said.

    The Thai government, in turn, called on Cambodia to take responsibility for these incidents, put an end to attacks on civilian and military targets and stop all actions that violate Thailand’s sovereignty, the country’s Foreign Ministry said in a statement.

    In case of refusal, Bangkok is ready to strengthen self-defense measures in accordance with international law and relevant principles, the department emphasized.

    The Thai embassy in Cambodia has urged its citizens to leave the neighboring country. –0–

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

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese-Belarusian relations have entered a high-speed development trajectory and reached a historically high level – Chinese Ambassador to Belarus

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    MINSK, July 25 /Xinhua/ — Chinese-Belarusian relations have entered a high-speed development trajectory and reached the highest level in history, Chinese Ambassador to Belarus Zhang Wenchuan said at a press conference here on Thursday.

    “Under the strategic leadership of Chinese President Xi Jinping and Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko, Chinese-Belarusian relations have entered a high-speed development trajectory, reaching a historically high level and becoming a model of mutual respect, trust and mutually beneficial cooperation between states,” the diplomat noted.

    He also stressed that mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries is progressing in every way. “In the first half of 2025, the volume of bilateral trade exceeded 4 billion US dollars, which is 3.8 percent more than in the same period last year,” Zhang Wenchuan said.

    In addition, the ambassador noted that cooperation between the two countries within the framework of the Belt and Road initiative is progressing at an accelerated pace.

    “The Great Stone China-Belarus Industrial Park has already registered 152 residents from 15 countries with a total declared investment of over $1.5 billion, and has created over 3,100 jobs. In May, the China-Europe freight train was officially launched on the Beijing-Minsk route. In June, the National Football Stadium, built with China’s support, was officially opened in Belarus,” Zhang Wenchuan said. –0–

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

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  • MIL-OSI USA: Sen. Markey and Rep. Simon Announce Legislation to Prohibit Discrimination in Jury Service Based on Disability and Age

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Bill Text (PDF) | One Pager (PDF)

    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Representative Lateefah Simon (CA-12) today announced the reintroduction of the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that would prohibit discrimination in federal jury service based on disability or age. Federal law currently prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of “race, color, religion, sex, national origin, or economic status,” but not on account of disability or age.

    The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act would add protections to federal law for age and disability to prevent the discriminatory exclusion of capable jurors. This legislation would ensure that disabled jurors who are at least 18 years of age and are able to perform their duties with reasonable accommodations—including deaf and blind individuals who may use sign language or braille—would not be disqualified on the basis of disability. Twenty-eight states, including Massachusetts and California, have enacted laws that prohibit the exclusion or disqualification of people with a disability from state jury service. Meanwhile, eleven states have laws that prohibit age-based discrimination for state jury service.

    “Every American adult deserves the chance to fulfill their sacred civic duty and serve on a jury, no matter their age or disability,” said Senator Markey. “Our legislation creates equal opportunity for jury service and ensures that federal juries across the nation fully represent the diversity of our communities. Discrimination in jury selection stands in the way of achieving justice and fairness in our legal system. I am proud to lead this bill with Representatives Simon and continue to protect the rights of seniors and Americans with disabilities.”

    “The discrimination, exclusion, and disqualification of disabled and elderly jurors from our federal courts based on outdated stereotypes and assumptions prevents our judicial system from embodying the ideals of justice and equality for all.” said Representative Simon. “As the first congenitally blind Member of Congress, I believe we must bring the voices of the disability community to the policy-making table and that our stories must be reflected in our policies. I thank Senator Markey for his partnership on our legislation that would ensure equal access and opportunity to participate our judicial system for all members of our community regardless of their ability or age.”

    The bill is cosponsored in the Senate by Senators Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.), Richard Durbin (D-Ill.), John Fetterman (D-Penn.), Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.), Alex Padilla (D-Calif.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.), Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), Peter Welch (D-Vt.), Ron Wyden (D-Ore.), and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), and in the House of Representatives by Nikema Williams (GA-05), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Eleanor Holmes Norton (D-D.C.), Henry C. “Hank” Johnson (GA-04), Rashida Tlaib (MI-12), Robin L. Kelly (IL-02), Mary Gay Scanlon (PA-05), Emanuel Cleaver, II (MO-05), Dave Min (CA-47), Jared Huffman (CA-02), and Summer Lee (PA-12).

    The Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act is endorsed by American Association for Justice, American Association of People with Disabilities, American Bar Association, American Council of the Blind, American Foundation for the Blind, American Geriatrics Society, Bay State Council of the Blind, Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law, Disability Rights California, Disability Rights Education & Defense Fund (DREDF), Epilepsy Foundation, Gerontological Society of America, Hearing Loss Association of America, Justice in Aging, National Association of Councils on Developmental Disabilities (NACDD), National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers, National Association of the Deaf, National Council on Independent Living, National Disabilities Rights Network, National Federation of the Blind, National Organization on Disability, Paralyzed Veterans of America, SOLVE ME/CFS, the Arc of the United States, United Spinal Association, and VisionServe Alliance.

