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Category: Technology

  • MIL-OSI: XRP Struggles at $2.5 — But PFMCrypto’s New Cloud Mining Contracts Spark Fresh Momentum

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, England, July 04, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Over the past 30 days, XRP has traded within a narrow range of $2.05 to $2.40, with the $2.50 resistance level proving tough to crack. This period of consolidation coincides with the launch of PFMCrypto’s groundbreaking XRP cloud mining contracts—a move that has rapidly attracted strong interest from long-term holders and new market participants alike.
    Despite several bearish signals—including a drop in XRP Ledger network activity, falling futures open interest, and continued technical weakness—PFMCrypto’s product launch has injected fresh momentum into the XRP ecosystem.

    Visit the official PFMCrypto website: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    Breaking the Mold: Cloud Mining Designed for XRP
    Unlike traditional mining, which depends on proof-of-work (PoW), XRP operates on a consensus protocol—making standard mining techniques unworkable. PFMCrypto addresses this challenge with a simulated cloud mining model, enabling users to earn XRP rewards through structured mining contracts.
    PFMCrypto is a remote digital asset mining platform where users rent computing power from PFMCrypto’s high-performance, eco-friendly infrastructure. Supporting a diverse range of cryptocurrencies—including XRP, DOGE, BTC, LTC, and SOL—the platform removes technical and financial hurdles, making passive income more accessible than ever before.

    Key Features of PFMCrypto’s XRP Cloud Mining Contracts
    –  No Hardware Required: Get started with zero equipment or setup
    –  Daily Payouts: Receive predictable mining rewards every day
    –  Secure Custody: Assets protected by enterprise-level security protocols
    –  Flexible Contract Durations: Choose terms that align with your investment strategy

    Flexible Mining Plans for Every Investor
    PFMCrypto offers more than 10 contract options to suit a wide range of budgets and risk appetites. Highlights include:
    $10 Mining Contract – 1-Day Term – Earn $0.66 daily
    $100 Mining Contract – 2-Day Term – Earn $3.00 daily + $2 bonus
    $1,000 Mining Contract – 9-Day Term – Earn $13.10 daily
    $5,000 Mining Contract – 30-Day Term – Earn $78.50 daily
    These contracts provide long-term XRP holders with a practical way to remain active during periods of market consolidation or pullbacks—while still generating steady returns.

    Click here to explore the $100 XRP mining contract

    What Sets PFMCrypto’s XRP Mining Contracts Apart?
    –  100% Remote Access: No hardware, no tech skills—just log in and start
    –  Capital Protection: Full principal is returned at the end of each contract
    –  AI-Powered Profitability: Smart optimization helps maintain yield even in stagnant markets
    –  Daily Rewards: Stable XRP payouts support consistent cash flow and lower risk

    New users also receive a $10 signup bonus and daily login rewards, making it even easier to start earning right away.

    “PFMCrypto’s timely product release may serve as a catalyst for helping XRP overcome its current market stagnation. It has boosted investor sentiment and stimulated renewed demand in both spot and derivatives markets,” said a PFMCrypto spokesperson. “The product is designed to align with XRP’s architecture while providing real, transparent value to users.”

    How to Start Mining on PFMCrypto
    1.  Register – Sign up and get a $10 welcome bonus, plus $0.60 in daily login rewards
    2.  Select a Contract – Use your bonus to activate a plan, or choose one that suits your goals
    3.  Start Mining – PFMCrypto handles the process, and rewards are credited automatically

    About PFMCrypto
    Founded in 2018, PFMCrypto is committed to reshaping the crypto mining industry. Historically, mining required specialized knowledge, expensive hardware, and cheap electricity. PFMCrypto eliminates these barriers, enabling anyone to mine XRP, BTC, SOL, or DOGE—without the steep learning curve or large upfront costs.
    For everyday users, PFMCrypto offers a real pathway to increase their crypto holdings, earn passive income, and navigate volatile markets with greater confidence.
    Discover the future of XRP mining at: https://pfmcrypto.net 

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Final draft agenda – Wednesday, 9 July 2025 – Strasbourg

    Source: European Parliament

    88 Objection pursuant to Rule 114(3): amending Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1675 to add certain countries to the list of high-risk third countries, and to remove other countries from that list     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 83 Objection pursuant to Rule 115(2) and (3): Deforestation Regulation – list of countries presenting a low or high risk     – Amendments Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 25 Amending Regulation (EU) No 1026/2012 on certain measures for the purpose of the conservation of fish stocks in relation to countries allowing non-sustainable fishing
    Thomas Bajada (A10-0070/2025)      – Amendments; rejection Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 48 Draft amending budget no 1/2025: entering the surplus of the financial year 2024
    Victor Negrescu (A10-0116/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 52 Mobilisation of the European Union Solidarity Fund: assistance to Austria, Poland, Czechia, Slovakia and Moldova relating to floods that occurred in September 2024 and Bosnia and Herzegovina relating to floods that occurred in October 2024
    Andrzej Halicki (A10-0114/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 53 Mobilisation of the European Globalisation Adjustment Fund: Application EGF/2025/000 TA 2025 – Technical assistance at the initiative of the Commission
    Jean-Marc Germain (A10-0115/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 27 Product safety and regulatory compliance in e-commerce and non-EU imports
    Salvatore De Meo (A10-0133/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least; Alternative motions for resolutions Thursday, 3 July 2025, 13:00     – Joint alternative motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 19 2023 and 2024 reports on Albania
    Andreas Schieder (A10-0106/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 18 2023 and 2024 reports on Bosnia and Herzegovina
    Ondřej Kolář (A10-0108/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 46 2023 and 2024 reports on North Macedonia
    Thomas Waitz (A10-0118/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 17 2023 and 2024 reports on Georgia
    Rasa Juknevičienė (A10-0110/2025)      – Amendments Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 28 Implementation and delivery of the Sustainable Development Goals in view of the 2025 High-Level Political Forum
    Robert Biedroń, Nikolas Farantouris (A10-0125/2025)      – Amendments by the rapporteur, 71 MEPs at least, Alternative motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00 60 The human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians     – Motions for resolutions Wednesday, 2 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions Friday, 4 July 2025, 13:00 80 Case of Ryan Cornelius in Dubai     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 81 Arbitrary arrest and torture of Belgian-Portuguese researcher Joseph Figueira Martin in the Central African Republic     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 82 Urgent need to protect religious minorities in Syria following the recent terrorist attack on Mar Elias Church in Damascus     – Motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Monday, 7 July 2025, 20:00     – Amendments to motions for resolutions; joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 13:00     – Amendments to joint motions for resolutions (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 14:00 Separate votes – Split votes – Roll-call votes Texts put to the vote on Tuesday Friday, 4 July 2025, 12:00 Texts put to the vote on Wednesday Monday, 7 July 2025, 19:00 Texts put to the vote on Thursday Tuesday, 8 July 2025, 19:00 Motions for resolutions concerning debates on cases of breaches of human rights, democracy and the rule of law (Rule 150) Wednesday, 9 July 2025, 19:00

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong strengthens Web3 and fintech ties between Hong Kong and Japan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has successfully concluded an impactful visit to Japan, deepening business ties between the two places. The delegation’s primary objectives were to promote two-way business opportunities in Web3 and fintech, and to facilitate strategic technology investments that benefit bothplaces.

    From June 30 to July 4, Senior Vice President of Fintech at InvestHK Ms Pauline Fan led a delegation of 16 Hong Kong companies, organisations, universities and a family office to Japan. These included Hong Kong Baptist University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Web3 Harbour. Meetings and events were held in Osaka and Kyoto together with partners in Japan, including HashPort, Headline Asia, and IVC.

    In Osaka on June 30 and July 1, delegates engaged with key players in innovation and digital transformation. They met with members of the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Osaka Digital Exchange, the Japan External Trade Organization, SBI Corporation, Plug and Play Japan, the NTT West Corporate Innovation Center and more. These meetings facilitated meaningful exchanges and explorations of new business partnerships and investments. The momentum continued in Kyoto from July 2 to 4 at IVS 2025, the largest start-up conference in Japan, organised by Headline Asia and IVC. Industry leaders and emerging start-ups exchanged insights on fundraising, business partnerships, and breakthrough trends in Web3 and more.

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said “This delegation marks a significant milestone in solidifying the collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan in innovation and technology. With a strong influx of innovative ideas and investment flows between both sides, we are entering a pioneering era where groundbreaking technologies in Web3 and fintech are poised to redefine the future of digital economies.”

    This delegation visit came at a perfect time following the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on June 26. It reinforces the HKSAR Government’s commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in the digital asset (DA) field. The statement introduces the “LEAP” framework: Legal and regulatory streamlining, expanding the suite of tokenised products, advancing use cases and cross-sectoral collaboration, and people and partnership development. It sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative DA ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets.

    “Our dedicated team at InvestHK is ready to support players in the DA ecosystem, connecting prospective DA service providers with banks and professional services to facilitate their business setup and expansion in Hong Kong,” Mr Lau added.

    Two-way business success driving the agenda forward

    Japanese firm Zaiko was the first company to establish a presence in Hong Kong through a similar delegation to Japan in 2024, facilitated by InvestHK. As a key portfolio company of Headline Asia, Zaiko serves as a platform that connects creators directly with people through digital events, video streaming, and data analytics. This inward investment exemplifies the potential for Japanese technology expertise to seamlessly merge with the vibrant economic sectors of Hong Kong, such as creative and event industries.

    Waffo established a Hong Kong office in 2023 as its strategic hub for Asia and immediately joined the 2024 InvestHK Japan delegation. The company uncovered new opportunities and successfully entered the Japanese market by opening representative offices, collaborating with multiple Japanese clients and launching innovative cross-border payment and risk-management solutions. Leveraging Hong Kong as its launch pad, Waffo once again participated in this year’s delegation to further accelerate its growth in Japan.

    The Goldian Group is a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Hong Kong with a strong background in real estate development. In recent years, its family office has strategically pivoted towards the fast-evolving field of digital assets. With the support and facilitation from InvestHK, the Group has gained access to cutting-edge market intelligence, advanced fintech applications and high-potential business opportunities in Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem. Leveraging these advantages, the Goldian Group joined this year’s delegation and formally launched a real estate tokenisation initiative in Japan, marking a key step in cross-border digital asset innovation and regional collaboration.

    With these achievements, InvestHK’s latest delegation clearly illustrates the rising synergy between Hong Kong and Japan’s Web3 and fintech industries, a collaboration that promises a new chapter of ingenuity, growth, and mutual prosperity. As both markets continue to harness innovation and investment, the future looks brighter than ever for such two-way partnerships in the digital economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Invest Hong Kong strengthens Web3 and fintech ties between Hong Kong and Japan (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) has successfully concluded an impactful visit to Japan, deepening business ties between the two places. The delegation’s primary objectives were to promote two-way business opportunities in Web3 and fintech, and to facilitate strategic technology investments that benefit bothplaces.

    From June 30 to July 4, Senior Vice President of Fintech at InvestHK Ms Pauline Fan led a delegation of 16 Hong Kong companies, organisations, universities and a family office to Japan. These included Hong Kong Baptist University, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology and Web3 Harbour. Meetings and events were held in Osaka and Kyoto together with partners in Japan, including HashPort, Headline Asia, and IVC.

