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Category: Economy

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Legendary Samotlor celebrates 60th anniversary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Rosneft – Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    Rosneft is celebrating the 60th anniversary of the discovery of the Samotlor field, one of the largest in the world. Its history began on May 29, 1965, when the exploration well R-1 produced its first oil at a flow rate of 300 cubic meters per day. Four years later, the field was put into commercial operation, and in 1981, the billionth ton of oil was produced at Samotlor. Thanks to Samotlor oil, our country has taken one of the leading positions in the world oil market.

    A new stage in the development of Samotlor began after the inclusion of Samotlorneftegaz in Rosneft. The company began to implement a set of advanced solutions and new technologies to stabilize hydrocarbon production at the field. Today, Samotlor’s cumulative production exceeds 2.8 billion tons of oil and more than 410 billion cubic meters of gas. Samotlorneftegaz, which develops it, consistently ensures a level of associated petroleum gas utilization of 98%, which is one of the highest rates in the industry.

    Samotlorneftegaz implements large-scale projects in the main areas of its activity in close cooperation with Rosneft, the largest oil and gas scientific and technical unit in Eurasia.

    Samotlorneftegaz has become one of the pioneers of the Russian oil and gas production industry in the field of digitalization of production. The “Intelligent Field” system, which involves remote production management, was implemented at the enterprise in 2013. As part of the development of the “Intelligent Field”, an integrated mathematical model was introduced that covers all key stages of oil production at the enterprise. On its basis, a neural network was created to optimize the operation of production wells. The accuracy of forecasts reached 96%. The implementation of another digital project – “3D Sphere” opens up new technological opportunities that contribute to increasing the efficiency and safety of oil and gas production.

    Samotlorneftegaz specialists use corporate software to manage the operation of mobile compressor units. As a result of using the new software module, it was possible to increase the average daily oil production per well by eight tons. The economic effect since the introduction of the technology has exceeded 1.9 billion rubles.

    At Samotlor, continuous work is underway to improve drilling equipment and technological processes. The use of a domestically produced rotary-controlled system has reduced the construction time of each well by 40 hours. This system allows drilling complex profiles with a large departure from the vertical and increasing the length of the horizontal section of the well. At the same time, high accuracy of drilling through the productive formation is achieved, which has a positive effect on the flow rate of new wells.

    High efficiency in drilling horizontal wells is demonstrated by the use of a modernized bicentric bit of unique design. The drill of the new design forms a trunk of a larger diameter. This makes it possible to drill wells with a complex profile at a high rate and put them into operation faster.

    The Samotlor field has undergone 40-stage hydraulic fracturing for the first time. The operation took a record-breaking 24.5 hours. The well’s starting flow rate was 250 cubic meters per day, which is more than six times higher than the average rates of neighboring wells. The unique operation was carried out jointly with the corporate service company RN-GRP, which carries out all hydraulic fracturing work at the Samotlor field.

    Samotlorneftegaz is actively implementing large-scale environmental projects. In 2024, the company allocated more than 11.2 billion rubles for environmental protection and environmental restoration activities. Large-scale work has been completed at Samotlor to restore the “historical heritage” lands disturbed during the Soviet years of field development. The biological productivity of soils has been restored on sites with a total area of more than 2.2 thousand hectares. During the program’s implementation, new technologies were developed and unique experience was gained that is in demand by other enterprises.

    Samotlorneftegaz is one of the largest taxpayers and key social partners of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug of Yugra. In addition, over the past 5 years, more than 200 social projects have been implemented within the framework of the Cooperation Agreement between Rosneft Oil Company and the regional government, which has significantly improved the quality of life of the population of all of Yugra.

    With the participation of Samotlorneftegaz, a universal sports complex was built in Khanty-Mansiysk, the Simulation and Accreditation Center of the Khanty-Mansiysk State Medical Academy was modernized, and two training laboratories were equipped at the Multidisciplinary College of the Yugra State University. Thanks to the support of the enterprise, a large-scale reconstruction of the city’s “calling card” – the Ob River embankment, the Heroes of Samotlor Square was carried out in Nizhnevartovsk. A kindergarten, teenage clubs, a rollerdrome for active sports and an open-air rope park were built for the younger generation. In the Nizhnevartovsk District, with the support of the enterprise, kindergartens were reconstructed, the Okunevka River embankment was reconstructed, and the quality and safety of roads were significantly improved due to large-scale repairs.

    Rosneft pays great attention to preserving and strengthening the historical memory of the Samotlor field and the pioneering oil workers of the Khanty-Mansiysk Autonomous Okrug-Yugra. With the Company’s support, a large-scale renovation of the memorial “First exploratory well R-1 of the Samotlor field” was carried out, the monument “To the Conquerors of Samotlor” was reconstructed, the Heroes of Samotlor square was created, and a corporate museum was opened.

    Rosneft ensures the further development of the Samotlor field and involvement in the development of its resource potential, which contributes to the economy of the region and the entire country.

    Department of Information and Advertising of PJSC NK Rosneft May 29, 2025

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Italy: Staff Concluding Statement of the 2025 Article IV Mission

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    May 29, 2025

    A Concluding Statement describes the preliminary findings of IMF staff at the end of an official staff visit (or ‘mission’), in most cases to a member country. Missions are undertaken as part of regular (usually annual) consultations under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, in the context of a request to use IMF resources (borrow from the IMF), as part of discussions of staff monitored programs, or as part of other staff monitoring of economic developments.

    The authorities have consented to the publication of this statement. The views expressed in this statement are those of the IMF staff and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF’s Executive Board. Based on the preliminary findings of this mission, staff will prepare a report that, subject to management approval, will be presented to the IMF Executive Board for discussion and decision.

    Washington, DC: An International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, led by Lone Christiansen and comprising Thomas Elkjaer, Gee Hee Hong, Yueling Huang, Alain Kabundi, and Sylwia Nowak, conducted discussions for the 2025 Article IV Consultation with Italy during May 14–28. At the end of the visit, the mission issued the following statement:

    • Outlook: The growth outlook remains highly uncertain amid ongoing global trade tensions. Persistently low productivity growth and demographic headwinds weigh on longer-term economic prospects.
    • Fiscal policy: A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024 enabled a return to a primary surplus. Continuing the strong performance will be essential to place public debt on a downward trajectory.
    • Financial sector policy: The banking sector remains well-capitalized and liquid. Continuing to monitor asset quality and macro-financial linkages between the sovereign and financial institutions remains important to safeguard financial stability.
    • Structural policies: Medium-term challenges that are weighing on growth have become today’s pressing issues. A swift and effective implementation of the National Recovery and Resilience Plan will be key to support higher, lasting growth and should be complemented by a successor reform program to amplify the gains.

     

    Recent economic developments, outlook, and risks

    The Italian economy has continued to expand at a moderate pace. For the second consecutive year, economic activity grew by 0.7 percent in 2024, supported in part by infrastructure investment under the National Recovery and Resilience Plan (NRRP) and a positive contribution from net exports. The current account strengthened to a surplus of above 1 percent of GDP. Despite heightened global trade policy uncertainty, economic activity held up well in the first quarter of 2025, with real GDP growing by 0.3 percent quarter-on-quarter and employment reaching a record high. Credit to households has turned positive, and the contraction in credit to corporates has eased. Headline inflation gradually strengthened, reaching 2 percent in April. Nonetheless, the female labor force participation rate remains well below the EU average, productivity growth is weak, and regional disparities endure, with labor inactivity rates significantly higher in the South than in the North.

    Heightened uncertainty has dampened the near-term economic outlook, while subdued productivity growth and rapid population aging are expected to continue weighing on growth prospects. Timely and effective implementation of NRRP projects is expected to support near-term economic activity, while trade tensions are likely to provide a notable drag. Consequently, the April 2025 World Economic Outlook (WEO) projected growth to moderate to 0.4 percent in 2025 before temporarily picking up to 0.8 percent next year, amid the peak in NRRP-related investments and positive trade spillovers from higher investment in Germany. Headline inflation is expected to average 1.7 percent this year, on lower energy prices and moderate wage growth, before converging to the ECB’s 2 percent target in 2026. Over the medium term, weak productivity growth and adverse demographics are projected to continue weighing on the outlook, keeping growth at around 0.7 percent.

    The outlook is subject to substantial uncertainty and risks. On the upside, the stronger-than-expected preliminary outturn for the first quarter presents mild upside risks to the April 2025 WEO forecast. A faster-than-expected acceleration in global growth, stronger productivity gains from public investments and reforms, and deeper EU integration could further support investment, exports, and productivity. However, downside risks remain significant, including from escalating trade tensions, an intensification of regional conflicts, and a further tightening of global financial conditions. Climate-related shocks, including extreme weather events, could also dampen growth and further constrain fiscal space. As digitalization advances, cyberthreats could become more pervasive and disruptive, particularly for the financial system. Delayed or inefficient NRRP implementation could undermine growth.

    Fiscal policy: Leaning into continued strong performance

    Maintaining strong fiscal discipline along with growth-enhancing reforms is critical to reduce the public debt ratio and will help reinforce resilience. A better-than-expected fiscal outturn in 2024, owing to continued improvements in tax compliance and a strong labor market, is welcome. Overall, the headline deficit was halved, the primary balance turned to a surplus, and the authorities envision further gradual deficit reduction. Staff recommends continuing the strong performance and reaching a primary surplus of 3 percent of GDP by 2027 to decisively reduce the debt ratio and help contain related vulnerabilities. Achieving this goal would require additional near-term efforts compared to what is already built into the authorities’ fiscal plans. However, the recommended cumulative adjustment path would entail a smaller effort over the medium term than a more gradual one in view of the projected worsening in the interest rate-growth differential and of spending pressures stemming from population aging. Along with such efforts, growth-enhancing reforms would help strengthen debt reduction and, over time, could reduce the needed adjustment.

    Several measures could be considered. Building on the progress made, reform efforts on tax evasion and tax compliance should continue. Rationalizing tax expenditures would help broaden the taxbase, bolster revenue, and reduce complexity. Eliminating the preferential flat-rate for income on self-employment would address equity concerns and prevent revenue loss. Given the robust labor market and high corporate profits, hiring subsidies should be replaced with productivity-boosting measures. Updating property values in the cadastre would increase revenue and could ensure more equitable tax treatment. These measures, by addressing distortions, are expected to have limited adverse effect on economic activity.

    In the event of new spending pressures or macroeconomic shocks, debt-reducing efforts should continue. Given the limited fiscal space, any new spending measures, including for defense, should be fully compensated by further savings elsewhere. Fiscal consolidation efforts combined with growth-enhancing reforms would need to continue even in the event of all-but-the-most-severe adverse macroeconomic shocks, rendering automatic stabilizers the primary counter-cyclical response. Resources from EU funds should be safeguarded for productivity-enhancing investments.

    Beyond the near term, it will be important to contain latent spending pressures. Pension-related spending pressures could be contained by avoiding costly early retirement schemes. At the same time, raising the effective retirement age would help boost labor supply. There is also scope to enhance transparency and monitoring of the net expenditure path within the Medium-Term Fiscal-Structural Plan (MTFSP), while maintaining comprehensive reporting of key fiscal indicators. Although the stock of public guarantees is gradually declining, it remains sizable, calling for continued prudent management, centralized monitoring, and adequate provisioning. In addition, publicly guaranteed loans should not substitute for on-budget spending, as such measures undermine budgetary discipline and distort resource allocation.

    Financial sector policy: Protecting financial sector resilience

    Continued vigilance will be important to safeguard financial sector soundness. Strong profitability, sound asset quality, and adequate liquidity and capital positions have helped strengthen the banking sector. In this respect, amid a still-negative credit gap, maintaining the current neutral countercyclical capital buffer remains appropriate, as does the continued implementation of the systemic risk buffer at 1 percent. In addition, maintaining close monitoring of loan quality is warranted, particularly given the uncertain outlook and risks to firms exposed to the potential impact of trade tensions. Regarding non-bank financial institutions, the rebound in life insurance premium income has helped mitigate risks in the life sector. While financial sector exposures to the domestic sovereign have declined from previous highs, they remain sizable and, hence, pose a vulnerability that requires continued monitoring.

    Continuing to address weaknesses among some less significant institutions (LSIs) remains a priority. Within the overall soundness of the banking sector, vulnerabilities exist among some LSIs. Further enhancing oversight—through targeted inspections, in-depth reviews of credit risk management practices and governance, and continued monitoring of nonperforming loans—would help address these risks. In this regard, the ongoing inspection program by the Bank of Italy to ensure compliance with IT security standards is welcome, and LSIs should continue to integrate cyber risks into their governance and risk management frameworks. Timely escalation of corrective measures for weak banks would support further improvements in capital adequacy and operational efficiency.

    Structural policies: Implementing reforms to boost growth

    To tackle persistent productivity challenges and unlock stronger potential growth, comprehensive and sustained reforms are crucial. The authorities’ ongoing efforts to advance their reform and investment agenda through the NRRP are welcome, as are their longer-term commitments under the MTFSP. With the NRRP window rapidly closing, continued efforts to ensure its full and timely delivery will be essential. Looking ahead, leveraging the design and implementation lessons from the NRRP will support successful execution of future reforms and help secure a durable lift to growth. More broadly, reforms should be clearly specified and prioritize strengthening human capital, expanding labor supply, and revitalizing the private sector’s capacity to innovate and adopt frontier technologies. Enhancing the workforce is vital to mitigate the impact of a shrinking working-age population and to meet the growing demand for high-skilled labor. Policies aimed at increasing female labor force participation—such as enhancing access to childcare and removing disincentives like tax credits for dependent spouses—should be further strengthened and would support both economic growth and pension system sustainability.

    Reviving private sector dynamism and innovation requires improved access to finance, especially risk capital, and greater policy predictability. Italian firms have long struggled to scale up and innovate. Eliminating tax incentives that favor small firms and facilitating the exit of unproductive firms, including through the timely implementation of the new insolvency code, would promote more efficient resource allocation and enable high-performing firms to grow. Deepening national capital markets—particularly by broadening access to risk capital—and ensuring a more predictable regulatory environment are crucial to support the investment needed for technological upgrades and the digital transition. At the European level, advancing the single market and making progress towards the savings and investment union will further help firms achieve economies of scale and improve access to capital. Industrial policies should be deployed cautiously, be targeted to specific objectives where externalities or market failures prevent effective market solutions, be coordinated at the EU level, and avoid favoring domestic producers over imports to minimize trade and investment distortions. 

    Accelerating the transition to renewables, adapting to a changing climate, and investing in resilient energy infrastructure are essential to reduce extreme weather impacts and energy import dependence. Climate-related risks and energy security are macro-critical for Italy, given the reliance on agriculture, tourism, and foreign energy supply. The 2024 National Energy and Climate Plan provides a strategic foundation but more ambitious action is needed to meet 2030 climate targets and improve energy security. Strengthening grid infrastructure, expanding storage capacity, and streamlining permitting processes are critical to support renewable integration. Deeper integration into EU electricity markets would enhance resilience, reduce price volatility, and improve the efficiency of renewable energy use.

    ****

    We are grateful to the Italian authorities and our other counterparts for their time, frank and open discussions, and warm hospitality.

    Desideriamo esprimere la nostra gratitudine alle autorità italiane e a tutti gli altri interlocutori per il tempo dedicatoci, per la franchezza e la disponibilità dimostrate nel corso dei colloqui e per la calorosa ospitalità.

     

     

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Camila Perez

    Phone: +1 202 623-7100Email: MEDIA@IMF.org

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/05/28/05282025-mcs-italy-staff-concluding-statement-of-the-2025-article-iv-mission

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Pappas Continues to Fight for Veterans Put at Risk of Losing Their Homes

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Today Representatives Chris Pappas (NH-01), a member of the House Veterans’ Affairs Committee (HVAC) and Ranking Member of the Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity, and Mark Takano (CA-39), Ranking Member of HVAC, held a press conference with National Fair Housing Alliance Vice President Public Policy and Senior Counsel for Fair Lending, Maureen Yap and Senior Attorney at the National Consumer Law Center, Alys Cohen to call attention to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) ending of the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase (VASP) program – the only VA program that guaranteed foreclosure avoidance for veterans experiencing severe financial hardship, helping them stay in their homes. 