    “No American should be denied the right to serve on a federal jury because of their age or physical disability, and it’s a cornerstone of democracy that juries be reflective of the communities in which they serve,” said Linda Lipsen, CEO of the American Association for Justice. “AAJ strongly supports the Disability and Age in Jury Service Nondiscrimination Act, and we thank Senator Markey and Congresswoman Simon for their leadership on this important issue.”

    “Trial by jury is a cornerstone of our legal system, and diverse and representative juries are essential to fair deliberations and just outcomes. Diverse juries, with representation from all groups, not only promote community confidence in verdicts, but actually lead to better decision making. Jury service should be accessible to all members of our communities. NACDL is proud to support legislation that helps move us closer to that goal,” said Andrew S. Birrell, President of the National Association of Criminal Defense Lawyers.

    “A true jury of one’s peers must reflect the full diversity of our communities,” said Claire Stanley, Director of Advocacy and Governmental Affairs for the American Council of the Blind. “People who are blind or have low vision cannot be left out of the judicial process. They deserve the same opportunity and share the same responsibility to serve on a jury of their peers.”

    “AFB applauds the reintroduction of this important bill that ensures that people who are blind or have low vision are allowed to carry out their civic duty to serve on juries alongside their peers. Recognizing that most people become blind later in life, we appreciate that this bill prohibits age-related discrimination as well as disability discrimination, and we look forward to a time when all people are able to participate fully in the judicial system without prejudice,” said Stephanie Enyart, Chief Public Policy and Research Officer at American Foundation for the Blind.

    “Many Deaf and hard of hearing people have participated in jury duty. This bill will ensure consistency across the nation, ensuring that those individuals are not excluded from performing their civil obligations,” said Interim CEO Dr. Bobbie Beth Scoggins of the National Association of the Deaf.

    “People with disabilities have served successfully as jurors in state courts for many years, thanks to the Americans with Disabilities Act and other laws. It is long past time for our federal jury system to catch up and end discrimination that prevents people with disabilities from serving as federal jurors,” said Jennifer Mathis, deputy director of the Bazelon Center for Mental Health Law.

    “The right to serve on a jury is a fundamental component of civic engagement and equal justice under law. Yet far too often, people with disabilities are excluded from jury service based on outdated assumptions and discriminatory practices. We commend Senator Markey and Representative Simon for introducing this critical legislation, which affirms that disability and age should never be barriers to full participation in our democracy,” said Eric Buehlmann, Deputy Executive Director for Public Policy, National Disability Rights Network (NDRN).

    “Jury service is a fundamental part of free and equal citizenship. This bill ensures that people with disabilities are not denied the right to serve on a jury because of outdated assumptions about what we can or cannot do. The disability community looks forward to bringing its wealth of experiences and perspectives to federal juries across the country,” said Eric Harris, Associate Executive Director of External Affairs at Disability Rights California.

    In July 2023, Senator Markey and then-Representative Anna Eshoo (CA-16) reintroduced the Communications, Video, and Technology Accessibility Act (CVTA) to amend the CVAA due to the proliferation of emerging technologies since 2010. The CVTA would strengthen standards for television programming and emergency communication; expand accessibility requirements, including closed captions and audio descriptions, to online platforms and video conferencing services; and equip the federal government with the ability to improve the accessibility of emerging technologies. In 2022, Senator Markey and then-Representative Katie Porter (CA-45) introduced the Disabled Jurors Nondiscrimination Act, legislation that prohibits excluding a person from federal jury service on account of disability.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senators Markey, Luján Slam FCC’s Partisan Approval of Paramount, Skydance Merger

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Massachusetts Ed Markey

    Merger approval comes 2 days after Paramount settles with Trump for $36 million 

    Washington (July 24, 2025) – Senators Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee, and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Commerce, Science, and Transportation Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, released the following statement after the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) voted today to approve a merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.

    “The FCC’s approval of the Paramount-Skydance merger reeks of the worst form of corruption. The timing speaks for itself: Paramount settled with Trump for $36 million on Tuesday and the FCC approved the merger on Thursday. While we’re glad that the Commission took a vote on the deal, as we have repeatedly called for, the partisan vote is a dark day for independent journalism and a stain on the storied history of the Federal Communications Commission. The stench of this transaction will linger over the Commission for years.”

    Senators Markey and Luján have aggressively pushed back on the Trump administration’s efforts to attack news organizations and intimidate the media. On July 18, Senator Markey wrote to Paramount Global Chair Shari Redstone, demanding answers on the circumstances surrounding the cancellation of “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert,” specifically requesting whether anyone in the Trump administration asked for the show to be cancelled. On July 10, Senators Markey and Luján wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the Paramount and Skydance merger. In May 2025, Senators Markey and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr, urging the FCC to take a vote on the merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media.

    MIL OSI USA News –