Category: Statistics

MIL-OSI Australia: Transcript – Sunrise

Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

SALLY BOWREY: Power will be given back to Australian travellers with a raft of new rights for cancelled and delayed flights. The initiative is designed to keep airlines honest and hold the industry accountable in some of the biggest travel reforms in a decade.

JAMES TOBIN: For more, we’re joined by Transport Minister, Catherine King. Good morning Catherine. Now, as someone who does quite a lot of travel, normally on the road with weather, catches a lot of flights, I am all ears on this one. What’s it going to mean for passengers?

CATHERINE KING: Well, what it will mean for passengers is that you get what you pay for, so either you’re able to enforce your rights to be able to get a refund or actually get the flight that you’ve actually asked for. And so, we’ve put out a draft charter of rights today. They’re out for consultation until the 28th of February. And really it is about enforcing the rights that you’ve booked a flight and that you should get what you actually pay for. So, there’s a range of rights in the draft charter that will ensure that airlines, and airports as well, actually lift their game when it comes to delivering the services that so many of us use to get around the country to work, to actually visit family, get to medical appointments, all of those things. So really, that’s what we’re doing today. It forms part of the ombudsman scheme that we’ve developed as part of the Aviation White Paper work we did this year. That scheme will be legislated next year, and the Charter of Rights really does spell out what you should be entitled to. It’s backed up by the Australian Consumer Law, what you’re entitled to if your flight doesn’t go ahead. So, if your flight is delayed by three hours or more at the fault of the airline, you should expect to be able to at no cost to yourself, get your flight rebooked either with that airline or another airline. If, because of time sensitivity, you can’t take another flight, they should be giving you a refund for that. Or if you’re stuck in not in your port where you live, you should be able to get accommodation and meals and again at no cost to yourself.

SALLY BOWREY: And I think anyone, when you pay for something, you expect to actually get the product. And we do, have some pretty dismal stats in terms of, you know, flight delays, 30% of flights are delayed. So, I think the report is showing that it can take also up to almost 100 days for customers when they complain this is way too long. So, it is promising to push airlines to really reduce that. How will the new rules actually hold them to account to make sure that issues are resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, the first thing is that the Charter of Rights basically spells out very clearly what travelling public’s rights actually are. And so, we want to make sure that’s got out widely so people are aware of exactly what their rights are to enforce them in the first instance, to try and resolve the dispute with the airline, or if it’s a dispute with the airport, and then it’s backed up by an ombudsman scheme that is legislated. So, in the same way you’ve got a telecommunications ombudsman scheme, people, if they can’t get a remedy, then can go to the ombudsman and basically then have that referred up and they’ll do the work with you to try and make sure that your rights are enforced. It doesn’t preclude you still going to the Australian Human Rights Commissioner if you’ve got an issue in terms of disability access or things like that, but it’s basically underpinned by that. At the moment, if you book a flight, it’s really complicated and it’s often not until you try and get on the phone, try and get your refund that you actually then find out, well, what you booked. You know, they’re saying you can’t have a refund, you can have a flight credit. It’s not something you can use. And so this is really spelling out what the expectations are on the airline and then backed up by the ombudsman.

SALLY BOWREY: Yeah. And I think there is a great deal of room for improvement. Catherine, just before you go, can I just quickly ask obviously in a separate issue in New South Wales, we’ve got trains being delayed and cancelled. It’s causing a lot of stress for people trying to get around at Christmas and also businesses. Is this fair and how do you see this issue being resolved quickly?

CATHERINE KING: Well, I can’t imagine a circumstance where the iconic New Year’s Eve fireworks on Sydney Harbour are coming under pressure. And I think, you know, I’d say really clearly to the union, you know, understand you’ve got a dispute with the New South Wales government, but you need to sort this out because you’re doing yourself quite a bit of damage. This is not a great time of year to be doing this. People are trying to get their last-minute Christmas shopping done. Understand you’ve got a dispute. You need to resolve it quickly, because those fireworks, I mean, you know, everyone watches them. The world.

SALLY BOWREY: Unfortunately, it seems we have just lost the transport minister, Catherine King. They’re just talking about the train strike in New South Wales. Let’s move on now.

MIL OSI News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China combines policy tools to revitalize property sector

Source: China State Council Information Office

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 16, 2024 shows people waiting to receive the keys to their new homes at a relocation residential complex in Shijiazhuang, north China’s Hebei Province. (Xinhua/Yang Shiyao)

In a year of heightened challenges, China’s property market is showing clearer signs of recovery, bolstered by well-targeted policies that have restored confidence and rekindled demand.

In late September, a key meeting convened by the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee emphasized the need to stabilize the property market and reverse its downturn, calling for adjustments to housing purchase restrictions, reduction in interest rates on existing mortgage loans, and improvement to land, fiscal, tax and financial policies.

In keeping with these imperatives, authorities have acted decisively to reduce home-buying costs, ease mortgage burdens, and provide critical support to first-time homebuyers and those looking to upgrade their housing.

On September 29, the country’s central bank instructed commercial banks to reduce interest rates for existing housing loans, including first and second home mortgages, by no lower than 30 basis points below the loan prime rate (LPR), a market-based benchmark lending rate, by October 31, 2024, to ease financial burdens on property owners.

Following this, major cities, including the Chinese capital of Beijing and the cities of Shanghai, Guangzhou and Shenzhen, have adjusted their real estate policies, unveiling a raft of measures to boost local property markets.

These new initiatives represent a further step in the ongoing policy push, building on landmark measures announced on May 17 that included cutting minimum down payment ratios, setting up a relending facility for affordable housing, and pledging to deliver unfinished homes.

Together, these efforts are swiftly reflected in the latest market data. According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the decline in the prices of commercial residential homes in the country’s 70 large and medium-sized cities narrowed on a year-on-year basis in November.

Home transactions also showed a turnaround in October, with new home transactions reversing a 15-month decline and rising 0.9 percent year on year. The total transactions of both new and second-hand homes grew by 3.9 percent, marking the first increase following eight months of drops.

The market’s renewed confidence can be traced to several high-level meetings where a flurry of policies to support the property market were unveiled, sending a wave of optimism, said Lu Wenxi, a market analyst with the real estate agency Centaline Property, highlighting notably active second home transactions in major cities like Shanghai.

The shift in market sentiment is palpable on the ground. In a bustling real estate office in Beijing’s Chaoyang District, a manager described the past two months as the busiest period of this year. “I sometimes have to take clients on seven viewings in a single day, barely having time for lunch,” he said.

This rebound signals the start of a recovery, but long-term stability also hinges on rebuilding market confidence, particularly ensuring the timely delivery of housing projects.

In this respect, the “white list” mechanism launched in January has played a pivotal role, offering targeted financial support to eligible real estate projects.

As of the end of October, loans approved for “white list” real estate projects had exceeded 3 trillion yuan (about 417.24 billion U.S. dollars). By the end of this year, the approved loan amount for these projects is expected to reach 4 trillion yuan.

The current rebound might be the strongest in two years, largely driven by restored market confidence, said Gao Yuan, director of the Beijing Lianjia Research Institute. He anticipated lasting momentum as buyers and sellers steadily return, pointing to a more sustainable recovery.

The focus on stabilizing the property market is a part of the country’s broader drive to anchor expectations and secure economic growth. In its recent tone-setting Central Economic Work Conference, the country stressed the importance of “stabilizing expectations” as a key objective for the coming year.

Analysts say these expectations — often the unseen force that drives market sentiment — are considered a linchpin for overall economic recovery.

The latest business activity and expectation indices reflect growing optimism among market players. In October, the property sector’s business activity in the purchasing managers’ index rose by 2.5 percentage points month on month, while the business expectation index climbed by 1.8 percentage points.

“With improved expectations, the market is sustaining a sound recovery from the previous downturn,” noted NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui at a press conference on Monday.

After three years of adjustment, “the real estate market is starting to bottom out as the policies take effect,” the Ministry of Housing and Urban-Rural Development noted at a recent press conference.

Beyond the goal of stabilization, China’s housing policies are also shifting focus towards quality and sustainability. The emphasis is no longer merely on “having a home” but on “having a better home,” aiming to ensure a resilient rebound capable of weathering future challenges.

Urban renewal projects spearhead this transition, breathing new life into older neighborhoods and improving living conditions for millions. Over 66,000 such projects were implemented in 2023. In 2024, another 54,000 projects are set to revitalize aging residential areas.

Looking ahead to 2025, a report by China Minsheng Bank noted that market confidence is the golden key to stabilizing the property sector, urging further efforts to foster confidence, guide expectations, and ensure the successful implementation of existing and upcoming policies.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI: Girls in Madagascar Learn Languages with Support from FunEasyLearn and Time + Tide Foundation

Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

CHISINAU, Republic of Moldova, Dec. 22, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The collaboration between FunEasyLearn and The Time + Tide Foundation brought free language education to girls in Madagascar. The main focus was on students from remote areas with limited access to schooling. As part of the initiative, students received new tablets and free access to the FunEasyLearn app. The scope is for the girls to learn languages and improve their digital skills for better academic and professional opportunities.

Empowering Girls through Language Education

Through its participation, FunEasyLearn reiterates its commitment to making a long-lasting impact in language education. Language skills can unlock higher education and better employment for those in developing regions of South Africa. That can be particularly important for girls who face additional challenges in accessing quality education.

Co-founder & CEO of FunEasyLearn, Diana Andronic, commented: “We are honored to be working with the Time + Tide Foundation to support girls in Madagascar through language education. The initiative complements our mission to make language learning accessible to anyone, regardless of age and background. Language skills can be crucial in areas where education holds the key to a brighter future.”

The initiative has already yielded promising results. Teachers reported a boost in student engagement and academic performance. Although the girls mainly use tablets to learn French, educators encourage them to learn English and browse other language courses. Although the girls mainly use tablets to learn French, educators encourage them to learn English too and browse other language courses.

The app provides a solution for schools experiencing teacher shortages. FunEasyLearn provides students with a personalized language learning experience and real-time feedback. It also helps teachers to better address students’ needs due to the detailed statistics. The feature allows schools to improve student performance despite a shortage of human resources.

About FunEasyLearn

FunEasyLearn is an award-winning language-learning app trusted by millions of learners worldwide. The app caters to people of all ages who are willing to learn languages or improve their vocabulary. From children driven by curiosity to adults motivated to add new skills to their resumes, FunEasyLearn offers a supportive environment for learning. The dedicated Child Mode adjusts the content so that it’s suitable for children under 13. That makes it appealing for educators, schools, and corporate environments alike.

With 34 language courses available in 62 native languages, learners can explore vocabulary tailored to their specific needs. The game-based approach and simplified navigation ensure an enjoyable experience regardless of a user’s technical background. Over 320 useful topics and subtopics offer a smooth transition through 10 proficiency levels aligned with the CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Website: www.funeasylearn.com
For media inquiries, please contact support@funeasylearn.com

The MIL Network –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Submissions: Business employment data: September 2024 quarter – data revision
Business employment data: September 2024 quarter – data revision – 23 December 2024 – We have updated ‘filled jobs (workplace location based)’ data at the territorial authority and regional levels for the quarters ending March 2021 to September 2024.

Some jobs were incorrectly allocated to locations, which made it appear as though jobs in certain territorial authorities and regions had been ‘lost’, when this was not the case.

National level data for ‘filled jobs’ by workplace location is not affected by this issue as the information is fully sourced from data in the tax system. We are confident that it is robust and of high quality.

For a sub-national breakdown of job numbers and changes, we recommend using the data for ‘filled jobs’ (produced by employee location at the territorial authority and regional level) as this is fully sourced from tax system data and is of higher quality. This differs from the ‘filled jobs (workplace location based)’ data, where the issue was found and corrected.

Business employment data: September 2024 quarter

CSV files for download
MIL OSI –
January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: National Farmers’ Day

Source: Government of India (2)

National Farmers’ Day

Empowering ‘Annadatas’ for a Prosperous Nation

Posted On: 22 DEC 2024 4:57PM by PIB Delhi

Introduction

Farmers, the lifeblood of the nation and revered as ‘Annadatas’, are the foundation of India’s prosperity. Their relentless toil feeds the nation, sustains the rural economy, and ensures the strength of every household. National Farmers’ Day, observed on 23rd December, celebrates their invaluable contribution. This day marks the birth anniversary of Shri Chaudhary Charan Singh, India’s fifth Prime Minister, renowned for his deep understanding of rural issues and unwavering advocacy for farmers’ welfare. It is a moment to honour our farmers’ unwavering dedication and recognise their pivotal role in shaping the nation’s progress.

Recognising the vital role of farmers, the Government of India has introduced a suite of initiatives designed to support their socio-economic upliftment and ensure sustainable agricultural growth. These programmes, including the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN), Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY), and Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maandhan Yojana (PM-KMY), are aimed at providing financial security, risk mitigation, and long-term social security for farmers. By addressing both immediate challenges and long-term needs, these schemes underscore the government’s commitment to nurturing the backbone of the nation and fostering a sustainable agricultural future.

Role of Farmers in Nation-Building

India’s agricultural sector, employing nearly half of the nation’s population, remains a cornerstone of the country’s economy and a key driver of nation-building. It contributes 17.7% to the Gross Value Added (GVA) at current prices in FY 2023-24. With approximately 54.8% of the country’s 328.7 million hectares classified as agricultural land and a cropping intensity of 155.4% (as per the Land Use Statistics for 2021-22), farmers are the bedrock of this essential sector. Their role extends far beyond mere cultivation; they are the architects of rural development and nation-building, providing food security and sustaining the livelihoods of millions. Through their hard work and innovation, they play a pivotal role in shaping a resilient and prosperous India.

In 2023-24, the country achieved a record total foodgrain production of 332.2 million tonnes, surpassing the previous year’s output of 329.7 million tonnes. This remarkable growth is a testament to the resilience and unwavering dedication of Indian farmers, who have continuously strived to ensure food security for the nation. Their efforts go beyond mere crop cultivation; they are the bedrock of rural livelihoods, shaping the economic landscape of countless communities. The success of Indian agriculture is deeply intertwined with the wellbeing of these ‘Annadatas’, who embody the spirit of hard work, innovation, and sacrifice.

Key Schemes for Farmers in India

Launched over the years, these key agricultural schemes reflect the Government of India’s commitment to supporting farmers and enhancing their livelihoods. PM-KISAN, PMFBY, PM-KMY, and other initiatives like the Modified Interest Subvention Scheme (MISS), Kisan Credit Card (KCC) scheme, and Agriculture Infrastructure Fund (AIF) demonstrate a holistic approach to addressing the diverse needs of the agricultural sector. These schemes aim to provide financial assistance, insurance, affordable credit, and infrastructure development, empowering farmers with the resources needed for sustainable agricultural practices and economic security.

Here are the key schemes for farmers’ welfare in India:

Unprecedented Budget Allocation

Since 2014, the government has significantly bolstered its commitment to agriculture by substantially increasing the budget allocation. In the 2013-14 fiscal year, the Department of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare had a budget of Rs. 21,933.50 crore. Over the years, this allocation has been raised more than five and a half times, reaching a remarkable Rs. 1,22,528.77 crore for the fiscal year 2024-25.

This unprecedented increase reflects a strategic shift towards prioritizing the agricultural sector, addressing challenges faced by farmers, and ensuring sustainable development. The enhanced budget aims to improve rural infrastructure, promote modern farming techniques, facilitate access to credit, and provide financial support for various agricultural schemes and initiatives. Such a substantial allocation not only fosters farmer welfare but also aims to bolster agricultural productivity and rural prosperity, highlighting the government’s unwavering commitment to the growth and development of the agricultural sector.

Other Notable Initiatives

Namo Drone Didi: The Namo Drone Didi Scheme, approved for 2024-25 to 2025-26 with an outlay of ₹1,261 crore, aims to empower 15,000 Women Self-Help Groups (SHGs) by providing drones for agricultural rental services, including fertiliser and pesticide application. The scheme offers 80% Central Financial Assistance of the cost of drones, accessories, and ancillary charges, up to a maximum of ₹8 lakh. As of December 3, 2024, ₹141.41 crore has been released for Kisan drone promotion.

Soil Health Card Scheme: Launched in 2015, the Soil Health Card Scheme aims to improve soil health and promote efficient fertiliser use. Over 24.60 crore cards have been issued since launch, with 36.61 lakh generated in 2023-24. A strong laboratory network supports the scheme. In order to develop the soil fertility map, government plans to test 5 crore soil samples by 2025-26.

Formation & Promotion of 10,000 FPOs: In 2020, the government launched a scheme with a Rs. 6,865 crore budget to form and promote 10,000 Farmer Producer Organizations (FPOs). So far, 9,411 FPOs have been formed involving 26.17 lakh beneficiary farmers, aiming to enhance collective farming and improve market access.

Kisan Kavach: On 17th December, 2024, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh unveiled Kisan Kavach, Bharat’s first anti-pesticide bodysuit, designed to protect farmers from the harmful effects of pesticide exposure. This groundbreaking innovation is a major step forward in ensuring farmer safety and empowers the agricultural community through science and technology. The event also marked the distribution of the first batch of Kisan Kavach suits to farmers, emphasizing the importance of safeguarding farmers.

Clean Plant Programme: The Union Cabinet approved the Clean Plant Programme (CPP) on 09.08.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 1,765.67 crore. The CPP aims to enhance the quality and productivity of horticulture crops by providing disease-free planting material, benefiting the dissemination and adoption of climate-resilient varieties with yield enhancement.

Digital Agriculture Mission: The Union Cabinet approved the Digital Agriculture Mission on 2.9.2024 with an outlay of Rs. 2,817 crore, including the central share of Rs. 1,940 crore. This mission is conceived as an umbrella scheme to support digital agriculture initiatives, including creating Digital Public Infrastructure, implementing the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES), and other IT initiatives by the Central Government, State Governments, and academic and research institutions.

Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF): The Government of India launched the Credit Guarantee Scheme for e-NWR Based Pledge Financing (CGS-NPF) on 16 December 2024, providing a ₹1,000-crore corpus to support post-harvest financing for farmers. Under this scheme, farmers can access credit by pledging their produce stored in Warehousing Development and Regulatory Authority (WDRA) accredited warehouses, backed by electronic negotiable warehouse receipts (e-NWRs).

National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds): The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Edible Oils – Oilseeds (NMEO-Oilseeds) on 3.10.2024 with a total outlay of Rs. 10,103 crore. The mission aims to boost domestic oilseed production and achieve self-reliance in edible oils, to be implemented over a seven-year period from 2024-25 to 2030-31.

National Mission on Natural Farming: The Union Cabinet approved the National Mission on Natural Farming (NMNF) on 25.11.2024 as a standalone Centrally Sponsored Scheme. The scheme has a total outlay of Rs. 2,481 crore (Government of India share – Rs. 1,584 crore; State share – Rs. 897 crore), focusing on promoting chemical-free, natural farming practices across the country.

Conclusion

The initiatives and schemes introduced by the Government of India are a testament to the unwavering commitment to farmers’ welfare and the sustainable growth of the agricultural sector. Through schemes like PM-KISAN, PMFBY, and the Namo Drone Didi, the government not only ensures financial security but also enhances productivity and market access for farmers. The remarkable achievements in foodgrain production, coupled with the expansion of infrastructure and digital initiatives like the Digital Agriculture Mission and the Clean Plant Programme, are setting a strong foundation for a resilient and prosperous agricultural ecosystem. As we celebrate National , it is crucial to continue these efforts, ensuring that the ‘Annadatas’ remain empowered, secure, and integral to India’s development journey.

References:

National Farmers’ Day

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Santosh Kumar/ Ritu Kataria/ Saurabh Kalia

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, Tripura

Source: Government of India (2)

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addresses the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, Tripura

Under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, Northeast will become the gateway to India’s development & trust and will break all records in infrastructure development in next 25 years

Modi Ji has empowered the Northeast from the perspectives of emotion, economy, and ecology

In the next 10 years, the Northeast is expected to experience an average growth rate of 20%

In 2023-24, our public sector banks earned a profit of 1.5 lakh crore, and their NPA remained below 2.8%

The Northeast is the best destination for investing in future business

The greatest potential lies within the Northeast, which is why the region needs to be viewed not through statistics, but through sensitivity

All bankers should explore 100% potential in every state of the Northeast region and move forward in the direction of building a developed Northeast and a developed India

Today, our waterways are connected to Chittagong port, opening the way for products from the northeast to be shipped across the world

India’s banks have successfully provided MUDRA loans, SVANidhi loans, and completed the recovery of 10 lakh crore rupees in bad debts over the past 10 years

Posted On: 21 DEC 2024 9:08PM by PIB Delhi

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Shri Amit Shah addressed the North East Bankers Conclave 2024, organized by the North East Development Finance Corporation (NEDFI) in Agartala, the capital of Tripura. On this occasion, Union Minister of Communications and Development of the North East Region Shri Jyotiraditya M. Scindia, Chief Minister of Tripura Professor (Dr.) Manik Saha, Chief Minister of Arunachal Pradesh Shri Pema Khandu, Union Minister of State for Northeast Development Dr. Sukanta Majumdar, the Union Home Secretary, Shri Govind Mohan and several other dignitaries were present.

In his address Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that for India, with a population of 1.4 billion and diverse geographical conditions, it is essential to promote the economy while ensuring the economic development of every region, state, village, and individual. He said until we complete economic development of 140 crore people of the country we cannot become a developed nation. Shri Shah added that the concept of a developed nation isthat every person is capable of looking after his family, every person has basic facilities and every person contribute in the development of the country. He said that such nation can become a developed nation.

Shri Amit Shah said that equal development is necessary for any country to move forward and our bankers should adopt this basic principle. He said that development of the Northeast is a national responsibility of all of us. Shri Shah requested bankers that they should not see Northeast only from the perspective of business,potential and profit but as a responsibility. He highlighted that under the leadership of Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji, the Northeast will become the gateway to India’s development and trust in the next 25 years, serving as the gateway to the entire nation’s trust. He expressed confidence that the Northeast will break all records in infrastructure development as well.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation appealed to the participants of the Northeast Bankers Conclave to assist in financial inclusion, economic development, and infrastructure development, urging that their approach should be sensitive to these areas. He called for the creation of separate parameters for finance, infrastructure, agriculture, MSMEs, and personal loans in the Northeast. Shri Shah said that the State Bank of India should develop specific guidelines for Northeast finance, considering the current capacity of the region with a positive outlook. He emphasized that there is immense potential in the region, and the Northeast has become the gateway for India’s exports.

Shri Amit Shah said that a few years ago, the enclaves between Bangladesh and India were exchanged. After independence, some parts of India were inside Bangladesh, and some parts of Bangladesh were within India, which caused significant difficulties in building and maintaining infrastructure. Prime Minister Modi Ji took the initiative, and after 75 years of independence, constitutional amendments were made and talks were held with Bangladesh to exchange the enclaves between the two countries. As a result, today our waterways are connected to Chittagong, and through the Chittagong port, the entire Northeast now has open routes to send products to the world.He said that earlier the transportation cost used to be 12 to 15 percent, making it impossible to export products from the North East to outside the country, but today, whatever is produced in the Northeast, the global market is open through the Chittagong port.

Union Home Minister said that in the past 10 years, a revolution in connectivity for the economic development of the Northeast has almost been completed. Through ISRO, excellent programs have been developed for the proper and efficient use of local resources, and peace and stability have also been achieved in the Northeast.Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji has empowered the Northeast from the perspectives of emotion, economy, and ecology. In the past 10 years, Narendra Modi ji himself has visited the Northeast 65 times, and central ministers have spent over 700 nights in the Northeast. This reflects that the Northeast is a major focus of the Government of India.

Shri Amit Shah said that in the past 10 years, many successful insolvency laws have been created in India’s banking sector. The banks in India have managed to complete the recovery of bad debts worth 10 lakh crores through schemes like MUDRA loans, SVANidhi loans, and others. Home Minister mentioned that 10 public sector banks have been merged into larger banks. Previously, public sector banks were operating at a loss, but in 2023-24, these banks made a profit of 1.5 lakh crores, and their NPA has reduced below 2.8%. He added that for future business investments, there is no better destination than the Northeast, as it is expected to experience an average growth rate of 20% over the next 10 years. Shri Shah emphasized that the financial policy should be made more flexible, and a good package should be provided to every sector and industry in the Northeast to move forward.

Shri Amit Shah said that the biggest benefit of UPI will be for the Northeast. 95% of India’s villages are now equipped with 3G and 4G connectivity, and 80% connectivity has been completed in the Northeast as well. Additionally, numerous infrastructure projects have been carried out in the Northeast, over 20 water-based projects have been completed, and peace has been established. He mentioned that in the coming days, many industries are likely to come to the region. Tata Group’s Rs. 27,000 crore semiconductor project indicates that large industrial groups are looking to explore the potential of the Northeast. Home Minister further stated that the 50,000 MW hydropower potential in the region has not yet been fully explored, and the Brahmaputra River could provide the country with an endless supply of affordable electricity.

Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation said that the greatest potential lies within the Northeast, and the region should be viewed not through statistics, but through sensitivity. Its development should not be seen as a business task, but as a national responsibility.Shri Shah said that all bankers should explore 100% potential in every state of the Northeast region and move forward in the direction of building a developed Northeast and a developed India.

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RK/VV/ASH/PS

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia land celebrates first anniversary

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

Shanghai Disneyland’s Zootopia-themed land, inspired by the Walt Disney Animation Studios film and the resort’s 8th-themed land, celebrated its first anniversary on Friday as the world’s only Zootopia-themed destination.

The statistics show that around 97 percent of surveyed visitors were already familiar with the Zootopia land before visiting Shanghai Disney Resort, with one-third citing it as a key reason for their trip. Roughly two-thirds of all Shanghai Disneyland visitors have experienced Zootopia’s main attraction, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit, with the combined distance traveled by its vehicles reaching approximately 350,000 kilometers — circling the equator 8 times.

The land’s debut also boosted sales of Zootopia merchandise, according to the resort. Nearly 260 items of Zootopia-themed merchandise have been introduced, with the variety doubling compared to pre-opening and sales soaring over 500 percent.

In November, it received the 2025 Thea Award for Outstanding Achievement — Theme Park Land from a globally authoritative industry organization Themed Entertainment Association.

The case of Zootopia also made the list of 2024 National Excellent Cases of Cultural and Tourism Equipment Technology Enhancement announced by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology.

Separately, Zootopia: Hot Pursuit itself won the 2024 China Theme Park Excellent Attraction Award from the Institute for Theme Park Studies in China, as well as Gold at the Collision Awards.

According to the 2023 Global Theme Index and Museum Index: Global Attractions Attendance Report, Shanghai Disneyland ranked as the world’s 5th most visited theme park at 14 million guests — also China’s most popular. The 2024 Shanghai Disney Resort Happiness Travel Trend Report also reveals that 85 percent of visitors expressed their desire to return.

The resort has debuted over 70 new shows and 60 new Disney characters. Future additions include a new Spider-Man-themed attraction featuring a coaster and a third Disney-themed hotel.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Economics: Singapore PA&H insurance industry to surpass $8 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

Source: GlobalData

Singapore PA&H insurance industry to surpass $8 billion by 2029, forecasts GlobalData

Posted in Insurance

Personal accident and health (PA&H) insurance in Singapore is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.6% from SGD8.5 billion ($6.2 billion) in 2024 to SGD11.7 billion ($8.6 billion) in 2029, in terms of gross written premiums (GWP), forecasts GlobalData, a leading data and analytics company.

GlobalData’s Insurance Database, reveals that the share of PA&H insurance in the total insurance industry grew from 12.6% in 2020 to an estimated 15.3% in 2024 and is projected to reach 17.3% by 2029. PA&H insurance is estimated to grow by 8.9% in 2024, propeled by high demand for private health insurance, as well as rising premium rates.

Aarti Sharma, Insurance Analyst at GlobalData, comments: “Singapore’s PA&H insurance has experienced a strong growth in 2024, bolstered by heightened health and financial awareness that spurred demand for health insurance products. Demographic factors including an aging population, premium price adjustments in response to inflation, and resurgence in tourism have also supported the growth of PA&H insurance.”

High demand for integrated shield plans (IPs) and their accompanying riders offered by private insurers have supported the growth of PA&H insurance. MediShield is the national health insurance program, which includes MediShield Life – a government-managed basic health insurance plan with optional coverage provided by private insurers.

According to the Life Insurance Association of Singapore, approximately 71,000 people enrolled for new IP during H12024, bringing the total coverage to 2.9 million, which is about 71% of Singapore’s population. As a result, total new business premiums for individual health insurance increased by 7.1% in H1 2024, as compared to the same period in 2023.

Sharma continues: “The increase in premiums due to rising healthcare costs will also support the growth of PA&H insurance. In October 2024, Singapore’s Ministry of Health announced a 35% increase in MediShield premiums, effective from April 2025. The adjustments recommended by the MediShield Life Council include higher claim limits, expanded coverage for new treatments, and changes to deductibles and co-insurance. The premium hike will be implemented in phases, with a cap of 35% by March 2028.”

The changing demographic conditions in Singapore such as an aging population and growing affluent population will also support PA&H insurance growth. As per the Government of Singapore, nearly 20% of the total population was aged 65 and above as of June 2024, which is a significant contributor to the growth of PA&H insurance.

Enhanced tourism is also contributing to the expansion of PA&H insurance in Singapore. According to Statistics Singapore, the number of international tourists arriving in the country increased by 16.7% on a year-on-year basis in October 2024. Travel insurance plans, which cover personal accidents in addition to trip cancellations, baggage loss, and flight delays are aiding in the growth of PA&H insurance.

Sharma concludes: “The outlook for the PA&H insurance industry in Singapore appears positive, with opportunities for insurers to capitalize on the evolving market dynamics and increasing demand for comprehensive health coverage. Rising premium prices, growing tourism, as well as an aging demographic will support the growth of PA&H insurance in Singapore over the next five years.”

MIL OSI Economics –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Pension Fund Statistics 2023 – Occupational pension plans: positive net return, value fluctuation reserves below 2021 level

Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

In 2023, pension funds generated a positive net return on investments of CHF 54 billion, after a loss of CHF 105 billion in the previous year. The value fluctuation reserves increased to CHF 94 billion (CHF 65 billion in the previous year). However, this was still considerably less than the CHF 145 billion seen in 2021. This is according to the final results of the 2023 Pension Fund Statistics from the Federal Statistical Office (FSO).

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Nearly 91 000 protected monuments and 53 000 archaeological sites in Switzerland

Source: Switzerland – Department of Home Affairs

In 2022, there were close to 91 000 protected historic monuments in Switzerland, 21% more than in 2016. The number of archaeological sites rose by 27% to 53 000. The increase in these figures reflects pressure from construction and greater efforts to safeguard Switzerland’s built heritage, as well as changes in the inventory method. Overall, protected monuments account for 5% of Switzerland’s building stock and protected archaeological areas for 1.3% of the country’s territory. These are the figures from the Swiss Monument Statistics, published by the Federal Statistical Office (FSO) for the second time and now including data on financing.

MIL OSI Europe News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: “Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics” shows continued increase in Hong Kong’s gross expenditure on research and development in 2023

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

“Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics” shows continued increase in Hong Kong’s gross expenditure on research and development in 2023
“Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics” shows continued increase in Hong Kong’s gross expenditure on research and development in 2023
******************************************************************************************

According to the report “Hong Kong Innovation Activities Statistics 2023” released today (December 23) by the Census and Statistics Department, the gross domestic expenditure on research and development (GERD) in Hong Kong has been on the rise and reached $33,006 million in 2023, representing an increase of about 10 per cent compared with the corresponding figure in 2022 ($30,138 million). The GERD as a ratio to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has also further increased to 1.11 per cent in 2023. In addition, the number of research and development (R&D) personnel showed a steady increase over the years and reached 43,403 in 2023 (compared with 39,710 in 2022). A government spokesman said, “The country indicates clear support in the National 14th Five-Year Plan for Hong Kong to develop into an international innovation and technology (I&T) centre. Promoting I&T development has always been one of the key policy areas of the current-term Government. In recent years, the Government has been focusing on encouraging innovation activities, developing I&T infrastructure, strengthening basic research and promoting commercialisation of R&D outcomes, attracting and nurturing talent, supporting start-ups, etc. Moreover, since taking office, the current-term Government has been actively enhancing the local I&T ecosystem by consolidating our strengths in upstream basic research, accelerating the midstream transformation and realisation of scientific research outcomes, and supporting industry development in the downstream. Various initiatives have achieved good progress. It is encouraging to see that the GERD and the GERD as a ratio of the GDP have recorded satisfactory growth in 2023. We will continue to promote I&T development in Hong Kong at full steam following the development directions and major strategies as set out in the Hong Kong I&T Development Blueprint.” The spokesman also stated that a series of measures have been announced in the 2024 Policy Address, including promoting the development of new industrialisation, preparing for the establishment of the third InnoHK research cluster, launching the Pilot I&T Accelerator Scheme, setting up a $10 billion I&T Industry-Oriented Fund, etc., to achieve high-quality economic development through technological empowerment. In addition, the Government promulgated the Development Outline for the Hong Kong Park (the Park) of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone in November this year to foster the development of the Park. “The Government will continue to take forward various policy measures to create favourable conditions for Hong Kong’s I&T development, with a view to further promoting the development of I&T and new quality productive forces in Hong Kong, and realising the vision of developing Hong Kong into an international I&T centre,” the spokesman added.

Ends/Monday, December 23, 2024Issued at HKT 16:35

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US and UK suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US and UK suspended
Import of poultry meat and products from areas in US and UK suspended
*********************************************************************

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (December 23) that in view of notifications from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about outbreaks of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in areas in the United States (US) and the United Kingdom (UK), the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the relevant areas with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. The relevant areas are as follows:UK—-Norfolk County(1) King’s Lynn & West Norfolk DistrictUS—-State of California(2) Marin County(3) San Joaquin CountyState of South Dakota(4) Beadle County(5) Charles Mix County(6) Faulk County(7) Hutchinson County(8) McPherson County(9) Moody County(10) Spink CountyState of Iowa(11) Sioux County(12) Palo Alto CountyState of North Dakota(13) Bottineau County(14) McHenry County(15) Ransom CountyState of Tennessee(16) Gibson CountyState of Utah(17) Piute County(18) Sanpete County A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 63 470 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat, and about 17.2 million poultry eggs from the US, and about 900 tonnes of chilled and frozen poultry meat and about 990 000 poultry eggs from the UK in the first nine months of this year. “The CFS has contacted the American and British authorities over the issues and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreaks. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Ends/Monday, December 23, 2024Issued at HKT 17:47

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Christmas booze ban for record number of offenders
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3

Around 3,800 offenders either released from prison or serving a community sentence will wear an alcohol tag over Christmas and New Year.
Around 3,800 offenders forced to wear alcohol tags to keep streets safe over Christmas and New Year

Technology monitors alcohol in their sweat so offenders can’t enjoy a festive tipple

Tags help tackle drink-fuelled crime such as domestic abuse and drunken disorder

A record number of offenders will be forced to stay sober this Christmas as part of the government’s Plan for Change, keeping streets safe and cutting alcohol-fuelled crime.

Statistics published today (23 December) show around 3,800 offenders either released from prison or serving a community sentence will wear an alcohol tag over Christmas and New Year.

The tags work around the clock and quickly detect if an offender has been drinking by analysing their sweat, meaning festive favourites such as mulled wine and prosecco will be strictly off the menu.

If an offender dares to have a drink, an alert is sent to their probation officer who can take action to punish them, such as an order to return to court or even prison.

Minister for Prisons, Probation and Reducing Reoffending, James Timpson, said:

The sad reality is alcohol-fuelled crime such as domestic abuse and public disorder spikes at Christmas and has a devastating impact in our homes and town centres.

Technology like this is playing a key role in the government’s mission to take back our streets by monitoring offenders and cutting crime.

The tags are accurate enough to distinguish between foods that contain low-levels of alcohol – such as mince pies or Christmas pudding – and boozier drinks that could lead to offenders getting drunk.

The technology is playing a significant role in the government’s mission to take back our streets from alcohol-fuelled harm, which costs the taxpayer billions of pounds each year.

Offenders who are banned from consuming alcohol by the courts have remained sober for 97% of the days they have been tagged since the technology was first rolled out in 2020.

They monitor alcohol bans for offenders on community sentences handed down by judges or magistrates and can also be used as a licence condition for prison leavers. Roughly 20% of those supervised by probation are classified as having a drinking problem.

These statistics come as the government is conducting a landmark review of sentencing, which will further explore the range of tougher punishments that can be served outside of prison. This will explore the technology we can use to limit the liberties of offenders in the community and support the administration of sentences outside of prison.

Further information

Statistics show offenders on community orders are complying with alcohol bans for 97% of the time

The Crime Survey indicated that 39% of victims of serious offences believed that alcohol played a factor in the incident

Statistics show that around 20% of offenders managed in the community by the Probation Service had an identified “alcohol need”

Figures have shown year on year that the percentage of domestic abuse-related offences increases in December

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Published 23 December 2024
MIL OSI United Kingdom –
January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Global: Could trusting each other more unlock economic growth?

Source: The Conversation – UK – By Paul Whiteley, Professor, Department of Government, University of Essex

Shutterstock/GoodStudio

Trust in Britain’s institutions is in bad shape, according to recent data from the European Social Survey.

Trust is important because a good deal of governing involves trying to persuade people to do things or convince them that things will get better in the future. This is increasingly difficult to do if trust is in decline. Trust in political institutions is particularly important when governments have to make unpopular decisions, such as raising taxes.

Data covering a 20-year period shows a marked decline in trust in parliaments, political parties and politicians. The following question is asked in the European Social Surveys over time:

Please tell me on a score of 0-10 how much you personally trust each of the following institutions. 0 means you do not trust an institution at all, and 10 means you have complete trust in it.

The decline in trust began around the time of the 2016 survey, when the lowest level of trust in politicians and political parties was recorded in 20 years of doing the survey. Parliament has done a bit better, but decline in trust for it is still quite marked. It is no coincidence that this decline started in 2016 – the year of Brexit.

Average trust scores for British institutions, 2002-2022

Trust on the slide.
P Whiteley, CC BY-ND

But the European Social Survey carries another important measure of trust – our trust in fellow citizens. A question in the surveys asks how trusting respondents felt about other people on an 11-point scale, with a high score indicating that people are trusting.

Average trust scores in other people in Britain, 2002-2022

Trust in other people.
P Whiteley, CC BY-ND

After a shaky start at the beginning of the millennium, trust in other people increased significantly in Britain in 2006, to over 5.35 on the 11-point scale. It then dropped in 2008, the year of the financial crisis. The recovery from this decline was in place by 2010. It is noticeable that the trust scores fell again in 2018, when the political consequences of Brexit were making themselves felt. Trust revived again in 2020 during the pandemic.

So, our trust in each other is in healthier shape than our trust in institutions. This is important because trust in others is a key measure of social capital – the willingness of people to work together to solve social and economic problems in society. The importance of social capital in creating prosperity in the US was highlighted by the American political scientist Bob Putnam in his best-selling book, Bowling Alone.

Trust is lacking in British politicians.
Flickr/UK Parliament, CC BY-NC-ND

There is now a large literature on social capital and trust, some of it focusing specifically on Britain. The findings are that trust promotes prosperity for a number of reasons. If people trust each other, they are more likely to volunteer. This free labour helps to provide a social safety net, which increases prosperity for all – even if it is not fully recognised in the national income statistics.

High-trust countries like Denmark and Sweden also have low levels of corruption – and corruption is a blocker to growth. In a high-trust environment, the costs of doing business are lower because there is less need for elaborate contracts, expensive lawyers and lots of litigation to make other people behave properly. This is, in part, why high-trust countries are richer than low-trust countries.

It’s well established that economic growth is driven by investment in innovation, skills and transport, extra manufacturing capacity and greater workplace productivity. However, it is also the case that social capital helps to create economic growth. In researching this across a variety of countries, I found that trust was very important in stimulating economic growth alongside these other factors.

Government has limited direct influence on social capital, but it can encourage it by investing in voluntary organisations and increasing transparency in its dealings with the public.

Britain has suffered from a lack of investment in capital spending and infrastructure, and has neglected investment in education over the past 15 years. Social capital seems to be in much better shape, and faced with the significant challenge of restoring growth, the UK government needs to pull every lever at its disposal. It can repair trust in politics with its own actions, and this is likely to help with sustaining social capital, which is part of the solution to restoring economic growth.

Paul Whiteley has received funding from the British Academy and the ESRC.

– ref. Could trusting each other more unlock economic growth? – https://theconversation.com/could-trusting-each-other-more-unlock-economic-growth-246302

MIL OSI – Global Reports –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Europe: Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises: firms report lower interest rates but a small decline in bank loan availability
Source: European Central Bank

27 January 2025
- Firms reported declining bank interest rates on loans, although indicating a slight further tightening of other lending conditions.
- There was a slight increase in the bank financing gap compared with the previous quarter as firms reported a small reduction in bank loan availability and no change in the need for bank loans.
- Firms’ inflation expectations increased slightly, with their median expectations for annual inflation in one, three and five years all standing at 3.0%, 0.1 percentage points higher across all three horizons.
- Nearly half of the firms surveyed see the ECB’s inflation target at 2% and these firms have lower inflation expectations than those believing the target to be significantly higher.
In the most recent round of the Survey on the Access to Finance of Enterprises (SAFE), euro area firms reported a decrease in interest rates on bank loans (a net -4%, compared with a net 4% reporting an increase in the previous quarter), although a net 22% (30% in the previous quarter) observed increases in other financing costs (i.e. charges, fees and commissions) (Chart 1).

In this survey round, firms reported a small decline in the availability of bank loans in the fourth quarter of 2024 (a net -2%, down from a net 1% reporting an increase in the previous quarter) (Chart 2). At the same time, firms indicated no change in the need for bank loans, compared with 2% reporting a decrease in the third quarter of 2024. This led the financing gap – an index capturing the difference between the need for and availability of bank loans – to increase for a net 1% of firms, compared with a net 2% of firms reporting a decrease in the previous survey round. Looking ahead, firms expect small improvements in the availability of external financing over the next three months.

More firms perceived the general economic outlook to be the main factor hampering the availability of external financing than in the previous survey round (a net percentage of -22%, compared with -20%). A net 8% of firms indicated that their perception of banks’ willingness to lend, which may reflect banks’ risk aversion, had improved further (up from 6%).

A net 6% of enterprises reported an increase in turnover over the last three months, down from 7% in the previous survey round, with a net 11% of firms remaining optimistic about developments in the next quarter. An increased percentage of firms saw a deterioration in their profits compared with the previous survey round (a net percentage of -14%). The survey indicates that the net percentage of firms reporting an increase in cost pressures continued to decline.

Firms continued to expect the increase in their selling prices and wages to moderate over the next 12 months (Chart 3). Selling prices were expected to increase by 2.9% on average (down from 3.0% in the previous survey round), while the corresponding figure for wages was 3.3% (down from 3.5% in the previous round).

Firms’ inflation expectations increased slightly, bringing a halt to the previous declines (Chart 4). Median expectations for annual inflation in one, three and five years all stood at 3.0%, thus increasing by 0.1 percentage points for all three horizons. For inflation in five years, fewer firms reported balanced risks (33%). The increase in the percentage of firms seeing upside risks (51%, up from 46%) was similar to the rise in the share of those perceiving risks to the downside (16%, up from 12%).

To better understand firms’ awareness of and attention to inflation developments, a new set of ad hoc questions was introduced in this survey round. Firms were asked about the factors they believe influenced inflation in 2024, their level of attention to actual inflation, and how this attention has shifted compared with a year ago. Firms cited non-labour input costs rather than wage costs or profits as the primary factor influencing inflation in 2024. Additionally, firms were asked about the inflation target set by the European Central Bank (ECB). Nearly half of the firms surveyed see that target at 2%, and these firms have lower inflation expectations than those believing the target to be significantly higher than 2%.

The report published today presents the main results of the 33rd round of the SAFE survey for the euro area. The survey was conducted between 20 November and 18 December 2024. Firms were asked about conditions over the three-month period from October to December 2024. The sample comprised 5,393 enterprises in the euro area, of which 4,997 (93%) had fewer than 250 employees.

For media queries, please contact Nicos Keranis nicos.keranis@ecb.europa.eu, tel.: +49 172 758 7237.

Notes

Chart 1

Changes in the terms and conditions of bank financing for euro area enterprises

(net percentages of respondents)

Base: Enterprises that had applied for bank loans (including subsidised bank loans), credit lines, or bank or credit card overdrafts. The figures refer to pilot 2 and rounds 30 to 33 of the survey (October-December 2023 to October-December 2024).

Notes: Net percentages are the difference between the percentage of enterprises reporting an increase for a given factor and the percentage reporting a decrease. The data included in the chart refer to Question 10 of the survey.

Chart 2

Changes in euro area enterprises’ financing needs and the availability of bank loans

(net percentages of respondents)

Base: Enterprises for which the instrument in question is relevant (i.e. they have used it or considered using it). Respondents replying “not applicable” or “don’t know” are excluded. The figures refer to pilot 2 and rounds 30 to 33 of the survey (October-December 2023 to October-December 2024).

Notes: The financing gap indicator combines both financing needs and the availability of bank loans at firm level. The indicator of the perceived change in the financing gap takes a value of 1 (-1) if the need increases (decreases) and availability decreases (increases). If enterprises perceive only a one-sided increase (decrease) in the financing gap, the variable is assigned a value of 0.5 (-0.5). A positive value for the indicator points to a widening of the financing gap. Values are multiplied by 100 to obtain weighted net balances in percentages. The data included in the chart refer to Questions 5 and 9 of the survey.

Chart 3

Expectations for selling prices, wages, input costs and employees one year ahead, by size class

Base: All enterprises. The figures refer to rounds 29 to 33 (April-September 2023 to October-December 2024) of the survey, with firms’ replies collected in the last month of the respective survey waves.

Notes: Weighted average euro area firm expectations of changes in selling prices, wages of current employees, non-labour input costs and number of employees for the next 12 months using survey weights. The statistics are computed after trimming the data at the country-specific 1st and 99th percentiles. The data included in the chart refer to Question 34 of the survey.

Chart 4

Firms’ median expectations for euro area inflation by size class

(annual percentages)

Base: All enterprises. The figures refer to pilot 2 and rounds 30 to 33 (October-December 2023 to October-December 2024) of the survey, with firms’ replies collected in the last month of the respective survey waves.

Notes: Survey-weighted median of euro area firms’ expectations for euro area inflation in one year, three years and five years. The statistics are computed after trimming the data at the country-specific 1st and 99th percentiles. The data included in the chart refer to Question 31 of the survey.
MIL OSI Europe News –
January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: 10% rise in non-local firms hailed

Source: Hong Kong Information Services

According to the latest annual survey jointly conducted by Invest Hong Kong (InvestHK) and the Census & Statistics Department, this year Hong Kong hosted 9,960 firms with parent companies located outside of the city, a record high number and a 10% increase on the previous year. Meanwhile, the number of people employed by such firms reached nearly 500,000, an increase of 5% year on year.

Speaking to news.gov.hk, Director-General of Investment Promotion Alpha Lau said the figures demonstrate that Hong Kong’s business environment has fully regained its strong growth momentum following the COVID-19 pandemic.

She highlighted that due to uncertainty in the global economic situation, many companies are taking a cautious approach to expansion, but added that the latest numbers indicate Hong Kong is a pragmatic choice of location as it remains a very good place to do business.

“Facts speak louder than words. Companies expand their business here and use Hong Kong as a springboard to enter into Mainland China, into Asia, or for Chinese companies to go out and expand into the rest of the world.”

Analysed by parent company location, the top five sources of firms from outside Hong Kong are Mainland China (2,620), Japan (1,430), the US (1,390), the UK (720) and Singapore (520).

Moreover, the top 10 locations all recorded increases in 2024. These include traditional markets in the Americas and Europe, as well as Asian markets.

Notably, the number of regional headquarters in Hong Kong increased to 1,410, representing a 5.5% rise.

These impressive figures not only reflect Hong Kong’s attractiveness but also indicate that InvestHK’s efforts to draw investment to the city are bearing fruit.

As of November, InvestHK had assisted over 500 companies in setting up or expanding their operations in Hong Kong in 2024, an increase of more than 50% year on year.

Companies that have established their headquarters in Hong Kong believe that the city’s advantages as a hub for capital, talent and technology are self-evident.

KN Group Hong Kong Treasury Centre General Manager Lucas Kong highlighted that the city maintains its status as one of the world’s leading financial centres, boasting a mature and open financial market environment.

“As a fintech company leveraging artificial intelligence in the financial sector, establishing our headquarters in Hong Kong significantly facilitates the expansion of our international operations,” he explained.

Mr Kong also stressed that the robust economic incentives provided by the Hong Kong Government have been instrumental both in attracting businesses and fostering technological innovation.

He added that while the company’s expansion has led to its liquidity structure becoming more decentralised, resulting in increased management costs, establishing a global corporate treasury centre in Hong Kong has allowed the business to centralise fund management and allocation, thereby reducing costs and enhancing efficiency.

“This move is made possible by Hong Kong’s transparent and open business ecosystem, coupled with its favourable tax regime.”

Many family offices are also zeroing in on Hong Kong as the Government’s various high-value talent attraction schemes make the city an enticing choice for such operations.

One example of such a firm is the family office Glory, which engages in insurance and trusts.

Glory’s Global CEO, Gao Yang, explained that while it operates in both Hong Kong and Singapore, many of its clients favour Hong Kong, due to the Government’s introduction of a range of flexible and practical talent admission polices for Chinese high-net-worth individuals. She said these initiatives provide a variety of pathways, enhancing Hong Kong’s appeal as a premier financial hub.

MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Mainland official visits Taiwan business people, compatriots ahead of Spring Festival

Source: China State Council Information Office 2

The Chinese mainland’s top Taiwan affairs official has extended festive greetings to representatives of the Taiwan business community ahead of the Spring Festival, and reaffirmed the mainland’s commitment to deepening cross-Strait integrated development and delivering benefits to Taiwan compatriots.
Song Tao, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, made the remarks during his visit to Taiwan enterprises and cross-Strait exchange events with nearly 400 Taiwan businesspeople and compatriots in Shenzhen, a technology hub in southern China, and Xiamen, a coastal city located near Taiwan, from Tuesday to Thursday.
Song learned about the business operations and development of Taiwan enterprises and listened to their opinions and suggestions. He emphasized that the mainland will continue to refine policies and mechanisms to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, while further advancing cross-Strait integrated development.
The shared values of peace, harmony and the pursuit of a better life among people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait remain the foundation of the development of cross-Strait relations, Song said.
He expressed the hope that Taiwan compatriots will uphold the one-China principle and the 1992 Consensus, firmly oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and work together to expand cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, promote the peaceful development of cross-Strait relations, and achieve integrated development.
“The warm atmosphere of Spring Festival brings a sense of comfort. The mainland’s support for Taiwan enterprises and compatriots has given those from Taiwan and Taiwan-funded businesses in Fujian greater confidence to continue their investments and support the cross-Strait integrated development,” said Wu Chia-ying, executive vice president of the Association of Taiwan Investment Enterprises on the Mainland. Wu attended a cross-Strait exchange event celebrating Spring Festival in Xiamen, east China’s Fujian Province, on Thursday.
Designated as a demonstration zone for cross-Strait integrated development, Fujian saw 920,000 trips by Taiwan compatriots in the past year, and 8,817 trips were operated on direct routes between Fujian’s coastal areas and Kinmen and Mazu, transporting over 1.37 million passengers, marking year-on-year increases of 67.2 percent and 78.8 percent, respectively.
In 2024, the mainland achieved its primary goals for economic and social development, shaping new advantages for cross-strait economic cooperation and providing new opportunities for Taiwan compatriots and businesses to deepen their engagement in the mainland, Song said.
Last year, 7,941 Taiwan-funded companies were newly opened on the mainland, and the trade volume across the Strait reached 292 billion U.S. dollars, up 9.4 percent year on year, according to the Ministry of Commerce and the General Administration of Customs.
Guangdong Province, where Shenzhen is located, serves as the front line of China’s reform and opening up and is geographically close to Taiwan. It has become one of the first destinations for Taiwan compatriots and businesses venturing into the mainland.
“Most of the Taiwan businesses in Guangdong were engaged in manufacturing in the past. But now they can leverage their advantages to make forays in the service industry, semi-conductors and artificial intelligence here,” said Jeff Chen, president of the Dongguan Taiwanese Business Association.
Guangdong is a representative example of Taiwan businesses seeking success on the mainland. Official statistics reveal that by the end of 2024, Guangdong had introduced nearly 35,000 Taiwan enterprises, involving more than 94 billion U.S. dollars of investment.
Hsu Fu-hsien, president of the Taiwanese association in Shenzhen, who also manages a manufacturing company, has been settled in Shenzhen for 35 years. “I benefited a lot from the reform and opening up in the 1990s. We are now keeping in pace with the times to invest more in automation and innovation,” he said.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Home appliances retail sales surge in December 2024

Source: China State Council Information Office

Retail sales of home appliances in China’s businesses whose operating income reaches a certain scale surged by 39.3 percent year on year in December, backed by the country’s trade-in program, according to the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) on Thursday.

The growth rate went up by 17.1 percentage points from that in November 2024, the MOC said, citing data from the National Bureau of Statistics.

Businesses whose operating income reaches a certain scale refers to wholesalers with an annual main business turnover of at least 20 million yuan (about $2.79 million), retailers with that reaching 5 million yuan, and accommodation and catering businesses with that of at least 2 million yuan.

In December, the retail sales of consumer goods rose 3.7 percent year on year, while that of the whole year climbed 3.5 percent from 2023, contributing 44.5 percent of the country’s economic growth, the data showed.

Retail sales of services marked rapid growth to climb 6.2 percent year on year, 3 percentage points faster than retail sales of consumer goods, the data also showed.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s overall economic output continues to expand

Source: China State Council Information Office

An aerial drone photo taken on Jan. 15, 2025 shows the cruise ship Adora Flora City under construction at Shanghai Waigaoqiao Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in Shanghai, east China. [Photo/Xinhua]

China’s overall economic output continued to expand in January, reflecting a steady recovery momentum, according to official data.

In January, China’s composite purchasing managers’ index (PMI) stood at 50.1, according to data released Monday by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS).

The PMI for China’s manufacturing sector came in at 49.1, down from 50.1 in December. NBS statistician Zhao Qinghe said that the manufacturing PMI data in January were influenced by factors such as the approaching Spring Festival holiday and enterprise employees’ returning home for festival reunions.

The Chinese New Year, or the Spring Festival, falls on Jan. 29 this year. It is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar and an occasion for family reunions.

The NBS data showed that the sub-indices of production and new orders came in at 49.8 and 49.2, respectively.

The PMI for the equipment manufacturing sector remained above 50 for a sixth straight month, with its January reading at 50.2, according to the NBS.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

The PMI for China’s non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.2 in January, down from 52.2 in December, official data showed Monday.

The service sector continued to expand, with its sub-index standing at 50.3 in January, according to the NBS.

Driven by the effects of the Spring Festival, business activity indices in sectors related to residents’ travel and consumption, including road transportation, accommodation, catering, ecological protection, and public facility management, have risen into the expansion zone, showing strengthened market activities.

Meanwhile, business activity indices in sectors such as air transport, postal services, telecommunications, radio, television, satellite transmission services, and monetary and financial services remained above the 55-mark, indicating a robust growth in overall business volume.

The expectation index for manufacturing production and business activity reached 55.3, while that for non-manufacturing business activity stood at 56.7, both within a relatively high range of prosperity. This suggests that most enterprises remain confident in market development following the holiday, according to Zhao.

NBS data also showed that the combined profit of major industrial enterprises in China surpassed 7.43 trillion yuan (about $1.04 trillion) in 2024, while large enterprises in the cultural industry generated a combined profit of about 1.29 trillion yuan last year.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s industrial profits top 7.43 trillion yuan in 2024

Source: China State Council Information Office 3

The combined profit of major industrial enterprises in China exceeded 7.43 trillion yuan (about $1.04 trillion) in 2024, down 3.3 percent year on year, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said on Monday.

The data showed that in December last year, profits went up 11 percent year on year.

NBS statistician Yu Weining attributed the improvement to the implementation of incremental measures. Industrial profits in December rebounded significantly from a 7.3 percent decrease in November, and the decline in corporate earnings in the fourth quarter eased markedly from the third quarter of last year.

High-tech manufacturing became an important growth driver in 2024, with profits growing 4.5 percent from 2023. In particular, Yu said that high-end, intelligent and green manufacturing recorded faster profit growth.

The equipment manufacturing sector continued to be the cornerstone last year, with five of its eight industries posting year-on-year increases in profits, according to Yu.

In addition, last year’s profits in the consumer goods manufacturing sector improved by 3.4 percent year on year thanks to supportive policy measures to promote consumption, Yu said.

Moving forward, Yu called for continued efforts to expand domestic demand, boost the formation of new quality productive forces, and promote the recovery of industrial profits.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Import of poultry meat and products from GoleniÃ³w District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended

Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

Import of poultry meat and products from Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended
Import of poultry meat and products from Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland suspended
******************************************************************************************

The Centre for Food Safety (CFS) of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department announced today (January 27) that in view of a notification from the World Organisation for Animal Health (WOAH) about an outbreak of highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza in Goleniów District of Zachodniopomorskie Region in Poland, the CFS has instructed the trade to suspend the import of poultry meat and products (including poultry eggs) from the area with immediate effect to protect public health in Hong Kong. A CFS spokesman said that according to the Census and Statistics Department, Hong Kong imported about 3 480 tonnes of frozen poultry meat from Poland in the first nine months of last year. “The CFS has contacted the Polish authority over the issue and will closely monitor information issued by the WOAH and the relevant authorities on the avian influenza outbreak. Appropriate action will be taken in response to the development of the situation,” the spokesman said.

Ends/Monday, January 27, 2025Issued at HKT 15:25

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MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s industrial profits up 11% in December 2024

Source: China State Council Information Office

The combined profit of major industrial enterprises went up 11 percent year on year in December 2024, the National Bureau of Statistics said on Monday.

Profits of major industrial firms for last year went down 3.3 percent year on year, showed the data.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s non-manufacturing PMI at 50.2 in January

Source: China State Council Information Office

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for China’s non-manufacturing sector came in at 50.2 in January, down from 52.2 in December, official data showed Monday.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while below 50 reflects contraction.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), the service sector continued to expand, with its sub-index standing at 50.3 in January.

Driven by the effects of the Spring Festival, business activity indices in sectors related to residents’ travel and consumption, including road transportation, accommodation, catering, ecological protection, and public facilities management, have risen into the expansion zone, showing strengthened market activities.

Meanwhile, business activity indices in sectors such as air transport, postal services, telecommunications, radio, television, satellite transmission services, and monetary and financial services remained above the 55-mark, indicating a robust growth in overall business volume.

In January, the construction sub-index came in at 49.3, according to NBS data.

Monday’s data also showed that the country’s manufacturing PMI came in at 49.1 in January.

Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on Jan. 29 this year. It is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar and an occasion for family reunions.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: China’s manufacturing PMI at 49.1 in January

Source: China State Council Information Office

The purchasing managers’ index (PMI) for China’s manufacturing sector came in at 49.1 in January, down from 50.1 in December, official data showed Monday.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) statistician Zhao Qinghe said the PMI data in January were influenced by factors such as the approaching Spring Festival holiday and enterprise employees’ returning home for festival reunions.

Spring Festival, or the Chinese New Year, falls on Jan. 29 this year. It is the most important holiday on the Chinese calendar and an occasion for family reunions.

The NBS data showed that the sub-indices of production and new orders came in at 49.8 and 49.2, respectively.

The PMI for the equipment manufacturing sector remained above 50 for a sixth straight month, with its January reading at 50.2, according to the NBS.

A reading above 50 indicates expansion, while a reading below 50 reflects contraction.

MIL OSI China News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Students are back at school

Source: New Zealand Government

Associate Education Minister David Seymour welcomes students back to school with a call to raise attendance from last year.

“The Government encourages all students to attend school every day because there is a clear connection between being present at school and setting yourself up for a bright future,” says Mr Seymour.

“Our attendance goal for 2025 is to raise each school Term’s attendance rates higher than the same periods in 2024. This progress is essential for reaching the Government’s target of 80 per cent of students more than 90 per cent of the term by 2030.

In 2024, 61.7 per cent of students attended school regularly in Term 1, 53.2 per cent attended school regularly in Term 2, and 51.3 per cent attended school regularly in Term 3. Term 4 figures will be finalised and available shortly.

“Schools are now required to record and submit student attendance every day for public reporting. The publication process of attendance data from the new dashboard will be faster and allow quicker responses to low attendance.

In coming weeks, the Ministry of Education will publish daily attendance data on a new and improved interactive attendance dashboard. The new dashboard replaces the current attendance dashboard (updated weekly) on the Ministry’s Education Counts website.

“With more information about attendance we will improve educational outcomes for New Zealand children. We’re making this information publicly available and putting an emphasis on getting to school,” says Mr Seymour.

“Previously, schools were required to provide attendance data after the end of each term. The shift to daily reporting applies to all schools except for a small number of kura who will begin daily reporting in mid-2025.

“The shift to weekly reporting last year has already provided greater insights. For example, attendance on Fridays remains a particular problem, being frequently lower than any other day of the week. I encourage parents to think of the long-term impact of letting students skip Fridays, both in missed education and in setting good habits for future employment.

“This richer set of data will help us understand patterns in attendance and why some students aren’t attending. It will also ensure we can understand the effectiveness of interventions.

“This will not create extra work for schools as daily recording of student attendance is already a requirement when a school is open for instruction, the Government is now compiling the data and making it readily available. To support schools to provide more accurate data we have also reviewed and reduced the number of attendance codes that schools need to use when recording attendance, from 26 to 15.

“We all need to get behind schools so they can keep a strong focus on teaching and help as many students as possible to become regular attenders.

“If the truancy crisis isn’t addressed there will be an 80-year long shadow of people who missed out on education when they were young, are less able to work, less able to participate in society, more likely to be on benefits. That’s how serious this is.”

Note to editors:
Daily Attendance Dashboard: Daily attendance | Education Counts

Attendance data can be found here: Attendance | Education Counts

Refreshed Attendance Codes: Refreshed attendance codes from Term 1 2025

Daily Attendance Reporting: Daily attendance reporting – Ministry of Education

Amendment – School Attendance Rules 2025: Amendment – School Attendance Rules 2025

MIL OSI New Zealand News –

January 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Adrian Beaumont, Election Analyst (Psephologist) at The Conversation; and Honorary Associate, School of Mathematics and Statistics, The University of Melbourne

A national Newspoll, conducted January 20–24 from a sample of 1,259, gave the Coalition a 51–49 lead, a one-point gain for the Coalition since the previous Newspoll in early December. Primary votes were 39% Coalition (steady), 31% Labor (down two), 12% Greens (up one), 7% One Nation (steady) and 11% for all Others (up one).

In three of the last four Newspolls, the Coalition has had a 51–49 lead. This is the consensus of the polls at the moment, as can be seen from the graph below. The federal election is not due until May, and this position is recoverable for Labor, but they would probably lose now. I had more comments on this last Thursday.

The worst news from Newspoll for Labor was Anthony Albanese’s ratings, which slumped six points since December to a term-low net approval of -20, with 57% dissatisfied and 37% satisfied.

Peter Dutton’s net approval increased one point to -11. Albanese led Dutton by 44–41 as better PM (45–38 in December). This three-point margin for Albanese is a term low.

The graph below shows Albanese’s Newspoll ratings this term. The individual polls are marked with plus signs and a smoothed line has been fitted.

There have been five polls in January of leaders’ ratings from Freshwater, YouGov, Resolve, Essential and Newspoll. On average, Albanese is at -15 net approval and Dutton at -3.2. If not for a net zero approval from Essential, Albanese’s ratings would be worse.

Additional Resolve questions

I previously covered the mid-January Resolve poll for Nine newspapers that gave Dutton a 39–34 preferred PM lead over Albanese. In additional questions, by 61–24, voters supported keeping Australia’s national day on January 26 over changing to another date (47–39 in January 2023).

The thumping defeat of the October 2023 Voice referendum has damaged the push to change the date. By 52–24, voters supported legislating so that January 26 is enshrined in law as Australia’s national day.

By 54–9, respondents thought there had been more antisemitism over more Islamophobia in recent months (32–14 in October). By 51–24, they thought the conflict in the Middle East had made Australia a less safe place (45–26 in October).

Victorian Resolve poll: Labor’s primary plunges to 22%

A Victorian state Resolve poll
for The Age, conducted with the federal December and January Resolve polls from a sample of over 1,000, gave the Coalition 42% of the primary vote (up four since November), Labor 22% (down six), the Greens 13% (steady), independents 17% (up three) and others 6% (down one).

Resolve doesn’t usually give a two-party estimate, but The Age’s article said that on 2022 election preference flows, the Coalition would have a 55.5–44.5 lead. Independents would be unlikely to get 17% at an election, but they are on the readout everywhere in Resolve polls until after nominations close.

In late December, Brad Battin was elected Liberal leader in a party room vote, replacing John Pesutto. From just the January sample, Battin led Labor incumbent Jacinta Allan as preferred premier by 36–27 (30–29 to Pesutto in November).

Victorian Labor’s unpopularity is hurting federal Labor in Victoria. The Poll Bludger’s BludgerTrack has a 5.3% swing against Labor in Victoria, with swings in the other mainland states at 2% or less.

By the November 2026 election, Labor will have governed in Victoria for 12 successive years and for 23 of the 27 years since 1999. An “it’s time” factor is probably contributing to Labor’s woes.

State byelections will occur on February 8 in Labor-held Werribee and Greens-held Prahran. At the 2022 election, Labor won Werribee by a 60.9–39.1 margin against the Liberals, while the Greens won Prahran by 62.0–38.0 against the Liberals.

In Prahran, which Labor is not contesting, Tony Lupton, who was the Labor MP from 2002 to 2010, is running as an independent. The Liberals and Lupton will swap preferences on their how to vote material. Voters can choose their own preferences instead of following their candidate’s recommendations, but many will follow those recommendations.

Germany and Canada

I covered German and Canadian electoral developments for The Poll Bludger on Saturday. The German federal election is in about four weeks, on February 23. Polls are bleak for the left, with big gains likely for the far-right AfD.

Justin Trudeau announced he would resign as Canadian Liberal leader and PM on January 6 once a new Liberal leader had been elected, which will occur on March 9. The Conservatives had a big lead in last Monday’s update to the CBC Poll Tracker, but there’s a new poll that gives the Conservatives just a 3.8-point lead. Trudeau promised to reform Canada’s electoral system before he won the October 2015 election, but did nothing.

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

– ref. Albanese records worst Newspoll ratings this term; Victorian Labor’s primary plunges – https://theconversation.com/albanese-records-worst-newspoll-ratings-this-term-victorian-labors-primary-plunges-248222

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: The ‘singles tax’ means you often pay more for going it alone. Here’s how it works

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Alicia Bubb, Research & Teaching Sessional Academic, RMIT University

lightman_pic/Shutterstock

Heard of the “singles tax”? Going it alone can also come with a hidden financial burden you may not be aware of.

Obviously, this isn’t an official levy paid to anyone in particular. It simply refers to the higher costs single people face compared to couples or families.

Single-person households have been on the rise in Australia. It’s projected they’ll account for up to 28% of all households in 2046.

People are marrying later, divorce rates remain high and an ageing population means more people live alone in older age. Many people also make a conscious decision to remain single, seeing it as a sign of independence and empowerment.

This is part of a global trend, with singledom increasing in Europe, North America and Asia.

So, how does the singles tax work – and is it worse for some groups than others? What, if anything, can we do about it?

Why does being single cost more?

One of the biggest drivers of the singles tax is the inability to split important everyday costs. For example, a single person renting a one-bedroom apartment has to bear the full cost, while a couple sharing it can split the rent.

Being single can mean not being being able to split living costs like groceries.
Gorodenkoff/Shutterstock

Singles often miss out on the savings from bulk grocery purchases, as larger households consume more and can take better advantage of these deals.

Fixed costs for a house like electricity, water and internet bills often don’t increase by much when you add an extra user or two. Living alone means you pay more.

These are all examples of how couples benefit from economies of scale – the cost advantage that comes from sharing fixed or semi-fixed expenses – simply by living together.

My calculations, based on the most recent data from the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS), show that singles spend about 3% more per person on goods and services compared to couples.

Compared to couples with children, single parents spend about 19% more per person. While government support mechanisms such as the child care subsidy exist, many single parents find them insufficient, especially if they work irregular hours.

Beyond the essentials

The singles tax extends beyond our “essential needs” and into the costs of travel, socialising and entertainment.

Solo travellers, for example, may encounter something called a “single supplement” – an extra fee charged for utilising an accommodation or travel product designed for two people.

Streaming services such as Netflix and Spotify offer family plans at slightly higher prices than individual ones, making them more cost-effective for larger households.

Couples and families can easily split fixed costs, such as streaming subscriptions.
Vantage_DS/Shutterstock

A global phenomenon

Reports from around the world paint a similar picture.

In the United States, research by real estate marketplace Zillow found singles pay on average US$7,000 ($A11,100) more annually for housing, compared to those sharing a two-bedroom apartment.

In Europe, higher living costs and limited government supports put singles at a disadvantage. And in Canada, singles report feeling the pinch of rising rent and grocery prices.

The tax systems of many countries can amplify the financial burden of being single, by favouring couples and families.

In the United States, for example, tax policies intended to alleviate poverty often exclude childless adults, disproportionately taxing them into poverty.

The Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) reduces tax liabilities by providing refundable credits to low-income workers. It’s had some significant benefits for families, but offers minimal support to single, childless individuals.

Many tax structures disadvantage single-person households.
WPixz/Shutterstock

As economist Patricia Apps argues, tax and transfer policies often fail to account for the complexities of household income distribution.

These systems favour traditional family structures by providing benefits like spousal offsets or joint income tax breaks. Single individuals and single-parent households are left bearing a disproportionate financial burden.

Who is affected the most?

The singles tax disproportionately impacts women, who are more likely to live alone than men.

This can compound existing financial pressures such as the gender pay gap, taking career breaks, and societal expectations leaving them with lower retirement savings.

For older women, the singles tax adds another layer of difficulty to maintaining financial security.

And it can seriously exacerbate financial pressures on single mothers. Many rely on child support payments, which are often inconsistent or inefficient, leaving them financially vulnerable.

Working part-time or in casual roles due to caregiving responsibilities further limits their earning potential.

Single mothers may be disproportionately impacted by the singles tax.
Drazen Zigic/Shutterstock

There are unique challenges for single men, too, who may lack the same access to family-oriented subsidies and workplace flexibility. Single men may also face societal expectations to spend more on dating or socialising.

Alarmingly, men are disproportionately represented among the homeless population, making up 55.9% of people experiencing homelessness, and single men have a higher risk of premature death.

Growing recognition

While the singles tax highlights big systemic inequities, there are signs the issue is receiving more attention.

Some advocacy groups are pushing for better financial protections and child support reforms for single mothers.

Similarly, efforts to address homelessness have gained momentum, with increased attention to advocacy and services for single men facing housing insecurity.

There is also the potential to design tax systems to reduce these inequities. Tax systems that treat individuals as economic units, instead of basing benefits on household structures, could mitigate the singles tax and create a fairer system for all.

Nothing to disclose.

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

– ref. The ‘singles tax’ means you often pay more for going it alone. Here’s how it works – https://theconversation.com/the-singles-tax-means-you-often-pay-more-for-going-it-alone-heres-how-it-works-247578

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 27, 2025
MIL-Evening Report: Too many Australians miss out on essential medical care every year. Here’s how to fix ‘GP deserts’

Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Peter Breadon, Program Director, Health and Aged Care, Grattan Institute

Zhuravlev Andrey/Shutterstock

Some communities are “GP deserts”, where there are too few GPs to ensure everyone can get the care they need when they need it. These communities are typically sicker and poorer than the rest of Australia, but receive less care and face higher fees.

At the 2025 federal election, all parties should commit to changing that. The next government – whether Labor or Coalition, majority or minority – should set a minimum level of access to GP care, and fund local schemes to fill the worst gaps.

People in GP deserts miss out on care

About half a million Australians live in GP deserts. These are communities in the bottom 5% for GP services per person. Most GP deserts are in remote Queensland, Western Australia and the Northern Territory, and some are in Canberra.

People in GP deserts receive 40% fewer GP services than the national average. This means less of the essential check-ups, screening and medication management GPs provide.

Nurses and Aboriginal health workers help plug some of the gap, but even then GP deserts aren’t close to catching up to other areas.

And some people miss out altogether. Last year, 8% of people older than 65 in these areas didn’t see the GP at all, compared to less than 1% in the rest of the country.

Poorer and sicker places miss out, year after year

GP deserts are in the worst possible places. These communities are typically sicker and poorer, so they should be getting more care than the rest of Australia, not less.

People in GP deserts are almost twice more likely to go to hospital for a condition that might have been avoided with good primary care, or to die from an avoidable cause.

Most GP deserts are in the bottom 40% for wealth, yet pay more for care. Patients in GP deserts are bulk billed six percentage points less than the national average.

These communities miss out year after year. While rises and falls in national bulk billing rates get headlines, the persistent gaps in GP care are ignored. The same communities have languished well below the national average for more than a decade.

Policies to boost rural primary care don’t go far enough

Most GP deserts are rural, so recent policies to boost rural primary care could help a bit.

In response to rising out-of-pocket costs, the government has committed A$3.5 billion to triple bulk-billing payments for the most disadvantaged. Those payments are much higher for clinics in rural areas. An uptick in rural bulk billing last year is an early indication it may be working.

Older people in GP deserts are much less likely to see a GP than their peers in other parts of the country.
Theera Disayarat/Shutterstock

New rural medical schools and programs should help boost rural GP supply, since students who come from, and train in, rural areas are more likely to work in them. A “rural generalist” pathway recognises GPs who have trained in an additional skill, such as obstetrics or mental health services.

But broad-based rural policies are not enough. Not all rural areas are GP deserts, and not all GP deserts are rural. Australia also needs more tailored approaches.

Local schemes can work

Some communities have taken matters into their own hands.

In Triabunna on Tasmania’s east coast, a retirement in 2020 saw residents left with only one GP, forcing people to travel to other areas for care, sometimes for well over an hour. This was a problem for other towns in the region too, such as Swansea and Bicheno, as well as much of rural Tasmania.

In desperation, the local council has introduced a A$90 medical levy to help fund new clinics. It’s also trialling a new multidisciplinary care approach, bringing together many different health practitioners to provide care at a single contact point and reduce pressure on GPs. Residents get more care and spend less time and effort coordinating individual appointments.

Murrumbidgee in New South Wales has taken a different approach. There, trainee doctors retain a single employer throughout their placements. That means they can work across the region, in clinics funded by the federal government and hospitals managed by the state government, without losing employment benefits. That helps trainees to stay closely connected to their communities and their patients. Murrumbidgee’s success has inspired similar trials in other parts of NSW, South Australia, Queensland and Tasmania.

These are promising approaches, but they put the burden on communities to piece together funding to plug holes. Without secure funding, these fixes will remain piecemeal and precarious, and risk a bidding war to attract GPs, which would leave poorer communities behind.

Australia should guarantee a minimum level of GP care

The federal government should guarantee a minimum level of general practice for all communities. If services funded by Medicare and other sources stay below that level for years, funding should automatically become available to bridge the gap.

The federal and state governments should be accountable for fixing GP deserts. These regions typically have small populations, few clinicians, and limited infrastructure. So governments must work together to make the best use of scarce resources.

Some states have introduced schemes where doctors can work in a range of locations.
Stephen Barnes/Shutterstock

Funding must be flexible, because every GP desert is different. Sometimes the solution may be as simple as helping an existing clinic hire extra staff. Other communities may want to set up a new clinic, or introduce telehealth for routine check-ups. There is no lack of ideas about how to close gaps in care, the problem lies in funding them.

Lifting all GP deserts to the top of the desert threshold – or guaranteeing at least 4.5 GP services per person per year, adjusted for age, would cost the federal government at least A$30 million a year in Medicare payments.

Providing extra services in GP deserts will be more expensive than average. But even if the cost was doubled or tripled, it would still be only a fraction of the billions of dollars of extra incentives GPs are getting to bulk bill – and it would transform the communities that need help the most.

GP deserts didn’t appear overnight. Successive governments have left some communities with too little primary care. The looming federal election gives every party the opportunity to make amends.

If they do, the next term of government could see GP deserts eliminated for good.

Peter Breadon and Wendy Hu do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Grattan Institute has been supported in its work by government, corporates, and philanthropic gifts. A full list of supporting organisations is published at www.grattan.edu.au.

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– ref. Too many Australians miss out on essential medical care every year. Here’s how to fix ‘GP deserts’ – https://theconversation.com/too-many-australians-miss-out-on-essential-medical-care-every-year-heres-how-to-fix-gp-deserts-245253

MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

January 27, 2025
MIL-OSI China: Visa-free policies ignite surge in foreign tourist arrivals

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

BEIJING, Jan. 26 — As China continues to relax its visa-free policies, the country has seen a notable increase in foreign visitors joining the Spring Festival travel rush, eager to experience its rich cultural traditions.

The Spring Festival travel rush, or chunyun, began on Jan. 14 and will continue through Feb. 22. Preliminary statistics show that ticket bookings for inbound flights during this period surged 47 percent year on year.

As Japanese traveler Kyoko Shimada touched down at Shanghai Hongqiao International Airport, she was greeted by a vibrant display of red lanterns and paper cuttings featuring the Chinese character “fu,” a symbol of good fortune.

Having long dreamed of visiting China, Shimada and her husband seized the chance to travel just ahead of the Spring Festival, taking advantage of China’s visa-free policy for Japanese citizens.

“Although the airport was busy before the holiday, the immigration process was smooth and faster than I expected. The signs were clear, and some were even in Japanese,” Shimada said. During their three-day stay in Shanghai, the couple plans to enjoy the traditional lantern shows in the ancient Yuyuan Garden and savor the city’s local cuisine.

In 2024, China further relaxed its visa policies to enhance openness and promote people-to-people exchanges, allowing more foreign travelers and business people to visit the country visa-free.

A key development was the introduction of expanded unilateral visa-free entry policies in November 2024, allowing ordinary passport holders from 38 countries to stay in China for up to 30 days without needing a visa.

The following month, China announced a relaxation in its visa-free transit policy, increasing the permitted stay for eligible foreign travelers to 240 hours, up from the previous limits of 72 or 144 hours.

According to Trip.com Group, China’s online travel service giant, inbound travel orders from foreign tourists surged by 203 percent year on year during the Spring Festival, with the majority of visitors coming from the Republic of Korea, Malaysia, Singapore and Japan.

Recently, Thai tourist Ruchanewan Binsaree traveled to the ancient city of Xi’an, the capital of northwest China’s Shaanxi Province, with a friend. “I’ve visited cities like Shanghai and Hangzhou before, but we came here specifically to see the famous Terracotta Warriors,” Binsaree said.

During their trip, they explored the city’s historic architecture, strolled along a pedestrian street adorned with festive lanterns, and enjoyed watching locals dressed in red Hanfu, a traditional style of Chinese clothing.

Since the first day of the Spring Festival travel rush, Xi’an’s port has welcomed more than 3,100 inbound foreign visitors, marking a 187 percent increase compared to the same period last year. Among them, over 1,800 availed of the visa-free policies, while more than 360 took advantage of the 240-hour visa-free transit option.

Beyond air travel, the high-speed railway has become a popular option for foreign tourists during the Spring Festival rush, thanks to its convenience and efficiency.

“We originally planned to visit northern cities for the Spring Festival, but the high-speed railway made it possible to explore more places in a shorter time,” said a tourist from the Netherlands, as she waited at Guangzhou South Railway Station in south China’s Guangdong Province. “We are eager to experience the unique traditions of different cities during the Chinese New Year, making this Spring Festival even more memorable.”

Praising the clean, well-maintained environment of China’s railway stations, she said, “The process of entering the station was particularly smooth. Simply swiping my passport verified my identity and ticket information.”

“China’s ongoing efforts to ease visa-free policies have attracted a growing number of foreign tourists, providing them with the opportunity to experience the country’s rich cuisine, vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes,” said Zhu Mao, deputy director of the culture and tourism development commission of southwest China’s Chongqing Municipality.

This trend serves as a valuable platform for fostering people-to-people exchanges and deepening global understanding of China, he added.

MIL OSI China News –

January 26, 2025
MIL-OSI New Zealand: Near four-year high unemployment reveals dire need for new direction
Source: Green Party

Today, Statistics New Zealand’s latest labour market report revealed that unemployment has reached 4.8 per cent, the highest rate since late 2020, during the COVID pandemic.

“The Government’s economy for the rich is leaving thousands behind,” says the Green Party’s Spokesperson for Social Development and Employment, Ricardo Menéndez-March.

“We can build an economy that works for everyone and leaves nobody behind by investing in the public services and infrastructure which support our communities as well as programmes like jobs for nature that provide people with meaningful and stable work.

“The unemployment rate has hit the highest level since COVID, and this is down to the coalition government relying on making people unemployed to lower inflation while prioritising tax cuts, slashing public investment, and undermining the construction industry.

“Losing a job shouldn’t condemn families to poverty, yet successive Governments have set benefit levels below the poverty line and pushed ahead with sanctions that entrench hardship.

“Instead of punching down on those doing it the toughest and pushing more children into hardship, the Greens will lift all families out of poverty with a Guaranteed Minimum Income.

“This Government’s punitive approach to welfare and public investment is clearly not working. The Government has engineered an economy that punches down on our communities, one without jobs that simultaneously punishes people for not being able to find work.

“Poverty is a political choice, one that successive governments have chosen not to address. However, with unemployment rising and households experiencing wave after wave of financial strain, there is no better time than the present to end poverty and introduce an Income Guarantee.

“This is a policy we campaigned on and will continue to push as disparities in wealth widen and the incomes of people on the breadline stagnate.

“The Income Guarantee is a commitment to every New Zealander that no matter what, your income will never fall below $390 per week, after tax. For couples, our Income Guarantee will be at least $780, and a single parent will always have an income of at least $750.

“The Greens would support people into work with a supportive welfare system, more training opportunities, and restarting public investment in healthcare, schools, and houses that create good jobs,” says Ricardo Menéndez-March.
- Statistics NZ data for the September quarter can be found here.
- The Reserve Bank’s Financial Stability report can be found here.
- The Income Guarantee 2023 election policy can be found here. Rates have been adjusted for inflation.
MIL OSI New Zealand News –
January 26, 2025