    “It’s important to understand that 80,000 veterans at risk have been put at risk by the abrupt ending of the VASP program… I’ve heard from veterans directly that are concerned about their future,” said Congressman Pappas. “This isn’t about statistics, it’s not about hypothetical situations, it’s about real people. It’s about real veterans that swore an oath to give everything up to and including their lives for the United States of America who deserve our unwavering commitment to be able to provide them a roof over their head and to make sure they won’t get foreclosed on. So this shouldn’t be a partisan issue. This is a moral issue, and something that we will continue to call VA on to address and to make sure that they are providing the kind of support that our veterans need, whether that’s in the form of a foreclosure moratorium or reimplementing VASP while we work on this partial claims program. We need a solution today so that veterans like Daniel in my district get the help and support that they deserve.”

    Watch Congressman Pappas’s remarks here or the full press conference here. 

    The VASP program was created as a “last-resort” option for veterans and their family members facing foreclosure on VA-backed loans following the expiration of pandemic programs, which when coupled with rising interest rates, increased the risk of default for thousands of veterans. Before its termination, VASP was the only program of last resort that existed for veterans facing immediate foreclosure, and helped over 17,000 veterans since the program launched in 2024. By abruptly ending this program on May 1 with no alternative in place, 80,000 veterans and their families now face the prospect of losing their homes with no relief mechanism in place.

    Background: 

    In April, Pappas spoke out forcefully against the administration abruptly ending the Veterans Affairs Servicing Purchase Program (VASP) during a House Veterans’ Affairs Subcommittee on Economic Opportunity markup. He joined a bicameral letter pressing Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Secretary Doug Collins to immediately reverse his decision to abruptly end VASP. Earlier this month, in a HVAC markup, Pappas spoke out against the decision to end VASP, and in a HVAC hearing with VA Secretary Collins, Pappas rebuked the Secretary for ending the program. 

    In January, Pappas joined a letter to U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) Acting Secretary Todd Hunter demanding answers about how VA is implementing President Trump’s Inaugural Executive Order to freeze hiring across the executive branch and how it is hurting veterans’ access to the health care and benefits they earned. In March, Pappas condemned reports that the Trump administration is planning to cut 80,000 staff from the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), which could have catastrophic consequences for America’s veterans and cause significant delays and disruptions for those seeking medical treatment, as well as support for housing, addiction, mental health, and other lifesaving services. These firings would also result in job losses for thousands of veterans, who make up 25% of VA’s workforce.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: NH Delegation Demands Department of Education Deliver Federal Funding Notices to New Hampshire TRIO Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Chris Pappas (D-NH)

    Congressman Chris Pappas (NH-01) joined Congresswoman Maggie Goodlander (NH-02), Senator Jeanne Shaheen, and Senator Maggie Hassan in sending a letter to Education Secretary Linda E. McMahon and the Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought demanding the Administration deliver the federal funding allocated to New Hampshire’s TRIO programs. 

    TRIO programs provide support to individuals from low-income backgrounds, students who would be the first person in their families to earn a college degree, students with disabilities, and other students to attend college. From personalized tutoring to personal mentoring and advising, to assistance applying for and identifying funding options, TRIO programs make a real difference in a student’s ability to attend and complete college. 

    “The TRIO Programs are a cornerstone of our nation’s commitment to educational access and upward mobility,” the delegation wrote.“The ongoing delay in issuing GANs is already having real-world consequences in our home state of New Hampshire. We are particularly concerned about the damage being caused by the Department’s delayed notification to the University of New Hampshire’s (UNH) Upward Bound program. UNH’s program is slated to begin June 1. They only have enough carryover funding for roughly one month before they would need to lay off staff and shutter a program that has had such a significant positive impact on the lives of so many Granite Staters. We urge you to act without further delay to ensure that TRIO programs can operate on schedule and provide the services that New Hampshire’s students and those across the country are counting on.” 

    “TRIO programs provide academic tutoring, personal counseling, mentoring, financial guidance, summer academies, and other supports necessary to help economically disadvantaged students enter college and graduate,” said Joshua Gagnon, President, NH Educational Opportunity Association. “We know that TRIO works – students who participate in Upward Bound are more than twice as likely to earn a bachelor’s degree by age 24 than their peers. If grant notices are not received by June 1, over 14,000 students nationally – including 114 students in NH – could miss out on this life-changing educational opportunity.”

    Read the delegation’s full letter here.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile Limited Announces First Quarter 2025 Unaudited Financial Results

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: JG), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced its unaudited financial results for the first quarter ended March 31, 2025.

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Highlights

    • Revenues were RMB89.0 million (US$12.3 million), an increase of 38% year-over-year.
    • Cost of revenues was RMB30.1 million (US$4.2 million), an increase of 66% year-over-year.
    • Gross profit was RMB58.8 million (US$8.1 million), an increase of 27% year-over-year.
    • Total operating expenses were RMB60.6 million (US$8.3 million), an increase of 14% year-over-year.
    • Net loss was RMB1.6 million (US$0.2 million), compared with a net loss of RMB2.6 million for the same quarter last year.
    • Net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders was RMB2.6 million (US$0.4 million), compared with a net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders of RMB2.4 million for the same quarter last year.
    • Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million), compared with a RMB1.3 million adjusted net loss for the same quarter last year.
    • Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB0.5 million (US$63 thousand), compared with RMB0.2 million for the same quarter last year.

    Mr. Weidong Luo, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Aurora Mobile, commented, “We have had a great start to 2025. Our Q1’2025 performance and numbers are very impressive.

    • Firstly, our EngageLab business had a “Monster Quarter” where we closed out more than RMB63 million worth of contract value in just one quarter. This brings the total cumulative EngageLab contract value in excess of RMB110 million by March 31, 2025.
    • Secondly, the Group’s revenue this quarter reached RMB89.0 million, achieving a remarkable 38% growth year-over-year. EngageLab’s recognized revenue also grew by 127% year-over-year.
    • Thirdly, our Financial Risk Management business had its best quarter in history, recording the highest quarterly revenue of RMB22.2 million, revenue grew by 64% year-over-year.
    • Fourthly, gross profit grew strongly by 27% year-over-year, achieving the highest gross profit for the past 9 quarters. Gross margin has also improved 520 basis points quarter-over-quarter!
    • Fifthly, we recorded another Adjusted EBITDA profit in this quarter. This marks the 7th consecutive quarterly positive Adjusted EBITDA we have had.

    With these numbers above, we are equally excited about 2025. This has no doubt set a great momentum for the rest of the 2025 ! The progress in our performance and our solid financial position enable us to invest more resources into the development of our enterprise AI agent platform and its global expansion.”

    Mr. Shan-Nen Bong, Chief Financial Officer of Aurora Mobile, added, “In Q1’2025, our revenue grew by 38% year-over-year, gross profit grew by 27% whilst operating expenses grew by 14%. Overall, we are pleased to see how the operating expenses have been trending in view of the revenue and gross profit growth. This is a sustainable growth model on a long-term basis.”

    First Quarter 2025 Financial Results

    Revenues were RMB89.0 million (US$12.3 million), an increase of 38% from RMB64.5 million in the same quarter of last year, attributable to a 39% increase in revenue from Developer Services and a 35% increase in revenue from Vertical Applications. In particular, the revenues from Value-Added Services within Developer Services increased by 269% compared to the same quarter of last year.

    Cost of revenues was RMB30.1 million (US$4.2 million), an increase of 66% from RMB18.2 million in the same quarter of last year. The increase was mainly due to a RMB5.6 million increase in media cost, a RMB1.6 million increase in short messaging cost, and a RMB4.7 million increase in other direct costs related to revenue generation.

    Gross profit was RMB58.8 million (US$8.1 million), an increase of 27% from RMB46.4 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Total operating expenses were RMB60.6 million (US$8.3 million), an increase of 14% from RMB53.0 million in the same quarter of last year.

    • Research and development expenses were RMB24.6 million (US$3.4 million), an increase of 8% from RMB22.7 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB0.9 million increase in personnel costs and a RMB0.8 million increase in cloud cost.
    • Sales and marketing expenses were RMB23.3 million (US$3.2 million), an increase of 34% from RMB17.4 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB5.2 million increase in personnel costs.
    • General and administrative expenses were RMB12.7 million (US$1.7 million), a decrease of 2% from RMB12.9 million in the same quarter of last year, mainly due to a RMB0.6 million decrease in share-based compensation expenses.

    Loss from operations was RMB1.5 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB5.1 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Net Loss was RMB1.6 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB2.6 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Adjusted net loss (non-GAAP) was RMB1.2 million (US$0.2 million), compared with RMB1.3 million in the same quarter of last year.

    Adjusted EBITDA (non-GAAP) was RMB0.5 million (US$63 thousand) compared with RMB0.2 million for the same quarter of last year.

    The cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash were RMB113.6 million (US$15.7 million) as of March 31, 2025 compared with RMB119.5 million as of December 31, 2024.

    Business Outlook

    For the second quarter of 2025, the Company expects the total revenue to be between RMB87.5 million and RMB90.5 million, representing year-over-year growth of approximately 10% to 14%.

    The above outlook is based on the current market conditions and reflects the Company’s current and preliminary estimates of market and operating conditions and customer demand, which are all subject to change.

    Update on Share Repurchase

    As of March 31, 2025, the Company had repurchased a total of 295,179 ADS, of which 16,322 ADSs, or around US$170.5 thousand were repurchased during the first quarter in 2025.

    Conference Call

    The Company will host an earnings conference call on Thursday, May 29, 2025 at 7:30 a.m. U.S. Eastern Time (7:30 p.m. Beijing time on the same day).

    All participants must register in advance to join the conference using the link provided below. Please dial in 15 minutes before the call is scheduled to begin. Conference access information will be provided upon registration.

    Participant Online Registration:
    https://register-conf.media-server.com/register/BI47c63565ef284b3784a50da74dc4a38e

    A live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Investor Relations section of Aurora Mobile’s website at https://ir.jiguang.cn/. 

    Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures

    In evaluating the business, the Company considers and uses two non-GAAP measures, adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA, as a supplemental measure to review and assess its operating performance. The presentation of these non-GAAP financial measures is not intended to be considered in isolation or as a substitute for the financial information prepared and presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The Company defines adjusted net (loss)/income as net loss excluding share-based compensation. The Company defines adjusted EBITDA as net loss excluding interest expense, depreciation of property and equipment, amortization of intangible assets, income tax expenses/(benefits) and share-based compensation.

    The Company believes that adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that it includes in loss from operations and net loss.

    The Company believes that adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA provide useful information about its operating results, enhance the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects and allow for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in their financial and operational decision-making.

    The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. One of the key limitations of using adjusted net (loss)/income and adjusted EBITDA is that they do not reflect all items of income and expense that affect the Company’s operations. Further, the non-GAAP financial measures may differ from the non-GAAP information used by other companies, including peer companies, and therefore their comparability may be limited.

    The Company compensates for these limitations by reconciling the non-GAAP financial measures to the nearest U.S. GAAP performance measure, all of which should be considered when evaluating the Company’s performance. The Company encourages you to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on a single financial measure.

    Reconciliations of the non-GAAP financial measures to the most comparable U.S. GAAP measure are included at the end of this press release.

    Safe Harbor Statement

    This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the “safe harbor” provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as “will,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “future,” “intends,” “plans,” “believes,” “estimates,” “confident” and similar statements. Among other things, the Business Outlook and quotations from management in this announcement, as well as Aurora Mobile’s strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. Aurora Mobile may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about Aurora Mobile’s beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: Aurora Mobile’s strategies; Aurora Mobile’s future business development, financial condition and results of operations; Aurora Mobile’s ability to attract and retain customers; its ability to develop and effectively market data solutions, and penetrate the existing market for developer services; its ability to transition to the new advertising-driven SAAS business model; its ability to maintain or enhance its brand; the competition with current or future competitors; its ability to continue to gain access to mobile data in the future; the laws and regulations relating to data privacy and protection; general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these and other risks is included in the Company’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is as of the date of the press release, and Aurora Mobile undertakes no duty to update such information, except as required under applicable law.

    About Aurora Mobile Limited

    Founded in 2011, Aurora Mobile is a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China. Since its inception, Aurora Mobile has focused on providing stable and efficient messaging services to enterprises and has grown to be a leading mobile messaging service provider with its first-mover advantage. With the increasing demand for customer reach and marketing growth, Aurora Mobile has developed forward-looking solutions such as Cloud Messaging and Cloud Marketing to help enterprises achieve omnichannel customer reach and interaction, as well as artificial intelligence and big data-driven marketing technology solutions to help enterprises’ digital transformation.

    For more information, please visit https://ir.jiguang.cn/.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:

    Aurora Mobile Limited

    ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen

    In China

    Ms. Xiaoyan Su

    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548

    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com 

    In U.S.

    Ms. Linda Bergkamp

    Phone: +1-480-614-3004

    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com 

    Footnote:

    This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at specified rates solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars are made at a rate of RMB7.2567 to US$1.00, the exchange rate set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System as of March 31, 2025.

     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED INCOME STATEMENTS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”), except for number of shares and per share data)
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
                     
    Revenues   64,524     93,153     88,961     12,259  
    Cost of revenues   (18,152 )   (36,468 )   (30,117 )   (4,150 )
    Gross profit   46,372     56,685     58,844     8,109  
    Operating expenses                
    Research and development   (22,681 )   (24,326 )   (24,607 )   (3,391 )
    Sales and marketing   (17,391 )   (24,583 )   (23,303 )   (3,211 )
    General and administrative   (12,932 )   (11,392 )   (12,676 )   (1,747 )
    Total operating expenses   (53,004 )   (60,301 )   (60,586 )   (8,349 )
    Other operating income   1,579     3,393     197     27  
    Loss from operations   (5,053 )   (223 )   (1,545 )   (213 )
    Foreign exchange (loss)/gain, net   (23 )   (62 )   38     5  
    Interest income   2,187     288     236     33  
    Interest expenses   (6 )   (42 )   (39 )   (5 )
    Other income/(loss)   15     (805 )   –     –  
    Gains from fair value change   23     45     38     5  
    Loss before income taxes   (2,857 )   (799 )   (1,272 )   (175 )
    Income tax benefits/(expenses)   244     105     (336 )   (46 )
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Less: net (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (214 )   372     944     130  
    Net loss attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders   (2,399 )   (1,066 )   (2,552 )   (351 )
    Net loss per share, for Class A and Class B common shares:                
    Class A and B Common Shares – basic and diluted   (0.03 )   (0.01 )   (0.03 )   (0.00 )
    Shares used in net loss per share computation:                
    Class A Common Shares – basic and diluted   62,687,345     63,200,100     63,254,710     63,254,710  
    Class B Common Shares – basic and diluted   17,000,189     17,000,189     17,000,189     17,000,189  
    Other comprehensive income/(loss)                
    Foreign currency translation adjustments   78     1,357     (82 )   (11 )
    Total other comprehensive income/(loss), net of tax   78     1,357     (82 )   (11 )
    Total comprehensive (loss)/income   (2,535 )   663     (1,690 )   (232 )
    Less: comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to noncontrolling interests   (214 )   372     944     130  
    Comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders   (2,321 )   291     (2,634 )   (362 )
                     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED INTERIM CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                 
        As of
        December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   US$
    ASSETS            
    Current assets:            
    Cash and cash equivalents   119,171     113,267     15,609  
    Restricted cash   376     375     52  
    Accounts receivable   50,804     54,071     7,451  
    Prepayments and other current assets   14,264     17,354     2,391  
    Total current assets   184,615     185,067     25,503  
    Non-current assets:            
    Long-term investments   113,506     113,458     15,635  
    Property and equipment, net   4,573     4,331     597  
    Operating lease right-of-use assets   17,146     15,892     2,190  
    Intangible assets, net   13,767     12,788     1,762  
    Goodwill   37,785     37,785     5,207  
    Deferred tax assets   131     167     23  
    Other non-current assets   6,510     6,503     895  
    Total non-current assets   193,418     190,924     26,309  
    Total assets   378,033     375,991     51,812  
    LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY            
    Current liabilities:            
    Short-term loan   3,000     –     –  
    Accounts payable   32,691     34,114     4,701  
    Deferred revenue and customer deposits   147,111     156,929     21,625  
    Operating lease liabilities   4,461     4,152     572  
    Accrued liabilities and other current liabilities   74,370     66,407     9,151  
    Total current liabilities   261,633     261,602     36,049  
    Non-current liabilities:            
    Operating lease liabilities   13,376     12,292     1,694  
    Deferred tax liabilities   3,059     2,891     398  
    Other non-current liabilities   567     567     78  
    Total non-current liabilities   17,002     15,750     2,170  
    Total liabilities   278,635     277,352     38,219  
    Shareholders’ equity:            
    Common shares   50     51     7  
    Treasury shares   (1,674 )   (2,898 )   (399 )
    Additional paid-in capital   1,045,221     1,047,375     144,332  
    Accumulated deficit   (995,715 )   (998,267 )   (137,565 )
    Accumulated other comprehensive income   20,040     19,958     2,750  
    Total Aurora Mobile Limited’s shareholders’ equity   67,922     66,219     9,125  
    Noncontrolling interests   31,476     32,420     4,468  
    Total shareholders’ equity   99,398     98,639     13,593  
    Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity   378,033     375,991     51,812  
                 
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
    Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted Net (Loss)/Income:              
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Add:                
    Share-based compensation   1,268     795     407     56  
    Adjusted net (loss)/income   (1,345 )   101     (1,201 )   (165 )
    Reconciliation of Net Loss to Adjusted EBITDA:                
    Net loss   (2,613 )   (694 )   (1,608 )   (221 )
    Add:                
    Income tax (benefits)/expenses   (244 )   (105 )   336     46  
    Interest expenses   6     42     39     5  
    Depreciation of property and equipment   380     197     266     37  
    Amortization of intangible assets   1,369     1,052     1,019     140  
    EBITDA   (1,102 )   492     52     7  
    Add:                
    Share-based compensation   1,268     795     407     56  
    Adjusted EBITDA   166     1,287     459     63  
                     
    AURORA MOBILE LIMITED
    UNAUDITED SAAS BUSINESSES REVENUE
    (Amounts in thousands of Renminbi (“RMB”) and US dollars (“US$”))
                     
                     
        Three months ended
        March 31, 2024   December 31, 2024   March 31, 2025
        RMB   RMB   RMB   US$
                     
    Developer Services   44,749     70,998     62,322     8,588  
    Subscription   42,351     54,687     53,467     7,368  
    Value-Added Services   2,398     16,311     8,855     1,220  
    Vertical Applications   19,775     22,155     26,639     3,671  
    Total Revenue   64,524     93,153     88,961     12,259  
    Gross Profits   46,372     56,685     58,844     8,109  
    Gross Margin   71.9%     60.9%     66.1%     66.1%  
                     

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Temenos Forward Awards celebrate banks leading the way in innovation

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    GRAND-LANCY, Switzerland, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Temenos (SIX: TEMN), a global leader in banking technology, today announced the winners of the Temenos Forward Awards 2025, which recognize the innovation of Temenos customers who are leading the way in the banking industry.

    Jean-Pierre Brulard, Chief Executive Officer, Temenos, commented: “As banks adapt to changing customer demands and the opportunities and challenges of transformative technologies such as Generative AI, the Temenos community is shaping the future of finance. We are delighted to recognize the success of banks at the forefront of innovation with our Temenos Forward Awards. Congratulations to all our award winners. Together, we are leading banking forward.”

    The following awards were selected by a judging panel comprised of Temenos executives, previous award winners, journalists and industry analysts.

    Future-Ready Banking Award – Santander International

    In 2024, Santander International became the first Temenos client to utilize lending on the Temenos SaaS Foundation Platform. Throughout the program it has transitioned to a near-zero customization SaaS architecture with integrations that enhance customer analysis and reporting, demonstrating Santander International’s commitment to agility and customer-centric solutions.

    Customer Experience Excellence Award – PC Financial

    Part of Loblaw Companies Limited, Canada’s leading food and pharmacy retailer, PC Financial offers a range of financial products designed to deliver on the company’s purpose – helping Canadians Live Life Well. The retailer went live on Temenos SaaS in just six months and has raised the bar in digital banking with the launch of an innovative new savings feature for the PC Money Account. PC Financial is seeing strong customer engagement with this feature and stands out with a unique customer experience strategy that seamlessly blends everyday banking products with retail offerings.

    Fast Track Growth Award – STC Bank

    STC Bank has emerged as a fintech leader in Saudi Arabia, transforming from STC Pay into STC Bank as a fully licensed digital bank. This evolution highlights its strategic investment in cutting-edge technologies and innovation to redefine banking services standards in the region. With Temenos Core, the bank has successfully launched a microservice and data-driven architecture and is expanding into innovative lending and digital deposit solutions, reinforcing its strategy of modular, data-driven offerings.

    Digital Transformation Award – Credem

    Credem, a prominent Italian bank, has emerged as a digital banking frontrunner through its deep commitment to innovation and client-centric experiences. Having launched several new mobile apps using Temenos Digital, the bank offers a seamless, consistent experience for Retail, SME, and Private Wealth clients. In 2024, Credem successfully launched a new Retail Online Banking (OLB) platform as well as a completely redesigned mobile banking interface, leading to a significantly enhanced user experience and a marked improvement in its AppStore ratings.

    Ambassador Award – Jihyun Lee (Bank Julius Baer)

    As Head of IT APAC and Global Core Banking at Bank Julius Baer, Jihyun has consistently demonstrated visionary leadership, driving transformative projects that redefine modern core banking systems. Her expertise in pioneering innovations such as fully automated CI/CD pipelines and real-time integration patterns has positioned her as a trusted strategic partner within the Temenos community. Jihyun’s commitment to excellence and her ability to foster collaborative relationships make her a true ambassador of Temenos’ values and a thought leader in the industry.

    Additionally, the following clients were chosen for a People’s Choice Award for their successful deployment of an innovative solution. Voting was conducted by a jury, as well as peers on social media.

    People’s Choice Award (Banking Innovation) – MIDBANK

    Established in 1975, MIDBANK provides retail, corporate, and investment banking services across Egypt. The bank has modernized its core and digital banking operations with Temenos to enhance efficiency and customer experience. This has led to a 30% reduction in processing times for transactions, projected annual savings of 20% in operational costs due to improved automation and streamlined workflows, and 25% higher customer satisfaction scores within the first six months of its migration.

    People’s Choice Award (Banking Innovation) – EQ Bank

    EQ Bank is Canada’s first-born digital bank, showing Canadians how banking can – and should – be better. In collaboration with Temenos and Microsoft, EQ Bank developed the TDH-EQB Fabric environment – an innovative solution enabling near real-time data access within the Temenos Data Hub (TDH) environment. This initiative delivers significant benefits to both EQ Bank and Temenos by enhancing performance, optimizing operational efficiency, and enabling faster insights.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Lists Ripple USD (RLUSD) to Expand Stablecoin Offerings on Spot Market

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of Ripple USD (RLUSD) on its spot trading platform. RLUSD, an enterprise-grade USD-backed stablecoin issued by Ripple, enters the Bitget ecosystem at a time when demand for secure and compliant digital assets continues to rise, particularly among institutional participants and developers focused on enterprise-grade blockchain use cases.

    As a stablecoin pegged 1:1 to the U.S. dollar, RLUSD is natively issued on both the XRP Ledger (XRPL) and Ethereum, leveraging the unique strengths of each blockchain. The asset is backed by a segregated reserve held in USD fiat and cash equivalents. Bitget’s decision to list RLUSD aligns with its strategy to support strong, high utility-driven assets across its growing spot market, which serves as a curated space for projects that advance blockchain adoption through real-world applications.

    “We’re excited to partner with Ripple, a team that has consistently pushed forward the adoption of crypto,” said Gracy Chen, CEO of Bitget. “RLUSD stands out as one of the few stablecoins issued by a NYDFS-chartered limited purpose trust company, placing it in a uniquely clear regulatory framework. This is particularly important for institutions seeking transparency and compliance in today’s evolving digital asset landscape. Listing RLUSD also aligns with our 2025 strategy to expand institutional offerings and build a more robust, trusted ecosystem.”

    The RLUSD listing on Bitget expanded access and offered a trusted trading venue for one of the industry’s most closely monitored digital assets.

    Bitget continues to scale its listings to support the increasing demand of the crypto market. The integration of RLUSD responds to the ongoing wave of stablecoins gaining popularity as critical tools in decentralized finance (DeFi), gaming, and tokenized asset ecosystems.

    With an extensive selection of over 900 crypto pairs and a commitment to broadening its offerings, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of RLUSD signals a strategic move to embrace regulated stablecoins’s becoming a gateway to trade innovative crypto projects.

    To know more about RLUSD on Bitget please visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 100 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 world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of 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.

    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.

    About Ripple

    Ripple is the leading provider of digital asset infrastructure for financial institutions and other enterprises—delivering simple, compliant, reliable software that unlocks efficiencies, reduces friction, and enhances innovation in global finance. Ripple’s solutions leverage the XRP Ledger and its native digital asset, XRP, which was purpose-built to enable fast, low-cost, highly scalable transactions across developer and financial use cases. With a proven track record of working with regulators and policymakers around the world, Ripple’s payments, custody and stablecoin solutions are pioneering the digital asset economy—building credibility and trust in enterprise blockchain. Together with customers, partners and the developer community, we are transforming the way the world creates, stores, manages and moves value.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9cba8e14-64a1-4afa-b20e-1fb01bb7d4f6

    The MIL Network –

  • Choreographed Demographic Alterations Driven by Political Motives, Aimed at Changing Geographies, Disrupt Social and Cultural Equilibrium: Vice-President

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    lign=”center”>Weaponisation Of Faith Through Coerced Conversion Erodes Social Harmony, Says VP
    Peace Is Secured From A Position Of Strength, Says VP
    Democracy Cannot Prosper Without Security, Economic Resilience, And Internal Harmony, Stresses VP
    Caste-Based Census Is A Milestone Step Towards Equitable Development, Says VP
    Democracies Must Be Compassionate, But Democracy Cannot Afford To Be Complacent, Highlights VP
    Demography, Democracy, And Diversity Define The Soul Of New Bharat, Urges VP
    Vice-President Addresses The 65th And 66th Convocation Ceremony Of The International Institute For Population Sciences (IIPS) In Mumbai

    The Vice-President of India, Shri Jagdeep Dhankhar today said, “There are choreographed, well-structured, ill-designed alterations aimed at changing the makeup of certain geographies. Young friends, these calculated alterations in our demography are often driven by political or strategic motives that are certainly not wholesome for our nation. These disrupt our social and cultural equilibrium. Such menacing trends require vigilant monitoring and decisive action to safeguard the integrity and sovereignty of Bharat. These are the most worrying trends. In contrast to slow and long term demographic shifts, which is usual, natural, demographic changes take place. They have to take place, but they are usually slow and long term. Natural demographic shifts occur gradually, deliberate and orchestrated changes in the demographic composition of certain regions pose a significant concern.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1927729706813841451

    Addressing the 65th and 66th Convocation Ceremony of the International Institute for Population Sciences (IIPS), Mumbai, as the Chief Guest, Shri Dhankhar said, “Peace is quintessential, fundamental for survival of democracy. Never forget, peace is secured from a position of strength. Democracy can blossom and prosper only in peace that is earned through strength, effective security, economic resilience, internal harmony. History is proof of it. Invasions can be thwarted and peace secured only when we are ever ready for war. Bharat has sent a global message. No longer shall we tolerate terrorism. We will liquidate it and destroy the source of it. Peace is not absence of conflict. It is the presence of preparedness. Democracy is a delicate bloom in its fertile soil of security. Democracy cannot prosper if there is no security. The sunlight of economic opportunity and the steady reign of social harmony also require peace.”

    On matters of security and national fortitude, Shri Dhankhar declared, “Without peace, democracy withers into fear, mistrust, and chaos. But let us not mistake peace for passivity. Lasting peace is never given — it is earned and it is defended. A nation secures its borders by decisive policies, by being resilient in its economy — then the nation becomes a fortress of peace. We have to emerge as a powerful military force in the region. Emergence of recent combinations that were decisively defeated by us — we have to be ever cognizant of them. We must embrace the ancient wisdom. And mind you, India is a global treasure of knowledge because of our ancient scriptures. There is Shanti Mantra. If we believe in peace, the nation has never believed in expansion.”

    Turning to a transformative governance reform, the Vice-President commended the Government of India’s decision, “The recent decision by the Government of India — a game-changing decision, a milestone in governance — is to include caste-based enumeration in the upcoming decadal census. This will be transformative. This will help us satisfy aspirations equitably to bring about equality and will be a decisive step towards social justice. This will also help us when data becomes available to enrich our understanding of inequalities. Because if inequalities are there, they generate and breed inequities. That is not the essence of governance. And therefore, these caste-based censuses, the data that will emanate, will guide us for targeted development. Development will reach in sectors where it is needed. I can say with pride, institutions like IIPS are uniquely positioned to play a crucial, critical role in interpreting such data and proposing inclusive solutions.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1927720771130179898

    He warned of deeply concerning trends threatening Bharat’s social fabric, “Bharat faces alarmingly cliffhanging situations with respect to demographic shifts, driven by unchecked illegal migrants, coupled with another sinister mechanism — alluring, manipulative conversions that distort our social fabric. These are not ordinary challenges. They are existential challenges that demand urgent, resolute, and effective national response. The time to act is now. Time to act with clarity and conviction, because this time bomb is ticking. We will have to demonstrate unwavering, unflinching, determined commitment to preserving the authenticity, the sanctity, and integrity of our civilization.”

    Highlighting the severity of orchestrated demographic interference, the Vice-President stated, “When demographic balances are manipulated not by organic evolution but by sinister orchestrated design, then it is no longer a question of migration — it is a question of demographic invasion. Bharat has suffered it. There are millions of illegal migrants. Can we suffer from them? We need people in this country who are committed to our civilisation, who believe in भारतीयता, who believe in our nationalism, who are prepared to lay down their lives for the nation.”

    He raised the alarm on conversion-based strategies that fragment societal unity, “Equally disturbing, worrisome, of deep concern is the weaponization of faith through coerced or induced conversion. Where belief is replaced by inducement, every belief has to be voluntary, optional. It is induced by Allurement! and choice by agenda. These are not isolated incidents. They erode social harmony, cultural coherence, and compromise of national security. Always remember, and Bharat is known in the world for this, democracies must be compassionate, but democracy cannot afford to be complacent.”

    The Vice-President passionately called for authentic public dialogue rooted in India’s civilisational values, “Authentic discourse is our core civilisational value. We cannot have rhetoric. We cannot have jingoism. Public discourse has to be authentic. Our heritage, drawn from Upanishads and Dharmashastras, celebrates dialogue over dogma, restraint over rage. I am pained sometimes when dogma and rage prevail. Youngsters in the country, the youth of the country, and the future of the country have to play a critical role in making public discourse more rational, sensible, and in sync with our civilisational ethos. Authenticity of communication with the public is fundamental. There are some exceptions, like security aspects, but for the rest, it is non-negotiable. Let us reaffirm the soul of democracy resides in honest, sincere, upright, factually balanced and correct dialogue.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1927730018429673900

    On India’s inclusive spirit and civilisational ethos, he reflected, “Which nation in the world can boast of inclusive growth, inclusive life and harmony? The Hinduism majority deeply rooted in the civilisational spirit has never been guided by majoritarianism. People mistake it. Hinduism majority is not majoritarianism. These impulses are antithetical to us. And see the difference in other traditions across the world. Level of their intolerance, level of their fundamentalism. They determine the mission to control through demographic explosion. Expansionism has no place in Hinduism, no place in Sanatan. This is a thought because we seek not to conquer, but to coexist.”

    In his concluding remarks, the Vice-President underscored the importance of population data for development, “Demography, democracy, and diversity. These three Ds define the soul of new bharat. These three pillars encapsulate the essence of India’s identity and aspirations. Demography represents the dynamic human capital that fuels the engine of progress. Democracy provides a robust framework for collective decision-making. In any other governance, there is no participation of the people in decision-making. Democracy, from that perspective, is unique. And diversity? India represents to the entire world what diversity is. We have a resplendent landscape, a spectrum of cultures, traditions, and perspectives that make our great ‘Bharat’ unique in the world. Understanding population dynamics, its growth, distribution, and composition, is fundamental to crafting policies that ensure sustainable development, economic growth, and social harmony. This aspect is critical for national security and harmony also. I know you are aware of the challenges. Your data will awaken those who need to address these challenges that have taken monstrous dimensions.”

    https://twitter.com/VPIndia/status/1927713635578908767

    Smt. Anupriya Patel, Union Minister of State in the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare; and Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers, Govt. of India, Shri Jaykumar Rawal, Minister of (Protocol & Marketing), Maharashtra, Prof. D.A. Nagdeve, Director & Sr. Professor(Addl. Charge), IIPS and other dignitaries were also present on the occasion.

  • MIL-OSI Europe: EU Fact Sheets – The European Union and its trade partners – 28-05-2025

    Source: European Parliament 2

    Over the years, the EU has been moving away from the production of labour-intensive, low-value products in order to specialise in higher-value, branded goods. With its open economy, trade is essential to the EU, which is a founder of and key player in the World Trade Organization (WTO). In addition, to overcome trade barriers and level the playing field for its businesses, the Union negotiates a number of free trade agreements (FTAs).

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New Development Contributions Policy approved

    Source: Auckland Council

    A new Development Contributions Policy has today been adopted by Auckland Council’s Governing Body.

    The policy ensures the cost of growth-related infrastructure is fairly shared between developers and ratepayers.

    The Contributions Policy 2025 enables the council to recover development contributions from those undertaking development. The policy supports a 30-year plan for growth-related infrastructure in the investment priority areas in Auckland.

    Auckland Council Mayor Wayne Brown said council had a rational debate and sorted this one out fairly fast.

    “At the end of it, growth pays for growth; developers must pay their fair share of the cost of infrastructure,” said Mayor Brown. “Auckland ratepayers shouldn’t be expected to shoulder a disproportionate share of the cost of growth, especially during times when households are struggling. 

    “Given there are often complaints on both sides of this, and we received over 300 pages of robust advice to support our decisions, I’m confident we have landed in the right place. 

    “This is a very significant policy for council, one that enables approximately $10 billion of investment in priority areas across Auckland. We’re doing what we need to support growth in the right places, within the constraints in front of us.” 

    Matching pace and scale of growth

    Auckland Council financial strategy general manager Michael Burns said the council is grateful for feedback on the policy, as it has helped inform a final policy that will enable infrastructure investment to match the pace and scale of Auckland’s growth.

    “This is a complex but significant piece of policy that ultimately affects both current and future Aucklanders. It ensures the cost of new infrastructure is fairly shared between developers and ratepayers, and the council appreciates the feedback from a range of stakeholders that has helped get the balance right,” says Mr Burns.

    “The new policy is informed by our long-term plan adopted last year and also supports a 30-year, $10.3 billion infrastructure investment programme in parts of Auckland where significant growth is expected and delivers quality urban environments.”

    At today’s Governing Body, councillors endorsed a 30-year programme of infrastructure investment required to support the expected development in the identified Investment Priority Areas in Auckland, and adopted the new Contributions Policy 2025 – the two collectively enabling strategic infrastructure investment across Auckland.

    The plans help meet the needs of Auckland’s forecast population growth, as 200,000 more Aucklanders are expected by 2034 and a further 400,000 by 2054. The contributions policy helps fund stormwater, transport, parks and community facilities in new and existing developments.

    The 30-year programme focuses on investment in the Inner Northwest (Redhills, Westgate and Whenuapai), Drury, Māngere, Mount Roskill and Tāmaki.

    The proposed contributions policy was revised following feedback during consultation and takes account of updated information on project requirements, developer and central government plans.

    “Auckland has experienced substantial growth in the last decade and that is expected to continue. The scale of growth means the council needs to plan now for the investment required to support that growth and to plan how it will be funded,” says Mr Burns.

    Investment priority areas

    The increased investment the council is committing to is reflected in an increased development contributions price in some areas. This is particularly so in investment priority areas – Inner Northwest, Tamaki, Mt Roskill, Mangere and Drury – where the scale of growth requires aligned funding.

    Some feedback suggested that it would be fairer for development contribution prices to increase over time rather than remain flat. The council has considered this and agreed that, while still recovering the full costs of infrastructure over time, prices should start lower and increase at 2 per cent annually. This ensures earlier developers pay a similar cost, in real terms, as those who develop later on.

    On average, development contributions in the investment priority areas, paid in the 2025/2026 financial year, will be $48,000. This is down from the $68,000 that was consulted on.

    Development contributions across the rest of Auckland (outside of investment priority areas) will remain on average $20,000 per household equivalent for the 2025/2026 year, less than the $32,000 that was consulted on.

    The policy will come into effect on 1 July 2025.

    For more information, visit aucklandcouncil.govt.nz/developmentcontributions

    – ends –

    Further information

    What is the new pricing for development contributions?
    Development contributions pricing will vary depending on a range of factors, including location, timing and investment levels by area.

    Within the period of the Long-term Plan 2024-2034, areas outside of investment priority areas will see a $8.9 billion capital investment, with $1.5 billion from development contribution at $20,000 on average (per household unit equivalent).  

    Over a 30-year period, there is a $10.3 billion of capital investment in the investment priority areas, with $4.8 billion recovered from development contributions at $48,000 on average (per household unit equivalent).  

    The table below shows the development contribution prices.

    Development contribution costs

      Previous 2022 policy
    (average cost per household unit equivalent)    		 Consultation proposal
    (average cost per household unit equivalent)    		 New 2025 policy
    (average cost per household unit in 2026 financial year increasing by 2 per cent each year)
    Inner Northwest $25,000 $98,000 $72,000
    Tāmaki $31,000 $119,000 $71,000 (with a stormwater connection)$51,000 (without a stormwater connection)
    Mt Roskill $20,000 $52,000 $33,000
    Māngere $18,000 $29,000 $27,000
    Drury $70,000 $83,000 $64,000
    Elsewhere in the Auckland region $20,000 $32,000 $20,000

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI: NBPE – Transaction in Own Shares

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION IN OR INTO AUSTRALIA, CANADA, ITALY, DENMARK, JAPAN, THE UNITED STATES, OR TO ANY NATIONAL OF SUCH JURISDICTIONS

    St Peter Port, Guernsey 29 May 2025

    NB Private Equity Partners (“NBPE” or the “Company”) today announces details of Class A Shares bought back pursuant to general authority granted by shareholders of the Company on 12 June 2024 and the share buy-back agreement with Jefferies International Limited.

    Transaction on London Stock Exchange

    Date of purchase of Shares 28 May 2025
    Number of Shares purchased 1,586 Class A Shares
    Highest price/lowest price paid £14.36 / £14.22
    ISIN for the Shares GG00B1ZBD492

    All Class A Shares bought back will be cancelled. Following the cancellation, the number of outstanding Class A Shares is 45,549,961‬. The Company also has 3,150,408 Class A shares held in treasury. For reporting purposes under the FCA’s Disclosure Guidance and Transparency Rules the market should use the figure of 45,549,961 voting rights when determining if they are required to notify their interest in, or a change to their interest in the Company.

    For further information, please contact:

    NBPE Investor Relations        +44 20 3214 9002
    Luke Mason        NBPrivateMarketsIR@nb.com

    Kaso Legg Communications        +44 (0)20 3882 6644

    Charles Gorman        nbpe@kl-communications.com
    Luke Dampier
    Charlotte Francis

    About NB Private Equity Partners Limited
    NBPE invests in direct private equity investments alongside market leading private equity firms globally. NB Alternatives Advisers LLC (the “Investment Manager”), an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Neuberger Berman Group LLC, is responsible for sourcing, execution and management of NBPE. The vast majority of direct investments are made with no management fee / no carried interest payable to third-party GPs, offering greater fee efficiency than other listed private equity companies. NBPE seeks capital appreciation through growth in net asset value over time while paying a bi-annual dividend.

    LEI number: 213800UJH93NH8IOFQ77

    About Neuberger Berman

    Neuberger Berman is an employee-owned, private, independent investment manager founded in 1939 with over 2,800 employees in 26 countries. The firm manages $515 billion of equities, fixed income, private equity, real estate and hedge fund portfolios for global institutions, advisors and individuals. Neuberger Berman’s investment philosophy is founded on active management, fundamental research and engaged ownership. Neuberger Berman has been named by Pensions & Investments as the #1 or #2 Best Place to Work in Money Management for each of the last eleven years (firms with more than 1,000 employees). Visit www.nb.com for more information. Data as of March 31, 2025.

    This press release appears as a matter of record only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to purchase any security.

    NBPE is established as a closed-end investment company domiciled in Guernsey. NBPE has received the necessary consent of the Guernsey Financial Services Commission. The value of investments may fluctuate. Results achieved in the past are no guarantee of future results. This document is not intended to constitute legal, tax or accounting advice or investment recommendations. Prospective investors are advised to seek expert legal, financial, tax and other professional advice before making any investment decision. Statements contained in this document that are not historical facts are based on current expectations, estimates, projections, opinions and beliefs of NBPE’s investment manager. Such statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, and undue reliance should not be placed thereon. Additionally, this document contains “forward-looking statements.” Actual events or results or the actual performance of NBPE may differ materially from those reflected or contemplated in such targets or forward-looking statements.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: JuCoin Solves DeFi’s Accessibility Crisis with Breakthrough CeDeFi Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Service-driven exchange JuCoin eliminates 65% user drop-off rate by removing wallet barriers and technical friction

    SINGAPORE, May 29, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — JuCoin, the world’s first service-driven cryptocurrency exchange, has launched its revolutionary CeDeFi solution, empowering users to trade publicly available blockchain tokens directly through their exchange accounts without the traditional requirements of external wallets, seed phrase management, or blockchain technical knowledge.

    This industry-leading innovation directly addresses crypto’s most significant adoption barrier: industry research reveals that 65% of users abandon decentralized applications after their first interaction due to overwhelming technical complexity and poor user experience design.

    “The numbers tell the story, when nearly two-thirds of people try DeFi once and never return, we’re not dealing with a user problem, we’re dealing with a design problem,” stated Sammi Li, CEO of JuCoin. “We’ve eliminated the technical gatekeeping that has kept mainstream users locked out of blockchain innovation. Now, investing in emerging tokens is as simple as trading Bitcoin on any exchange.”

    Democratizing Access to Blockchain Innovation

    JuCoin’s CeDeFi solution delivers unprecedented accessibility through:

    • Universal Blockchain Access: Direct trading of tokens from multiple networks without platform changes
    • Centralized Portfolio Management: All blockchain assets visible and manageable through JuCoin’s interface
    • One-Click Operations: Multi-step blockchain processes reduced to single actions
    • Institutional-Level Security: JuCoin’s security infrastructure protecting all decentralized interactions

    The solution breaks down the artificial barriers between centralized and decentralized finance, allowing users to explore the full spectrum of cryptocurrency innovation while maintaining the security, support, and familiarity of their trusted exchange platform.

    Executing the Service-Driven Philosophy

    This CeDeFi launch represents the culmination of JuCoin’s service-driven approach, which transforms exchanges from simple transaction processors into comprehensive financial service providers. Drawing from CEO Sammi Li’s expertise in luxury consumer experiences, JuCoin has consistently prioritized intuitive design and seamless functionality over technical showcasing.

    “We don’t measure our success by how many features we can cram into a platform, but by how effortlessly our users can achieve their financial goals,” Li noted. “Our CeDeFi solution embodies this principle. It’s the result of making sophisticated blockchain technology completely invisible to the user experience.”

    The innovation strengthens JuCoin’s comprehensive ecosystem approach, integrating with JuChain blockchain infrastructure, JuChat social platform, and JuOne hardware solutions to create a unified Web3 experience that prioritizes accessibility without sacrificing security or functionality.

    Immediate Availability and Growth Trajectory

    JuCoin’s CeDeFi solution is fully operational and available to all platform users starting today. The launch includes complete integration with Solana blockchain tokens, with additional network support planned for systematic deployment to expand access to the broader decentralized asset universe.

    Detailed user guides and educational content are available through the JuCoin platform to help users maximize the benefits of this groundbreaking technology.

    About JuCoin

    JuCoin has operated as a leading cryptocurrency exchange since 2013, evolving into the world’s first service-driven crypto platform serving over 12 million users globally across more than 30 countries. The company maintains an integrated digital ecosystem including JuChain (Layer 1 blockchain), JuOne (Web3 AI-encrypted smartphone), JuChat (Web3 super app), and JuCoin Labs (innovation hub), all unified through the JU token.

    The company’s service-driven philosophy focuses on removing complexity from cryptocurrency interactions, making advanced blockchain capabilities accessible to all users regardless of technical expertise or background.

    Contact:
    Nicolas Tang
    nicolas_t@jucoin.com

    Disclaimer: This is a paid post and is provided by JuCoin. The statements, views, and opinions expressed in this content are solely those of the content provider and do not necessarily reflect the views of this media platform or its publisher. We do not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of any information presented. We do not guarantee any claims, statements, or promises made in this article. This content is for informational purposes only and should not be considered financial, investment, or trading advice.Investing in crypto and mining-related opportunities involves significant risks, including the potential loss of capital. It is possible to lose all your capital. These products may not be suitable for everyone, and you should ensure that you understand the risks involved. Seek independent advice if necessary. Speculate only with funds that you can afford to lose. Readers are strongly encouraged to conduct their own research and consult with a qualified financial advisor before making any investment decisions. However, due to the inherently speculative nature of the blockchain sector—including cryptocurrency, NFTs, and mining—complete accuracy cannot always be guaranteed.Neither the media platform nor the publisher shall be held responsible for any fraudulent activities, misrepresentations, or financial losses arising from the content of this press release. In the event of any legal claims or charges against this article, we accept no liability or responsibility. Globenewswire does not endorse any content on this page.

    Legal Disclaimer: This media platform provides the content of this article on an “as-is” basis, without any warranties or representations of any kind, express or implied. We assume no responsibility for any inaccuracies, errors, or omissions. We do not assume any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information presented herein. Any concerns, complaints, or copyright issues related to this article should be directed to the content provider mentioned above.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/9966f22e-9134-47fb-8c75-49cf846d7b51

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $3.46 million following unfair trade practice investigation

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Hong Kong Customs detects money laundering case involving about $3.46 million following unfair trade practice investigation 
    In mid-2022, Customs detected two unfair trade practice cases and arrested a local man. In July 2023, the man was convicted of engaging in commercial practices involving misleading omissions in the sale of training services on dating techniques, in contravention of the Trade Descriptions Ordinance, and was sentenced to 160 hours of community service order.
     
    A subsequent financial investigation and fund-flow analysis revealed that there were numerous suspicious transactions, which were suspected to be crime proceeds, in the personal bank accounts of the man. Meanwhile, the investigation also revealed that another local man used his personal bank accounts to assist the man to receive the suspected crime proceeds, totaling about $3.46 million, during the period between April 2020 and February 2025.
     
    Upon further investigation, Customs arrested the two local men, aged 26 and 35, yesterday for “dealing with property known or reasonably believed to represent proceeds of indictable offenses” (commonly known as money laundering) under the Organized and Serious Crimes Ordinance (OSCO) and searched their residential premises in Tsuen Wan, Tsing Yi and Quarry Bay. Two mobile phones, a computer notebook and a batch of bank documents were seized in the operation.
     
    The arrested persons have been released on bail pending investigation. The investigation of the case is still ongoing, and the likelihood of further arrests is not ruled out.
     
    Under OSCO, a person commits an offence if he or she deals with any property knowing or having reasonable grounds to believe that such property in whole or in part directly or indirectly represents any person’s proceeds of an indictable offence. The maximum penalty upon conviction is a fine of $5 million and imprisonment for 14 years while the crime proceeds are also subject to confiscation.
     
    Members of the public may report any suspected money laundering activities to Customs’ 24-hour hotline 182 8080 or its dedicated crime-reporting email account (crimereport@customs.gov.hkIssued at HKT 12:50

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Met Police crackdown on fraudsters targeting vulnerable Londoners

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    The Met is clamping down on courier fraud, following a targeted operation which has led to the seizure of more than £250,000 in cash and hundreds of bank cards and phones in recent weeks.

    In just two months, officers have arrested 18people believed to be behind sophisticated fraud scams, with the oldest victim affected aged 101.

    The Met’s operation has also seen a 46% decrease in reported offences since it began in February 2025.

    Courier fraud is where fraudsters contact victims by telephone impersonating trusted authorities such as a police officer or bank officials. They will deceive them into withdrawing cash or handing over bank cards. Sometimes scammers trick victims into purchasing expensive items, such as jewellery, to hand over to who they believe is a courier. The items are often handed over in person, but also by post.

    As part of these scams, criminals often target vulnerable members of the community, with 80% of victims of courier fraud above the age of 65.

    Using intelligence and proactive policing, Met officers working with the City of London Police, have taken decisive action to bring suspected offenders to justice and clampdown on the organised crime networks sitting behind them.

    Officers conducted a number of warrants across several London addresses, used covert tactics and intelligence to dismantle suspected organised crime networks.

    Those involved in the operation also visited more than 100 victims to reassure, educate and help recover money stolen.

    Detective Superintendent Kerry Wood, Head of the Met’s Economic Crime Unit, said:

    “Met officers have worked extremely hard over the last few months to protect those vulnerable to this devasting crime, which can deprive vulnerable people of their livelihoods, pensions and hard-earned savings. The impact of these crimes can be long-lasting and cause significant emotional harm.

    “We’ve arrested a number of individuals as part of our targeted operation, but the work doesn’t stop here and our officers will continue to pursue those who ruthlessly target our communities via sophisticated scams.

    “Our message to criminals should be clear – we will investigate, arrest and put you before the courts.”

    As part of the Met’s mission to tackle economic crime and fraud, detectives continue to work alongside banks, businesses and community groups, as well as the City of London Police and Action Fraud.

    Detective Chief Inspector Alexander Eristavi, from the Lead Force Operations Room (LFOR) at City of London Police, said:

    “This is a fantastic demonstration of collaborative police work and the impactful results that can be delivered when we come together.

    “The results achieved over this period have positively impacted vulnerable members of the community, and we are eager to build on this success in the future.

    “We would like to thank all of the teams at City of London Police who contributed to this operation as well as colleagues at the Metropolitan Police Service who we worked alongside.”

    In recent weeks, officers have also focussed on crime prevention. They have carried out over 90 awareness visits to banks, jewellers and bureau de change branches, while delivering educational presentations to those working within the impacted industries.

    Officers have also sent out over 115,000 crime prevention leaflets to help people spot the signs of courier fraud.

    Case Studies

    The operation investigated a series of courier fraud allegations. In one investigation, it’s alleged that a man and women posed as bank officials and tricked unsuspecting victims into handing over their bank cards. Two people have since been charged in relation to this investigation, after officers connected them to 60 other reports of a similar nature.

    The operation also uncovered a suspected multi-million-pound organised crime network, who are alleged to have tricked victims into sending their bank cards to various addresses across London. It is alleged that the suspects would then use the cards to fraudulently purchase expensive goods within high-end retail shops. 70 reports were connected to this investigation and four men have since been charged with fraud in relation to this. Another three people have been charged for concealing stolen goods.

    How to protect yourself from courier fraud:

    Be extremely wary of unsolicited phone calls from your bank or the police, particularly if they are requesting personal or financial information.

    End the call, and call back on a different phone line or on a mobile. If this is not possible, wait at least one minute before calling back. Use either the telephone number on your bank card, go to the bank’s website or for the police dial ‘101’.

    Speak to friends or family before carrying out any actions. Don’t trust claims made by cold callers.

    Never hand over your money, bank cards or make purchases following an unexpected call.

    Never share your PIN with anyone.

    The Met’s website has more information on protecting yourself from this type of fraud : Door-to-door and courier fraud | Metropolitan Police

    You can also find out more by visiting : The Little Book of Big Scams – 5th Edition).

    If you have lost money, make a police report and contact your bank immediately.

    Report cybercrime and fraud in the UK to Action FraudOnline at www.actionfraud.police.uk, or by calling 0300 123 2040.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • Market open in green; Sensex tops 81,500, Nifty near 24810

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian benchmark indices opened higher on Thursday amid positive global cues, as buying was seen in the IT and metal sectors in the early trade.

    At 9:29 am, the BSE Sensex was up 237.56 points or 0.29 per cent at 81,549.88, while the NSE Nifty rose 57 points or 0.23 per cent to trade at 24,809.45.

    Sectoral indices also showed strength, with the Nifty Bank gaining 86.95 points or 0.16 per cent to 55,503.95. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was up 105.80 points or 0.19 per cent at 57,247.20, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 rose by 85.20 points or 0.48 per cent to 17,869.20.

    Despite the Nifty declining for the past two sessions, analysts noted a drop in the India VIX, indicating a lack of demand for downside protection—typically not seen when investor sentiment is bearish.

    “The 24,462 level remains crucial to determine whether this is a temporary dip or the beginning of a deeper correction. As long as the Nifty holds above this level, it remains a buyer’s market,” said Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities.

    Among the top performers in the Sensex pack were Infosys, Tata Steel, Tech Mahindra, Sun Pharma, HCL Tech, Tata Motors, HDFC Bank, Power Grid, TCS and L&T. Bajaj Finance was the only stock in the red during early trade.

    Asian markets also opened in the green, with indices in Hong Kong, Bangkok, Seoul, China, and Japan trading higher. Jakarta was the only notable exception, trading lower.

    On Wall Street, the previous session ended in losses. The Dow Jones closed at 42,098.70, down 244.95 points or 0.58 per cent. The S&P 500 fell 32.99 points or 0.56 per cent to 5,888.55, while the Nasdaq slipped 98.23 points or 0.51 per cent to 19,100.94.

    Market sentiment remained sensitive to global developments, including U.S. tariff-related news. “The U.S. Federal Court striking down the reciprocal tariffs sends a strong message—that the President cannot act unilaterally against the interests of the market and the economy,” said Dr. V.K. Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services.

    On the institutional front, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net buyers on May 28, purchasing equities worth ₹4,662.92 crore. Domestic institutional investors (DIIs) also continued their buying spree, picking up stocks worth ₹7,911.99 crore.

    — IANS

  • MIL-OSI Global: After a chaotic 6 months, South Koreans will elect a new president – and hope for bold leadership

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Alexander M. Hynd, Lecturer, Korean Politics/International Relations, The University of Melbourne

    On June 3, South Koreans will head to the polls to choose the country’s new president. The election may draw to a close one of the most chaotic and contentious periods in the country’s post-1987 democratic era.

    South Korea has been embroiled in a political crisis since December, when former President Yoon Suk Yeol disastrously declared martial law.

    Yoon ordered security forces to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly, leading to a dramatic late night confrontation. His unconstitutional decree was overturned after just six hours.

    The fall-out was equally dramatic: Yoon was impeached and removed from office in a drawn-out process that was not finally resolved until April.

    This period coincided with massive street demonstrations both opposing and supporting Yoon, a far-right assault on a courthouse and a physical stand-off between investigators and Yoon’s personal security team.

    The country, meanwhile, has cycled through three short-lived caretaker leaders.

    With weak economic growth and high costs of living, in addition to an equally challenging security environment, South Korea is in desperate need of bold and effective leadership.

    Who are the candidates?

    The Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung is the clear frontrunner to be the next president, after finishing a close second in the previous 2022 election.

    Recent polling put the veteran left-leaning politician at around 49% support as the race entered the final week.

    This is a double-digit lead over his main conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo, polling at 35%. Another conservative candidate, Lee Jun-seok, is polling at 11%. Notably, for the first time since 2007, there are no female candidates standing to be president.

    The high levels of support for Lee Jae-myung suggest a widespread desire among the public to repudiate Yoon’s martial law declaration.

    Kim, the labour minister in Yoon’s administration, has apologised for December’s declaration. But his opponents have continued to question him about it.

    Kim’s challenge has been to build a coalition of moderates and mainstream conservatives who firmly opposed the martial law declaration, while also winning support from those who believe far-right conspiracy theories around election fraud. Yoon, the former president, is continuing to promote these narratives.

    Lee’s compelling background

    Lee Jae-myung’s personal story has uplifting parallels with South Korea’s own history of economic and political development.

    Lee was born into poverty; the exact date of his birth is not known. He worked in factories from a very young age and permanently injured his left arm in an industrial accident when he was still a child.

    Lee went on to earn a scholarship to study law and, by the late 1980s, had established himself as a labour lawyer and activist.

    This activist image was highlighted when he live-streamed himself dramatically scaling a fence to enter the National Assembly and vote down Yoon’s martial law declaration in December. He has previously compared himself to populist, progressive US Senator Bernie Sanders.

    More recently, however, he has moderated his political rhetoric and policy platform to appeal to centrists and even some conservative voters.

    This shift may also help shield Lee from the “red-baiting” claims left-leaning South Korean candidates typically face from conservative opponents that they are “communists”, “pro-China”, or “pro-North Korea”.

    But Lee is also plagued by legal troubles, including corruption charges linked to a land development project. These charges, frequently highlighted by his opponents, risk derailing his administration if he wins the election.

    What are the main issues?

    Some international commentators have focused on how the next president will handle North Korea. South Koreans, however, are more interested in the candidates’ plans to fix the country’s troubled economy.

    Lee Jae-myung has pledged to immediately establish an emergency economic taskforce if he takes office.

    There has also been a vigorous debate over South Korea’s future energy policy. Kim favours expanding nuclear energy production to around 60% of the country’s energy mix. Lee has voiced safety concerns about nuclear power, arguing “the era of building more reactors should come to an end”.

    Additionally, questions remain over potential constitutional reform to end South Korea’s so-called “imperial presidency” system, which has been blamed for centralising too much power in the hands of the president.

    The system dates back to the rewriting of the constitution following mass protests in 1987. This established direct presidential elections and a single, five-year term.

    Both Lee and Kim support changing this to a four-year, two-term presidential system, similar to the United States.

    Big challenges lie ahead

    On the international stage, the new leader will face an uphill battle negotiating with US President Donald Trump over his punitive tariffs. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on South Korean goods in April, but lowered them temporarily to 10% until early July.

    Before his impeachment, Yoon was widely reported to be practising his golf skills to attempt to find common ground with Trump, much as former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did.

    The new leader will also face massive challenges bringing South Korean society together in the current climate. Political polarisation and the spread of disinformation worsened under Yoon’s presidency – and these trends will be hard to reverse.

    Alexander M. Hynd does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. After a chaotic 6 months, South Koreans will elect a new president – and hope for bold leadership – https://theconversation.com/after-a-chaotic-6-months-south-koreans-will-elect-a-new-president-and-hope-for-bold-leadership-257348

    MIL OSI – Global Reports –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Indonesia and France strengthen ties

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JAKARTA, May 29 (Xinhua) — Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto on Wednesday received French President Emmanuel Macron in Jakarta for high-level talks on key sectors including defense, energy, economy, investment, education and transportation.

    “Today we agreed to move forward by adopting a common vision to celebrate 100 years of Indonesian-French relations by 2050,” P. Subianto said at a joint press conference following the meeting.

    In the defense sector, both countries pledged to strengthen cooperation, including efforts to build human resource capacity. On the economic front, both leaders expressed support for more balanced trade and investment ties.

    “Our ties are strengthening in various areas, especially in energy, food security, free food and maritime affairs,” the Indonesian president said.

    Bilateral relations have also improved in the areas of culture, creative economy, transport and education, he added.

    During the visit, a total of 21 cooperation documents were signed or presented, reflecting a strong commitment to bilateral cooperation.

    These agreements cover a variety of formats and areas, such as defence, agriculture, essential minerals, sustainable forestry, creative and cultural industries, disaster risk management, transport and sport. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China Promotes Digital Transformation of Electronic Information Manufacturing Sector

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, May 29 (Xinhua) — China has released a plan to implement digital transformation of the electronic information manufacturing industry, setting a target for large enterprises to have the digital management ratio at key stages of the production process exceed 85 percent by 2027.

    The plan, released jointly by China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology and other government agencies, stressed that the electronic information production industry is a strategic, fundamental and innovative sector of the national economy.

    According to the plan, this industry, characterized by large scale, long industrial chains and wide coverage, plays a key role in integrating the real economy and the digital economy, promoting new-type industrialization, and cultivating and building up new-quality productive forces.

    The plan also notes that by 2027, a new type of information infrastructure will be established that will greatly promote the digital transformation and intelligent upgrading of the electronic information production industry. Through this infrastructure, advanced computing and artificial intelligence will be deeply integrated into the development of the industry.

    It is expected that by 2030, a relatively advanced data infrastructure system for the electronic information production industry will be established, and the industrial database will be basically formed. In addition, by this time, a series of flagship intelligent products will also be developed and a digital ecosystem will be formed.

    The efficiency and quality of digital transformation will be significantly improved, with further breakthroughs expected in its expansion to the top of the global value chain by 2030, the plan says.

    According to the document, efforts will also be made to promote digital transformation across the entire industrial chain and accelerate the testing and deployment of innovative products such as smart wearables and smart robots. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Murray Tours Springwood Ranch, Hears From Yakama Nation Members and Local Stakeholders About Historic Co-Management Project

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Washington State Patty Murray

    ***PHOTOS HERE***

    Thorp, WA — Today, U.S. Senator Patty Murray (D-WA), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, visited Kittitas County to tour the Springwood Ranch, which was recently acquired as part of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan (YBIP) after many years of effort by the Yakama Nation and stakeholders. Springwood Ranch is now jointly owned by the Yakama Nation, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Kittitas County, and the Kittitas Reclamation District. YBIP brings together state, federal, tribal, agricultural, and environmental stakeholders to develop a comprehensive strategy for water resource management and ecosystem restoration in the Yakima basin.

    On the visit, Senator Murray heard from Yakama Nation members and local stakeholders about how the purchase of Springwood Ranch was a major victory for the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan. Springwood Ranch has served as a traditional gathering spot for Yakama Nation tribes, and has been used as a venue for tribal gatherings, trade events, and recreation for centuries. The 3,600 acres of land at Springwood Ranch will continue being used for cultural purposes as well as agriculture, habitat restoration along the 6.5 miles of Yakima River on the property, and an off-channel reservoir for vital water storage for the region. Joining Senator Murray for the visit were: Phil Rigdon, DNR Superintendent, Yakama Nation; Joe Blodgett, Project Policy Coordinator, Yakama Nation Fisheries; David Blodgett, Program Manager, Yakama Nation Fisheries; Urban Eberhart, Manager, Kittitas Reclamation District; Mike Livingston, South Central Regional Director (Region 3), Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife; Caseymac Wallahee, Yakama Nation Tribal Council; and Peter Dykstra with the Trust for Public Land, among others.

    “I was glad to have the opportunity to join members of the Yakama Nation and local leaders to tour just some of the 3,600 acres of Springwood Ranch and see the reservoir firsthand, which will provide critical water storage and protect fisheries and agriculture in the Yakima Basin against drought. It was important to hear from Tribal members and stakeholders about what their priorities and plans are as this project moves forward, and how I can support them in their work to manage these lands and historic sites,” said Senator Murray. “This collaboration will improve water resources for nearby farms, safeguard critical wildlife habitat, all while honoring and preserving the cultural heritage of the Yakama Nation—it’s a true win-win for communities across the Yakima Basin and I couldn’t be more excited for the future of Springwood Ranch.”

    “In 2025, the Yakima Basin is struggling through its third consecutive year of drought with the pro-ratable water users receiving 48 percent of our water supply. This drought is having a negative impact on both farms and fish. The Yakima Basin Integrated Plan partners appreciate Senator Murray making the time to visit the Springwood Reservoir project site. The construction of this reservoir will help meet the goals of the Yakima Basin Integrated Plan to provide this region with a strong economy and healthy ecosystem into the future,” said Kittitas Reclamation District Manager Urban Eberhart.

    “The message that we need to carry on is the collaboration that’s taking place in this whole project. Look at what we can do when we have all these interest groups, with different goals and different agendas, coming together and working on this reservoir project and to show how successful we can be working together, rather than continuing to be divided,” said Joe Blodgett, Yakama Klickitat Fisheries Project manager

    “The reservoir is going to help more fish survive and have more fish available to the fisherman that are both tribal and non-tribal. It also helps us with all the other listed species and restoration work of the last several decades. This fits into the bigger model of something for everybody, but also something that is going to have a profound impact on our ability to have water to manage for fish and fish migration in the Yakima Basin,” said Phil Rigdon, Yakama Nation Department of Natural Resources Superintendent.

    “This is a role model for the entire nation on how to find common ground and work on behalf of both the environment and the economy. And supporting this project is going to do just that,” said Mike Livingston, Regional Director at Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife.

    As a voice in the U.S. Senate for Washington state’s Tribal governments and communities, Senator Murray has long worked to make sure our nation lives up to its promises to support Tribal infrastructure, health care, education, housing, natural resources management, and more. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Senator Murray was instrumental in passing as then-Assistant Majority Leader provided more than $13 billion to directly support Tribal communities and made Tribes eligible to apply for or request billions in discretionary, formula, and other funding to deploy record investments to provide affordable high-speed internet, safer roads and bridges, modern wastewater and sanitation systems, clean drinking water, reliable and affordable electricity, and good paying jobs in every Tribal community. In total, this funding represents the single largest investment in Tribal infrastructure ever.

    Senator Murray has also been a champion for protecting and strengthening critical salmon and fish populations throughout her time in the Senate. Senator Murray secured a historic $2.85 billion investment in salmon and ecosystem restoration programs—including $400 million for a new community-based restoration program focused on removing fish passage barriers in the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law—and in the Inflation Reduction Act, Murray secured hundreds of millions for Washington state priorities including $15 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, $3 million to support facilities at the Olympic Coast National Marine Sanctuary, $27 million for Pacific salmon research, and more. Last Congress, as then-Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, Murray protected critical funding for salmon recovery and fishery projects in the Fiscal Year 2024 government spending bills she negotiated and passed into law, including securing: $50 million in the construction of the Howard Hanson Dam Fish Passage facility; $75 million for the Pacific Salmon account at the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS), $65 million for the Pacific Coastal Salmon Recovery Fund, $54 million for the EPA’s Puget Sound Geographic Program, and more.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Board of Commissioners

    Source: Tertiary Education Commission

     Our Board:

    sets our strategic direction, makes decisions about funding allocations and provides guidance on our operations
    monitors the performance of the Chief Executive and the organisation
    oversees management of strategic risk.

    Dr Alan Bollard CNZM, Chair

    Alan Bollard is Chair of the New Zealand Portrait Gallery. He is New Zealand Governor of the Economic Research Institute for ASEAN and East Asia, a Director of China Construction Bank (NZ), and Chair of the New Zealand Pacific Economic Cooperation Council.
    He has been Chair of the New Zealand Infrastructure Commission, Professor of Pacific Region Business at Te Herenga Waka – Victoria University of Wellington, and Chair of the Centres for Asia-Pacific Excellence.
    Alan was the Director of the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research from 1987 to 1994, Chair of the New Zealand Commerce Commission from 1994 to 1998, and the Secretary to the Treasury between 1998 and 2020. From 2002 to 2012, he was the Governor of the Reserve Bank of New Zealand. He was the Executive Director of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in Singapore from 2012 to 2018.
    Alan has published a number of economics and popular books. He is a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit, a Fellow of Royal Society Te Apārangi, and has honorary doctorate degrees from the University of Auckland and Massey University.
    Robin Hapi CNZM, Deputy Chair

    Robin Hapi was a former Commissioner of the Tertiary Education Commission from 2007 to 2013 and joins TEC for a second time from February 2025. This follows a term of 12 years as Amokapua/Chair of Te Wānanga o Raukawa. He has served on several Boards and led a range of commercial and not-for-profit entities.
    Robin is currently Chair of Tū Ātea Ltd and Co-Chair of the Pūhoro STEMM Academy. His previous service includes positions on the Boards of Te Mātāwai, Kāinga Ora Homes and Communities, WorkSafe NZ and the Whānau Ora Commissioning Agency; he has also been Chair of the Māori Economic Development Advisory Board, Chair of BERL and Deputy Chair of Callaghan Innovation. 
    Robin is an old boy of Hato Pāora College and an alumni of Massey University, where he graduated with a Master of Business Administration with Distinction. In December 2015 Robin was awarded the Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit (CNZM) in recognition of his contribution to governance, community and Māori, and in 2022 he received the Dame Mira Szászy Lifetime award from the University of Auckland Business School for his contribution to governance. Robin is also a Distinguished Fellow of the NZ Institute of Directors.
    Robin is of Ngāti Kahungunu descent and affiliates to Kahurānaki Marae, Te Hauke.
    Dr Alastair MacCormick, Commissioner, Chair Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee

    TEC’s longest serving Commissioner, Alastair was first appointed to the TEC Board of Commissioners in May 2017, and appointed as Chair of the Whatitata Whakau – Risk and Assurance Committee in August 2017.
    Alastair is an Emeritus Professor of the University of Auckland. He holds a Doctorate in Management Science from Yale University and an MCom in Economics and a BSc in Mathematics and Physics from Auckland. For a decade he was Dean of Business and Economics at the University of Auckland and subsequently Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Academic).
    Alastair also served over nine years on the Grants Committee of Callaghan Innovation for the Government support of Private Sector R&D and is a professional director with global experience in both public, private and listed companies.
    Alastair’s generosity with his time and expertise is demonstrated in his role as Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Elizabeth Knox Home and Hospital (a voluntary role which Alastair has supported for almost 40 years) along with founding the New Zealand Education and Scholarship Trust in 1991. He has also spent 14 years on the Board of Trustees for Auckland Grammar School, serving as Chair of the Board for six years.
    Alastair was awarded a Companion of the New Zealand Order of Merit in The Queen’s Birthday and Platinum Jubilee Honours for services to tertiary education and the community.
    Kirk Hope, Commissioner

    “People are our greatest asset and the drivers of our economy.  Business needs a training and development system to ensure everyone can reach their potential and New Zealand continues to prosper”. 

    Appointed in November 2019, Kirk brings strong current business sector knowledge to the TEC Board table. Kirk is the Chief Executive of the Financial Services Council. Previously, he was the Chief Executive of BusinessNZ, New Zealand’s largest business advocacy group with approximately 80,000 business connections.
    It is not just his knowledge and understanding of business that Kirk brings to TEC. He has held the positions of CEO of the New Zealand Bankers’ Association, Executive Director of the Financial Services Federation, along with several executive positions in both government and banking industries.
    The pairing of business acumen with a strong financial base, a Master’s in Law, an honours degree in political science, easily makes Kirk a great fit for TEC.
    Kirk’s passion is giving back, so sometime in the future we could see him sharing his wealth of knowledge and business expertise through teaching – perhaps that will be after he finishes PhD in economic history (a long term goal) or when he isn’t surfing.
    Samuelu (Sam) Sefuiva, Commissioner, Chair Ohu Tangata – People and Culture Committee

    Sam has over 30 years’ experience in public policy, strategic and business advice, cultural and economic development and executive leadership. He has a strong professional and personal interest in the Pacific region particularly in human rights, social enterprise and public policy. Sam joined the TEC Board in January 2023.
    Sam has mentored, led and facilitated senior executives in Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific in improving international, regional and domestic non-government and community enterprise environments. His strengths are in high level policy advice and relations, strategic thinking, business planning and facilitation.
    Currently his leadership roles include: Mana Whakapai-AMPTI (consortium) Manager, Auckland Māori and Pasifika Trades Training Initiative; Trustee, Digital Wings Trust; and Trustee Black Grace (Dance) Trust. Previously, Sam was Chief Advisor to the Race Relations Commissioner at the NZ Human Rights Commission.
    Sam enjoys spending time with his family and including grandchildren, his wider Samoan fanau and village (Salani, Falealili), as well as some passive recreational activities such as reading, surfing, fishing.
    Deidre Shea, Commissioner

    “Accessible, quality educational opportunities for all New Zealanders throughout their lives are key to the health and success of our communities and our nation. I am privileged to be able to contribute to this as a member of TEC’s board.”

    Commissioned in 2023, Deidre received her Member of the New Zealand Order of Merit in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday honours for services to Education.
    Deidre held leadership roles with Ōnehunga High School (OHS) from 1995 and was Principal from 2007 until 2022. Her leadership extended to the Auckland Secondary School Principals’ Association from 2008 to 2015 and the Secondary Principals’ Association of New Zealand (SPANZ) 2014 to 2023. She became President of SPANZ from 2019 to 2021, leading through numerous challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic.
    Deidre is committed to excellent, lifelong educational opportunities for all. She has overseen the establishment of a Construction School at OHS in 2005, followed by a Services Academy in 2007 and later a Health Science Academy. OHS operates the nation’s largest school-based Adult and Community Education programme.
    Deidre has chaired Te Hikoi (formerly the AIMHI Alternative Education consortium) for the past decade. 
    Bharat Guha, Commissioner

    Bharat Guha is the current Chief Financial Officer (CFO) for the Invercargill Licensing Trust. He is a chartered accountant with extensive experience in the education and hospitality sector.
    Bharat has held numerous senior positions as CEO, Deputy CEO and CFO in different New Zealand and overseas organisations. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Bharat was based in London, working as the Group CFO for an LSE-listed company with branches in the UK, Malaysia, Singapore and Nepal.
    Bharat was recognised as a Fellow of the Australia New Zealand Chartered Accountants for his financial work on the Zero Fee Scheme for the Southern Institute of Technology. In addition, he has developed and led successful government–private tertiary institution partnerships for attracting international students to New Zealand.
    Bharat is a graduate of the University of Otago, undertaking a Bachelor of Commerce (Accounting and Information Systems) and a Master in Business Administration. He also completed the Executive Leadership Programme at Oxford University and the Southland Leadership Academy.
    Bharat is committed and passionate about ensuring the future growth of tertiary education in New Zealand.
    Sharon McGuire, Commissioner

    Sharon McGuire has a strong commercial background and knowledge of the polytechnic and broader tertiary sector. She also has governance experience with several entities. Her tertiary experience includes being a director for regional economic development with the Nelson Marlborough Institute of Technology.
    Sharon’s commercial experience includes working as a general manager in the hotels sector, as a director of a major sports franchise, work with Chambers of Commerce, and as a business owner specialising in project services and advising on business viability.
    Sharon has held senior executive roles and is an experienced Director in the Not-for-Loss sector. Sharon is a great supporter of community organisations, and was awarded the Paul Harris Fellow for services to Rotary and the wider community.
     Top

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Pre-Recorded VIP Address at the ATxSummit Singapore

    Source: ASEAN – Association of SouthEast Asian Nations

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, earlier this morning delivered a Pre-Recorded VIP Address on the second day of the ATxSummit, held in Singapore. Under the theme of “Shaping a Sustainable and Inclusive Digital Future,” the event brings together talented young minds, industry leaders, and key stakeholders dedicated to advancing digital economy and innovation in the region. In his remarks, SG Dr. Kao shared ASEAN’s key initiatives to build a secure, trusted, and resilient digital ecosystem, to propel the region’s economic growth. Download the text version of the remarks here.

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    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN delivers Pre-Recorded VIP Address at the ATxSummit Singapore appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • US court blocks most Trump tariffs, says president exceeded his authority

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A U.S. trade court blocked President Donald Trump’s tariffs from going into effect in a sweeping ruling on Wednesday that found the president overstepped his authority by imposing across-the-board duties on imports from U.S. trading partners.

    The Court of International Trade said the U.S. Constitution gives Congress exclusive authority to regulate commerce with other countries that is not overridden by the president’s emergency powers to safeguard the U.S. economy.

    “The court does not pass upon the wisdom or likely effectiveness of the President’s use of tariffs as leverage,” a three-judge panel said in the decision to issue a permanent injunction on the blanket tariff orders issued by Trump since January. “That use is impermissible not because it is unwise or ineffective, but because [federal law] does not allow it.”

    The judges also ordered the Trump administration to issue new orders reflecting the permanent injunction within 10 days. The Trump administration minutes later filed a notice of appeal and questioned the authority of the court.

    The court invalidated with immediate effect all of Trump’s orders on tariffs since January that were rooted in the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), a law meant to address “unusual and extraordinary” threats during a national emergency.

    The court was not asked to address some industry-specific tariffs Trump has issued on automobiles, steel and aluminum, using a different statute.

    The decisions of the Manhattan-based Court of International Trade, which hears disputes involving international trade and customs laws, can be appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Federal Circuit in Washington, D.C., and ultimately the U.S. Supreme Court.

    TRADE TURMOIL

    Trump has made charging U.S. importers tariffs on goods from foreign countries the central policy of his ongoing trade wars, which have severely disrupted global trade flows and roiled financial markets.

    Companies of all sizes have been whipsawed by Trump’s swift imposition of tariffs and sudden reversals as they seek to manage supply chains, production, staffing and prices.

    A White House spokesperson on Wednesday said U.S. trade deficits with other countries constituted “a national emergency that has decimated American communities, left our workers behind, and weakened our defense industrial base – facts that the court did not dispute.”

    “It is not for unelected judges to decide how to properly address a national emergency,” Kush Desai, the spokesperson, said in a statement.

    Financial markets cheered the ruling. The U.S. dollar rallied following the court’s order, surging against currencies such as the euro, yen and the Swiss franc in particular. Wall Street futures rose and equities across Asia also rose.

    The ruling, if it stands, blows a giant hole through Trump’s strategy to use steep tariffs to wring concessions from trading partners. It creates deep uncertainty around multiple simultaneous negotiations with the European Union, China and many other countries.

    Trump has promised Americans that the tariffs would draw manufacturing jobs back to U.S. shores and shrink a $1.2 trillion U.S. goods trade deficit, which were among his central campaign promises.

    Without the instant leverage provided by tariffs of 10% to 54% or higher, the Trump administration would have to find new forms of leverage or take a slower approach to negotiations with trading partners.

    BUSINESSES HURTING

    The ruling came in a pair of lawsuits, one filed by the nonpartisan Liberty Justice Center on behalf of five small U.S. businesses that import goods from countries targeted by the duties and the other by 12 U.S. states.

    The companies, which range from a New York wine and spirits importer to a Virginia-based maker of educational kits and musical instruments, have said the tariffs will hurt their ability to do business.

    “There is no question here of narrowly tailored relief; if the challenged Tariff Orders are unlawful as to Plaintiffs they are unlawful as to all,” the judges wrote in their decision.

    At least five other legal challenges to the tariffs are pending.

    Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, a Democrat whose office is leading the states’ lawsuit, called Trump’s tariffs unlawful, reckless and economically devastating.

    “This ruling reaffirms that our laws matter, and that trade decisions can’t be made on the president’s whim,” Rayfield said in a statement.

    Trump has claimed broad authority to set tariffs under IEEPA. The law has historically been used to impose sanctions on enemies of the U.S. or freeze their assets. Trump is the first U.S. president to use it to impose tariffs.

    The Justice Department has said the lawsuits should be dismissed because the plaintiffs have not been harmed by tariffs that they have not yet paid, and because only Congress, not private businesses, can challenge a national emergency declared by the president under IEEPA.

    In imposing the tariffs in early April, Trump called the trade deficit a national emergency that justified his 10% across-the-board tariff on all imports, with higher rates for countries with which the United States has the largest trade deficits, particularly China.

    Many of those country-specific tariffs were paused a week later. The Trump administration on May 12 said it was also temporarily reducing the steepest tariffs on China while working on a longer-term trade deal. Both countries agreed to cut tariffs on each other for at least 90 days.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Money Market Operations as on May 28, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India
    (Amount in ₹ crore, Rate in Per cent)
      Volume
    (One Leg)    		 Weighted
    Average Rate    		 Range
    A. Overnight Segment (I+II+III+IV) 5,93,184.29 5.71 3.01-6.00
         I. Call Money 15,980.96 5.80 4.85-5.85
         II. Triparty Repo 4,02,610.35 5.71 5.65-5.85
         III. Market Repo 1,73,035.98 5.71 3.01-5.90
         IV. Repo in Corporate Bond 1,557.00 5.89 5.85-6.00
    B. Term Segment      
         I. Notice Money** 198.08 5.69 5.25-5.85
         II. Term Money@@ 997.00 – 5.80-6.15
         III. Triparty Repo 9,241.00 5.84 5.76-5.90
         IV. Market Repo 0.00 – –
         V. Repo in Corporate Bond 0.00 – –
      Auction Date Tenor (Days) Maturity Date Amount Current Rate /
    Cut off Rate
    C. Liquidity Adjustment Facility (LAF), Marginal Standing Facility (MSF) & Standing Deposit Facility (SDF)
    I. Today’s Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo Wed, 28/05/2025 1 Thu, 29/05/2025 3,843.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF# Wed, 28/05/2025 1 Thu, 29/05/2025 606.00 6.25
    4. SDFΔ# Wed, 28/05/2025 1 Thu, 29/05/2025 2,29,136.00 5.75
    5. Net liquidity injected from today’s operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*       -2,24,687.00  
    II. Outstanding Operations
    1. Fixed Rate          
    2. Variable Rate&          
      (I) Main Operation          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (II) Fine Tuning Operations          
         (a) Repo          
         (b) Reverse Repo          
      (III) Long Term Operations^          
         (a) Repo Thu, 17/04/2025 43 Fri, 30/05/2025 25,731.00 6.01
         (b) Reverse Repo          
    3. MSF#          
    4. SDFΔ#          
    D. Standing Liquidity Facility (SLF) Availed from RBI$       7,622.73  
    E. Net liquidity injected from outstanding operations [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     33,353.73  
    F. Net liquidity injected (outstanding including today’s operations) [injection (+)/absorption (-)]*     -1,91,333.27  
    G. Cash Reserves Position of Scheduled Commercial Banks
         (i) Cash balances with RBI as on May 28, 2025 9,32,078.85  
         (ii) Average daily cash reserve requirement for the fortnight ending May 30, 2025 9,48,817.00  
    H. Government of India Surplus Cash Balance Reckoned for Auction as on¥ May 28, 2025 3,843.00  
    I. Net durable liquidity [surplus (+)/deficit (-)] as on May 02, 2025 2,34,873.00  
    @ Based on Reserve Bank of India (RBI) / Clearing Corporation of India Limited (CCIL).
    – Not Applicable / No Transaction.
    ** Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 2 to 14 days tenor.
    @@ Relates to uncollateralized transactions of 15 days to one year tenor.
    $ Includes refinance facilities extended by RBI.
    & As per the Press Release No. 2019-2020/1900 dated February 06, 2020.
    Δ As per the Press Release No. 2022-2023/41 dated April 08, 2022.
    * Net liquidity is calculated as Repo+MSF+SLF-Reverse Repo-SDF.
    ¥ As per the Press Release No. 2014-2015/1971 dated March 19, 2015.
    # As per the Press Release No. 2023-2024/1548 dated December 27, 2023.
    ^ As per the Press Release No. 2025-2026/91 dated April 11, 2025.
    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    
    Press Release: 2025-2026/425

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Beyer Statement On U.S. Court of International Trade Ruling Striking Down Key Trump Tariffs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Don Beyer (D-VA)

    Congressman Don Beyer (D-VA), who serves on the House Ways and Means Subcommittee on Trade and chairs the New Democrat Coalition’s Trade Task Force, issued the following statement on a ruling by the U.S. Court of International Trade vacating and permanently enjoining Donald Trump’s across-the-board tariffs on nearly every country in the world, including his “Liberation Day” tariffs and separate tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China:

    “This ruling is a major victory for the American people, who have spent months under threat of a stupid, self-imposed economic disaster thanks to Donald Trump’s trade war. Trump’s tariffs have already raised costs on Americans, strained our alliances, hurt our credibility, and threatened the global economy. They’ve driven uncertainty to a peak, hurt our small businesses, and greatly raised the danger of a recession.

    “The U.S. Court of International Trade agreed with what I and others have said for months: Trump was clearly abusing emergency authorities in ways not authorized by Congress to impose damaging tariffs on other countries, with obviously pretextual excuses. Abuse of power has been the most consistent theme of Trump’s presidency, including power grabs on immigration, elections, and the structure of the government itself, which are clearly illegal and unconstitutional. Such is the case here.

    “It is important to note that while Trump’s broadest tariffs, which he imposed using authorities under the International Economic Emergency Powers Act, were just blocked by the Court, but his sector-based tariffs on steel, aluminum, autos, and auto parts are not affected by this ruling and remain in place. Trump has threatened additional tariffs under this authority, known as Section 232, on semiconductor chips, copper, and pharmaceuticals, and he clearly is intent on abusing this power as well. My bill, the Congressional Trade Authority Act, would prevent Trump from abusing this provision, return trade authority to Congress, where it belongs, and stop Trump’s trade war from doing further harm to the United States and the world. Congress should pass it.”

    Beyer is the sponsor of the Congressional Trade Authority Act, which would rein in presidential abuses of authorities under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962, and the co-lead, with Rep. Suzan DelBene, of legislation to end abuses of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) tariff authorities.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI: ORGANON BIOTHERAPEUTICS SHAREHOLDER ALERT: CLAIMSFILER REMINDS INVESTORS WITH LOSSES IN EXCESS OF $100,000 of Lead Plaintiff Deadline in Class Action Lawsuit Against Organon & Co. – OGN

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    NEW ORLEANS, May 28, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — ClaimsFiler, a FREE shareholder information service, reminds investors that they have until July 22, 2025 to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Organon & Co. (NYSE: OGN), if they purchased the Company’s securities between October 31, 2024 and April 30, 2025, inclusive (the “Class Period”). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey.

    Get Help

    Organon investors should visit us at https://claimsfiler.com/cases/nyse-ogn/ or call toll-free (844) 367-9658. Lawyers at Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC are available to discuss your legal options.

    About the Lawsuit

    Organon and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.

    On March 10, 2025, pre-market, the Company announced its financial results for the first quarter of 2025, disclosing, among other things, that management had reset the Company’s dividend payout, from $0.28 to $0.02, contradicting its prior statements assuring investors that the regular quarterly dividend was a number one priority and that the Company was committed to its capital allocation strategy through the aforementioned dividend. On this news, the price of Organon’s shares fell more than 27%, from a closing market price of $12.93 per share on April 30, 2025, to $9.45 per share on May 1, 2025.

    The case is Hauser V. Organon & Co., et al., No. 25-cv-05322.

    About ClaimsFiler

    ClaimsFiler has a single mission: to serve as the information source to help retail investors recover their share of billions of dollars from securities class action settlements. At ClaimsFiler.com, investors can: (1) register for free to gain access to information and settlement websites for various securities class action cases so they can timely submit their own claims; (2) upload their portfolio transactional data to be notified about relevant securities cases in which they may have a financial interest; and (3) submit inquiries to the Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC law firm for free case evaluations.

    To learn more about ClaimsFiler, visit www.claimsfiler.com.

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: ER Report: A Roundup of Significant Articles on EveningReport.nz for May 29, 2025

    ER Report: Here is a summary of significant articles published on EveningReport.nz on May 29, 2025.

    Parents of autistic children are stressed. Here’s what they want you to know
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trevor Mazzucchelli, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Curtin University ErsinTekkol/Shutterstock If you’re a parent or carer of a child who’s autistic, the odds are you’re spinning more plates than the average person. The emotional, physical and logistical demands stack up, often without the kind of support you

    Sexual health info online is crucial for teens. Australia’s new tech codes may threaten their access
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Giselle Woodley, Lecturer and Research Fellow, Edith Cowan University CarlosDavid / Getty Last week, organisations from Australia’s online industries submitted a final draft of new industry codes aimed at protecting children from “age-inappropriate content” to the eSafety commissioner. The commissioner will now decide if the codes are

    Politics with Michelle Grattan: Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra The Liberals, still reeling from their crushing 2025 election defeat and following with brief split in the Coalition, have a new frontbench and their eyes turning to the long road of rebuilding. New leader Sussan Ley stresses the importance of

    After a chaotic 6 months, South Koreans will elect a new president – and hope for bold leadership
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander M. Hynd, Lecturer, Korean Politics/International Relations, The University of Melbourne On June 3, South Koreans will head to the polls to choose the country’s new president. The election may draw to a close one of the most chaotic and contentious periods in the country’s post-1987 democratic

    Samoa parliament to be dissolved in June, election date to come
    By Grace Tinetali-Fiavaai, RNZ Pacific journalist Its official. Samoa’s Parliament will be dissolved next week and the country will have an early return to the polls. The confirmation comes after a dramatic day in Parliament on Tuesday, which saw the government’s budget voted down at its first reading. In a live address today, Prime Minister

    From working class pubs to sold-out stadiums: how darts has become a major international sport
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Joshua McLeod, Senior Lecturer in Sport Management, Deakin University Few sports have witnessed a transformation as dramatic as darts in recent years. From its origins as a pub game stereotypically played with cigarette and beer in hand, darts is now serious business. With surging television ratings and

    Sudden arrivals: NZ ambulance crews describe what it’s like when babies are born out of the blue
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Vinuli Withanarachchie, PhD candidate, College of Health, Te Kunenga ki Pūrehuroa – Massey University WOWstockfootage/Getty Images It doesn’t happen very often, but every now and then expectant mothers don’t quite make it to the delivery suite on time – requiring specialised care from emergency medical services (EMS).

    Why NZ must act against Israel’s ethnic cleansing and genocide
    ANALYSIS: By Ian Powell When I despairingly contemplate the horrors and cruelty that Palestinians in Gaza are being subjected to, I sometimes try to put this in the context of where I live. I live on the Kāpiti Coast in the lower North Island of Aotearoa New Zealand. Geographically it is around the same size

    Knife crime is common but difficult to investigate. Robots can help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Paola A. Magni, Associate Professor of Forensic Science, Murdoch University The following article contains material that some readers might find distressing. Around the world, knives are a popular weapon of choice among criminals. In Australia, for example, they are the most common weapon used in homicides. And

    Can your cat recognise you by scent? New study shows it’s likely
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Julia Henning, PhD Candidate in Feline Behaviour, School of Animal and Veterinary Science, University of Adelaide Ever wonder if your cat could pick you out of a line up? New research suggests they could … but maybe not in the way you would expect. Previous research has

    PCOS affects 1 in 8 women worldwide, yet it’s often misunderstood. A name change might help
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Helena Teede, Director of Monash Centre for Health Research Implementation, Monash University LightField Studios/Shutterstock Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) affects one in eight women globally. However, this complex hormonal condition is under-researched and often misunderstood. This is partly due to its name, which overemphasises “cysts” and the ovaries.

    Behind the wellness industry’s scented oils and soothing music are often underpaid, exploited workers
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Rawan Nimri, Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Griffith University Prostock Studio/Shutterstock Wellness tourism is booming. Think yoga retreats in Bali, digital detox weekends in a rainforest, or a break on a luxury island to “find yourself”. It’s no longer just about taking selfies at the beach or

    X-rays have revealed a mysterious cosmic object never before seen in our galaxy
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Ziteng Wang, Associate Lecturer, Curtin Institute of Radio Astronomy (CIRA), Curtin University Author provided In a new study published today in Nature, we report the discovery of a new long-period transient – and, for the first time, one that also emits regular bursts of X-rays. Long-period transients

    Antarctica’s sea ice is changing, and so is a vital part of the marine food web that lives within it
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqui Stuart, Postdoctoral Researcher in Marine Ecology, Te Herenga Waka — Victoria University of Wellington Jacqui Stuart, VUW, CC BY-NC-ND Antarctica is the world’s great cooling unit. This vital part of Earth’s climate system is largely powered by the annual freeze and melt of millions of square

    The body as landscape: how post-war Japanese dance and theatre shaped performance in Australia
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jonathan W. Marshall, Associate Professor & Postgraduate Research Coordinator, Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, Edith Cowan University “Tamaokoshi (たまおこし-) – Evocation” (2013) by Yumi Umiumare. Performers: Umiumare, Felix Ching Ching Ho, Fina Po, Helen Smith, Willow Conway, Sevastian Peters-Lazaro, Takashi Takiguchi. Photo by Vikk Shayen, reproduced

    View from the Hill: Liberals and Nationals patch things up and announce a shadow ministry
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra Two Victorian Liberal women, Jane Hume and Sarah Henderson, have been dumped and a key numbers man has been promoted from the backbench to the shadow cabinet in the new frontbench announced by Coalition leaders Sussan Ley and David Littleproud.

    Green light for gas: North West Shelf gas plant cleared to run until 2070
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Samantha Hepburn, Professor, Deakin Law School, Deakin University Franklin64/Shutterstock In a decision surprising very few people, Australia’s new environment minister Murray Watt has signed off on an extension for the gas plant at Karratha, part of the enormous North West Shelf liquefied natural gas project. The decision

    Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt is ‘scared’ about Australia’s research capacity – this is why
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Brendan Walker-Munro, Senior Lecturer (Law), Southern Cross University On Wednesday, Nobel laureate Brian Schmidt and economics professor Richard Holden gave a joint address to the National Press Club in Canberra. Their key message? Australia isn’t spending enough money on university research. Schmidt wants to ensure Australia can

    There’s a new COVID variant driving up infections. A virologist explains what to know about NB.1.8.1
    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Lara Herrero, Associate Professor and Research Leader in Virology and Infectious Disease, Griffith University VioletaStoimenova/Getty Images As we enter the colder months in Australia, COVID is making headlines again, this time due to the emergence of a new variant: NB.1.8.1. Last week, the World Health Organization designated

    Papua New Guinea seeks ‘fast track’ advice on resurrecting shortwave radio
    By Don Wiseman, RNZ Pacific senior journalist Papua New Guinea’s state broadcaster NBC wants shortwave radio reintroduced to achieve the government’s goal of 100 percent broadcast coverage by 2030. Last week, the broadcaster hosted a workshop on the reintroduction of shortwave radio transmission, bringing together key government agencies and other stakeholders. NBC had previously a

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Parents of autistic children are stressed. Here’s what they want you to know

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Trevor Mazzucchelli, Associate Professor of Clinical Psychology, Curtin University

    ErsinTekkol/Shutterstock

    If you’re a parent or carer of a child who’s autistic, the odds are you’re spinning more plates than the average person. The emotional, physical and logistical demands stack up, often without the kind of support you need. It can leave you exhausted and wondering if things will ever improve.

    Every child is different, and every day can bring new challenges. Some moments are beautiful. Some are overwhelming. Some end in tears and frustration. Just when you think you’re in a routine that works or made some headway, everything can change again.

    As a clinical psychologist, this is what parents of autistic children tell me. As a parent of an autistic child, I too experience some of these stresses.

    In fact, parents of autistic children have much higher levels of stress than parents of children with other disabilities.

    What is autism?

    Autism, or autism spectrum disorder, is a developmental condition that affects how a person communicates, interacts with others, and makes sense of the world around them.

    It involves a wide range of traits and abilities. But it often involves difficulties with interacting and communicating socially, such as understanding body language or holding a conversation, as well as patterns of restricted or repetitive behaviour.

    Autism is usually diagnosed in early childhood. While every child’s experience is unique, it can influence their behaviour, learning and daily routines in ways that affect the whole family.

    For parents, the impact is often intense. This is not just about managing meltdowns or navigating therapy waitlists. The stress can affect everything from mental health, relationships, finances and the ability to cope day-to-day.

    It’s an incredibly tough gig for many parents and carers.

    Why the stress?

    Many parents tell me and research confirms that the hardest part isn’t autism itself – it’s everything around it. The long waits for a diagnosis. The out-of-pocket costs to see specialists, or for therapy or educational supports. The endless phone calls and paperwork. Trying to get help, only to hit another wall.

    Funding cuts to programs such as the National Disability Insurance Scheme (or NDIS) have removed crucial supports and added to the pressure.

    Parents often spend extra time coordinating appointments, supporting school engagement, and advocating for their child. That invisible workload can take a toll, especially when combined with social isolation, lack of respite and little time to care for their own wellbeing.

    Chronic stress and burnout are real risks for many parents, especially when the level of support required just isn’t there.

    What can parents and carers do?

    A few approaches can help lighten the load:

    • be kind to yourself, especially on the hard days. Even a short break and some deep breathing to release tension can take the edge off and help you reset. It might not solve everything, but it can give you a small window to regroup and keep going

    • ask for help if you’re struggling. Whether it’s from your GP, a psychologist, a parenting helpline or something else. Reaching out is a strength, not a weakness. Informal help can be just as important, for instance from other parents with similar experiences, who just get it. You can find them in online support groups

    • research shows evidence-based parenting programs can help families of children with disability feel more confident and less stressed. They can also make it easier to manage tough times and strengthen the parent-child bond. The Australian government offers a free, online, self-paced program, which I co-wrote, to help parents cope.

    When it’s tough going, it’s important to take a moment to reset.
    KieferPix/Shutterstock

    How friends, family and schools can help

    Many parents and carers carry a huge emotional load trying to help their autistic child feel supported in educational settings, such as childcare and schools.

    They often become the case manager, counsellor and advocate to make sure their child is included, safe and seen.

    If you’re a friend, family member, or part of the school community, try to understand how challenging this can be. The struggle is often ongoing. Parents and carers aren’t being difficult – they’re doing what they can to give their child their best chance.

    Compassion, a listening ear, or stepping in to help can make a real difference.

    Ongoing support, even small things such as dropping off a meal, helping with school pick-ups, or sending a kind message, can ease the load more than you might realise.

    Information and support for parents of autistic children is available. If this article has raised issues for you, or if you’re concerned about someone you know, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.

    Trevor Mazzucchelli is a co-author of Stepping Stones Triple P – Positive Parenting Program and a consultant to Triple P International. The Parenting and Family Support Centre is partly funded by royalties stemming from published resources of the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program, which is developed and owned by The University of Queensland (UQ). Royalties are also distributed to the Faculty of Health and Behavioural Sciences at UQ and contributory authors of published Triple P resources. Triple P International (TPI) Pty Ltd is a private company licensed by UniQuest Pty Ltd on behalf of UQ, to publish and disseminate Triple P worldwide. Trevor has no share or ownership of TPI, but has received and may in the future receive royalties and/or consultancy fees from TPI. Trevor has a child with autism and accesses support through the National Disability Insurance Scheme. He is also a member of the Parenting and Family Research Alliance (PAFRA), a multidisciplinary research collaboration of experts from leading Australian universities and research centres. The alliance is actively involved in conducting research, communication, and advocacy pertaining to parenting, families, and evidence-based parenting support. PAFRA is supported by the Australian Research Council Centre of Excellence for Children and Families over the Life Course.

    – ref. Parents of autistic children are stressed. Here’s what they want you to know – https://theconversation.com/parents-of-autistic-children-are-stressed-heres-what-they-want-you-to-know-256871

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: China builds satellite constellations to enable smart connectivity from space

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

    China Focus: China builds satellite constellations to enable smart connectivity from space

    With four new satellites launched this month to expand the Tianqi constellation, China is accelerating a presence in low-Earth orbit to support its surging demand for smart device connectivity.

    Following SpaceX’s lead, an increasing number of Chinese aerospace firms have begun constructing Starlink-style satellite networks over the past years. Some of these commercial space firms are specifically targeting the development of critical digital infrastructure for IoT (Internet of Things) connectivity.

    Tianqi, a satellite constellation developed and operated by GuoDianGaoKe Technology, has now reached its first phase with 37 satellites in orbit, forming a global network that provides services for smart cities, marine monitoring, emergency communications and environmental monitoring.

    Upon the deployment of these four satellites, the constellation’s revisit time will be shortened to just five minutes, representing a 37.5 percent enhancement in its operational efficiency, which is vital for facilitating real-time data transmission.

    “Tianqi has filled a technological gap in China’s low-orbit IoT satellite field. Its technical systems, performance and terminal indicators have reached internationally leading levels,” said Lyu Qiang, chairman of the Beijing-based firm.

    Tianqi is now exploring the expansion into consumer markets, including smartphones, smart vehicles and wearable devices. The company plans to design and launch additional satellites in its second phase, aimed at enhancing consumer-level applications.

    CAR CONNECTIVITY

    Another commercial satellite constellation project, funded by a leading Chinese automaker, is set to revolutionize intelligent connectivity for road vehicles from space.

    Geely’s Future Mobility Constellation, developed by commercial space subsidiary Geespace, has placed 30 satellites across three orbital planes. The constellation expanded last September with the launch of an additional 10 satellites.

    This deployment enables 90 percent global coverage, making it the first Chinese commercial space enterprise to offer low-orbit satellite communication services to international users.

    The constellation is focusing on scenarios in intelligent driving, smart mobility and consumer electronics, said Wang Yang, founder and CEO of Geespace.

    It has a three-phase plan: 72 satellites for global real-time data communication in Phase One, 264 satellites for direct smartphone connectivity in Phase Two, and 5,676 satellites for global broadband services in Phase Three, according to Wang.

    Supported by the constellation, some Geely’s Zeekr and Galaxy electric vehicles now feature space communication. Users can send and receive messages via satellite when ground networks are disrupted.

    In June last year, Geely’s satellite constellation initiated international commercial operations in parts of the Middle East, and it plans to extend services to North Africa by 2025. This expansion marked a milestone for Chinese commercial space firms on the international stage.

    Industry analysts note that satellite networks are particularly valuable for autonomous driving applications, as they provide reliable connectivity in areas where traditional networks are unavailable.

    According to Grand View Research, the global autonomous driving market is projected to reach 557 billion U.S. dollars by 2030. The Chinese satellite constellation is positioning itself to capture a significant market share by partnering with multiple car manufacturers.

    Geespace has established a state-of-the-art factory in Taizhou, a city in eastern China, leveraging modular design and intelligent manufacturing technologies. This facility is engineered to cut production costs by 45 percent and can produce 1 to 2 satellites per day, with an annual capacity of up to 500 satellites.

    Another rapidly growing economic sector in China is also creating huge opportunities for low-Earth orbit satellite internet, as the increasing number of drones relies on low-altitude intelligent networking.

    China is accelerating the development of low-altitude intelligent networking infrastructure and advancing the research and construction of 5G/5G-A, Beidou navigation, and satellite internet technologies.

    “Low-altitude intelligent networking, as the digital foundation for the low-altitude economy, can ensure the safe operation of low-altitude aircraft,” said Lu Feng, a researcher from a Beijing technology research institute. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: After a chaotic 6 months, South Koreans will elect a new president – and hope for bold leadership

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alexander M. Hynd, Lecturer, Korean Politics/International Relations, The University of Melbourne

    On June 3, South Koreans will head to the polls to choose the country’s new president. The election may draw to a close one of the most chaotic and contentious periods in the country’s post-1987 democratic era.

    South Korea has been embroiled in a political crisis since December, when former President Yoon Suk Yeol disastrously declared martial law.

    Yoon ordered security forces to block lawmakers from entering the National Assembly, leading to a dramatic late night confrontation. His unconstitutional decree was overturned after just six hours.

    The fall-out was equally dramatic: Yoon was impeached and removed from office in a drawn-out process that was not finally resolved until April.

    This period coincided with massive street demonstrations both opposing and supporting Yoon, a far-right assault on a courthouse and a physical stand-off between investigators and Yoon’s personal security team.

    The country, meanwhile, has cycled through three short-lived caretaker leaders.

    With weak economic growth and high costs of living, in addition to an equally challenging security environment, South Korea is in desperate need of bold and effective leadership.

    Who are the candidates?

    The Democratic Party’s Lee Jae-myung is the clear frontrunner to be the next president, after finishing a close second in the previous 2022 election.

    Recent polling put the veteran left-leaning politician at around 49% support as the race entered the final week.

    This is a double-digit lead over his main conservative opponent, Kim Moon-soo, polling at 35%. Another conservative candidate, Lee Jun-seok, is polling at 11%. Notably, for the first time since 2007, there are no female candidates standing to be president.

    The high levels of support for Lee Jae-myung suggest a widespread desire among the public to repudiate Yoon’s martial law declaration.

    Kim, the labour minister in Yoon’s administration, has apologised for December’s declaration. But his opponents have continued to question him about it.

    Kim’s challenge has been to build a coalition of moderates and mainstream conservatives who firmly opposed the martial law declaration, while also winning support from those who believe far-right conspiracy theories around election fraud. Yoon, the former president, is continuing to promote these narratives.

    Lee’s compelling background

    Lee Jae-myung’s personal story has uplifting parallels with South Korea’s own history of economic and political development.

    Lee was born into poverty; the exact date of his birth is not known. He worked in factories from a very young age and permanently injured his left arm in an industrial accident when he was still a child.

    Lee went on to earn a scholarship to study law and, by the late 1980s, had established himself as a labour lawyer and activist.

    This activist image was highlighted when he live-streamed himself dramatically scaling a fence to enter the National Assembly and vote down Yoon’s martial law declaration in December. He has previously compared himself to populist, progressive US Senator Bernie Sanders.

    More recently, however, he has moderated his political rhetoric and policy platform to appeal to centrists and even some conservative voters.

    This shift may also help shield Lee from the “red-baiting” claims left-leaning South Korean candidates typically face from conservative opponents that they are “communists”, “pro-China”, or “pro-North Korea”.

    But Lee is also plagued by legal troubles, including corruption charges linked to a land development project. These charges, frequently highlighted by his opponents, risk derailing his administration if he wins the election.

    What are the main issues?

    Some international commentators have focused on how the next president will handle North Korea. South Koreans, however, are more interested in the candidates’ plans to fix the country’s troubled economy.

    Lee Jae-myung has pledged to immediately establish an emergency economic taskforce if he takes office.

    There has also been a vigorous debate over South Korea’s future energy policy. Kim favours expanding nuclear energy production to around 60% of the country’s energy mix. Lee has voiced safety concerns about nuclear power, arguing “the era of building more reactors should come to an end”.

    Additionally, questions remain over potential constitutional reform to end South Korea’s so-called “imperial presidency” system, which has been blamed for centralising too much power in the hands of the president.

    The system dates back to the rewriting of the constitution following mass protests in 1987. This established direct presidential elections and a single, five-year term.

    Both Lee and Kim support changing this to a four-year, two-term presidential system, similar to the United States.

    Big challenges lie ahead

    On the international stage, the new leader will face an uphill battle negotiating with US President Donald Trump over his punitive tariffs. Trump imposed 25% tariffs on South Korean goods in April, but lowered them temporarily to 10% until early July.

    Before his impeachment, Yoon was widely reported to be practising his golf skills to attempt to find common ground with Trump, much as former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe did.

    The new leader will also face massive challenges bringing South Korean society together in the current climate. Political polarisation and the spread of disinformation worsened under Yoon’s presidency – and these trends will be hard to reverse.

    Alexander M. Hynd does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. After a chaotic 6 months, South Koreans will elect a new president – and hope for bold leadership – https://theconversation.com/after-a-chaotic-6-months-south-koreans-will-elect-a-new-president-and-hope-for-bold-leadership-257348

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Politics with Michelle Grattan: Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    The Liberals, still reeling from their crushing 2025 election defeat and following with brief split in the Coalition, have a new frontbench and their eyes turning to the long road of rebuilding.

    New leader Sussan Ley stresses the importance of the Liberals “meeting people where they are” and the party represents modern Australia.

    But what that will actually look like for the party is still an open question. To talk about this uncertain future we’re joined by the newly-minted Shadow Assistant Minister for Education, Early Learning and Mental Health, Zoe McKenzie.

    McKenzie was elected to the Melbourne electorate of Flinders in 2022. Her seat encompasses the Mornington Peninsula, mixing urban and rural areas. At the May election she held off a Climate 200-funded teal challenger.

    On the Liberal Party’s commitment to net-zero by 2050 – which is likely to come up for debate this term – McKenzie says she thinks net-zero is “a given”.

    It’s where the markets are heading. It’s our responsibility as a developed economy to contribute to the decarbonisation of the planet. I went to COP-27 a few years back, and you can see that the world’s markets, investment markets, research and development markets have all moved into preparing for a net-zero environment and Australia will be part of that. I do think, though, people are right to say, please don’t take away our manufacturing base.

    I am confident that net zero is here to stay. But you cannot disconnect it from what it says about the energy market, energy security, and the future of Australian industry. We’ve got to keep this as an investment rich country.

    On the party’s issues with the women’s vote, while McKenzie says the Liberals should look at “all options” she still has some concerns with the idea of quota’s,

    I am reluctantly coming to the conclusion that we must look at all options. I am fearful for what happens if a woman is selected by the operation of a quota and whether she will feel she has deserved her place there and or whether it will be asserted that she only got there because of a quota.

    Asked if Labor’s introduction of quotas is proof they can work, McKenzie says,

    Labor sacrificed a generation of talented Labor men to get to 50-50.

    That sacrificed generation coincided with our many years of successful leadership of this nation. They are now though, because of that decision and because of the sacrifice that was made, and because of the way they went about it, they are in the enviable position of attracting talented, capable women for election, routinely, for each and every seat.

    The Liberal Party, it tends, by its very nature, to preference people who have been able to devote a significant amount of time, often while in your 20s or 30s, to both party and community events. […] It will favour men. It will favour women who don’t have their own biological children, or it will favour women who can afford high quality in-home help. So we are not getting the breadth of women we need presenting for pre-selection and we are going to have to think out of the box.

    On the rise of the teals, McKenzie’s looks to global examples to explain why two-party systems are changing,

    I’m not sure yet whether teal is here to stay but what I do know is that we have moved well beyond the paradigm when I was a kid, which is when it was a 40-40-20 voting bloc. We all fought over that 20 in the middle. It now looks like the 30-30-40 pattern is here to stay.

    That’s a message for all of us, in fact, to do better. So I should say, though, this is not unique to Australia. The demise of the two-party system can be observed worldwide.

    If you look at the United States, the Republicans and the Democrats remain, but some would say they remain in name only. They have both morphed significantly as political movements. The Labour and Tory parties in the UK have both evolved over time.

    On the Liberal’s lack of appeal to younger Australians McKenzie highlights what went wrong and why the party must do better with those voters,

    We hadn’t explained to them the basics of home ownership, let alone what a tax deduction on your interest payments on your first mortgage might look and feel like. If you’re 18, 19, 20, your first mortgage still feels 10 to 15 years away.

    We didn’t do enough, I think, to talk about their lives, to understand their lives and their aspirations and how Liberal policy was going to make their life easier. We must do a better job of that […] because the average voter now is either Gen Z or a millennial, no longer Gen X, which is my generation, or boomers above.

    Michelle Grattan does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Politics with Michelle Grattan: Zoe McKenzie on everything that went wrong and whether a gender quota could help the Liberals – https://theconversation.com/politics-with-michelle-grattan-zoe-mckenzie-on-everything-that-went-wrong-and-whether-a-gender-quota-could-help-the-liberals-257729

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –