Category: Transport

  • MIL-Evening Report: The re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michael Toole, Associate Principal Research Fellow, Burnet Institute

    Last week the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared a polio outbreak in Papua New Guinea (PNG).

    The highly infectious virus was found in two healthy, polio-vaccinated children who were screened following detection of the virus during routine wastewater sampling in Lae, PNG’s second largest city. Wastewater samples are also positive in the capital Port Moresby, indicating the potential of spread around the country.

    The strain has been identified as circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus type 2, similar genetically to a strain circulating in Indonesia.

    So what does this mean? And what will happen now in PNG?

    First, what is polio?

    Polio, or poliomyelitis, is a highly contagious disease caused by the poliovirus. It primarily affects children.

    Most infections don’t cause significant symptoms and go largely unnoticed. But less than 1% of infections result in paralysis.

    Poliovirus is spread by person-to-person contact or the ingestion of contaminated virus from faeces. The virus multiplies in the gut of people who are infected, and they shed the virus in their stool for several weeks. In this way it can spread through a community, especially in areas with poor sanitation.

    A recent review also suggested a greater role for transmission via respiratory particles than we previously thought.

    Wild poliovirus (as distinct from vaccine-derived poliovirus, which we’ll discuss shortly) was a major public health issue prior to the rollout of vaccination in 1950s. This campaign led to the virtual elimination of the disease in rich countries such as Australia.

    Since the Global Polio Eradication Initiative was launched in 1988, cases have decreased by 99% globally. Wild poliovirus remains endemic only in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

    Polio is caused by the poliovirus.
    Kateryna Kon/Shutterstock

    Polio vaccines

    There are two types of vaccines – the oral polio vaccine and the inactivated polio vaccine.

    Delivered as two drops in the mouth at least four times in early childhood, the oral vaccine contains a live-attenuated (weakened) form of the poliovirus. It triggers a strong immune reaction in the gut that slows the replication of wild poliovirus, and reduces shedding in the stool, limiting transmission.

    The oral vaccine does carry a small risk of the weakened vaccine strain causing paralysis. This occurs in
    roughly one in 2.7 million doses of the oral vaccine administered, usually at the first dose.

    The inactivated polio vaccine (part of the routine immunisation program in Australia) contains an inactivated or dead form of the poliovirus, which is unable to cause polio in the recipient.

    Given as an injection, this vaccine stimulates the immune system to produce protective antibodies in the blood against poliovirus. Three doses of the inactivated vaccine are highly protective against developing symptoms and paralysis from polio.

    However, this vaccine is thought not to be as effective as the oral vaccine at preventing infection and shedding in the gut. Therefore, it doesn’t prevent transmission.

    What is vaccine-derived poliovirus?

    As the weakened poliovirus in the oral vaccine is still shed in the stool, it can spread in communities with poor sanitation. The vaccine strain can mutate to a form that can cause paralysis, like wild poliovirus. The result, circulating vaccine-derived poliovirus, is a problem particularly when polio immunisation rates are low.

    The risk of international spread of vaccine-derived poliovirus has been assessed as high by the WHO and United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. There were outbreaks in 39 countries in 2023–24.

    A novel oral polio vaccine, nOPV2, which is less likely to mutate, has been used in outbreaks of vaccine-derived poliovirus since 2021.

    Routine vaccination with the inactivated polio vaccine is key to preventing vaccine-derived poliovirus, and is recommended by WHO. The polio endgame will involve this transition from the oral vaccine to the inactivated vaccine.

    In 2019, all countries had introduced the inactivated vaccine. However uptake remains low because of a lack of resources and inadequate access to health services in poor countries.

    What happens now in PNG?

    The PNG government has responded swiftly to activate its polio emergency response plan, supported by partners including WHO, UNICEF and the Australian government.

    Notably, PNG’s vaccination rate is among the lowest in the world, with only about 50% of children born each year receiving the recommended childhood vaccines, including the oral polio vaccine. To induce herd immunity and prevent outbreaks of disease, coverage should be at least 95%.

    PNG was declared polio free in 2000. But there was an outbreak in 2018 of vaccine-derived polio type 1 with 26 cases across nine provinces. The outbreak was brought under control through supplementary rounds of vaccination, enhanced surveillance, and expanded communication and community engagement.

    There are many lessons to be learned from the successful response to the 2018 polio outbreak. These three pillars of the response remain relevant:

    • mass vaccination (using nOPV2)
    • enhanced surveillance for cases and wastewater sampling
    • communication (through traditional and social media) and localised community engagement.

    Further research will be crucial to understand where transmission is occurring and target the response accordingly. This includes the question of potential for spread between Indonesia and PNG – a neglected health security issue.

    How about the risk in Australia?

    While the risk of spread of polio in Australia is low, the virus does not respect borders, and we cannot become complacent.

    Australia’s overall coverage with the inactivated vaccine is close to 95% but there has been a concerning decline in childhood immunisation since the COVID pandemic. Australia must address this and maintain its polio wastewater monitoring system.

    Supporting PNG and working with other countries towards global polio eradication is the best way Australia can protect itself.

    This outbreak is a timely reminder that the last mile in the global eradication of polio remains elusive. As we emerge from a pandemic, the need for international cooperation, strengthening health systems and responding swiftly to health emergencies such as polio couldn’t be stronger.

    Michael Toole has received funding from the National Health and Medical Research Council.

    Suman Majumdar, through the Burnet Institute receives grant funding from the Victorian Government and the Australian Government via the National Health & Medical Research Council of Australia, the Medical Research Future Fund and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

    Fredrick Charles 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 re-emergence of polio in Papua New Guinea shows global eradication remains elusive – https://theconversation.com/the-re-emergence-of-polio-in-papua-new-guinea-shows-global-eradication-remains-elusive-256899

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI China: China-US tariff cut good for bilateral trade growth, global recovery: spokesperson

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

    The significant reduction of tariffs between China and the United States is beneficial for trade growth between the two countries and global economic recovery, an official with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) said at a press conference on Monday.

    The current international environment remains complex and severe, with a rise in unilateralism and protectionism, which poses serious challenges to the international economic and trade order and constrains global economic growth, NBS spokesperson Fu Linghui said.

    However, the trend of international cooperation for win-win outcomes will not change, Fu noted, adding that China’s commitment to expanding its opening up will remain steadfast.

    The country’s diversification of foreign trade is being steadily advanced, and the policies aimed at promoting foreign trade development are yielding continuous results, which will continue to support the steady growth of foreign trade, Fu added. 

    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Malaysians bid tearful farewell to giant panda pair Xingxing and Liangliang

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    KUALA LUMPUR, May 19 (Xinhua) — Malaysians bid a tearful farewell to giant panda pair Xingxing and Liangliang on Sunday as they departed for China after an 11-year stay.

    Dozens of fans of the two pandas had already gathered at 05:00 outside the Giant Panda Conservation Centre at Zoo Negara in Kuala Lumpur.

    As transport arrived to take Xingxing and Liangliang to Kuala Lumpur International Airport, many people waved emotionally goodbye to the giant pandas, while some took photos and videos.

    Among those gathered was the zoo’s vice president, Rosli Rakhmat Akhmat Lana. She said the panda keeper would accompany her charges to China and stay there for a few days to help them settle in.

    “The pandas are healthy. We have always supported the panda conservation program. I am truly grateful to the fans who came today… their presence shows how much they care,” the zoo’s vice president told the media.

    In 2014, a pair of giant pandas were loaned to the Malaysian government for 10 years to mark the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China. They have played a key role as “ambassadors,” strengthening the friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

    During their stay in Malaysia, Xingxing and Liangliang gave birth to three cubs, all of which were previously safely returned to China. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Terranet invites to presentation of Interim report for the first quarter on May 19, 2025

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    On Maj 19th 2025, Terranet AB (publ) will release its Interim report for the first quarter 2025. On the same day at 10 a.m. CET, the company’s CEO Lars Lindell and CTO Pierre Ekwall will provide an update on the operations in a webcast.

    The event will be broadcast digitally and is open to the public. The presentation will be held in English. Via the webcast, there is an opportunity to ask written questions.

    Link to the webcast:  https://terranet.events.inderes.com/q1-report-2025
    A recording of the presentation will be available afterwards on Terranet’s website.

    For more information, please contact:        
    Lars Lindell, CEO
    E-mail: lars.lindell@terranet.se

    About Terranet AB (publ)
    Terranet’s goal is to save lives in urban traffic. The company develops innovative technical solutions for Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) and Autonomous Vehicles (AV). Terranet’s anti-collision system BlincVision laser scans and detects road objects up to ten times faster than any other ADAS technology available today.

    The company is headquartered in Lund, with offices in Gothenburg and Stuttgart. Since 2017, Terranet has been listed on Nasdaq First North Premier Growth Market (Nasdaq: TERRNT-B). Follow our journey at: www.terranet.se

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  • MIL-OSI Australia: Public consultation on productivity reform priorities

    Source: Australian Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister for Industry

    The Albanese Government welcomes the Productivity Commission’s call for submissions on priority reform areas released today.

    We’re determined to make Australia’s economy more prosperous and productive and this work from the PC is an important part of that process.

    The Albanese Labor Government inherited the largest quarterly fall in productivity in 45 years, with productivity going backwards by 2.4 per cent in the June quarter 2022 – the largest quarterly fall since June quarter 1979.

    Over the decade to 2020, average annual labour productivity growth in Australia was the slowest in 60 years, falling to just 1.1 per cent compared to 1.8 per cent over the 60 years to 2019–20.

    Flatlining productivity is one of the biggest challenges facing our nation, and that’s why we need a big national effort to turn it around.

    That’s why on 13 December 2024, I tasked the Productivity Commission to provide the government with advice on how to address Australia’s long‑run productivity challenges.

    The Productivity Commission has identified 15 priority reform areas for further exploration and will consult on these initiatives from today.

    This is only an initial call for submissions from the PC, and we expect their findings will be informed by the information collected through their consultation process.

    We’ll consider the PC’s recommendations within the context of the fiscal constraints we inherited and balance these against other government priorities.

    We might not be able to run with everything, but we will consider all of it and see what we can progress.

    The Albanese Government already has an ambitious productivity agenda and we’re eager to build on it.

    In our first term, we abolished nearly 500 nuisance tariffs and streamlined and strengthened approval processes in a number of areas including foreign investment, energy, environment and planning.

    We have reformed skills, education and aged care, and we are making it easier for investors to progress transformational projects, including investing in cheaper, cleaner energy.

    We’re also revitalising competition through the biggest changes to merger laws in 50 years, the 10‑year Competition Reform Roadmap, and the $900 million National Productivity Fund.

    In our second term, we’ll progress further reforms including occupational licensing for electricians, abolishing non‑compete clauses, unlocking opportunities in AI and digital assets, streamlining regulation and standing up the Single Front Door, strengthening the National Energy Market, leveraging health technology more effectively, and enabling construction of prefabricated and modular housing.

    It will take longer than two terms to turn around this productivity problem which has been building in our economy for decades, but we know that this work will make a meaningful difference in boosting wages and living standards sustainably into the future.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Video: When Climate Redefines Health

    Source: World Economic Forum (video statements)

    Research indicates that 3.6 billion people live in areas highly susceptible to climate change and, by 2050, the climate crisis could cause $1.1 trillion in extra costs to healthcare systems around the globe.

    How is the resilience of key sectors to climate change being measured and how are key actors responding to safeguard public health?

    This is the full audio of a panel discussion at the World Economic Forum’s Annual Meeting on 23 January, 2025. Watch it here: https://www.weforum.org/meetings/world-economic-forum-annual-meeting-2025/sessions/where-climate-collides-with-health/

    Speakers:

    John Steenhuisen, Minister of Agriculture, Department of Agriculture, Land Reform and Rural Development

    Stéphane Bancel, Chief Executive Officer, Moderna

    John-Arne Røttingen, Chief Executive Officer, Wellcome Trust

    Liza Korsten, President, African Academy of Sciences

    Shyam Bishen, Head, Centre for Health and Healthcare; Member of the Executive Committee, World Economic Forum

    David Knibbe, Chairman of the Executive Board and Chief Executive Officer, NN Group

    Celeste Saulo, Secretary-General, World Meteorological Organization (WMO)

     

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  • Taiwan is not ruling out ‘political warfare’ by China, coast guard says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Taiwan’s coast guard said on Monday China could try to disrupt public morale on the island ahead of President Lai Ching-te’s one-year anniversary this week, after images surfaced on social media of a person planting a Chinese flag on a Taiwan beach.

    China calls Lai, who completes a year in office on Tuesday, a “separatist”, and has rebuffed his offers for talks.

    Lai rejects China’s sovereignty claims over the democratic and entirely separately governed island, saying only Taiwan’s people can decide their future.

    Last week, Taiwan’s China-policy making Mainland Affairs Council said Beijing could hold more military drills to “stir up trouble” around the anniversary.

    On Sunday, images posted on Chinese social media showed a man who claimed to have sailed across the Taiwan Strait on a small boat landing on a remote beach and planting a Chinese flag, before returning to China. The video was later deleted.

    On Friday, Taiwan’s coast guard said it had arrested two Chinese nationals after they sailed into Taiwan illegally on a rubber boat and landed on a beach on the island’s northwest coast.

    Asked about the two incidents, Hsieh Ching-chin, deputy head of Taiwan’s coast guard, said China has been taking the opportunity for a while now to carry out drills and use other pressure tactics.

    “It cannot be ruled out that on the anniversary of President Lai’s inauguration, the Chinese communists will again use similar tactics and videos to engage in political warfare to disrupt the morale of our people,” he told reporters.

    Hsieh said the video of the flag planting was indeed taken on the beach in Taiwan’s Taoyuan, but whether by someone who crossed over from China, or was helped by someone in Taiwan to film it, was still being investigated.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Firearms seized – Acacia hills

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    Northern Territory Police Force, in collaboration with the Australian Border Force (ABF), have seized multiple firearms and other prohibited items following a joint operation in Acacia Hills.

    On 13 April 2025, ABF officers at the Sydney Gateway Facility intercepted a prohibited import—a firearms silencer—addressed to a 62-year-old male residing at a rural property in Acacia Hills. The individual is a known person of interest to police, with his firearms licence having been revoked in 2019.

    On 16 May 2025, members of the NT Police Firearms Audit and Enforcement team, alongside ABF officers, executed a comprehensive search of the 56-hectare property under section 119AA of the Police Administration Act. The male was apprehended at the scene.

    ABF firearms and explosives detection dogs were deployed and indicated several areas of interest within the primary dwelling. During the search, officers located and seized:

    • A Mini Ruger 14 .223 semi-automatic rifle with two 30-round magazines (one loaded), concealed under a couch.
    • A Ruger M77 .300 Win Mag bolt-action rifle hidden within shed pylons.
    • Multiple boxes of live ammunition and spent shell casings.
    • A night-vision thermal weapon sight and multiple firearm scopes.
    • Firearm cleaning equipment.
    • Approximately 3 grams of cannabis.
    • Evidence of a makeshift shooting range beneath a veranda.

    Following the discovery of cannabis, a section 120B search warrant was executed in addition to the initial 119AA search.

    Search and Rescue Section (SRS) and Territory Support Division officers assist in conducting a detailed grid search of the surrounding bushland, confirming no further weapons were present.

    The male has been issued a Notice to Appear in the Darwin Local Court on 15 July 2025 for the following offences:

    • Possess/use Category D firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess/use Category B firearm while unlicensed
    • Possess ammunition without a licence
    • Possess unregistered firearm
    • Possess less than traffickable quantity of a Schedule 2 dangerous drug

    Additionally, ABF issued the male with an infringement notice totalling $4,950.

    Senior Sergeant Alex Brennan said, “This incident highlights not only the ongoing risks posed by individuals unlawfully possessing firearms and prohibited imports, but also the seamless collaboration between agencies when it comes to investigating firearms offences.”

    ABF Commander Tracie Griffin said people should remember that any weapons or parts that are purchased overseas have to come across the border, and warned “that’s where our highly trained officers, detector dogs and cutting-edge x-ray technology are deployed”. 

    “In the wrong hands, these weapons could be deadly. If we detect them at the border, we will seize them and where appropriate prosecute those trying to bring them in illegally,” Commander Griffin said. 

    “Recreational shooters and firearm enthusiasts importing firearms, firearm parts or other weapons online should be very clear about the regulations in place. 

    “Anyone attempting to import prohibited weapons, including firearm parts, runs the risk of losing those goods and facing possible criminal prosecution.”

    Importing firearms without a permit is a serious offence with penalties including imprisonment for up to ten years and/or fines of up to $525,000. 

    Anyone with information about illegal firearms or related activity is urged to contact police on 131 444 or anonymously via Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or online at Crime Stoppers NT.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: ACCC proposes to allow collaboration between energy providers

    Source: Australian Ministers for Regional Development

    The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to grant authorisation with a condition for five years to Energy Networks Australia, Synergy, and other specified parties to allow for the procurement and implementation of a national ‘public key infrastructure’ service (PKI).

    The PKI service would manage secure communication between consumer energy resources (CER) and parties in the energy grid. Examples of CER include rooftop solar cells, batteries, and electric vehicles.

    “This public key infrastructure service will enable distribution network service providers to remotely limit or prevent electricity export into the grid by consumer energy resources in times of significant excess production, known as an ‘emergency backstop’ mechanism,” ACCC Commissioner Dr Philip Williams said.

    Where power exports from CER are high and general energy consumption is low, there are risks to electricity grid stability and the potential for localised or wider blackouts to occur.

    “While several state and territory governments have already implemented emergency backstop mechanisms, this service would give effect to a singular national approach to managing CER devices via communication protocols to avoid risks to electricity network system overload,” Dr Williams said.

    Currently, each distribution network service provider is responsible for procuring its own PKI solution for emergency backstop. Under the proposed conduct, however, providers could choose to utilise a national PKI delivered by a single provider.

    The creation of a national entity to manage PKI for CER for emergency backstop is reflective of a national reform priority agreed to by federal and state/territory governments in 2024.

    “We understand that a national regulatory framework for CER to set and enforce technical standards is being established as part of the national CER Roadmap and that whilst this is a more appropriate avenue for regulatory oversight of CER, we understand the current urgency around emergency backstop requirements,” Dr Williams said.

    “We are satisfied the proposed conduct is likely to result in a public benefit that would outweigh any potential public detriment to Australian consumers.”

    “Prior to making our final determination, however, we will be seeking further views on a number of potential public benefits and detriments,” Dr Williams said.

    The ACCC considers that the proposed conduct is likely to result in public benefits in the form of interoperability, cost savings for distribution networks, lower costs and complexity for manufacturers and installers, and increased consumer choice and device mobility.

    However, the proposed conduct is likely to reduce competition for the acquisition and supply of public key infrastructure services. As it also has the potential to result in public detriment due to a lack of formal external oversight, the ACCC is proposing a condition requiring regular reporting of NEPKI’s operations.

    While there is some benefit in the proposed conduct enabling the public key infrastructure solution to expand to future use cases autonomously, it also has the potential to result in public detriment. To mitigate this, the ACCC is considering whether to limit authorisation to the ‘initial use case’ (i.e. solar cell and battery energy storage system orchestration via CSIP-AUS for emergency backstop and dynamic operating envelopes).

    The ACCC has also granted interim authorisation to enable Energy Networks Australia and Synergy to carry out the initial three phases of activity while the ACCC considers the substantive application.

    Submissions to the ACCC can be made by 2 June 2025. More information can be found on the ACCC’s public register here.

    Background

    Energy Networks Australia is a national industry body representing electricity transmission and distribution network providers (DNSPs) and gas distribution network providers in all States and Territories.

    Synergy is a Western Australian state-owned corporation that has electricity generation assets in WA and retails electricity and gas in WA. Sythenergy holds responsibilities around connection of CER to the grid.

    PKI is a cybersecurity technology that uses digital ‘certificates’ installed in devices (such as solar inverters) to authenticate them and encrypt communications with them and is carried out over the internet. Distribution network service providers will utilise the national PKI to communicate with devices to remotely limit or prevent devices’ electricity export into the grid in times of significant excess production (known as an ‘emergency backstop’ mechanism); rather than each network procuring individual, bespoke solutions for PKI.

    The proposed conduct seeks to give effect to a national reform priority that was agreed to in 2024 by the Australian, state and territory governments in their ‘National CER Roadmap’. The Roadmap states that a national reform priority is to establish a secure communication system for CER devices through establishing a national not-for-profit entity to manage PKI to operate and manage authentication of communications with CER for backstops.

    The application for authorisation was lodged on 26 November 2024 and the ACCC received 22 submissions in relation to the application.

    In the first phase of activity, there will be a collaborative evaluation of the responses to NEPKI’s request for tenders for PKI services. 

    In the second phase, NEPKI will enter a service deed with a selected PKI service provider for the design, build and operation of PKI and related services. In the third phase, the PKI service deed will be delivered, beginning with the design and build of the PKI.

    Finally, in phase four, the operational delivery of PKI services by NEPKI to PKI consumers will ‘go live’ for a term of up to five years.

    A final determination is expected to be made in July 2025, subject to any submissions and requests from interested parties for a pre-decision conference.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI: BNP PARIBAS LAUNCHES A SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR 2025 OF EUR 1.084 BILLION

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

      

    BNP PARIBAS LAUNCHES
    A SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME PLANNED FOR 2025
    OF EUR 1.084 BILLION

    PRESS RELEASE

    Paris, 19 May 2025

    BNP Paribas announces today the launch of the share buyback programme planned for 2025 for a maximum amount of EUR 1.084 billion.

    BNP Paribas has received the approval from the European Central Bank and a contract was concluded with an investment services provider acting independently, entrusted with an irrevocable instruction to purchase the shares.

    The purchase period will start on May 19th, 2025 and will end no later than June 20th, 2025. The shares purchased under the programme will be cancelled.

    BNP Paribas will provide weekly updates on the progress of the programme via a press release on BNP Paribas’ website, and via full and effective dissemination in accordance with the applicable regulatory provisions:

    https://invest.bnpparibas/en/search/reports/documents/regulated-information.

    The share buyback programme will be carried out in accordance with the provisions set out in the EU Regulation n°596/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council of April 16th, 2014 on market abuse, as modified, and its implementing provisions, and within the limits of the authorisation granted to BNP Paribas to purchase shares on the market pursuant to the 5th resolution adopted by the General Meeting of BNP Paribas on May 13th, 2025.

    The description of the share buyback programme is available in appendix and on BNP Paribas’s website: https://invest.bnpparibas/en/search/reports/documents/regulated-information.

    APPENDIX: DESCRIPTION OF THE SHARE BUYBACK PROGRAMME

    The present description complies with the provisions of article 241-2, I of the General Regulation of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers).

    Date of the general meeting which approved the resolution concerning the share buyback programme
    May 13th, 2025

    Objectives pursued by BNP PARIBAS

    In accordance with the fifth resolution approved by the combined General Meeting on May 13th, 2025, the shares may be purchased for the purposes of:

    • their cancellation in situations identified by the Extraordinary General Meeting;
    • honoring the obligations linked to the issuance of equity instruments, stock option plans, bonus share awards, the allotment or selling of shares to employees as part of a profit-sharing scheme, employee shareholding or Corporate Savings Plans, or any other type of share grant for employees and directors and corporate officers of BNP Paribas and of the companies controlled exclusively by BNP Paribas within the meaning of article L.223-16 of the French Commercial Code;
    • holding and subsequently remitting them in exchange or as payment for external growth transactions, mergers, spin-offs or asset contributions;
    • under a market-making agreement in accordance with Decision No. 2021-01 of 22 June 2021 of the French Financial Markets Authority (Autorité des Marchés Financiers);
    • carrying out investment services for which BNP Paribas has been approved or to hedge them.

    Maximum amount allocated to the share buyback programme, maximum number of shares to be purchased

    The General Meeting has authorised the Board of Directors to purchase a number of shares representing up to 10% of the shares comprising the share capital of BNP Paribas. For illustrative purposes, on the basis of the actual capital, 113,081,067 shares which represents, on the basis of a maximum repurchase price of EUR 102 per share, set by the fifth resolution approved by the General Meeting dated May 13th, 2025, a theoretical maximum purchase amount of EUR 11,534,268,834. Such limit is likely to change in case of transactions affecting the share capital.

    The shares which may be purchased under the present description are BNP Paribas’ shares listed on Euronext Paris – A compartment, ISIN Code FR0000131104.

    Considering that BNP Paribas owned as of May 9th, 2025 directly 721,971 of its own shares, i.e. 0.06% of its share capital, the number of shares that is likely to be purchased at the date of this description is 112,359,096 shares representing 9.94% of the share capital, i.e., on the basis of a maximum purchase price of EUR 102 per share as set by the General Meeting, a theoretical maximum purchase amount of EUR 11,460,627,792.

    Duration of the share buyback programme

    The authorisation granted by the General Meeting dated May 13th, 2025, as described in the fifth resolution, is valid for an eighteen-month period with effect from the date of the said General Meeting, i.e. up to November 13th, 2026.

    The Board of directors will ensure that these share purchases are carried out in accordance with the prudential requirements as defined by the regulation and the European Central Bank.

    About BNP Paribas
    Leader in banking and financial services in Europe, BNP Paribas operates in 64 countries and has nearly 178,000 employees, including more than 144,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main fields of activity: Commercial, Personal Banking & Services for the Group’s commercial & personal banking and several specialised businesses including BNP Paribas Personal Finance and Arval; Investment & Protection Services for savings, investment and protection solutions; and Corporate & Institutional Banking, focused on corporate and institutional clients. Based on its strong diversified and integrated model, the Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporates and institutional clients) to realise their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, BNP Paribas has four domestic markets: Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg. The Group is rolling out its integrated commercial & personal banking model across several Mediterranean countries, Türkiye, and Eastern Europe. As a key player in international banking, the Group has leading platforms and business lines in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. BNP Paribas has implemented a Corporate Social Responsibility approach in all its activities, enabling it to contribute to the construction of a sustainable future, while ensuring the Group’s performance and stability.

    Press contact :
    Sandrine Romano – sandrine.romano@bnpparibas.com – +33 6 71 18 23 05
    Hacina Habchi – hacina.habchi@bnpparibas.com – +33 7 61 97 65 20

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  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Manslaughter charge laid following Papatoetoe death

    Source: New Zealand Police

    An additional charge has been laid over a man’s death following an alleged assault at a Papatoetoe bus stop last month.

    On 27 April, 61-year-old Peter Te Kira was located with injuries at a bus stop on Great South Road.

    He remained in intensive care at Auckland City Hospital before succumbing to his injuries on 30 April.

    A 34-year-old man appeared in the Manukau District Court on 1 May, charged with assault.

    Detective Senior Sergeant Mike Hayward, of Counties Manukau CIB, says a homicide investigation has continued into Mr Te Kira’s death.

    “Police have now charged this man with manslaughter,” he says.

    “He will be reappearing in the Manukau District Court on 22 May to face this charge.”

    Police are unable to comment further while matters remain before the Court.

    ENDS.

    Jarred Williamson/NZ Police

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA Powers World’s Largest Quantum Research Supercomputer

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — COMPUTEX — NVIDIA today announced the opening of the Global Research and Development Center for Business by Quantum-AI Technology (G-QuAT), which hosts ABCI-Q — the world’s largest research supercomputer dedicated to quantum computing.

    Quantum processors promise to augment AI supercomputers in solving some of the world’s most complex challenges, spanning industries including healthcare, energy and finance. By enabling quantum-GPU computing at an unprecedented scale, ABCI-Q marks a profound leap toward realizing practical, accelerated quantum systems.

    Delivered by Japan’s National Institute of Advanced Industrial Science and Technology (AIST), the ABCI-Q supercomputer features 2,020 NVIDIA H100 GPUs interconnected by the NVIDIA Quantum-2 InfiniBand networking platform.

    The system is integrated with NVIDIA CUDA-Q™, an open-source hybrid computing platform for orchestrating the hardware and software needed to run useful, massive-scale quantum computing applications.

    “Seamlessly coupling quantum hardware with AI supercomputing will accelerate realizing the promise of quantum computing for all,” said Tim Costa, senior director of computer-aided engineering, quantum and CUDA-X™ at NVIDIA. “NVIDIA’s collaboration with AIST will catalyze progress in areas like quantum error correction and applications development — crucial for building useful, accelerated quantum supercomputers.”

    ABCI-Q’s AI supercomputing is integrated with a superconducting qubit processor by Fujitsu, a neutral atom quantum processor by QuEra and a photonic processor by OptQC — enabling hybrid quantum-GPU workloads across multiple qubit modalities.

    “ABCI-Q will enable researchers in Japan to explore the core challenges quantum computing technologies face and speed the path to practical use cases,” said Masahiro Horibe, deputy director of G-QuAT and AIST. “The NVIDIA accelerated computing platform in ABCI-Q will empower scientists to experiment with the stepping-stone systems needed to advance quantum computing.”

    Watch the COMPUTEX keynote from NVIDIA founder and CEO Jensen Huang, and learn more at NVIDIA GTC Taipei.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Alex Shapiro
    NVIDIA Public Relations
    1-415-608-5044
    ashapiro@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, availability, and performance of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; NVIDIA’s collaborations with third parties and the impact and benefits thereof; ABCI-Q enabling researchers in Japan to explore the core challenges quantum computing technologies face and speed the path to practical use cases; the NVIDIA accelerated computing platform in ABCI-Q empowering scientists to experiment with the stepping-stone systems needed to advance quantum computing are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, CUDA-Q and CUDA-X are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/222a8e38-128b-40ab-b90a-be59593eb585

    The MIL Network

  • No mercy for Sinner as Alcaraz storms to Italian Open title

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Carlos Alcaraz had little trouble dismantling Jannik Sinner in the Italian Open final, sealing a 7-6(5) 6-1 victory to snap the world number one’s 26-match winning streak and break the hearts of the home crowd on Sunday.

    Alcaraz edged a tense opening set in a tiebreak after he and Sinner traded blows from the baseline on a warm evening in front of a packed Centre Court crowd.

    However, from the second set onwards, Alcaraz silenced the home crowd as he completely outplayed Sinner, cruising to victory in their first-ever clash in a Masters 1000 final.

    “I’m proud of myself, with the way I approached the match mentally. Tactically, I think I played pretty well from the first point until the last one,” Alcaraz said in an on-court interview.

    “I’m just really happy to get my first Rome (title), hopefully it’s not going to be the last one.”

    For Sinner, it was particularly disappointing that he could not make it a double celebration for Italy after compatriot Jasmine Paolini won the women’s title a day earlier.

    Sinner was playing his first tournament since winning the Australian Open in January and was hoping to become the first Italian man to triumph in Rome since Adriano Panatta in 1976, but he had to settle for second best.

    Sinner, who was making his comeback this week after serving a three-month doping ban, thanked his family for their support.

    “After three months coming here making this result means a lot to me, a lot to my team also. We worked a lot to be here. Happy also with my family and everything,” he said.

    “A special thank you to my brother, who, rather than being here, is in Imola to watch Formula 1,” he concluded to the laughter of the crowd.

    The Spaniard Alcaraz has now beaten Sinner in their last four meetings, firing a warning shot to his rivals ahead of the upcoming French Open where he is set to defend his title.

    “Beating Jannik, winning Rome. Both things mix together and give (me) great confidence going to Paris,” Alcaraz said.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: UNICEF statement on the reported killing of 45 children in the Gaza Strip in recent days

    Monday 19 May 2025. It’s now been over two months since any humanitarian aid has been allowed into the Gaza Strip — the longest stretch without relief since the conflict escalation began on 7 October 2023. Combined with more than 18 months of conflict, the ongoing blockade is pushing Gaza’s children to the brink. 

    For two months, children have gone without the food, water, medical care, and support they urgently need. Instead, they’ve been living through constant airstrikes, growing illness, and unimaginable loss.

    Statement by UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Edouard Beigbeder, on the killing of at least 45 children in the Gaza Strip in recent days:

    “The reported killing of at least 45 children in the Gaza Strip [on May 15 and 16] is yet another devastating reminder that children in Gaza are suffering first and foremost, having to starve day after day only to be victims of indiscriminate attacks.
     
    “These past 19 months, Gaza has been deadly for children and there are no safe spaces. From North to South, children are being killed and maimed in hospitals, in schools-turned-shelters, in makeshift tents, or in their parents’ arms.

    “Only in the past two months, more than 950 children have reportedly been killed in strikes across the Gaza Strip.

    “Children in the Gaza Strip are facing relentless bombardments while being deprived of essential goods, services and lifesaving care since the beginning of the conflict. For the past two months, the situation has further deteriorated, due to the imposed blockade of humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. The threats to children’s lives go beyond bombs and bullets. The living conditions too, threaten their survival. With each passing day of the aid blockade, they face the growing risk of famine, illness, and death.

    “Children’s rights in Gaza are being gravely violated every day and urgent action is needed to protect children from widespread grave violations of their rights and threats to their survival. Nineteen months into this conflict, children have suffered violence without relent, including indiscriminate attacks. They have suffered multiple months-long blockades, denying them of essential food, water, and health supplies. They have suffered repeated displacements – being forced to relocate again and again, in search of safety and shelter. They have suffered in ways unimaginable. Their scars will endure a lifetime.

    “UNICEF is once again urging parties to the conflict to end the violence, and states with influence over parties to the conflict to use their leverage and influence to end the conflict. International humanitarian law must be respected by all parties, allowing the immediate provision of humanitarian aid, the release of all hostages, and the protection of civilians from attacks. The daily suffering and killing of children must end immediately.”

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Readiness strengthened through Wallington mutli agency exercise

    Source:

    Credit: Mike Dugdale

    Volunteers from across the Bellarine Peninsula and surrounding areas successfully came together over the weekend on Sunday 18 May, to participate in a large-scale multi-agency operation – Exercise Mabon – in Wallington.

    Coordinated by the VICSES Bellarine Unit, the exercise held on Sunday, 18 May, simulated a major traffic incident involving a collision between a 53-seat passenger bus and a delivery truck, resulting in multiple casualties and complex response challenges.

    The scenario was based on a fictional food and wine festival setting and designed to rigorously test multi-agency emergency response capabilities in real time.

    The event brought together representatives from VICSES, CFA, FRV, Victoria Police, Ambulance Victoria, St John Ambulance, and other support agencies and businesses, including local council.

    Participants practiced a coordinated emergency response, including casualty triage and extrication, hazardous material management, and the establishment of command-and-control structures.

    The realistic scenario enabled participants to practise responding to a multi-vehicle, multi-casualty emergency involving simulated hazards such as entrapments, smoke effects, and debris. The exercise was conducted under strict safety supervision, with a dedicated Safety Officer on site throughout the day.

    Exercise Mabon successfully achieved its core objectives, including:

    • Test command and control structures across agencies.
    • Enhance interoperability and effective communication during complex responses.
    • Practise casualty triage and management in a realistic environment.
    • Improve decision-making under pressure during evolving emergency scenarios.
    • Test the use of a multi-agency radio communication channel.

    The bus used in the scenario was a decommissioned 53-seat coach kindly donated to the VICSES Bellarine Unit in 2015, by Christian’s Bus Company. The unit has since utilised the vehicle for training and was pleased to make it available for this significant inter-agency exercise before its final decommissioning.

    This year’s exercise also marks the beginning of National Volunteer Week, a time to recognise and celebrate the vital contributions of volunteers across the country. Exercise Mabon stands as a fitting demonstration of their dedication and capability.

    VICSES extends its appreciation to all participating agencies, facilitators, volunteers, and the local community for their support in making the exercise a success.

    Quotes attributable to Garry Cook AFSM, CFA Acting Chief Officer:

    “It is vital we work as one, and any opportunity to work alongside our counterparts is positive. Not only does it further enhance our teamwork, communication, and leadership at a response, but it also allows the familiarisation of our respective tools and processes.”

    “The exercise stems as a valuable learning experience for members in an environment that will only improve our ability to respond in the event of an emergency in the future and ultimately protect the community.”

    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Bushwalkers rescued from Mount Field National Park during inclement weather

    Source: New South Wales Community and Justice

    Bushwalkers rescued from Mount Field National Park during inclement weather

    Monday, 19 May 2025 – 2:24 pm.

    Police are reiterating warnings to bushwalkers after another search and rescue response was launched to rescue two bushwalkers near Lake Newdegate in the Mount Field National Park.
    “Around 10pm last night, police were alerted via a satellite messaging device, that two bushwalkers required assistance after becoming stranded at the Newdegate Hut due to suffering from the effects of exposure,” said Acting Inspector Paul Johns from Marine and Rescue Services.
    “The weather prevented the party from walking out of the area and concerns were held due to further deterioration of weather conditions.”
    “The Westpac Rescue Helicopter was dispatched, however, due to weather conditions and cloud it was unable to safely land, and a search and rescue team was deployed to walk to the area.”
    “Just prior to 3.30am this morning rescue personnel, consisting of two police rescue officers and two wilderness paramedics, reached the bushwalkers. The bushwalkers were treated at the hut and extracted by helicopter at 9am this morning, after the weather conditions improved.”
    “Last week we saw several bushwalker weather alerts issued by the Bureau of Meteorology, and this rescue is an example of how it’s imperative to only bushwalk if you are prepared – both with physical capability, and equipment to keep you safe.”
    “Bushwalkers should always prepare for the worst, and carry sufficient warm clothing and food, and emergency communication devices.”
    “Police and other emergency services will always respond to requests for assistance, but it’s important to remember that if you require assistance in bad weather, aircraft are often not able to fly due to conditions and ground crews could be hours away. Carrying suitable equipment will ensure you can remain safe until help arrives if required.”
    Police again remind those venturing outdoors to monitor weather warnings and consider the impact of the weather on their activities. Other essential safety considerations include:

    Taking sufficient communication devices including mobile phones, charging banks and Personal Locator Beacons (PLB’s).
    Ensuring sufficient emergency food, water, spare clothing and shelter is carried in the event the length of the trip extends.
    Research impending weather conditions for the area and do not continue with plans where inclement weather is due.

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: New fleet fortifies Auckland Emergency Management capability

    Source: Secondary teachers question rationale for changes to relationship education guidelines

    Auckland Emergency Management’s ability to deliver urgent response operations has been further enhanced, with eight new vehicles and three catering trailers ready to hit the road.

    Each highly specialised vehicle in the new emergency response fleet is purpose-built and equipped with tools and provisions that allow teams to go off-road and safely undertake a wide range of activities.

    The upgraded fleet supplements existing equipment and resources and is a big step forward in strengthening AEM’s local coordination capabilities and ability to help Aucklanders in emergencies like flooding, particularly in remote and rural areas. 

    “The new fleet gives us the tools to get where we need to go, stay there as long as we’re needed, and support the communities who need us most,” says John Cranfield, Head of Operations, Auckland Emergency Management. “It’s about being ready for anything—today and into the future.”

    One of the new class 2 trucks equipped with a wide range of specialist tools and gear to support response activities.

    The new equipment also enhances AEM’s ability to support wider civil defence needs across the country. Whether delivering supplies, supporting civil defence centres, or managing field operations in remote areas, the enhanced fleet will help our responders deploy to impacted areas and remain self-sufficient whilst there, so as not to place further strain on local resources.

    The fleet includes two new 4×4 class 2 trucks with a raised chassis, which enables operations in and around floodwaters when it’s safe to do so. These trucks are equipped with hydraulic ladder systems, winches, and specialised search-and-rescue lights. They will be used by response teams in the North and West to undertake response activities as needed, says John.

    Three new 4×4 command vans will provide invaluable situational awareness to coordinate response efforts from out in the field. Each specialised van is equipped with computers, Low Earth Orbit satellite internet capability and radio repeaters, enabling the vans to function as a small mobile office. The vans are fully self-sufficient, with a generator and fridge, making them particularly useful in isolated areas.

    Three Ford Ranger Wildtrak utes have also joined the AEM fleet, providing further capacity to navigate floodwaters and off-road terrain. With searchlights, winches, and specialised tools and equipment onboard, the utes will be used in rescue activities and everyday operations.

    To help deliver hot meals and drinks to New Zealand response teams and community members in need, three new catering trailers have been acquired to boost AEM’s capability at Civil Defence Centres and in remote or isolated areas.

    “We are ready to respond wherever these new vehicles are needed. The additional capability means we have more opportunity to assist when there are multiple events occurring across the region at the same time,” says John.

    The new fleet has been blessed at a ceremony, led by local iwi Ngāti Tamaoho and attended by councillors, emergency services personnel, New Zealand response teams, and other key partners.

    Funding for the vehicles came through Auckland Council’s storm recovery fund and AEM’s capital expenditure budget and is a critical part of the region’s ongoing commitment to build resilience to manage severe weather events.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI: NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers Speed Trillion-Dollar Enterprise IT Industry Transition to AI Factories

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 19, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — COMPUTEX NVIDIA today announced it is speeding the trillion-dollar IT infrastructure transition to enterprise AI factories with NVIDIA RTX PRO™ Servers and a new NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design for building data centers that deliver universal acceleration for AI, design, engineering and business applications.

    Built with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell Server Edition GPUs, RTX PRO Servers extend the leading performance and energy efficiency of the NVIDIA Blackwell architecture to data centers that can run virtually every enterprise workload — driving the shift from CPU-based systems to efficient GPU-accelerated infrastructure.

    Using the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design, partners are building a new class of on-premises infrastructure — featuring RTX PRO Servers, NVIDIA Spectrum™-X Ethernet networking, NVIDIA BlueField® DPUs, NVIDIA-Certified Storage systems and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software — to accelerate product design and engineering simulation applications, as well as a quickly growing catalog of AI-enabled business systems and teams of digital AI agents. 

    “AI is revolutionizing every industry — every company will build or rent AI factories to run their businesses and power the intelligence of their products,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “With our global partner ecosystem, we’re helping enterprises infuse AI into their workforce, automate their factories and build AI-native products.”

    Industry Leaders Drive Innovation With NVIDIA AI Factories
    The NVIDIA Blackwell architecture enables enterprises to unlock the full potential of AI in their data center infrastructure. Cadence, Foxconn and Lilly are among the first planning to build AI factories using the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design with RTX PRO Servers to advance their operations.

    Foxconn is building an AI factory to advance global semiconductor and electronics manufacturing with NVIDIA-accelerated IT infrastructure, as well as its smart electric vehicles, factory digital twins, healthcare and robotics applications.

    “Foxconn is harnessing the performance of NVIDIA Blackwell to build AI infrastructure that will transform every facet of electronics manufacturing,” said Young Liu, chairman of Foxconn. “Through our close collaboration with NVIDIA, we will accelerate the integration of AI across our global operations and deliver smarter electronics for the world.”

    Universal Data Center Platform for Accelerated Workloads
    The RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell is a universal data center GPU for powering AI factories and accelerating demanding enterprise AI workloads, from multimodal AI inference and physical AI to design, scientific computing, graphics and video applications.

    NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers from global system partners can support up to eight NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs, including NVIDIA BlueField-3 DPUs and NVIDIA ConnectX®-8 SuperNICs with built-in PCIe Gen 6 switches.

    Enterprises can accelerate AI and data science workloads on RTX PRO Servers with the NVIDIA AI Enterprise software platform. Developers can optimize AI inference performance and agent accuracy with NVIDIA NIM™ and NeMo™ microservices, and use the latest NVIDIA AI Blueprints for digital humans and AI query engines.

    With powerful NVIDIA RTX™ graphics and AI capabilities, NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers deliver exceptional performance for industrial digital twin and robotics learning and simulation workflows developed on the NVIDIA Omniverse™ platform.

    New Validated Design Speeds Enterprise AI Factory Deployments
    Using the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design — based on recommended hardware configurations from NVIDIA Enterprise Reference Architectures — NVIDIA partners will build Blackwell AI factories featuring NVIDIA-Certified Servers, NVIDIA Spectrum-X, NVIDIA BlueField, NVIDIA-Certified Storage and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software.

    The full-stack, validated design provides AI software stack recommendations to help enterprise customers build and operate on-premises AI factories. It offers guidance for scaling an enterprise AI factory with RTX PRO Servers, including deployment best practices, to help organizations meet their growing AI business needs efficiently and reliably.

    Customers can also architect their Blackwell AI factories with NVIDIA HGX™ B200 systems for large-scale, demanding AI workloads.

    NVIDIA Partners Building Blackwell AI Factory Infrastructure
    NVIDIA ecosystem partners are building products, software and services to speed the enterprise IT shift to accelerated AI factory infrastructure.

    Global system makers Cisco, Dell Technologies, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Lenovo will offer full-stack solutions with NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers and NVIDIA AI Enterprise software using the NVIDIA Enterprise AI Factory validated design.

    Data center system partners including Advantech, ASRock Rack, ASUS, Compal, Foxconn, GIGABYTE, Inventec, MiTAC Computing, MSI, Pegatron, Quanta Cloud Technology, Supermicro, Wistron and Wiwynn will also be offering NVIDIA RTX PRO Servers.

    Blackwell AI factories are ideal for accelerating workloads across a broad range of popular enterprise software platforms, including those from Ansys, Cadence, CrowdStrike, Elastic, Red Hat, Siemens and Synopsys. 

    Enterprises building AI factories with NVIDIA RTX PRO 6000 Blackwell GPUs can deploy NVIDIA-Certified Storage from partners including DDN, Dell, HPE, Hitachi Vantara, IBM, NetApp, Nutanix, Pure Storage, VAST Data and WEKA to support a broad range of workloads.

    Consulting giants Accenture, Deloitte, EY, Infosys, Tata Consultancy Services and Wipro are helping enterprises transition to Blackwell-accelerated data centers to speed applications across their business using the Enterprise AI Factory design.

    Availability
    Customers can contact their preferred NVIDIA technology provider to plan their enterprise AI factory with RTX PRO Servers. Learn more about the Enterprise AI Factory validated design and get started on the NVIDIA Marketplace.

    Watch the COMPUTEX keynote from Huang and learn more at NVIDIA GTC Taipei.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Pearlina Boc
    NVIDIA Corporation
    +1-562-275-5781
    pboc@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, performance and availability of NVIDIA’s products, services; NVIDIA’s collaborations with third parties and the benefits and impact thereof; third parties using or adopting our products and technologies, the benefits and impact thereof; AI revolutionizing every industry, from the way companies run to the products they make; and with its global partner ecosystem, NVIDIA helping enterprises infuse AI into their workforce, automate their factories and build AI-native products are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    Many of the products and features described herein remain in various stages and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The statements above are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as a commitment, promise, or legal obligation, and the development, release, and timing of any features or functionalities described for our products is subject to change and remains at the sole discretion of NVIDIA. NVIDIA will have no liability for failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any of the products, features or functions set forth herein.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, BlueField, ConnectX, NeMo, NVIDIA HGX, NVIDIA NIM, NVIDIA Omniverse, NVIDIA RTX, NVIDIA RTX PRO and NVIDIA Spectrum-X are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
    https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/80e02716-bdbd-4b88-97ae-fae2da8d5115

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-Evening Report: An online travel company just collapsed. Here’s how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Madalyn Scerri, Senior Lecturer in Tourism and Hospitality, Torrens University Australia

    Viacheslav Lopatin/Shutterstock

    Traveldream.com.au sold discounted holidays – curated hiking tours, boutique cruises and cultural getaways through a slick website and polished social media ads. But news emerged last week that the Melbourne-based travel company has collapsed into administration, leaving customers out of pocket by thousands of dollars, and in some cases, stranded overseas.

    What many didn’t know was that Traveldream hadn’t been formally accredited with the leading industry body since 2020. Its status under the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme, run by the Australian Travel Industry Association, had been cancelled.

    To make matters worse, most travel insurance policies don’t cover insolvency, meaning many customers have no way to recover their losses.

    Australians are expected to spend over A$2 billion booking holidays online in 2024–25.

    Big name platforms such as Booking.com and Expedia account for about 60% of this activity. But many travellers are also turning to smaller or lesser-known providers offering flashy deals and lower prices, often with fewer safeguards.

    So, how can you protect yourself? Start with these five checks.

    1. Don’t be swayed by slick websites or social media ads

    It’s a common tactic, and one that’s hard to resist. You’re scrolling, you see a dreamy image, the price is tempting, and suddenly you’re halfway through checkout.

    But a polished ad doesn’t guarantee legitimacy.

    Travel-related scams are on the rise, especially involving online-only sellers.

    Ads on social media for idyllic vacations can be tempting, but check the fine print.
    Song_about_summer/Shutterstock

    Check for a verifiable business address, phone number and customer support. If the deal feels vague, under-priced or overly urgent, that’s a red flag.

    Look for independent reviews (on Trustpilot, Tripadvisor or Google), and check Scamwatch for known issues.

    2. Look at how the company engages with customers

    A company’s reputation isn’t just about what it promises: it’s built on how it responds to questions and complaints. Before booking, take a moment to see how the business interacts with customers online.

    Do they reply constructively to complaints? Do they offer updates or explanations when issues arise?

    Also notice the tone. Does it feel human and responsive, or generic and hands-off? That can suggest how they’ll treat you after the sale.

    Small signs can speak volumes. A page with thousands of followers but no visible engagement may indicate a paid audience – and a company that vanishes when things get difficult.

    3. Check if the company is accredited

    Another way to assess a travel company’s credibility is to check if it holds formal accreditation. This signals the company has met standards in financial security, customer service and dispute resolution.

    Search the Australian Travel Accreditation Scheme register at https://www.atas.com.au, or look for Quality Tourism Accreditation. For overseas providers, check for recognised local schemes.

    Accreditation offers extra reassurance, but it’s not the whole picture. Some large, reputable companies, such as Expedia, operate without it. If a company isn’t accredited, proceed with caution and focus on how bookings and payments are handled.

    4. Scrutinise policies carefully

    Before booking, check what happens if the provider goes bust, whether you can cancel or reschedule, and how your booking will be confirmed. Where possible, follow up directly with the hotel, airline or tour operator to make sure reservations are secured.

    Booking directly with a hotel or tour provider can ensure you are getting up-to-date availability.
    Media_Photos/Shutterstock

    It’s also important to understand what travel insurance does – and doesn’t – cover.

    Company insolvency is one of the most common exclusions. Unless a policy includes “end supplier failure” or a similar clause (most don’t), you may not be able to claim a refund. Always read the Product Disclosure Statement to check exactly where you stand.

    Another safeguard is to pay with protection in mind. Although conditions vary by provider, credit cards may offer chargebacks if the goods or services aren’t delivered.

    5. Book direct where feasible

    While accredited travel agencies can be helpful for complex itineraries, like overseas trips with multiple stops or bundled services, it’s often worth booking directly with the provider when making travel arrangements online, whether that’s a hotel, airline or tour company.

    Cutting out the intermediary can offer better value, including complimentary extras, flexible cancellation and full access to loyalty programs.

    Direct bookings usually reflect real-time availability and pricing, reducing the risk of outdated information. You’ll benefit from direct communication and confirmation, making it easier to customise or resolve issues.

    If something goes wrong, there’s also greater clarity about who’s responsible – offering stronger recourse under Australian Consumer Law.

    The bottom line?

    As more Australians book holidays online, it’s becoming harder to tell what’s trustworthy and what could leave you out of pocket.

    Traveldream’s collapse is a reminder. Even in the world of digital travel deals, it pays to ask: is this company built to last, not just until your trip departs, but until you return home?

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. An online travel company just collapsed. Here’s how to avoid being left stranded by an online deal – https://theconversation.com/an-online-travel-company-just-collapsed-heres-how-to-avoid-being-left-stranded-by-an-online-deal-256878

    MIL OSI AnalysisEveningReport.nz

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU scientists have developed a method for determining biocarbon in jet fuel samples using accelerator mass spectrometry

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The NSU-NNC Accelerator Mass Spectrometry Shared Use Center conducted the first analysis of biocarbon content in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) samples. Four samples of different origin were analyzed during the laboratory study. The results showed that the accelerator mass spectrometry method can become a routine method for analyzing biocarbon in SAF aviation fuel.

    — We were approached by specialists from the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (Moscow) to analyze the biocarbon content in kerosene samples using accelerator mass spectrometry. This analysis is necessary for the certification of the aviation fuel they are developing and its further use within the framework of modern requirements. This development is of particular relevance, which will only increase over time: in order to reduce the carbon footprint, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) launched the CORSIA program in 2016, which obliges airlines to compensate for the growth of emissions. The goal of this program is to prevent the growth of carbon dioxide emissions relative to the 2020 level. Russia also plans to participate in this international program. From 2025, flights from the EU must use 2% SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) — fuel with a biogenic component. By 2050, this share will reach 63%, — said Ekaterina Parkhomchuk, Director of the NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center.

    SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) is a product of processing biomass, which includes vegetable oils, animal fat, lignocellulosic wood waste, and microalgae. Processing, depending on the type of feedstock, may include catalytic hydrogenation, hydrocracking, hydrodeoxygenation, isomerization, gasification, and the Fischer-Tropsch process. The resulting processing product is then added to kerosene obtained from fossil hydrocarbon sources.

    Russia is one of the largest producers of jet fuel — 12.8 million tons of this type of fuel were produced in 2021 — and also has huge raw material potential for SAF production. In 2020, the production of vegetable oils amounted to 7.3 million tons. The production of “sustainable aviation fuel” requires certification and control over compliance with the requirements for the minimum content of the “biocarbon” share, so a routine method for its analysis is needed. This analysis can be performed by measuring the concentration of radiocarbon, for example, indirectly by the radioactivity of the material, or by the direct method of accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS). Both methods for determining radiocarbon have been developed in Russia, but accelerator mass spectrometry is represented only in the Novosibirsk UMS Center of Collective Use of NSU-NNC.

    Search for biogenic carbon

    — “Biogenic” carbon differs from fossil carbon in its isotopic composition — primarily in the concentration of the radioactive isotope C-14 (radiocarbon) relative to the main stable isotope C-12. In modern biological objects, the proportion of radiocarbon, although extremely small — about 10 to the minus tenth power % — is still at a level detectable by modern technology; however, due to the beta decay of the C-14 nucleus, over time the amount of radiocarbon in fossil raw materials becomes orders of magnitude smaller and quantitative determination becomes impossible.

    Accelerator mass spectrometry provides the ability to reliably measure the concentration of radiocarbon in any samples at a level above 10 to the -14th power %, which is 0.01% of the current level in the biosphere. Therefore, by conducting UMS analysis of any materials, including kerosene, food additives, drugs, etc., it is possible to determine with high accuracy the proportion of carbon of modern biological origin, – explained Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    The NSU-NNC UMS Collective Use Center received 4 samples from RGUNG as introductory or test experiments, including two reference (standard) samples, which were kerosene obtained exclusively from biological raw materials and kerosene from fossil oil, as well as two samples of kerosene obtained by mixing the first two in proportions unknown to Novosibirsk scientists. Innovative sample preparation aimed at overcoming the “sulfur barrier” was used in the analysis of the samples. As Ekaterina Parkhomchuk explained, the complexity of fuel analysis lies in the high content of sulfur and nitrogen, which cause rapid corrosion of measuring instruments. A unique graphitizer has been developed at Novosibirsk State University, which allows working even with high-sulfur oils. This gives Russia a technological advantage over foreign analogues.

    — UMS analysis requires the production of a graphite cathode from the material being studied. This is done by burning the sample, extracting the target carbon dioxide from the resulting complex gas mixture and catalytically carbonizing it into elemental graphite. The difficulty of analyzing most hydrocarbon fuels is that the material may contain impurity elements such as sulfur and nitrogen, which quickly disable traditionally used “graphitizers”, such as those offered by the Swiss company Ionplus. Several years ago, NSU developed and assembled a graphitization stand that allows for the preparation of graphitized samples for UMS cathodes with sufficient purity even from high-sulfur oils, which distinguishes it from foreign analogues. It was used for the work described, — said Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    The studies were conducted under special conditions, observing all standardized requirements for laboratories that conduct radiocarbon studies not only of ancient samples, but also of samples containing excessive amounts of radiocarbon. These measures are designed to ensure radiation and biological safety, as well as to prevent cross-contamination of samples and false test results. Sample preparation of biological and C-14-labeled samples is carried out in different laboratories. Personnel working in one laboratory do not have access to the other. Employees of both laboratories maintain isolation from each other, do not cross paths in offices, lunch rooms, and recreation areas. Also, both laboratories use separate chemicals, materials, and utensils.

    — Three graphite cathodes were made from each sample and UMS analysis was performed on all samples. It turned out that one reference sample did not contain C-14, i.e. it belonged to fossil raw materials (most likely oil), and the concentration of radiocarbon in the second reference sample slightly exceeded the modern level of C-14. This indicates that the time of origin of the plant raw materials from which the biogenic fuel was obtained corresponds to the period 2000-2010, when the concentration of radiocarbon in the atmosphere was still higher than usual as a result of nuclear tests conducted in the 50-70s of the last century. In other words, both samples really belonged to two different sources of production — fossil (oil, gas or coal) and modern (biomass). And the other two samples showed results different from the first two — one contained about 6% biogenic carbon, and the second — about 13%. Our experimental results coincided with the calculated ratios, according to which the RGUNG specialists prepared mixed samples, which confirms the validity of using the UMS method to determine biocarbon, – summed up Ekaterina Parkhomchuk.

    Promising technology

    The technology of joint processing of lignocellulosic raw materials PCH-SAF, developed at the Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas (National Research University), is based on the processes of fast pyrolysis, delayed coking and hydrocracking of traditional oil and plant raw materials. Waste is used as the initial biomass – sawdust of coniferous and deciduous trees, sunflower husks, etc.

    — This technology consists of the joint processing of plant and oil raw materials. There are three stages of obtaining the component: fast pyrolysis of biomass, coking and hydrocracking. By means of fast pyrolysis, we liquefy the initial biomass and obtain the so-called bio-oil at the output. At the coking stage, co-processing of oil residues, for example, tar, with bio-oil occurs. At the hydrocracking stage, the raw material is a mixture of vacuum gas oil with the gas oil fraction of the coking process, containing bio-oil components, — explained Mikhail Ershov, professor of the Department of Oil Refining Technology.

    One of the advantages of the technology developed at RGUNG is the use of the existing infrastructure of oil refineries. It is assumed that when it is implemented on an industrial scale, there will be no need to replace the catalyst at the hydrocracking unit, and if necessary, only the process conditions may need to be adjusted. The process is currently at the laboratory stage, a laboratory sample has been developed and is being tested. This work is being carried out within the framework of the RSF grant No. 22-79-10280 “Study of new methods for obtaining renewable aviation fuel from lignocellulosic biomass using a complex of thermal and thermocatalytic processes.”

    Prospects for cooperation

    Mikhail Ershov clarified that kerosene obtained using PCH-SAF technology must meet the requirements of GOST 10227, which applies to fuels for jet engines, and be no different from petroleum kerosene.

    — In the context of the global transition to renewable energy sources, green fuel and reducing the carbon footprint, we must follow these trends. Compliance with ICAO emissions requirements will contribute to the growth of imports of renewable components, and therefore dependence on supplier countries (China, India). The PCH-SAF technology we propose, due to the existing infrastructure, will allow for a short transition to the production of aviation biofuel with a reduced carbon footprint without significant capital investments. In case of successful testing and confirmation of a reduction in the carbon footprint, it is necessary to approve such fuel with the participation of leading organizations FAU “25th State Research Institute of Chemmotology of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation”, FAU “TsIAM named after P.I. Baranov”, FSUE GosNII GA for use in civil and military aircraft, — he said.

    Mikhail Ershov noted that currently there is no domestic method for measuring biogenic components in petroleum products, in particular, aviation fuel. However, with an increase in the share of biogenic raw materials involved, there will be a need to confirm the biogenicity of fuels. Therefore, RGUNG specialists plan to develop a standard method for determining biocarbon using UMS together with NSU scientists.

    Ekaterina Parkhomchuk believes that the UMS method has proven its accuracy, sensitivity and reliability, and can become a key tool for the transition of aviation to “green” rails. And the introduction of the technology developed by RGUNG specialists into industry will open the way for Russia to leadership in the production of sustainable aviation fuel.

    — Currently, standard methods for analyzing materials for biogenic origin have been developed in different countries, and radiocarbon analysis is considered the “gold standard” among all possible methods. The method of accelerator mass spectrometry, unique in sensitivity, accuracy, and productivity, and the sample preparation methods we have developed are considered very promising for this new area of economic activity, — Ekaterina Parkhomchuk summarized.

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

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI Russia: /Economic Review/ A small Chinese county has acquired its own niche in the global tire market

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    JINAN, May 19 (Xinhua) — Ten years ago, Ahmed Moussa, a trader from Algeria, started buying tires in a region of China known as Guangrao, a county with a population of only about half a million people in eastern China’s Shandong Province.

    “You will find quality tires at competitive prices here,” Musa said at the 15th China /Guangzhou/ International Rubber Tire & Auto Accessories Exhibition, which ended on May 17. The event attracted more than 50 of the world’s leading tire companies, including those from the Fortune 500 list. Moreover, all 10 of the world’s largest tire makers were present at the exhibition.

    A. Musa’s company, Sarl Famo Pneumatique, sold about 300,000 tires from Guangzhao in 2024 and plans to increase orders.

    In the mid-1990s, the eastern Chinese county, located near China’s second-largest oil field, Shengli, had already become the country’s largest rubber hose production base. However, as the market became saturated with such products, some local manufacturers switched to producing automobile tires.

    With an annual output of 177 million radial tires, 86.6 percent of which are exported, Guangrao is home to China’s largest rubber tire industrial cluster, said Sun Xiaohua, head of the local bureau of industry and information technology. The county’s export revenue of 25.95 billion yuan (about $3.6 billion) in 2024 underscores its dominant position.

    “Here you can find almost all the most modern tires at prices 30-40 percent lower than world prices,” said a Russian buyer named Ivanov, emphasizing that this is a breakthrough offer in terms of cost.

    At the Shandong Huasheng Rubber Group booth, engineers demonstrated self-sealing tires using polymer composites and specially designed sound-absorbing foam inserts – technologies previously monopolized by premium brands. Liu Kaihua, a representative of the company, explained that many Chinese manufacturers can now achieve comparable or even better results through independent research and development.

    The buyers who came from all over the world took note of this significant breakthrough. “Tires from Guangrao have reached new heights in terms of quality and performance. Although many premium tires here now retail for over 1,000 yuan, the price-quality ratio is still very high,” Musa said.

    Behind Guangrao County’s success is the drive for innovation by local enterprises and the accelerating pace of smart transformation in China’s tire industry, supported by government initiatives.

    In 2015, China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology included the country’s tire industry in a smart manufacturing pilot program to promote intelligent transformation through policy guidance, standard setting, and financial support. Guidelines for 2024 included upgrading outdated tire manufacturing equipment, and by 2027, the document aims to achieve a level of digital transformation where the productivity of key CNC processes reaches more than 85 percent.

    Guangrao-based Shandong Yongsheng Rubber Group Co., Ltd. has completed an intelligent upgrade of its radial tire production line, replacing 182 key machines/sets and installing automated logistics systems, resulting in a significant improvement in production efficiency. According to Hao Yufeng, who is in charge of smart manufacturing at the company, Internet of Things (IoT)-enabled equipment and automated guided vehicles have reduced labor requirements. He noted that 95 percent of the key equipment is controlled by digital technology.

    The tire boom in Guangrao shows no signs of slowing down. The county is doubling down on expansion and innovation to maintain its lead. This year, the county government plans to invest 9.31 billion yuan in 14 key projects, increasing annual radial tire output to more than 260 million units.

    The boom underscores China’s dominance in the tire industry. In 2024, China exported rubber tires worth more than $20 billion, accounting for 35 percent of the global total. That figure makes the country the world’s leading tire manufacturer and exporter.

    At the 15th China /Guangzhao/ International Rubber Tire & Auto Accessories Expo, it was clear that Guangzhao’s transformation is not just a local story, but part of a larger shift in China’s manufacturing sector. Traders like A. Musa are optimistic. “My customers and I are looking forward to the cutting-edge innovations that Guangzhao’s tire companies can offer,” he added. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News

  • MIL-OSI: Foxconn Builds AI Factory in Partnership With Taiwan and NVIDIA

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    • Foxconn’s Subsidiary — Big Innovation Company — to Build NVIDIA Blackwell Supercomputer With 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs to Deliver a Leap in AI Computing for Taiwan
    • TSMC to Harness Big Innovation Company Cloud AI Infrastructure for Research and Development
    • Taiwan National Science and Technology Council to Invest in Supercomputer to Accelerate AI Development and Adoption Across Industries

    TAIPEI, Taiwan, May 18, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — COMPUTEX — NVIDIA and Foxconn Hon Hai Technology Group today announced they are deepening their longstanding partnership and are working with the Taiwan government to build an AI factory supercomputer that will deliver state-of-the-art NVIDIA Blackwell infrastructure to researchers, startups and industries.

    Foxconn will provide the AI infrastructure through its subsidiary Big Innovation Company as an NVIDIA Cloud Partner. Featuring 10,000 NVIDIA Blackwell GPUs, the AI factory will significantly expand AI computing availability and fuel innovation for Taiwan researchers and enterprises.

    The Taiwan National Science and Technology Council will use the Big Innovation Company supercomputer to provide AI cloud computing resources to the Taiwan technology ecosystem, accelerating AI development and adoption across sectors.

    TSMC researchers plan to leverage the system to advance its research and development with orders-of-magnitude faster performance, compared with previous-generation systems.

    “AI has ignited a new industrial revolution — science and industry will be transformed,” said Jensen Huang, founder and CEO of NVIDIA. “We are delighted to partner with Foxconn and Taiwan to help build Taiwan’s AI infrastructure, and to support TSMC and other leading companies to advance innovation in the age of AI and robotics.”

    “Foxconn builds technology that underpins modern life, and now, we’re building computing infrastructure to scale the next generation of breakthroughs across Taiwan,” said Young Liu, chairman and CEO of Foxconn. “By building this AI factory with NVIDIA and TSMC, we are laying the groundwork to connect people in Taiwan as well as government organizations and enterprises such as TSMC to accelerate innovation and empower industries.”

    “At TSMC, innovation lies at the heart of everything we do. By harnessing advanced AI infrastructure, we empower our researchers to accelerate breakthroughs in semiconductor technology, enabling next-generation solutions for our customers and the world,” said Dr. C.C. Wei, chairman and CEO of TSMC. “Leveraging this AI factory reinforces our commitment to pushing the limits of AI-driven innovation.”

    “Our plan is to create an AI-focused industrial ecosystem in southern Taiwan,” said Minister Wu Cheng-Wen of the National Science and Technology Council. “We are focused on investing in innovative research, developing a strong AI industry and encouraging the everyday use of AI tools. Our ultimate goal is to create a smart AI island filled with smart cities, and we look forward to collaborating with NVIDIA and Hon Hai to make this vision a reality.”

    Foxconn Drives Regional Technology Innovation as NVIDIA Cloud Partner
    The Big Innovation Cloud AI factory will feature NVIDIA Blackwell Ultra systems, including the NVIDIA GB300 NVL72 rack-scale solution with NVIDIA NVLink™, NVIDIA Quantum InfiniBand and NVIDIA Spectrum-X™ Ethernet networking.

    In addition to becoming an NVIDIA Cloud Partner, Big Innovation Cloud plans to participate in the NVIDIA DGX Cloud Lepton™ marketplace, announced separately today. This will provide a wide range of enterprises — from startups and research institutions to established industry leaders — easy access to advanced GPU resources, further accelerating AI development and deployment in Taiwan. The system is expected to also provide computing to speed the work of startups and developers through the NVIDIA Inception program and the NVIDIA Deep Learning Institute.

    Foxconn will use the AI supercomputer of Big Innovation Company to accelerate automation and efficiency across its three core pillars — smart cities, electric vehicles and manufacturing — with a vision of connecting industries, citizens and government organizations to accelerate growth with AI.

    For smart cities, the AI factory will help optimize connected transportation systems and other civil resources to enhance quality of life for people in Taiwan. For smart electric vehicles, the infrastructure will enable advanced driver-assistance systems and safety. In manufacturing, AI-driven analytics, automation and digital twin technologies will streamline operations and speed product iteration.

    Learn more by watching the COMPUTEX keynote from Huang and learn more at NVIDIA GTC Taipei.

    About NVIDIA
    NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) is the world leader in accelerated computing.

    For further information, contact:
    Natalie Hereth
    NVIDIA Corporation
    +1-360-581-1088
    nhereth@nvidia.com

    Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements as to: the benefits, impact, and performance of NVIDIA’s products, services, and technologies; NVIDIA’s partnership with third parties and the impact and benefits thereof; third parties adopting NVIDIA’s products and technologies and the impact and benefits thereof, and the availability and features of their offerings; science and industry being transformed; and NVIDIA partnering with Foxconn and Taiwan to help build Taiwan’s AI infrastructure, and to support TSMC and other leading companies to advance innovation in the age of AI and robotics are forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are subject to the “safe harbor” created by those sections and that are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause results to be materially different than expectations. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially include: global economic conditions; our reliance on third parties to manufacture, assemble, package and test our products; the impact of technological development and competition; development of new products and technologies or enhancements to our existing product and technologies; market acceptance of our products or our partners’ products; design, manufacturing or software defects; changes in consumer preferences or demands; changes in industry standards and interfaces; unexpected loss of performance of our products or technologies when integrated into systems; as well as other factors detailed from time to time in the most recent reports NVIDIA files with the Securities and Exchange Commission, or SEC, including, but not limited to, its annual report on Form 10-K and quarterly reports on Form 10-Q. Copies of reports filed with the SEC are posted on the company’s website and are available from NVIDIA without charge. These forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and speak only as of the date hereof, and, except as required by law, NVIDIA disclaims any obligation to update these forward-looking statements to reflect future events or circumstances.

    Many of the products and features described herein remain in various stages and will be offered on a when-and-if-available basis. The statements above are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as a commitment, promise, or legal obligation, and the development, release, and timing of any features or functionalities described for our products is subject to change and remains at the sole discretion of NVIDIA. NVIDIA will have no liability for failure to deliver or delay in the delivery of any of the products, features or functions set forth herein.

    © 2025 NVIDIA Corporation. All rights reserved. NVIDIA, the NVIDIA logo, DGX Cloud Lepton, NVIDIA Spectrum-X and NVLink are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of NVIDIA Corporation in the U.S. and other countries. Other company and product names may be trademarks of the respective companies with which they are associated. Features, pricing, availability and specifications are subject to change without notice.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1b40b18f-0c21-4eb5-82b1-2e81928b5301

    The MIL Network

  • MIL-OSI China: Alcaraz ends Sinner’s streak to win Italian Open

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

    Carlos Alcaraz (L) of Spain and Jannik Sinner of Italy pose with their trophies after the men’s singles final match at the ATP Italian Open in Rome, Italy, May 18, 2025. (Photo by Elisa Lingria/Xinhua)

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    MIL OSI China News

  • MIL-OSI Global: What does it mean to ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ all cookies, and which should I choose?

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Ahmed Ibrahim, Senior Lecturer, Computing and Security, Edith Cowan University

    Shutterstock/The Conversation

    It’s nearly impossible to use the internet without being asked about cookies. A typical pop-up will offer to either “accept all” or “reject all”. Sometimes, there may be a third option, or a link to further tweak your preferences.

    These pop-ups and banners are distracting, and your first reaction is likely to get them out of the way as soon as possible – perhaps by hitting that “accept all” button.

    But what are cookies, exactly? Why are we constantly asked about them, and what happens when we accept or reject them? As you will see, each choice comes with implications for your online privacy.

    What are cookies?

    Cookies are small files that web pages save to your device. They contain info meant to enhance the user experience, especially for frequently visited websites.

    This can include remembering your login information and preferred news categories or text size. Or they can help shopping sites suggest items based on your browsing history. Advertisers can track your browsing behaviour through cookies to show targeted ads.

    There are many types, but one way to categorise cookies is based on how long they stick around.

    Session cookies are only created temporarily – to track items in your shopping cart, for example. Once a browser session is inactive for a period of time or closed, these cookies are automatically deleted.

    Persistent cookies are stored for longer periods and can identify you – saving your login details so you can quickly access your email, for example. They have an expiry date ranging from days to years.

    What do the various cookie options mean?

    Pop-ups will usually inform you the website uses “essential cookies” necessary for it to function. You can’t opt out of these – and you wouldn’t want to. Otherwise, things like online shopping carts simply wouldn’t work.

    However, somewhere in the settings you will be given the choice to opt out of “non-essential cookies”. There are three types of these:

    • functional cookies, related to personalising your browsing experience (such as language or region selection)

    • analytics cookies, which provide statistical information about how visitors use the website, and

    • advertising cookies, which track information to build a profile of you and help show targeted advertisements.

    Advertising cookies are usually from third parties, which can then use them to track your browsing activities. A third party means the cookie can be accessed and shared across platforms and domains that are not the website you visited.

    Google Ads, for example, can track your online behaviour not only across multiple websites, but also multiple devices. This is because you may use Google services such as Google Search or YouTube logged in with your Google account on these devices.

    An example of cookie preferences offered by a website.
    The Conversation

    Should I accept or reject cookies?

    Ultimately, the choice is up to you.

    When you choose “accept all,” you consent to the website using and storing all types of cookies and trackers.

    This provides a richer experience: all features of the website will be enabled, including ones awaiting your consent. For example, any ad slots on the website may be populated with personalised ads based on a profile the third-party cookies have been building of you.

    By contrast, choosing “reject all” or ignoring the banner will decline all cookies except those essential for website functionality. You won’t lose access to basic features, but personalised features and third-party content will be missing.

    The choice is recorded in a consent cookie, and you may be reminded in six to 12 months.

    Also, you can change your mind at any time, and update your preferences in “cookie settings”, usually located at the footer of the website. Some sites may refer to it as the cookie policy or embed these options in their privacy policy.

    How cookies relate to your privacy

    The reason cookie consent pop-ups are seemingly everywhere is thanks to a European Union privacy law that came into effect in 2018. Known as GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation), it provides strict regulations for how people’s personal data is handled online.

    These guidelines say that when cookies are used to identify users, they qualify as personal data and are therefore subject to the regulations. In practice, this means:

    • users must consent to cookies except the essential ones
    • users must be provided clear info about what data the cookie tracks
    • the consent must be stored and documented
    • users should still be able to use the service even if they don’t want to consent to certain cookies, and
    • users should be able to withdraw their consent easily.

    Since a lot of website traffic is international, many sites even outside the EU choose to follow GDPR guidelines to avoid running afoul of this privacy law.

    Better privacy controls

    Cookie pop-ups are tiresome, leading to “consent fatigue” – you just accept everything without considering the implications.

    This defeats the purpose of informed consent.

    There is another way to address your online privacy more robustly – Global Privacy Control (GPC). It’s a tech specification developed by a broad alliance of stakeholders (from web developers to civil rights organisations) that allows the browser to signal privacy preferences to websites, rather than requiring explicit choices on every site.

    GPC is not universally available, and it’s not a legal requirement – a number of browsers and plugins support it, but broader adoption may still take time.

    Meanwhile, if you’re worried you may have accidentally consented to cookies you don’t want, you can find an option in your browser settings to delete cookies and get back to a clean slate (be warned, this will log you out of everywhere). If you want to learn even more, the non-profit Electronic Frontier Foundation has a project called Cover Your Tracks.

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    ref. What does it mean to ‘accept’ or ‘reject’ all cookies, and which should I choose? – https://theconversation.com/what-does-it-mean-to-accept-or-reject-all-cookies-and-which-should-i-choose-256219

    MIL OSI – Global Reports

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: SH1B upgrade work complete – rail crossing remains closed for now

    Source: Argument for Lifting NZ Super Age

    Traffic will be back using the Holland Road/Marshmeadow Road intersection on Wednesday 21 May, following final surfacing work for the safety upgrade of the State Highway 1B Telephone Road railway crossing.

    While the road will reopen, the rail crossing on Telephone Road itself must remain closed for another couple of months until KiwiRail has completed their signalling work, says NZ Transport Agency Waka Kotahi (NZTA).

    “The signalling work is a vital part of the upgrade to safely allow vehicles to start using the Telephone Road rail crossing once again,” explains NZTA’s Regional Manager of Maintenance and Operations, Roger Brady.

    “We appreciate this has been a disruptive period and ask the Puketaha community to bear with us for just a couple more months until the crossing can fully reopen.”  

    To prevent vehicles using the rail crossing, shipping containers will be installed across the road tomorrow and remain in place until KiwiRail have completed their work, which is expected to be in late July.

    “Unfortunately pedestrian access across the rail crossing will also no longer be possible, including the Puketaha School students who have been able to walk across twice a day,” Mr Brady says.

    Both Puketaha School and the Ministry of Education, who manage the school bus routes, have been notified.   

    Alongside lowering the risk of vehicles damaging the rail tracks, NZTA has also added escape lanes to ensure vehicles do not get stuck on the crossing at busy times.

    “As we hit the home stretch for the roading component of this project, we’d like to once more thank the community for your patience while SH1B Telephone Road remains closed at the rail crossing.”

    Temporary traffic management will be in place until July showing the SH1B detour around Holland Road, Waverley Road and Seddon Road. This is the same detour that was in place from when the crossing first closed in 2022 until the start of the upgrade project in February this year.

    KiwiRail media queries contact: Sue Allen Sue.Allen@kiwirail.co.nz  

    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Celebrating Canberra’s Local Heroes in National Volunteer Week

    Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services

    As part of ACT Government’s ‘One Government, One Voice’ program, we are transitioning this website across to our . You can access everything you need through this website while it’s happening.

    Released 19/05/2025

    This National Volunteer Week (19–25 May), the ACT Government is proud to celebrate the thousands of volunteers across Canberra who dedicate their time, energy and care to making our community stronger, more inclusive and more connected.

    Minister for Disability, Carers and Community Services, Suzanne Orr, acknowledged the extraordinary contributions of volunteers across the ACT and encouraged Canberrans to explore the many ways they can get involved.

    “We’re lucky to have many committed volunteers here in the ACT: three out of four Canberrans aged over 15 years volunteer in our community, either formally or informally,” Minister Orr said.

    “From helping people in crisis to supporting environmental and animal welfare, Canberra’s volunteers are the quiet achievers who bring compassion, resilience and hope to our community.”

    One of those volunteers is Manar Ahmad, co-founder of HelpingACT, which provides food, clothing and essential services to people in need.

    “My life is richer because of volunteering. Despite the hours, I don’t see it as a cost – it’s brought me into contact with wonderful people and stretched my capabilities,” Mr Ahmad said.

    “If you’re nervous, start small. Then go deeper as your confidence grows.”

    Madison (Casey) Barancewicz, recipient of the 2024 ACT Young Volunteer of the Year Award, volunteers with the National Arboretum, MIEACT, and WaterWatch.

    “Volunteering has taught me to take initiative – and it gives me hope. You’re giving your time to something meaningful. It helps you. It helps others. It helps the world.”

    Christine Johnston, a long-serving volunteer with Victim Support ACT, offers vital assistance to victims navigating the criminal justice system.

    “When someone’s anxious or overwhelmed, just being there matters. I enjoy helping others, and it’s also helped me feel connected since moving to Canberra.”

    Adrian Manning, who volunteers with the ACT State Emergency Service, highlighted the dual personal and professional rewards of volunteering.

    “Not only do I get to help my community, but I’ve learned new skills that have benefited me in my work life as well.”

    For Pearl Ansley, volunteering with Domestic Animal Services is a joyful part of her routine.

    “It’s the best way to start the day – walking the dogs through the bush trail, surrounded by nature and sunshine. The dogs love it, and I do too.”

    CEO of VolunteeringACT, Jean Giese, reflected on the power of collective action, “National Volunteer Week is a time to say thank you to the incredible individuals who give their time so generously.

    “Canberrans contribute around 63 million hours of volunteering each year. According to the ACT State of Volunteering Report, 61% of people volunteer to help others. Their contributions strengthen the social fabric of our community and help create a kinder, more inclusive region. To all past, current, and future volunteers – thank you.”

    The ACT Government, in partnership with VolunteeringACT, is implementing the ACT Volunteering Strategy 2024–2034, which focuses on strengthening the sector by enhancing the volunteer experience, improving recognition, and building better connections across government and the community.

    To find out more about volunteer opportunities in Canberra, visit: www.volunteeringact.org.au

    – Statement ends –

    Suzanne Orr, MLA | Media Releases

    «ACT Government Media Releases | «Minister Media Releases

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: New Heavy Tanker boost for Avoca

    Source:

    Avoca Fire Brigade has received a new heavy tanker as part of a state-wide rollout designed to enhance CFA’s firefighting capability.

    The keys were officially handed over at a ceremony outside the Avoca Fire Station on Sunday (18 May).  

    The new heavy tanker carries 4,000 litres of water and includes enhanced crew protection features, improvements to reduce operator fatigue and electric rewind hose reels.  

    Captain of Avoca Fire Brigade Aaron McHoul said the upgraded tanker was a welcome addition to the brigade’s fleet. 

    “We’ve only had it for a short while and it’s making things much safer for our firefighters,” Aaron said. 

    “The extra water capacity and the additional equipment it can carry, like breathing apparatus, means we’re better equipped for a range of incidents.” 

    Aaron said the new addition would also boost the brigade’s ability to support neighbouring areas. 

    “Many of the places we attend don’t have reticulated water, so having that capacity allows us to make an initial attack on a structure, grass or bushfire and hopefully knock it down quickly,” Aaron said. 

    The tanker has also been designed with a focus on sustainability, incorporating a higher percentage of recyclable materials and reducing reliance on fibreglass. 

    CFA West Region Acting Deputy Chief Officer Graeme Armstrong said the new tanker has improved accessibility for brigade members. 

    “Being automatic makes it a lot easier to drive, which helps more members get behind the wheel,” Graeme said. 

    “You can control the speed a lot more easily when crews are blacking out, especially when walking alongside the truck.” 

    Established in 1885, Avoca Fire Brigade has a proud history of service, having evolved from two separate urban and rural brigades before merging in 2011. 

    The brigade now has 53 members, including 29 operational firefighters and a strong auxiliary group that provides critical support during both incidents and community events. 

    “We’re an urban-rural brigade, so this appliance makes a big difference across both types of firefighting,” Aaron said. 

    “We’re proud to continue serving the Avoca community and beyond with the best equipment possible.” 

    The new heavy tanker is one of 48 being delivered to CFA brigades across Victoria, funded through a $22.7 million CFA Capability Funding package, which was announced in June 2020 as part of the State Government’s Fire Services Reform. 

    Submitted by CFA Media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Pentland Hills school bus crash responders honoured

    Source:

    Members of Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Melton fire brigades involved, ACFO David Maxwell and Commander Mal Hayes with ACFO Lachlan Redman and Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook. Credit: Uniform Photography

    Seventeen firefighters from Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Melton Fire Brigades have received one of CFA’s highest honours for their response to a serious school bus crash in 2022.

    Acting CFA Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM presented the distinguished Unit Citation for Service to the members at a ceremony in Myrniong on Sunday (18 May).

    At 3.20am on 21 September 2022, CFA crews were called to a major crash on the Western Freeway in Pentland Hills, where a school bus carrying 27 students and four staff from Loreto College Ballarat had been struck at speed by a truck with a semi-trailer.

    The bus veered off the road and rolled down a steep embankment, coming to rest in dense scrub with many occupants trapped. The truck with a semi-trailer came to a stop around 400 metres further down the freeway, with the driver pinned inside the cab.

    CFA firefighters were among the first emergency services to arrive. Crews descended the slope using a secured hose reel, carrying rescue tools to reach and assist injured and disoriented students.

    Simultaneously, other CFA crews helped extricate the truck driver and managed a significant diesel spill, while several members supported Ambulance Victoria to attend to the students.

    Fifteen students and one staff member were hospitalised. Fortunately, there were no fatalities.

    “This was an incredibly complex and emotionally charged scene, and our members showed true professionalism under pressure,” Garry said.

    “Their ability to respond quickly, work alongside other emergency services and provide reassurance to young people in distress is something we as an organisation are very proud of.”

    Captain of Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade Ryan O’Shannessy, who was the CFA Incident Controller, said it was one of the most confronting incidents his crew had faced.

    “It was a call-out that really showed the heart of our members, stepping in with empathy, skill and care to help a busload of young students and teachers who’d just been through something terrifying,” Ryan said.

    “The injuries we saw were confronting, but everyone did what they could to help, drawing on our CFA training, life experience and the support of all the agencies working together.

    “Seeing our crews comfort those kids, assess injuries and stay calm under pressure made me incredibly proud. It was a true team effort — not just from the three CFA brigades, but also from Fire Rescue Victoria, VICSES, Victoria Police and Ambulance Victoria.

    “We are grateful for this acknowledgement by the Victorian community and CFA, and while it was one incident of significance, we humbly accept this Unit Citation on behalf of our brigades for all the incidents we have and will continue to attend when called upon to help our local and wider communities in protecting life and property.”

    Captain of Ballan Fire Brigade Ben Hatfield said the recognition meant a great deal.

    “We’re proud to receive this on behalf of our brigades, but more importantly, we’re proud of how our members responded that day,” Ben said.

    “This citation may recognise one moment, but it reflects the work we do every time we’re called to help, especially when it’s our youngest community members who need us most.”

    • Ballan Fire Brigade members with ACFO Lachlan Redman and Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook. Credit: Uniform Photography
    • Bacchus Marsh Fire Brigade members with ACFO Lachlan Redman and Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook. Credit: Uniform Photography
    • Melton Fire Brigade members with ACFO Lachlan Redman and Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook. Credit: Uniform Photography
    • Chief Officer Commendation recipients Commander Malcolm Hayes and ACFO David Maxwell. Credit: Uniform Photography
    • Acting Chief Officer Garry Cook
    Submitted by CFA media

    MIL OSI News

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Release: Women in funded sector unlikely to get pay equity

    Source: New Zealand Labour Party

    The Government is unlikely to fund pay equity for hospice and Plunket nurses, care and support workers and other workforces made up of mostly women.

    On Thursday Brooke Van Velden told Parliament that she understood that “the Government, under Minister Nicola Willis’ pay equity reset, suggested that the funded sector would not be funded by the Government for pay equity.” 

    The pay equity reset last year also disbanded the pay equity taskforce, but until now it had not been clear the Government was looking to wash its hands of funding pay equity claims for these sectors altogether.

    On Wednesday the Prime Minister Christopher Luxon either didn’t know his government had made that decision or was deliberately hiding the truth about the funded sector.

    “What this could mean is that women in this sector, whose claims have now been extinguished by the law passed two weeks ago, will no longer have a pathway to pay equity,” Labour workplace relations and safety spokesperson Jan Tinetti said.

    “These are the care and support workers who look after our parents and grandparents when they can no longer look after themselves. Who provide dementia and disabled care. Plunket nurses who support new mums, and hospice nurses who provide end of life care.

    “Brooke Van Velden appears to have confirmed on Nicola Willis’ behalf that there isn’t a pathway to raising women’s wages in these sectors, because the Government isn’t intending to contribute to raising their pay.

    “If Nicola Willis never intended to fund pay equity in the funded sector, then she has been stringing women along for months before the law change two weeks ago. Without government support, pay equity in these sectors is unlikely to happen.

    “This is beyond bad faith. It is betrayal,” Jan Tinetti said.


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    MIL OSI New Zealand News

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese car manufacturer introduces EV brand to Ethiopian market

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

    People learn about new electric vehicle models at a brand launch event organized by Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, on May 17, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Chinese automaker Guangzhou Automobile Group Co., Ltd (GAC Group) has introduced two of its electric vehicle (EV) models to the Ethiopian market, marking the Chinese car brand’s entry into the East African country.

    The company unveiled its AION Y and ES9 models on Saturday at a launch event in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia.

    Addressing the event, Zeleke Temesgen, commissioner of the Ethiopian Investment Commission, said the government has taken bold measures to encourage the adoption of EVs to accelerate the country’s transition to electric mobility.

    “The Ethiopian government has already banned the production, import, and assembly of gas-powered cars, so Ethiopia would be an ideal market for reputable companies like GAC Group,” said Temesgen.

    Appreciating GAC Group’s commitment to launching its EV brand in Ethiopia, the commissioner called on the company to set up a manufacturing plant so as to take advantage of favorable investment and massive market opportunities, and accelerate Ethiopia’s green mobility.

    Bareo Hassen, Ethiopian state minister of transport and logistics, said the government aspires to achieve green mobility “in the shortest time possible” with the goal of conserving energy and supporting the national economy.

    As part of the government’s push for a transition to electric mobility, more than 100,000 EVs are currently on the road across Ethiopia, which aims to have up to 500,000 EVs in the next 10 years, replacing the majority of cars powered by fossil fuels.

    Ethiopia is also working to expand EV production and the installation of public charging stations, and offering support and various incentives to private investors, such as free or leased land for investors in EV after-sales services, according to the Ministry of Transport and Logistics.

    Wei Haigang, president of GAC International, said the company, through its partner Huajian Group, will sell electric vehicles, establish charging infrastructure, and initiate local assembly operations in Ethiopia.

    Noting Ethiopia’s high potential for the EV market, Wei said GAC Group will engage in EV production in the future to tap into the huge market and support the country’s transition to electric mobility. 

    MIL OSI China News