    In Osaka on June 30 and July 1, delegates engaged with key players in innovation and digital transformation. They met with members of the Osaka Prefectural Government, the Osaka Digital Exchange, the Japan External Trade Organization, SBI Corporation, Plug and Play Japan, the NTT West Corporate Innovation Center and more. These meetings facilitated meaningful exchanges and explorations of new business partnerships and investments. The momentum continued in Kyoto from July 2 to 4 at IVS 2025, the largest start-up conference in Japan, organised by Headline Asia and IVC. Industry leaders and emerging start-ups exchanged insights on fundraising, business partnerships, and breakthrough trends in Web3 and more.

    Associate Director-General of Investment Promotion at InvestHK Mr Arnold Lau said “This delegation marks a significant milestone in solidifying the collaboration between Hong Kong and Japan in innovation and technology. With a strong influx of innovative ideas and investment flows between both sides, we are entering a pioneering era where groundbreaking technologies in Web3 and fintech are poised to redefine the future of digital economies.”

    This delegation visit came at a perfect time following the Policy Statement 2.0 on the Development of Digital Assets in Hong Kong, issued by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government on June 26. It reinforces the HKSAR Government’s commitment to establishing Hong Kong as a global hub for innovation in the digital asset (DA) field. The statement introduces the “LEAP” framework: Legal and regulatory streamlining, expanding the suite of tokenised products, advancing use cases and cross-sectoral collaboration, and people and partnership development. It sets out a vision for a trusted and innovative DA ecosystem that prioritises risk management and investor protection, while delivering concrete benefits to the real economy and financial markets.

    “Our dedicated team at InvestHK is ready to support players in the DA ecosystem, connecting prospective DA service providers with banks and professional services to facilitate their business setup and expansion in Hong Kong,” Mr Lau added.

    Two-way business success driving the agenda forward

    Japanese firm Zaiko was the first company to establish a presence in Hong Kong through a similar delegation to Japan in 2024, facilitated by InvestHK. As a key portfolio company of Headline Asia, Zaiko serves as a platform that connects creators directly with people through digital events, video streaming, and data analytics. This inward investment exemplifies the potential for Japanese technology expertise to seamlessly merge with the vibrant economic sectors of Hong Kong, such as creative and event industries.

    Waffo established a Hong Kong office in 2023 as its strategic hub for Asia and immediately joined the 2024 InvestHK Japan delegation. The company uncovered new opportunities and successfully entered the Japanese market by opening representative offices, collaborating with multiple Japanese clients and launching innovative cross-border payment and risk-management solutions. Leveraging Hong Kong as its launch pad, Waffo once again participated in this year’s delegation to further accelerate its growth in Japan.

    The Goldian Group is a diversified conglomerate headquartered in Hong Kong with a strong background in real estate development. In recent years, its family office has strategically pivoted towards the fast-evolving field of digital assets. With the support and facilitation from InvestHK, the Group has gained access to cutting-edge market intelligence, advanced fintech applications and high-potential business opportunities in Hong Kong’s financial ecosystem. Leveraging these advantages, the Goldian Group joined this year’s delegation and formally launched a real estate tokenisation initiative in Japan, marking a key step in cross-border digital asset innovation and regional collaboration.

    With these achievements, InvestHK’s latest delegation clearly illustrates the rising synergy between Hong Kong and Japan’s Web3 and fintech industries, a collaboration that promises a new chapter of ingenuity, growth, and mutual prosperity. As both markets continue to harness innovation and investment, the future looks brighter than ever for such two-way partnerships in the digital economy.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Secretary for Housing continues Portugal visit to promote development opportunities in GBA (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The Secretary for Housing, Ms Winnie Ho, continued her visit to Lisbon, Portugal, yesterday (July 3, Lisbon time).

    Ms Ho attended a business luncheon co-organised by the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area Development Office under the Constitutional and Mainland Affairs Bureau and the Hong Kong Economic and Trade Office in Brussels to promote the vast opportunities for Portuguese companies arising from the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA), and how Hong Kong can play its important roles as a “super connector” and “super value-adder” between the two places with its unique advantages of having the strong support of the motherland while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world. Around 130 participants attended the luncheon, with representatives from over 80 Portuguese enterprises from the construction sector, information technology sector, commercial sector and professional organisations, as well as representatives from 17 relevant Hong Kong enterprises.

    During the luncheon, Ms Ho highlighted that the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government has been actively promoting the use of innovative construction technologies to enhance the speed, quantity, quality and efficiency in increasing the supply of affordable housing. Under the Housing•I&T initiative this year, the Housing Bureau (HB) will organise a series of activities to foster exchanges between Hong Kong and other countries and regions in areas such as smart construction, smart estate management, energy saving and green buildings. She encouraged Portuguese enterprises to seize these opportunities and strengthen collaborations with the Mainland and Hong Kong.

    Ms Ho expressed her gratitude in particular to the trade representatives from Hong Kong, including those participating in the construction of public housing, Light Public Housing (LPH) and transitional housing, for attending the luncheon in Lisbon and taking the opportunity to share in person with the participants Hong Kong’s opportunities and advantages in connecting the Mainland and the world. By complying with international standards, stipulating local regulations and harnessing the strengths of the GBA in smart construction, Hong Kong can further advance in its development of Modular Integrated Construction (MiC), the transfer of on-site construction processes to factories and the application of construction robotics. With the expeditious building of LPH and transitional housing, the living conditions and quality of life of people living in inadequate housing can be improved as soon as practicable. The significant housing production target of 308 000 public housing units over the next 10 years also enables the HB and the Hong Kong Housing Authority (HKHA) to promote the adoption of innovative technologies and advance public housing developments in a new era of smart construction.

    Earlier in the day, Ms Ho visited EntreCampos, a local redevelopment project jointly developed by the public and private sectors, comprising social housing for middle-class residents, offices, retail, community facilities and green spaces. The project adopted Building Information Modelling (BIM) during construction. She also visited the new headquarters of an insurance company in the project. The building employs smart technologies and innovative sustainable energy systems to enhance energy efficiency. Ms Ho stated that the HKHA has strived to promote greener and more energy-efficient designs, aiming to attain a “gold” rating or above under BEAM Plus for all new housing developments. The measures include adopting MiC in construction with modules manufactured accurately and effectively in factories, and other innovative technologies such as BIM to facilitate planning throughout the construction process and enhance management, which can save energy, reduce waste and make the construction process more environmentally friendly. To improve energy efficiency, the HKHA has also implemented various green initiatives such as smart lighting control systems, light emitting diode lighting and solar photovoltaic systems. In estate management, the application of the Internet of Things and AI for collecting and analysing data has also enhanced estate management quality and efficiency. She said she looked forward to continued exchanges between Hong Kong and Portugal on innovative construction technologies and green building designs.

    Ms Ho has arrived in Barcelona, Spain, last night and will begin her visit there today (July 4, Barcelona time).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Palestine protesters target NZ businesses ‘complicit’ with Israel’s Gaza genocide

    Asia Pacific Report

    Protesters against the Israeli genocide in Gaza and occupied West Bank targeted three business sites accused of being “complicit” in Aotearoa New Zealand today.

    The Palestine Solidarity Network Aotearoa’s “End Rocket Lab Genocide Complicity” themed protest picketed Rocket Lab’s New Zealand head office in Mt Wellington.

    Simultaneously, protesters also picketed a site in Warkworth where Rocket Lab equipment is built and Mahia peninsula where satellites are launched.

    In a statement on the PSNA website, it was revealed this week that the advocacy group’s lawyers have prepared a 103-page “indictment” against two business leaders, including the head of Rocket Lab, along with four politicians, including Prime Minister Christopher Luxon.

    They have been referred to the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague for investigation on an accusation of complicity with Israel’s genocide in Gaza.

    Rocket Lab chief executive Sir Peter Beck is one of the six people named in the legal brief.

    “Rocket Lab has recently launched geospatial intelligence satellites for BlackSky Technology,” said PSNA co-chair John Minto in a statement.

    High resolution images
    “These satellites provide high resolution images to Israel which are very likely used to assist with striking civilians in Gaza. Sir Peter has proceeded with these launches in full knowledge of these circumstances”

    A “Genocide Lab” protest against Rocket Lab in Mt Wellington today. Image: PSNA

    “When governments and business leaders can’t even condemn a genocide then civil society groups must act.”

    The other business leader named is Rakon Limited chief executive officer Dr Sinan Altug.

    “Despite vast weapons transfers from the United States to Israel since the beginning of its war on Gaza, Rakon has continued with its longstanding supply of crystal oscillators to US arms manufacturers for use in guided missiles which are then available to Israel for the bombing of Gaza, as well as Lebanon, Syria, Yemen and Iran with consequential massive loss of life,” Minto said.

    “Rakon’s claims that it has no responsibility over how these ‘dual-use’ technologies are used are not credible.”

    Rocket Lab and Rakon have in the past rejected claims over their responsibility.

    Speakers at Mount Wellington included the Green Party spokesperson for foreign affairs Teanau Tuiono; Dr Arama Rata, a researcher and lecturer from Victoria University; and Sam Vincent, the legal team leader for the ICC referral.

    Law academic Professor Jane Kelsey spoke at the Warkworth picket.

    Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, leading international scholars and the UN Special Committee to investigate Israel’s practices have all condemned Israel’s actions as genocide.

    Protesters against Rocket Lab’s alleged complicity with Israel’s genocide in Gaza today. Image: Del Abcede/APR

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Deaf people can now feel music as future of innovation unveiled at Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition

    Source: Samsung

     
    LONDON, UK – 4 July – Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. has announced the winners of its fifth annual Solve for Tomorrow competition, which aims to uncover the most promising tech inventions from young people by asking 16-25 year olds to come up with ideas that help solve societal challenges.
     
    The ideas showcased the passion young people have for future innovation and their drive to design a better world – exploring how technology can solve the issues they care about while tackling broader societal challenges. Nottingham based Eseose Okotako (23) of team Athena was announced as the winner in the 18-25 category with their impressive idea, a haptic collar that syncs with any audio to translate music into tailored vibrations, allowing deaf users to feel melody, rhythm and emotion.
     
    Meanwhile, in the 16-18 category, Manchester based trio Daniel Aju (18), Harris Asif (18) and Nahom Ghirmay (18) of team Sanoband were announced in first place following their idea of a device that aims to help individuals with alcohol addiction by detecting cravings early, preventing relapse and supporting long-term recovery.
     
    This year marked the first time the competition shortlisted 100 young people for workshops and mentoring stage, an increase from 24 to 49 teams in total, nearly doubling the number of participants. Samsung also supported every shortlisted young person with Samsung products.
     
    Entries this year ranged from an assistive glove that replaces the lost dexterity within people with immobile hands, to an AI-driven breast health app that syncs with wearables to guide self-exams, track changes, and generate clinician-ready reports. An app, designed by team HeartAware that uses an AI-powered tool on your phone to detect heart risks, also received critical acclaim from the judges.
     
    On top of this, team Zera, who designed a thermoelectric device to ease menopausal symptoms also won the People’s Choice Award – the best of the finalist submissions, which was voted on by over 2,000 people on Samsung’s social channels.
     
    The 100 were shortlisted by a panel of Samsung experts and tech-for-good founders who reviewed submissions from 508 eligible applicants across the country, 49 teams took part in a programme of design thinking, market research and a newly introduced physical and digital prototyping workshop. Throughout the process, they also received mentoring, support and guidance from Samsung colleagues to help bring their ideas to life.
     
    The programme follows statistics released that show nearly two-thirds (60%) of young people across the UK are considering a career in technology. Yet, 96% of respondents believe there are barriers to entering the industry and 65% feel their personal background impacts their ability to harness their creativity through tech.[1] The Solve for Tomorrow programme exists to prove that young people from all walks of life can come up with ideas that can make a difference in the world through the use of technology.
     
    The existing partnerships between Samsung UK and organisations such as InnovateHer and the Social Mobility Foundation are essential to this mission, helping to reach and support young people who aren’t currently in education, employment or training.
     
    The shortlisted ten teams were invited to Samsung’s head offices to showcase their ideas and formally pitch to a panel of Samsung experts and tech entrepreneurs. This was followed by the annual Solve for Tomorrow awards ceremony, where the winners were crowned.
     
    Speaking about this year’s Solve for Tomorrow competition, Soohyun Jessie Park, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility at Samsung Electronics UK, said: “Solve for Tomorrow continues to empower young people to reflect on what truly matters to them whilst simultaneously channelling these passions into tangible action. It’s phenomenal to witness what young people are capable of even within the space of four months on the programme. Their commitment and passion is an inspiration and we’re so excited to support Eseose and team Sanoband to bring their ideas closer to the communities they care about.”
     
    Eseose from team Athena, said: “It was an amazing experience being a part of this year’s Samsung Solve for Tomorrow competition. You don’t need qualifications or a team to enter – just a great idea! The experience has been incredibly valuable and helped with my confidence, and I strongly encourage anyone who is interested to give it a go. I’m glad I did!”
     
    More details on how to enter the next Solve for Tomorrow competition will be announced later this year.
     
    For more information on Solve for Tomorrow visit: https://www.samsung.com/uk/solvefortomorrow/
     
     
    [1] Consumer research was commissioned to 1,000 UK teenagers aged 13-19 between the 4th and 10th October 2024 by OnePoll. Onepoll are members of ESOMAR and comply with the ESOMAR guidelines for online research.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2025 and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum, and the meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission. The series of meetings hosted by Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 8-11 July 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” While in Malaysia, Dr. Kao will hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from ASEAN Member States and ASEAN’s external partners to exchange views on recent regional and global developments, and to explore new ideas for strengthening and broadening cooperation and partnerships in support of the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. Dr. Kao is also scheduled to hold an interface with AICHR Representatives on the margins of the 58th AMM and Related Meetings.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Become part of the virtual museum of GUU graduates

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –

    On July 4, on the day of the graduation of the students of the State University of Management, everyone can take a 3D photo for the SUM graduates museum.

    Special equipment is located on the 1st and 8th floors of the academic building.

    There are also themed photo zones on the main square and in the Information Technology Center, a red carpet awaits graduates near the dormitories, and refreshments can be obtained near the Sports Complex.

    The graduation program can be viewed here, as well as on a special TG channel.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Ngāi Tukairangi staff advance Kiwifruit careers through EIT study

    Source: Eastern Institute of Technology

    11 hours ago

    Three staff members from Ngāi Tukairangi Trust are enhancing their careers in the kiwifruit industry by combining hands-on experience with academic study at the Eastern Institute of Technology (EIT).

    Kevin Kooijman, Maria Edmonds and Janiva Singh (Ngāti Kahungunu) have each completed Level 3 of the Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme and are now working towards Level 4. Based at Ngāi Tukairangi’s Hawke’s Bay kiwifruit orchard, they say their study through

    Maria Edmonds (left), Janiva Singh and Kevin Kooijman are progressing through EIT’s Horticulture Apprenticeship Programme while working at Ngāi Tukairangi’s Hawke’s Bay orchard.

    EIT’s Hawke’s Bay campus has given them the knowledge and confidence to grow in the industry.

    Maria joined Ngāi Tukairangi five years ago after almost a decade in the hospitality industry.

    “Horticulture gave me the mum-friendly hours hospitality couldn’t, and I also noticed there weren’t many women in management roles, especially outside of HR. I wanted to change that,” she said.

    Now a Vine Manager overseeing 60 hectares of kiwifruit, Maria praised EIT for adapting its pipfruit-based content to suit their needs.

    “They’ve let us do things from a kiwifruit perspective and even set up kiwifruit bays using plants we provided.”

    With more than a decade of experience in orcharding, Vine Supervisor Kevin was initially hesitant to return to study. But Kevin is now an advocate for upskilling, having discovered how much there still is to learn.

    “I used to think you had to be on the orchard to really learn. But I was surprised by how much I picked up through the course, especially the soil science. Learning the technical terms has made it easier to explain things to my team.”

    He plans to enrol in Level 5 next year and says classroom-based learning has worked well for him.

    “I’d recommend it to anyone, even if you’ve been in the industry 15 years. You don’t know everything. There’s always more to learn.”

    At 24, Janiva is the newest to horticulture of the three. She works as an orchardist at Ngāi Tukairangi and began studying at EIT soon after joining the team.

    “I had no experience with kiwifruit or horticulture. But the study answered a lot of the questions I had out in the field. It made everything click,” she said.

    She said the combination of practical and theoretical learning helped accelerate her understanding and allowed her to step into more responsibility.

    “I want to learn the orchard from the ground up, understand every role, and then work my way into management. That’s the goal.”

    The move into horticulture has also deepened her sense of cultural connection.

    “As a wahine Māori, I believe we have a role to protect our whenua and act as kaitiaki. Working in this industry has helped me live that value.

    It’s been both challenging and rewarding,” she said.

    All three credit their study at EIT and the support of their employer for helping them build skills and grow in confidence.

    “Before I started studying, there didn’t seem to be a lot of room for growth,” Maria said. “Now I know exactly what I need to do, and I’ve been able to take on more and more.”

    Their stories highlight the value of accessible training and supportive workplaces in developing talent across the horticulture sector.

    Ngāi Tukairangi Area Manager Liam Sykes said the EIT programme has been a valuable development pathway for their staff.

    An EIT graduate himself, Sykes said it helped spark his own passion for horticulture and is something he now encourages all staff to take up.

    “We’ve been avid users of the programme since entering the horticulture space in 2017. It gives a broad understanding of the industry, really good tools, and that extra bit of science to understand how we grow fruit,” he said.

    “It also gets their brains firing. It makes them question what we do on orchard, pose questions to our managers, and creates really good discussion points.”

    Liam said there is also a strong sense of achievement among staff, pointing to Kevin as a standout example.

    “Kevin got 100 per cent in one of his classes. He’s super proud of it, and we regularly use it as an example of our guys excelling.”

    Clare Buckner, Program Co-ordinator of the Fruit Production qualifications, says: “EIT is proud to partner with horticultural businesses like

    Ngāi Tukairangi, and we endeavour to have flexibility in our programs to meet industry needs”.

    “It is rewarding to see these efforts being appreciated. We have strong, individual relationships with all our ākonga and their managers, and feel genuinely supported and valued by this essential Hawkes Bay industry.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: All-Russian Congress of Young Scientists: Focus on Technological Leadership

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    At the XIII All-Russian Congress of Councils of Young Scientists and Student Scientific Societies, which is taking place in Ufa, one of the key events was the panel discussion “Youth and Technologies of Tomorrow: Development of New Ideas in Industrial Business”. The moderator was Vice-Rector for Research at SPbPU Yuri Fomin.

    Starting the conversation, Yuri Fomin recalled the definition of technological leadership, which consists of the superiority of technologies and products in key parameters (functional, technical, economic) over foreign analogues. Then, representatives of business and science discussed the moderator’s questions about how technological leadership is achieved and why business needs science.

    Heads of departments of PJSC Rostelecom, JSC Valenta Pharm, JSC UEC, PJSC Aeroflot, and OOO SIBUR Innovations told how they implement science in their companies. The main conclusion is that science is necessary for business, but it does not necessarily have to be within its structure. Then the participants discussed how to attract young scientists to this process and what measures are needed for effective interaction.

    Deputy Director General of the Roscongress Directorate for Scientific and Technological Programs Oleg Karasev spoke about measures of state support for such interaction. Participants named the main qualities that enterprises in various fields need from young scientists: communication skills, experience, energy, a clear goal in research, and focus on the development tasks of a specific business.

    Among the most popular areas discussed by company representatives at the panel discussion were quantum technologies, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, pharmaceutical production, polymer and composite materials, additive technologies and predictive analysis.

    Summing up, Yuri Fomin noted that all companies, regardless of their field of activity, are united by the need to implement artificial intelligence technologies. It is logical to assume that projects using AI will be most in demand, and young scientists need to take this into account.

    The congress included a ceremony to award diplomas to the winners of the competition for grants from the Ministry of Education and Science of the Russian Federation in support of student scientific communities. Among those awarded was Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. Diplomas were received by the curator of the Student Scientific Society Victoria Brazovskaya, the secretary of the SPbPU SSS Grigory Romanov and the representative of the SSS of the Humanitarian Institute Mikhail Murashko.

    The congress will last until July 4 and has gathered about 1,300 participants from all over Russia, including new regions – the DPR, LPR, Zaporizhzhya and Kherson regions. Representatives from Belarus, China, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia and Kyrgyzstan are also participating in the event.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Rays of Hope Forum: Hope for Africa and Beyond

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency –

    Thanks to support from the IAEA initiative “Rays of Hope” Cancer patients around the world can now more easily receive the life-saving care they need, participants were told at the forum “Rays of Hope”.

    The Rays of Hope initiative aims to increase access to cancer care where it is needed most by helping low- and middle-income countries build and strengthen their capacity in medical imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine. Since its launch in Ethiopia three years ago, more than 90 countries have applied for support.

    “Cancer kills 2,000 people a day in Africa, making it the leading cause of death on the continent,” IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said Monday at the opening of the forum in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. “Three years ago, we launched the Rays of Hope initiative here at the African Union headquarters. Today, we are helping to bring cancer care to countries where it was previously unavailable.”

    Temesgen Tirune, Deputy Prime Minister, said: “This forum must be a signal to work together. Let it inspire us to strengthen cooperation, increase investment and continue to show solidarity – so that no child dies from curable cancer, no mother has to wait forever for a diagnosis and no country is left behind simply because of its geography or the size of its GDP.”

    The opening of the Rays of Hope forum was also addressed by Ethiopian Health Minister Mekdes Daba Feissa and African Union Chief of Staff Mohamed Al-Amin Suef.

    During the morning sessions, representatives of countries supported by the Rays of Hope initiative shared their experiences. Among them were: the Minister of Health of Benin Benjamin Hunkpatin, Minister of Scientific Research and Technology of the Democratic Republic of the Congo Gilbert Kabanda Kurhenga, Minister of Health of Ethiopia Mekdes Daba Feissa, Minister of Health of Lesotho Selibe Mokhoboroane, Minister of Health and Social Welfare of Senegal Ibrahima Say, Deputy Minister of Health of Botswana Lawrence Ookeditse and Principal Secretary of the Kenyan Ministry of Health Fredrick Uma Oluga.

    The importance of the Rays of Hope initiative was also underscored by the countries that have made contributions to it. The forum was addressed by the German Ambassador to Ethiopia and Permanent Observer to the African Union in Ethiopia Jens Hanefeld, the Permanent Representative of Italy to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa in Ethiopia Maurizio Busanelli, the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Japan to the African Union Tsutomu Nakagawa and the First Counsellor of the French Embassy in Ethiopia and the African Union Julien Voiturier.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: AI as an Industrial Driver: Experts Discuss Challenges and Solutions at Polytechnic Conference

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    A large-scale All-Russian scientific and practical conference with international participation “Industrial Artificial Intelligence” is taking place at Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University. The event is organized with the support of the St. Petersburg Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and in cooperation with St. Petersburg State University.

    Over 150 participants from over 25 universities and research organizations, about 20 enterprises and companies — developers of the real sector of the economy — registered for the conference. Representatives of various regions of Russia — St. Petersburg, Moscow, Tyumen, Novosibirsk, Orenburg, Tomsk, Kazan, Murmansk, Veliky Novgorod, Samara and other cities — are participating in the conference. Foreign participants are also involved — from Belarus and China, the latter is represented by postgraduate students.

    The conference brought together the academic community from leading universities and research centers working in the field of intelligent control systems: SPbPU, SPbSU, IPU named after Trapeznikov RAS, MAI, MIPT, FRC RAS, IPME RAS, LETI, ITMO, Tyumen State University, Omsk State Technical University and others. Representatives of the industry also participate in it — industrial companies and developers, including PJSC Gazprom Neft, JSC Kola MMC (Norilsk Nickel), JSC Atomic Soft, LLC Rakurs Engineering, as well as developers of software solutions and young researchers.

    Co-chairman of the conference program committee and moderator of the plenary session, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vice-Rector for International Affairs of SPbPU Dmitry Arsenyev, opening the event, emphasized: The strategy of technological leadership requires us to move from abstract reasoning to the creation of “strong” industrial AI – systems capable of managing structurally complex objects in conditions of uncertainty. Today we have tried to unite the academic and university community, as well as leading Russian industrial companies to discuss the most pressing issues of development and implementation of promising breakthrough solutions in the field of industrial artificial intelligence, intelligent control systems, automation and robotics technologies.

    First Vice-Rector of SPbPU, Corresponding Member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Vitaly Sergeev welcomed the conference participants: Artificial intelligence is a new level of development of automation systems. It is the synergy of industry, science and education that will lead to the creation of breakthrough products, where AI will become the basis for design, optimization and work with big data, which is beyond the control of the human brain.

    The first day’s program opened with a series of key plenary presentations devoted to discussing the current state, main challenges and current tasks in the development and implementation of advanced solutions in the field of industrial artificial intelligence, intelligent control systems, as well as automation and robotics technologies.

    Dmitry Arsenyev, together with Vyacheslav Shkodyrev, professor at the Higher School of Cyber-Physical Systems Management at SPbPU, opened the scientific discussion with a report entitled “Strong Industrial Artificial Intelligence: Principles of Cognitive Science and Knowledge Structuring in Management Systems,” setting the tone for the entire forum.

    Director of Science at Gazprom Neft PJSC, Professor Mars Khasanov, presented the industry’s challenges and ways to solve them in his speech “Engineering Artificial Intelligence: Challenges and Responses to Them.”

    Engineering AI is the answer to a fundamental problem: 90% of profit is generated in the early stages of projects, where we have almost no data. We need hybrid neurosymbolic systems that combine expert knowledge with generative technologies to overcome the “closure defect” of human thinking and find non-obvious solutions, he noted.

    Director of the Center for Intelligent Robotic Systems of the V. A. Trapeznikov Institute of Control Sciences of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Professor of the Russian Academy of Sciences Roman Meshcheryakov spoke about fundamental approaches to creating complex autonomous systems in his report “Intelligent Robotic Systems. General Approaches”: Robot teams are systems where stability is achieved through the synergy of “rigid” algorithms and adaptive machine learning. Our experiments prove that effective group management is possible – the main thing is to create an architecture that imitates natural cooperation.

    A practical view on replacing foreign solutions was voiced by Leonid Chernigov, CEO of Rakurs Engineering LLC, who discussed in detail the topic of “Import substitution in control and monitoring systems, diagnostic issues using artificial intelligence at power engineering facilities.” The plenary session was concluded by Dmitry Sannikov, Director of the Innovation Department of JSC Kola MMC Norilsk Nickel, who shared the company’s real experience in the report “Using AI at industrial enterprises of PJSC MMC Norilsk Nickel. Challenges and approaches.” Thus, leading experts covered a range of topics from the concepts of “strong” and engineering AI to specific cases of implementation and import substitution in APCS.

    The section “Software and hardware platforms and artificial intelligence technologies in automation and control systems” discussed physically-aware models of machine learning and neurosymbolic artificial intelligence as the basis for digital twins of energy pipeline systems, an intelligent control system for the process chain, technologies for automation and intellectualization of proactive control of complex objects and other equally important issues. The report by Marina Bolsunovskaya, head of the laboratory “Industrial systems for streaming data processing” of the Advanced Engineering School of SPbPU “Digital Engineering”, reflected the experience of the Polytechnic University in implementing real projects in the field of artificial intelligence, practical cases and lessons learned at the stage of implementing theoretical solutions.

    Students and postgraduates from SPbPU, SPbSU, MIPT, ITMO, Tyumen State University, BRU and other universities presented the results of their research and developments in the field of AI at the youth section at the Polytech-Cyberphysics center. The issues of creating mechanisms and models to increase the transparency of AI decisions, the use of various neural network models to solve not only engineering problems, but also in medicine and education were discussed.

    The plenary session on the second day of the conference was opened by the moderator, co-chairman of the program committee, corresponding member of the Russian Academy of Sciences, doctor of physical and mathematical sciences, professor, head of the Department of Applied Cybernetics at St. Petersburg State University Nikolay Kuznetsov. In his report, he noted the innovative approach of St. Petersburg State University to training personnel, telling about the first specialist in the field of artificial intelligence mathematics in Russia, emphasizing the need for a close connection between fundamental science and industry demands. The topic found a wide response from the audience and was supported by the report “Prohibit cannot be used”. The report of the Vice-Rector for Digitalization of MAI Sergey Popov – “Application of Large Language Models in the Educational Process” – was devoted to finding a balance between the capabilities of AI and compliance with the principles of academic integrity.

    The experts discussed issues of distributed and hybrid group intelligence, predictive analytics and intelligent systems, industrial security. Valery Odegov, CEO of Atomic Soft JSC, emphasized technological sovereignty in industrial automation, presenting domestic solutions for automated process control systems and their role in ensuring the independence of critical industries. Maxim Kalinin, professor at SPbPU, touched upon the vital issue of cyber resilience of digital electrical substations in the face of growing cyber threats.

    Summing up the conference, the participants and organizers noted the high scientific and practical level of the reports presented, the relevance of the topics raised – from fundamental research to specific implementation solutions in industry. The importance of the platform for dialogue between science, education and business in such a strategically important area as industrial artificial intelligence was especially emphasized.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Tourism Deputy Minister G20 Tourism Priorities programme in the Northern Cape

    Source: Government of South Africa

    Tourism Deputy Minister Maggie Sotyu has engaged with communities in the Northern Cape on the G20 Tourism Priorities and their potential to advance tourism growth and sustainability.

    The Tourism G20 Community Outreach in the Northern Cape was the first in a number of planned events that will bring the G20 agenda closer to tourism communities in the country. 

    In the quest for global sustainable development, the Deputy Minister emphasised the importance of balancing the need for economic growth with social inclusion to meet present and future needs.

    “Bringing the G20 agenda closer to our communities is critical to enable us to chart a path for inclusive global sustainable development. The G20 Tourism Working Group (TWG) has been hard at work, meeting with senior officials, authorities and experts to recommend decisions in line with the agenda and priorities identified by the G20 Presidency,” Sotyu said.

    These recommendations will play a critical part in the overall goal of addressing the global socioeconomic challenges of poverty, unemployment and inequality.

    “It is therefore imperative that we engage the communities we serve to align our proposed recommendations with their present and future needs,” Sotyu said.

    The Northern Cape province is South Africa’s largest province and the most sparsely populated. Renowned for its red dunes and black-maned lions, the province is a popular tourism destination, and a haven for nature and adventure enthusiasts who enjoy exploring its diverse attractions within its national parks. 

    The province’s rich Khoi-San heritage is evident in ancient rock art sites scattered across the region. Its natural wonders, historical landmarks or the warm hospitality of its people makes the Northern Cape a must-see destination for all visitors.

    The Tourism G20 Community Outreach was held in partnership with the Northern Cape Department of Economic Development and Tourism. 

    The community engagement featured presentations on skills and empowerment programmes and tourism incentive initiatives from the Department of Tourism. 

    Small, Medium and Micro Enterprises (SMMEs) from the local communities were afforded an opportunity to showcase and sell their crafts and products at the event.

    The communities in the Northern Cape were introduced to the four G20 Tourism Priorities that will inform the 2025 G20 Action Plan on Tourism Development, namely:

    • A People-Centered Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Innovation to enhance Travel and Tourism Start-Ups and SMMEs;

    • Tourism Financing and Investment to Enhance Equality and Promote Sustainable Development;

    • Air Connectivity for Seamless Travel, and

    • Enhanced Resilience for Inclusive, Sustainable Tourism Development.

    The G20 Tourism Priorities facilitated robust discussion with the community on the need for greater consultation and collaboration between government and communities. 

    Frequent and continuous engagement will serve to better align the socio-economic needs of tourism communities to domestic and international developmental policies.

    Echoing the community’s sentiments, Sotyu affirmed government’s national development plans that reinforce increased partnerships with communities to build sustainable societies. 

    “Frequent and continuous engagement with our communities will enable us to work towards a people-centred, progressive, and solution-driven policies that find solutions to our domestic and global challenges, whilst accelerating global cooperation and multilateralism.

    “The G20 provides a significant opportunity for our provinces, cities and communities to work together to promote our culture, heritage, tourism and industrial and commercial advances.

    “I also encourage our communities to actively participate in the empowerment programmes that are offered by the three spheres of our government and help us build a nation that works for all,” Sotyu said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Chair of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in 2025 and Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will lead the ASEAN Secretariat delegation to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the ASEAN Post Ministerial Conferences, the 26th ASEAN Plus Three Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting, the 32nd ASEAN Regional Forum, and the meeting of the SEANWFZ Commission. The series of meetings hosted by Malaysia, as ASEAN Chair for 2025, will take place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on 8-11 July 2025, under the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability.” While in Malaysia, Dr. Kao will hold bilateral meetings with Foreign Ministers from ASEAN Member States and ASEAN’s external partners to exchange views on recent regional and global developments, and to explore new ideas for strengthening and broadening cooperation and partnerships in support of the implementation of ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future. Dr. Kao is also scheduled to hold an interface with AICHR Representatives on the margins of the 58th AMM and Related Meetings.
    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to participate in the 58th ASEAN Foreign Ministers’ Meeting and Related Meetings in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • SAIL opens representative office in Dubai to strengthen global presence

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a move to strengthen its international presence, Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), one of India’s largest steel producers, inaugurated its Representative Office in Dubai on Wednesday.

    The office was officially inaugurated by Union Minister of Steel and Heavy Industries H.D. Kumaraswamy in the presence of Consul General of India to Dubai Satish Kumar Sivan, SAIL Chairman Amarendu Prakash, NMDC CMD Amitava Mukherjee, Joint Secretary of Steel Ministry V.K. Tripathi, and other senior officials from SAIL, Steel Ministry, NMDC, and MECON.

    Located in a key commercial hub, the Dubai office is set to serve as a gateway for SAIL to enhance its steel exports, strengthen industry linkages, and bolster trade relations between India and the UAE, the Ministry of Steel said in a statement. The move leverages Dubai’s strategic position in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region and its business-friendly ecosystem.

    The initiative aligns with India’s broader vision of increasing its global steel footprint and reaching the national target of 300 million tonnes of steel production by 2030. The new office is expected to play a pivotal role in transforming SAIL into a globally competitive steelmaker and advancing India’s stature in the international steel market.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: From Theory to Practice: How Polytechnic Students Mastered Real IT Projects

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University – Peter the Great St Petersburg Polytechnic University –

    This spring, SPbPU began distributing the autumn stream of students of the Formula IT programs, implemented within the framework of the Digital Department project, to practical training. The “Practice” module is a mandatory part of the training programs and is dedicated to the practical application of acquired knowledge and skills on real tasks. The event was attended by 625 students who formed more than 60 teams, uniting both Polytechnic students and representatives of other universities. For several months, the guys immersed themselves in the technologies and tasks of the Rostelecom IT company, developing team solutions for the cases provided.

    In 2025, Polytechnic University provided students with several different options for internships.

    Course “Fundamentals of Project Activity”. More than 1,500 second-year students chose this option for completing their internship, implementing projects of various focus areas in interdisciplinary teams. Project “Development of a board game dedicated to the history of the university”. This project, under the supervision of Alexander Perin, took second place in the nomination “Creative projects” in the final of the annual competition of the course “Fundamentals of Project Activity”. Case championship “IT Perspective”. It was held with the support of Rostelecom IT.

    The tasks proposed for implementation allowed students to apply and expand their skills in various areas of IT, from WEB application development/DevOps development to user interface design and data analysis.

    The championship involved students from different programs, which allowed the creation of interdisciplinary teams. This facilitated the exchange of ideas and a better understanding of different approaches to solving the case, which in turn improved the quality of the developed product. In addition, the participants were able to develop teamwork and communication skills, which is an important aspect of their future professional activities.

    The award ceremony for the best teams of the case championship took place in the Polytech Tower. Rostelecom IT provided the guys with letters of recommendation and valuable prizes.

    The traditional option for completing an internship is to complete a project or solve a problem assigned by the program partners.

    Most students in the program “Digital Modeling Tools for Power Generating Enterprises” chose to practice a case from the IT company NEMO, which provided a demo version of its information system for monitoring and optimization used in PJSC “TGK-1”. In this system, students loaded digital models of the thermal power plant, which they created as part of the course, set up calculations for them, wrote forecast scenarios in a special open code and visualized the results of the calculations on marked mnemonic schemes.

    Students of the Digital Marketing and Social Networks program had the opportunity to complete an internship and write a final project on the topic of SMM and project promotion on the VKontakte social network at the Grand Media Service communications agency (a certified Yandex.Direct agency, a VK Advertising partner).

    The laboratories “Industrial Systems of Streaming Data Processing” of the PISh “CI” and “Digital Modeling of Industrial Systems” of the PISh “CI SPbPU” offered their tasks on assessing the effectiveness of advertising campaigns, analyzing customer reviews on social networks and analyzing competitors to students of the “Python. Data Analysis in Marketing” program.

    The internship under the program “System and Network Administration of Linux” was conducted in close cooperation with the company “Bazalt SPO”, the developer of the domestic operating system based on GNU/Linux – Alt OS.

    The following tracks were available for students of the programs “1C Business Analyst” and “Development of Digital Solutions Based on 1C Technologies”:

    “Design and automation of business processes at a manufacturing enterprise based on “1C: ERP Enterprise Management 2.0.” from Omega; “Advanced modeling of business processes and work with requirements for information systems” from Dialog IT; Mobile development in the “1C: Enterprise” environment from Implementers and Programmers.

    Pavel Korolev, technical architect of the 1C department, author and instructor of the course, spoke about the possibility of completing an internship at the company GC “KORUS Consulting” (partner of 1C programs).

    Our practice is distinguished by its unique technology. We use the new platform “1C:Enterprise.Element” to solve problems. Each student creates their own application on this platform. One of the key tasks is to develop an API for a web application. This allows third-party services to interact with the student’s application via the HTTP protocol. “1C:Enterprise.Element” is an excellent starting point for students who want to enter the IT sphere. Thanks to the availability of the platform, you can start with easier tasks and gradually move on to large-scale projects. We also support students in the implementation of coursework, diploma and competition papers. It is important for me to be part of the process that helps young professionals take their first steps in the profession, – said Pavel Viktorovich.

    Another interesting format of practice is participation in the Student Startup competition. Its goal is to support students working on projects at an early stage: creating new products, technologies or services based on scientific and technical developments with commercialization potential. The winners receive a grant of up to 1 million rubles to implement their idea.

    The internship within the framework of the Formula IT programs became for students not just a formal stage of training, but an important step in professional development. Students were able to apply theoretical knowledge to real tasks and immerse themselves in current industry processes, get acquainted with market requirements and employers’ expectations, and also gain valuable experience.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing E-Town unveils ambitious plan to become leading AI hub

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

    Attendees listen to a speaker at the AI Ecosystem Rainforest Conference in Beijing E-Town, July 2, 2025. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    Beijing’s Economic-Technological Development Area, known as E-Town, plans to become a regional hub for artificial intelligence, Wang Zhanshuo, deputy director of the area’s administrative committee, said at the AI Ecosystem Rainforest Conference in Beijing on July 2.

    The plan, dubbed the “Pan-AI-enabled City,” aims to cluster more than 600 leading AI enterprises by 2025, launch 100 key application scenarios for public access, and boost the industry’s scale beyond $11 billion.

    Wang said the strategy will leverage E-Town’s policies, including subsidies of up to $1.4 million for each domestically developed computing infrastructure project, and annual support of up to $13.8 million per enterprise that demonstrates competitiveness in both domestic and international markets. The area will also issue data vouchers worth $13.8 million to support data circulation and trading.

    To promote real-world AI applications, E-Town will establish integrated hubs for culture, commerce, tourism and sports, and will focus on sectors such as education, elderly care and media.

    Additionally, the “Magic World” AI community being developed by E-Town is offering companies ready-to-use facilities, free office space for the first year, and free high-performance computing power for the first month.

    “E-Town’s overall GDP growth has already reached double digits, with AI-related industries contributing more than $1.4 billion in new growth,” Wang said. “The area possesses the key scenarios and socio-economic advantages needed for developing the AI industry.”

    Li Shizun, CEO of Johnsmith.ai, was among the first to move into Magic World. Li unveiled the company’s new “Real-time Avatar,” a digital human livestreaming technology, at the event.

    The product uses eight AI agents to achieve 95% lip-sync accuracy, recognizes 98 types of user intent, and supports multilingual interaction.

    According to test data, livestream rooms using the technology saw a 42% increase in user engagement time, a 25% rise in product click-through rates, and a 16% improvement in sales conversion rates.

    Johnsmith.ai has already worked with global brands such as Lancôme and Estée Lauder, totaling more than 3 million hours of livestreaming and reaching a 96% client renewal rate in its fourth year.

    “‘Real-time Avatar’ consumes 100,000 tokens per hour — five times that of a typical chatbot — but delivers sales performance surpassing top human hosts,” Li said.

    AI-powered avatars are also gaining traction in other sectors. Matthew Heller, CEO of 37 Partners, said his team has developed a platform that uses AI technology to help sports stars connect emotionally with Chinese fans, turning NBA athletes’ intellectual property into personalized retail experiences.

    “We’re looking at generative AI avatars as a way to build those connections even deeper,” Heller said. “These avatars will be digital twins of our celebrities, with one key exception: They’ll speak the local language, so they’ll speak Mandarin.”

    AI innovation is also transforming the fashion sector. Regina Zeng, CEO of Inno Baker, showcased AI applications across the industry value chain, from generating new designs with style transfer algorithms to enabling personalized advertising based on consumer profiles and brand style.

    During a panel discussion, guests agreed that AI is evolving from an efficiency tool into a “commercial operating system.” Li said digital human livestreaming has moved beyond replacing basic labor to creating new value, with the next breakthrough expected in emotional interaction.

    Tian Ruifeng, director of industry innovation at the China Chain Store and Franchise Association, compared retail AI to a “rainforest ecosystem,” adding that E-Town’s policy practices are providing the necessary institutional framework needed to support the development and integration of AI across many sectors.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Smart shift: Anhui engine maker powers up with industrial internet

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

    A display showing the smart manufacturing platform powered by “5G plus industrial internet” at a factory of Anhui Quanchai Engine Co. Ltd. in Chuzhou, Anhui province, July 3, 2025. [Photo by Xu Xiaoxuan/China.org.cn]

    In the competitive landscape of modern industry, staying agile and efficient is paramount. For Anhui Quanchai Engine Co. Ltd., a long-standing developer and manufacturer of engines in central China’s Anhui province, the answer lies in a proactive leap into the future: a 5G-enabled industrial internet platform.

    Step into a Quanchai workshop, a large digital screen displays real-time production data. Fei Chen, a section chief at the company, monitors the J1 production line, tracking everything from completion rate and cost consumption to product quality.

    “We use large screens and digital dashboards to present production data, process parameters, equipment status and warning alarms in a centralized manner,” Fei said. “This keeps managers constantly informed of production dynamics at all times, enabling refined management of the entire manufacturing process.”

    Quanchai’s transformation goes deeper than just digital displays. The company has built a smart manufacturing platform powered by “5G plus industrial internet.” It has established an intelligent factory that spans the equipment, network, platform and application layers. Supported by digital twin technology, it has achieved three-dimensional, visualized factory operations. The platform also integrates more than 850 upstream and downstream supply chain resources to enable cross-sector collaboration and optimized resource allocation.

    During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), Quanchai has prioritized digital transformation, developing a smart workshop model that connects foundational equipment with production execution, data analysis and decision-making.

    The industrial internet platform has delivered tangible economic benefits. According to Xu Changyu, director of Quanchai’s information center, the platform has markedly improved its R&D and manufacturing efficiency, shortening R&D cycles by 30% and enhancing production efficiency by 35%. Meanwhile, key performance indicators have improved, including a 12.6% drop in unit manufacturing costs and an 18% rise in inventory turnover.

    The company’s efforts have earned national recognition. In 2024, Quanchai was named an “excellence-level smart factory” by the national Ministry of Industry and Information Technology. 

    The journey for Quanchai is far from over. Looking to the future, Xu said that with the rapid advancement of AI technologies such as DeepSeek, Quanchai will continue exploring the deep integration of AI and industrial internet platforms. The goal is to enhance intelligent capabilities and core competitiveness, ultimately evolving from a traditional manufacturer into a service-oriented provider of smart manufacturing solutions.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: The class of 1995 met at their home university

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    At the end of June, SPbGASU not only saw off graduates to their big professional life, but also met those who received their diplomas here 30 years ago: graduates of group 7P of the Department of Construction Production Technology and the Department of Wooden Structures visited lecture halls, the meeting room of the Academic Council, the SPbGASU History Museum and talked to each other.

    Builders, entrepreneurs, scientists

    The work biographies of graduates are impressive: career growth, scientific activity, teaching, entrepreneurship and many years of service to the cause chosen in youth.

    Most of them successfully work in the construction industry. Igor Kulakov is a civil engineer, top manager, worked in construction organizations of St. Petersburg, went from a work producer to the head of the organization, for 10 years was the head of the municipality in the Lomonosovsky district; currently – Chairman of the Committee on Urban Development Policy of the Leningrad Region. Oleg Timoshchuk headed the department of legal and methodological support of the State Construction Supervision and Expertise Service of St. Petersburg for more than 16 years, candidate of technical sciences, chairman of the state examination committee at the department of construction production technology, author of textbooks on construction technologies, expert on legal and technical issues in the field of construction. Denis Bak and Pavel Artemyev are the founders and heads of construction organizations that took part in the construction, reconstruction, major repairs, and restoration of significant objects: the General Staff building, the Astoria and Angleterre hotels, the Philip Morris tobacco factory, the Zenit Arena stadium, the Lakhta Center, and the Konevetsky Monastery.

    Sergey Dryakhlov has been working as a site manager at construction sites in St. Petersburg for many years. The reconstruction of the cultural heritage site “Pets House”, major repairs of residential buildings, reconstruction of the Admiralty Shipyards collector – this is far from a complete list of construction works in which he participated. Alla Soboleva is the chief specialist of the technical department of a developer specializing in the construction of residential buildings and social facilities. Marina Belokonova is an estimator for nuclear industry facilities; her organization’s main customers include the Kurchatov Institute and the St. Petersburg Institute of Nuclear Physics. Tatyana Soloshenko is a specialist in contracting, Irina Danilenko is a low-rise construction manager, Natalya Rogova, Olga Mineycheva and Olesya Litovchenko are design engineers who take part in the design, construction and reconstruction of residential and industrial buildings, bridges; they took part in the construction of the Western High-Speed Diameter, the Ring Road of St. Petersburg, and in the repair of the Trinity Bridge.

    Natalia Iskrova is the head of the economy of the State Budgetary Institution MFC of the Murmansk Region. Natalia Morozova is a specialist in the design and construction of communication networks. Larisa Anikeeva is an entrepreneur and consultant. Dmitry Titarev is a business trainer, lecturer at the St. Petersburg International Institute of Management and the Moscow School of Management “Skolkovo”, a candidate of technical sciences, and the author of books on industrial technologies.

    When asked how to build a successful career in the construction industry, Igor Kulakov answered: “Career success depends on many components: professional skills, personal qualities, willingness to take responsibility, and the ability to work in a team. In recent years, one of the main trends in the construction industry has been digitalization and automation of processes. The introduction of TIM models and artificial intelligence leads to changes in the requirements for employee qualifications. As a result, the demand for specialists with skills in working with new digital technologies is increasing. University graduates who can effectively use digital tools have a better chance of building a successful career.”

    “We will meet again at our home university”

    Within the walls of their native university, classmates recalled moments of student life.

    “Many of us noted that the years spent at the university became the most important stage in our professional development. We remembered our favorite teachers – professors Vladimir Vladimirovich Verstov, Gennady Mikhailovich Badin, Rudolf Sergeyevich Sanzharovsky, the dean of the construction faculty Viktor Borisovich Zverev. Having met, we seemed to relive our student years, remembering how we made our first projects, how we defended our diplomas, how we coped with everyday difficulties in the dormitory and worked on a collective farm, how we sang around the campfire with a guitar with a then modest classmate, and now a famous showman Sergei Shnurov,” shared Oleg Timoshchuk.

    The group plans to get back together for the 35th anniversary of the release.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Guam nuclear radiation survivors ‘heartbroken’ over exclusion from compensation bill

    By Caleb Fotheringham, RNZ Pacific journalist

    People on Guam are “disappointed” and “heartbroken” that radiation exposure compensation is not being extended to them, says the president of the Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS), Robert Celestial.

    He said they were disappointed for many reasons.

    “Congress seems to not understand that we are no different than any state,” he told RNZ Pacific.

    “We are human beings, we are affected in the same way they are. We are suffering the same way, we are greatly disappointed, heartbroken,” Celestial said.

    The extension to the United States Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) was part of Trump’s “big, beautiful bill” passed by Congress on Friday (Thursday, Washington time).

    Downwind compensation eligibility would extend to the entire states of Utah, Idaho and New Mexico, but Guam – which was included in an earlier version of the bill – was excluded.

    All claimants are eligible for US$100,000.

    Attempt at amendment
    Guam Republican congressman James Moylan attempted to make an amendment to include Guam before the bill reached the House floor earlier in the week.

    “Guam has become a forgotten casualty of the nuclear era,” Moylan told the House Rules Committee.

    “Federal agencies have confirmed that our island received measurable radiation exposure as a result of US nuclear testing in the Pacific and yet, despite this clear evidence, Guam remains excluded from RECA, a program that was designed specifically to address the harm caused by our nation’s own policies.

    “Guam is not asking for special treatment we are asking to be treated with dignity equal to the same recognition afforded to other downwind communities across our nation.”

    Moylan said his constituents are dying from cancers linked to radiation exposure.

    From 1946 to 1962, 67 nuclear bombs were detonated in the Marshall Islands, just under 2000 kilometres from Guam.

    New Mexico Democratic congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernández supported Moylan, who said it was “sad Guam and other communities were not included”.

    Colorado, Montana excluded
    The RECA extension also excluded Colorado and Montana; Idaho was also for a time but this was amended.

    Pacific Association for Radiation Survivors (PARS) members at a gathering . . . “heartbroken” that radiation exposure compensation is not being extended to them. Image: RNZ Pacific/Eleisha Foon

    Celestial said he had heard different rumours about why Guam was not included but nothing concrete.

    “A lot of excuses were saying that it’s going to cost too much. You know, Guam is going to put a burden on finances.”

    But Celestial said the cost estimate from the Congressional Budget Office for Guam to be included was US$560 million while Idaho was $1.4 billion.

    “[Money] can’t be the reason that Guam got kicked out because we’re the lowest on the totem pole for the amount of money it’s going to cost to get us through in the bill.”

    Certain zip codes
    The bill also extends to communities in certain zip codes in Missouri, Tennessee, Kentucky, and Alaska, who were exposed to nuclear waste.

    Celestial said it’s taken those states 30 years to be recognised and expects Guam to be eventually paid.

    He said Moylan would likely now submit a standalone bill with the other states that were not included.

    If that fails, he said Guam could be included in nuclear compensation through the National Defense Authorization Act in December, which is for military financial support.

    The RECA extension includes uranium workers employed from 1 January 1942 to 31 December 1990.

    This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: CBB Announces Strategic Partnership with ARRAY Innovation to Advance Digital Transformation Agenda

    Source: Central Bank of Bahrain

    CBB Announces Strategic Partnership with ARRAY Innovation to Advance Digital Transformation Agenda

    Published on 4 July 2025

    Manama, Bahrain – 3 July 2025: The Central Bank of Bahrain (CBB) has entered a strategic partnership with ARRAY Innovation, a local portfolio company of Bahrain Mumtalakat Holding Company, to accelerate its digital transformation initiatives. The partnership agreement was signed in the presence of HE Khalid Humaidan, Governor of the Central Bank of Bahrain, and HE Shaikh Abdulla bin Khalifa Al Khalifa, Chief Executive Officer of Mumtalakat, on the sidelines of the FS Horizons: Doubling Down on Digital event, hosted in collaboration with the Bahrain Economic Development Board.

    As part of the agreement, ARRAY Innovation will provide strategic advisory and professional services to the CBB to develop and execute key technology initiatives, drawing on its global expertise in payments technology, artificial intelligence (AI), and cloud-based solutions.

    Commenting on the partnership, Mr. Mohamed Abdulla Abdulkarim, Executive Director of Corporate Services at the CBB, said, “We are pleased to work with a partner whose expertise and technology solution development capabilities align with CBB’s vision for regulatory innovation and growth, and our ongoing efforts in deploying and developing a robust digital ecosystem. With this public-private partnership, our aim is to enhance CBB’s institutional capacity, strengthen our technology infrastructure, and further solidify Bahrain’s standing as a regional financial hub.”

    For his part, Mr. Alaa Saeed, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ARRAY Innovation, remarked, “We are honored to support the CBB on this strategic journey. Our team will work closely with the Bank to introduce solutions that drive impact and advance the Kingdom’s broader ambitions for digital enablement and economic diversification. This partnership also underscores our dedication towards nurturing local tech talent in Bahrain and contributing to the growth of its innovation economy.”

    Share this

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Transformation of the idea of health is pushing Chinese to go to the gym en masse

    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

    TAIYUAN, July 4 (Xinhua) — If you are a fitness enthusiast living in a medium-sized or large Chinese city, you can pray that you don’t get stuck in a traffic jam after work. Even a slight delay on your way to the gym can lead to an agonizing wait for a machine and ruin your carefully crafted workout plan to achieve your ideal body mass index.

    Gyms in China are often crowded. Russian student Evelina Aleshinskaya, who studies at Shanxi University in Taiyuan, capital of northern China’s Shanxi Province, regularly hits the gym after her afternoon classes. The 19-year-old said: “My Chinese classmates are incredibly into fitness – the gym is always crowded, especially after evening classes.”

    Off campus, gyms are packed during the evening rush hour, the period when people return from work. Whether in megacities like Beijing and Shanghai or second-tier cities like Taiyuan in northern China, almost every machine in every gym is occupied. And the popular “attraction” of the bench press is a huge line!

    “During your break, it’s better to keep an eye on the dumbbells you haven’t finished using yet, otherwise someone might take them while you’re browsing your phone,” advises Guo Xiaoyu, a fitness newbie who started working out just a few weeks ago.

    Although bodybuilding and fitness, which originated in European and North American countries, entered the consciousness of most Chinese people only one or two decades ago, these sports are developing rapidly in China. According to the China Sports and Fitness Industry Report released in early March 2025, as of December 2024, the number of gym users in the country reached 87.525 million, an increase of 25.47 percent compared with 2023.

    Evelina Aleshinskaya notes that it is hard not to notice images of sculpted chests and buttocks on billboards and social media feeds. She has noticed that the Chinese are increasingly prioritizing body type over mere appearance, and that even the government approves of this.

    “After the ‘Nation Calls for Weight Loss’ slogan went viral, I realized that I could no longer afford to remain overweight,” Guo Xiaoyu said.

    On the sidelines of the annual “two sessions” held in March this year, Lei Haichao, head of China’s National Health Commission, devoted seven minutes to issues related to weight control and weight loss. Chinese netizens humorously dubbed the moment as a rallying cry for “The nation is calling you to lose weight,” giving the topic a hot topical status.

    “It may seem strange that body weight is becoming an issue that the government pays attention to, but given the importance of public health as a foundation for China’s modernization, it is worth raising awareness about health promotion at the national level,” said Wang Yi, a professor at the School of Politics and Public Administration at Shanxi University.

    A weight control guideline issued by China’s National Health Commission warns that without effective control, the overweight/obesity rate among adults in China is expected to reach 70.5 percent and 31.8 percent among children and adolescents by 2030.

    Unlike Guo Xiaoyu, many fitness enthusiasts don’t need anyone to tell them, “It’s time to control your weight.” After the Spring Festival holiday, crowds of people headed to the gym to work out hard in order to achieve the ideal, fat-free body proportions before summer.

    Listing the driving factors behind the rapid development of the fitness industry in recent years, Wang Yi pointed out that in addition to the public’s growing awareness of health, compared with sports such as football, badminton and swimming that require high-tech facilities, gyms occupy a small area and allow more people to exercise in one unit of time. In addition, the annual cost of going to a regular gym is about one thousand to three to four thousand yuan, which is affordable for most people.

    However, problems still exist. Over the past few years, some gyms in China have come under fire for their “pre-payment” business model. Occasionally, some gyms have experienced incidents of their owners “running away with the money,” which has undermined the confidence of fitness enthusiasts in consumption. In response, on March 1, 2025, the eastern Chinese metropolis of Shanghai introduced new regulations that set the limit, time frame, and standards for pre-payment collection in the sports and fitness industry for the first time. This is expected to create a new business model for more gyms in China.

    Meanwhile, the Western-born concept of fitness has also been challenged by traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). According to TCM, muscle-building workouts are not suitable for everyone, and excessive exercise can even have an impact on physical health.

    “TCM theory states that qi (dynamic energy that controls physiological processes) and blood are important substances for maintaining the normal functioning of the body. And fitness activities, especially excessive exercise, deplete these vital resources. Although it helps to improve physical fitness temporarily, in the long run it can lead to the body being depleted,” said Wei Mengling, head of the TCM department at Shanxi Bethune Hospital.

    This concern is in line with clinical trends. According to Wang Pingzhi, head of the rehabilitation department at the same hospital, in recent years, the number of patients admitted who suffered sports injuries due to fitness has been increasing year by year. Now, the number of such patients admitted monthly has increased by about 6 times compared with three years ago. According to her, many fitness enthusiasts have not mastered scientific fitness methods and techniques, and have also performed physical exercise and fitness programs that are not suitable for them, which has become the main cause of sports injuries.

    Most patients delay seeking medical care until their injuries impact their daily lives, so the actual injury rate may be higher, she added.

    Meanwhile, for Guo Xiaoyu, fitness training has yielded tangible results so far. In just three weeks, his bench press has increased by 10 kg.

    “Unlike many other activities and pursuits, fitness is something I can invest in and see a return on. I am willing to continue in the same spirit,” said Guo Xiaoyu. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Denmark: Selected Issues

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Preview Citation

    Format: Chicago

    Export Citation

    • ProCite
    • RefWorks
    • Reference Manager

    • BibTex
    • Zotero

    Summary

    2025 Selected Issues

    Subject: Economic sectors, Education, Employment, Human capital, Labor, Labor force, Labor markets, Public employment, Public sector, Technology

    Keywords: Digitalization, Employment, Human capital, Labor force, Labor markets, Public employment, Public sector

    Publication Details

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI: Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement, Release of Liquidation Reserves and Notice of Annual General Meeting

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    EUROCASTLE INVESTMENT LIMITED

                                           FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
    Contact:        
    Oak Fund Services (Guernsey) Limited
    Company Administrator
    Attn: Nicole Barnes
    Tel: +44 1481 723450        

    Eurocastle Releases First Quarter 2025 Interim Management Statement and Announces Release of €4.6 million of Liquidation Reserves and Annual General Meeting to be held on 5 August 2025

    Guernsey, 4 July 2025 – Eurocastle Investment Limited (Euronext Amsterdam: ECT) (“Eurocastle” or the “Company”) today has released its interim management statement for the quarter ended 31 March 2025. The Company also announces that, following quarter end, the Luxembourg fund through which it is pursuing the New Investment Strategy (“EPIF”) has reached over €61 million of investor commitments, following which the Board has determined that Eurocastle has a sustainable platform that it anticipates growing in future years. As a result, the Board has released €4.6 million of reserves generating a net increase to the Company’s Adjusted NAV of €4.0 million, or €4.01 per share after contractual incentive fees of 12.5%.

    • IFRS NAV of €22.0 million, or €22.01 per share (€22.1 million, or €22.05 per share as at Q4 2024).
    • ADJUSTED NET ASSET VALUE (“NAV”)1 of €11.4 million, or €11.43 per share2 (Q4 2024: €11.4 million, or €11.34 per share).
    • PRO FORMA ADJUSTED NAV: Pro forma for the release of the Liquidation Reserves and net of incentive fees, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 would be €15.5 million, or €15.44 per share.
                                   
        Q4 2024 NAV   Q1 FV Movement   Q1 2025 NAV   Pro Forma Movements3   Q1 2025 Pro Forma NAV
        €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.   €’m € p.s.
    New Investment Strategy – EPIF   5.77 5.76   0.09 0.09   5.86 5.85   – –   5.86 5.85

    Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds

    		   0.06 0.06   – –   0.06 0.06   – –   0.06 0.06
    Net Corporate Cash3&4   12.28 12.26   (0.16) (0.17)   12.11 12.09   (0.57) (0.57)   11.54 11.52
    Legacy German Tax Asset   3.97 3.97   0.03 0.04   4.01 4.01   – –   4.01 4.01
    IFRS NAV   22.08 22.05   (0.04) (0.04)   22.04 22.01   (0.57) (0.57)   21.47 21.44
    Legacy German Tax Reserve5   (5.99) (5.97)   (0.02) (0.03)   (6.01) (6.00)   – –   (6.01) (6.00)
    Adjusted NAV before Liquidation Reserve   16.09 16.08   (0.06) (0.07)   16.03 16.01   (0.57) (0.57)   15.46 15.44
    Liquidation Reserves3&5   (4.74) (4.74)   0.15 0.16   (4.59) (4.58)   4.59 4.58   – –
    Adjusted NAV  

    11.35

    		 11.34   0.09 0.09   11.44 11.43   4.02 4.01   15.46 15.44
    Ordinary shares outstanding   1,001,555         1,001,555         1,001,555
                                   

          As at 31 March 2025, the Company’s assets mainly comprise:

          1.   €12.1 million, or €12.09 per share, of net corporate cash3 which is available to continue seeking investments under the New Investment Strategy.

          2.   €5.9 million, or €5.85 per share, in the Company’s first investment under the New Investment Strategy – a Luxembourg real estate fund where Eurocastle, as sponsor, generates returns through its share of investments made and certain subsidiaries receive asset management and incentive fees from third party investors.

          3.   A tax asset of €4.0 million, or €4.01 per share, representing amounts paid (and associated interest) in relation to additional tax assessed against a former German property subsidiary where the Company won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. The German tax authorities have since appealed the decision and the Company is waiting for the date of the next hearing.

          4.   Residual interests in two legacy Italian Real Estate Fund Investments with a NAV of €0.06 million, or €0.06 per share, where the underlying apartments are now all sold and both funds are in liquidation.

    Q1 2025 BUSINESS UPDATES & SUBSEQUENT EVENTS

    • New Investment Strategy – In 2024, Eurocastle launched a Luxembourg regulated fund, European Properties Investment Fund S.C.A., SICAV RAIF (“EPIF” or the “Fund”), through which it invests alongside selected co-investors. EPIF’s key strategy is to acquire small to mid-size real estate and real estate related assets in Southern Europe with superior risk adjusted returns. The Fund initially closed with Eurocastle committing to invest €8 million alongside a €2 million commitment from its JV Partner. EPIF is now being marketed to potential investors with a target size of €100 million.

    In addition to generating attractive risk adjusted returns on its share of any investments made, Eurocastle also anticipates receiving market standard management and incentive fees from third-party investors.

    Up to the end of Q1 2025, EPIF had invested approximately €7 million. Eurocastle’s 80% share amounted to €5.5 million, while its corresponding share of EPIF’s net asset value as at 31 March 2025 stood at €5.9 million, reflecting an increase in the value of the real estate acquired to date.

    Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 – Since Q1, EPIF has received commitments of approximately €51 million from 15 investors taking the total fund size to over €61 million. In addition, prospective investors representing a further €20 million in commitments are in the final stages of due diligence.

    In June, EPIF completed its second investment, calling approximately €1 million of capital to acquire a 70% interest in a vacant office property in central Athens. The asset was acquired from a defaulted borrower at a substantial discount to comparable sales in the area.

    In addition, EPIF has an active pipeline that currently includes approximately €40 million of potential opportunities.

    • Legacy Italian Real Estate Funds –The remaining NAV for these investments of €0.06 million, or €0.06 per share, reflects cash currently reserved in the funds that is expected to be released once the fund manager resolves certain potential liabilities and liquidates each fund.
    • Legacy German Tax Matter – Prior to 2024, the Company had paid a net amount of €3.7 million in relation to the Legacy German tax matter against which it has raised a corresponding tax asset (together with associated interest). The Company, in pursuing the reimbursement of this amount through the German fiscal court, won the first instance of its appeal in December 2024. Shortly after, the German tax authorities appealed the decision through the German federal tax court and the Company is currently waiting to be notified of the date of the hearing.

                      The remaining potential exposure, associated with the same point under dispute, is estimated to be €1.7 million. This relates to the years 2013 to 2015 which remain subject to ongoing tax audits. Notwithstanding the Company’s expectation that the tax matter will eventually be resolved in the Company’s favour, as at 31 March 2025, the full potential liability of €6.0 million, or €6.00 per share (including associated defence costs and interest accrued), is fully reserved for within the Additional Reserves.

    • Additional Reserves – As at 31 March 2025, of the total Additional Reserves of €10.6 million, €6.0 million related to the legacy German tax matter with the balance of approximately €4.6 million held in reserves to allow for future costs and potential liabilities while the Company consolidated in parallel the New Investment Strategy (the “Liquidation Reserves”).

                      Subsequent Events to Q1 2025 – In light of the Company’s strengthened financial position and prospects, the Board has reviewed the level of Additional Reserves and feel it appropriate to release the Liquidation Reserves.

    Income Statement for the Quarter ended 31 March 2025 and Quarter ended 31 March 2024 (unaudited)

      Income

    Statement

    		 Income

    Statement
      Q1 2025 Q1 2024
      € Thousands € Thousands
    Portfolio Returns    
    New Investment Strategy – EPIF unrealised fair value movement 85 –
    Legacy Real Estate Funds unrealised fair value movement – (10)
    Fair value movement on Investments 85 (10)
    Other income – 4
    Interest income 109 146
    Total income 194 141
         
    Operating Expenses    
    Manager base and incentive fees 41 20
    Remaining operating expenses 195 227
    Total expenses 236 247
         
    (Loss) for the period (42) (106)
    € per share (0.04) (0.11)

    Balance Sheet and Adjusted NAV Reconciliation as at 31 March 2025 and as at 31 December 2024

          31 March 2025

    Total

    € Thousands

    		 31 December 2024

    Total
    € Thousands
    Assets      
      Other assets   115 315
      Legacy German tax asset   4,012 3,974
      Investments – New Investment Strategy – EPIF   5,855 5,770
      Investments – Legacy Real Estate Funds   64 64
      Cash, cash equivalents   12,400 12,415
    Total assets   22,446 22,538
    Liabilities      
      Trade and other payables   318 389
      Manager base and incentive fees   84 63
    Total liabilities   402 452
    IFRS Net Asset Value   22,044 22,086
    Liquidation cash reserve   (4,590) (4,748)
    Legacy German tax cash reserve   (2,000) (2,008)
    Legacy German tax asset reserve   (4,012) (3,974)          
    Adjusted NAV   11,442 11,356
    Adjusted NAV (€ per Share)   11.43 11.34

    NOTICE: This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of the Market Abuse Regulation 596/2014.

    ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

    The Company will hold its Annual General Meeting on Tuesday, 5 August 2025, at the Company’s registered office at 3:00 pm
    Guernsey time (4:00 pm CET). Notices and proxy statements will be posted by 14 July 2025 to shareholders of record at close of business on 10 July 2025.

    ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

    For investment portfolio information, please refer to the Company’s most recent Financial Report, which is available on the Company’s website (www.eurocastleinv.com).

    Terms not otherwise defined in this announcement shall have the meaning given to them in the Circular.

    ABOUT EUROCASTLE

    Eurocastle Investment Limited (“Eurocastle” or the “Company”) is a publicly traded closed-ended investment company. On 8 July 2022, the Company announced the relaunch of its investment activity and is currently in the early stages of pursuing its new strategy by initially focusing on opportunistic real estate in Greece with a plan to expand across Southern Europe. For more information regarding Eurocastle Investment Limited and to be added to our email distribution list, please visit www.eurocastleinv.com.

    FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

    This release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, future commitments to sell real estate and achievement of disposal targets, availability of investment and divestment opportunities, timing or certainty of completion of acquisitions and disposals, the operating performance of our investments and financing needs. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of forward-looking terminology such as “may”, “will”, “should”, “potential”, “intend”, “expect”, “endeavour”, “seek”, “anticipate”, “estimate”, “overestimate”, “underestimate”, “believe”, “could”, “project”, “predict”, “project”, “continue”, “plan”, “forecast” or other similar words or expressions. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions, discuss future expectations, describe future plans and strategies, contain projections of results of operations or of financial condition or state other forward-looking information. The Company’s ability to predict results or the actual effect of future plans or strategies is limited. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, its actual results and performance may differ materially from those set forth in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements are subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Company’s actual results in future periods to differ materially from forecasted results or stated expectations including the risks regarding Eurocastle’s ability to declare dividends or achieve its targets regarding asset disposals or asset performance.

    1 In light of the Realisation Plan announced in 2019, the Adjusted NAV as at 31 March 2025 reflects additional reserves for future costs and potential liabilities, which have not been accounted for under the IFRS NAV. No commitments for these future costs and potential liabilities existed as at 31 March 2025.
    2 Per share calculations for Eurocastle throughout this document are based on 1,001,555 shares, unless otherwise stated.
    3 Adjustments to reflect the release of the Liquidation Reserve.
    4 Reflects corporate cash net of accrued liabilities and other assets.
    5 Reserves that were put in place when the Company realised the majority of its investment assets in 2019 in order for the Company to continue in operation and fund its
    future costs and potential liabilities. These reserves are not accounted for under IFRS.

    The MIL Network –

  • PM Modi hails Indian Diaspora for their role in shaping modern Trinidad &Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday during his historic visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by over 4,000 people, featured a vibrant Indo-Trinidadian cultural programme and was graced by Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet, Parliament, and other dignitaries.

    In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that PM Modi would be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.

    Expressing heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi thanked the people and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour. He highlighted the special significance of his visit, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean.

    In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. “You are not just defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by success, service, and values,” he said, adding with humour, “There must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori because you’ve doubled the success of this great nation.”

    As a major announcement, PM Modi declared that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago — a move that was met with thunderous applause. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya community, with plans to document their history and hold regular world conferences.

    PM Modi touched on India’s rapid growth in sectors such as infrastructure, digital payments, space, and innovation. He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He also highlighted key national missions in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, positioning them as engines of India’s future growth.

    The Prime Minister announced that India’s UPI digital payment system will be adopted in Trinidad and Tobago, making financial transactions seamless and quicker — “ faster than West Indies bowling,” he said.

    PM Modi presented a symbolic replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Sarayu River and the Maha Kumbh to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.

    The event concluded with a grand cultural showcase by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and local organisations, celebrating the deep-rooted India-Trinidad and Tobago connection.

     

  • PM Modi hails Indian Diaspora for their role in shaping modern Trinidad &Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday during his historic visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by over 4,000 people, featured a vibrant Indo-Trinidadian cultural programme and was graced by Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet, Parliament, and other dignitaries.

    In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that PM Modi would be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.

    Expressing heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi thanked the people and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour. He highlighted the special significance of his visit, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean.

    In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. “You are not just defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by success, service, and values,” he said, adding with humour, “There must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori because you’ve doubled the success of this great nation.”

    As a major announcement, PM Modi declared that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago — a move that was met with thunderous applause. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya community, with plans to document their history and hold regular world conferences.

    PM Modi touched on India’s rapid growth in sectors such as infrastructure, digital payments, space, and innovation. He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He also highlighted key national missions in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, positioning them as engines of India’s future growth.

    The Prime Minister announced that India’s UPI digital payment system will be adopted in Trinidad and Tobago, making financial transactions seamless and quicker — “ faster than West Indies bowling,” he said.

    PM Modi presented a symbolic replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Sarayu River and the Maha Kumbh to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.

    The event concluded with a grand cultural showcase by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and local organisations, celebrating the deep-rooted India-Trinidad and Tobago connection.

     

  • PM Modi hails Indian Diaspora for their role in shaping modern Trinidad &Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday during his historic visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by over 4,000 people, featured a vibrant Indo-Trinidadian cultural programme and was graced by Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet, Parliament, and other dignitaries.

    In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that PM Modi would be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.

    Expressing heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi thanked the people and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour. He highlighted the special significance of his visit, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean.

    In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. “You are not just defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by success, service, and values,” he said, adding with humour, “There must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori because you’ve doubled the success of this great nation.”

    As a major announcement, PM Modi declared that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago — a move that was met with thunderous applause. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya community, with plans to document their history and hold regular world conferences.

    PM Modi touched on India’s rapid growth in sectors such as infrastructure, digital payments, space, and innovation. He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He also highlighted key national missions in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, positioning them as engines of India’s future growth.

    The Prime Minister announced that India’s UPI digital payment system will be adopted in Trinidad and Tobago, making financial transactions seamless and quicker — “ faster than West Indies bowling,” he said.

    PM Modi presented a symbolic replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Sarayu River and the Maha Kumbh to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.

    The event concluded with a grand cultural showcase by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and local organisations, celebrating the deep-rooted India-Trinidad and Tobago connection.

     

  • PM Modi hails Indian Diaspora for their role in shaping modern Trinidad &Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a rousing welcome as he addressed a large gathering of the Indian diaspora in Trinidad and Tobago on Thursday during his historic visit to the Caribbean nation. The event, attended by over 4,000 people, featured a vibrant Indo-Trinidadian cultural programme and was graced by Trinidad and Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, along with members of her Cabinet, Parliament, and other dignitaries.

    In a significant gesture, Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar announced that PM Modi would be conferred with The Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his global leadership and efforts to deepen ties between the two nations.

    Expressing heartfelt gratitude, PM Modi thanked the people and leadership of Trinidad and Tobago for the honour. He highlighted the special significance of his visit, which coincides with the 180th anniversary of the arrival of Indian indentured labourers in the Caribbean.

    In his address, the Prime Minister praised the Indian diaspora for their resilience, cultural richness, and their role in shaping modern Trinidad and Tobago. “You are not just defined by struggle anymore. You are defined by success, service, and values,” he said, adding with humour, “There must be something magical in the doubles and dal poori because you’ve doubled the success of this great nation.”

    As a major announcement, PM Modi declared that Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards will now be issued to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin in Trinidad and Tobago — a move that was met with thunderous applause. He also reaffirmed India’s commitment to preserving the legacy of the Girmitiya community, with plans to document their history and hold regular world conferences.

    PM Modi touched on India’s rapid growth in sectors such as infrastructure, digital payments, space, and innovation. He noted that India is the fastest-growing major economy and will soon be among the top three economies in the world. He also highlighted key national missions in AI, semiconductors, and quantum computing, positioning them as engines of India’s future growth.

    The Prime Minister announced that India’s UPI digital payment system will be adopted in Trinidad and Tobago, making financial transactions seamless and quicker — “ faster than West Indies bowling,” he said.

    PM Modi presented a symbolic replica of the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and sacred water from the Sarayu River and the Maha Kumbh to Kamla Persad-Bissessar, reflecting strong spiritual and cultural bonds between the two nations.

    The event concluded with a grand cultural showcase by artists from the Mahatma Gandhi Institute for Cultural Cooperation and local organisations, celebrating the deep-rooted India-Trinidad and Tobago connection.

     

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Employment – Uber drivers to rally at Supreme Court as appeal heard – Workers First Union

    Source: Workers First Union

    WHAT: Workers First Union Uber drivers will be rallying outside the Supreme Court on Tuesday morning as Uber’s appeal begins in Wellington over a 2022 Employment Court case that found four drivers had been misclassified as contractors rather than employees of the company.
    WHEN: Tuesday 8 July, 09:00-09:30
    WHERE: Outside the Supreme Court, 85 Lambton Quay, between Ballance & Whitmore Street, Wellington 6011
    WHY:
    Dennis Maga, Workers First Union General Secretary, said that the Uber case, which had first been won by drivers in 2022, was the most significant employment case in recent New Zealand history and would have major ramifications for contractors and the ‘gig economy’.
    “The Employment Court and the Court of Appeal have already ruled that Uber drivers should be entitled to real employment protections like a minimum wage, sick leave, and the right to bargain collectively with Uber over wages and conditions as they already have to do in many overseas jurisdictions,” said Mr Maga.
    “Uber’s entire strategy is to misclassify themselves as a ‘tech company’ rather than a transport provider, to misclassify drivers as independent contractors, and to mislead politicians with bad faith arguments about “flexibility” to limit their responsibility to our country and economy.”
    “Uber drivers deserve real employment protections, and we sincerely hope that the Supreme Court will scrutinise the company’s arguments carefully and reaffirm the standard set in the Employment Court’s original verdict.”
    Mr Maga said hundreds of Uber drivers have joined Workers First since the Employment Court’s 2022 verdict and the union has lodged backpay claims for underpaid wages and leave on their behalf.
    Background information
    • A new report released this week by the Centre for International Corporate Tax Accountability and Research (CICTAR) and commissioned by Workers First Union, argues that Uber appears to be shifting hundreds of millions in misclassified profits out of New Zealand, costing the country millions in tax revenue.
    • For a timeline of the judicial process following the original Employment Court verdict on the case of the four Uber drivers, please see the union’s past media release on the Court of Appeal’s dismissal of Uber’s appeal.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –