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Category: KB

  • MIL-OSI Russia: American Bar Association Sues Trump Administration

    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

    WASHINGTON, June 16 (Xinhua) — The American Bar Association (ABA) on Monday filed a lawsuit in federal court in Washington, D.C., seeking to block what it called a “campaign of intimidation” waged by the Donald Trump administration against major law firms.

    “Never before has the ABA felt such a pressing need to protect its members, their profession, and the rule of law,” the association’s lawsuit says.

    The ABA is the largest voluntary association of lawyers in the United States, with approximately 400,000 members.

    The lawsuit marks an escalation of tensions between the ABA and the Trump administration, which has cut federal funding to the association and sought to curtail its longtime role in evaluating federal judicial candidates.

    Four law firms filed separate lawsuits challenging the administration’s orders that revoked their security clearances and ended federal contracts. Three of them won their cases, and one lawsuit is pending. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Israel says Iranian military chief killed in Tehran strike

    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

    JERUSALEM, June 17 (Xinhua) — The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said Tuesday that Ali Shadmani, Iran’s chief of military staff and one of the Islamic Republic’s highest-ranking military officers, was killed in an overnight airstrike on a command center in Tehran.

    The strike was carried out by Israeli aircraft after receiving “precise intelligence” and a “sudden opportunity,” the IDF said in a statement.

    A. Shadmani, a senior military commander and closest to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei, commanded the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and the Iranian army.

    He was appointed commander of Iran’s armed forces at the start of the ongoing five-day war after his predecessor, Alaa Ali Rashid, was killed in an Israeli strike that started the current fighting.

    The killing of A. Shadmani “continued a series of assassinations of Iran’s top military command and disrupted the chain of command,” the IDF said. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The 3rd China International Supply Chain Promotion Expo will establish a new zone dedicated to supply chain innovation

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BEIJING, June 17 (Xinhua) — The 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) to be held in July will set up a special exhibition area dedicated to supply chain innovation, the event organizer said Tuesday.

    The new exhibition platform aims to promote the commercialization of technologies developed in laboratories and the smooth integration of innovation and industrial chains, according to the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT).

    According to CCPIT, this year more than 230 domestic and foreign companies will take part in the exhibition for the first time, including the American technology giant NVIDIA.

    Preparations for the upcoming exhibition are currently underway. At present, 650 companies from 75 countries, regions and international organizations have confirmed their participation. More than 65 percent of exhibitors are Global Fortune 500 companies or leading enterprises in the industry, while overseas exhibitors account for 35 percent of the total number of participants.

    The third CISCE will be held in Beijing from July 16 to 20, and Thailand will be invited as the guest of honor.

    It is the world’s first national-level supply chain exhibition that has become an international public product. According to CCPIT, the exhibition, first held in 2023, has contributed to building safer, more stable, more open and more inclusive global industrial and supply chains. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: 17 June 2025 WHO response to challenging cholera outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Source: World Health Organisation

    On 5 May 2025, the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared a cholera outbreak, following laboratory confirmation of cases in multiple provinces of the country.

    A team of WHO experts visits the Cholera Treatment Unit in Buhimba, located in the Goma Health Zone. The visit reflects WHO’s ongoing commitment to strengthening the cholera response in conflict-affected regions of North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    From 1 January to 8 June 2025, the Democratic Republic of the Congo reported 29 392 suspected cholera cases and 620 deaths. The mortality rate of 2% was an indication of gaps in reaching cholera patients with early and adequate treatment. The provinces of Tanganyika, Haut-Katanga, Sud-Kivu, Maniema, and Tshopo are among the most affected. Severe flooding in eastern provinces and high population mobility along the Congo River are accelerating the spread of the disease, while ongoing humanitarian crises and other outbreaks, such as mpox and measles, are straining national health capacities.

    In response to the cholera outbreak, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with support from WHO and other partners, activated the Incident Management System to lead and coordinate the national response. The primary objective of the response is to interrupt transmission and reduce cholera deaths. Rapid response teams have been deployed to affected areas to support local health authorities with case detection and investigation, clinical management, water and sanitation activities, and laboratory diagnosis.

    The WHO team delivers treatment kits to the Buhimba Cholera Treatment Unit in Goma Health Zone, supporting the ongoing response to the cholera outbreak. Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    To support the national outbreak response, WHO is mobilizing resources for the most affected. This includes the deployment of emergency inter-agency kits to treat over 10 000 people, supplemented by eight cholera kits for the treatment of an additional 800 patients in North Kivu province. WHO also deployed cholera supplies in Kinshasa, Haut Katanga, Tanganyika, South Kivu, Kongo central, Tshopo and Maniema Provinces. These efforts are further strengthened by targeted interventions, including the provision of emergency beds to health facilities in Kinshasa (Pakadjuma) and Kongo Central, as well as the provision of free medical care in Muanda.

    Ms Joyce Kabugho, manager of the Buhimba Cholera Treatment Unit, joins the WHO team during a visit to the CTU in Goma Health Zone to assess ongoing response efforts.  Goma, Democratic Republic of the Congo Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    In North Kivu, WHO has delivered treatment kits to Buhimba Cholera Treatment Unit (CTU) in the Goma Health Zone and Mugunga CTU in the Karisimbi Health Zone. Field teams, including risk communication and community engagement specialists, have conducted assessments to evaluate and strengthen the capacity of cholera facilities to provide timely and effective patient care.

    A mother tends to her child receiving care for cholera at the Mugunga Cholera Treatment Unit in Karisimbi Health Zone. WHO extends its gratitude to UNCERF for the vital support in the fight against cholera in North Kivu. Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    “Despite the observed decrease in cases in some areas, the cholera situation in North Kivu remains deeply concerning here. Response efforts are severely hindered by ongoing insecurity, which restricts access to the most vulnerable populations”, said Ms Joyce Kabugho, manager of the Buhimba CTU in North Kivu.

    Elvis Mulamba from WHO’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement team raises awareness among female vendors in the Shasha area, in Kirotshe health zone, promoting hygiene and handwashing practices as part of the cholera outbreak response. Credit: WHO

    Ntakakubwine Eugénie, 52, mother of 10, is more than a Community Outreach Worker. For 10 years, she has been a trusted figure, a reference point, and a guardian of public health in the Mabanga area, in the Goma Health Zone. She works at the Community Oral Rehydration Point at the Alleluia Buhimba Health Center. Every day, her home becomes a relief centre.

    WHO is also strengthening the capacity of the Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Welfare by deploying 7275 community health workers (CHWs) across 13 provinces, including Kinshasa, for an initial period of three months. These CHWs play a critical role in community engagement by raising awareness about cholera prevention, distributing oral rehydration salts (ORS), and facilitating timely access to treatment for affected individuals.

    A young girl prepares to collect water from Lake Kivu – an essential daily task that carries hidden danger. In North Kivu, where conflict continues to displace communities, unsafe water sources like this remain a major driver of cholera transmission. WHO warns that without access to clean water, the most vulnerable continue to face life-threatening risks. Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    Across North Kivu and other affected zones, deteriorating WASH conditions – exacerbated by recent armed clashes and population displacement – are increasing the risk of cholera spread.

    WHO’s Risk Communication and Community Engagement team raises awareness in the Shasha area, in Kirotshe health zone, promoting hygiene and handwashing practices as part of the cholera outbreak response. Credit: WHO/ Elvis Mulamba

    The country is also set to begin a reactive oral cholera vaccination campaign targeting 11 health zones across four provinces: Haut-Katanga, Tanganyika, Maniema, and Tshopo. Nearly 3 million vaccine doses have been received from the International Coordinating Group (ICG) on Vaccine Provision, with the campaign launch date to be announced soon.

    Dr Léopold Ouédraogo, WHO’s Multi-Crisis Response Incident Manager in North Kivu, leads a team visit to the second Cholera Treatment Unit in Mugunga, located in the Karisimbi Health Zone of Goma. The visit underscores WHO’s commitment to strengthening cholera response in conflict-affected areas. Mugunga, Karisimbi Health Zone, Goma, DRC. Credit: WHO/Daniel Paluku

    “WHO continues to work closely with the Ministry of Health and partners to contain the outbreak, strengthen surveillance, and ensure access to life-saving care. However, sustained international support is essential to prevent further loss of life and build long-term resilience”, says Dr Boureima Hama Sambo, WHO Representative for the Democratic Republic of the Congo.  

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: TORRAS Announces the Launch of Q3 Air Series: A Refined Evolution in Stand-Based Phone Case Design

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    LOS ANGELES, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — TORRAS, a longstanding innovator in the stand-style phone case category, today officially introduced its latest model—the Q3 Air Series. As the third-generation iteration in TORRAS’s flagship lineup, the Q3 Air Series reflects a continued commitment to thoughtful design, user-focused functionality, and aesthetic versatility.

    Designed for Evolving Lifestyles

    Engineered for iPhone 15 Pro / Pro Max and the forthcoming iPhone 16 Pro / Pro Max, the Q3 Air Series targets users who seek a balance between protection, practicality, and refined style. The design caters especially to individuals between the ages of 33 and 55, whose routines often span professional, personal, and outdoor settings.

    Drawing from contemporary fashion influences, the Q3 Air combines technical performance with visual sophistication. The case is intended to function seamlessly across diverse environments—from workspaces and city commutes to travel and leisure—without compromising on elegance or durability.

    Structural Enhancements and Materials

    The Q3 Air Series introduces an updated air-cushioned architecture, strategically integrated at the top and bottom edges for improved shock absorption. Side panels feature a lattice-textured finish to enhance grip and handling.

    On the back, TORRAS retains its recognizable Guardian-style panel, now upgraded with a proprietary Tora-Smooth® coating and fingerprint-resistant surface treatment. The materials are selected for durability while offering a refined tactile experience.

    At the center of the case is an enhanced version of TORRAS’s 360-degree rotating stand. This mechanism remains flush with the case when not in use and allows users to rotate and lock the stand at multiple angles—providing flexibility in both portrait and landscape orientations.

    Motion-Inspired Features

    This generation of the Q3 series integrates a new internal airbag-inspired system, a design choice influenced by trends in activewear and ergonomics. The objective: to mirror the comfort and adaptability of performance gear within a compact everyday accessory.

    Anti-friction grip points are positioned at natural contact zones along the case’s surface, reducing the likelihood of accidental drops. A ring-shaped air cushion also encircles the camera lens for added impact resistance and abrasion protection.

    Color Variants: Subtle Expression Through Design

    The Q3 Air Series debuts with three distinctive color options:

    Lava Red – A vivid, assertive hue designed to convey energy and focus.

    Glacier Sprint – A cool, calming tone inspired by alpine landscapes and outdoor tranquility.

    Shadow Black – A muted, minimalist classic intended to complement both professional and rugged environments.

    Continuing a Legacy of Functional Design

    With the Q3 Air Series, TORRAS continues its approach to case design as more than just protection—it is an integrated lifestyle accessory. The product reflects the brand’s design ethos: offering adaptable, long-lasting solutions grounded in real-world user needs.

    The Q3 Air Series is available through TORRAS’s official channels and authorized retail partners beginning this month.

    Contact:

    Ray Cheung TORRAS – Global Ray@torras-global.com

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/d9a84b6a-8d7d-4bb9-bcf2-e4788d0500c3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts lunch for ASEAN Prize Judging Committee

    Source: ASEAN

    In his capacity as Chair of the ASEAN Prize Judging Committee, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, hosted a working lunch with the former Secretaries-General of ASEAN. Dr. Kao underscored the significant roles and steadfast dedication that the former ASEAN Secretaries-General hold in continuing to support regional development through their leadership legacies, institutional knowledge, and ongoing contributions to ASEAN community building. Alongside honouring their contributions in various regional engagements, Dr. Kao highlighted their pivotal roles in guiding the selection of ASEAN’s regional premier award, which continues to catalyse advancing regional integration that promotes excellence, fosters cooperation, and sustains a shared identity across ASEAN Member States.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts lunch for ASEAN Prize Judging Committee appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: As Israeli attacks draw tit-for-tat missile responses from Iran and shuts Haifa refinery, Gaza genocide continues

    Israeli media report that Iranian missile strikes on Haifa oil refinery yesterday killed 3 people and closed down the installation.

    The Israeli death toll has risen to 24, with 400 injured and more than 2700 people displaced.

    Israeli authorities report 370 missiles fired by Iran in total, 30 reaching their targets. Iranian military report they have carried out 550 drone operations.

    224 killed in Iran
    Two hundred and twenty four people have been killed by Israeli attacks on Iran, with 1277 hospitalised.

    The state radio and television building was targeted by Israeli strikes twice — while broadcasting live — with the broadcast back online within 5 minutes despite the attack.

    In response, Iran has issued a warning to evacuate the central offices of Israeli television channels 12 and 14.

    An Israeli attack on a Red Crescent ambulance in Tehran resulted in the deaths of two relief workers.

    Israel’s Finance Minister Belazel Smotrich, who is accused of being a war criminal and the target of sanctions by five countries including New Zealand, claims they have hit 800 targets in Iran, with aircraft flying freely in the nation’s airspace.

    In the West Bank, the tension continues, with business continuing at a subdued level, everyone waiting to see how the situation will unfold.

    Israel’s illegal siege continues, cutting off cities and villages from one another, while blocking ambulances and urgent medical access in several locations today.

    Israeli and Iranian strikes are expected to continue, and potentially escalate, over the coming days.

    Israel’s genocide in Gaza continues.

    Cole Martin is an independent New Zealand photojournalist based in the Middle East and a contributor to Asia Pacific Report.

    Iranian missiles raining down on Tel Aviv as seen from the occupied West Bank. Image: CM screenshot APR

    Article by AsiaPacificReport.nz

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • Israel Intercepts 30 Iranian Drones as Arab Nations Call for De-escalation

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Israel’s military intercepted and eliminated 30 drones from Iran overnight, the Israel Defense Forces said Tuesday, describing it as the least impactful night by the Iranian attacks since the beginning of this operation. The IDF also reported Iran fired several ballistic missiles toward Israel, though the exact number was not specified.

    Around 20 missiles fired from Iran on Tuesday triggered sirens across Israel, including northern and southern areas, central Israel, Jerusalem, and the West Bank. Reports indicated a direct hit in central Israel, with property damage confirmed by Israeli police, though authorities have not officially confirmed the strike.

    The foreign ministers of 20 Arab and Muslim countries, including Egypt, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, UAE, Turkey, and Pakistan, denounced Israel’s attacks on Iran and called for de-escalation in a joint statement. The ministers expressed grave concern over the dangerous escalation in the region and urged all parties to settle disputes peacefully while respecting state sovereignty and territorial integrity. They also emphasized the importance of creating a Middle East free of nuclear weapons and urged countries to join the Non-Proliferation Treaty.

    US President Donald Trump called for the immediate evacuation of all of Tehran, issuing the warning shortly after Israeli forces told residents in northeastern Tehran to leave ahead of planned strikes. The Pentagon announced deployment of additional military capabilities to West Asia to enhance defensive posture amid the escalating conflict.

    Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz later clarified that Israel has no intention of deliberately harming Tehran’s residents. “There is no intention to physically harm the residents of Tehran as the murderous dictator does to the residents of Israel,” Katz said.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claimed Monday that the strikes have set Iran’s nuclear program back “years” and said he is in daily contact with Trump, who left the G7 summit in Canada early amid reports he was heading to Washington to work on a ceasefire deal.

  • Coal Ministry achieves milestone with allocation of 200th coal block

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Ministry of Coal on Tuesday announced a historic milestone with the allocation of its 200th coal mine under the commercial mining initiative, highlighting the government’s push to transform and liberalize India’s coal sector.

    “The issuance of the allocation order for the Marwatola–II coal block to Singhal Business Private Limited reaffirms the Ministry’s commitment to advancing sectoral reforms, fostering private participation, and bolstering national self-reliance in coal production. With this achievement, the Ministry continues to pave the way for a more resilient, transparent, and future-ready coal ecosystem,” the Coal Ministry said in a statement.

    The Ministry added that it stands steadfast in its commitment to nurturing an environment conducive to investment, reducing procedural impediments, and enabling the expeditious operationalisation of coal blocks across the country.

    “This milestone, reflects the Ministry’s visionary approach – one that seeks not only to enhance domestic coal production but also to rebalance the national energy matrix by reducing dependence on imports and strengthening long-term energy security. The cumulative effect of such initiatives bolsters both economic growth and strategic autonomy,” the Ministry said.

    This achievement also shows the success of recent reforms, including the introduction of commercial coal mining, the single-window clearance system, and the use of digital governance tools. Together, these initiatives have redefined the coal sector’s landscape, creating new opportunities for private enterprises and driving India’s shift toward a more sustainable and secure energy future.

  • Israel says it killed Iran’s wartime chief, Khamenei’s close aide

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) on Tuesday announced that it had eliminated Ali Shadmani, Iran’s wartime chief of staff and close aide of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, in an overnight strike.

    “Following accurate intelligence received by the Intelligence Branch and a sudden opportunity during the night, Air Force fighter jets attacked a manned headquarters in the heart of Tehran and killed Ali Shadmani, the Chief of Staff of the War, the most senior military commander and the man closest to Iranian leader Ali Khamenei,” the IDF said in a post on X.

    This is the second time in recent weeks that Israel has targeted and killed a high-ranking military commander of the regime, with an aim to disrupt Iran’s military leadership.

    According to the Israeli military, Shadmani served as Chief of War Staff and Commander of the Armed Forces Emergency Command and commanded the Revolutionary Guards and the Iranian army.

    “Prior to the assassination of his predecessor, Shadmani served as deputy commander of the Hatem Al-Aniba Emergency Command and head of the Operations Department of the Armed Forces General Staff. Shadmani’s assassination joins a series of assassinations of the highest military command in Iran and constitutes another blow to the chain of command of the Iranian armed forces,” the IDF added.

    The IDF further asserted that the “Khatem al-Anbiya” emergency command, under the assassinated Iranian officer’s command, was responsible for managing combat and approving Iranian fire plans.

    In his various roles, the military said that Shadmani “directly influenced” Iranian fire plans to harm Israel.

    Shadmani earlier replaced Gen. Gholam Ali Rashid, who was killed on Friday when Israel launched ‘Operation Rising Lion’ against Iran, a targeted military operation to roll back the Iranian threat of nuclear weapons to Israel’s very survival.

    “In view of Lt. Gen. Gholamali Rashid’s martyrdom at the hands of the vile Zionist regime, and in light of Major General Ali Shadmani’s meritorious services & valuable experience, I confer the rank of Major Gen. & appoint him Commander of the Khatam al-Anbiya Central HQ,” Iranian Supreme leader Khamenei had posted on X.

    Earlier in the day, Israel also announced the destruction of several surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime as the hostilities between both nations escalated.

    “Dozens of infrastructure for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles and surface-to-air missile launchers of the Iranian regime were destroyed. Last night, Air Force fighter jets completed several waves of attacks against dozens of Iranian regime military targets in western Iran. As part of the waves of attacks, the Air Force attacked dozens of infrastructures for storing and launching surface-to-surface missiles, UAV storage sites, and surface-to-air missile launchers in western Iran,” said the Israel Defence Force (IDF) in a post on X.

    The Israel-Iran conflict entered its fifth day, and hostilities between the two nations continued to escalate as several missiles from Iran were fired at Israel, triggering air raid sirens in Haifa and dozens of other cities and communities across northern Israel and the occupied Golan Heights, confirmed by the Israeli military.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: British aerospace manufacturers to benefit from UK-US trade deal

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    British aerospace manufacturers to benefit from UK-US trade deal

    British aerospace manufacturers to benefit from UK-US trade deal as further details announced

    • UK aerospace sector to see tariffs removed completely as further progress is made on the UK-US trade deal
    • Benefits of deal to be felt by UK auto sector also, who will be able to export to the US by the end of the month under the newly lowered 10% tariff quota 
    • It will save hundreds of millions annually for plane and car makers with lowered tariffs and protect tens of thousands of jobs across both sectors , delivering on our Plan for Change

    For the first time, the US has committed to reducing tariffs on UK aerospace goods such as engines and similar aircraft parts from the general 10% tariff being applied to all other countries, which is expected to come into force by the end of the month.

    This deal is a huge win for the UK’s world-class aerospace sector currently facing additional 10% tariffs, helping make companies such as Rolls Royce more competitive and allowing them to continue to be at the cutting edge of innovation. 

    British car manufacturers can also breathe a sigh of relief as they will be able to export to the US at a 10% tariff rate as part of the recently agreed landmark UK-US trade deal by the end of the month.  

    The UK is the only country to have secured this agreement with the US which reduces car export tariffs from 27.5%, saves car manufacturers hundreds of millions a year, and protects tens of thousands of jobs, delivering on our Plan for Change.

    Business and Trade Secretary, Jonathan Reynolds said: 

    We agreed this deal with the US to ensure jobs and livelihoods in some of our most vital sectors were protected, and since then we have been focused on delivering those benefits to businesses. 

    Bringing trade deals into force can take several months, yet we are delivering on the first set of agreements in a matter of weeks. And we won’t stop there. 

    As part of our Plan for Change, this government is doing all it can to reduce the pressures on businesses by lowering costs, speeding up delivery times and helping them to navigate in a time of global uncertainty.  

    Chief Executive of the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT), Mike Hawes said:

    This is great news for the UK automotive industry, helping the sector avoid the severest level of tariffs and enabling many manufacturers to resume deliveries imminently.

    We wait to see the full details of the deal and how it will be administered but this will be a huge reassurance to those that work in the sector and bolster the confidence of our important US customers.

    The fact the UK has secured a deal, ahead of many competitors, and which makes automotive a priority, should be recognised as a significant achievement.

    Thanks to the UK-US deal, the UK is the only country to be exempt from the global tariff of 50% on steel and aluminium. As the Prime Minister and President Trump have again confirmed, we will continue to go further and make progress towards 0% tariffs on core steel products as agreed.  

    We have agreed reciprocal access to 13,000 metric tonnes beef for both US and British farmers – meaning the UK can export to the US too. We have been clear that any US imports will need to meet UK food safety standards, and that has not changed since we agreed this deal.

    Both countries remain focused on securing significantly preferential outcomes for the UK pharmaceutical sector and work will continue to protect industry from any further tariffs imposed as part of Section 232 investigations. 

    This deal is one of many international agreements this government has secured recently to boost our economy, including a trade deal with India which will add £4.8 billion to the UK economy and £2.2 billion in wages every year and a renewed EU deal which will add nearly £9 billion to the UK economy by 2040 on SPS and emissions measures alone. 

    Today’s announcement is the result of work happening at pace between both governments to lower the burden on UK businesses, especially the sectors most impacted by the tariffs. We will update Parliament on the implementation of quotas on US beef and ethanol, part of our commitment to the US under this deal.

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Be summer-job ready with the HMRC app

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Be summer-job ready with the HMRC app

    Download the HMRC app for summer job success

    • Young people applying for a job this summer can download the HMRC app for instant access to the tax and salary details they need
    • More than 1.2 million young people aged 25 and under have downloaded the HMRC app to date
    • The HMRC app can be used to access an individual’s National Insurance number, employer history, tax code and pay details

    Young people finishing school, college or university and hoping to earn extra cash after their exams can download the HMRC app to get the details they need to be summer-job ready, says HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC).

    Jobseekers who use the HMRC app have their employment history to hand to get their job application in promptly. Once they start working, the HMRC app means they will have their tax code and National Insurance (NI) number to give to their employer to ensure they are paid correctly and pay the correct amount of tax, putting more money in the pockets of working people

    Between May and August last year, on average 40,000 additional young people were employed each month compared to September to December. Whether young people are looking for work in the hospitality industry, leisure, retail or fruit picking, downloading the HMRC app makes applying for a job simple, giving them instant access to the tax and salary details they need with minimal fuss.

    Young people make up a fifth of all HMRC app users with more than 1.2 million people aged 25 and under downloading it by April 2025.

    Myrtle Lloyd, HMRC’s Chief Customer Officer, said:

    Earning extra cash is important when young people have down time from studying. Downloading the HMRC app is a simple way to ensure they can apply for their job quickly and get on with earning extra cash.

    One of the most important pieces of information jobseekers need when starting a new job is their NI number. More than 146,000 people called the National Insurance helpline in the 12 months to the beginning of April reporting they had lost or forgotten their NI number.

    It’s quicker and easier for individuals to access their NI number via the HMRC app. They can download it to keep it safely in their phone’s digital wallet to use whenever it’s needed. In the 12 months to April 2025, there were almost 90,000 NI number downloads by app users aged 25 and under.

    Young people should keep their National Insurance number safe in their digital wallets and only share it with people, such as an employer, to help prevent possible identity fraud.

    HMRC is also reminding young people starting a new job to check their payslips regularly to ensure they’re getting paid what they’re entitled to receive under National Minimum Wage requirements. If they have any concerns they are not getting the correct pay, they can contact HMRC or ACAS to make a complaint.

    Further Information

    More information about the HMRC app. 

    People can download the app at the App Store or Google Play. Online reviews for the HMRC app is currently [4.8] stars on the App Store, and [4.6] stars on Google Play. 

    Once a customer has signed into the app for the first time, they can use facial recognition, their fingerprint or a 6-digit pin to get fast and secure access. 

    Customers who don’t have a Government Gateway user ID and password and may need evidence to prove their identity for example photo ID such as a UK passport or UK driving licence. 

    We’re urging customers never to share their Government Gateway user ID and password. Someone using these details could steal from them or make a fraudulent claim in their name.

    The current National Minimum Wage hourly rates, which increased on 1 April 2025, are:

    • Age 21 or over (National Living Wage): £12.21
    • Age 18 to 20: £10.00
    • Age under 18: £7.55

    Further detail and previous rates can be found on GOV.UK

    Latest earnings and employment statistics May 2025

    Updates to this page

    Published 17 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: IMF Executive Board Concludes 2025 Article IV Consultation with Namibia

    Source: IMF – News in Russian

    June 17, 2025

    • Namibia’s economy faces challenges from heightened global trade policy tensions, increased weather shocks, a structural shift in the global diamond market, and high structural unemployment.
    • Ensuring macroeconomic stability requires maintaining fiscal prudence while creating space for growth-enhancing measures, managing the monetary policy to safeguard the peg, and enhancing the resilience of the financial sector.
    • To generate employment through inclusive private sector-led growth that is weather-shock-resilient, bold structural reforms are essential. Additionally, a comprehensive strategy is needed to leverage the potential opportunities presented by recent oil discoveries.

    Washington, DC: The Executive Board of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) completed the Article IV Consultation for Namibia.[1] The authorities have consented to the publication of the Staff Report prepared for this consultation.[2]

    Namibia’s economic growth decelerated from 5.4 percent in 2022 to 3.7 percent in 2024 as a decline in production in response to lower diamond prices outweighed momentum stemming from rising gold and uranium prices. Oil exploration plateaued in 2024 following a spike in 2023, while agriculture contracted sharply due to the drought of 2023–24, the most severe in a century. Inflation has fallen, reflecting a drop in food and fuel prices in international markets.

    Looking ahead, growth is projected to remain subdued in the near and medium term. The end of the drought is expected to boost growth in 2025; however, increased global trade policy uncertainty, particularly related to U.S. tariffs, and the weak diamond market will dampen momentum, with growth forecast at 3¾ percent for 2025 and 2026. Over the medium term, growth is projected to be about 3 percent, constrained by structural rigidities despite increased public capital expenditure. Average CPI inflation is projected to ease to 4.1 percent in 2025 and remain around 4.5 percent in the medium term.

    Risks to the outlook are tilted to the downside. Key external downside risks include commodity price fluctuations, further worsening of global trade tensions, a deepening of economic fragmentation, and tighter global financial conditions. Domestic downside risks include social discontent resulting from continued high unemployment and inequality and increased volatility associated with weather shocks. Upside risks include an easing of global trade policy tensions and faster development of oil, gas, and green hydrogen projects.

    Executive Board Assessment[3]

    Executive Directors agreed with the thrust of the staff appraisal. They took positive note of Namibia’s economic resilience, with slowing inflation and improved external position, despite the challenging external environment and welcomed the new government’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and build resilience to climate shocks. Noting the subdued growth outlook reflecting global trade policy uncertainty and domestic structural rigidities, high unemployment, and inequality, Directors emphasized the need for further efforts to harness Namibia’s economic potential and raise per capita income by promoting a private sector led, inclusive, weather resilient, and diversified economy.

    Directors welcomed the authorities’ commitment to maintaining fiscal discipline and creating space for growth enhancing measures. They called for sustained and larger fiscal consolidation over the medium term to entrench the favorable public debt dynamics and strengthen the external position. Directors stressed the need to accelerate fiscal reforms including enacting a comprehensive civil service reform to contain the wage bill, state owned enterprise reforms, strengthening public financial and investment management, and enhancing tax administration to solidify fiscal consolidation. At the same time, they recommended increasing public investment to enhance growth, expanding social protection, and building resilience to weather shocks. They encouraged the authorities to continue their efforts to establish, with Fund technical assistance, a strong governance framework for the sovereign wealth fund and a natural resource management framework to safeguard long term macroeconomic stability and support economic development.

    In the absence of capital outflows, Directors recommended gradually aligning the policy rate with that of the South African Reserve Bank (SARB) to safeguard the currency peg, taking advantage of SARB’s rate reductions. They stressed, however, that the Bank of Namibia should remain vigilant to economic conditions.

    Directors welcomed the continued progress in enhancing financial sector resilience, notably through the introduction of the bank resolution policy. They encouraged the authorities to continue to monitor risks including from the sovereign bank nexus and household debt. Directors recommended finalizing additional policy measures, including counter cyclical capital buffers and strengthened cooperation on crisis resolution. Continued efforts to strengthen the AML/CFT framework are crucial to expedite removal from the FATF grey list.

    Directors highlighted that bold structural reforms are essential to fostering sustainable, inclusive, and private sector led growth and improving external competitiveness. They recommended addressing key barriers, including by improving human capital and reducing skill mismatches, enhancing the business climate, strengthening governance, and fostering digitalization. Directors supported developing a set of policies aimed at harnessing prospective oil, gas, and green hydrogen for economic diversification and job creation.

    It is expected that the next Article IV Consultation with Namibia will be held on the standard 12-month cycle.

     

    Namibia: Selected Economic Indicators, 2022–30

    Population (2024, million):                                      3.0                           Per-capita GDP (2024, USD):                                                        4471.8

    Quota (current, millions of SDR, percent of total):  54.6                          Poverty (2015, percent of national poverty line):                         17.4

    Main exports:                                                          Diamonds, Fish, Gold, Uranium, Copper.

    Key export markets:                                                South Africa, Botswana, China, Zambia, and Belgium.

    2022

    2023

    2024

    2025

    2026

    2027

    2028

    2029

    2030

    Est.

    Proj.
                       

    Percent change, unless otherwise specified

    Output

    		                  

    Real GDP growth

    5.4

    4.4

    3.7

    3.8

    3.7

    2.9

    3.0

    3.0

    3.0

    Nominal GDP growth

    12.2

    11.3

    7.1

    8.8

    9.3

    7.4

    7.6

    7.6

    7.6

    Nominal GDP (billions of USD)

    205.6

    228.9

    245.1

    266.8

    291.7

    313.4

    337.1

    362.5

    389.9

    Nominal GDP per capita (USD)

    4,407

    4,236

    4,472

    4,673

    4,898

    5,037

    5,192

    5,346

    5,513

    GDP Deflator

    6.4

    6.6

    3.3

    4.9

    5.5

    4.4

    4.4

    4.4

    4.4

    Prices

    Consumer prices (average)

    6.1

    5.9

    4.2

    4.1

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    Consumer prices (end of period)

    6.9

    5.3

    3.4

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    4.5

    Percent of GDP, unless otherwise specified

    Central Government Budget 1/

    Revenue and grants 2/

    30.5

    35.1

    36.5

    33.2

    32.8

    33.1

    33.3

    33.3

    33.3

      of which: SACU receipts

    6.7

    10.5

    11.2

    7.7

    7.9

    8.2

    8.5

    8.5

    8.4

    Expenditure

    36.1

    37.6

    40.4

    38.8

    37.7

    36.8

    36.6

    36.5

    36.5

      Of which: personnel expenditure

    14.9

    13.9

    14.1

    13.5

    12.8

    12.3

    12.2

    12.2

    12.2

      Of which: capital expenditure and net lending

    3.1

    2.9

    3.9

    4.0

    3.9

    3.5

    3.5

    3.5

    3.5

    Primary balance

    -1.2

    2.7

    1.2

    -0.5

    0.2

    1.4

    1.7

    1.7

    1.7

    Overall fiscal balance

    -5.7

    -2.4

    -3.9

    -5.7

    -4.8

    -3.7

    -3.3

    -3.3

    -3.3

    Overall fiscal balance ex. SACU

    -12.4

    -12.8

    -15.1

    -13.4

    -12.8

    -12.0

    -11.8

    -11.7

    -11.7

    Public debt, gross

    67.5

    66.0

    66.2

    62.3

    62.2

    62.0

    61.1

    60.1

    59.3

    Investment and Savings

    Investment

    20.1

    27.3

    25.6

    22.1

    19.0

    17.8

    16.8

    16.8

    16.8

      Public

    2.6

    2.4

    2.4

    2.6

    2.5

    2.3

    2.3

    2.3

    2.3

      Others (incl. SOEs)

    14.1

    23.7

    21.3

    19.5

    16.5

    15.5

    14.5

    14.5

    14.5

      Change inventories

    3.4

    1.2

    2.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    0.0

    Savings

    7.3

    12.0

    10.3

    6.6

    5.4

    5.2

    4.6

    5.1

    5.5

      Public

    -3.2

    -0.2

    0.1

    -1.3

    -1.1

    -0.4

    0.1

    0.2

    0.2

      Others (incl. SOEs)

    10.6

    12.2

    10.2

    7.9

    6.5

    5.6

    4.5

    4.8

    5.3

    Percent change, unless otherwise specified

    Money and Credit

    Broad money

    0.0

    10.7

    9.7

    9.1

    8.6

    7.9

    8.4

    7.7

    7.6

    Credit to the private sector

    4.2

    2.8

    3.5

    4.9

    6.2

    4.1

    5.4

    5.5

    5.5

    BoN repo rate (percent) 3/

    6.75

    7.75

    7.00

    6.75

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …
     

                                                                                       Percent of GDP, unless otherwise specified

    Balance of Payments

    		                    

    Current account balance

    -12.6

    -15.3

    -15.3

    -15.5

    -13.7

    -12.6

    -12.1

    -11.7

    -11.3

    Financial account balance

    -13.3

    -15.9

    -17.2

    -9.3

    -15.4

    -13.6

    -12.3

    -11.8

    -11.8

    Gross official reserves

    22.3

    23.2

    25.1

    18.4

    20.1

    21.2

    21.5

    21.6

    22.2

    Reserves (in months of imports)

    3.9

    3.8

    4.4

    3.4

    3.8

    4.1

    4.2

    4.2

    4.5

    External debt

    71.7

    76.0

    74.6

    68.0

    67.5

    66.8

    65.5

    63.6

    61.8

    of which: public (incl. IMF) 4/

    17.5

    16.6

    14.7

    7.9

    7.3

    6.8

    6.4

    6.0

    5.5

    Exchange rate

    REER (percent, yoy)

    -3.6

    -6.3

    2.7

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Average exchange rate (Namibian dollar per USD)

    16.4

    18.5

    18.3

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    …

    Sources: Namibian authorities; and IMF staff calculations.

    1/ Figures are for the fiscal year as a percent of GDP. The fiscal year runs from April 1 to March 31.

    2/ Revenue excludes the line “transactions in assets and liabilities” classified as part of revenue in budget documents. It captures proceeds from asset sales, realized valuation gains from holdings of foreign currency deposits, and other items which are not classified as revenue according to the IMF’s Government Finance Statistics Manual 2010.

    3/ Figure for 2025 is as of April 16, 2025.

    4/ The ratio is calculated by dividing the stock as March 31 by nominal GDP for the fiscal year.
                                           

    [1] Under Article IV of the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, the IMF holds bilateral discussions with members, usually every year. A staff team visits the country, collects economic and financial information, and discusses with officials the country’s economic developments and policies. On return to headquarters, the staff prepares a report, which forms the basis for discussion by the Executive Board.

    [2] Under the IMF’s Articles of Agreement, publication of documents that pertain to member countries is voluntary and requires the member consent. The staff report will be shortly published on the www.imf.org/Namibia page.

    [3] At the conclusion of the discussion, the Managing Director, as Chair of the Board, summarizes the views of Executive Directors, and this summary is transmitted to the country’s authorities. An explanation of any qualifiers used in summings up can be found here: http://www.IMF.org/external/np/sec/misc/qualifiers.htm.

    IMF Communications Department
    MEDIA RELATIONS

    PRESS OFFICER: Kwabena Akuamoah-Boateng

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

    https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2025/06/13/pr-25198-namibia-imf-executive-board-concludes-2025-art-iv-consult

    MIL OSI

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi says China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation holds great potential

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi says China-Kyrgyzstan cooperation holds great potential

    Xinhua | June 17, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Tuesday said that cooperation between China and Kyrgyzstan holds great potential, urging the two countries to scale up trade and investment and expand cooperation in emerging sectors.

    Xi made the remarks in a meeting with Kyrgyz President Sadyr Japarov on the sidelines of the second China-Central Asia Summit in the Kazakh capital of Astana.

    Xi called on the two sides to advance high-quality construction of the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan railway and foster new drivers of growth in clean energy, green minerals and artificial intelligence.

    China is ready to join Kyrgyzstan to continue to firmly support each other on issues concerning their respective core interests and major concerns, he added. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CSSA caseload for May 2025

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    CSSA caseload for May 2025
    The total CSSA caseload at the end of May stood at 195 436 (see attached table), with a total of 261 668 recipients.

    Analysed by case nature, low-earnings cases registered a month-to-month decrease of 0.9 per cent to 1 331 cases. Single parent cases dropped by 0.3 per cent to 18 882 cases. Permanent disability cases declined by 0.1 per cent to 16 597 cases.
        
    Unemployment cases registered an increase of 0.4 per cent to 16 157 cases. Ill-health cases increased by 0.3 per cent to 27 775 cases. Old age cases remained steady at 110 773 cases.
    Issued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Government announces second batch of projects supported by RAISe+ Scheme

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Government announces second batch of projects supported by RAISe+ Scheme 
    The projects supported by the Scheme cover a wide range of innovation and technology (I&T) fields, including health and medical sciences, new materials and new energy, AI and robotics, electrical and electronic engineering, advanced manufacturing, Chinese medicine, and computer science/information technology (see Annex). These projects showcase Hong Kong’s robust research and development (R&D) capability and the diverse development of its I&T ecosystem.
     
    The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, welcomed the second batch of projects supported by the RAISe+ Scheme. He said, “The successful approval of the second batch of projects marks the Government’s continued commitment to promote commercialisation of local R&D outcomes through the RAISe+ Scheme. The Scheme fosters effective collaboration among the Government, industry, academia and research sectors, injecting new momentum into local innovation and technology development which in turn expedites the development of Hong Kong into an international I&T centre.”
     
    The ITC will continue to work closely with the universities and industry for the smooth implementation of the projects supported by the RAISe+ Scheme, with the aspiration of nurturing more I&T projects and start-ups with potential through the Scheme, thereby further driving Hong Kong’s high-quality development.
     
    With a funding allocation of $10 billion, the RAISe+ Scheme was launched in 2023 and aims to fund at least 100 research teams, which are from universities funded by the University Grants Committee and have good potential to become successful start-ups on a matching basis. Funding support from $10 million to $100 million will be provided to each approved project. Assessment criteria include the I&T component of the project, the commercial viability of project outcomes, the technical and management capability of the team, relevance of the project with government policies or in the project’s overall interest to the community, as well as the financial considerations of the project. The ITC announced the first batch of 24 projects supported by the RAISe+ Scheme in May 2024 with the total funding amounting to over $1 billion.
     
    Details of the scheme are available on its dedicated website (www.itf.gov.hk/en/raiseplusIssued at HKT 17:00

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alert issued on suspicious calls

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Security Bureau today reminded the public to stay vigilant against suspicious calls purportedly made by Security Bureau staff, alleging that the citizen was suspected of breaking the law and required to visit the bureau office in person for verification.

     

    The bureau solemnly clarified that this is untrue and condemned such deception tactics. The bureau has displayed an alert message on its official website to remind the public to stay vigilant against scams.

     

    In addition to reminding people not to disclose their personal information to any suspicious or unidentified individuals, the bureau stressed that in case of doubt, they should call the Anti Scam Helpline 18222 for enquiries.

     

    Those who have provided personal information to suspicious individuals or suspect they have been scammed should contact Police, the bureau added.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Protection of local workers enhanced

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    The Labour Department today announced the implementation, with immediate effect, of measures under the Enhanced Supplementary Labour Scheme (ESLS) to safeguard employment priority for local workers.

    After an employer submits an ESLS application, any other application submitted by the same employer within the following six months will generally not be processed except under exceptional circumstances, such as where the application is for renewal of an imported worker’s employment contract.

    In cases where ESLS applications pass initial screening, triggering the start of a four-week local recruitment process, the department will display the names of applicant companies on the Interactive Employment Service website to encourage local job seekers to apply for the jobs.

    The department will also launch a special campaign to inspect whether entities employing imported workers have continuously met the manning ratio requirement of full-time local employees to imported workers of two to one.

    In parallel, it will require employers to report information on numbers of full-time local employees and imported workers, as well as manning ratios. Any suspected violations will be investigated and, if substantiated, administrative sanctions will be imposed on the employers concerned.

    Meanwhile, the department has launched an online form on the supplementary labour scheme’s dedicated webpage to enable local employees to lodge complaints against employers over suspected violations of ESLS requirements. Members of the public may also lodge complaints by calling 2150 6363. 

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Murder investigation launched after fatal stabbing in Hackney

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman at an address in Dumont Road, Hackney.

    On Tuesday, 17 June at 04:57hrs officers were called to reports of a gas explosion with a person trapped inside an address.

    Officers attended alongside the London Ambulance Service and the London Fire Brigade.

    A woman aged 46 was found inside the property with stab wounds. Despite the efforts of paramedics, she was sadly declared dead at the scene.

    A 44-year-old man was arrested at the address on suspicion of murder. He was taken to hospital with slash wounds where he currently remains. His condition is not life-changing or life-threatening.

    Two children ages 9 and 7 have also been taken to hospital as a precaution but are not believed to have been inside the property at the time of the gas explosion.

    Local road closures are in place while enquiries continue. There are also additional officers on patrol in the local area.

    Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call police on 101 quoting CAD 926/17June or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing Pundi AI Points (Alpha): Unlock Early Access to the Future of the Pundi AI Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – Pundi AI, a platform that democratises AI development through a decentralised suite of tools, is excited to introduce Pundi AI Points (Alpha), a new activity-based rewards system designed to engage and reward our early adopters. This program tracks user contributions across the ecosystem and offers rewards in return.

    Pundi AI Points provide a way to measure your engagement. Whether you are holding tokens, buying, sharing content, activating codes, or inviting others to join, your participation now counts toward exclusive access and rewards.

    By taking part in this early phase, you can earn eligibility for future airdrops, trading fee discounts, and priority access to new launches. These include major products such as the AI MM Agent, AI Data Marketplace, AI Agent Launcher, and other partnership-driven innovations.

    Ways to Earn Points

    1. Log in using your X (Twitter), Telegram, or private wallet

    2. Complete tasks such as:

    • Holding $PUNDIAI in your private wallet
    • Buying $PUNDIAI on PancakeSwap
    • Posting, commenting, and sharing content through your X account
    • Activating codes found in our Telegram channels
    • Inviting friends to join and participate

    3. Claim your points daily to secure your rewards and ranking, each action is transparently tracked, and your accumulated points will influence your standing in upcoming token distributions and utility programs.

    Why This Matters

    Pundi AI Points (Alpha) marks a foundational step in building the future of the Pundi AI ecosystem. The early contributors who earn and engage now will shape the direction of products and receive direct rewards as the platform grows.

    Start Earning Today!

    Read the full FAQ: https://pundi.gitbook.io/pundi/pundi-ai-points-alpha 

    Join the campaign and start earning points: https://points.pundi.ai 

    By earning and claiming your Pundi AI Points, you are helping to define what comes next in Web3 and AI Data.

    About Pundi AI (https://pundi.ai)

    Pundi AI democratises artificial intelligence development through a decentralised suite of tools, offering services from an omnichain data layer to data tagging and annotation platforms. For more information, visit

    – END – 
    For media inquiries
    Kiki Zaccagnini, xinqi@lunapr.io
    Luna PR, Dubai

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Introducing Pundi AI Points (Alpha): Unlock Early Access to the Future of the Pundi AI Ecosystem

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Singapore, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — – Pundi AI, a platform that democratises AI development through a decentralised suite of tools, is excited to introduce Pundi AI Points (Alpha), a new activity-based rewards system designed to engage and reward our early adopters. This program tracks user contributions across the ecosystem and offers rewards in return.

    Pundi AI Points provide a way to measure your engagement. Whether you are holding tokens, buying, sharing content, activating codes, or inviting others to join, your participation now counts toward exclusive access and rewards.

    By taking part in this early phase, you can earn eligibility for future airdrops, trading fee discounts, and priority access to new launches. These include major products such as the AI MM Agent, AI Data Marketplace, AI Agent Launcher, and other partnership-driven innovations.

    Ways to Earn Points

    1. Log in using your X (Twitter), Telegram, or private wallet

    2. Complete tasks such as:

    • Holding $PUNDIAI in your private wallet
    • Buying $PUNDIAI on PancakeSwap
    • Posting, commenting, and sharing content through your X account
    • Activating codes found in our Telegram channels
    • Inviting friends to join and participate

    3. Claim your points daily to secure your rewards and ranking, each action is transparently tracked, and your accumulated points will influence your standing in upcoming token distributions and utility programs.

    Why This Matters

    Pundi AI Points (Alpha) marks a foundational step in building the future of the Pundi AI ecosystem. The early contributors who earn and engage now will shape the direction of products and receive direct rewards as the platform grows.

    Start Earning Today!

    Read the full FAQ: https://pundi.gitbook.io/pundi/pundi-ai-points-alpha 

    Join the campaign and start earning points: https://points.pundi.ai 

    By earning and claiming your Pundi AI Points, you are helping to define what comes next in Web3 and AI Data.

    About Pundi AI (https://pundi.ai)

    Pundi AI democratises artificial intelligence development through a decentralised suite of tools, offering services from an omnichain data layer to data tagging and annotation platforms. For more information, visit

    – END – 
    For media inquiries
    Kiki Zaccagnini, xinqi@lunapr.io
    Luna PR, Dubai

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EngageLab Empowers Tea Beverage Brand Global Expansion with Customer Engagement Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EngageLab, a leading omni-channel customer engagement platform provider, is proud to announce its successful partnership with a prominent Chinese tea beverage brand, supporting the company’s global expansion through EngageLab’s high-delivery rate AppPush notification capabilities. This Chinese new tea beverage brand has recently achieved a significant breakthrough in overseas markets by presenting Eastern tea culture through a modern lens. Built on a foundation of premium original leaf tea, the brand has strategically expanded across global markets through carefully tailored localization strategies. The company has successfully established thousands of stores across more than 100 countries and regions, positioning itself as a leading Chinese brand in the fresh-made tea beverage sector throughout Southeast Asia, North America, and other key markets worldwide.

    With rapid business growth and global expansion, the brand encountered challenges in its overseas notification services, such as unstable channel quality and unreliable message delivery. These issues impacted user experience and the efficiency of global operations.

    To address these challenges, the brand partnered with EngageLab, adopting its AppPush solution to comprehensively optimize overseas messaging services and achieve three major improvements:

    • Superior Delivery Capabilities Supporting Global Expansion
      As the brand expanded to over 100 countries, especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, complex network environments posed challenges to efficient communication. EngageLab AppPush integrated international mainstream system channels such as FCM and APNS, along with major smartphone manufacturer push channels including Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, and self-built enhanced channels. This improved message delivery rates by approximately 40%, providing robust technical support for global operations.
    • Intelligent Cross-Regional Push Notifications Enabling Localized Operations
      Operating across diverse countries and regions, the brand faced varying user needs and operational strategies. EngageLab AppPush’s dynamic AppKey switching function brought tremendous convenience. When users switch countries within the app, the SDK can apply corresponding country/regional SDK configurations through simple API calls. This enables the brand to flexibly develop and implement independent push strategies, user behavior tracking, and marketing campaigns for different markets, without the need to develop and maintain multiple app versions, significantly reducing development and maintenance costs and enhancing regional market responsiveness.
    • Global Multi-Data Center Layout Ensuring Compliant Operations
      In a global environment where data sovereignty and privacy protection are highly valued, compliant handling of user data is crucial for international enterprises. EngageLab has deployed distributed data centers in multiple strategic locations worldwide (including Singapore, Virginia USA, Frankfurt Germany, Hong Kong China, etc.), providing robust localized data compliance solutions. The brand can intelligently select the most appropriate data storage and processing nodes based on users’ regions, strictly adhering to local privacy regulatory requirements.

    About EngageLab
    EngageLab is a world-leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, unites technology and versatility to offer seamless customer interactions across every channel, including Email, AppPush, WebPush, OTP, SMS and WhatsApp Business. It empowers businesses to build lasting relationships and achieve higher conversions and retention. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, EngageLab supports businesses in over 220 countries and regions, delivering more than 1 million messages every second across various channels.

    For more information about EngageLab and its suite of solutions, visit www.engagelab.com.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Contact: marketing@engagelab.com
    Website: www.engagelab.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: EngageLab Empowers Tea Beverage Brand Global Expansion with Customer Engagement Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SINGAPORE, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — EngageLab, a leading omni-channel customer engagement platform provider, is proud to announce its successful partnership with a prominent Chinese tea beverage brand, supporting the company’s global expansion through EngageLab’s high-delivery rate AppPush notification capabilities. This Chinese new tea beverage brand has recently achieved a significant breakthrough in overseas markets by presenting Eastern tea culture through a modern lens. Built on a foundation of premium original leaf tea, the brand has strategically expanded across global markets through carefully tailored localization strategies. The company has successfully established thousands of stores across more than 100 countries and regions, positioning itself as a leading Chinese brand in the fresh-made tea beverage sector throughout Southeast Asia, North America, and other key markets worldwide.

    With rapid business growth and global expansion, the brand encountered challenges in its overseas notification services, such as unstable channel quality and unreliable message delivery. These issues impacted user experience and the efficiency of global operations.

    To address these challenges, the brand partnered with EngageLab, adopting its AppPush solution to comprehensively optimize overseas messaging services and achieve three major improvements:

    • Superior Delivery Capabilities Supporting Global Expansion
      As the brand expanded to over 100 countries, especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, complex network environments posed challenges to efficient communication. EngageLab AppPush integrated international mainstream system channels such as FCM and APNS, along with major smartphone manufacturer push channels including Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, and self-built enhanced channels. This improved message delivery rates by approximately 40%, providing robust technical support for global operations.
    • Intelligent Cross-Regional Push Notifications Enabling Localized Operations
      Operating across diverse countries and regions, the brand faced varying user needs and operational strategies. EngageLab AppPush’s dynamic AppKey switching function brought tremendous convenience. When users switch countries within the app, the SDK can apply corresponding country/regional SDK configurations through simple API calls. This enables the brand to flexibly develop and implement independent push strategies, user behavior tracking, and marketing campaigns for different markets, without the need to develop and maintain multiple app versions, significantly reducing development and maintenance costs and enhancing regional market responsiveness.
    • Global Multi-Data Center Layout Ensuring Compliant Operations
      In a global environment where data sovereignty and privacy protection are highly valued, compliant handling of user data is crucial for international enterprises. EngageLab has deployed distributed data centers in multiple strategic locations worldwide (including Singapore, Virginia USA, Frankfurt Germany, Hong Kong China, etc.), providing robust localized data compliance solutions. The brand can intelligently select the most appropriate data storage and processing nodes based on users’ regions, strictly adhering to local privacy regulatory requirements.

    About EngageLab
    EngageLab is a world-leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, unites technology and versatility to offer seamless customer interactions across every channel, including Email, AppPush, WebPush, OTP, SMS and WhatsApp Business. It empowers businesses to build lasting relationships and achieve higher conversions and retention. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, EngageLab supports businesses in over 220 countries and regions, delivering more than 1 million messages every second across various channels.

    For more information about EngageLab and its suite of solutions, visit www.engagelab.com.

    For Media Inquiries:
    Contact: marketing@engagelab.com
    Website: www.engagelab.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Aurora Mobile’s EngageLab Empowers Tea Beverage Brand Global Expansion with Customer Engagement Solution

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SHENZHEN, China, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Aurora Mobile Limited (NASDAQ: JG) (“Aurora Mobile” or the “Company”), a leading provider of customer engagement and marketing technology services in China, today announced that its subsidiary EngageLab, a leading omni-channel customer engagement platform provider, has partnered with a prominent Chinese tea beverage brand. The partnership will support the brand’s global expansion by leveraging EngageLab’s high-delivery rate AppPush notification capabilities. This Chinese new tea beverage brand has recently achieved a significant breakthrough in overseas markets by presenting Eastern tea culture through a modern lens. Built on a foundation of premium original leaf tea, the brand has strategically expanded across global markets through carefully tailored localization strategies. It has successfully established thousands of stores across more than 100 countries and regions, positioning itself as a leading Chinese brand in the fresh-made tea beverage sector throughout Southeast Asia, North America, and other key markets worldwide.

    With rapid business growth and global expansion, the brand encountered challenges in its overseas notification services, such as unstable channel quality and unreliable message delivery. These issues impacted user experience and the efficiency of global operations.

    To address these challenges, the brand partnered with EngageLab, adopting its AppPush solution to comprehensively optimize overseas messaging services and achieve three major improvements:

    • Superior Delivery Capabilities Supporting Global Expansion

    As the brand expanded to over 100 countries, especially in emerging markets like Southeast Asia, complex network environments posed challenges to efficient communication. EngageLab AppPush integrated international mainstream system channels such as FCM and APNS, along with major smartphone manufacturer push channels including Xiaomi, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, and self-built enhanced channels. This improved message delivery rates by approximately 40%, providing robust technical support for global operations.

    • Intelligent Cross-Regional Push Notifications Enabling Localized Operations

    Operating across diverse countries and regions, the brand faced varying user needs and operational strategies. EngageLab AppPush’s dynamic AppKey switching function brought tremendous convenience. When users switch countries within the app, the SDK can apply corresponding country/regional SDK configurations through simple API calls. This enables the brand to flexibly develop and implement independent push strategies, user behavior tracking, and marketing campaigns for different markets, without the need to develop and maintain multiple app versions, significantly reducing development and maintenance costs and enhancing regional market responsiveness.

    • Global Multi-Data Center Layout Ensuring Compliant Operations

    In a global environment where data sovereignty and privacy protection are highly valued, compliant handling of user data is crucial for international enterprises. EngageLab has deployed distributed data centers in multiple strategic locations worldwide (including Singapore, Virginia USA, Frankfurt Germany, Hong Kong China, etc.), providing robust localized data compliance solutions. The brand can intelligently select the most appropriate data storage and processing nodes based on users’ regions, strictly adhering to local privacy regulatory requirements.

    About EngageLab
    EngageLab is a world-leading AI-powered omnichannel customer engagement solution provider, unites technology and versatility to offer seamless customer interactions across every channel, including Email, AppPush, WebPush, OTP, SMS and WhatsApp Business. It empowers businesses to build lasting relationships and achieve higher conversions and retention. With a strong focus on innovation and performance, EngageLab supports businesses in over 220 countries and regions, delivering more than 1 million messages every second across various channels.
    For more information about EngageLab and its suite of solutions, visit www.engagelab.com.

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

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

    For more information, please contact:
    Aurora Mobile Limited
    E-mail: ir@jiguang.cn

    Christensen
    In China
    Ms. Xiaoyan Su
    Phone: +86-10-5900-1548
    E-mail: Xiaoyan.Su@christensencomms.com

    In US
    Ms. Linda Bergkamp
    Phone: +1-480-614-3004
    Email: linda.bergkamp@christensencomms.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Point Surpasses 15,000 Homeowners Funded, Tapping into More Than $1.5 Billion in Home Equity

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    Palo Alto, California, June 17, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Point, a leading home equity investment platform, proudly announces a significant milestone: funding its 15,000th homeowner. This achievement underscores Point’s commitment to providing innovative financial solutions, enabling homeowners across the U.S. to access over $1.5 billion in home equity.

    “Reaching 15,000 funded homeowners is more than just a number; it’s a testament to our mission of financial inclusivity,” said Eddie Lim, CEO and cofounder of Point. “We’ve seen firsthand how accessing home equity can transform lives, whether it’s eliminating or consolidating debt, funding education, or navigating financial hardships, without monthly payments. Our growth reflects homeowners’ trust in us to help them achieve their financial goals.”

    Since its inception, Point has revolutionized the way homeowners leverage their property’s value through its flagship product, the Home Equity Investment (HEI). Unlike traditional loans, the HEI offers homeowners a lump sum in exchange for a share in their home’s future appreciation, with no monthly payments and a 30-year term to settle the investment. This model has proven especially beneficial for those who might not qualify for conventional financing due to credit constraints or variable income streams.

    This milestone comes on the heels of Point’s most recent securitization, a $248 million rated transaction completed in partnership with funds managed by Blue Owl Capital. The deal was significantly oversubscribed, securing more than $2 billion in investor orders and marking Point’s fourth rated and largest securitization to date. The strong investor demand reflects the growing institutional appetite for Home Equity Investments and validates the performance and scalability of Point’s platform. These transactions not only provide capital to fund more homeowners but also demonstrate increasing confidence in HEIs as a maturing, mainstream asset class.

    About Point

    Point is the leading home equity platform making homeownership more valuable and accessible. Point’s flagship product, the Home Equity Investment (HEI), empowers homeowners to unlock their equity to eliminate debt, get through periods of financial hardship, and diversify their wealth – without adding to their monthly expenses. Point has worked with more than 15,000 homeowners, unlocking more than $1.5 billion in home equity. Point’s HEI enables investors to access a previously untapped asset class – owner-occupied residential real estate. Founded in 2015 by Eddie Lim, Eoin Matthews, and Alex Rampell, Point is backed by top investors, including Westcap, Andreessen Horowitz, Ribbit Capital, Greylock Partners, Bloomberg Beta, Blue Owl Capital, Alpaca VC, and Prudential. The company is headquartered in Palo Alto, CA. For more information, please visit www.point.com

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: 12 die in KZN accident

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Tuesday, June 17, 2025

    Twelve people have died, with 38 others sustaining injuries in a head-on collision between a bus and truck on the R34 Matatani road between Vryheid and Ulundi in KwaZulu-Natal at around midnight. 

    “KwaZulu Private Ambulance Service paramedics responded to the scene, where they provided immediate medical attention to the victims. Of the injured, 10 patients sustained critical injuries, 22 suffered serious injuries, and six sustained minor injuries,” Arrive Alive said on Monday.

    A multi-service emergency response team worked to stabilise all patients before transporting them to nearby medical facilities for further treatment.

    Nine occupants were declared dead at the scene, having sustained fatal injuries before emergency services arrived. Three critically injured patients later died in the hospital, despite intensive efforts by paramedics and medical staff.

    The cause of the collision is under investigation. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Foot-and-mouth disease detected in the North West

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The North West Department of Agriculture and Rural Development has confirmed an outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) in the Dr Kenneth Kaunda District, specifically within the JB Marks Local Municipality.

    In the first case, the department was alerted by a private veterinarian, who visited a farm and noted suspicious signs. 

    A State veterinarian then collected samples, which were sent to the Onderstepoort Veterinary Institute (OVI) for testing.

    Another incident of FMD was detected at an abattoir in Madibeng.

    “The clinical signs of the affected  animals were missed at ante-mortem inspection but were detected on the slaughter line during the meat inspection process. 

    “Tissue samples were sent to the laboratory, and the results came back confirming both SAT 2 and SAT 3 types of the virus. 

    “The unslaughtered animals were escorted back to the farm of origin, a feedlot in Ventersdorp, through a Red Cross permit,” the statement read. 

    The department has placed both farms associated with the outbreak under quarantine, which prohibits the movement of animals and animal products. 

    In addition, the department has identified all farms connected to the Gauteng outbreak and is conducting tests to determine whether any of them are positive for the infection.

    “All such farms have also been put under precautionary quarantine until the test results are back.” 

    The department stated that any suspected case of FMD in susceptible animals must be reported to the local state veterinarian immediately.

    FMD is a highly contagious viral infection that affects cloven-hoofed animals and can impact some other species as well. 

    The main clinical signs of the disease include fever, lameness, and the appearance of blisters and sores in the mouth, feet, and teats.

    In recent months, outbreaks have occurred in five of the nine provinces in South Africa, with KwaZulu-Natal experiencing the most significant impact.

    Early this month, Minister of Agriculture, John Steenhuisen, announced that the department has ordered 901 200 doses of vaccines at a value of over R70 million. 

    The national department said this means that over 900 000 animals will be vaccinated in all areas that the department has prioritised.

    The department stated that Limpopo and Mpumalanga will also conduct their routine vaccinations, which are conducted three times a year, with some of the vaccines going to Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal. 

    Meanwhile, last week, Cabinet announced plans to establish a biosecurity council that will bring together the South African Police Service, veterinarians, scientists, the Border Management Authority (BMA) and captains of industry to better respond to future outbreaks and manage the related risks. 

    READ | Government on top off foot-and-mouth disease response. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Equatorial Guinea’s Golden Swan Sets Regional Benchmark for Greener Oil and Gas Practices


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    The African Energy Chamber (AEC) (www.EnergyChamber.org) proudly supports the recent visit of Gabonese President Brice Oligui Nguema to Equatorial Guinea’s Golden Swan industrial complex, marking a defining moment for Africa’s oil and gas sector. As the continent intensifies efforts to industrialize responsibly, Golden Swan – and Equatorial Guinea, under the leadership of President Teodoro Obiang Nguema Mbasogo, whose commitment to sustainable development and environmental stewardship has been instrumental – is demonstrating that environmental protection and energy development can and must go hand in hand.

    During the visit, President Oligui Nguema and his delegation witnessed first-hand how Equatorial Guinea has achieved self-sufficiency in treating industrial and hazardous waste. Golden Swan’s advanced infrastructure includes industrial incinerators, a wastewater treatment plant, a medical waste processing unit and recycling systems for waste oil, plastics, batteries and metals. Presentations showcased the company’s household waste system, which reduces landfill use by up to 90% through sorting and recycling, and its production of critical industrial gases like medical oxygen and nitrogen.

    The Golden Swan model directly addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing Africa’s hydrocarbons sector: the management of hazardous and industrial waste generated by upstream and downstream operations. By achieving self-sufficiency in this area, Equatorial Guinea not only protects its ecosystems and communities, but also strengthens its position as a responsible, forward-looking energy producer. The AEC believes that facilities like Golden Swan can serve as blueprints for governments and companies aiming to build energy industries that are both profitable and sustainable.

    The visit also sets the stage for tangible collaboration between Gabon and Equatorial Guinea, beyond high-level dialogue. Opportunities now exist for technical cooperation, joint ventures and knowledge sharing that could see similar waste management infrastructure developed across the region. The Chamber encourages both governments to formalize this cooperation and take decisive steps to turn this vision into reality.

    “This is a defining example of how African oil and gas producers can lead on environmental issues rather than follow,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber. “Golden Swan shows what is possible when governments and industry come together with a clear purpose. It sets the bar higher, and it invites others on the continent to match or exceed that standard. This is good for our industry, good for our people, and good for Africa’s future.”

    Golden Swan’s success underscores a broader truth: Africa’s energy sector can drive industrialization while respecting the environment. As more nations follow this path, the continent will be better positioned to attract investment, create jobs and ensure long-term sustainability. The AEC welcomes this milestone and encourages all oil and gas stakeholders to build on Golden Swan’s example by innovating, collaborating and driving Africa’s growth while protecting its natural heritage.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing unveils new policies to boost cultural industry

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

    Beijing’s Chaoyang district on Monday announced 17 policies aimed at promoting high-quality development of the cultural industry.

    These measures will offer targeted support for cultural enterprises, gaming and e-sports industries, and film production. 

    Over the years, Beijing has made great progress in building itself into a national cultural center.

    Jointly established by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Beijing municipal government, the National Cultural Industry Innovation Experimental Zone in Beijing’s Chaoyang district has seen remarkable growth over the past decade. The number of companies in the zone has grown from 16,000 to over 50,000, including 1,517 large-scale cultural enterprises and 44 listed companies.  

    The zone has fostered key cultural enterprises, including Pop Mart, whose Labubu collectible figure has gained global popularity recently. It is also home to China’s largest e-sports complex and a center dedicated to AI-generated art.

    To further support growth, financial services have been developed specifically for cultural enterprises. So far, more than 33.97 billion yuan (US$4.73 billion) in credit financing has been provided to 3,072 companies in the zone.

    In addition, Chaoyang has transformed former industrial sites into cultural parks, developing 102 creative industry parks across the district.

    Looking ahead, the zone plans to upgrade its traditional sectors such as film and advertising, while accelerating the development of four major industry clusters, which are digital advertising, digital audiovisual content, gaming and e-sports, and digital performing arts.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing ports see 9 million border crossings

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

    Beijing ports had recorded more than 9 million border crossings as of Sunday, a 22.2% year-on-year increase and reaching the milestone 29 days earlier than last year. 

    Of these, 2.61 million crossings were made by foreign nationals, up 39.7% year on year and accounting for 28.9% of the total. 

    Inbound trips by foreign nationals totaled over 1.34 million, a 38.7% increase year on year. Over 700,000 entries were made under visa exemption policies, including the 240-hour visa-free transit policy – which applies to 55 countries currently. 

    With the summer travel season approaching, Beijing ports are expected to see a further surge in border crossings. 

    To ensure efficient service at border checkpoints, the Beijing General Station of Exit and Entry Frontier Inspection has strengthened its multilingual service teams to assist foreign visitors with on-site inquiries, guidance, and consultations. 

    The 12367 immigration hotline remains open at all hours, offering support in both Chinese and foreign languages. 

    Authorities have also issued updated travel guides to help passengers plan their trips. Real-time passenger flow forecasts are available through apps.

    In addition, measures such as increasing inspection lanes and setting up dedicated 240-hour visa-free transit lanes have been implemented to streamline clearance and reduce waiting time.

    MIL OSI China News –