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Category: DJF

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Call to address widening insurance protection gap

    Source: Government of South Africa

    With the surge in natural disasters in the last decade, the Governor of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB), Lesetja Kganyago, has called on leaders in the Group of Twenty (G20) to bridge the gap in the natural catastrophe insurance protection gap.

    The gap refers to the difference between total economic losses and insured losses caused by natural catastrophe (NatCat) events.

    “Addressing the Natural Catastrophe Insurance protection gap is both urgent and consequential for both developed and emerging market economies.

    “The frequency and intensity of natural disasters are increasing, causing significant damage to property and infrastructure, impacting lives and livelihoods, and resulting in tremendous loss of life. The risks are global, but the burden is deeply unequal,” Kganyago explained.

    The Governor was speaking during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings in Durban on Thursday. 

    He was addressing senior leaders from governments, central banks and supervisors,  the private sector, and international organisations at a side event that discussed strategies and solutions for addressing  the widening insurance protection gap.

    NatCat protection gaps present a global challenge, affecting both advanced and emerging market and developing economies (EMDEs), and therefore require global responses. 

    In recent decades, damages and losses from NatCat events have surged due to the growing frequency and severity of extreme weather events, exacerbated by climate change.

    While insurance markets play a crucial role in mitigating the financial impacts stemming from these damages, their ability to offer adequate coverage is increasingly being challenged, leading to a widening insurance protection gap against NatCat events.

    “In many emerging and developing economies, the costs of these disasters are magnified by limited financial and significant lack of insurance protection.

    “Globally, it is estimated that over half of natural disaster losses remain uninsured. In EMDEs, that figure often exceeds 70%. South Africa, for example, is estimated at 71% and India at around 91%. This leaves households, businesses and governments dangerously exposed, compounding economic shock and slowing development for years or even decades,” the Governor said.

    Emerging market and developing economies face disproportionately higher protection gaps due to low insurance penetration, affordability challenges, underdeveloped insurance markets, and insufficient access to risk models and data.

    Significant insurance protection gaps are also observed in advanced economies, including Europe. In recent years, promoting insurance protection against NatCat events has become an important priority for policymakers and the international community.

    “From a central banking perspective and financial stability perspective, this is not a peripheral issue but a core issue. Uninsured losses from natural disasters can undermine economic stability, threaten the solvency of financial institutions and disrupt credit flows.

    “Moreover, when governments must step in with emergency funds or debt finance reconstruction, it places additional strain on already limited fiscal space,” he said.

    For central banks, policymakers and supervisors, bridging this protection gap is part of building macro financial resilience, the Governor said.

    Call for improved mechanisms

    “It calls for stronger risk sharing mechanisms, improved data and modelling of climate related risks and innovative insurance solutions such as parametric instruments, catastrophe bonds and regional risk pools.

    “More importantly, it requires a coordinated and collaborative effort across governments, insurance supervisors, the private sector, international organisations, multilateral development institutions and local communities to embed financial resilience into our climate and development strategies,” Kganyago said.

    He encouraged the global leaders to recognise that resilience is not built in the aftermath of disasters but in the deliberate and proactive planning and actions before they occur.

    “Insurance is not a luxury; it is a foundational and critical tool for sustainable development. Let’s think boldly about how we can address this protection gap beyond innovative products to include appropriate policies and regulations that are inclusive, accessible and tailored to jurisdictional instances, especially considering the realities of EMDEs,” the Governor said.

    The G20 South African Presidency, in collaboration with the International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) and the World Bank Group (WBG), hosted this side event during the G20 Finance Ministers and Central Bank Governors (FMCBG) meetings.

    The event focused on improving financial resilience and enhancing broader disaster risk mitigation strategies by identifying and addressing insurance protection gaps.

    Input paper 

    South Africa assumed the G20 Presidency on 1 December 2024 until 30 November 2025 under the theme: “Solidarity, Equality and Sustainability”.

    This initiative forms part of the G20 Sustainable Finance Working Group (SFWG) priority of scaling up finance for adaptation and just transitions, as discussed in an IAIS-WBG input paper, which will be published next week.

    The paper serves as a ‘guide for action’ to help jurisdictions narrow NatCat insurance protection gaps. The paper outlines practical and implementable actions that governments, supervisors, and the insurance industry can take, with a particular focus on EMDEs. 

    From 21 July 2025, the input paper can be accessed on the G20 SFWG website: https://g20sfwg.org/document-repository/.
    – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Public warned of fake Chief Justice social media profiles

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Friday, July 18, 2025

    The Office of the Chief Justice (OCJ) has warned the public of fake social media accounts falsely claiming to be that of Chief Justice Mandisa Maya.

    “We wish to categorically state that Chief Justice Maya does not have any personal or official social media accounts on platforms such as Facebook, Twitter/X or TikTok.

    “It is not advisable to engage with any social media accounts/profiles claiming to be that of Chief Justice Maya,” the OCJ said in a short statement.

    The public is urged to report the fake profiles.

    “If any communication is received, purported to be from the Chief Justice, the authenticity of which seems questionable, the legitimacy thereof may be confirmed by contacting the email address mediaenquiries@judiciary.org.za,” the statement read.

    Meanwhile, candidates vying for appointment to the Electoral Commission will be interviewed from next week.

    “A panel chaired by the Chief Justice of the Republic of South Africa, comprising the Public Protector, the chairperson of the Commission for Gender Equality and the chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission, established in terms of section 6 of the Electoral Commission Act, 1996, will, on 21 and 22 July 2025, interview shortlisted candidates for three vacancies in the Electoral Commission.

    “Members of the media and the public are encouraged to follow the interviews on the Judiciary YouTube channel which will live stream the interviews,” the OCJ said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eskom commits to working closely with Majakaneng community

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Eskom has reiterated its commitment to working with the community of Majakaneng, in the North West, following a protest against power outages in the area.

    The protest resulted in the closure of the N4 road.

    “In response, the Eskom North West team engaged with community members to listen to their concerns and provide clarity on the electricity supply issues. The primary cause of the outages is the overloading of the local electricity network, which has necessitated the implementation of load reduction measures to prevent system failure.

    “These measures are essential to protect the infrastructure.

    “Eskom remains committed to constructive and peaceful engagement with the Majakaneng community and its leadership. Through continued dialogue and cooperation, we aim to address the root causes of the electricity disruptions and work toward sustainable solutions,” the power utility said.

    Eskom highlighted that the engagement follows several other meetings held with community leaders and emphasised that it will continue working closely with these leaders to address network overloading, accelerate the rollout of smart meters, and explore ways to expand electricity capacity in Majakaneng.

    Furthermore, the power utility noted that although there are more than 3 500 registered customers in the area, a mere 697 are actively purchasing electricity. 

    “Additionally, illegal connections have placed further strain on the network, contributing to the overload and resulting in outages. To safeguard the system from a complete shutdown, Eskom is forced to implement load reduction.

    “We also emphasise that for services to be sustained and improved, they must be paid for. Eskom urges all residents to use electricity legally and responsibly, and to support efforts aimed at restoring and maintaining a reliable supply.

    “Eskom remains committed to transparency, safety, and service delivery, and will continue to provide updates as progress is made,” the power utility said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Annual Report 2024-25 reveals progress in digital transformation and improving speed of service

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Annual Report 2024-25 reveals progress in digital transformation and improving speed of service

    Better serving our customers and the property market, our Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25, is published today (18 July 2025).

    HM Land Registry has today (18 July 2025) published its Annual Report and Accounts for 2024-25, highlighting significant achievements in improving service delivery and digital capabilities.

    The report reveals how the organisation has made substantial progress in building services to meet customer needs while maintaining the security and integrity of property ownership records that underpin approximately £9 trillion worth of property assets across England and Wales.

    Simon Hayes, Chief Executive and Chief Land Registrar, said:

    We know how important it is that everyone can rely on HM Land Registry to ensure their property ownership records are secure and accurate. This is fundamental in helping people to buy homes, develop land and secure mortgages. Our role in maintaining the guaranteed record of property ownership in England and Wales is of huge economic importance to the country, supporting and enabling more than £1 billion of property market activities every day.

    Our investment in digital services and focus on efficiency has allowed us to process registrations faster, although we will continue to reduce the time it takes for us to process certain applications.

    Our focus on improving the speed of registration has yielded tangible results. By March 2025 we had surpassed our target to process 95% of all applications within 12 months of submission. However, we remain committed to further improving the service we provide to our customers and the industry, both by harnessing technology and through the dedication of our people.

    Key highlights

    • HM Land Registry’s data assets continued to provide transparency, accuracy and reliability in property transactions. As part of critical national infrastructure, they underpin a nearly £9 trillion property market and enable the UK House Price Index, which is used for fiscal forecasting. Over 3,000 data users now download our datasets monthly, with uses ranging from asset management to risk analysis of potential development sites.
    • By March 2025, a total of 110 local authorities had successfully transferred more than 7.2 million local land charges to our digital Local Land Charges Register. The time taken to receive search results in migrated areas has reduced from days or weeks to instant availability online. Having this information earlier in the transaction process helps to speed up homebuying and planning decisions.
    • HM Land Registry was recognised at the 2024 AI awards for its pioneering use of artificial intelligence in document comparison. This automates the complex task of comparing application documents, significantly improving accuracy, reducing processing time and freeing up caseworkers for more complex work.
    • Our counter fraud group prevented more than £59 million worth of fraudulent property applications in 2024-25. They achieved this through a combination of reviewing and updating HM Land Registry’s methods for detecting fraud, working in partnership with other agencies across government and the property sector and encouraging the public to be on their guard and sign up for our free Property Alert service.

    The full Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 is available on GOV.UK.

    We will publish our Strategy 2025+ in the autumn to outline how we will continue to safeguard property rights, enable growth and deliver modern digital public services that meet the needs of our customers and the property market.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stages is coming: Music. Art. Tech. All over Sunderland.

    Source: City of Sunderland

    A major new festival is set to transform Sunderland this autumn – bringing together electronic music, digital art and cutting-edge technology for a week of unforgettable performances, talks and experiences. Celebrating Sunderland’s growing reputation as a music city, the festival will shine a spotlight on the city’s thriving cultural scene.

    Stages, running from Saturday 26 September to Saturday 1 November, will turn the city into a vibrant hub of sound, light and innovation. The festival is a landmark moment in Sunderland’s cultural and economic regeneration, celebrating how music, creativity and technology are shaping the city’s future – and putting Sunderland firmly on the map as a destination for cultural tourism.

    At the heart of the festival is a spectacular headline show at Keel Square, the centrepiece of Sunderland’s ambitious Riverside regeneration, where a line-up of renowned DJs, emerging local talent and digital artists will perform live. The show will feature a 360° stage, immersive visuals on the 20-metre semi-transparent screen at the Expo Sunderland Pavilion – one of the most advanced digital installations in the UK.

    The lineup includes BILLY GILLIES, BASSHUNTER, N-TRANCE, ULTRABEAT, LOVE INC, KLUBFILLER, IAN VAN DAHL, MDDLTTN, JAY STONE plus more to be announced.

    Beyond Keel Square, venues across Sunderland city centre will also come alive with a diverse programme of gigs, exhibitions and events – spanning everything from underground electronic sets to experimental audiovisual performances. Whether you’re into underground club nights, techno beats, or cutting-edge digital art, there’s something for everyone giving music fans of all tastes something to enjoy. Full line-up details will be announced soon.

    Alongside the live On the Square performance, Stages will feature a packed programme of secret gigs, online streaming events, workshops, seminars and industry-led panel discussions exploring the future of music, digital creativity and smart city innovation.

    As one of the UK’S leading smart cities Sunderland is pioneering the use of next- generation digital infrastructure, Stages will showcase how this technology is being used to enhance cultural experiences, support creative industries and power a more connected, inclusive city.

    “Stages is more than just a music festival,” said Councillor Beth Jones, Cabinet Member for Communities, Culture and Tourism at Sunderland City Council.

    Cllr Jones added: “Stages is about showing how our city is growing, changing, and leading the way in creativity and technology. I’d like to invite all our residents to get involved and come support this new event.”

    Ultrabeat, part of the Keel Square line-up, said: “It’s brilliant to see a city like Sunderland putting music at the heart of its future. I can’t wait to perform at Stages’ On The Square – it’s going to be something really special.”

    Local DJ & Producer Nath Brown of Translate Records added: “As someone who has lived in Sunderland for all of my life, it’s amazing to see such change happening around the city. There are going to be so many opportunities for artists in the music industry that I wish I had when I was younger. It’s a really interesting time to work in a creative industry in the city.”

    The economic benefits are expected to be significant, with visitors from across the UK boosting local businesses, hospitality and tourism.

    Tickets start from £20 and are available from 10am today (Friday 18 July). For booking details, full lineup announcements and the latest updates, visit https://www.stages-festival.co.uk.

    This project has received funding from the UK Government through the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and North East Combined Authority.

    For more information, please visit the website https://www.stages-festival.co.uk/, or follow Stages Festival at https://www.facebook.com/stagessunderland/ and https://www.instagram.com/stagessunderland.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Norwich set to become a “Nature City” thanks to major funding boost

    Source: City of Norwich

    An ambitious new project that will transform how nature is protected, connected and celebrated across the city has been given the green light.

    Norwich City Council has been awarded more than £750,000 in funding from The National Lottery Heritage Fund to deliver “NatureCityNorwich”, working in partnership with Norfolk Wildlife Trust, Broadland District Council, South Norfolk Council and Norfolk County Council.

    NatureCityNorwich is one of several projects across the UK supported through the Nature Towns and Cities programme, which helps urban areas protect and enhance their natural heritage.

    Thanks to money raised by National Lottery players, the project will co-create a community-led urban nature recovery action plan, placing nature and people at the heart of Norwich’s future. It will map and address the city’s ‘nature gaps’, improve access to green and blue spaces, and empower communities to shape a more resilient, biodiverse and inclusive city.

    This partnership work will build on other collaborations which exemplify how urban nature recovery can deliver both ecological and community benefits, such as Norfolk Wildlife Trust’s Sweet Briar Marshes nature reserve and their work enabling nearby communities to enjoy and help their local wildlife. NatureCityNorwich will extend this approach citywide, connecting sites like Sweet Briar Marshes into a coherent Urban Nature Recovery Network and scaling up the principles of inclusion, innovation and long-term stewardship.

    The three-year project will also establish a new Nature Commission for Norwich, develop innovative funding and land management models, and support the city’s journey toward Nature Towns and Cities Advanced Accreditation.

    Councillor Emma Hampton, Norwich City Council’s cabinet member for climate and environment, said: “This is a landmark moment for Norwich. NatureCityNorwich will bring together communities, experts and decision-makers to create a greener, healthier and more connected city.

    “This money accelerates our mission to bring people closer to nature, from the city’s rural fringes into the city centre, ensuring that both our environment and communities thrive together.”

    Natalie Bailey, Engagement Director at Norfolk Wildlife Trust, said: ‘We’re delighted to be able to build on our work at Sweet Briar Marshes – a place that nurtures wildlife and people in the heart of Norwich that was created by, and for, its local communities. 

    ‘We know just how important it is to create wild spaces in our urban environments, and we are looking forward to working with Norwich City Council to realise our shared ambition to make Norwich a city whose nature and people are thriving.’

    Visit Norwich City Council’s website for updates on this project as it progresses.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get beach ready as the seaside comes to Leeds for summer holidays

    Source: City of Leeds

    Leeds is getting its own seaside resort this summer, complete with beach huts, a pier and a fairground.

    Lotherton’s grounds have been transformed for the summer holidays with their new installation which will run from 19 July until 31 August.

    A Lotherton Summer Holiday invites the entire family to come and enjoy the beach and pier display and a full entertainment programme including live music, dance class pop ups, hilarious magic and sublime science shows. 

    The Lotherton beach boasts a giant deck chair and traditional seaside shop, and beach dwellers can also visit the fortune teller display or the games room for the quintessential British seaside pier experience.

    Rowing boats that were used on Waterloo Lake in Roundhay Park in the 1980s have also been donated to the installation. The park’s boat hire started in the early 1900s and Lotherton’s visitors can now experience what it was like on summer afternoons 40 years ago.

    Families can also take part in arts and crafts activities and search for picnic items in a trail around the impressive Edwardian house, Lotherton Hall.

    By popular demand, last year’s deer park tractor tours will be returning for the holidays, taking visitors out among the estate’s deer herd to get close to the magnificent animals. Running every weekday at 11am and 1pm each tour can take up to 30 people who will get to learn all about Britain’s biggest native mammal.

    Councillor Mohammed Rafique, Leeds City Council’s executive member for climate, energy, environment and green space, said: “It’s great to see summer return to Lotherton, with this year’s display being bigger and better than before.

    “They’ve got everything that is unique about a British seaside resort right here in Leeds and there are plenty of activities to take part in.

    “Lotherton is also home to a spectacular variety of wildlife species including emus, cranes, Arthur the tapir and critically endangered Visayan warty pigs, so it is the perfect day out for the whole family.”

    A Lotherton Summer Holiday runs from 19 July until 31 August. The fairground will finish on the 25 August. Full entertainment programme can be found at A Lotherton Summer Holiday | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

    The deer park tours run on weekdays and can be booked as an add-on to ticket admission (at an additional cost) at Deer Tractor Tours | Leeds Museums and Galleries.

    ENDS

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • PM Modi unveils infrastructure projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Bihar

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday inaugurated a series of infrastructure projects worth ₹7,200 crore in Bihar, urging the transformation of the state into a hub of growth and opportunities and an integral part of the Viksit Bharat mission.

    Addressing a large public gathering in Motihari, PM Modi said that just as several Eastern nations have emerged as key centres of global growth, Bihar too should become the driving force behind India’s development.

    “I congratulate everyone on receiving a slew of developmental projects worth ₹7,200 crore,” the Prime Minister said.

    He emphasised that the NDA government under Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is committed to the welfare of Bihar’s people and is focused on bringing equitable development to the state, comparable to more developed regions across India.

    “Our aim is to bring Bihar’s cities on par with other developed urban centres – equating Gaya with Gurugram, Pune with Patna, Jaipur with Jalpaiguri, and Bengaluru with Birbhum,” he said.

    PM Modi criticised the previous UPA government for giving Bihar “step-motherly treatment,” stating that it had allocated only ₹2 lakh crore to the state over a decade. In contrast, he said, the BJP-led government has significantly increased that allocation over the past 10 years. He added that those who practiced “revengeful politics” have now been shown the door.

    He also pointed out that Bihar has been a major beneficiary of the Centre’s public welfare schemes. “In Motihari alone, more than three lakh families have received pucca houses under our schemes,” the Prime Minister said.

    Earlier in the day, PM Modi was given a grand reception, with thousands of people lining the streets of Motihari, waving and chanting slogans as his convoy passed by.

    -IANS

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Business expectations for the third quarter of 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Business expectations for the third quarter of 2025 
    Business Situation
     
    For all surveyed sectors taken together, the proportion of respondents expecting their business situation to be better (10%) in Q3 2025 over the preceding quarter is lower than that expecting it to be worse (18%).
     
    When compared with the results of the Q2 2025 survey round, the proportion of respondents expecting a better business situation in Q3 2025 is 10%, slightly higher than the corresponding proportion in Q2 2025 (9%). On the other hand, the proportion of respondents expecting a worse business situation in Q3 2025 is broadly the same as the corresponding proportion in Q2 2025 (18%).
     
    Analysed by sector, respondents in quite a number of the surveyed sectors expect their business situation to decrease on balance in Q3 2025 as compared with Q2 2025. In particular, significantly more respondents in the transportation, storage and courier services sector expect their business situation to be worse in Q3 2025 as compared with Q2 2025.
     
    The results of the survey should be interpreted with care. In this type of survey on expectations, the views collected in the survey are affected by the events in the community occurring around the time of enumeration, and it is difficult to establish precisely the extent to which respondents’ perception of the future accords with the underlying trends. The enumeration period for this survey round was from June 3, 2025 to July 7, 2025.
     
    Volume of Business / Output
     
    Respondents in quite a number of the surveyed sectors expect their volume of business / output to decrease on balance in Q3 2025 as compared with Q2 2025. In particular, more respondents in the construction; transportation, storage and courier services; import/export trade and wholesale; accommodation and food services; and retail sectors expect their volume of construction output / business / sales to decrease in Q3 2025 over Q2 2025.
     
    Employment
     
    Respondents in quite a number of the surveyed sectors expect their employment to remain broadly unchanged in Q3 2025 as compared with Q2 2025. However, more respondents in the information and communications sector expect their employment to decrease in Q3 2025 over Q2 2025. In the real estate sector, on the other hand, more respondents expect their employment to increase, as compared to those expecting it to decrease.
     
    Selling Price / Service Charge
     
    Respondents in most of the surveyed sectors expect their selling prices / service charges to remain broadly unchanged in Q3 2025 as compared with Q2 2025. However, significantly more respondents in the construction sector expect their tender prices to go down in Q3 2025 over Q2 2025.
     
    Commentary
     
    A Government spokesman said that the overall near-term business outlook among large enterprises for the third quarter of 2025 was slightly better than the expectation for the previous quarter, while the hiring appetite remained stable.
     
    Looking forward, the spokesman said that the ongoing uncertainty in the external environment would continue to affect the local business sentiment. Nonetheless, the resilient local economy and sustained steady growth in the Mainland economy should provide support. The Government will continue to monitor the situation closely.
     
    Further Information
     
    The survey gathers views on short-term business performance from the senior management of about 560 prominent establishments in various sectors in Hong Kong with a view to providing a quick reference, with minimum time lag, for predicting the short-term future economic performance of the local economy.
     
    The survey covers 10 major sectors in Hong Kong, namely manufacturing; construction; import / export trade and wholesale; retail; accommodation and food services (mainly covering services rendered by hotels and restaurants); transportation, storage and courier services; information and communications; financing and insurance; real estate; and professional and business services sectors.
     
    Views collected in the survey refer only to those of respondents on their own establishments rather than those on the respective sectors they are engaged in, and are limited to the expected direction of quarter-to-quarter change (e.g. “up”, “same” or “down”) but not the magnitude of change. In collecting views on the quarter-to-quarter changes, if the variable in question is subject to seasonal variations, respondents are asked to provide the expected changes after excluding the normal seasonal variations.
     
    Survey results are generally presented as “net balance”, i.e. the difference between the percentage of respondents choosing “up” and that choosing “down”. The percentage distribution of respondents among various response categories (e.g. “up”, “same” and “down”) reflects how varied their business expectations are. The “net balance”, with its appropriate sign, indicates the direction of expected change in the variable concerned. A positive sign indicates a likely upward trend while a negative sign indicates a likely downward trend. However, the magnitude of the “net balance” reflects only the prevalence of optimism or pessimism, but not the magnitude of expected change, since information relating to such magnitude is not collected in the survey.
     
    Furthermore, owing to sample size constraint, care should be taken in interpreting survey results involving a small percentage (e.g. less than 10%) of respondents in individual sectors.
     
    Chart 1 shows the views on expected changes in business situation for the period Q3 2024 to Q3 2025.
     
    Table 1 shows the net balances of views on expectations in respect of different variables for Q3 2025.
     
    The survey results are published in greater detail in the “Report on Quarterly Business Tendency Survey, Q3 2025”. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1110008&scode=300  
    Users who have enquiries about the survey results may contact the Business Expectation Statistics Section of the C&SD (Tel: 3903 7263; E-mail:     business-prospects@censtatd.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Composite Interest Rate: End of June 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Composite Interest Rate: End of June 2025 
    The composite interest rate, which is a measure of the average cost of funds of banks, decreased by 35 basis points to 1.26 per cent at the end of June 2025, from 1.61 per cent at the end of May 2025 (see Chart 1 in the Annex). The decrease in composite interest rate reflected the decreases in the weighted funding cost for deposits during the month (see Chart 2 in the Annex) (Note 2). 
     
    The HKMA publishes the composite interest rate on a monthly basis. Beginning with the end-July 2025 statistics, the monthly publication will only be released in the Monthly Statistical Bulletin on the HKMA website (www.hkma.gov.hk/media/eng/doc/market-data-and-statistics/monthly-statistical-bulletin/T0605.xls 
    Note 1: The composite interest rate is a weighted average interest rate of all Hong Kong dollar interest-rate-sensitive liabilities, which include deposits from customers, amounts due to banks, negotiable certificates of deposit and other debt instruments, and all other liabilities that do not involve any formal payment of interest but the values of which are sensitive to interest rate movements (such as Hong Kong dollar non-interest bearing demand deposits) on the books of banks. Data from retail banks, which account for about 90 per cent of the total customers’ deposits in the banking sector, are used in the calculation. It should be noted that the composite interest rate represents only average interest expenses. There are various other costs involved in the making of a loan, such as operating costs (e.g. staff and rental expenses), credit cost and hedging cost, which are not covered by the composite interest rate.Issued at HKT 16:30

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: President Meloni’s statement on establishment of a national day in memory of journalists killed because of their work

    Source: Government of Italy (English)

    It is with great satisfaction that I welcome Parliament’s unanimous approval of the bill establishing a national day in memory of journalists killed because of their work.

    From now on, 3 May will be a solemn occasion to honour those who have put their passion, professionalism and courage at the service of us all, guaranteeing citizens the right to be informed. Men and women whose precious work has allowed our eyes to see things we otherwise wouldn’t have seen. In Italy and abroad. From crisis zones to forgotten conflicts, from areas plagued by organised crime to all those physical and non-physical places that are invisible to the public. 

    I am thinking of people such as Cosimo Cristina, Mauro De Mauro, Giovanni Spampinato, Peppino Impastato, Mario Francese, Giuseppe Fava, Mauro Rostagno, Beppe Alfano, Giancarlo Siani, Walter Tobagi, Ilaria Alpi and Miran Hrovatin, Marco Luchetta, Alessandro Saša Ota, Dario D’Angelo, Antonio Russo, Enzo Baldoni, Andrea Rocchelli, Maria Grazia Cutuli, Almerigo Grilz.

    Paying tribute to these journalists is a duty, which has today become enshrined in State law and which we are committed to honouring. 

    [Courtesy translation]

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts working lunch for Ambassador of China to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today hosted a working lunch for Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to ASEAN, H.E. Hou Yanqi. Both sides discussed preparations for SG’s upcoming visit to China, on 23-26 July 2025, including his participation in the 2025 World AI Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai. They also took the opportunity to exchange views on the ASEAN-China relations and deliverables to support the ASEAN Chair’s priorities this year.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts working lunch for Ambassador of China to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Euro area monthly balance of payments: May 2025

    Source: European Central Bank

    18 July 2025

    • Current account recorded €32 billion surplus in May 2025, up from €19 billion in previous month
    • Current account surplus amounted to €333 billion (2.1% of euro area GDP) in the 12 months to May 2025, down from €364 billion (2.5%) one year earlier
    • In financial account, euro area residents’ net acquisitions of non-euro area portfolio investment securities totalled €758 billion and non-residents’ net acquisitions of euro area portfolio investment securities totalled €744 billion in the 12 months to May 2025

    Chart 1

    Euro area current account balance

    (EUR billions unless otherwise indicated; working day and seasonally adjusted data)

    Source: ECB.

    The current account of the euro area recorded a surplus of €32 billion in May 2025, an increase of €13 billion from the previous month (Chart 1 and Table 1). Surpluses were recorded for goods (€33 billion), services (€13 billion) and primary income (€2 billion). These were partly offset by a deficit for secondary income (€16 billion).

    Table 1

    Current account of the euro area

    Source: ECB.

    Note: Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the current account of the euro area

    In the 12 months to May 2025, the current account recorded a surplus of €333 billion (2.1% of euro area GDP), compared with a surplus of €364 billion (2.5% of euro area GDP) one year earlier. This decrease was mainly driven by a shift from a surplus to a deficit for primary income (from a €34 billion surplus to a €5 billion deficit), but also by a larger deficit for secondary income (up from €169 billion to €185 billion) and a reduction in the surplus for services (down from €153 billion to €146 billion). These developments were partly offset by a larger surplus for goods (up from €346 billion to €378 billion).

    Chart 2

    Selected items of the euro area financial account

    (EUR billions; 12-month cumulated data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: For assets, a positive (negative) number indicates net purchases (sales) of non-euro area instruments by euro area investors. For liabilities, a positive (negative) number indicates net sales (purchases) of euro area instruments by non-euro area investors.

    In direct investment, euro area residents made net investments of €200 billion in non-euro area assets in the 12 months to May 2025, following net disinvestments of €215 billion one year earlier (Chart 2 and Table 2). Non-residents invested €126 billion in net terms in euro area assets in the 12 months to May 2025, following net disinvestments of €398 billion one year earlier.

    In portfolio investment, euro area residents’ net purchases of non-euro area equity increased to €203 billion in the 12 months to May 2025, up from €84 billion one year earlier. Over the same period, net purchases of non-euro area debt securities by euro-area residents increased to €555 billion, up from €490 billion one year earlier. Non-residents’ net purchases of euro area equity increased to €395 billion in the 12 months to May 2025, up from €275 billion one year earlier. Over the same period, non-residents made net purchases of euro area debt securities amounting to €349 billion, declining from €426 billion one year earlier.

    Table 2

    Financial account of the euro area

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: Decreases in assets and liabilities are shown with a minus sign. Net financial derivatives are reported under assets. “MFIs” stands for monetary financial institutions. Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the financial account of the euro area

    In other investment, euro area residents recorded net acquisitions of non-euro area assets amounting to €518 billion in the 12 months to May 2025 (following net acquisitions of €212 billion one year earlier), while their net incurrence of liabilities was €172 billion (following disposals of €104 billion one year earlier).

    Chart 3

    Monetary presentation of the balance of payments

    (EUR billions; 12-month cumulated data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: “MFI net external assets (enhanced)” incorporates an adjustment to the MFI net external assets (as reported in the consolidated MFI balance sheet items statistics) based on information on MFI long-term liabilities held by non-residents, available in b.o.p. statistics. B.o.p. transactions refer only to transactions of non-MFI residents of the euro area. Financial transactions are shown as liabilities net of assets. “Other” includes financial derivatives and statistical discrepancies.

    The monetary presentation of the balance of payments (Chart 3) shows that the net external assets (enhanced) of euro area MFIs increased by €417 billion in the 12 months to May 2025. This increase was mainly driven by the current and capital accounts surplus and, to a lesser extent, euro area non-MFIs’ net inflows in other investment, and portfolio investment equity and debt. These developments were partly offset by euro area non-MFIs’ net outflows in direct investment.

    In May 2025 the Eurosystem’s stock of reserve assets increased to €1,507.7 billion up from €1,496.9 billion in the previous month (Table 3). This increase was mostly driven by positive price changes (€6.5 billion) and, to a lesser extent, by net acquisitions of assets (€2.3 billion) and positive exchange rate changes (€2.0 billion).

    Table 3

    Reserve assets of the euro area

    (EUR billions; amounts outstanding at the end of the period, flows during the period; non-working day and non-seasonally adjusted data)

    Source: ECB.

    Notes: “Other reserve assets” comprises currency and deposits, securities, financial derivatives (net) and other claims. Discrepancies between totals and their components may be due to rounding.

    Data for the reserve assets of the euro area

    Data revisions

    This press release incorporates revisions to the data for April 2025. These revisions did not significantly alter the figures previously published.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: London to Essex c2c services return to public control in step towards Great British Railways

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    London to Essex c2c services return to public control in step towards Great British Railways

    c2c’s rail services to be brought into public ownership.

    • trains services across London and Essex will be publicly-owned from this Sunday
    • this marks another move towards Great British Railways, doing away with decades of fragmentation and private profiteering, while rebuilding a world class service for passengers
    • key step in rail reset to boost reliability, increase passenger numbers and drive economic growth under the Plan for Change

    Passengers across London and Essex will be travelling on publicly-owned train services from this Sunday (20 July 2025), as c2c’s services become the next to be brought into public ownership through government plans to restore pride in the railways.

    From Sunday, c2c services operating from Fenchurch Street to Shoeburyness will be placed in public hands, marking the second operator’s services to be brought into public ownership under new legislation, and the sixth operator run by the Department for Transport Operator (DFTO) – meaning around 4 in 10 passenger journeys will be run under public ownership. c2c will be joining Northern, TransPennine Express, Southeastern, LNER and South Western Railway currently operated by DFTO.

    The move marks another step forwards toward Great British Railways, which will unite track and train under a complete reset that will mark the high standard of service and delivery the public should expect to receive, encouraging more people to take the train, driving growth and opportunity as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    c2c is consistently rated one of the best performing operators in the country, recently achieving high customer satisfaction ratings of 89%, supporting thousands of jobs, and driving economic growth from London to Essex. Under public ownership it will continue to thrive – engaging closely with local communities, sharing best practices across other operators and working towards a more efficient railway with passengers at its heart.

    Public ownership puts passengers back at the heart of the rail network. Passengers can use their tickets on another publicly owned operator at no extra cost during disruption, and passengers in the north are now making journeys across Northern and TransPennine Express with just one booking, with over 15,000 journeys estimated to be booked this way since June 2024. Through working with Network Rail, Southeastern has increased capacity to popular seaside spots in the summer months allowing more passengers to take the train to beaches like Margate, Whitstable and Herne Bay.

    Two-thirds of Britons have already expressed their support for public ownership, which will save the taxpayer up to £150 million a year in fees alone and ensure every penny can be spent for the benefit of passengers.

    Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander said:

    Whether you’re shopping in Lakeside or walking along the beach in Southend-on-Sea, from this Sunday you will be able to get there on a train service run by the public, for the public.

    Public ownership is already tackling deep-rooted problems we see on the railway that’s led to spiralling costs, fragmentation and waste. A unified network under Great British Railways will take this further with one railway under one brand with one mission – delivering excellent services for passengers wherever they travel.

    This follows the passing of the Public Ownership Act in November 2024 which will enable passenger services operating under contracts with the department to be brought into public ownership.

    Rob Mullen, Managing Director of c2c said:

    At c2c, we are proud of the reliable and high level of service we offer our passengers, consistently being rated as one of the best performing operators in the country.

    We now have a golden opportunity to collaborate with the wider family of publicly owned operators, sharing our successes and best practice, but also learning from a wide range of different and diverse operators who have already benefited from public ownership, to drive even more improvements for the people and places we all serve.

    A unified and focused railway can deliver more for our communities, including better growth, jobs and houses. If we are thriving as a train operator it helps our communities to thrive. This is the positive feedback loop we are excited to deliver, supported by better and closer collaboration with our partners in the lead up to GBR.

    Earlier in May, South Western Railway’s services became the first to come into public ownership under new legislation, c2c’s will follow as the second this Sunday, and Greater Anglia’s services will be next to be brought in on 12 October. The Railways Bill, which will be introduced to Parliament later this year, will enable the establishment of Great British Railways. This means passengers will travel on GBR trains, running on GBR tracks, working to a GBR timetable.

    In the meantime, public sector operators will have to meet rigorous performance standards and earn the right to be called ‘Great British Railways’. Public sector operators will be set bespoke standards on things like punctuality, cancellation and passenger experience, so we can rebuild a world class public service. These will be set out in due course.

    Rail media enquiries

    Media enquiries 0300 7777878

    Switchboard 0300 330 3000

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: GCA publishes 2024/25 annual report

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    GCA publishes 2024/25 annual report

    Read the GCA’s latest annual report.

    The GCA has published GCA Annual Report and Accounts 2024-25 (PDF, 10.3 MB, 82 pages)

    During the year covered by the report, Code compliance across the sector improved. According to the GCA’s 2025 annual survey, suppliers experienced fewer Code issues and the large retailers’ average Code compliance also increased. Eight of the retailers improved perceptions of their compliance, including each of the five lowest scoring retailers from 2024.

    The report covers the GCA’s work during 2024/25 to prevent potential Code breaches and ensure that the 14 retailers treated their suppliers fairly and lawfully. The issues that the GCA tackled included ensuring:

    • Suppliers are paid on time including by challenging issues with the retailers’ goods-in processes. The proportion of suppliers reporting having experienced a delay in payments fell from 14% to 11% in the 2025 survey.
    • Cost price increases and decreases are negotiated fairly. There was a drop from 16% to 14% in the proportion of suppliers highlighting issues with a retailer’s handling of a request for a cost price increase.
    • The large retailers are clearly communicating to suppliers about their change programmes, such as the introduction of new systems to provide more accurate forecasts or improve goods-in processes.

    The annual report fulfils the GCA’s statutory reporting requirements, providing an update on its financial position.

    Further information

    Provide evidence confidentially to the GCA’s investigation into Amazon

    Register to attend the GCA annual conference on 30 September 2025

    See the GCA’s 2025 annual survey results

    Sign up to the GCA newsletter

    Follow the GCA on LinkedIn and X

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A student of SPbGASU will take part in the All-Russian student graduation ceremony “Your graduation”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The best university graduates, winners of all-Russian projects, foreign students with outstanding achievements in the field of youth policy and educational activities, representatives of the teaching staff and vice-rectors responsible for the implementation of youth policy in universities will gather on July 19 at the National Center “Russia” in Moscow for the All-Russian Student Graduation. Representatives of the Russian presidential administration and the government will take part in the event.

    Our university will be represented by Marina Erdneyeva, a graduate of the construction faculty of SPbGASU, and Anna Tsarenko, deputy dean for educational work of this faculty.

    “Marina Erdneeva is a member of the dance group “BACKSHOTCREW” of SPbGASU, but she also actively participates in the development and implementation of projects in the field of youth policy, promoting the development of student creativity. Under the leadership of Maria Lyubetskaya, the BACKSHOTcrew team, in which Marina succeeded as a dancer, became a first-degree laureate of the Regional Festival of National Cultures “Northern Lights”, the XII Open Festival-Competition of Choreographic Groups of Modern Dance “POWER OF MOVEMENT”, the Open Youth Patriotic Festival-Competition “Music. Spring. Victory”, a first-degree diploma winner of the Interethnic Student Festival “Golden Autumn-2024”, the Open Dance Competition “Street Show Battle”, the Festival of Creativity “Youth Wave”, – said Anna Tsarenko.

    The All-Russian Student Graduation Program includes educational and cultural blocks, including online ones. A teleconference with universities and a live award ceremony for honors diplomas are expected. Universities will be offered a ready-made script package and technical support for holding their own events within the framework of the All-Russian Student Graduation with the participation of regional coordinators of the Tvoy Khod project. At the site of the National Center “Russia”, participants will meet with mentors and speakers, master classes, sessions, the “Letter to a First-Year Student” campaign from a graduate, educational and motivational blocks with the support of the Tavrida Art Cluster, the Association of Student Sports Clubs of Russia, the SHUM Center, the student media center of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia “NOS” and the Russian Youth Union. Graduates who graduated with honors and have outstanding achievements in scientific, social, creative, and sports activities will be awarded on the main stage of the National Center “Russia”.

    An important part of the event will be the grand opening of the art object “Russian Students in Faces”.

    The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Platform “Russia – Land of Opportunities”, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh”, the All-Russian student project “Your Move”, with the support of the Russian Society “Knowledge” – the main educational organization of the country, the National Center “Russia” and the All-Russian public and state movement of children and youth “Movement of the First”.

    The opening ceremony of the event will take place at 11:00 on July 19, 2025 at the site of the National Center “Russia” (Moscow, Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, 14).

    Official website

    VKontakte

    Telegram channel

    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: A student of SPbGASU will take part in the All-Russian student graduation ceremony “Your graduation”

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The best university graduates, winners of all-Russian projects, foreign students with outstanding achievements in the field of youth policy and educational activities, representatives of the teaching staff and vice-rectors responsible for the implementation of youth policy in universities will gather on July 19 at the National Center “Russia” in Moscow for the All-Russian Student Graduation. Representatives of the Russian presidential administration and the government will take part in the event.

    Our university will be represented by Marina Erdneyeva, a graduate of the construction faculty of SPbGASU, and Anna Tsarenko, deputy dean for educational work of this faculty.

    “Marina Erdneeva is a member of the dance group “BACKSHOTCREW” of SPbGASU, but she also actively participates in the development and implementation of projects in the field of youth policy, promoting the development of student creativity. Under the leadership of Maria Lyubetskaya, the BACKSHOTcrew team, in which Marina succeeded as a dancer, became a first-degree laureate of the Regional Festival of National Cultures “Northern Lights”, the XII Open Festival-Competition of Choreographic Groups of Modern Dance “POWER OF MOVEMENT”, the Open Youth Patriotic Festival-Competition “Music. Spring. Victory”, a first-degree diploma winner of the Interethnic Student Festival “Golden Autumn-2024”, the Open Dance Competition “Street Show Battle”, the Festival of Creativity “Youth Wave”, – said Anna Tsarenko.

    The All-Russian Student Graduation Program includes educational and cultural blocks, including online ones. A teleconference with universities and a live award ceremony for honors diplomas are expected. Universities will be offered a ready-made script package and technical support for holding their own events within the framework of the All-Russian Student Graduation with the participation of regional coordinators of the Tvoy Khod project. At the site of the National Center “Russia”, participants will meet with mentors and speakers, master classes, sessions, the “Letter to a First-Year Student” campaign from a graduate, educational and motivational blocks with the support of the Tavrida Art Cluster, the Association of Student Sports Clubs of Russia, the SHUM Center, the student media center of the Ministry of Education and Science of Russia “NOS” and the Russian Youth Union. Graduates who graduated with honors and have outstanding achievements in scientific, social, creative, and sports activities will be awarded on the main stage of the National Center “Russia”.

    An important part of the event will be the grand opening of the art object “Russian Students in Faces”.

    The event was organized by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education of the Russian Federation, the Presidential Platform “Russia – Land of Opportunities”, the Federal Agency for Youth Affairs “Rosmolodezh”, the All-Russian student project “Your Move”, with the support of the Russian Society “Knowledge” – the main educational organization of the country, the National Center “Russia” and the All-Russian public and state movement of children and youth “Movement of the First”.

    The opening ceremony of the event will take place at 11:00 on July 19, 2025 at the site of the National Center “Russia” (Moscow, Krasnopresnenskaya Embankment, 14).

    Official website

    VKontakte

    Telegram channel

    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: SPbGASU has proven that the aesthetics of solid waste facilities increases their efficiency

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Valeria Supranovich, Arina Safronova

    SPbGASU has proven that the aesthetics of a solid municipal waste (MSW) handling facility increases its energy efficiency, energy conservation and environmental friendliness throughout its entire service life.

    During her five-year research, Valeria Supranovich, PhD in Architecture and Associate Professor of the Department of Architectural Design at SPbGASU, identified a number of possible high-quality architectural solutions that, in conjunction with technological systems for self-sufficiency of buildings and facade elements, will allow them to organically fit into the urban system. The Associate Professor also developed ways to integrate additional public functions into these objects at various economic costs. All this will allow the implementation of sustainable development goals in the architecture of solid waste management facilities. Valeria Supranovich completed this research work, “Methods of Functional Planning Organization of Solid Waste Management Facilities in Russia,” within the framework of the grant of scientific and pedagogical workers of SPbGASU 2025.

    Since March 2024, amendments to Federal Law No. 451 “On Production and Consumption Waste” have come into force, which have completely updated the waste management system and the regulatory process in terms of extended responsibility of the manufacturer of goods. Moreover, within the framework of the programs of the XXIV International Forum “Ecology of the Big City” and the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum, held in St. Petersburg in 2025, agreements were signed to finance projects for the construction of waste disposal facilities, the creation of the necessary infrastructure to reduce the percentage of waste disposal and the country’s transition to a “closed loop” economy (a production and consumption model that involves reuse, recovery and recycling of existing materials and products for as long as possible) to achieve the goals of sustainable development of the country. This is a powerful impetus for the active implementation of solid waste management facilities in the existing urban system.

    “Today, approaches to the design of solid waste facilities and the facilities themselves do not meet the goals of sustainable development, as they are considered economically inexpedient. However, in the course of scientific research conducted from 2020 to 2025, I was able to identify the opportunity to revise the existing methods of project activities. One example of waste management facilities that meet the goals of sustainable development is the world’s largest W2E plant “Shenzhen Energy Ring” (Shenzhen, China). The new plant is designed to process 5,000 tons of waste per day and simultaneously produce 600 million kilowatt-hours per year. The facility has a round shape, uncharacteristic for manufacturing enterprises, to combine all production units into a single structure and simultaneously reduce the area of the plant, includes zones for the formation and popularization of waste disposal procedures, and photovoltaic panels are provided for on the roof. The architecture of the facility is not utilitarian, it corresponds to the context of the environment,” explained Valeria Supranovich.

    In the course of the current scientific research, she studied the theoretical components of the concept of “sustainable architecture” and proposed a system of their interaction. It was established that the aesthetic qualities of the object allow not only to humanize the appearance of the enterprise, but also to ensure high energy efficiency, environmental friendliness and energy saving of the building throughout the expected service life. The goals of sustainable development in the architecture of waste management facilities should be implemented taking into account their typological affiliation, Valeria Supranovich clarified.

    Some theoretical results of this study were implemented in her diploma work “Technopark complex with waste processing function, Saint Petersburg, Yuntolovo district” by Arina Safronova, a graduate of the master’s program of the Department of Architectural Design of SPbGASU (supervisor – Valeria Supranovich).

    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: Graduation at the Polytechnic: Deputy of the Legislative Assembly noted the quality of personnel training

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    One of the honorary guests of the graduation ceremonies for masters and specialists of the Institute of Industrial Management, Economics and Trade was the deputy of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg, Chairman of the Committee on Legislation, Chairman of the Council of Municipalities of St. Petersburg Vsevolod Belikov.

    Addressing the graduates, the parliamentarian emphasized that he was pleased with the interaction between the Polytechnic University and government bodies.

    “I sincerely congratulate you on this important and happy day — the end of a large stage in your life and the beginning of your professional path,” said Vsevolod Belikov. “I am glad that the connections between the Polytechnic University and the public authorities of St. Petersburg not only exist, but are developing systematically and effectively. The projects that we implement together, including the activities of the Public Administration Laboratory, are becoming an example of how deep academic knowledge and public administration practice can and should interact. We value your contribution — a fresh look, creative ideas, even in such difficult areas as legislative activity. This really helps make our work more effective. I congratulate the graduates, teachers, parents — and I am proud to say: the doors of not only the university, but also the entire public authority system are wide open for you!”

    During the ceremony, Vsevolod Fedorovich presented letters of gratitude to graduates who took an active part in the activities of the student associations “Public Administration Laboratory” and “Model UN Polytech”, as well as those who demonstrated themselves during professional practice in the field of public administration at various levels of government. The awards were given to masters of the direction “State and Municipal Administration” Ahad Almurzaev, Eldar Asadullaev, Varvara Bucherova, Yulia Katrashova, Kamila Nazmetdinova, Ilya Smerdov and Nikita Sukhomlinov.

    The guest of honor paid special attention to the quality of personnel training at the Polytechnic University. He presented letters of gratitude from the Chairman of the Legislative Assembly of St. Petersburg Alexander Belsky for a significant contribution to the training of qualified specialists for government bodies to the Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin, Acting Director of the Higher School of Public Administration Olga Nadezhina, as well as teachers of the Higher School of Public Administration: Associate Professors Marina Ivanova, Maxim Ivanov, Tamara Selentyeva, Professors Victoria Degtereva and Alexander Sokolitsyn.

    “Polytech is a special place, it forms not only the elite of engineering and economic thought, but also future leaders in the public administration system. There are already those in the hall who work next to me, I am grateful to those who raised these wonderful people. We are one team! Polytech is cool!” – Vsevolod Belikov concluded his speech.

    Director of IPMEiT Vladimir Shchepinin emphasized the importance of the institute’s relations with the public authority system: “Today’s ceremony is not only a celebration of our graduates, but also a confirmation of the institute’s strong connection with government bodies as key social partners and employers. We are proud that our students are in demand in public administration structures, and joint projects with the Legislative Assembly and other government bodies give them the opportunity to apply their knowledge in practice while still studying. Special words of gratitude go to Vsevolod Fedorovich Belikov for his attention to young specialists and support of our interaction with the civil service system.”

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Launches Wind Energy Technology Courses for Representatives from Belt and Road Initiative Countries

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — A wind energy technology course opened Thursday morning in Lanzhou, capital of northwest China’s Gansu Province, for representatives from countries participating in the Belt and Road Initiative.

    According to the Gansu Daily newspaper, 28 cadets from 9 countries, including Azerbaijan, Malaysia, Egypt, Costa Rica, Kenya and Nigeria, took part in the opening ceremony of the courses.

    The training courses will last 21 days. The program of the courses includes professional lectures, technological exchanges, seminars, study tours, etc.

    Representatives from different countries will systematically study applied wind energy technologies and management experience in this area.

    Gansu Province has advantages in resources, production and technology in solar and wind energy development.

    It should be recalled that the Gansu Institute of Natural Energy Resources has been involved in organizing training courses to provide assistance to foreign countries since 1991. To date, a total of 109 international training courses on renewable energy such as solar and wind energy have been held. The training projects have trained more than 2,800 government officials and senior technical personnel for more than 130 countries. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s Ministry of Commerce has called on the US to continue lifting some unreasonable trade restrictions after approving Nvidia chip sales

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — China believes the United States should abandon zero-sum thinking and continue to lift a series of unreasonable trade and economic restrictions against China, a Ministry of Commerce spokesperson said Friday.

    China has noted that the United States recently announced on its own initiative that it would approve sales of Nvidia H20 chips to China, an official from the above-mentioned ministry said in response to a request to comment on the US move. -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: Former Deputy Chairperson of the 13th CPPCC National Committee’s Education, Science, Health and Sports Commission Liu Hui Under Investigation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — Liu Hui, vice head of the Education, Science, Health and Sports Commission of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has been placed under investigation for serious violations of party discipline and the law, an official statement said on Friday.

    Liu Hui is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. -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: Former Deputy Chairperson of the 13th CPPCC National Committee’s Education, Science, Health and Sports Commission Liu Hui Under Investigation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — Liu Hui, vice head of the Education, Science, Health and Sports Commission of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), has been placed under investigation for serious violations of party discipline and the law, an official statement said on Friday.

    Liu Hui is being investigated by the CPC Central Commission for Discipline Inspection and the National Supervisory Commission. -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 News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: ​The 8th China (Ordos) International Cashmere and Wool Exhibition Opened

    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

    On July 18, the 8th China (Ordos) International Cashmere and Wool Expo opened in Dongsheng District, Ordos City, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. It not only created an effective platform for exchange and cooperation in the global cashmere and wool industry, but also injected strong impetus into the high-quality development of cashmere and wool industry in Ordos.

    During the exhibition, 11 diverse activities will also be held, including a presentation on attracting investment to the cashmere industry in Ordos, which will promote the comprehensive and multi-level development of exchange and cooperation in this industry.

    It is reported that the exhibition was carefully organized into 6 large exhibition areas, which attracted more than 30 international companies from 10 countries including the UK, France, Italy, Japan, the Republic of Korea and Mongolia, as well as nearly 200 exhibitors and more than 220 buyers.

    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 Asia-Pac: Draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan approved

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Draft Tsuen Wan Outline Zoning Plan approved 
         “The approved OZP provides a statutory land use planning framework to guide the development and redevelopment within the Tsuen Wan area”, a spokesman for the Town Planning Board said today (July 18). 
     
    The planning scheme area, covering about 743.48 hectares, includes Tsuen Wan Valley and its adjoining areas and forms part of the Tsuen Wan New Town. The area extends from Wo Yi Hop Road in the east to Yau Kom Tau in the west.
     
    The approved OZP has incorporated amendments shown on the draft Tsuen Wan OZP No. S/TW/38, which mainly involve (i) rezoning a site at the junction of Wing Shun Street and Texaco Road from “Government, Institution or Community (9)” to “Residential (Group A) 22” for private residential development; and (ii) rezoning a site at the junction of Ma Tau Pa Road and Texaco Road from “Comprehensive Development Area (1)” to “Commercial (7)” to facilitate redevelopment of the existing industrial buildings for commercial uses.
     
    The Notes and Explanatory Statement of the OZP have been amended to reflect the above amendments. Opportunity is also taken to update the general information of various land use zonings and the planning circumstances, where appropriate.
     
    The approved Tsuen Wan OZP No. S/TW/39 is available for public inspection during office hours at (i) the Secretariat of the Town Planning Board, (ii) the Planning Enquiry Counters, (iii) the Tsuen Wan and West Kowloon District Planning Office, (iv) the Tsuen Wan District Office and (v) the Tsuen Wan Rural Committee.
     
    Copies of the approved OZP are available for sale at the Map Publications Centre in North Point. The electronic version of the OZP can be viewed at the Town Planning Board’s website (www.tpb.gov.hkIssued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Food and Drugs (Composition and Labelling) (Amendment) Regulation 2025 gazetted
    Through legislative amendments, mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery with a height or width not exceeding 45 millimetres will be prohibited for sale in the market. In addition, other konjac jelly products must be labelled with choking warning statements on their packaging to remind consumers to exercise caution while eating. 

    A Government spokesman said, “While konjac itself is a safe food additive, the smooth and slippery surface and firm texture of konjac jellies may pose a choking risk if not consumed properly. This risk is particularly high for children and the elderly. The Government has been promoting health education messages on the prevention of food choking through various channels, such as advising consumers to avoid slurping mini-cup konjac-containing jelly confectionery directly.”
    “Caution: Do not swallow whole. Elderly and children must consume under supervision.
    注意：勿一口吞食，長者及兒童須在監護下食用。”
    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) will continue to enhance health education on choking prevention, including issuing letters to schools, organising seminars, and sharing information on social media. In addition, the CFS will arrange technical meetings with the trade and issue user guidelines in due course to facilitate the trade’s understanding of and compliance with the new requirements.
    Issued at HKT 16:00

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alice Mak meets Sichuan officials

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    On the final day of a visit encompassing Beijing and Sichuan, Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak today called on Sichuan officials and visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu.

    In the morning, Miss Mak called on Director of the Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office of the Sichuan Provincial People’s Government Zhang Tao.

    Miss Mak briefed Ms Zhang on youth development, women’s development and district governance in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region. She also learned about Sichuan’s work in related areas.

    She also expressed her hope for greater co-operation and exchange between the two places.

    Miss Mak also visited the Shabanqiao community in Chengdu to gained insights into community governance there.

    She returned to Hong Kong this afternoon.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statements on Passage of Defense Spending and Rescission Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025 and H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026:

    H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025

    “Wisconsin families are sick and tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars funneled to politically biased media here at home. With the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, we aren’t just cutting spending—we are codifying the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) findings into law,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.

    “This bill locks in $9 billion in real savings and marks a monumental step toward restoring fiscal sanity, putting America First, and delivering on President Trump’s promise to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. House Republicans are committed to ending the era of bloated, woke government. I am proud to send this step towards fiscal responsibility to President Trump’s desk.”

    H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

    “This bill delivers on House Republicans’ promise to support our troops and their families, ensures America’s military remains the most lethal fighting force, and ends DEI, Critical Race Theory, and other woke ideologies that plague our military,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The America First agenda is embodied in this bill with critical investments in America’s missile defense system, next-generation military hardware, and border security. I look forward to continuing to deliver wins for Wisconsinites through the appropriations process.”

    Background: The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act provides discretionary spending of $831.5 billion, the same as FY25 enacted levels and consistent with the President’s Budget Request. Key highlights include:

    • Provides a 3.8% increase in basic pay for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2026.
    • Codifies DOGE cuts to reduce waste, fraud, abuse, or redundancies.
    • Provides $1.15 billion for counter drug programs and transfers Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.
    • Supports our Shipbuilding programs by fully funding the procurement of 28 ships, including the Columbia- and Virginia-Class submarine.
    • Codifies President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the teaching of Critical Race Theory. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Fitzgerald Statements on Passage of Defense Spending and Rescission Legislation

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05)

    WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Scott Fitzgerald (WI-05) issued the following statements in response to the passage of the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025 and H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026:

    H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025

    “Wisconsin families are sick and tired of seeing their hard-earned tax dollars funneled to politically biased media here at home. With the passage of the Rescissions Act of 2025, we aren’t just cutting spending—we are codifying the Department of Government Efficiency’s (DOGE) findings into law,” said Rep. Fitzgerald.

    “This bill locks in $9 billion in real savings and marks a monumental step toward restoring fiscal sanity, putting America First, and delivering on President Trump’s promise to root out waste, fraud, and abuse. House Republicans are committed to ending the era of bloated, woke government. I am proud to send this step towards fiscal responsibility to President Trump’s desk.”

    H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2026

    “This bill delivers on House Republicans’ promise to support our troops and their families, ensures America’s military remains the most lethal fighting force, and ends DEI, Critical Race Theory, and other woke ideologies that plague our military,” said Rep. Fitzgerald. “The America First agenda is embodied in this bill with critical investments in America’s missile defense system, next-generation military hardware, and border security. I look forward to continuing to deliver wins for Wisconsinites through the appropriations process.”

    Background: The Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26) Department of Defense (DOD) Appropriations Act provides discretionary spending of $831.5 billion, the same as FY25 enacted levels and consistent with the President’s Budget Request. Key highlights include:

    • Provides a 3.8% increase in basic pay for all military personnel, effective January 1, 2026.
    • Codifies DOGE cuts to reduce waste, fraud, abuse, or redundancies.
    • Provides $1.15 billion for counter drug programs and transfers Mexico from U.S. Northern Command’s jurisdiction to U.S. Southern Command for better coordination and prioritization.
    • Supports our Shipbuilding programs by fully funding the procurement of 28 ships, including the Columbia- and Virginia-Class submarine.
    • Codifies President Trump’s executive actions to end discriminatory Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs and the teaching of Critical Race Theory. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Foreign Minister of Indonesia Pays Maiden Official Visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today welcomed the Foreign Minister of Indonesia H.E. Sugiono during his first official visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat. H.E. Sugiono toured the premises, which included the Heritage Building, and attended a meet-and-greet with the Permanent Representatives to ASEAN, the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN, and dedicated Ambassadors to ASEAN. During the visit, H.E. Sugiono also held a meeting with Dr. Kao, where they discussed the follow-up to the 46th ASEAN Summit and the recently-concluded 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and related meetings, among others. As host country of the ASEAN Secretariat premises, Indonesia plays a central role in supporting ASEAN’s work, and this visit underscores Indonesia’s continued commitment to ASEAN and its institutional building, with a view to advancing regional integration and the goals of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.

    The post Foreign Minister of Indonesia Pays Maiden Official Visit to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –