NewzIntel.com

Category: Horticulture

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Whin Park Reopens After £500k Transformation

    Source: Scotland – Highland Council

    Whin Park, one of Inverness’s most cherished outdoor spaces, has officially reopened following a £500,000 transformation that has delivered a vibrant, inclusive, and modern play experience for children and families across the Highlands.

    Marking the occasion at the end of May, pupils from St Joseph’s and Muirtown Primary Schools, students from Millburn Academy, and pipers from Inverness Royal Academy joined Highland Council representatives for a celebratory ribbon-cutting event led by City Leader Cllr Ian Brown.

    “I’m delighted this project has been delivered,” said Cllr Ian Brown, Leader of Inverness and Area. “Thank you to everyone who contributed to the consultation, especially the young people. Their input has helped us create a sustainable, inclusive play space for all ages and abilities. We now have a park we can enjoy and be proud of.”

    Shaped by extensive community engagement, the winning design received overwhelming support during public consultation, with over 77% of respondents favouring it. The new features include a Nessie-themed interactive sculpture, Legend Seeker play ship, swing area, climbing birds’ nest, adventure mound with scramble net and tube slide, and the Highlands’ first Sona Interactive Dance Arch, which uses audio and gaming technology to encourage active play outdoors.

    Cllr Graham MacKenzie, Chair of the Communities and Place Committee, added: “Play and interaction are vital to the development of young people, and these much-needed upgrades ensure children of all abilities can enjoy the benefits of play in a safe and engaging environment.”

    The winning design was delivered by Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd, with installation by Play Works Ltd.

    Michael Hoenigmann, Managing Director of Jupiter Play & Leisure Ltd, said: “We are delighted to have designed and built the new play area at Whin Park. This was an ambitious project, completed on time and within budget. We’ve worked closely with The Highland Council team to create a unique play environment that is inclusive, resilient to the Scottish climate, and packed with high-quality equipment that will be enjoyed for many years to come.”

    The project was funded by £234,988 from the Scottish Government Play Area Fund, £150,000 from the Inverness Common Good Fund, and £102,000 from the Community Regeneration Fund.

    Whin Park continues to offer the popular boating pond, miniature Ness Islands Railway, and on-site refreshments—now complemented by a modern, accessible, and exciting play area designed with children’s input at its heart.

    In addition to the play area transformation, the park’s public conveniences have also recently undergone refurbishment, providing accessible toilet facilities to support visitors and complement the wider improvements across the park.

    Highland Council would also like to thank local florist Flowers by Lee for kindly providing the ribbon used during the opening ceremony—adding a special finishing touch to the opening celebration.

    See the new park and watch the opening ceremony on our YouTube channel.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: With farm co-ops, Senegal improves its agri-food value chains

    Source: Africa Press Organisation – English (2) – Report:

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    Agricultural cooperatives let farmers pool their resources so they can get better prices for their produce and access more markets, including international ones.

    In Senegal, nearly one-third of mango and onion producers belong to one of 29 new or modernized cooperatives established by the PACAO programme. These cooperatives have forged  new links among farmers, businesses that process foods, and exporters who can sell those goods abroad.

    Improving these value chains boosts food security, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable jobs.

    ‘Before forming our cooperative, we each worked on our own, with no coordination,’ said Cheikh Mbacké Mboup. He’s an agricultural engineer by training with 42 years of experience in farming. ‘This prevented us from pooling our resources and negotiating better prices. We were scattered, and that limited our ability to produce and sell effectively.’ 

    He’s currently serving as the chairman of the Fruit, Vegetable, and Livestock Producers’ Cooperative, known by its French acronym  (COOPROFEL). Based about 70 kilometres from the capital Dakar, in Keur Mbir Ndao, the cooperative now has 635 members.

    Created in 2007, COOPROFEL overhauled its organizational structure and operations in 2021, with support from the International Trade Centre (ITC) though the Programme of Assitance for Competitiveness in West Africa – Senegal Component (PACAO-Senegal).

    It’s one of 29 cooperatives that worked with the programme, bringing together nearly 70,000 producer-members who work with mangoes and onions. These cooperatives alone account for 31% of national onion production and 29% of mango production.

    COOPROFEL, which operates in the mango and onion value chains, faced many challenges before teaming up with PACAO-Senegal.

    Better organization in value chains

    With the programme’s support, COOPROFEL members received training on good agricultural practices, marketing, leadership, communication, organizational management, and financial management. These trainings were complemented by the development of a financial and accounting procedures manual, allowing for better traceability of operations.

    Organization is essential to the competitiveness of value chains and improves producers’ access to markets and inputs. Marianne Diattara has been a producer for over 25 years, and is now deputy general treasurer of COOPROFEL.

    ‘Now, the market is much more accessible. Recently, we took part in major trade fairs organized in Dakar,’ she said.

    ‘Today, our mangoes are exported to countries like Belgium, Spain, France, the Netherlands, and Morocco. As for onions, the cooperative has helped us better organize our production and sell at higher prices. We now have more stable incomes,’ said Amadou Thiam, Vice President of COOPROFEL.

    A business partner of COOPROFEL, Mamadou Ndiaye, Sales Manager at TropicaSem, confirms this success. ‘We’ve been working with COOPROFEL since 2023. Last year, we sold them over 78 tons of seeds. The cooperative is one of our best clients.”

    The cooperatives can steer their produces through the value chain so the mangoes and onions can be turned into new products. Those processed goods fetch higher prices than the fresh fruit, creating jobs and growing incomes.

    Mangoes are sold fresh but also as purée, jam, smoothies, flour, vinegar, and more. Processed onion products are also found in supermarket shelves across Senegal and in weekly markets.

    These products go through several stages: the farmer who harvests them, the cooperative that aggregates and sells them, the factory that processes them, and the distributor who places them on shelves or exports them. By organizing agricultural cooperatives, PACAO-Senegal strengthens a vital link in this chain and facilitates market access for cooperative members.

    But the value chain is not just about products. It’s also about people, like Cheikh Mbacké Mboup, Marianne Diattara and Amadou Thiam. It’s about the farmers that PACAO-Sénégal has supported, whose incomes have risen thanks to better organization. It’s about their business partners – customers and suppliers – whose operations have expanded. And it’s about the consumer, who has access to quality local products. 

    By structuring value chains, PACAO-Sénégal creates a virtuous circle by promoting agricultural cooperative societies. 

    – on behalf of International Trade Centre.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Yingkou City in Liaoning Province Exports Plums to Kazakhstan for the First Time

    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

    DALIAN, June 22 (Xinhua) — A batch of 38 tons of fresh plums was loaded onto trucks at a production site of Longxin Fruit Co., Ltd. in Yingkou, northeast China’s Liaoning Province, and shipped to Kazakhstan. The cargo will travel by land via Tacheng Port in northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region. This is Yingkou’s first batch of plums exported to Kazakhstan.

    Yingkou, with its distinct four seasons and abundant sunshine, has excellent conditions for growing plums and other specialty fruits. “Plums have good shelf life and transportability, which greatly reduces the cost of exporting by land. This year, we plan to enter the Central Asian markets, but initially we had little knowledge of the quarantine standards and market access requirements in the countries involved,” said Han Yingchun, CEO of Longxin.

    According to Han Yingchun, after learning of the company’s difficulties, customs and other departments immediately organized regular training and consultations, helping the company and fruit growers improve the management of the fruit growing process to ensure that the export products meet the necessary requirements.

    In order to promote the export of local special fruits including plum, Dalian Customs has continuously maintained the smooth operation of the “green channel” for inspection of export fruits at the place of origin, providing preferential measures. At the same time, the customs monitors the harvesting schedules of orchards and packing schedules of factories in real time, ensuring the principle of “application-inspection-export permit” for export fruits, achieving “zero waiting time” in customs clearance.

    According to statistics, from January to May this year, Bayuquan District Customs, administratively subordinate to Dalian Customs, carried out origin inspection of 2,994.89 tons of special fruits exported to Central Asian countries, with a total value of 24.7341 million yuan (about 3.4 million US dollars). -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Sabores Bakery, Dba Sabores A Tu Mesa, Issues Allergy Alert on Undeclared Milk in Mousse Desserts

    Source: US Department of Health and Human Services – 3

    Summary

    Company Announcement Date:
    June 20, 2025
    FDA Publish Date:
    June 20, 2025
    Product Type:
    Food & BeveragesAllergens
    Reason for Announcement:

    Recall Reason Description
    Undeclared milk allergen

    Company Name:
    Sabores Fit Bakery
    Brand Name:

    Brand Name(s)
    Sabores A Tu Mesa

    Product Description:

    Product Description
    Mousse Desserts

    Company Announcement
    Sabores Fit Bakery of Kissimmee, FL is recalling MOUSSE DESSERTS, because they may contain undeclared Milk, Eggs, Soy Ingredients (Soybean oil, Soy Lecithin), Wheat, Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts). People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to these allergens run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.
    MOUSSE DESSERTS were distributed in Florida, in the areas of Kissimmee and Orlando and they were able to be purchased by consumers in retail stores.
    Product is packaged in 8 oz. plastic cup containers with brand name: Sabores A Tu Mesa in flavors of Choco Mousse, Passion Fruit Mousse, 4 Milk Mousse, 3 Milk Mousse, 3 Milk Strawberry, with an expiration date of June 26 and July 02 of 2025.
    No confirmed illnesses have been reported to date in relation to the recalled products.
    The recall was initiated after a routine inspection where it was discovered that product containing allergens was distributed in packaging that did not reveal the presence of Milk, Eggs, Soy Ingredients (Soybean oil, Soy Lecithin), Wheat, and Tree Nuts (Almonds, Hazelnuts). The recalling firm is in the process of implementing corrective actions, including implementing systems to improve labeling, traceability and strengthen our food safety moving forward.
    Consumers who have purchased the recalled products are urged to return them to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers with questions may contact the company at 1-919-579-7694.

    Company Contact Information

    Consumers:
    1-919-579-7694

    Product Photos

    Content current as of:
    06/20/2025

    Regulated Product(s)

    Topic(s)

    Follow FDA

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – European vegetable production in decline – E-002324/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002324/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Bert-Jan Ruissen (ECR)

    On 2 June, the banner headline on the Foodlog news platform was: ‘European vegetable production is collapsing’ (‘Europese groenteproductie zakt weg’)[1]. Reference was made to figures from the European Statistics Handbook[2]. Over four years, EU vegetable production has fallen by 7%. The article states that there is an undeniable structural decline in production.

    According to insiders, the decline stems from a combination of factors, including extreme weather events, an increase in red tape, rising labour costs, labour shortages and restrictions on the use of plant protection products.

    • 1.How does the Commission account for the decline in EU vegetable production and what, in its view, are the key causes?
    • 2.What is the Commission doing to gain an insight into European vegetable production and into the precise combination of factors responsible for the decline in production?
    • 3.What specific actions is the Commission considering in order at least to maintain European vegetable production and, if possible, to boost it?

    Submitted: 10.6.2025

    • [1] https://www.foodlog.nl/artikel/europese-groenteproductie-zakt-weg
    • [2] European Statistics Handbook, Fruit Logistica 2025, https://www.fruitlogistica.com/fruit-logistica/downloads-alle-sprachen/european_statistics_handbook_2025.pdf
    Last updated: 18 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What to do this coming weekend at the Summer in Moscow project sites

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    The events of the large-scale project “Summer in Moscow” continue in the capital. We tell you where you can go with your whole family on June 20, 21 and 22. Most events are free to attend, but some require registration.

    Rock, Paper, Scissors Championship

    A large-scale championship in the game “Rock, Paper, Scissors” is held at the project sites. Every day, children and adults can compete on Tverskoy Boulevard.

    On June 20, the game will be held in Severnoye Butovo Park (Feodosiyskaya Street, Building 7, Building 6). On June 21, you can play on the Moskovskikh Sezonov site on Teply Stan Street (Building 1b). On June 22, the competition will be held in Akademichesky Park (Dmitrya Ulyanov Street, Building 9a, Building 1). The sites will be open from 15:00 to 20:00.

    Tournament “Heroes of the Chessboard. Moscow”

    On June 22 from 12:00 to 16:00 the next competitions of the tournament “Heroes of the Chessboard. Moscow” will take place. To participate you need to register.

    An open series of blitz chess tournaments is taking place at40 sites all over Moscow – in parks, on boulevards and in the districts.

    Tverskoy Boulevard: Summer Club “Moscow”

    On Tverskoy Boulevard, there is a summer club called “Moscow”, where residents and guests of the capital of all ages can find an event to their liking. They are offered rock climbing and yoga classes, master classes, lectures and much more.

    From June 20 to 22, guests will be able to take part in beauty events dedicated to the graduation party. The space of two pop-up stores will be occupied by Russian brands. In addition, three beauty trucks will be operating on the site. All guests will be offered discounts, gifts, yoga classes, presentations, a photo and video zone with floral elements. And for graduates, a master class on creating perfume will be held.

    Strastnoy Boulevard: Art Studio venue

    The “Art Studio” site operates on Strastnoy Boulevard. Here, professionals help guests master the basics of painting and create unique masterpieces. Participants in outdoor classes paint landscapes and still lifes in various artistic techniques.

    Master classes will be held at two sites every hour from 12:00 to 19:00. On June 20, you can attend watercolor painting classes “Flower Stained Glass” and “Fruit Slices”. On June 21, there will be master classes in pastel technique “Dandelion Field” and “Colorful Houses”. On June 22, guests are invited to master classes in pencil drawing “Summer Pop Art” and “Sunny Day”.

    Music of the past at the vintage market in Kolomenskoye

    The vintage market in Kolomenskoye will be open all summer and will bring together the most famous collectors of the capital, who bring here precious relics of the past: jewelry, household items, figurines, dishes, badges, coins, stamps, rare books and much more.

    From June 20 to 22, guests at the market will learn what the USSR era sounded like and get acquainted with the musical technology of the past.

    The journey through time will take place under the atmospheric sound of gramophone records. Guests of the vintage market will be delighted by the famous radio amateur and blogger Nikita Sharapa, better known as Elektronik, one of the main participants of the project “Made in the USSR”.

    At Nikita Sharapa’s master classes, which will be held these days at 16:00, visitors will learn how gramophones, radios and record players work and how tube sound differs from modern technology. Guests will hear that very crackling of records and the characteristic “warm” analog sound that evokes nostalgia. Nikita will tell you what kind of music devices were created in the USSR and what hits of those times were played on them in every home.

    Chistoprudny Boulevard: “Street. Dances” venue

    On Chistoprudny Boulevard, the “Street. Dances” venue has opened, where master classes for the whole family are held. On weekends, the “Summer in Moscow. Dances” children’s and youth tournament is held here, and anyone can become a spectator.

    On the big stage on June 20 from 18:00 to 19:00 there will be a demonstration performance by the dance group Todes, from 19:00 to 22:00 – a master class in bachata and a dance party. On the same day on the middle stage from 19:00 to 22:30 you can attend a master class in salsa and a dance party.

    On June 21, the main stage will host a qualifying round of children’s competitions from 12:00 to 19:00, and a salsa master class and dance party from 19:00 to 22:30. On the middle stage, from 16:00 to 17:00, you can take part in a master class of the dance community “TantsBaza”. From 19:00 to 22:30, there will be a master class in modern swing and a party of the dance school “Lisoborie”.

    On June 22, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM, students of the musical theater of the Russian Institute of Theater Arts — GITIS will perform songs from the war years on the rotunda stage. On the main stage, from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, there will be a master class in Argentine tango by the CyberTango dance school, from 6:00 PM to 7:00 PM — demonstration performances by the Todes dance group, from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM — a salsa master class and a dance party. On the middle stage, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM, there will be a master class by the 9 Halls dance school, from 7:00 PM to 10:30 PM — a master class in Dominican bachata and a dance party.

    Bolotnaya Square

    The Green Market pavilion of the Made in Moscow project is open in Repinsky Square on Bolotnaya Square. On June 20, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., test session cosmetics of the capital brand. The factory employees will tell you how to use them and let you test samples.

    On June 21, at 15:00, the Creative hub will host a lesson on making a wax candle, at 16:00 — a meditative lesson on coloring a mandala, and at 17:00 — a unique master class on fashion illustration. At 19:00, everyone will be able to take part in neurographics, where everyone will project their task on a piece of paper using a drawing.

    At the “Microgreens” class in the “Razvitie” hub from 17:00 to 18:00, participants will be taught how to grow microgreens and told about their beneficial properties. At 18:00, a lettering master class will begin. On the veranda from 14:00 to 15:00, Spirit.Fitness will hold a sports master class to develop endurance and flexibility of the body. And at 18:00, the popular game “Mafia” will take place.

    Revolution Square: Leto Department Store

    This summer, the department store of Russian designers “Leto” is open on Revolution Square. Everyone can not only try on clothes they like and update their wardrobe, but also listen to lectures, take part in master classes and even watch performances.

    On June 21 from 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM you can listen to a lecture on “The History of Flower Etiquette”. Guests will learn about the importance of flowers in the life of Russian society and the bouquet fashion of the 19th century.

    From 18:00 to 19:30 there will be a master class oninterior bouquet Ksenia Mezentseva, designer-decorator, researcher of Russian and foreign traditions, and the Sota flowers floristic team.

    Festival “Book in the City”: venue in Pushkin Square

    On June 21 from 20:40 to 21:30, cellist Anastasia Vesnina will perform at the “Book in the City” venue in Pushkin Square (near house 2 on Pushkin Square).

    On June 22 from 16:00 to 17:00 there will be a presentation of the book “Letters of Lidochka M”. The collection-document tells about Lida Makeeva, a young reader of the library, whose childhood fell on the years of the Great Patriotic War. On the same day from 18:00 to 19:00 there will be a creative meeting with the actor of theater and cinema Anton Shagin and a presentation of his book “Neblyandiya. Poems for children”.

    Circus divertissements

    On June 20, 21 and 22, there will be circus entertainment for the whole family. Aerial gymnasts, equilibrists, jugglers, clowns and four-legged artists will perform for guests in the Moskino Cinema Park and Izmailovsky Park. Also on June 20, the third tent will open in the Yuzhnoye Butovo Landscape Park. Spectators will be able to see acrobatic numbers, clown skits and exciting stunts with the participation of artists from the famous Bolshoi Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue.

    The performances will run throughout the summer season. On Fridays, performances are from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM, and on Saturdays and Sundays, from 2:00 PM to 3:30 PM and 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. You can find out more and buy tickets atofficial website project.

    Yoga classes

    On June 21, fans of the most popular Eastern health practice will gather at the helipad near the Michurinsky Garden of VDNKh to celebrate the XI International Day of Yoga.

    From 09:00 to 19:00 there will be sessions for visitors of any level of training, master classes on drawing mandalas and playing the hang, lectures on Ayurveda and meditation, as well as live performances by musicians. Creative events and dishes of traditional Indian cuisine will complement the festive atmosphere. To visit, you must register on the portal Ruspass.

    In addition, yoga classes are held every weekend on the roofs of the district centers “Meeting Place” as part of the project “My Sports District”Adults over 18 years of age can join them.

    The training sessions will be held at 12 sites in five districts of Moscow: SAO — “Meeting Place “Prague”, “Meeting Place “Rassvet”, “Meeting Place “Neva””; VAO — “Meeting Place “Yantar”, “Meeting Place “Sofia”, “Meeting Place “Budapest”, “Meeting Place “Mars””; SAO — “Meeting Place “Elbrus”, “Meeting Place “Angara”, “Meeting Place “Orbita””; YuVAO — “Meeting Place “Height” and “Meeting Place “Ekran””. On June 21, the classes will begin at 11:45. It is necessary register.

    The project also invites you to engage in physical education in unusual places “Sports Weekend”. Yoga classes are held on Saturdays at 50 venues, including such picturesque places as the Vorontsovo Estate, the Hermitage Garden, Khodynka Field Park, the Muzeon Arts Park, Victory Park and others. In addition, the project includes 13 festival venues in different areas of Moscow. To attend the classes, you must register.

    Events in the parks

    In Izmailovsky Park of Culture and Leisure (Bolshoy Krug Alley, Building 7) on June 21 from 12:00 to 19:00 retro studio. Visitors will be able to feel like representatives of the 19th century nobility. They will be offered to try on images of bygone eras and take photos in costumes as a keepsake.

    A master class will be held in Kuzminsky Park (house 1, building 2) on June 21 from 12:00 to 14:00 “Noble accessories. Brooches”Participants will learn about the history of jewelry, its symbolism, and will also make an exquisite brooch under the guidance of a master.

    On June 21, from 12:00 to 19:00 (with breaks), the Kuzminki estate will host noble promenade. Guests will stroll through a picturesque park, discuss books they have read, and listen to romances with a guitar. They will be able to learn the rules of etiquette and learn fashionable social dances of the 19th century.

    On June 1, from 12:00 to 18:00, Vorontsov Park will host estate gamesVisitors can play lapta, croquet, badminton, gorodki and trinkets, and also visit the throwing range.

    The festival “Gardens and Vegetable Gardens” continues in five parks of the capital. This weekend, about 130 events and master classes have been prepared for visitors. A series of classes on making bookmarks and postcards with fresh flowers, clay panels with plant prints and ecobombing (making balls with seeds that can be taken with you and planted in any convenient place) will be held for children. In addition, a practical lesson “Microgreens” will be held. Experienced experts will also share simple techniques, useful tips and life hacks for a healthy lifestyle.

    Cinema park “Moskino”

    On June 21, from 12:00 to 19:00, the Moskino cinema park will host waltz, quadrille and polka dance lessons every hour. You can take part in them with an entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    You can immerse yourself in the world of film production by participating in the immersive quest performance “Film! Film! Film!” It will take place at the “Uyezdny Gorod” site on June 21 from 12:00 to 18:30 (sessions will be held every hour). Visitors will not only see how a film is shot, but will also complete a number of fun tasks, meet the director, producer and actors, and will be able to create their own masterpiece. Participation is included in the price of an entrance ticket to the cinema park.

    On June 22 at 12:00, the Moscow of the 1940s site will host the “We Remember” event, dedicated to the memory of the heroes of the Great Patriotic War. Guests will be able to spell out the word “remember” from red lanterns with lit candles and recall how exactly 83 years ago – on June 22, 1941 – the festive graduation morning was overshadowed by the news of Germany’s treacherous attack on the Soviet Union. At 12:15, there will be a minute of silence.

    In addition, on June 22 at 14:00, 16:00 and 18:00, as part of the Day of Remembrance and Sorrow, the cinema park will show the play “Tish” based on the story “The Dawns Here Are Quiet…” by war veteran writer Boris Vasiliev. The performers are the actors of the Young Muscovites Theatre. Admission is with a ticket to the cinema park.

    For the anniversary of Victory

    On June 21 and 22, two outstanding films about the Great Patriotic War will be shown in Zaryadye Park as part of the Cinema Summer in Zaryadye project: The Cranes Are Flying (1957) and Brest Fortress (2010). The screenings will begin at 22:15. The films will be presented by Honored Artist of Russia Vasily Mishchenko, as well as director, screenwriter, producer and People’s Artist of Russia Igor Ugolnikov. Admission is free.

    Also, as part of the Theatre Weekend festival, on June 22 in Zaryadye Park, on the stage of the large amphitheater, you can see plays and literary and musical productions based on plays by writers who fought in the war and dedicated to the 80th anniversary of victory in the Great Patriotic War. Actors from the Russian Academic Youth Theater will show the play “Amazement Before Life” based on the works of the writer and war veteran Viktor Rozov. Third-year students from the Moscow State Institute of Culture will perform the literary and musical composition “Frontline Brigades.” The play “On a Clear Day,” based on a story by Viktor Astafyev, will be presented by actors from the Donetsk Republican Youth Theater. Actors from the Moscow Sovremennik Theater will show fragments of the play “A Tale. The story of extraordinary love, and the students of the Moscow Art Theatre School will present the musical and literary program Russian Poets about the Great Patriotic War, which will feature works by Bulat Okudzhava, Alexander Tvardovsky, Andrei Voznesensky, Olga Bergolts, Vladimir Lugovskoy, Yunna Moritz and other authors. People’s Artist of Russia Konstantin Raikin will read the poem Snowfall by David Samoilov. The festival program will end with a concert by actors from the Central Academic Theatre of the Russian Army.

    Festival “Theatre Boulevard”

    On June 22 at 15:00, the amphitheater on Pokrovsky Boulevard will show the concert performance “It happened, the men left…” Actresses from the Moscow Drama Theater named after A.S. Pushkin will take part in the production.

    The project “Unconquered Kursk” will begin here on June 22 at 21:00. Guests will learn more than 200 real stories of veterans of the Battle of Kursk and modern defenders of the Fatherland.

    On June 22 at 8:00 pm, the amphitheater in the Polytech Museum Park will host the play “Children of War”. It is based on letters from children and parents from the front, archival materials and memories, into which war songs are woven.

    On the stage on Chistoprudny Boulevard on June 22 at 18:00 the performance-concert “May Waltz” will begin. It is dedicated to the artists of the front brigades who performed in dugouts, hospitals, factory workshops and on ships.

    The third festival “Theatre Weekend” will be held in Zaryadye Park on June 21 and 22. It will provide an opportunity to get acquainted with both recognized stage masters and talented debutants, opening up new horizons of theatrical art.

    Project “Summer in Moscow”— the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports programs are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and this season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155437073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI: BlackRock® Canada Announces June Cash Distributions for the iShares® ETFs

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TORONTO, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), an indirect, wholly-owned subsidiary of BlackRock, Inc. (NYSE: BLK), today announced the June 2025 cash distributions for the iShares ETFs listed on the TSX or Cboe Canada which pay on a monthly, quarterly, or semi-annual basis. Unitholders of record of the applicable iShares ETF on June 25, 2025 will receive cash distributions payable in respect of that iShares ETF on June 30, 2025.

    Details regarding the “per unit” distribution amounts are as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Cash Distribution
    Per Unit
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBH $0.049
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Corporate Bond Index ETF CBO $0.051
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Dividend Aristocrats Index ETF CDZ $0.128
    iShares Equal Weight Banc & Lifeco ETF CEW $0.066
    iShares Global Real Estate Index ETF CGR $0.293
    iShares International Fundamental Index ETF CIE $0.462
    iShares Global Infrastructure Index ETF CIF $0.592
    iShares Japan Fundamental Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CJP $0.294
    iShares 1-5 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLF $0.032
    iShares 1-10 Year Laddered Government Bond Index ETF CLG $0.036
    iShares US Fundamental Index ETF CLU $0.181
    iShares US Fundamental Index ETF CLU.C $0.238
    iShares Global Agriculture Index ETF COW $0.922
    iShares S&P/TSX Canadian Preferred Share Index ETF CPD $0.058
    iShares Canadian Fundamental Index ETF CRQ $0.198
    iShares US Dividend Growers Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CUD $0.102
    iShares Convertible Bond Index ETF CVD $0.072
    iShares Emerging Markets Fundamental Index ETF CWO $0.623
    iShares Global Water Index ETF CWW $0.442
    iShares Global Monthly Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) CYH $0.078
    iShares Canadian Financial Monthly Income ETF FIE $0.040
    iShares ESG Balanced ETF Portfolio GBAL $0.334
    iShares ESG Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio GCNS $0.304
    iShares ESG Equity ETF Portfolio GEQT $0.397
    iShares ESG Growth ETF Portfolio GGRO $0.356
    iShares U.S. Aerospace & Defense Index ETF XAD $0.107
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF XAGG $0.105
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF(1) XAGG.U $0.076
    iShares U.S. Aggregate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XAGH $0.096
    iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF XAW $0.362
    iShares Core MSCI All Country World ex Canada Index ETF(1) XAW.U $0.266
    iShares Core Balanced ETF Portfolio XBAL $0.239
    iShares Core Canadian Universe Bond Index ETF XBB $0.079
    iShares S&P/TSX Global Base Metals Index ETF XBM $0.150
    iShares Core Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCB $0.069
    iShares ESG Advanced Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBG $0.121
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XCBU $0.122
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XCBU.U $0.088
    iShares S&P Global Consumer Discretionary Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XCD $0.305
    iShares Canadian Growth Index ETF XCG $0.122
    iShares China Index ETF XCH $0.258
    iShares Semiconductor Index ETF XCHP $0.164
    iShares Global Clean Energy Index ETF XCLN $0.327
    iShares Core Conservative Balanced ETF Portfolio XCNS $0.186
    iShares S&P/TSX SmallCap Index ETF XCS $0.156
    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI Canada Index ETF XCSR $0.464
    iShares Canadian Value Index ETF XCV $0.390
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF XDG $0.074
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDG.U $0.044
    iShares Core MSCI Global Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDGH $0.057
    iShares Core MSCI Canadian Quality Dividend Index ETF XDIV $0.115
    iShares Genomics Immunology and Healthcare Index ETF XDNA $0.159
    iShares Global Electric and Autonomous Vehicles Index ETF XDRV $0.180
    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI EAFE Index ETF XDSR $0.926
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF XDU $0.064
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF(1) XDU.U $0.046
    iShares Core MSCI US Quality Dividend Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XDUH $0.055
    iShares Canadian Select Dividend Index ETF XDV $0.108
    iShares J.P. Morgan USD Emerging Markets Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XEB $0.059
    iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF XEC $0.334
    iShares Core MSCI Emerging Markets IMI Index ETF(1) XEC.U $0.245
    iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF XEF $0.712
    iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF(1) XEF.U $0.523
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Energy Index ETF XEG $0.182
    iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XEH $0.633
    iShares S&P/TSX Composite High Dividend Index ETF XEI $0.136
    iShares MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF XEM $0.272
    iShares MSCI Emerging Markets ex China Index ETF XEMC $0.476
    iShares Jantzi Social Index ETF XEN $0.239
    iShares Core Equity ETF Portfolio XEQT $0.267
    iShares ESG Aware MSCI Canada Index ETF XESG $0.224
    iShares S&P/TSX Energy Transition Materials Index ETF XETM $0.464
    iShares MSCI Europe IMI Index ETF XEU $0.611
    iShares Exponential Technologies Index ETF XEXP $0.147
    iShares Core MSCI EAFE IMI Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFH $0.578
    iShares Core Canadian 15+ Year Federal Bond Index ETF XFLB $0.112
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF XFLI $0.190
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF(1) XFLI.U $0.140
    iShares Flexible Monthly Income ETF (CAD-Hedged) XFLX $0.184
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Financials Index ETF XFN $0.169
    iShares Floating Rate Index ETF XFR $0.050
    iShares Core Canadian Government Bond Index ETF XGB $0.050
    iShares S&P/TSX Global Gold Index ETF XGD $0.143
    iShares Global Government Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XGGB $0.041
    iShares S&P Global Industrials Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XGI $0.372
    iShares Core Growth ETF Portfolio XGRO $0.235
    iShares Cybersecurity and Tech Index ETF XHAK $0.011
    iShares Canadian HYBrid Corporate Bond Index ETF XHB $0.075
    iShares Global Healthcare Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHC $0.396
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHD $0.077
    iShares U.S. High Dividend Equity Index ETF XHU $0.074
    iShares U.S. High Yield Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XHY $0.084
    iShares Core S&P/TSX Capped Composite Index ETF XIC $0.292
    iShares India Index ETF XID $0.000
    iShares U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIG $0.075
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIGS $0.106
    iShares MSCI EAFE® Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XIN $0.523
    iShares Core Income Balanced ETF Portfolio XINC $0.165
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Information Technology Index ETF XIT $0.000
    iShares Core Canadian Long Term Bond Index ETF XLB $0.062
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Materials Index ETF XMA $0.072
    iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF XMC $0.144
    iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF(1) XMC.U $0.106
    iShares S&P/TSX Completion Index ETF XMD $0.159
    iShares S&P U.S. Mid-Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XMH $0.117
    iShares MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF XMI $0.667
    iShares MSCI Min Vol EAFE Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XML $0.472
    iShares MSCI Min Vol Emerging Markets Index ETF XMM $0.273
    iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XMS $0.106
    iShares MSCI USA Momentum Factor Index ETF XMTM $0.054
    iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF XMU $0.238
    iShares MSCI Min Vol USA Index ETF(1) XMU.U $0.175
    iShares MSCI Min Vol Canada Index ETF XMV $0.317
    iShares MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF XMW $0.416
    iShares MSCI Min Vol Global Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XMY $0.255
    iShares S&P/TSX North American Preferred Stock Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XPF $0.065
    iShares High Quality Canadian Bond Index ETF XQB $0.054
    iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor Index ETF XQLT $0.060
    iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XQQ $0.073
    iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF XQQU $0.090
    iShares NASDAQ 100 Index ETF(1) XQQU.U $0.066
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped REIT Index ETF XRE $0.062
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Aggregate Bond Index ETF XSAB $0.048
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSB $0.071
    iShares Conservative Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSC $0.054
    iShares Conservative Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSE $0.046
    iShares ESG Aware MSCI EAFE Index ETF XSEA $0.473
    iShares ESG Aware MSCI Emerging Markets Index ETF XSEM $0.216
    iShares Core Canadian Short Term Corporate Bond Index ETF XSH $0.061
    iShares ESG Advanced 1-5 Year Canadian Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHG $0.120
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF XSHU $0.137
    iShares 1-5 Year U.S. IG Corporate Bond Index ETF(1) XSHU.U $0.099
    iShares Short Term Strategic Fixed Income ETF XSI $0.056
    iShares Core Canadian Short-Mid Term Universe Bond Index ETF XSMB $0.101
    iShares S&P U.S. Small-Cap Index ETF XSMC $0.152
    iShares S&P U.S. Small-Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSMH $0.127
    iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSP $0.300
    iShares S&P 500 3% Capped Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSPC $0.173
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Consumer Staples Index ETF XST $0.119
    iShares ESG Aware Canadian Short Term Bond Index ETF XSTB $0.048
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSTH $0.103
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF XSTP $0.121
    iShares 0-5 Year TIPS Bond Index ETF(1) XSTP.U $0.089
    iShares U.S. Small Cap Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XSU $0.155
    iShares ESG Aware MSCI USA Index ETF XSUS $0.109
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XTLH $0.113
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF XTLT $0.131
    iShares 20+ Year U.S. Treasury Bond Index ETF(1) XTLT.U $0.102
    iShares Diversified Monthly Income ETF XTR $0.040
    iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF (CAD-Hedged) XUH $0.117
    iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF XUS $0.243
    iShares Core S&P 500 Index ETF(1) XUS.U $0.178
    iShares S&P 500 3% Capped Index ETF XUSC $0.216
    iShares S&P 500 3% Capped Index ETF(1) XUSC.U $0.159
    iShares S&P U.S. Financials Index ETF XUSF $0.173
    iShares ESG Advanced MSCI USA Index ETF XUSR $0.175
    iShares S&P/TSX Capped Utilities Index ETF XUT $0.110
    iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF XUU $0.147
    iShares Core S&P U.S. Total Market Index ETF(1) XUU.U $0.108
    iShares MSCI USA Value Factor Index ETF XVLU $0.151
    iShares MSCI World Index ETF XWD $0.603

    (1) Distribution per unit amounts are in U.S. dollars for XAGG.U, XAW.U, XCBU.U, XDG.U, XDU.U, XEC.U, XEF.U. XFLI.U, XMC.U, XMU.U, XQQU.U, XSHU.U, XSTP.U, XTLT.U, XUS.U, XUSC.U, XUU.U

    Estimated June Cash Distributions for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF

    The June cash distributions per unit for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF are estimated to be as follows:

    Fund Name Fund Ticker Estimated Cash
    Distribution Per Unit
    iShares Premium Money Market ETF CMR $0.129

    BlackRock Canada expects to issue a press release on or about June 24, 2025, which will provide the final amounts for the iShares Premium Money Market ETF.

    Further information on the iShares Funds can be found at http://www.blackrock.com/ca.

    About BlackRock
    BlackRock’s purpose is to help more and more people experience financial well-being. As a fiduciary to investors and a leading provider of financial technology, we help millions of people build savings that serve them throughout their lives by making investing easier and more affordable. For additional information on BlackRock, please visit www.blackrock.com/corporate | Twitter: @BlackRockCA

    About iShares ETFs
    iShares unlocks opportunity across markets to meet the evolving needs of investors. With more than twenty years of experience, a global line-up of 1500+ exchange traded funds (ETFs) and US$4.3 trillion in assets under management as of March 31, 2025, iShares continues to drive progress for the financial industry. iShares funds are powered by the expert portfolio and risk management of BlackRock.

    iShares® ETFs are managed by BlackRock Canada.

    Commissions, trailing commissions, management fees and expenses all may be associated with investing in iShares ETFs. Please read the relevant prospectus before investing. The funds are not guaranteed, their values change frequently and past performance may not be repeated. Tax, investment and all other decisions should be made, as appropriate, only with guidance from a qualified professional.

    Standard & Poor’s® and S&P® are registered trademarks of Standard & Poor’s Financial Services LLC (“S&P”). Dow Jones is a registered trademark of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC (“Dow Jones”). TSX is a registered trademark of TSX Inc. (“TSX”). All of the foregoing trademarks have been licensed to S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC and sublicensed for certain purposes to BlackRock Fund Advisors (“BFA”),  which in turn has sub-licensed these marks to its affiliate, BlackRock Asset Management Canada Limited (“BlackRock Canada”), on behalf of the applicable fund(s). The index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, and has been licensed for use by BFA and by extension, BlackRock Canada and the applicable fund(s). The funds are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC, Dow Jones, S&P, any of their respective affiliates (collectively known as “S&P Dow Jones Indices”) or TSX, or any of their respective affiliates. Neither S&P Dow Jones Indices nor TSX make any representations regarding the advisability of investing in such funds.

    MSCI is a trademark of MSCI, Inc. (“MSCI”). The ETF is permitted to use the MSCI mark pursuant to a license agreement between MSCI and BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A., relating to, among other things, the license granted to BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. to use the Index. BlackRock Institutional Trust Company, N.A. has sublicensed the use of this trademark to BlackRock. The ETF is not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by MSCI and MSCI makes no representation, condition or warranty regarding the advisability of investing in the ETF.

    Contact for Media:
    Sydney Punchard                       
    Email: Sydney.Punchard@blackrock.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TMD Energy Limited Enters into Strategic Memorandum of Agreement to Advance Green Bioenergy Collaboration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMD Energy Limited (the “Company” or “TMDEL”) (NYSE American: TMDE), together with its subsidiaries is a Malaysia and Singapore based services provider engaged in integrated bunkering services which involves ship-to-ship transfer of marine fuels, ship management services and vessel chartering services, today announced the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd (“Double Corporate”) to explore a strategic collaboration for the EU and Asia market.

    This collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive good-faith negotiations to formalize partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

    Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specializing in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate brings to the table a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and sustainable marine fuel (“SMF”) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

    Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated that: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

    Key Agreement Terms

    The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritize finalizing definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

    About Double Corporate

    Double Corporate is a certified Malaysian bioenergy leader converting waste into sustainable fuels and lubricants through proprietary ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate is in the development and commercialization of waste-based bioenergy, with a focus on refining palm oil mill effluent, Empty Fruit Bunches, used cooking oil, and other industrial waste oils into certified biofuels. Its high-yield (1:1 conversion) refining process minimizes waste and energy consumption while producing critical feedstocks for SAF and SMF — supported by global certifications American Petroleum Institute, ISCC and automated in-house systems. For more information, please visit Double Corporate website at: www.doublecorporate.com.

    About TMD Energy Limited

    TMD Energy Limited and its subsidiaries (“TMDEL Group”) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulfur fuel oil, low sulfur fuel oil and very low sulfur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering. As of today, TMDEL Group operates in 19 ports across Malaysia with a fleet of 15 bunkering vessels. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.tmdel.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “could”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s financial results filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    TMD ENERGY LIMITED
    e-Mail: corporate@tmdel.com

    WFS INVESTOR RELATIONS
    e-Mail: services@wealthfsllc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: TMD Energy Limited Enters into Strategic Memorandum of Agreement to Advance Green Bioenergy Collaboration

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA, June 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TMD Energy Limited (the “Company” or “TMDEL”) (NYSE American: TMDE), together with its subsidiaries is a Malaysia and Singapore based services provider engaged in integrated bunkering services which involves ship-to-ship transfer of marine fuels, ship management services and vessel chartering services, today announced the Company has entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (“MOA”) with bioenergy firm Double Corporate Sdn Bhd (“Double Corporate”) to explore a strategic collaboration for the EU and Asia market.

    This collaboration marks a new milestone towards TMDEL’s strategy to expand into sustainable and alternative fuel energy sectors. The MOA initiates exclusive good-faith negotiations to formalize partnerships in bioenergy sustainable fuel solutions and operational integration.

    Double Corporate is a ISCC-EU certified Malaysian-based bioenergy company specializing in waste-based bioenergy and it involves converting waste into high-yield sustainable fuels and lubricants using proprietary, ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate brings to the table a decade-long expertise in producing high-yield, low-emission biofuels suitable for applications in the sustainable aviation fuel (“SAF”) and sustainable marine fuel (“SMF”) markets, particularly in Europe and Asia.

    Dato’ Sri Kam Choy Ho, Chairman and CEO of the Company, stated that: “This partnership aligns with our vision to expand regionally and globally to advance long term sustainable, green business and fuel innovation. Double Corporate’s circular-economy focus complements our commitment to environmentally responsible energy solutions.”

    Key Agreement Terms

    The MOA establishes the parties’ intention to enter into mutual discussions to collaborate and participate in the business in Malaysia and globally with a one-year exclusivity period for negotiations, extendable by mutual consent. Both parties will prioritize finalizing definitive agreements within the exclusivity window.

    About Double Corporate

    Double Corporate is a certified Malaysian bioenergy leader converting waste into sustainable fuels and lubricants through proprietary ISCC-EU-approved technology. Double Corporate is in the development and commercialization of waste-based bioenergy, with a focus on refining palm oil mill effluent, Empty Fruit Bunches, used cooking oil, and other industrial waste oils into certified biofuels. Its high-yield (1:1 conversion) refining process minimizes waste and energy consumption while producing critical feedstocks for SAF and SMF — supported by global certifications American Petroleum Institute, ISCC and automated in-house systems. For more information, please visit Double Corporate website at: www.doublecorporate.com.

    About TMD Energy Limited

    TMD Energy Limited and its subsidiaries (“TMDEL Group”) are principally involved in marine fuel bunkering services specializing in the supply and marketing of marine gas oil and marine fuel oil of which include high sulfur fuel oil, low sulfur fuel oil and very low sulfur fuel oil, to ships and vessels at sea. TMDEL Group is also involved in the provision of ship management services for in-house and external vessels, as well as vessel chartering. As of today, TMDEL Group operates in 19 ports across Malaysia with a fleet of 15 bunkering vessels. For more information, please visit the Company’s website at: www.tmdel.com.

    Forward-Looking Statements

    Certain statements in this announcement are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to, the Company’s Offering. These forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties and are based on the Company’s current expectations and projections about future events that the Company believes may affect its financial condition, results of operations, business strategy and financial needs. Investors can identify these forward-looking statements by words or phrases such as “may”, “could”, “will”, “should”, “would”, “expect”, “plan”, “intend”, “anticipate”, “believe”, “estimate”, “predict”, “potential”, “project” or “continue” or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise publicly any forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent occurring events or circumstances, or changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law. Although the Company believes that the expectations expressed in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot assure you that such expectations will turn out to be correct, and the Company cautions investors that actual results may differ materially from the anticipated results and encourages investors to review other factors that may affect its future results in the Company’s financial results filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission.

    For investor and media inquiries, please contact:
    TMD ENERGY LIMITED
    e-Mail: corporate@tmdel.com

    WFS INVESTOR RELATIONS
    e-Mail: services@wealthfsllc.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: What has been prepared for children at the Summer in Moscow sites from June 18 to 22

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    Fairy tale quizzes, drawing workshops, retro games, the Rock, Paper, Scissors championship and much more — as part of the Summer in Moscow for Children project, a rich program has been prepared for young Muscovites and their parents. What to do at city venues from June 18 to 22 — in our article.

    Retro games and drawing workshops

    The capital’s venues are hosting a large-scale championship “Rock, Paper, Scissors”. Every day, children and adults can compete on Tverskoy Boulevard, as well as in the southwest of the capital. On June 18, the competition will be held on Nagornaya Street (building 29, building 4), on June 19, participants are expected in Vorontsovsky Park (building 3), and on June 20 – on Feodosiyskaya Street (building 7, building 6). The venues will be open from 15:00 to 20:00.

    In addition to the championship in the popular children’s game, realistic races will also take place on Tverskoy Boulevard. Participants will be able to immerse themselves in the world of motorsports, sitting in racing seats and pressing the pedals. Children from 150 to 210 centimeters tall are invited.

    A large retro games area has been prepared for visitors. There you can play on iconic consoles from different years. Pickleball, gorodki, petanque, croquet, ping-pong and even a large climbing wall await guests. Professionals will help you understand the rules and observe safety precautions.

    Fans of creativity will enjoy Chistoprudny Boulevard. There, in the fresh air, everyone will be taught how to create landscapes, sketches, and still lifes in various artistic techniques. On June 18, guests will be given a master class called “Art Beach”, on June 19, a master class called “Summer on the Chile”, and on June 20, an “Art Challenge”.

    The duration of one lesson is 45 minutes. Master classes will be held every hour from 12:00 to 20:00.

    Painting lessons will also be organized on Sretensky Boulevard. On June 18, there will be a master class called “The Scarlet Flower”, on June 19 — “City Streets”, and on June 20 — “Blooming Field”. Classes will be held every hour from 12:00 to 20:00.

    Guests will also be able to create unique works of art at the Art Studio on Strastnoy Boulevard. Children over six years old are invited to participate. On June 18, there will be master classes in watercolor painting called Fruit Lemonade and Starry Night. On June 19, children will be able to draw Moscow landmarks and summer clouds with wax crayons. The classes on June 20 will once again be devoted to watercolor painting. Guests will be introduced to this technique at the master classes Flower Stained Glass and Fruit Slices. The classes will be held from 12:00 to 19:00.

    In addition, from 12:00 to 20:00 on Strastnoy Boulevard, young visitors will be able to enjoy a busy board with coloring pages, an art house with stickers, and a basketball court.

    DIY Bracelet and Party with DJ

    An active program has also been prepared in the Green Market of the Made in Moscow project on Bolotnaya Square (Repinsky Square). On June 19 at 14:15 on the main stage there will be a meeting with TRIZ pedagogy expert Evgeniya Gin. She will tell children and their parents how to develop thinking and be creative.

    At 18:00, the Green Market will host a master class on making children’s bracelets. Participants will be told how to create a design, determine the size of the future product, and tie reliable knots.

    At 20:00, the film “Fedya. People’s Footballer” will be shown at the “Youth Point” festival on Bolotnaya Square. Participation in the event is free, but a registration.

    And every Wednesday at 8:00 pm on Bolotnaya Square there are youth parties with a DJ.

    Circus divertissements and musical performances

    All summer long, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, there will be circus entertainment for the whole family. Aerial gymnasts, equilibrists, jugglers, clowns and four-legged artists will perform for guests in the Moskino Cinema Park and Izmailovsky Park. Also on June 20, the third tent will open in the Yuzhnoye Butovo Landscape Park. Spectators will be able to see acrobatic numbers, clown skits and exciting stunts with the participation of artists from the famous Bolshoi Moscow Circus on Vernadsky Avenue.

    On Fridays, performances are held from 19:00 to 20:30, and on Saturdays and Sundays – from 14:00 to 15:30 and from 18:00 to 19:30. You can find out more and buy tickets on the official website project.

    The Zaryadye Hall has also prepared a children’s program for the weekend. On June 22, as part of the III Summer Music Festival, the symphonic fairy tale with sand animation “The Wizard of the Emerald City” will return to its stage. On the same day, June 22, People’s Artist of Russia Yulia Rutberg, together with the State Academic Big Symphony Orchestra named after P.I. Tchaikovsky under the direction of Denis Lotoev, will present the program “Artist and War”. The program includes wartime memories from diaries and memoirs, excerpts from articles related to the difficult years of Russian history, as well as music by great composers of the 20th century.

    And at the festival “Theater Boulevard” Young residents and guests of the capital will be able to see several productions. On June 17, a musical performance will be shown on Chistoprudny Boulevard “Curious Baby Elephant” about children asking questions and adults who are too lazy to answer them. Starts at 16:00.

    On the same day, at the Clown House on Tsvetnoy Boulevard at 8:00 p.m. you can watch a production “Mechanicus”This is an interactive performance with pantomime and poetic clowning.

    On June 18, in the amphitheater of the Polytech Museum Park, artists from the Moscow Illusion Theater will perform a modern show “Teleport”. Guests can expect tricks with disappearances, transformations and flights. The beginning is at 19:00. And on June 19 at 18:00 there will be a performance “My grandfather was a cherry”It is based on a touching, funny and at the same time sad story about family, devotion and loneliness.

    On June 20 at 16:00 on Chistoprudny Boulevard the production will be presented “Kashtanka”The play will tell about the adventures of a young dog who lost his not very good owner in a big city.

    On June 21, a performance will be shown in the amphitheater of the Polytech Museum Park “Family Bakery”. Starts at 17:00.

    Evening readings

    Citizens are also invited to the project’s events. “Book in the City”.

    On June 21 at 12:00, Pushkin Square will host a quiz on the sea tales “The Little Mermaid,” “Sinbad the Sailor,” and “Sadko,” as well as a master class “The Sea” on creating appliques for children aged six to nine.

    On June 22 at 4:00 p.m. there will be a presentation of the book “Letters from Lidochka M.” dedicated to children of wartime.

    And at 18:00 in the park there will be evening readings with Anton Shagin. The author will also present his book “Neblyandiya. Poems for Children”.

    Introduction to the world of cinema

    On June 21 and 22, the Moskino Cinema Park invites you to go on a walk. On the family excursion “Cinema Expedition”, young guests and their parents will learn how films are shot in different genres, walk through Moscow in the 1940s, see post-war Berlin and a fragment of the Reichstag steps. Participants will also look into the props and costume center “Firebird” and examine rare items that have appeared in the frame more than once. The excursion will be of interest to children over 10 years old and adults who want to learn new facts about the creation of cinema.

    The excursions will take place at 12:00, 14:00, 15:00 and 16:00. You can choose a convenient time and pay for participation atwebsite cinema park.

    Entertaining origami master classes have also been prepared for guests. On the central square of the cinema park on weekends at 12:00 and 15:35, young visitors will make paper poppies and carnations, at 13:10 and 16:45 – cranes, and at 14:20 and 17:55 – a three-dimensional composition “Eternal Flame”. You can take part in the master class atentrance ticket to the cinema park.

    The Gorky Film Studio also invites young Muscovites and their parents on a tour. Guests are expected on June 18 at 15:00 on Sergei Eisenstein Street (8, building 1). Participants will learn about the history of the film studio and how films that have become part of the golden fund of Russian cinema were created. Guests will be told interesting facts about the lives and work of outstanding directors and actors, and will be shown costumes and props from the films Guest from the Future (1984), The Kingdom of Crooked Mirrors (1963), Frost (1964), Seventeen Moments of Spring (1973), Officers (1971) and others.

    The excursion will be interesting for children over six years old. You can buy a ticket atwebsite.

    Program in museums and parks

    Interesting programs have been prepared for young Muscovites and their parents in the capital’s museums and parks.

    On June 20 from 15:00 to 16:00 in the forest libraries in the Vorontsovo estate, the 50th Anniversary of October Park and the Khodynka Field Park a children’s quiz will be held. Participants will recall forgotten literary facts about the life and work of writers and learn new ones.

    The Inspiration Festival will be held at the Kolomenskoye Museum-Reserve on June 21. Guests will enjoy a musical program, performances by orchestras and jazz bands, master classes in art therapy in the open air, functional training, yoga and stretching. Admission is free. The landmark is the palace of Tsar Alexei Mikhailovich.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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.

    Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect

    https: //vv.mos.ru/nevs/ite/155354073/

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cape York deserves World Heritage status – and Queensland may need it to become a global leader in tourism

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland

    Last week, the Queensland government launched the ambitious Destination 2045 tourism plan, which aims to make the state a global leader in tourism. The plan highlights that one in six jobs in tropical north Queensland are supported by tourism.

    However, earlier this year the same government tentatively withdrew support from a campaign to add Cape York to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    If the goal is to position Queensland as a leader in tourism, then linking Cape York’s landscapes to the World Heritage brand would certainly help achieve that.

    Consultation is key

    In June 2024, Steven Miles, Labor’s then-premier in Queensland, and Tanya Plibersek, the federal environment minister, announced they had placed seven of the cape’s national parks on Australia’s tentative World Heritage list.

    In January, however, the newly elected Liberal-National government, under Premier David Crisafulli, ordered a review of the decision. The government cited concerns over a lack of sufficient consultation around the nomination.

    If a lack of consultation is the main issue, there is an opportunity for the Crissafulli government to thoughtfully reopen negotiations.

    Getting this step right could help conserve and encourage tourism to one of Australia’s most diverse landscapes – in line with the Destination 2045 plan.

    How to get onto (and kicked off) UNESCO’s list

    Cape York covers some 137,000 square kilometres. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of less than 8,000 people, including 3,678 Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.

    Fruit Bat Falls is a waterfall located in the Apudthama National Park (Jardine River National Park) in Cape York.
    Jason Clark/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    Inscription to the World Heritage list doesn’t mean the entire cape would be listed – just specific sites and landscapes within it.

    It’s usually the responsibility of a country’s various governments to convince UNESCO, in a nomination bid, a certain place has the necessary “outstanding universal value” and meets at least one of UNESCO’s ten selection criteria.

    Sites that are physically altered or damaged after receiving World Heritage status can be de-listed, either by a state party or by UNESCO. This has happened in Oman, Germany, the United Kingdom and Georgia.

    We also recently saw the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Western Australia, with its extraordinary record of rock engravings (petroglyphs), denied World Heritage inscription. This was mainly due to the threat of ongoing damage from industrial emissions from Woodside Energy’s nearby Karratha gas plant.

    World Heritage status: a risk or benefit?

    A carefully considered World Heritage inscription doesn’t necessarily block industries and tourism from the listed area.

    Many of the archaeological sites of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area in New South Wales are located on sheep stations. These stations, established in the late 19th century, have individual property plans that ensure the sites are conserved while remaining viable for agricultural activity.

    Another example is the tourism seen at the extraordinary eel trap system of Budj Bim in southwest Victoria. Budj Bim is one of Australia’s most recent additions to the World Heritage list. It is also the first site to be inscribed solely for its cultural value.

    The Budj Bim eel traps were engineered some 6,600 years ago, and represent one of the world’s oldest aquaculture systems.

    This cultural landscape is now home to a thriving tourism program that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The World Heritage listing ensures there are enough resources for the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners running the site to improve the health of Country through cultural and environmental management.

    World Heritage often boosts international tourism, funding opportunities and local branding. The Lake District in the UK is a good example of this, although the site has faced some controversy recently.

    While Queensland’s current government has cited concerns over planning restrictions, these types of concerns are typically based on perception rather than proven harm. In Queensland, they were also clearly addressed in government memos and communications.

    Tasmania’s forestry sector resisted World Heritage expansion (there were four expansions between 1989–2013), yet tourism in the region remains economically valuable.

    It’s unlikely the Cape York nominations would threaten the pastoral or mining industries, since most of the nominated sites are already protected as national parks.

    What makes a World Heritage site?

    The list of Cape York sites submitted for World Heritage consideration has some strong contenders. Quinkan Country is undoubtedly the most significant site on the list, distinguished by its diversity and richness of Aboriginal paintings and engravings.

    But the list isn’t exhaustive. There are several other Aboriginal cultural landscapes in Cape York that also deserve to be considered by UNESCO. These include the giant shell mounds around Weipa, Jiigurru (Lizard Island), and the Flinders Island Group with its extraordinary rock art galleries.

    Moving forward

    World heritage listings in Cape York have great potential to allow Aboriginal people to care for the landscapes and create tourism infrastructure that centres Aboriginal perspectives.

    Appointing Aboriginal rangers in the Flinders Island Group could help deliver a unique and sustainable cultural tourism experience, similar to that provided at the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Destination 2045 highlights the importance of developing Aboriginal ranger programs in such landscapes to boost cultural tourism and economic growth.

    Inggal Odul (Denham Island part of Flinders Island Group). Source: Olivia Arnold (2023).

    The Crisafulli government now has the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the Traditional Custodians of the Cape York landscapes that have been put forth. We argue that the World Heritage listing outcome could help the cape’s economic development and support its communities.

    Michael Westaway receives funding from then Australian Research Council and has undertaken research with Aboriginal communities in the Kaurarag Archipelago, around Mapoon and Weipa including on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and in the Flinders Island Group adjacent to Princess Charlotte Bay.

    Anna M. Kotarba-Morley receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC). Ania previously sat on the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) World Heritage Nomination Bids review panel. Ania undertakes research with Aboriginal communities including within the Kaurareg Archipelago.

    Denis Rose is on the board of the not-for-profit Country Needs People, which advocates for Indigenous Protected Areas and the Indigenous Rangers Program.

    Olivia Arnold has undertaken research with Aboriginal communities in the Flinders Island Group adjacent to Princess Charlotte Bay, Kaurarag Archipelago and Jiigurru (Lizard Island group).

    Rylee Smith 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. Cape York deserves World Heritage status – and Queensland may need it to become a global leader in tourism – https://theconversation.com/cape-york-deserves-world-heritage-status-and-queensland-may-need-it-to-become-a-global-leader-in-tourism-248660

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Cape York deserves World Heritage status – and Queensland may need it to become a global leader in tourism

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Westaway, Australian Research Council Future Fellow, Archaeology, School of Social Science, The University of Queensland

    Last week, the Queensland government launched the ambitious Destination 2045 tourism plan, which aims to make the state a global leader in tourism. The plan highlights that one in six jobs in tropical north Queensland are supported by tourism.

    However, earlier this year the same government tentatively withdrew support from a campaign to add Cape York to the UNESCO World Heritage List.

    If the goal is to position Queensland as a leader in tourism, then linking Cape York’s landscapes to the World Heritage brand would certainly help achieve that.

    Consultation is key

    In June 2024, Steven Miles, Labor’s then-premier in Queensland, and Tanya Plibersek, the federal environment minister, announced they had placed seven of the cape’s national parks on Australia’s tentative World Heritage list.

    In January, however, the newly elected Liberal-National government, under Premier David Crisafulli, ordered a review of the decision. The government cited concerns over a lack of sufficient consultation around the nomination.

    If a lack of consultation is the main issue, there is an opportunity for the Crissafulli government to thoughtfully reopen negotiations.

    Getting this step right could help conserve and encourage tourism to one of Australia’s most diverse landscapes – in line with the Destination 2045 plan.

    How to get onto (and kicked off) UNESCO’s list

    Cape York covers some 137,000 square kilometres. According to the 2021 census, it has a population of less than 8,000 people, including 3,678 Aboriginals and Torres Strait Islanders.

    Fruit Bat Falls is a waterfall located in the Apudthama National Park (Jardine River National Park) in Cape York.
    Jason Clark/Flickr, CC BY-NC

    Inscription to the World Heritage list doesn’t mean the entire cape would be listed – just specific sites and landscapes within it.

    It’s usually the responsibility of a country’s various governments to convince UNESCO, in a nomination bid, a certain place has the necessary “outstanding universal value” and meets at least one of UNESCO’s ten selection criteria.

    Sites that are physically altered or damaged after receiving World Heritage status can be de-listed, either by a state party or by UNESCO. This has happened in Oman, Germany, the United Kingdom and Georgia.

    We also recently saw the Murujuga Cultural Landscape in Western Australia, with its extraordinary record of rock engravings (petroglyphs), denied World Heritage inscription. This was mainly due to the threat of ongoing damage from industrial emissions from Woodside Energy’s nearby Karratha gas plant.

    World Heritage status: a risk or benefit?

    A carefully considered World Heritage inscription doesn’t necessarily block industries and tourism from the listed area.

    Many of the archaeological sites of the Willandra Lakes World Heritage Area in New South Wales are located on sheep stations. These stations, established in the late 19th century, have individual property plans that ensure the sites are conserved while remaining viable for agricultural activity.

    Another example is the tourism seen at the extraordinary eel trap system of Budj Bim in southwest Victoria. Budj Bim is one of Australia’s most recent additions to the World Heritage list. It is also the first site to be inscribed solely for its cultural value.

    The Budj Bim eel traps were engineered some 6,600 years ago, and represent one of the world’s oldest aquaculture systems.

    This cultural landscape is now home to a thriving tourism program that attracts thousands of visitors each year. The World Heritage listing ensures there are enough resources for the Gunditjmara Traditional Owners running the site to improve the health of Country through cultural and environmental management.

    World Heritage often boosts international tourism, funding opportunities and local branding. The Lake District in the UK is a good example of this, although the site has faced some controversy recently.

    While Queensland’s current government has cited concerns over planning restrictions, these types of concerns are typically based on perception rather than proven harm. In Queensland, they were also clearly addressed in government memos and communications.

    Tasmania’s forestry sector resisted World Heritage expansion (there were four expansions between 1989–2013), yet tourism in the region remains economically valuable.

    It’s unlikely the Cape York nominations would threaten the pastoral or mining industries, since most of the nominated sites are already protected as national parks.

    What makes a World Heritage site?

    The list of Cape York sites submitted for World Heritage consideration has some strong contenders. Quinkan Country is undoubtedly the most significant site on the list, distinguished by its diversity and richness of Aboriginal paintings and engravings.

    But the list isn’t exhaustive. There are several other Aboriginal cultural landscapes in Cape York that also deserve to be considered by UNESCO. These include the giant shell mounds around Weipa, Jiigurru (Lizard Island), and the Flinders Island Group with its extraordinary rock art galleries.

    Moving forward

    World heritage listings in Cape York have great potential to allow Aboriginal people to care for the landscapes and create tourism infrastructure that centres Aboriginal perspectives.

    Appointing Aboriginal rangers in the Flinders Island Group could help deliver a unique and sustainable cultural tourism experience, similar to that provided at the World Heritage-listed Kakadu National Park. Destination 2045 highlights the importance of developing Aboriginal ranger programs in such landscapes to boost cultural tourism and economic growth.

    Inggal Odul (Denham Island part of Flinders Island Group). Source: Olivia Arnold (2023).

    The Crisafulli government now has the opportunity to meaningfully engage with the Traditional Custodians of the Cape York landscapes that have been put forth. We argue that the World Heritage listing outcome could help the cape’s economic development and support its communities.

    Michael Westaway receives funding from then Australian Research Council and has undertaken research with Aboriginal communities in the Kaurarag Archipelago, around Mapoon and Weipa including on the Steve Irwin Wildlife Reserve and in the Flinders Island Group adjacent to Princess Charlotte Bay.

    Anna M. Kotarba-Morley receives funding from the Australian Research Council (ARC). Ania previously sat on the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) World Heritage Nomination Bids review panel. Ania undertakes research with Aboriginal communities including within the Kaurareg Archipelago.

    Denis Rose is on the board of the not-for-profit Country Needs People, which advocates for Indigenous Protected Areas and the Indigenous Rangers Program.

    Olivia Arnold has undertaken research with Aboriginal communities in the Flinders Island Group adjacent to Princess Charlotte Bay, Kaurarag Archipelago and Jiigurru (Lizard Island group).

    Rylee Smith 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. Cape York deserves World Heritage status – and Queensland may need it to become a global leader in tourism – https://theconversation.com/cape-york-deserves-world-heritage-status-and-queensland-may-need-it-to-become-a-global-leader-in-tourism-248660

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CFS urges public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged candies suspected to contain mineral oil

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department today (June 16) urged the public not to consume several kinds of prepackaged candies, as the products might contain mineral oils (mineral oil saturated hydrocarbons (MOSH) and mineral oil aromatic hydrocarbons (MOAH)). The CFS urged the public not to consume the products concerned, regardless of batches. The trade should stop using or selling the affected products immediately if they possess any of them. 

         Product details are as follows:

    Product name: 
    (1) Jolly Rancher Hard Candy
    (2) Jolly Rancher ‘Misfits’ Gummies
    (3) Jolly Rancher Hard Candy Fruity 2 in 1 
    (4) Jolly Ranchers Berry Gummies
    Manufacturer: The Hershey Company

    A spokesman for the CFS said, “The CFS noted a notice issued by the British Authority indicating that the above-mentioned products might contain mineral oils MOSH and MOAH. The products are not compliant with their local law and all batches of products concerned are being recalled. 

    After a preliminary investigation, the CFS confirmed one local supplier, Wahcom Limited had imported one of the affected products, Jolly Rancher Hard Candy into Hong Kong.”

    The supplier concerned has voluntarily stopped sales, removed the affected products from shelves and initiated a recall. Members of the public may call the supplier’s hotline at 2442 2677 during office hours for enquiries about the recall. 

         According to the Mineral Oil in Food Regulations (Cap 132AR), no person shall use or permit to be used any mineral oil in the composition or preparation of any article of food intended for sale for human consumption.

         â€‹The CFS will alert the trade to the incident and will continue to follow up and take appropriate action. An investigation is ongoing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Special Report: Flowers from China’s Yunnan Bloom in Kazakhstan

    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

    KUNMING/ALMATY, June 16 (Xinhua) — Flowers are a universal gift that is loved to be presented on various occasions in many countries, including Kazakhstan. Flowers can be used to create a beautiful composition. A bouquet appropriate for the occasion can be given to a woman or a man, friends or colleagues and can be used to express almost any message. Give a compliment, say “thank you” or “sorry” and even propose!

    Dounan is a small town on the shore of Dianchi Lake in Kunming, Yunnan Province. But in terms of “flower territory,” it is very large. It is home to Asia’s largest fresh-cut flower market and the second largest in the world. Of Dounan’s 70,000 residents, more than 40,000 are employed in the flower industry. Every day, about 10 million fresh-cut flowers are sold here. They are exported to more than 50 countries, including Kazakhstan.

    In fact, it is not only a flower market, but also a national tourist attraction. Last year alone, millions of tourists visited it. Eustoma, roses, bush carnations, matthiola and sunflowers. You can buy all kinds of flowers here. No matter whether you like flowers or not, you can’t resist the temptation to buy them in Dounan because they are so cheap here. The price for one bunch of roses is 20 yuan (US$1.40), and for a bunch of sunflowers it is only 8 yuan (US$1.10).

    As assistant to the president of Dounan Flower Industry Corporation Wang Jinyiling said, in the 1980s, the villagers of Dounan began trying to grow flowers in their gardens. And to their surprise, they discovered that it was very economically profitable. Then everyone gradually began to follow their example. “And we needed a large enough and professional flower market to sell flowers,” she noted.

    According to her, in 1998, the Dounan Flower Market with an area of 37,333 square meters was officially put into operation. And in 2015, the industrial zone – a flower market of national importance – was officially opened. Here, in addition to traditional direct flower sales, online auctions and sales are also held. Today, Dounan is not just a collection and distribution center for flowers, but also a tourist attraction. More and more tourists come here to experience the unique flower culture of Yunnan Province.

    Zhou Tianyi runs Deruier Flowers in Dounan. Every week, the shop ships 200,000 to 300,000 fresh-cut roses to Almaty. Delivery takes just five days. “The China Flower Industry Conference is held every year. We also attend it and met many entrepreneurs from Kazakhstan there,” she said.

    “The quality of Chinese flowers is very stable now. Today, there are a huge number of flower species in China, and the excellent price-quality ratio is their great advantage. These are the main reasons why Kazakh businessmen like Chinese products very much,” said the director of Deruier Flowers.

    According to Kazakh media, citing the country’s National Bureau of Statistics, in 2024 the country imported more than 1,100 tons of fresh-cut flowers and buds from China worth $7.5 million. This is almost 13 times more than the previous year. In terms of total import volume, China has become the third largest supplier of flowers to Kazakhstan.

    There are about 220,000 flower seedling companies in China, with an annual output of more than 520 billion yuan (nearly 72.2 billion US dollars), making the country the world’s largest flower producer.

    In 2024, China’s flower import and export volume was US$782 million, up 10 percent year on year. Of which, the export volume was US$516 million, up 17.78 percent year on year. China’s flower economy has shown strong vitality. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: King’s Birthday Flypast 202514 Jun 2025

    Source: United Kingdom – Royal Air Force

    Flying high over Buckingham Palace, the Royal Air Force had the pleasure of parading a selection of RAF aircraft to celebrate the Official Birthday of His Majesty King Charles III. 

    At 13:00 twenty-nine aircraft took to the skies above the crowds on The Mall and over Buckingham Palace, watched over by Their Majesties’ The King and Queen, alongside other members of the Royal family.  

    The stunning formation was led by four Chinook helicopters from No 18 & 27 Squadrons of RAF Odiham, following the King’s Birthday Parade (Trooping the Colour). 

    The aircraft came from nine different RAF stations, many of whom flew in the VE80 celebrations in May this year. 

    It is an enormous privilege to be part of His Majesty The King’s Birthday celebrations, where the Flypast is an opportunity for the Royal Air Force to honour His Majesty The King, our Commander-in-Chief, on the occasion of his Official Birthday. 

    This year, the flypast will comprise twenty-nine aircraft, including the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, rotary wing assets from the Joint Aviation Command, training aircraft from No.22 Group and front-line aircraft from across No.1 Group representing the Air Mobility, Combat Air and ISTAR Forces; as always the flypast will conclude with the iconic Red Arrows.”

    Air Vice-Marshal Jackson,
    Air Officer Commanding 1 Gp

    The aircraft, whose main purpose is to secure our skies and protect our citizens at home and abroad have a broad range of uses. These include training, air transport, lift capabilities, air-to-air refuelling, maritime, humanitarian missions, and fast jet combat. 

    It is a great honour to be part of an event that will bolster our national pride, and to be part of something much greater than myself. My role will include coordinating with civil air traffic and assisting the safe passage of all the aircraft back to their bases.”

    Sergeant Mcglasson,
         ATC, 78 Sqn   

    A Lancaster from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, RAF Coningsby followed the Chinooks.  

    Wing Commander Andrew Watson, a Typhoon pilot and Officer Commanding 12 Squadron had the task of overseeing the whole flypast. The planning for the whole event has been meticulous over many months. The culmination is the spectacle that was seen by millions of people worldwide. 

    It is a huge personal honour being Mission Commander and coordinating such an impressive array of aircraft fit for His Majesty The King’s Birthday. I cannot be more impressed by the focus and professionalism of both air and ground crew in bringing this spectacle to life.”

    Wing Commander Watson,
    Mission Commander & OC 12 Sqn 

    Other aircraft in the formation included a Phenom, Typhoon, an F35 and a C17 Globemaster.  

    The flypast is also thought to be the first time anywhere in the world that a national aerobatic squadron has switched to both a Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) blend for propulsion and a renewable biofuel – known as Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO). This is a premium quality fuel, with a chemical structure almost identical to the regular diesel traditionally used by the aerobatic team for its vapour trails.

    In addition to reducing its carbon footprint, the move demonstrates the RAF’s commitment to new technology as well as becoming more energy secure and less reliant on fossil fuels.

    The event culminated in a spectacular show of red, white and blue from the pilots of the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows. 

    It is a privilege to be a member of the Red Arrows. To me, the Red Arrows are an icon of the United Kingdom – so knowing that you had a key role to play in them bringing joy and excitement to thousands of people as they fly over the Mall is something I am incredibly proud of. 

    As head of all engineering and logistics on the team, I am even more proud to lead the amazing and diverse team of over one hundred ‘Blues’ that not only make major flypasts happen, but work tirelessly for twelve months a year, every year, to deliver a colourful and dynamic aerobatic show. 

    Working with the smoke generation system is the most unique part of the job. The vibrant vapour that we generate is what sets the team apart and so to be the first team in the world to move to a fully sustainable option is really exciting.”

    Squadron Leader King
    Snr Engineering Officer, RAF Aerobatic Team

    The aircraft of the Armed Forces have a long and proud history of taking part in this occasion, with the first King’s Birthday Flypast taking place in 1913 and most recently formed part of Their Majesties’ Coronation in 2023 and Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II’s Platinum Jubilee in 2022. 

    The flypast has much poignancy for one of the Chinook pilots, Master Aircrew (MACr) Ruffles. The King’s Birthday Flypast was one of MACr Ruffles’ last flights as he leaves the RAF after forty years’ service and nine thousand hours flying with helicopters.

    Being part of the King’s Birthday Flypast after forty years of service especially on the 80th anniversary of VE Day is an honour I’ll carry with me for many years to come. It’s been a test of resilience, teamwork and dedication. But through it all, the bond with my fellow crew members, the sense of purpose and the pride in serving at such a high level has made every moment worthwhile.”

    Master Aircrew Ruffles
    27 Squadron, Chinooks

    The King’s Birthday Flypast concluded Trooping the Colour which took place on Horse Guards Parade, a ceremony dating back to the reign of King Charles II, becoming an annual event in 1760. Over 1,400 officers and soldiers form the parade, together with two hundred horses; over four hundred musicians from ten bands and Corps of Drums marched and played in unison. 

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI USA: U.S. Reps. Sharice Davids (D-KS), Frank Lucas (R-OK) Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Improve Food Access on Tribal Lands

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congresswoman Sharice Davids (KS-3)

    Today, Representatives Sharice Davids (D-KS-03) and Frank Lucas (R-OK-03) introduced the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR) Act of 2025, a bipartisan bill aimed at improving access to healthy food for tribal communities across the country.

     

    “For many Native families, accessing healthy, affordable food isn’t as simple as driving to the nearest grocery store,” said Davids. “Tribal communities face unique barriers, including long distances to grocery stores and supply chain disruptions that delay or cancel food deliveries. This bipartisan bill helps break down those barriers by ensuring tribal governments can better serve their communities and ensure families don’t go hungry.”

     

    Davids’ bipartisan bill would give tribal governments permanent control over running the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), which provides food to eligible families living on reservations and in nearby approved areas, including parts of Oklahoma. It serves as a critical alternative to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) for many tribal households that face challenges accessing grocery stores.

     

    The FDPIR pilot program was originally authorized for five years by the 2018 Farm Bill. Participating tribes have indicated that while the pilot program has been successful, the five-year authorization limit makes it difficult for small and mid-sized tribal producers to scale their operations confidently. Permanent authorization would provide the stability needed for long-term planning and strengthen tribal food sovereignty.

     

    “I am very pleased to join my colleague from Kansas to introduce legislation that will ensure we honor our trust and treaty obligations,” said Representative Frank Lucas (R-OK-03). “Tribes should be able to self-contract to administer quality, domestically produced food. Through the USDA’s FDPIR Demonstration Project, the tribes have proven that they are willing and able to successfully administer this program – now it is time to expand access to all tribes.”

     

    Recent challenges with FDPIR have included delays, canceled shipments, and shortages in food deliveries, partly due to supply chain disruptions and contract management issues. By permanently authorizing the program, this legislation addresses these issues by empowering tribes to manage their food procurement directly, enhancing program reliability and responsiveness.

     

    In 2024, nearly 650,000 tribal members relied on FDPIR to gain access to healthy food. USDA purchases and ships USDA Foods to administering agencies, which then store and distribute the foods, determine applicant eligibility, and provide nutrition education to recipients. USDA also provides administering agencies with funds for program administrative costs.

     

    Each month, participating households receive a nutritionally balanced food package. Participants may select from over 90 products including:

    • Fruits, vegetables, and legumes.

    • Protein foods, including beef, chicken, fish, pork, eggs, bison products, dried or canned beans, soups, peanuts, and peanut butter.

    • Grains, including pastas, cereals, rice, cornmeal, and flour.

    • Dairy, including cheese and milk.

    • Cooking essentials, including vegetable oil, extra virgin olive oil, and butter.

    • Seasonal foods, including pumpkin, cranberry sauce, and sweet potatoes.

    Additional tribal-related quotes:

    “The Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma strongly supports the bill to authorize self-determination and self-governance authored by Reps. Davids and Lucas,” said Chief Gary Batton, Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma. “The Choctaw Nation and other Tribes have demonstrated experience successfully administering the food distribution program. Permanently authorizing self-determination contracts and self-governance agreements will provide greater flexibility and autonomy and expanded sourcing of local foods. Most importantly, it would help us allocate resources where they are most needed to build strong economies and improve the overall health of people in our communities.”

    “Red Lake has long been committed to achieving food sovereignty and diversifying our agricultural operations,” said Chairman Darrel G. Seki Sr., Red Lake Band of Chippewa Indians. “Through our commercial fishery, cultivation of wild rice over more than 1,000 acres of our Reservation, eight-acre farm known as Gitigaan Acres, and 300-acre buffalo ranch, Red Lake provides our members access to local, traditional, and healthy foods. We appreciate Rep. Davids and Rep. Lucas for introducing this bill so that we can incorporate these foods into our Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations food packages for our members who need access to affordable food the most.”

    “Oneida Nation is proud to be part of the FDPIR Self-Determination demonstration project, and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from our clients and vendors,” said Chairman Tehassi Hill, Oneida Nation. “Through this demonstration project, Oneida Nation and Menominee Indian Tribe of Wisconsin partnered together to replace USDA products in our food packages with local, high-quality products from our own tribal communities. This project allows local, indigenous vendors to build capacity while providing healthy foods to our community. Tribal producers have historically faced barriers to accessing markets given their small size, remote locations and lack of infrastructure. Having reliable orders allows producers like Oneida Nation Farms to plan ahead and invest in equipment, staff, and infrastructure to expand capacity. This project demonstrates how federal nutrition funding can be channeled to support local and regional producers, expanding economic opportunity in tribal communities. The current demonstration project is limited in scope and only gives tribes the authority to procure a few specific products in pre-determined quantities. Currently, making any changes to the products we order requires budget modifications and burdensome, time-consuming approvals from the USDA. Expanding to full Self-Governance authority will provide tribes the flexibility we need to quickly adapt and respond to disruptions in food supply, unpredictable growing seasons, and the unique and changing needs of our clients. Through permanent expansion of the demonstration project with full Self-Governance authority, Congress can recognize tribal sovereignty, reduce federal bureaucracy, support tribal economies, increase local control, and help tribes maintain food security in our communities.”

    “Tribes are not truly sovereign until they are food sovereign. This is why we, as co-chairs of the Native Farm Bill Coalition, support the expansion of self-determination contracting and self-governance compacting authorities to the U.S. Department of Agriculture,” said Chairman Cole Miller, Shakopee Mdewakanton Sioux Community, and Kari Jo Lawrence, CEO of the Intertribal Agriculture Council, co-chairs of the Native Farm Bill Coalition. “When Tribes have the authority to decide what food they purchase and where they purchase the food from for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), Tribes are empowered to prioritize purchasing locally produced, fresh foods that promote the well-being of their members. This authority also opens new Tribal economic development and capacity-building opportunities to Tribes that choose to procure FDPIR products from Tribal farmers and ranchers located in and near Indian Country by supporting new markets and strengthening regional food systems. Tribes have shown time and time again that tribally administered programs are more efficient and effective, and this bipartisan bill is an important step towards food sovereignty.” 

    “The National Congress of American Indians supports the efforts of Rep. Davids and Rep. Lucas to further expand self-determination contracting and self-governance compacting to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR),” said Larry Wright Jr., Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians Executive Director. “To-date, 16 Tribal Nations have utilized the 638 FDPIR pilot program authorized by the 2018 Farm Bill with great success. Not only have Tribal Nations built regional food economies that support Tribal producers, but they have provided access to healthy, traditional foods that promote the health and well-being of Tribal members throughout the country.” 

    “This legislation is a vital step forward in honoring Tribal sovereignty and expanding the proven success of Self-Governance,” said W. Ron Allen, Tribal Chairman/CEO, Jamestown S’Klallam Tribe, and President, Board of Directors, Self-Governance Communication and Education Tribal Consortium. “By authorizing both Self-Determination and Self-Governance authority for the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), this bill affirms the right of Tribal Nations to design and deliver food assistance in ways that reflect our values, traditions, and community needs. The expansion beyond procurement to the full administration of the program is long overdue and will empower more Tribes to feed their people with dignity and self-determination. I strongly support this effort and urge Congress to act without delay.” 

    “Cherokee Nation strongly supports the expansion of self-determination and self-governance policies throughout the Federal government and applauds Reps. Davids and Lucas for introducing this important bill,” said Principal Chief Chuck Hoskin Jr., Cherokee Nation. “The Trump Administration and members of Congress on both sides of the aisle wholeheartedly back the growth and enhancement of tribal self-governance, and we see no reason why the upcoming Farm Bill should not include provisions to strengthen tribal sovereignty within the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations. Cherokee Nation joins tribes across the country in calling for permanence and expanded tribal authority over this successful program and will continue to advocate for its inclusion in the next Farm Bill.” 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Governor Polis Leads Coalition to Support SNAP for Coloradans, Urges Congress Not to Cut Food Access for Coloradans

    Source: US State of Colorado

    DENVER – Governor Polis led a coalition of organizations committed to food access and security to urge Congress not to cut Coloradans off from critical SNAP support. The coalition urging Congress not to cut food access includes farming, local government, state agencies, and hunger groups: Hunger Free Colorado, Colorado Fruit and Vegetable Growers Association, Colorado Human Services Directors Association, Colorado Counties, Inc., Feeding Colorado, Nourish Colorado, Rocky Mountain Farmers Union, The Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger, Mile High United Way, the Colorado School Nutrition Association, UFCW Local 7, Community Foodshare, Food Bank of the Rockies, Food Bank for Larimer County, Weld Food Bank, Care & Share Food Bank for Southern Colorado, the Colorado Department of Agriculture and the Colorado Department of Human Services. 

    “SNAP is a longstanding lifeline providing basic food assistance for the most vulnerable Americans and supporting our agricultural producers, and the proposals included in H.R. 1 would both erode the fundamental infrastructure of our food safety net and transfer an unanticipated and severe financial burden to states at a time of extreme budgetary constraints,” Governor Polis and the groups wrote. 

    Monthly, approximately 617,000 Coloradans receive at least $120 million in SNAP benefits–enough to provide about 48 meals per person per month. In 2024, almost one million individual Coloradans received SNAP, half of whom were children, ten percent of whom were older Americans, and 15 percent of whom were Americans with disabilities. 

    SNAP injects over $486 million into the economy in wages for over ten thousand Colorado jobs, including farmers, grocers, manufacturers, delivery drivers, and other positions throughout the food supply chain. Over 21,000 Colorado grocery stores use SNAP, and almost $70 million is in turn generated in state tax revenue from enhanced local economic activity. 

    “These initiatives ensure our children have appropriate nutrition to support healthy growth and development, and also support the physical and mental health of our most vulnerable adults. States like Colorado are focused on improving public safety and investments in SNAP also yield public safety dividends, including decreases in theft, rates of relationship violence, and rates of recidivism,” the letter states. 

    “The severe impact of Congressional proposals to fundamentally alter cost-sharing cannot be overstated. The new match requirement and changes contained in H.R. 1 would cost Colorado hundreds of millions of dollars in state funds annually – up to $360 million in the House-passed version and up to $200 million in the currently proposed Senate version – a cost that represents both an abrupt reversal of the federal-state compact and an unmitigated financial burden that would likely require cuts to SNAP, extreme reductions to other critical state-funded initiatives, or likely both,” the group continued. 

    “As Governor Polis noted, these proposed SNAP cuts would be nothing short of devastating for communities across Colorado, especially in rural areas,” shared Joël McClurg, executive director of systems for the Colorado Blueprint to End Hunger. “Shifting benefit costs and further increasing administrative shares would saddle our state with new obligations that rural and poorer counties simply cannot meet. Already operating on shoestring budgets, many of our counties would be forced to choose between absorbing new crushing costs or slashing critical services — and either path disproportionately punishes the very people who need support the most.” 

    “Not only is SNAP a valuable program for our communities, both rural and urban, it also provides a vital market for many of our farmers and ranchers,” said Chad Franke, President of Rocky Mountain Farmers Union. “The family farmers and ranchers we represent know the value of providing local food to local communities. That’s why we are urging Congress to protect the local foods components of SNAP, such as Double Up Food Bucks,” Franke continued. 

    ###

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • Inflation to average 2.5% over next six months: HSBC

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s inflation is expected to average around 2.5 per cent over the next six months, according to a report by HSBC Global Research released on Friday.

    The report attributed the softer inflation outlook to a high base effect from last year, as well as stable food prices and adequate grain supplies. Data for June is already trending slightly below May levels, it noted.

    “Vegetable prices in the first 10 days of June have increased in the range of 0–13 per cent, but the high base from last year is helping keep overall inflation in check,” HSBC said in its outlook.

    The monsoon, which began early this year, has slowed recently. Despite this, the sowing of key summer crops such as rice and pulses is reportedly progressing well. Combined with strong cereal production from last year, this has helped keep granaries well-stocked—providing the government with flexibility to release grain stocks gradually and manage food inflation over a longer horizon.

    Headline and core inflation (excluding gold) stood at 2.8 per cent, well below the RBI’s medium-term target of 4 per cent. Food prices remained in deflation for the fifth consecutive month, falling by 0.2 per cent on a month-on-month basis. Prices of items such as fruits, eggs, fish, meat, and sugar showed subdued momentum.

    However, high gold prices continue to exert upward pressure on core inflation. With gold accounting for 1.1 per cent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, and prices having risen by over 30 per cent in recent months, core inflation remains slightly elevated. Excluding gold, HSBC estimates core inflation at 3.5 per cent year-on-year.

    Looking ahead, the report forecasts that core inflation could ease further in the second half of 2025 if gold prices decline, as projected by HSBC’s commodities team. It also expects external factors to aid disinflation, including a stronger rupee, falling commodity prices, and weaker global demand—particularly from China.

    The RBI has already cut the policy rate by 100 basis points this year and reduced the cash reserve ratio by an equivalent amount. HSBC expects the central bank to maintain a pause in its August and October policy meetings, before delivering one final 25-basis-point rate cut in December. This would bring the repo rate down to 5.25 per cent by the end of the year.

    IANS

  • Inflation to average 2.5% over next six months, below RBI forecast: HSBC

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India’s inflation is expected to average around 2.5 per cent over the next six months, significantly lower than the Reserve Bank of India’s (RBI) forecast of 3.5 per cent, according to a report by HSBC Global Research released on Friday.

    The report attributed the softer inflation outlook to a high base effect from last year, as well as stable food prices and adequate grain supplies. Data for June is already trending slightly below May levels, it noted.

    “Vegetable prices in the first 10 days of June have increased in the range of 0–13 per cent, but the high base from last year is helping keep overall inflation in check,” HSBC said in its outlook.

    The monsoon, which began early this year, has slowed recently. Despite this, the sowing of key summer crops such as rice and pulses is reportedly progressing well. Combined with strong cereal production from last year, this has helped keep granaries well-stocked—providing the government with flexibility to release grain stocks gradually and manage food inflation over a longer horizon.

    Headline and core inflation (excluding gold) stood at 2.8 per cent, well below the RBI’s medium-term target of 4 per cent. Food prices remained in deflation for the fifth consecutive month, falling by 0.2 per cent on a month-on-month basis. Prices of items such as fruits, eggs, fish, meat, and sugar showed subdued momentum.

    However, high gold prices continue to exert upward pressure on core inflation. With gold accounting for 1.1 per cent of the Consumer Price Index (CPI) basket, and prices having risen by over 30 per cent in recent months, core inflation remains slightly elevated. Excluding gold, HSBC estimates core inflation at 3.5 per cent year-on-year.

    Looking ahead, the report forecasts that core inflation could ease further in the second half of 2025 if gold prices decline, as projected by HSBC’s commodities team. It also expects external factors to aid disinflation, including a stronger rupee, falling commodity prices, and weaker global demand—particularly from China.

    The RBI has already cut the policy rate by 100 basis points this year and reduced the cash reserve ratio by an equivalent amount. HSBC expects the central bank to maintain a pause in its August and October policy meetings, before delivering one final 25-basis-point rate cut in December. This would bring the repo rate down to 5.25 per cent by the end of the year.

    IANS

  • MIL-OSI Africa: World Food Safety Day Celebrated at National Level


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    World Food Safety Day is a global event observed annually on June 7. This year’s national celebration was held at Adi-Hawesha Resort in the Central Region under the theme “Food Safety: Science in Action.” The event aimed to explore the latest advancements in food safety and promote responsible food handling practices. It was attended by more than 85 participants, including the Minister of Health, senior officials from the Ministries of Agriculture and Health, representatives of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and World Health Organization (WHO), experts from various relevant Government and non-governmental organizations, academia, food processors, and representatives of farmers.

    Mr. Tekleab Mesghena, in his keynote speech, emphasized the importance of science in ensuring the safety and quality of food products. He highlighted the critical role of research and development in advancing food safety. Mr. Tekleab stated that the Ministry of Agriculture is working diligently to modernize its food-related regulatory services by establishing quarantine stations at various entry points, reinforcing inspection services, and promoting public awareness, particularly among food processors, through good manufacturing and agricultural practices. In his concluding remarks, Mr. Tekleab stressed on the need for a national food control system and policy to integrate the efforts of various ministries and institutions.

    Mr. Sium Teame, representing the FAO, underscored that food is not a luxury but a fundamental human right. He noted that every year, 600 million people fall ill due to contaminated food, and emphasized the role of science not merely as an academic pursuit but as a practical, powerful tool. Scientific research and innovation, he said, are essential for identifying and controlling foodborne hazards, improving hygiene and safety practices throughout the food chain, establishing international standards based on risk assessments, and responding swiftly to emerging threats.

    Dr. Nonso Ejiofor, representing the WHO, added that this year’s theme highlights the essential role of scientific knowledge in guiding effective food safety practices. He stressed the importance of research, innovation, data, and appropriate technologies in identifying risks, reducing illness, saving lives, and cutting costs along the entire food chain.

    A panel discussion was also held under the theme of the day, featuring experts and representatives from food processing industries. The panelists discussed recent advancements in food safety research, including the use of precision agriculture to improve health outcomes and reduce food waste.

    During the event,six papers regarding Food Handling and Hygiene Practices; Food Expiration: Administrative, Regulatory, and Safety Implications;Effect of Processing on Heavy Metal Content in Selected Leaf Vegetables Cultivated in Asmara; Environmental Safety of Food Safety; The Role of Science in Food Safety were presented by representatives from Ministry of Agriculture, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Land, water and Environment, Hamelmalo College of Agricultural and Mai-Nefhi College of Science.

    Participants engaged in extensive discussions on the papers and adopted various recommendations. These included the need for collaboration among all relevant stakeholders, the integration of scientific methods in food safety, improved identification of food sources, and enhanced public awareness on food preparation and safety.

    Short videos highlighting national and international efforts related to food safety were also screened during the event.

    World Food Safety Day is being marked for the 7th time globally and the 3rd time at the national level.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI: Patton Unveils Second-Generation, US-Made, Commercial-Grade, FIPS-140 Ultra-Secure SIP Phone with Enhanced NG911 Compliance

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Patton… Let’s Connect!

    GAITHERSBURG, Md., June 12, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Patton—world leader and US manufacturer of secure telephony, UC, and networking gear—announces today the new Tone Commander TC7110 ultra-secure SIP phone is now available for pre-order.

    Tone Commander products are designed and manufactured in the USA, ensuring source-of-origin and supply-chain security.

    “The TC7110 combines security, flexibility, and ease-of-use in a modern SIP phone platform,” said Robert R. Patton, CEO of Patton. “This launch reinforces our commitment to delivering trusted, U.S.-manufactured communications solutions to public and private sectors.”

    Innovation. Patton has incrementally innovated the original Tone Commander military-grade SIP-Phone. Enhancements to the commercial grade version include Gigabit, PoE, and fiber connectivity, modern E911 features sets, and updated security modules.

    Secure FIPS-140-2/3 Encryption. The TC7110 offers robust SIP support with TLS and SRTP encryption using FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto modules. FIPS 140 is the U.S. standard that defines security requirements for hardware, software, and firmware that perform cryptographic functions. The standard is managed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), overseen and validated by the Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).

    Enhanced NG911. NG911 system enhancements include Specific Location Information Server (LIS) interactions via RFC 5985 (HTTP Enable Location Delivery HELD protocol), storing and relaying location by reference and location by value. The system includes geodetic coordinates (latitude, longitude, and ellipsoidal height) and E911 Gateway functions within the NG911 environment.

    E911 Compliance. The TC7110 supports legislated E911 standards including Kari’s Law for direct 911 calling and Ray Baum’s Act for specific location information. Additional E911 protocols supported include:

    • Automatic Location Information (ALI)
    • Automatic Number Identification (ANI)
    • Compliance with the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) regulations
    • RFC 5962 – Location Object represented in a SIP Header (PIDF-LO)

    Key Features of the TC7110 SIP Phone:

    • Security – TLS and SRTP encryption with FIPS-140-2/3 validated crypto and IPv4/IPv6 support.
    • Customizable Interface – Ten programmable, desi-less multifunction keys and 320×240 color display.
    • Cloud Orchestration – Automatically provision, manage, monitor, secure, alert, troubleshoot, analyze and optimize services using the Patton Cloud. Remotely and securely access and control phones, LANs, and over-the-top (OTT) services.
    • Flexible Power Options – Supports Power over Ethernet (PoE) and includes external power supply.

    For more information about the Tone Commander IP Phone TC7110, go to www.patton.com/tonecommander/tc7110/

    In related news, Patton recently announced the new Tone Commander TC7910 secure SIP Phone that offers three switched gigabit Ethernet ports.

    About Patton

    Patton is a world-renowned manufacturer of networking and communications technology, offering a wide range of solutions including VoIP, Ethernet extension, wireless, and fiber optic products. Founded in 1984 and headquartered in Gaithersburg, MD, Patton has a strong global presence and a reputation for delivering reliable and innovative solutions to a diverse customer base.

    Let’s Connect!

    Media Contact: Glendon Flowers | +1 301 975 1000 | press@patton.com

    A video accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/b0985b3b-de2a-47ba-9143-02e08eed2eab

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: College prepares students for real-world success

    Source: Anglia Ruskin University

    Writtle College students and staff celebrate the Ofsted report

    Writtle College has been recognised for preparing students for real-world success through a strong curriculum and industry-relevant teaching, following its first Ofsted inspection since becoming part of Anglia Ruskin University (ARU).

    The inspection team noted that students at Writtle College are developing business-relevant skills through hands-on learning, expert teaching, tailored support and a curriculum shaped by industry needs, with courses in areas such as animal management, horticulture, equine studies, and floristry.

    These programmes are enriched by employer feedback and include practical skills like customer service, pricing strategies, and the use of industry-standard tools.

    Inspectors particularly commended the college’s support for students with high needs and those who have previously faced challenges in education. They found that learners feel safe, respected, and well-supported, with clear pathways into further study or employment.

    The college’s partnerships with local and regional employers were described as a key strength. These collaborations provide students with meaningful work placements, real-world projects, and exposure to current industry practices.

    The college also plays a vital role in regional skills development initiatives, including the Chelmsford Partnership for Skills and the upcoming Essex Rural Skills Summit. Writtle College offers Level 2 and 3 courses, including T-Levels and apprenticeships, for 16-18-year-olds as well as adult learners.

    New courses starting in September 2025 include; Level 1 provision with Animal and Equine pathways, Level 2 Horticulture, Level 2 Veterinary Care Assistant and a Level 2 Apprenticeship in Land-Based Service Engineering.

    The college received a “Good” rating across all categories, affirming its role as a leading provider of land-based and vocational education in the region.

    “We are proud of this outcome, which reflects the college’s commitment to excellence and community impact in the land-based education sector as well as the dedication of our staff, the enthusiasm of our students, and the strength of our partnerships.

    “This is a significant milestone in our journey as part of Anglia Ruskin University, and we remain focused on continuous improvement.”

    Philip Grant, Principal of Writtle College

    For more information about Writtle College and its programmes, visit aru.ac.uk/study/college-courses/about-writtle-college

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Get onboard for Clean Air Day

    Source: Scotland – City of Perth

    Funding for the free bus travel initiative was agreed as part of the Council’s 2025/26 budget, with an additional day to raise awareness about the danger of air pollution to communities. 

    Air pollution is linked to 43,000 deaths per year in the UK and is recognised by the World Health Organisation and the UK Government as the largest environmental threat to our health. 
      
    Continuing the success of the 2024 free bus travel offer, where 38,042 people took advantage of the offer, saving almost £108,000 in fares to those who travelled by bus, the initiative is designed to encourage people to get onboard their local bus services and travel sustainably. 

    On 19 June, people can take advantage of the free bus travel offer for journeys made fully in Perth and Kinross provided by local bus operators Stagecoach East Scotland, Docherty’s Midland Coaches, Elizabeth Yule, Sweeney’s Garage and Glenfarg Community Transport Group.   
     
    Passengers who have a free U22, 60+ or disabled concessionary bus pass should use their bus pass as normal to travel.  
      
    Councillor Grant Laing, Perth and Kinross Council Leader said: “Building on the success of last year’s free bus travel initiative, I’m thrilled that this year, we are not only offering free bus on the first Saturday of every month, but an additional day has also been added to raise awareness of air pollution.

    “On Clean Air Day, I would particularly encourage people who normally travel to work on a weekday to leave the car at home, save on parking and fuel and travel for free on your local bus. This could be the first step to loving your local bus.”
     
    Councillor Richard Watters, Convener of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee added: “I’m pleased to see the council taking meaningful action to tackle air pollution – not just on Clean Air Day but throughout the year.

    “Initiatives like the free bus travel offer are encouraging people to get onboard their local bus service, helping to reduce carbon emissions. It’s encouraging to see that over 38,000 people took advantage of the offer last year, highlighting growing support for sustainable travel. We are also fortunate that most of Stagecoach local bus services in Perth City are operated by electric buses.

    “We’re also making real progress in reducing emissions from our own operations. As part of the fleet decarbonisation strategy, 18 refuse collection vehicles have already switched to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a cleaner alternative to diesel. Refuse collection vehicles based in Blairgowrie, Crieff, Kinross, and Pitlochry will also transition to HVO. 

    “Tayside Contracts has introduced “TayLow”, a warm mix asphalt to be used in roads construction across Perth and Kinross. It uses less energy and can cut emissions by 5% and 15%, supporting more sustainable construction.” 

    Councillor Liz Barrett, Vice-Convenor of the Council’s Climate Change and Sustainability Committee continued “The new Kingsway, creating a 12km network of walking and cycling paths, connecting the neighbouring communities with Perth city centre is another step forward in offering people healthier, greener alternatives to car travel. 

    “Complementing this, our Nature Restoration Fund supports community-led projects that restore habitats, tackle biodiversity loss and strengthen nature networks that help filter air, absorb carbon and improve overall air quality.

    “By working closely with our partners and communities, we’ll continue to take action to reduce the harmful health effects of air pollution, especially for those most at risk including children, older people, people with health conditions and people who stay in the most polluted areas.” 
     

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Analysis: Indoor farming helps community members bring healthy food to northern Manitoba

    Source: The Conversation – Canada – By Ruchira Nandasiri, Instructor, Agrology, University of Manitoba

    Northern communities in Manitoba contend with health issues related to the difficulty of accessing health food. (Shutterstock)

    Healthy food is hard to come by in northern Manitoba. Food shipped from the south is prohibitively expensive and is often stale, and the climate and soil in the region don’t support much traditional outdoor farming.

    This issue disproportionately impacts northern Indigenous communities, many of which have moved away from traditional food practices, creating a supply problem with far-reaching health consequences.

    The 10-year First Nations Food, Nutrition and Environment Study, funded by Health Canada and published in 2018, found that one in four First Nations people in Manitoba is affected by diabetes. Those living in Manitoba’s vast but sparsely populated portion of the Boreal Shield Ecozone experience poorer health outcomes compared to their southern neighbours.

    Community rates of diabetes in northern Manitoba are much higher than the Canadian average.
    (Unsplash/isens usa), CC BY

    A lack of employment opportunities, combined with limited food accessibility and high prices, contributes to food insecurity and poor nutrition. With few affordable, healthy food options — especially fresh produce — communities in the region are grappling with rising rates of diabetes, cardiovascular disease and hypertension.

    To address these inequities effectively, solutions must respect Indigenous autonomy and self-determination, which have been critical to the success of an especially innovative, community-led initiative.

    Addressing health challenges

    The Opaskwayak Cree Nation (OCN), located south of Flin Flon near the Saskatchewan border, has taken bold steps to address diabetes and other health challenges facing its residents.

    According to the OCN Health Authority, more than 40 per cent of adults in the community live with hypertension and diabetes. The implications of this epidemic are profound: not only are health-care costs soaring, but resources that could be allocated to other critical areas, such as infrastructure and education, are being diverted to manage the growing health crisis. In response, OCN has made improved access to nutritious foods a priority.

    In 2016, the community launched a smart vertical farm (SVF), a cutting-edge indoor facility designed to grow fresh fruits, vegetables and herbs year-round. The SVF employs computer-controlled smart technology that optimizes growing conditions by adjusting factors such as light, humidity and CO2 levels, and nutrient delivery. This advanced system ensures that the farm produces high-quality produce, despite the harsh northern climate.

    Overcoming the climate

    The benefits of the SVF go beyond access to fresh vegetables. The system uses energy-efficient LED lights and a closed-loop water and nutrient system, making it both environmentally friendly and economically sustainable.

    By growing food locally, the OCN reduces its reliance on expensive and hard-to-access groceries. This also enhances food security and fosters community empowerment and self-sufficiency.

    Healthy foods

    Among the fresh produce grown, vegetables from the Brassica family — such as broccoli, kale and cabbage — are especially valued for their healthy properties. These vegetables can aid in the management of diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and hypertension.

    Microgreens like broccoli sprouts are of special interest for their bioactive compounds, including phenolics and glucosinolates. These compounds have been linked to improved health outcomes, including improved blood sugar levels and reduced inflammation.

    Vegetables like broccoli, kale and cabbage are packed with nutrients.
    (Shutterstock)

    Optimizing harvests

    The health benefits can be further enhanced by optimizing growing conditions such as light intensity, nutrient levels and water supply.

    The OCN Health Authority, in collaboration with a research team at the University of Manitoba, has been investigating the most effective methods for cultivating these high-value crops in the SVF and exploring post-harvest processing techniques to maximize their bioactive potential.

    Research has shown that air frying vegetables, for example, helps retain nutritional value while enhancing bioactive compounds. The high heat and minimal oil that characterizes air frying preserves nutrients, making it an ideal preparation technique.

    The potential for these optimized vegetables to help manage Type 2 diabetes is significant.

    Community care

    By increasing access to nutrient-dense, bioactive-rich foods, the OCN aims not only to improve community health but also to reduce the burden on the health-care system. As the community continues to explore innovative solutions, its goal is to build a sustainable, locally controlled food system that addresses both immediate health concerns and long-term economic resilience.

    The success of the OCN’s vertical farm demonstrates the powerful interactions of Indigenous knowledge, technological innovation and community-led action in tackling complex health and food security challenges. By empowering local communities to take charge of their own food systems, the OCN is setting an example for other Indigenous and remote communities, striving for self-sufficiency and health equity.

    Ultimately, the collaborative journey toward health equity in northern Manitoba is just beginning. But the lessons learned from the OCN’s innovative approach to food production and diabetes prevention offer valuable lessons and a blueprint for other communities across Canada.

    With continued support and investment in Indigenous-led initiatives, a future where healthy, affordable and culturally appropriate food is accessible to all is within reach.

    Miyoung Suh receives funding from the Canadian Agricultural Partnership (CAP)

    Ruchira Nandasiri 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. Indoor farming helps community members bring healthy food to northern Manitoba – https://theconversation.com/indoor-farming-helps-community-members-bring-healthy-food-to-northern-manitoba-256295

    MIL OSI Analysis –

  • MIL-OSI China: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    • Date：2025-05-29
    • Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 29, 2025  
    No. 187  

    Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 29 in honor of a delegation led by Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. During the luncheon, Minister Lin welcomed Minister Tshawuka on behalf of the government as the two sides shared views on agricultural exchanges and cooperation. Minister Lin also thanked Eswatini for its long-term steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the international community.

     

    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Eswatini was Taiwan’s staunch ally in Africa and thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-term support of bilateral diplomatic relations. He said that agriculture was one of the kingdom’s major industries and stressed that there had long been close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in this area. Taiwan, he continued, was willing to share its developmental experience and know-how with Eswatini and would continue to implement more joint projects through the Taiwan Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). Under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan would utilize its technological prowess to help Eswatini promote a smart agriculture transition and increase food security which, he said, would bolster Eswatini’s economic development and improve the welfare of the people. 

     

    In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka thanked Taiwan for having provided assistance for Eswatini’s agriculture, especially the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative, a joint endeavor by the World Vegetable Center and the Taiwan government. This project had helped Eswatini to preserve the seeds of vegetables native to Africa and to advance the promotion of and education on the kingdom’s traditional vegetable crops, thereby increasing local food supply and benefiting the people. Minister Tshawuka also stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini relationship was strong and that the Eswatini government would continue to support Taiwan at international events and work with Taiwan to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.

     

    Also in attendance at the luncheon were Eswatini Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Promise Msibi, Ambassador-at-Large Richard Soong, Ministry of Agriculture Director-General of International Affairs Hsiou Dong-chong, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Huang Yu-lin, World Vegetable Center Director General Marco Wopereis, and Mt. Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation CEO Liao Tsu-chen. The guests exchanged views with Minister Tshawuka on a wide variety of issues relating to Taiwan-Eswatini collaboration on smart agriculture as well as Eswatini’s agricultural development.

     

    Taiwan and Eswatini have had diplomatic relations for 57 years and enjoy close ties in the area of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the welfare of both nations’ people, thus bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. (E)

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: USDA to Conduct Annual Mushroom Survey

    Source: US National Agricultural Statistics Service

    WASHINGTON, June 11, 2025 – The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) National Agricultural Statistics Service (NASS) will be conducting the annual Mushroom Inquiry to document the past growing year. Mushroom growers will be contacted about growing areas, production, and value of sales for the 2024-2025 season as well as growing intentions for the coming year.

    “The mushroom industry plays a vital role in U.S. agriculture, and accurate data is essential to understanding its economic contribution,” said NASS Administrator Joseph L. Parsons. “We strongly encourage all growers to participate and ensure their voices are represented in the report.”

    Growers should receive a questionnaire by early July. Survey respondents are encouraged to use the Respondent Portal at agcounts.usda.gov. The information provided by survey respondents will be used for statistical purposes only. In accordance with federal law, responses will be kept confidential and will not be disclosed in identifiable form.

    The data will be published in the annual Mushrooms report to be released on Aug. 21, 2025. These and all NASS reports are available online at nass.usda.gov.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Source: Republic of China Taiwan

    Foreign Minister Lin hosts welcome luncheon for Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Tshawuka

    Date：2025-05-29
    Data Source：Department of West Asian and African Affairs

    May 29, 2025  No. 187  Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung hosted a luncheon on May 29 in honor of a delegation led by Eswatini Minister of Agriculture Mandla Tshawuka. During the luncheon, Minister Lin welcomed Minister Tshawuka on behalf of the government as the two sides shared views on agricultural exchanges and cooperation. Minister Lin also thanked Eswatini for its long-term steadfast support of Taiwan’s participation in the international community.
     
    In his remarks, Minister Lin pointed out that Eswatini was Taiwan’s staunch ally in Africa and thanked H.M. King Mswati III and the Eswatini government for their long-term support of bilateral diplomatic relations. He said that agriculture was one of the kingdom’s major industries and stressed that there had long been close collaboration between Taiwan and Eswatini in this area. Taiwan, he continued, was willing to share its developmental experience and know-how with Eswatini and would continue to implement more joint projects through the Taiwan Technical Mission of the International Cooperation and Development Fund (TaiwanICDF). Under the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project, Taiwan would utilize its technological prowess to help Eswatini promote a smart agriculture transition and increase food security which, he said, would bolster Eswatini’s economic development and improve the welfare of the people. 
     
    In his remarks, Minister Tshawuka thanked Taiwan for having provided assistance for Eswatini’s agriculture, especially the Taiwan-Africa Vegetable Initiative, a joint endeavor by the World Vegetable Center and the Taiwan government. This project had helped Eswatini to preserve the seeds of vegetables native to Africa and to advance the promotion of and education on the kingdom’s traditional vegetable crops, thereby increasing local food supply and benefiting the people. Minister Tshawuka also stated that the Taiwan-Eswatini relationship was strong and that the Eswatini government would continue to support Taiwan at international events and work with Taiwan to promote mutually beneficial cooperation.
     
    Also in attendance at the luncheon were Eswatini Ambassador to the Republic of China (Taiwan) Promise Msibi, Ambassador-at-Large Richard Soong, Ministry of Agriculture Director-General of International Affairs Hsiou Dong-chong, TaiwanICDF Secretary General Huang Yu-lin, World Vegetable Center Director General Marco Wopereis, and Mt. Dadu Industrial Innovation Foundation CEO Liao Tsu-chen. The guests exchanged views with Minister Tshawuka on a wide variety of issues relating to Taiwan-Eswatini collaboration on smart agriculture as well as Eswatini’s agricultural development.
     
    Taiwan and Eswatini have had diplomatic relations for 57 years and enjoy close ties in the area of agriculture. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs will continue to work with the government of Eswatini to promote the Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Project and develop a mutually beneficial relationship that contributes to the welfare of both nations’ people, thus bringing bilateral cooperation to a new level. (E)

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Special offers announced in celebration of HKSAR’s 28th anniversary

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Special offers announced in celebration of HKSAR’s 28th anniversary 
         For public transport, members of the public can enjoy free rides on all passenger tram routes from July 1 to 3. The MTR will give away 71 000 e-single journey tickets through a lucky draw on July 1 and provide Airport Express offers to holders of Child Octopus and JoyYou Cards. Moreover, free rides on several ferry routes will be offered to the public on July 1, with vouchers for certain ferry routes to be distributed in advance.
     
         In culture, arts and leisure, the public will be offered free admission to a number of fee-charging leisure and cultural facilities of the Leisure and Cultural Services Department and to the Hong Kong Wetland Park under the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department on July 1. They can also enjoy free admission to all General Admission exhibitions at M+ and all thematic exhibitions at the Hong Kong Palace Museum in the West Kowloon Cultural District on that day. Furthermore, additional free guided tours, dining, consumption and accommodation offers will be provided from mid-June to early July by the 12 projects under the Revitalising Historic Buildings Through Partnership Scheme.
     
         As for dining and consumption, several public markets under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will roll out different offers. Members of the public can also enjoy a 29 per cent discount when purchasing selected products of the Fish Marketing Organization and the Vegetable Marketing Organization via the “Local Fresh” online store or mobile app from July 1 to 7. The Environmental Protection Department will offer double GREEN$ Points to the public who recycle at its community recycling network GREEN@COMMUNITY on July 1.
     
         Meanwhile, more than 1 000 restaurants and merchants are expected to provide dining offers on July 1. The Peak Tram, Ngong Ping 360 and Ocean Park Hong Kong will offer ticket discounts, while Hong Kong International Airport, Hong Kong Science Park, various shopping malls and department stores will roll out shopping, dining, consumption or parking offers. In addition, the Hong Kong Tourism Board will team up with local businesses to offer various dining, shopping, attractions, tours and entertainment deals.
     
         The Government thanks various sectors for actively responding to its call by launching special offers and activities to celebrate with the public the HKSAR’s 28th anniversary. Information about the offers and activities is available on the dedicated website (www.hksar28.gov.hkIssued at HKT 13:18

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    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Unexpected path to study at EIT helps T&G employee

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    1 minute ago

    An offer to support a friend’s studies unexpectedly set T&G’s Malandi Fourie on her own path of horticulture education through EIT.

    The South African-born assistant manager at T&G Global in Hawke’s Bay has completed levels 3 and 4 of the New Zealand Certificate in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) and is now working towards the NZ Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 5).

    Although she had experience working with plants through her family’s nursery in South Africa, Malandi never imagined she would formally study horticulture, until a friend, feeling nervous about classroom learning, needed support.

    Malandi Fourie is studying the NZ Diploma in Horticulture Production (Fruit Production) at EIT while working full-time at T&G.

    “I started the level 3 qualification two years ago just to help a friend who didn’t feel comfortable being in class alone. I ended up loving it and decided to carry on for myself.”

    She has now been in the industry for eight years and has worked her way up through various roles at T&G over the last six-and-a-half years from orchard hand to senior leading hand, then block lead, and now assistant manager.

    “It’s a very humble feeling, working outside in orchards. Being a Christian, I believe we were told to work the soil. But more than that, I’m here for the people, because I believe people grow the trees.”

    That people-first mindset has shaped her leadership style. Malandi says supporting others, especially women in the industry, is one of the most fulfilling parts of her job. From mental health struggles to financial hardship, she’s seen how practical skills, and a sense of purpose can help people reclaim confidence and direction.

    “They learn new skills, gain confidence, and feel proud of what they’re doing. It’s like they can breathe again.”

    As a mother of two children aged 17 and 20, Malandi admits balancing work, study and family life has been challenging. But completing her qualifications means a great deal.

    “I never finished my studies in South Africa, so this feels like closing a loop. It’s also about inspiring others. If I can do it, they can too.”

    She describes her experience at EIT as supportive and hands-on. “The tutors are passionate. They treat you like adults. It’s not just sitting in a classroom, they get you up, get you outside, and keep it practical.”

    Lisa Turnbull, Assistant Head of School Primary Industries, said Malandi’s journey is a wonderful example of personal and professional growth.

    “Her dedication to learning, leadership in the workplace, and commitment to supporting others embody values we strive to nurture at EIT.

    The team is proud to have been part of her journey thus far and looks forward to seeing her continue to make a meaningful impact in the industry.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Road closed following crash, Roxburgh

    Source: New Zealand Police

    Police are attending a crash on State Highway 8, Fruitlands – Roxburgh Road, near Roxburgh.

    The crash involved a vehicle and a pedestrian and was reported just after 7.20pm.

    The pedestrian has been seriously injured.

    The road is currently closed, there are diversions in place from Roxburgh to Roxburgh Dam.

    Motorists are advised to avoid the area and expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –