NewzIntel.com

Category: Africa

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Holy See Press Office Press Release: Audience with the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe

    Source: The Holy See

    Holy See Press Office Press Release: Audience with the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe, 30.06.2025

    Today, 30 June 2025, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience, in the Apostolic Palace, the President of the Democratic Republic of São Tome and Príncipe, His Excellency Mr. Carlos Manuel Vila Nova, who subsequently met with His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.
    During the cordial talks held at the Secretariat of State, the good relations between the Holy See and São Tome and Príncipe were evoked, and several aspects of the country’s political and socio-economic situation were discussed, especially the collaboration with the local Church in the fields of healthcare and education, with particular attention to the formation of young people in the archipelago.
    The conversation continued with an exchange of opinions on matters of a regional and international nature, highlighting the importance of promoting dialogue and cooperation between nations.
    From the Vatican, 30 June 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: INTERPOL releases new information on globalization of scam centres

    Source: Interpol (news and events)

    • Victims have been trafficked into criminality from more than 60 countries around the world
    • West Africa is emerging as a potential regional hub for online scam centres

    LYON, France: Human trafficking-fueled scam centres have expanded their global footprint, according to a new crime trend update released by INTERPOL.

    As of March 2025, victims from 66 countries were trafficked into online scam centres, with no continent left untouched.

    Seventy-four percent of human trafficking victims were brought to centres in the original ‘hub’ region of Southeast Asia, according to analysis of the crime trend using data from relevant INTERPOL Notices issued in the past five years.

    However, online scam centres have increasingly been observed in other regions, including the Middle East, West Africa – which could be developing into a new regional hub – and Central America.

    While approximately 90 percent of human trafficking facilitators were from Asia, 11 per cent were from South America or Africa.

    Eighty per cent of facilitators were men, and 61 per cent were aged between 20 and 39 years old.

    Global crisis

    Initially concentrated in a handful of Southeast Asian countries, the centres are estimated to have drawn in hundreds of thousands of human trafficking victims, typically through false job ads, detaining them in compounds and forcing them to carry out online social engineering scams.

    While not every person committing fraud in a scam centre is a victim of human trafficking, those held against their will are often subject to extortion through debt bondage, as well as beatings, sexual exploitation, torture and rape.

    Online scams engineered by the centres target a second set of globally-dispersed victims, who often suffer debilitating financial and emotional damage.

    Since 2023, INTERPOL has documented how this double-edged crime trend has evolved from a regional threat in Southeast Asia to a global crisis, issuing an Orange Notice to signal its serious and imminent threat to public safety.

    In 2024, a global operation coordinated by INTERPOL uncovered dozens of cases in which trafficking victims were deceived and coerced into committing fraud, with national police officers raiding an industrial-scale scam centre in the Philippines.

    In the same year, an INTERPOL operation saw police dismantle a scam centre in Namibia, where 88 youths were forced to conduct scams.

    Growing use of AI

    The INTERPOL update also highlights how emerging technologies and convergence with other major crime areas could transform human trafficking-fueled scam centres as the crime trend continues to evolve.

    The use of artificial intelligence has been observed in a growing number of scamming cases.

    AI has been used to develop convincing fake job ads that attract human trafficking victims as well as generate online photos or profiles through ‘deepfake’ technology for sextortion and romance scams, among other social engineering schemes.

    Moreover, reports analysed by INTERPOL show that the same routes used to traffic victims to scam centres can be used to traffic drugs, firearms and protected wildlife species.

    The areas where scam centres have emerged in Southeast Asia are also key hubs for the trafficking of endangered species such as tigers or pangolins, making criminal diversification likely.

    Cyril Gout, Acting Executive Director of Police Services at INTERPOL, said:

    “The reach of online scam centres spans the globe and represents a dynamic and persistent global challenge.”

    “Tackling this rapidly globalizing threat requires a coordinated international response. We must increase the exchange of information between law enforcement in the growing number of countries affected and strengthen partnerships with NGOs that help victims and technology companies whose platforms are being exploited.”

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Source: International Chamber of Commerce

    Headline: World Chambers Federation announces new leadership for 2025–2028

    Mr. Marcelo Elizondo Secretary and Member of the Board, Argentine Chamber of Commerce and Services (Argentina) Mr. Andrew McKellar CEO, Australian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Australia) Mr. Atef Al Khaja CEO, Bahrain Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Bahrain)   Mr. Tom Laveren CEO, Voka Chamber of Commerce Mechelen-Kempen (Belgium)   Mr. Jean Pierre Antelo President, CAINCO (Bolivia) Ms. Maria Bustamante President, FIESC Chamber of Foreign Trade (Brazil)  Mr. Daniel Campos Caramori Vice-President, Canadian Chamber of Commerce (Canada)  Mr. José Ovidio Claros Polanco President, Bogota Chamber of Commerce (Colombia)  Ms. Rim Siam President of the Economic Business Women Council, Alexandria Chamber of Commerce (Egypt)   Ms. Leticia Escobar President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of El Salvador (El Salvador)  Mr. Giorgi Pertaia President, Georgian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Georgia)  Mr. Volker Treier Chief Executive of Foreign Trade and Board Member, German Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Germany)   Mr. Ashish Vaid Past President, IMC Chamber of Commerce and Industry (India)  Mr. Mohammad Khazaee Torshizi Senior Advisor to the President, Iran Chamber of Commerce, Industries, Mines and Agriculture (Iran) Ms. Gilit Rubinstein CEO, Federation of Israeli Chambers of Commerce (Israel)  Mr. Dario Gallina Past President, Torino Chamber of Commerce (Italy)  Mr. Aigars Rostovskis President, Latvian Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Latvia)   Mr. Katsuya Igarashi Executive Director, Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Japan)  Dr. Erick Rutto President, Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Kenya)  Mr. Rabih Sabra Director General, Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture of Beirut and Mount Lebanon (Lebanon)   Ms. Charlotte Parkhill Chair, Auckland Business Chamber (New Zealand)   Mr. Gabriel Idahosa President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Nigeria)  Mr. Trajan Angeloski President, Macedonian Chamber of Commerce (North Macedonia)  Ms. Tamader Al Thani Director of International Relations and Chamber Affairs, Qatar Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Qatar)  Mr. Ovidiu Ioan Silaghi Secretary General, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Romania (Romania)  Mr. Marko Cadez President, Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Serbia (Serbia)   Ms. Melanie Veness CEO and Chairperson, PMCB and Association of South African Chambers (South Africa)  Mr. Seong Woo Lee Vice-President, Korea Chamber of Commerce and Industry (South Korea)  Mr. Adolfo Díaz-Ambrona Secretary General, Spain Chamber of Commerce (Spain)  Mr. Izzet Volkan Chairman of the Board, Corlu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (Türkiye)  Mr. Salem Al Shamsi Vice-President for International Relations, Dubai Chambers (United Arab Emirates)   Mr. Gennadiy Chyzhykov President, Ukrainian Chamber of Commerce (Ukraine)  Mr. Ahmed M. El Wakil President, Association of the Mediterranean Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ASCAME) (Transnational)  Mr. Yousef Khalawi Secretary General, Islamic Chamber of Commerce and Development (Transnational)  Mr. Natalio Mario Grinman President, Ibero-American Association of Chambers of Commerce (AICO) (Transnational)  Mr. Peter McMullin President, Confederation of Asia Pacific Chambers of Commerce and Industry (CACCI) (Transnational)  Mr. Ben Butters CEO, Eurochambres (Transnational)  Dr. Khaled Hanafy Secretary General, Union of Arab Chambers (Transnational) 

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cassava Technologies partners with the South African Artificial Intelligence Association to boost local access to Artificial Intelligence (AI) compute services

    Cassava Technologies (https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com), a global technology leader of African heritage, is pleased to announce that it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the South African AI Association (SAAIA), an industry body focused on growing responsible AI adoption, to deliver artificial intelligence (AI) solutions and GPU-as-a-Service (GPUaas) across the African continent.  

    In terms of the agreement, SAAIA’s more than 3,000 AI practitioners, comprising entrepreneurs, researchers, and members of the wider business community in South Africa, will have access to Cassava’s data centre GPUs to develop and deploy local AI solutions and initiatives. The two organisations will also collaborate on initiatives aimed at supporting the regional and broader African AI ecosystem.

    “We are proud to partner with SAAIA to support the growth of Africa’s AI ecosystem. By extending our advanced AI infrastructure and capabilities to SAAIA’s growing community of AI professionals, we’re enabling greater access to the compute power required to build, test, and scale innovative local solutions. We believe this partnership will deliver meaningful value to both organisations and, more importantly, to the business and research communities driving AI development on the continent,” said Ziaad Suleman, CEO of Cassava Technologies South Africa and Botswana.

    As South Africa’s leading AI ecosystem builder, the South African Artificial Intelligence Association is focused on promoting the advancement of responsible AI in the country by uniting thousands of AI practitioners across the commercial, government, academic, startup, and NGO sectors. SAAIA also hosts the largest AI event in Africa, AI Expo Africa, and serves as a driving force behind trade and investment in the continent’s rapidly expanding smart technology segment.

    “SAAIA is pleased to be partnering with Cassava Technologies in strengthening AI in South Africa.  Supporting local AI entrepreneurs is a key pillar of SAAIA, and access to GPU-as-a-Service is a key enabler to growing the emerging AI startup ecosystem,” said SAAIA Founder and Chairman, Dr Nick Bradshaw. 

    Cassava’s collaboration with SAAIA reinforces its commitment to providing world-class digital solutions and advancing responsible AI adoption, innovation, and growth in Africa. It follows Cassava’s recent announcement of plans to build Africa’s first AI factory, providing local businesses, governments, and researchers with access to cutting-edge AI computing capacity. This aligns with Cassava’s vision of being the leading digital solutions provider in its chosen markets, empowering Africans to thrive in the digital economy. 

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Cassava Technologies.

    About Cassava Technologies:
    Cassava Technologies is a global technology leader of African heritage providing a vertically integrated ecosystem of digital services and infrastructure enabling digital transformation. Headquartered in the UK, Cassava has a presence across Africa, the Middle East, Latin America and the United States of America. Through its business units, namely, Cassava AI, Liquid Intelligent Technologies, Liquid C2, Africa Data Centres, and Sasai Fintech, the company provides its customers’ products and services in 94 countries. These solutions drive the company’s ambition of establishing itself as a leading global technology company of African heritage. https://www.CassavaTechnologies.com/ 

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI: CryptoMiningFirm Launches GreenMine 2.0: A Next-Generation, AI-Powered, Carbon-Neutral Cloud Mining Platform

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    London, UK, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — CryptoMiningFirm, a global innovator in green cloud mining solutions, today announced the official launch of its next-generation platform, GreenMine 2.0, a fully automated and carbon-neutral cloud mining ecosystem. With this release, CryptoMiningFirm aims to democratize cryptocurrency mining by eliminating traditional entry barriers such as hardware investment, technical expertise, and high electricity costs.

    Leveraging AI-driven automation, renewable energy, and a zero-threshold onboarding model, GreenMine 2.0 empowers users globally to generate passive income through the mining of Bitcoin, Litecoin, Dogecoin, and other top digital currencies — directly from their mobile devices.

    Bitcoin Nears All-Time Highs as Cloud Mining Demand Surges

    CryptoMiningFirm’s announcement comes amid a dramatic surge in Bitcoin prices, which recently rose to $107,340, edging closer to its historical high of $111,917. The rally has been fueled by strong inflows into spot ETFs — with BlackRock’s IBIT alone accounting for over $1.3 billion in net inflows in a single week — and growing expectations of U.S. Federal Reserve interest rate cuts.

    “With global interest in cryptocurrency reigniting, there’s no better time to introduce a smarter, cleaner way to mine digital assets,” said Jane Doe, CEO of CryptoMiningFirm. “We built GreenMine 2.0 so that anyone, anywhere — with no technical skills or capital investment — can tap into the world of crypto mining and start earning immediately.”

    Key Features of CryptoMiningFirm’s GreenMine 2.0

    1. Zero Entry Barrier:

    Users can register in under a minute and receive a free welcome bonus worth $10–$100, allowing them to mine without any upfront investment. The platform guarantees a minimum daily earning of $0.60 from this bonus alone.

    2. Smart Mining Automation:

    The platform’s AI intelligently selects the most profitable cryptocurrencies to mine in real time based on network difficulty, market volatility, and block rewards. Mining is completely automated — no hardware, no coding, and no daily intervention required.

    3. Carbon-Neutral Infrastructure:

    GreenMine 2.0 is powered entirely by 100% renewable energy, including solar and wind sources. The company has also implemented thermal recovery systems that redirect excess heat into local community heating projects, aligning with ESG best practices.

    4. Transparent & Flexible Plans:

    With more than 10 mining contracts available, users can choose between short-term high-yield plans or longer-term value accumulation. Contracts support a wide array of cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, DOGE, LTC, and XRP.

    5. App-Enabled Wealth Management:

    Available on both iOS and Android, the CryptoMiningFirm app allows users to monitor real-time earnings, manage contracts, and withdraw funds in just a few taps. Withdrawals are processed in under 60 seconds, with support for over 10 cryptocurrencies.

    A Sustainable Model for Global Crypto Adoption

    CryptoMiningFirm’s cloud-based model solves one of the most pressing challenges in traditional mining: environmental impact. By leveraging globally distributed data centers powered by clean energy, the company eliminates the massive carbon footprint typically associated with crypto mining.

    In addition to zero hardware requirements, the company operates with no hidden fees, offers round-the-clock support, and ensures 100% platform uptime — features that have quickly made it a top choice for both beginners and crypto veterans.

    “GreenMine 2.0 is more than a mining platform. It’s a financial empowerment tool,” said Jane Doe. “Whether you’re a student in India, a remote worker in Kenya, or a retiree in Canada — you can now participate in the crypto economy without risks or restrictions.”

    New Referral and Affiliate System

    To further expand its global user base, CryptoMiningFirm has introduced a referral program that offers up to 4.5% in commissions, capped at $10,000 per referral. This system enables users to monetize their networks while contributing to the adoption of decentralized finance (DeFi) tools worldwide.

    Upcoming Roadmap & Expansion

    The company plans to roll out several enhancements in the coming months, including:

    • Smart contract-based earnings verification for transparency and auditability
    •  Staking-as-a-Service modules to complement mining income
    •  AI portfolio rebalancing tools to help users maximize ROI across digital assets

    Localized data centers in Latin America and Southeast Asia to reduce latency and boost regional performance

    CryptoMiningFirm is also working on integrating Fiat-to-Crypto payment gateways, allowing users to fund accounts via credit cards or bank transfers and further easing access for first-time crypto users.

    Industry Recognition and Compliance

    With its focus on transparency, CryptoMiningFirm adheres to international KYC/AML standards and has undergone multiple third-party audits of its smart contract framework and platform code. The firm is registered in multiple jurisdictions and complies with local data privacy and digital asset laws.

    The company’s current user base spans over 80 countries, with the largest adoption seen in the U.S., Nigeria, India, and Brazil. More than 120,000 active users have joined the platform since its soft launch earlier this year.

    About CryptoMiningFirm

    Founded in 2020, CryptoMiningFirm is a leading provider of green cloud mining solutions that allow individuals and institutions to generate passive income from cryptocurrencies without the need for technical expertise or hardware investments. The company is committed to reshaping the crypto mining landscape through innovation, sustainability, and global accessibility.

    For more information, visit the official website: https://cryptominingfirm.com

    Attachment

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI NGOs: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL OSI NGO –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group Sign Landmark Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to Boost Inward Investment and Accelerate Guinea’s Critical Minerals Sector

    The Guinea Chamber of Mines and Critical Minerals Africa Group (www.CMAGAfrica.com) have today announced the signing of a ground-breaking Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering strategic partnership, attracting investment, and unlocking the immense potential of Guinea’s critical minerals sector. This alliance marks a significant milestone in Guinea’s journey to becoming a key player in Africa’s industrialisation and global supply chains for critical minerals.

    The MOU underscores a shared commitment to developing Guinea’s vast deposits of bauxite, gold, and, most notably, its rich reserves of critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, and rare earth elements. By working together, the two organizations aim to streamline investment processes, promote responsible mining practices, and catalyse infrastructural development to support sustainable growth.

    Guinea’s critical minerals sector is poised for exponential growth, driven by global demand for electric vehicles, renewable energy technologies, and advanced electronics. The country’s strategic location, abundant natural resources, and government support position it as a pivotal hub for Africa’s industrialization.

    One of the standout projects fuelling this momentum is the Simandou iron ore and associated mineral deposits. The Simandou Range is renowned for its vast reserves of high-grade iron ore, which is essential for steel production worldwide. Its development is expected to significantly boost Guinea’s economy and position the country as a key supplier in global markets.

    “This partnership with Critical Minerals Africa Group is a testament to Guinea’s commitment to becoming an industrial powerhouse. Our abundant natural resources, particularly in critical minerals, are vital to the global transition to clean energy. By fostering strategic investments and responsible mining practices, we are unlocking the transformative potential of Guinea’s mineral wealth,” Ismaël Diakite, Chairman of the Board of Directors, Guinea Chamber of Mines.

    “Guinea is at the forefront of Africa’s mining revolution. Guinea’s rich deposits of critical minerals, coupled with the country’s strategic location and supportive policies, make it an ideal hub for industrial development on the continent. This alliance will accelerate investments, create jobs, and support sustainable growth,” stated Veronica Bolton Smith, CEO of The Critical Minerals Africa Group.

    As Africa’s fastest-growing economy, Guinea offers an attractive landscape for investors seeking to tap into the continent’s mineral wealth. The country’s government has prioritized infrastructure development, policy reforms, and regional cooperation, making Guinea a magnet for foreign direct investment.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG).

    Media Enquiries:
    Halla Abdulla
    Media Manager, The Critical Minerals Africa Group
    Email: info@cmagafrica.com

    About the Guinea Chamber of Mines:
    The Guinea Chamber of Mines is the premier industry association representing mining companies and promoting sustainable mining development in Guinea.

    About The Critical Minerals Africa Group (CMAG):
    The Critical Minerals Africa Group is an advocacy group that seeks to foster deeper relationships between Africa and global markets and put Africa at the heart of international discussions surrounding critical minerals and associated supply chains. CMAG aims to enable the creation of resilient and diversified critical minerals supply chains that benefit the communities in which they are extracted, as well as to accelerate economic development through the capture of value-adding activities.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: The West African Development Bank (BOAD) achieves French Institute of Audit and Internal Control (IFACI) Professional Certification for Internal Audit — A first among Multilateral Development Banks

    The West African Development Bank (BOAD) (www.BOAD.org) has achieved a major milestone in strengthening its governance by securing professional certification for its Internal Audit function from the French Institute of Audit and Internal Control (IFACI).

    This certification, formalized under Certificate No. IFACI/2025/0227r, issued on February 27, 2025 and valid through February 28, 2028, attests to the organizational maturity of BOAD’s Internal Audit function and its ability to deliver tangible value to the Bank’s overall performance and governance. It also reinforces BOAD’s credibility with its technical and financial partners by demonstrating the Bank’s commitment to upholding the highest international standards.

    With this achievement, BOAD becomes the first Multilateral Development Bank to receive this international certification, underscoring its leadership in adopting international best practices in internal audit.

    Mr. Serge Ekue, President of BOAD, welcomed this accomplishment and extended his congratulations to the Internal Audit team and all Bank staff for their dedication and professionalism. He reaffirmed the institution’s commitment to its core values: integrity, agility, collaboration, social responsibility, excellence, and professionalism.

    “Securing this quality certification is a key milestone in the maturity of our Internal Audit function and its ability to act as a true driver of added value for the Bank’s governance and overall performance,” declared Mr. Ekue.

    This achievement is fully aligned with the objectives of BOAD’s Strategic Plan DJOLIBA, which seeks to position the Bank as a leading institution in sustainable development across West Africa.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Banque Ouest Africaine de Développement (BOAD).

    For further information:
    Communication and Public Relations Department
    Tel: + 228 22 23 25 65
    WhatsApp : +228 99 99 32 15
    Fax: + 228 22 23 24 38
    Email: boadsiege@boad.org

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: NSU has completed an internship program for foreign specialists in the field of engineering InteRussia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Novosibirsk State University – Novosibirsk State University –

    The Novosibirsk State University has completed the InteRussia internship program for foreign engineering specialists, which ran from June 2 to 27. Akademgorodok was visited by 17 students from 14 countries, including Chile, Jordan, India, Pakistan, Brazil, Albania, Serbia, Bangladesh, Turkmenistan, Belarus, Indonesia, Ecuador, Uzbekistan, and Tanzania. This was the first experience for the university in holding such a long event with the participation of young researchers from different countries.

    The internship was organized by the Gorchakov Fund, the Siberian Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, and the ANO “Mezhdunarodniki” with the support of the Directorate of the World Youth Festival and the Presidential Grants Fund.

    Adelina Kozulina, an employee of the NSU Education Export Department and coordinator of the InteRussia international internship, summed up the results of the project and commented:

    — This is our second experience of holding an international internship Interussia together with the Gorchakov Fund. I think that this time the experience was very positive. The guys were friendly and sociable, they really successfully integrated into our team and the academic atmosphere. It was very easy to interact and communicate with them. This time we had a wider geography, the participants came from different countries. For the NSU Education Export Department, this was a very interesting experience.

    For a month, young researchers were trained at the university in two promising areas – “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine” and “Modern Quantum and Information Technologies in Electronics and Photonics”. The event resulted in the preparation and presentation of their own scientific project.

    Evgeny Pavlovsky, Head of the Laboratory of Streaming Data Analytics and Machine Learning Faculty of Mechanics and Mathematics of NSU and the head of the Artificial Intelligence and Medicine department, noted at the school’s closing ceremony:

    — I am glad that we successfully held and completed this school, which involved very talented young researchers. Thanks to this internship, you not only learned something new, but also got imbued with the special atmosphere of Akademgorodok. You made new contacts and will continue to work together. I am sure that you can become those who will shape our good future with artificial intelligence both in healthcare and in other areas.

    Artur Pogosov, professor of the Department of Semiconductor Physics Physics Department of NSU, Head of the Department of General Physics at NSU Physics Department, thanked the participants for their energy, attention and curiosity:

    — Quantum mechanics and quantum computing is an amazing and complex field of knowledge, based on deep philosophical ideas. As a rule, our students spend an entire academic year to master this area. For you, it was rather a quick and unexpected jump. But even this short period allowed you to see the complexity, beauty and mystery of the quantum world. I wish you success in your further studies, research, a brilliant career and future.

    The school participants thanked the organizers and noted the special friendly atmosphere that had developed during the internship. They also expressed confidence that they would interact and continue their joint research work.

    Annageldi Khydyrov, Turkmenistan:

    — I work as a leading programmer and developer in the field of AI. This is not my first trip to Russia. This time I chose the direction of “Artificial Intelligence and Medicine”. My experience here will be very helpful for my further research. The professors taught at the highest level, we not only studied theory, but also practiced. Previously, I was little familiar with the use of AI in medicine, thanks to this internship, new horizons of understanding opened up for me. We became very close friends with all the participants, I am sure that we will continue to cooperate.

    Bashar Firas Issaf Al-Sayegh, Jordan:

    — I chose quantum technologies because I have a basic background in physics and am currently deciding in which area to continue my studies and research. This international internship allowed me to make a choice regarding the topic of my master’s and later doctoral dissertations. This concerns the technical side and training. I would also like to note the social aspect. It was a wonderful experience for all participants. We met people from all over the world, we talked about our cultures, languages, traditions, heritage and religions. This is a unique experience for me as well, because now I know that there are people on this planet who have the same ambitions, needs and human feelings. I am returning home more confident and with a stock of interesting stories.

    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 United Nations: IAEA and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Partner to Bridge Gap in Global Childhood Cancer Care

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)

    The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care at the Agency’s Rays of Hope Forum in Ethiopia today.

    St. Jude, based in Memphis, Tennessee in the United States, is investing US $4.5 million over three years for the IAEA to support countries in expanding access to paediatric radiotherapy and to strengthen health systems, with the goal of improving survival rates and quality of life for children with cancer in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs).

    Each year, an estimated 400,000 children develop cancer globally. While survival rates exceed 80% in high-income countries with accessible care, over 90% of children with cancer reside in LMICs, where survival rates remain below 30%.

    A major contributor to this disparity is limited access to advanced clinical imaging, which is critical for accurate diseases classification, treatment planning and monitoring. Without it, children face delays or errors in diagnosis, significantly impacting outcomes.

    Access to paediatric radiotherapy is severely limited in LMICs, despite its importance in treating nearly half of all childhood cancers. A 2021 IAEA study highlighted major challenges in these settings, including  equipment access or insufficiencies, and a critical shortage of specialized radiation medicine professionals for childhood cancers.

    “Children should not die of cancer simply because of where they are born. Every child, everywhere, deserves the same chance to survive and thrive,” said IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. “By closing the gap in access to cancer care, we can ensure that children, regardless of their geographic location or economic status, have equal opportunities for successful treatment. Survival should be a reality, not a privilege.”

    The collaboration between the IAEA and St. Jude aims to strengthen national capacity in childhood cancer care and control and to improve access to paediatric radiotherapy by training specialists—essential for improving survival and outcomes for children with cancer. The partnership focuses on delivering technical resources, curricula and guidance documents for radiation oncologists, radiotherapy technicians and medical physicists, and supporting their implementation in selected LMICs. Through the imPACT Review assessment tools for childhood cancer, the collaboration also will assess capacities and needs of health systems and strengthen national cancer control programmes.

    “Over the past decade, St. Jude has expanded its global presence in pursuit of increasing childhood cancer cure rates worldwide. A critical step in our mission is ensuring children everywhere have access to necessary diagnostics and treatment,” said James R. Downing, MD, president and CEO of St. Jude. “Partnering with IAEA highlights that commitment and will help save countless lives.”

    This marks the launch of the IAEA’s Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer, under the wider IAEA Rays of Hope initiative. Rays of Hope has expanded life-saving cancer care to thousands of patients in LMICs around the world since launching in 2022. Securing more than €90 million already from dedicated donors and partners, including governments mobilizing national resources, has helped close the gap in global radiation medicine. Building on this impact, the IAEA is working with St. Jude to expand the initiative to focus on the gap in childhood cancer care.

    “Limited access to specialized care for children with cancer has a negative impact on their chances to be cured,” said Carlos Rodriguez-Galindo, MD, St. Jude executive vice president and director of St. Jude Global. “Significant gaps in the quality of radiotherapy services exist in LMICs when compared to what is routine practice across high-income countries. This effort with IAEA will help strengthen the national capacity to treat children with cancer, and increase access to the vital diagnostic imaging and radiotherapy that will improve the survival rate and quality of life for children affected by cancers where these treatments play a prominent role.”

    Following today’s signing, the first phase of the Rays of Hope for Childhood Cancer initiative will focus on jointly developing technical products and guidance documents—referred to as Global Goods—and organizing a series of events to support their effective adoption and use by countries. Addressing childhood cancer is a multifaceted challenge requiring a comprehensive approach where the IAEA and St. Jude play key roles. It involves complex procedures that require sophisticated decision-making and highly technical skills that require specialized training. For paediatric radiotherapy specialists, partnership trainings and Global Goods will reduce knowledge gaps and enhance the quality of care their patients receive.

    IAEA

    The IAEA has over 60 years of experience supporting countries in the fight against cancer, including childhood cancer. Through its Human Health Programme, the IAEA has helped countries around the world to prevent, diagnose and treat the disease by developing and applying nuclear and radiation techniques. Its medical expertise across nutrition, radiology, nuclear medicine, radiobiology, radiation oncology, medical physics and dosimetry has advanced cancer care capacities through coordinated research projects, educational materials, e-learning modules, curricula, guidance documents, scientific publications, international codes of practice, databases, quality assurance activities, audit services, databases, the Human Health Campus and the implementation of the Technical Cooperation Programme. Through its Technical Cooperation Programme, it helps countries strengthen cancer care by providing equipment, training and technical assistance in diagnostic imaging, nuclear medicine and radiotherapy. Operating across four global regions, the programme tailors support to local needs and promotes regional collaboration.

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative, launched in 2022, builds on this work to accelerate access to radiotherapy and medical imaging in low-resource settings. Through Rays of Hope the IAEA promotes comprehensive cancer care where it is needed most and has designated regional anchor centres to serve as knowledge and capacity building hubs for radiation medicine.

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital

    St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, is a global leader in the research and treatment of childhood cancer, sickle cell disease and other life-threatening pediatric diseases. St. Jude is the only National Cancer Institute–designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Treatments developed at St. Jude have helped push the U.S. childhood cancer survival rate from 20% to 80% since the hospital opened in 1962. St. Jude is extending its mission to help more children around the world. In 2018, St. Jude and World Health Organization launched the Global Initiative for Childhood Cancer to increase survival rates from 20% to 60% by 2030 for six of the most common forms of childhood cancer. The St. Jude Global Alliance is a global network with a shared vision of improving care and increasing survival rates of children with cancer and blood disorders worldwide. To learn more, visit stjude.org, read the St. Jude Progress blog, and follow St. Jude on social media @stjuderesearch.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Lists NodeOps (NODE) for Spot Trading

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the listing of NodeOps (NODE) in the Innovation, AI, and DePIN Zone, adding it to spot trading. NodeOps is a DePIN infrastructure platform. Trading for the NODE/USDT pair will begin on 30 June 2025, 10:00 (UTC), with withdrawals available from 1 July 2025, 11:00 (UTC).

    NodeOps is building a full-stack solution to make make decentralized computing simple, reliable, and accessible at scale. Its architecture is built on two layers: the foundational NodeOps Network protocol, which coordinates decentralized physical infrastructure (DePIN), and a suite of user-facing products, including NodeOps Cloud, Console, Agent Terminal, Staking Hub, and Security Hub, that streamlines deployment and management. At the core of the ecosystem is the NODE token, which powers coordination, rewards real work, and governs the network. With a revenue-backed mint-and-burn model, NODE ensures sustainable value, secures the infrastructure, and enables access to premium features, aligning incentives and supporting long-term growth across the NodeOps ecosystem. NodeOps Network has built the foundation for sustainable infrastructure coordination that scales with actual demand while maintaining the decentralization and cost advantages that make Web3 infrastructure superior to traditional cloud services.

    Bitget continues to expand its offerings, positioning itself as a leading platform for cryptocurrency trading. The exchange has established a reputation for innovative solutions that empower users to explore crypto within a secure CeDeFi ecosystem. With an extensive selection of over 800 cryptocurrency broadening and a commitment to broaden its offerings to more than 900 trading pairs, Bitget connects users to various ecosystems, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and TON. The addition of NodeOps into Bitget’s portfolio marks a significant step toward expanding its ecosystem by embracing niche communities and fostering innovation in decentralized economies, further solidifying its role as a gateway to diverse Web3 projects and cultural movements.

    For more details on NodeOps, visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a world-class multi-chain crypto wallet that offers an array of comprehensive Web3 solutions and features including wallet functionality, token swap, NFT Marketplace, DApp browser, and more.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/455f6a0f-61f1-4444-b37c-416c594a97a3

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Refugees escaping Sudan face escalating hunger and malnutrition as food aid risks major reductions

    Source: World Food Programme

    WFP/Mohamed Galal. People continue to flee escalating violence in El Fasher, many arriving in Tawila with little or not. Sudan, Tawila, North Darfur.

    NAIROBI, Kenya – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) today warned that millions of Sudanese refugees who have fled to neighbouring countries risk plunging deeper into hunger and malnutrition as critical funding shortages force drastic cuts to life saving food assistance.

    Since conflict erupted in Sudan in April 2023, more than 4 million people have fled to neighbouring countries in search of food, shelter and safety – with families often arriving traumatised, malnourished, and with little more than the clothes on their backs.  

    WFP quickly mobilized to provide emergency assistance to refugees escaping to seven neighbouring countries. Food and cash, hot meals, and nutrition support have been provided in the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. The agency also expanded support to host communities who have generously welcomed refugees, despite often grappling with their own food insecurity needs.

    However, continued food assistance is quickly exceeding available funding. WFP’s support to Sudanese refugees in CAR, Egypt, Ethiopia and Libya may grind to a halt in the coming months as resources run dry. In Uganda, many vulnerable refugees are surviving on less than 500 calories a day – less than a quarter of daily nutritional needs – as new arrivals push refugee support systems to the breaking point. And in Chad, which hosts almost a quarter of the four million refugees who fled Sudan, food rations will be reduced in the coming months unless new contributions are received soon.

    “This is a full-blown regional crisis that’s playing out in countries that already have extreme levels of food insecurity and high levels of conflict,” said Shaun Hughes, WFP’s Emergency Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Crisis. “Millions of people who have fled Sudan depend wholly on support from WFP, but without additional funding we will be forced to make further cuts to food assistance. This will leave vulnerable families, and particularly children, at increasingly severe risk of hunger and malnutrition.”

    Children are particularly vulnerable to sustained periods of food insecurity. Global Acute Malnutrition (GAM) rates among refugee children in reception centres in Uganda and South Sudan have already breached emergency thresholds as refugees are severely malnourished even before arriving in bordering countries to receive emergency assistance.

    Inside Sudan, WFP has worked to scale up assistance to reach over 4 million people per month – four times more than at the beginning of 2024. Vital support to new refugees in neighbouring countries was also expanded; in Chad, WFP quadrupled warehouse capacity and expanded food pipelines to support the influx of refugees crossing from Darfur and to sustain cross-border operations into Sudan. In Egypt and South Sudan, WFP scaled up cash assistance after the civil conflict began in 2023, enrolling eligible Sudanese families within hours of arrival to provide immediate support.

    “Refugees from Sudan are fleeing for their lives and yet are being met with more hunger, despair, and limited resources on the other side of the border,” said Hughes. “Food assistance is a lifeline for vulnerable refugee families with nowhere else to turn.”

    WFP is urging the international community to mobilise additional resources to sustain food and nutrition assistance for Sudan’s refugees and the host communities supporting them.

    WFP needs just over US$200 million to sustain its emergency response for Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries for the next 6 months. An additional $575 million is needed for life-saving operations for the most vulnerable inside Sudan.

    “Ultimately, humanitarian support alone will not put an end to conflict and forced displacement –political and global diplomatic action is what’s urgently needed to end the fighting so that peace and stability can return,” said Hughes.

    Notes to editors:

    Package of high-resolution photos is available here.

    Broadcast quality footage is available here.

    Countries hosting refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan:

    Central Africa Republic: WFP is supporting over 25,000 refugees and returnees who have fled the conflict in Sudan. Sudanese refugees receive full rations while CAR citizens returning due to the fighting receive a 75 percent food ration. WFP requires US$4 million to maintain support through October, and will be forced to stop all support for refugees from August unless additional funds are received.

    Chad: Chad hosts one of the largest and fastest growing refugee populations in Africa with nearly 1.4 million refugees. The country is experiencing enormous pressure on already limited resources as 860,000 refugees and 274,000 returnees have arrived since the Sudan crisis began more than two years ago. Around 1,000 refugees continue to arrive daily into Chad, mostly from North Darfur, numbers similar to the high rates seen at the beginning of the Sudan crisis. WFP aims to support more than 1.2 million Sudanese refugees, returnees, and families in host communities in 2025. If no further funding is confirmed, food assistance will be reduced in the coming months. WFP needs US$77 million for its Sudanese refugee response for the next six months (June – November 2025).

    Egypt: Around 1.5 million Sudanese affected by the crisis have arrived in Egypt since the conflict began two years ago, making it the largest host country for arrivals from Sudan, followed by South Sudan. In April, WFP was forced to reduce the number of Sudanese refugees, and refugees of other nationalities receiving food assistance (through cash-based transfers) from 235,000 to 200,000 people. This amounts to a 15 percent cut due to reduced funding. The amount of food refugees receive was also cut by 33 percent. 

    Another reduction in beneficiaries, from 200,000 to 170,000 people, followed in May 2025 – also due to funding constraints. In June, WFP had to further reduce the number of assisted beneficiaries to 150,000. If no additional funding is received, WFP will be forced to halt critical humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people in August 2025. The total funding requirements until end of 2025 are US$20 million. 

    Ethiopia: WFP currently supports more than 800,000 refugees with cash and in-kind food assistance at 50 percent rations: 100,000 are Sudanese refugees, of which 20,000 are new arrivals in Amhara and Benishangul Gumuz region, where they receive full rations. WFP requires $18 million to support Sudanese refugees for the next 6 months (June to November) – and a total of US$40 million to continue supporting all refugees at half rations through December. 

    Libya: WFP is providing monthly food assistance and nutrition support to 50,000 refugees, most of whom have fled Sudan since the start of the war in 2023. This is a fraction of the estimated 313,000 Sudanese refugees who have arrived in Libya in the last two years, a figure that UNHCR forecasts could reach 650,000 by the end of 2025. However, WFP does not have the funds to expand beyond its current caseload, and will be forced to end all assistance by the end of July without additional funding. WFP requires $5 million to continue its support from July to November 2025. 

    Uganda: Uganda is home to 1.9 million refugees, including 81,000 from Sudan. WFP supports over 660,000 refugees overall, down from 1.6 million supported by WFP in April with hot meals, food assistance, nutrition and livelihood programmes to boost self-reliance.  Since March, refugees classified as moderately vulnerable are receiving just 22 percent rations. WFP requires $6 million to support Sudanese refugees for the next 6 months (June to November) – and a total of US$50 million to provide all refugees with full rations through 2025.

    South Sudan: WFP has assisted 1 million of the 1.16 million new arrivals to South Sudan since the conflict began, of whom 365,000 are Sudanese refugees and the remainder South Sudanese returnees. New arrivals are supported with hot meals, food and cash assistance, and nutrition support immediately after they cross the border. Influxes over the past two years have brought the total number of refugees in South Sudan to more than half a million. Funding shortfalls mean assistance to refugees is being prioritised based on vulnerability. New arrivals who continue onward to established refugee camps receive monthly food assistance at 50 percent rations due to a combination of funding shortfalls and high levels of need within the camps and host communities. WFP also provides nutrition and school meals programmes in refugee camps. WFP faces a US$71 million shortfall for the Sudan refugee response (June – November).

    #                    #                       #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X, formerly Twitter, via @wfp_media

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin + Personal Loans: Why Ready Payday Loans Just Acquired Omega 88

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SILICON VALLEY, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ready Payday Loans, one of the most visited platforms in the U.S. for best personal loans, has finalized the acquisition of Omega 88, a Bitcoin blockchain start-up founded by Canadian tech entrepreneurs Chad Canuck and Roger Maple. The move, both surprising and disruptive, signals a dramatic intersection between the traditional lending space and the decentralized power of Bitcoin-based infrastructure.

    While the amount of the acquisition remains undisclosed, multiple sources close to the matter say the transaction was finalized earlier this month and marks a new era in consumer finance.

    Ready Payday Loans, long known for helping everyday Americans access fast personal loans online, now appears to be quietly reshaping how those loans are underwritten, approved, and distributed—through technology born out of Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundation.

    Ready Payday Loans connects borrowers with fast, secure options—often with same-day approval and no credit check required.

    Why a Best Personal Loans Marketplace Is Investing in Bitcoin Technology

    The announcement has sparked significant conversation among both traditional finance analysts and crypto-native experts. Why would a platform designed to help consumers find low-interest personal loans invest in a company known primarily for blockchain innovation?

    Vice President Randy Murrie didn’t offer much clarity when asked, saying only:
    “Ready Payday Loans has no official comment regarding this recent takeover. All I can tell you is that some big things are ready to happen on our end.”

    Yet behind the scenes, it’s clear this isn’t just an investment—it’s a signal. A shift in how Ready Payday Loans envisions the future of digital lending, particularly in high-volume search categories like best personal loans for bad credit, online personal loans with no credit check, and same-day loan approval.

    Omega 88: The Bitcoin Start-Up Rebuilding Financial Infrastructure

    Founded in the heart of Silicon Valley, Omega 88 was launched in stealth by Canuck and Maple—two Canadian expats known for their contrarian thinking and interest in decentralizing traditional financial processes.

    What makes Omega 88 unique is its Bitcoin-first philosophy. According to insiders, the platform uses a hybrid consensus mechanism blending proof-of-work (PoW) with delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS), offering both Bitcoin-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability.

    Omega 88’s infrastructure also reportedly supports:

    • Rust-based smart contracts
    • Zero-knowledge proof encryption (ZK proofs)
    • 3,000+ TPS processing speed
    • Cross-chain compatibility with Ethereum and Solana

    The company recently closed Phase 9 of its token presale, raising more than $7 million from early investors. Many of those investors are now speculating about how the technology might be used in real-world applications, particularly decentralized identity, credit scoring, and blockchain-based lending systems.

    When asked about the decision to sell, co-founder Roger Maple responded:
    “We didn’t go looking for this deal. But when Ready Payday Loans approached us with a long-term vision tied to financial inclusion, it just clicked.”

    Bitcoin’s Role in Delivering the Best Personal Loans Online

    The strategic implications of this acquisition are massive.

    On the surface, Ready Payday Loans is a consumer-facing marketplace helping Americans find:

    But under the hood, the company may now be building a blockchain-powered lending engine—one that uses Bitcoin as a technical foundation rather than a currency. By utilizing Omega 88’s infrastructure, Ready Payday Loans could soon offer a more secure, transparent, and efficient application experience backed by verifiable smart contracts and encrypted borrower identities.

    Take control of your financial future today.
    Visit Ready Payday Loans to compare loan options, get matched in minutes, and apply for the best personal loan offers available in 2025.

    Industry Reactions: From Lending to Ledger-Based Verification

    The broader financial industry is taking notice.

    “This is the first time we’ve seen a major U.S. personal loan platform directly acquire a Bitcoin-native infrastructure company,” said fintech strategist Angela Ruiz. “What’s exciting is the possibility of back-end transparency and real-time loan settlement using smart contracts. It’s the future of consumer lending.”

    Ruiz believes this move could also lead to the launch of tokenized credit systems, where borrower reputation is tracked securely on a blockchain—reducing fraud, improving approval times, and lowering overall loan risk.

    Other experts believe that integrating Bitcoin-backed verification tools into the loan matching process could dramatically shorten underwriting timelines, especially for borrowers with limited credit histories.

    Silicon Valley Expansion: More Than Just Code

    As part of the acquisition, Ready Payday Loans confirmed that Omega 88 will remain a standalone brand, continuing operations under its own name while benefiting from strategic alignment with its parent company.

    To support upcoming product rollouts, Ready Payday Loans will launch:

    • A new R&D center in San Jose
    • Strategic hiring of blockchain engineers, AI credit analysts, and UX designers
    • Early testing of blockchain-loan integration across its lender network

    Roger Maple described the integration strategy as “mutual autonomy,” with Omega 88 continuing to build core protocols while Ready Payday Loans applies them to consumer lending use cases.

    “We’re not here to add blockchain for buzzwords,” Maple said. “We’re here to use Bitcoin logic to solve real credit problems in real time.”

    What Borrowers Can Expect Today — and Tomorrow

    While blockchain-based features are still in development, U.S. consumers can continue to rely on Ready Payday Loans for:

    As Omega 88’s tools are integrated over time, borrowers may eventually benefit from:

    • Blockchain-verified credit assessments
    • Tamper-proof loan terms
    • Bitcoin-secured identity authentication
    • Faster, more accurate approvals

    “Even if users don’t realize it, they could soon be getting personal loans powered by Bitcoin protocols,” said one product lead. “That’s where the industry is going—and we’re getting there first.”

    Bitcoin as a Financial Backbone — Not Just an Asset

    The deeper message here is that Bitcoin is evolving.

    No longer just a speculative store of value, Bitcoin is increasingly being used as a foundation for broader financial systems. Through Omega 88, its cryptographic architecture could now power everything from loan verification and document handling, to borrower rewards and repayment automation.

    And in the hands of Ready Payday Loans, this evolution may be visible in ways most consumers never expected—from lower APRs to fewer application barriers and increased approval speed.

    Call to Action: Experience the Future of Lending Today

    Whether you’re a first-time borrower or a crypto-curious consumer, Ready Payday Loans is redefining what it means to apply for a loan in 2025.

    Get started now:

    Don’t wait for the future — borrow from it.
    Explore your options at Ready Payday Loans, where Bitcoin technology meets consumer-first lending.

    Disclaimer:

    This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or an offer to buy or sell financial products. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making credit or investment decisions. Bitcoin and blockchain assets involve volatility and may not be suitable for all borrowers. Use responsibly.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96986fd3-3f07-47ed-828c-aa25b8c76169

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitcoin + Personal Loans: Why Ready Payday Loans Just Acquired Omega 88

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    SILICON VALLEY, Calif., June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Ready Payday Loans, one of the most visited platforms in the U.S. for best personal loans, has finalized the acquisition of Omega 88, a Bitcoin blockchain start-up founded by Canadian tech entrepreneurs Chad Canuck and Roger Maple. The move, both surprising and disruptive, signals a dramatic intersection between the traditional lending space and the decentralized power of Bitcoin-based infrastructure.

    While the amount of the acquisition remains undisclosed, multiple sources close to the matter say the transaction was finalized earlier this month and marks a new era in consumer finance.

    Ready Payday Loans, long known for helping everyday Americans access fast personal loans online, now appears to be quietly reshaping how those loans are underwritten, approved, and distributed—through technology born out of Bitcoin’s cryptographic foundation.

    Ready Payday Loans connects borrowers with fast, secure options—often with same-day approval and no credit check required.

    Why a Best Personal Loans Marketplace Is Investing in Bitcoin Technology

    The announcement has sparked significant conversation among both traditional finance analysts and crypto-native experts. Why would a platform designed to help consumers find low-interest personal loans invest in a company known primarily for blockchain innovation?

    Vice President Randy Murrie didn’t offer much clarity when asked, saying only:
    “Ready Payday Loans has no official comment regarding this recent takeover. All I can tell you is that some big things are ready to happen on our end.”

    Yet behind the scenes, it’s clear this isn’t just an investment—it’s a signal. A shift in how Ready Payday Loans envisions the future of digital lending, particularly in high-volume search categories like best personal loans for bad credit, online personal loans with no credit check, and same-day loan approval.

    Omega 88: The Bitcoin Start-Up Rebuilding Financial Infrastructure

    Founded in the heart of Silicon Valley, Omega 88 was launched in stealth by Canuck and Maple—two Canadian expats known for their contrarian thinking and interest in decentralizing traditional financial processes.

    What makes Omega 88 unique is its Bitcoin-first philosophy. According to insiders, the platform uses a hybrid consensus mechanism blending proof-of-work (PoW) with delegated proof-of-stake (DPoS), offering both Bitcoin-grade security and enterprise-grade scalability.

    Omega 88’s infrastructure also reportedly supports:

    • Rust-based smart contracts
    • Zero-knowledge proof encryption (ZK proofs)
    • 3,000+ TPS processing speed
    • Cross-chain compatibility with Ethereum and Solana

    The company recently closed Phase 9 of its token presale, raising more than $7 million from early investors. Many of those investors are now speculating about how the technology might be used in real-world applications, particularly decentralized identity, credit scoring, and blockchain-based lending systems.

    When asked about the decision to sell, co-founder Roger Maple responded:
    “We didn’t go looking for this deal. But when Ready Payday Loans approached us with a long-term vision tied to financial inclusion, it just clicked.”

    Bitcoin’s Role in Delivering the Best Personal Loans Online

    The strategic implications of this acquisition are massive.

    On the surface, Ready Payday Loans is a consumer-facing marketplace helping Americans find:

    But under the hood, the company may now be building a blockchain-powered lending engine—one that uses Bitcoin as a technical foundation rather than a currency. By utilizing Omega 88’s infrastructure, Ready Payday Loans could soon offer a more secure, transparent, and efficient application experience backed by verifiable smart contracts and encrypted borrower identities.

    Take control of your financial future today.
    Visit Ready Payday Loans to compare loan options, get matched in minutes, and apply for the best personal loan offers available in 2025.

    Industry Reactions: From Lending to Ledger-Based Verification

    The broader financial industry is taking notice.

    “This is the first time we’ve seen a major U.S. personal loan platform directly acquire a Bitcoin-native infrastructure company,” said fintech strategist Angela Ruiz. “What’s exciting is the possibility of back-end transparency and real-time loan settlement using smart contracts. It’s the future of consumer lending.”

    Ruiz believes this move could also lead to the launch of tokenized credit systems, where borrower reputation is tracked securely on a blockchain—reducing fraud, improving approval times, and lowering overall loan risk.

    Other experts believe that integrating Bitcoin-backed verification tools into the loan matching process could dramatically shorten underwriting timelines, especially for borrowers with limited credit histories.

    Silicon Valley Expansion: More Than Just Code

    As part of the acquisition, Ready Payday Loans confirmed that Omega 88 will remain a standalone brand, continuing operations under its own name while benefiting from strategic alignment with its parent company.

    To support upcoming product rollouts, Ready Payday Loans will launch:

    • A new R&D center in San Jose
    • Strategic hiring of blockchain engineers, AI credit analysts, and UX designers
    • Early testing of blockchain-loan integration across its lender network

    Roger Maple described the integration strategy as “mutual autonomy,” with Omega 88 continuing to build core protocols while Ready Payday Loans applies them to consumer lending use cases.

    “We’re not here to add blockchain for buzzwords,” Maple said. “We’re here to use Bitcoin logic to solve real credit problems in real time.”

    What Borrowers Can Expect Today — and Tomorrow

    While blockchain-based features are still in development, U.S. consumers can continue to rely on Ready Payday Loans for:

    As Omega 88’s tools are integrated over time, borrowers may eventually benefit from:

    • Blockchain-verified credit assessments
    • Tamper-proof loan terms
    • Bitcoin-secured identity authentication
    • Faster, more accurate approvals

    “Even if users don’t realize it, they could soon be getting personal loans powered by Bitcoin protocols,” said one product lead. “That’s where the industry is going—and we’re getting there first.”

    Bitcoin as a Financial Backbone — Not Just an Asset

    The deeper message here is that Bitcoin is evolving.

    No longer just a speculative store of value, Bitcoin is increasingly being used as a foundation for broader financial systems. Through Omega 88, its cryptographic architecture could now power everything from loan verification and document handling, to borrower rewards and repayment automation.

    And in the hands of Ready Payday Loans, this evolution may be visible in ways most consumers never expected—from lower APRs to fewer application barriers and increased approval speed.

    Call to Action: Experience the Future of Lending Today

    Whether you’re a first-time borrower or a crypto-curious consumer, Ready Payday Loans is redefining what it means to apply for a loan in 2025.

    Get started now:

    Don’t wait for the future — borrow from it.
    Explore your options at Ready Payday Loans, where Bitcoin technology meets consumer-first lending.

    Disclaimer:

    This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute investment advice, financial guidance, or an offer to buy or sell financial products. Always consult a licensed financial advisor before making credit or investment decisions. Bitcoin and blockchain assets involve volatility and may not be suitable for all borrowers. Use responsibly.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/96986fd3-3f07-47ed-828c-aa25b8c76169

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Panasonic HD donated 400 solar lanterns to areas without electricity in Nepal through the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

    Source: Panasonic

    Headline: Panasonic HD donated 400 solar lanterns to areas without electricity in Nepal through the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat)

    Osaka, Japan, June 30, 2025 – Panasonic Holdings Corporation Co., Ltd. (Panasonic HD), donated 400 solar lanterns in collaboration with the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to vulnerable households living in areas without electricity in the municipality of Chandragiri and the rural municipality of Rajpur in Nepal.
    On June 18, 2025, a donation ceremony was held in the municipality of Chandragiri in the district of Kathmandu. Local residents, Chandragiri municipal government officials, and representatives from the Embassy of Japan in Nepal, UN-Habitat, and Panasonic HD attended the ceremony.

    The areas where the donations were made are home to many socially disadvantaged people, including those who live in precarious living conditions, as a result of the effects of the former caste system. In addition to an unreliable power supply, economic hardship prevents most households in this region from using electricity sufficiently, which hinders daily life.
    As a result, they are forced to rely on traditional means of lighting such as kerosene lamps, firewood and candles, which creates a variety of challenges, including indoor air pollution, increased living costs, fire risks and even lost educational opportunities.
    The following effects are expected from these donations:

    Improvement of the indoor air environment by reducing kerosene use.
    Reducing fuel costs and the economic burden.
    Reducing fuel procurement time and costs.
    Securing home study time for children.

    Since 2013, Panasonic HD has been involved in activities to support areas lacking electricity, which makes it difficult for people to escape poverty. Since 2021, these activities have been conducted under the name “LIGHT UP THE FUTURE,” a project which aims to illuminate the future of these areas. To date, Panasonic HD has partnered with various organizations, including NGOs and NPOs, to deliver more than 120,000 solar lanterns to people in over 36 countries and regions.
    Panasonic HD will continue collaborating with various partners on these initiatives to create opportunities in education, health, and increased income, working toward a sustainable, poverty-free society.

    The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) is a United Nations agency established in 1978 with its headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, to address issues related to urbanization and human settlements. With the mission of “A better quality of life for all in an urbanizing world,” UN-Habitat works globally through policy advice, technical assistance, and collaborative action with national governments, local governments, civil society organizations, and private sectors particularly towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 11: Make cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.
    Established in 1997, the UN-Habitat Regional Office for Asia and the Pacific is in Fukuoka, as the regional headquarters overseeing 42 countries. The Fukuoka Office operates in 15 countries and implements 90 projects across 18 countries and regions, promoting extensive international cooperation throughout the region.
    The donation of solar lanterns is part of the environmental technology cooperation projects implemented by UN-Habitat.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI: Bitget Launchpool to List Fragmetric (FRAG) with 4.6 Million Tokens in Rewards

    Source: GlobeNewswire (MIL-OSI)

    VICTORIA, Seychelles, June 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Bitget, the leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company, has announced the upcoming listing of  Fragmetic (FRAG) in the Innovation, LSD and Solana Ecosystem Zone for spot trading. The FRAG/USDT pair begins on 1 July 2025, 8:30 (UTC), with withdrawals available on 2 July 2025, 9:30 (UTC). Besides being available for spot trading, Bitget will launch an exclusive Launchpool rewards campaign. Eligible users can lock BGB and FRAG to grab a share of 4,200,000 FRAG. The Launchpool campaign runs from 1 July 2025, 8:30 till 4 July 2025, 8:30 (UTC). The BGB campaign pool has 3,800,000 FRAG up for grabs and the FRAG campaign pool has 400,000 FRAG up for grabs.

    Bitget will also launch a CandyBomb campaign with a total of 400,000 FRAG up for grabs. New users stand to grab 400,000 FRAG in the FRAG/SOL trading campaign pool. The CandyBomb campaign runs from 1 July 2025, 8:30 till 8 July 2025, 8:30 (UTC).

    Fragmetric began as Solana’s first native liquid (re)staking protocol and evolved into the advanced FRAG-22 asset management standard. This new standard seamlessly integrates multi-asset deposits, precise reward distribution, and modular yield sourcing, empowering both developers and users to efficiently access sophisticated DeFi strategies.

    The inclusion of FRAG on Bitget’s platform is expected to offer users a new opportunity to explore trending projects driving innovation in the web3 ecosystem. This listing further strengthens Bitget’s position as a platform for innovative digital assets, enabling users to explore new opportunities in an evolving market. Bitget has consistently expanded its market share in both spot and derivatives trading among centralized exchanges. With a focus on providing users with opportunities to invest in different projects, the platform is now one of the top 5 crypto trading platforms with over 900 assets, including tokens from ecosystems such as TON, Ethereum, Solana, Base, and more.

    For more information on Fragmetric (FRAG), visit here.

    About Bitget

    Established in 2018, Bitget is the world’s leading cryptocurrency exchange and Web3 company. Serving over 120 million users in 150+ countries and regions, the Bitget exchange is committed to helping users trade smarter with its pioneering copy trading feature and other trading solutions, while offering real-time access to Bitcoin price, Ethereum price, and other cryptocurrency prices. Formerly known as BitKeep, Bitget Wallet is a leading non-custodial crypto wallet supporting 130+ blockchains and millions of tokens. It offers multi-chain trading, staking, payments, and direct access to 20,000+ DApps, with advanced swaps and market insights built into a single platform.

    Bitget is at the forefront of driving crypto adoption through strategic partnerships, such as its role as the Official Crypto Partner of the World’s Top Football League, LALIGA, in EASTERN, SEA and LATAM markets, as well as a global partner of Turkish National athletes Buse Tosun Çavuşoğlu (Wrestling world champion), Samet Gümüş (Boxing gold medalist) and İlkin Aydın (Volleyball national team), to inspire the global community to embrace the future of cryptocurrency.

    For more information, visit: Website | Twitter | Telegram | LinkedIn | Discord | Bitget Wallet

    For media inquiries, please contact: media@bitget.com

    Risk Warning: Digital asset prices are subject to fluctuation and may experience significant volatility. Investors are advised to only allocate funds they can afford to lose. The value of any investment may be impacted, and there is a possibility that financial objectives may not be met, nor the principal investment recovered. Independent financial advice should always be sought, and personal financial experience and standing carefully considered. Past performance is not a reliable indicator of future results. Bitget accepts no liability for any potential losses incurred. Nothing contained herein should be construed as financial advice. For further information, please refer to our Terms of Use.

    A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1c9bf8c6-3c66-4c12-af55-8e6101d1c360

    The MIL Network –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Robert Skelly, Archaeologist, Monash University

    Women loading pots on a Motu lakatoi trading vessel, in this photograph published in 1887.
     J. W. Lindt

    Australia’s closest neighbour, Papua New Guinea, is a place of remarkable cultural diversity. Home to cultures speaking more than 800 languages, this region has been interconnected by seafaring trade networks for thousands of years.

    Because seafaring was most often undertaken by men, it has long been assumed by anthropologists and archaeologists that information sharing between different cultures came via men.

    Our new archaeological research sheds light on the often overlooked role of women in developing past trade relationships. We found knowledge being shared that couldn’t have been shared among men – pointing the direction towards complicated relationships between women in cultures based hundreds of kilometres apart.

    Trade networks across Papua New Guinea’s south coast in the 19th century.
    Robert Skelly and Bruno David (2017)., CC BY-NC-ND

    The adventurous deeds of male seafarers

    In 1883, Papua New Guinea was colonised and annexed by Britain. Foreign anthropologists such as Darwin’s collaborator Thomas Huxley, Charles Seligman and Bronislaw Malinowski arrived shortly after.

    These male anthropologists became enamoured of the region’s seagoing trade networks, featuring huge sailing canoes, dangerous voyages and complex trade relationships.

    Their accounts often focused on the seafaring heroics of the men of Papua New Guinea. This is partly because they spoke to men almost exclusively, and partly because they admired fellow seagoing, risk-taking adventurers.

    The best example of this is Malinowski’s famous book Argonauts of the Western Pacific (1922), where he likens the voyagers of the Trobriands to Jason’s band of male adventurers in Greek mythology.

    Women seldom took centre stage in these histories.

    Yet crucially, women maintained the knowledge of how to make the earthenware pottery used for trade.

    Tracing trade through pottery

    These early anthropologists left us with detailed but male-focused accounts of trade networks. It is left to today’s archaeologists to trace histories of trade back in time, using material culture and carbon dates to see when it began.

    Most of the archaeology over the past six decades has taken place around Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea’s capital.

    This is the homeland of the Motu people (among others), famous for their long-distance trade.

    In the late 19th century, Motu men sailed west each year in fleets of up to 20 ships carrying some 20,000 pots. These were then traded for food with people in the Gulf of Papua.

    Archaeologists who began researching seafaring and trade on Papua New Guinea’s south coast in the 1960s were enthralled by early anthropological accounts. When they started to uncover similar-looking pieces of pottery across 400km of coastline, they thought it was probably made in one location and carried by seafarers.

    The most famous archaeological site near Port Moresby is Motupore Island. Excavations in the 1970s and 1980s recovered a staggering four tons of pottery fragments.

    In 2022, we began new excavations at Hood Bay, 100km to the east of Motupore Island, in partnership with the local Keapara communities. We found pieces of pottery with the same decorations as those found at Motupore Island. Yet there was no evidence of pottery ever being made in Hood Bay.

    Reflecting on what anthropologists had earlier written, it seemed reasonable to think that pottery was brought to Hood Bay by seafaring traders. But a crucial puzzle piece was missing: where was the pottery made?

    Shedding light on women’s roles

    We used an advanced type of scanning electron microscopy to compare the minerals and clay in pottery from Hood Bay and Motupore.

    Earthenware pottery is mostly made from clay and sand. By finding out what types of sand minerals are in the pottery we can see where it might have been made.

    To our surprise, we found the pottery was indeed locally made and was not traded by sea from Port Moresby. This is the first evidence of pottery being made in Hood Bay, a practice that was lost sometime in the past 300 years.

    So why did the pottery from two distant locations look so similar? If the pottery was not being traded, people must have been exchanging ideas about how to make it.

    Like the pottery, women’s tattoo designs at the two locations were also the same. This suggests community relationships were maintained through women sharing knowledge.

    Tattooing was an important women’s cultural practice in these regions, and tattoos signified major life stages such as marriage.

    Interestingly, the marriage tattoos used in Port Moresby and Hood Bay were identical in the 19th century, but no one that anthropologists spoke to remembered why. The tattoo designs suggest that Motu and Keapara women were once in very close contact.

    Successful pottery production requires precise skills. Becoming a proficient pottery maker was a long learning process for Motu women who acquired the skills needed from their aunts and mothers.

    The identical decoration on pots made by Motu and Keapara women can only be explained if ideas about pottery decoration were shared by women among each other and passed down through generations. Men were not involved in making pottery, so this knowledge was not shared by seafaring men.

    This means it was not the trading ventures of men that connected coastal villages, but women’s know-how.

    Women moved between villages and carried with them the knowledge of how to make and decorate pottery and shared ideas about tattoo designs.

    Hundreds of years ago it was women who caused cultural traditions to spread – possibly through intermarriage – linking communities along Papua New Guinea’s south coast.

    Robert Skelly receives funding from Australian Research Council DE200100544.

    Barbara Etschmann, Chris Urwin, Joël Brugger, and Teppsy Beni 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. Men traded wares – but women traded knowledge: what a new archeological study tells us about PNG sea trade – https://theconversation.com/men-traded-wares-but-women-traded-knowledge-what-a-new-archeological-study-tells-us-about-png-sea-trade-258184

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: 11 killed, seven injured in Sudan gold mine collapse

    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

    KHARTOUM, June 30 (Xinhua) — At least 11 people were killed and seven injured when a shaft collapsed at a gold mine in northeastern Sudan, state-owned Mineral Resources said Sunday.

    The incident occurred at the Kersh al-Fil mine in the Huwaid region, between the cities of Atbara and Haya, the company said in a statement, without giving a date for the collapse.

    The company said the mine had previously been closed for safety reasons.

    The company promised to continue monitoring mining operations and improve safety standards, calling on miners to comply with safety and environmental regulations.

    Traditional mining accounts for a significant share of Sudan’s gold production, but the sector is prone to accidents due to poor safety standards and outdated infrastructure.

    About 1.5 million prospectors mine almost 80 percent of Sudan’s gold, which was officially estimated to be about 64 tons in 2024. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Mauritania : African Development Bank Approves €25.5 Million Trade Finance Facility for Générale de Banque de Mauritanie to Support SMEs and Women…

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    The Board of Directors of the African Development Bank Group has approved a €25.5 million trade finance facility for the Générale de Banque de Mauritanie (GBM) to enhance its financial offerings to large corporates, small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and women-led businesses in Mauritania.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: AI chatbots could spread ‘fake news’ with serious health consequences

    Source:

    30 June 2025

    Trust your doctor, not a chatbot. That’s the stark lesson from a world-first study that demonstrates why we shouldn’t be taking health advice generated by artificial intelligence (AI).

    Chatbots can easily be programmed to deliver false medical and health information, according to an international team of researchers who have exposed some concerning weaknesses in machine learning systems.

    Researchers from the University of South Australia, Flinders University, Harvard Medical School, University College London, and the Warsaw University of Technology have combined their expertise to show just how easy it is to exploit AI systems.

    In the study, published today in the Annals of Internal Medicine, researchers evaluated the five foundational and most advanced AI systems developed by OpenAI, Google, Anthropic, Meta and X Corp to determine whether they could be programmed to operate as health disinformation chatbots.

    Using instructions available only to developers, the researchers programmed each AI system – designed to operate as chatbots when embedded in web pages – to produce incorrect responses to health queries and include fabricated references from highly reputable sources to sound more authoritative and credible.

    The ‘chatbots’ were then asked a series of health-related questions.

    According to UniSA researcher, Dr Natansh Modi, the results were disconcerting.

    “In total, 88% of all responses were false,” Dr Modi says, “and yet they were presented with scientific terminology, a formal tone and fabricated references that made the information appear legitimate.

    “The disinformation included claims about vaccines causing autism, cancer-curing diets, HIV being airborne and 5G causing infertility.”

    Out of the five chatbots that were evaluated, four generated disinformation in 100% of their responses, while the fifth generated disinformation in 40% of its responses, showing some degree of robustness. 

    As part of the study, Dr Modi and his team also explored the OpenAI GPT Store, a publicly accessible platform that allows users to easily create and share customised ChatGPT apps, to assess the ease with which the public could create disinformation tools.

    “We successfully created a disinformation chatbot prototype using the platform and we also identified existing public tools on the store that were actively producing health disinformation.

    “Our study is the first to systematically demonstrate that leading AI systems can be converted into disinformation chatbots using developers’ tools, but also tools available to the public.”

    Dr Modi says that these findings reveal a significant and previously under-explored risk in the health sector.

    “Artificial intelligence is now deeply embedded in the way health information is accessed and delivered,” he says.

    “Millions of people are turning to AI tools for guidance on health-related questions.

    “If these systems can be manipulated to covertly produce false or misleading advice then they can create a powerful new avenue for disinformation that is harder to detect, harder to regulate and more persuasive than anything seen before.

    “This is not a future risk. It is already possible, and it is already happening.”

    While the study has revealed deficiencies in these AI systems, Dr Modi says that the findings highlight a path forward, but it will require buy-in and collaboration from a range of stakeholders.

    “Some models showed partial resistance,” he says, “which proves the point that effective safeguards are technically achievable.

    “However, the current protections are inconsistent and insufficient. Developers, regulators and public health stakeholders must act decisively, and they must act now.

    “Without immediate action, these systems could be exploited by malicious actors to manipulate public health discourse at scale, particularly during crises such as pandemics or vaccine campaigns.”

    The research article, ‘Assessing the System-Instruction Vulnerabilities of Large Language Models to Malicious Conversion into Health Disinformation Chatbots’ is published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, the world’s most cited internal medicine journal. DOI:10.7326/ANNALS-24-03933

    …………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

    Contact for interview:  Dr Natansh Modi E: Natansh.Modi@unisa.edu.au

    Media contact: Candy Gibson M: +61 E: candy.gibson@unisa.edu.au

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramkalawan Unveils Second National Monument Honouring Seychellois Fallen Heroes


    Download logo

    As part of the Independence Day celebrations, President Wavel Ramkalawan, accompanied by First Lady Linda Ramkalawan, officiated the unveiling of the nation’s second National Monument in tribute to Seychellois Fallen Heroes. The commemorative event, held this morning at Peace Park in Victoria, gathered families, dignitaries, and members of the public in a solemn moment of remembrance, honouring those who gave their lives in the pursuit of democracy and freedom.

    To unveil the Monument, President Ramkalawan was joined by family members of the fallen heroes. The solemn ceremony paid heartfelt tribute to the Seychellois who gave their lives in the struggle to restore democracy. The newly inaugurated monument stands as a lasting symbol of their courage and sacrifice, ensuring that their legacy endures in the nation’s collective memory.

    In his address at the ceremony, President Ramkalawan recounted the suffering that each family went through in the struggle for democracy and freedom of expression. The President called on the families to find strength in their loved ones’ legacy and to remain steadfast as a people who cherish freedom and uphold mutual respect.

    The National Monument, designed by competition winner Mr. Didace Hoareau, features two kneeling human figures symbolizing remembrance and respect for the fallen heroes. Their posture conveys mourning and honours those who fought for democracy and human rights. Above the figures, a pair of wings represents freedom and peace – the ideals for which these heroes sacrificed their lives.

    The design powerfully merges themes of sacrifice, resilience, and hope, honouring the past while inspiring a future of liberty and justice.

    Mr. James Elizabeth, brother of fallen hero Mr. Sony Elizabeth, delivered a heartfelt testimony on behalf of families who suffered the terrible loss of family members. Speaking with deep emotion, Mr. Elizabeth expressed heartfelt gratitude to the organising committee and the government for honouring the fallen heroes who fought valiantly for the restoration of democracy in the country.

    “The event that took place is difficult for most of the families,” acknowledged Mr. Elizabeth, his words reflecting the ongoing pain of loss while emphasizing the importance of remembrance. “No one else should go through the same struggle. As we look at the names of the fallen heroes, let us remember that their sacrifice was not in vain.”

    The second monument now stands in Peace Park as a lasting feature of Seychelles’ Independence Day commemoration, ensuring that the sacrifices of the fallen heroes will be honoured by future generations. It serves both as a place of remembrance and as a powerful symbol of the nation’s enduring commitment to the democratic ideals for which these heroes gave their lives.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Seychelles: President Ramkalawan Presided over the Launching of National Monument Honouring Citizens Illegally Incarcerated at Union Vale Prison


    Download logo

    In a ceremony steeped in profound reverence and national healing, President Wavel Ramkalawan presided over the official launching of the National Monument honouring citizens illegally incarcerated at Union Vale Prison. Accompanied by First Lady Mrs. Linda Ramkalawan, the President led the nation in a solemn tribute that transformed a site of past suffering into a beacon of justice, memory, and hope.

    The historic ceremony brought together survivors, families of victims, distinguished guests, and citizens united in their commitment to preserving the truth of Seychelles’ journey towards democracy and freedom. “As we commemorate those illegally incarcerated in our country, we would like to say thank you to the victims and families of those illegally incarcerated in our country, because of your suffering, we live today as a free nation,” declared President Ramkalawan, his words carrying the weight of national gratitude and solemn commitment.

    The President vowed that no child of this land would endure the same turmoil that marked the darker chapters of the nation’s history. “As Seychellois continue to prosper, may this day be the day when Seychelles embraces the spirit of freedom, justice, and love for each other,” the President continued, painting a vision of a nation transformed by the courage of those who suffered for democracy.

    President Ramkalawan had the honour of presenting the National Monument, competition winner Ms. Tanisha Elizabeth with a certification of appreciation.

    The monument is a masterpiece with its structure rising on an elevated base one metre above the ground, symbolizing a platform where grief transforms into peace. From its foundation to the sculpted prison cell at its core, each corner bears the names of those who endured imprisonment for democracy and freedom. The prison cell’s stark design serves as an unflinching reminder of their suffering, honouring the struggles faced by Seychellois citizens in their fight for democratic ideals. At the monument’s pinnacle, a pair of hands releases a white-tailed tropicbird the ‘Payanke’ into the sky, creating a powerful representation of liberation and the triumph of freedom over oppression. Above this, the form of the sun radiates light, love, and unity, heralding hope for a brighter future.

    The ceremony was profoundly enriched by the courageous testimony of Mr. Jean-Marc Fostel, a victim who had been illegally imprisoned and whose voice carried the echoes of many who suffered. With remarkable strength and deep emotion, Mr. Fostel shared his personal testimony, retracing the nation’s sad history while demonstrating extraordinary resilience and dignity. His testimony served as a stark reminder that the monument represents not just a structure, but a living symbol of justice, memory, and hope. Mr. Fostel urged the people to “find sense as human beings without repeating the same history, to look for ways to take care of our people,” his words resonating as both a warning from the past and a guide for the future.

    The National Monument now stands as an eternal guardian of memory at the Union Vale site, ensuring that the experiences of those illegally incarcerated will never be forgotten or denied. It transforms what was once a site of suffering into a place of national reflection and renewal. It stands as tangible proof that from the depths of injustice can emerge a nation stronger in its commitment to truth, more vigilant in protecting human dignity, and more determined to ensure such violations never occur again.

    The National Monument serves as a permanent reminder that a nation’s true strength lies not in denying its past, but in confronting it with courage, learning from it with wisdom, and ensuring that the sacrifices of the innocent were not made in vain.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Seychelles.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Secretary of State Sarai concludes visit to Ghana and announces support and training for Ghanaian youth

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    June 29, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada

    Canada and Ghana’s strong relationship is rooted in shared values — peace, democracy, and inclusive growth. These values guide Canada’s longstanding development partnership with Ghana, which focuses on building a more equal, healthy, and prosperous future for all.

    The Honourable Randeep Sarai, Secretary of State (International Development), yesterday concluded a successful, 2-day visit to Ghana. The visit highlighted Canada’s continued commitment to supporting the people of Ghana — especially women, girls, and youth — through climate-smart agriculture, health care access, job training, and economic empowerment. Canada is also helping young people in Ghana learn job skills — especially in farming and non-traditional trades — so they can turn their ideas into sustainable businesses.

    While in Ghana, Secretary Sarai announced Canada’s support of $12.6 million to expand the EMPLOY project, a successful initiative in Ghana with World University Service of Canada (WUSC). The EMPLOY project will support more than 20,000 young women, as they build careers in well-paying trades such as welding, heavy machinery operation, solar panel installation, and auto mechanics. 

    During the announcement, he underscored Canada’s support for several other initiatives announced earlier this year. These projects focus on helping women farmers scale up climate-smart agriculture initiatives, supporting women’s rights organizations and feminist movements, improving access to reproductive health services and promoting peace and reducing violence in communities along Ghana’s northern border with Côte d’Ivoire.

    Secretary Sarai also had the opportunity to see firsthand how Canada and its partners are helping Ghanaians reach their full potential. He visited 2 major projects:

    • The INVEST project, also in partnership with WUSC, challenges gender stereotypes by giving young women training and employment through internships, mentoring and scholarships, so they can pursue careers in non-traditional sectors, including construction, energy and information technology.
    • The SURGE project, a partnership with Ashesi University, helps entrepreneurs launch and grow successful, sustainable green businesses.

    As part of Canada’s Modernizing Agriculture initiative, he met with women farmers who have been trained in new productivity-enhancing technologies and in better business approaches to farm management. This nation-wide initiative has already helped 3.5 million farmers. He also toured a Grand Challenges Canada project in Ashaiman that converts organic waste into renewable energy, using leftover materials as organic fertilizer. Finally, while visiting a Marie Stopes International (MSI) clinic, he spoke with patients and health professionals who deliver family planning and comprehensive abortion care services to the poorest and most underserved women and girls in 11 of Ghana’s 16 regions.

    During his visit, Secretary Sarai also held several bilateral meetings, including with Deputy Minister Food and Agriculture John Matthew Kofi Setor Dumelo. They discussed plans to grow the economy and support development, with a focus on agriculture. At a roundtable with the African Continental Free Trade Area, the conversation centered on economic security, the potential to drive trade, investment, income growth, job creation, and poverty reduction for the region and beyond. Secretary Sarai also met with representatives of the World Bank, EU and AfDB, as well as with peace and security stakeholders to discuss security challenges in the northern border regions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cape Town completes major refurbishment of key athletics stadiums

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Sunday, June 29, 2025

    The City of Cape Town has completed a major refurbishment at Vygieskraal Athletics Stadium in Athlone, enhancing the facility’s usability.

    The upgrade to the stadium included the installation of brand-new floodlighting, roofing repairs valued at nearly R1 million, and the restoration of the shot put and long jump areas. 

    In a statement on Saturday, the city said plumbing and electrical systems have also been improved, while new spectator seating will enhance the visitor experience. Further upgrades include ongoing work on the effluent line as part of scheduled maintenance.

    These works form part of a wider investment intended to improve the stadium’s functionality. The adjacent rugby facility has also seen upgrades, with parking and fencing projects completed during the current financial year. Additional lighting will be installed in the new financial year.

    “These milestones demonstrate the city’s commitment to quality public sporting infrastructure. By investing in these upgrades, we’re ensuring that athletes of all ages and abilities have safe, welcoming, and well-equipped spaces to train and compete. 

    “It will ensure our sports facilities offer safe, quality spaces for communities. By continuing to invest in these refurbishments, we are creating lasting value and supporting a healthier lifestyle for residents,” Member of Mayoral Committee for Community Services and Health, Francine Higham said. 

    The city said that work on the Wesfleur Athletics Track in Atlantis and the Blue Downs Athletics Track is still in progress and is expected to be completed before the upcoming athletics season.

    The total investment in the reinstatement of athletics tracks at both of these facilities is approximately R60 million. 

    The athletics refurbishments are part of a strategic citywide programme guided by a 2021 Athletics Study, with the goal of achieving Safety at Sports and Recreational. Events Act (SASREA) compliance and expanding access to facilities across Cape Town. The objective is to secure SASREA grading and ensure safer, more accessible facilities across Cape Town. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President El-Sisi Witnesses Swearing-in of New Presidents of Judicial Authorities

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

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    Today in Al-Alamain City, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi witnessed the swearing-in of Counselor Assem Abdel Latif El-Saeed Abdel Fattah as President of the Court of Cassation; Counselor Osama Youssef Shalaby Youssef as President of the Council of State; Counselor Hussein Madkour Mohamed Abdel Fattah as President of the State Lawsuits Authority, and Counselor Mohamed Ahmed Khalil Hafez Khalil as President of the Administrative Prosecution Authority.

    Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said that President El-Sisi awarded the Order of the Republic of the First Class to former President of the Court of Cassation, Counselor Hosni Hassan Abdel Latif Abu Zeid; former President of the State Council, Counselor Ahmed Abdelhameed Hassan Abboud; former President of the State Lawsuits Authority, Counselor Abdel-Razak Mahmoud Shoaib; and former President of the Administrative Prosecution Authority, Counselor Abdel-Rady Ahmed Sediq Suleiman, in recognition of their efforts and contributions in the service of the nation and upholding justice.

    In his meeting with the new Presidents of the Judicial Authorities, President El-Sisi wished them success in their duties, emphasizing the vital importance of continuing to consolidate the rule of law, which places justice and equality at the top of its priorities in the New Republic. The President reaffirmed the independence of the judiciary, lauding the significant role of the esteemed judicial institutions and authorities in protecting the rights, freedoms, and properties of individuals, developing litigation mechanisms, preserving the role of the judiciary, and enhancing the capabilities of members of the judicial authorities and bodies.

    – on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Maldives: President extends Independence Day greetings to Seychelles

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

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    His Excellency President Dr Mohamed Muizzu has extended warm greetings to His Excellency President Wavel Ramkalawan, the government, and the people of Seychelles on the occasion of the country’s Independence Day.

    In a post shared via his official X account, President Dr Muizzu expressed hope that the festivities would be filled with joy and togetherness. He also reaffirmed the Maldives’ commitment to its stable bilateral partnership with Seychelles.

    In a message sent to President Ramkalawan, President Dr Muizzu underscored the longstanding friendship between the two nations and highlighted their continued cooperation in promoting peace, security, and sustainable development across the Indian Ocean.

    He further expressed hope that the occasion would serve as a moment of unity and progress for the people of Seychelles, and reiterated his commitment to strengthening the close ties between the two countries.

    – on behalf of Republic of Maldives: The President’s Office.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Cape Town hails cable theft sentence as “Jolt in the right direction”

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Cape Town hails cable theft sentence as “Jolt in the right direction”

    The City of Cape Town has lauded the recent sentencing of a convicted cable thief to 15 years behind bars, hailing it as a step in the right direction in the fight against rampant cable theft.

    The 55-year-old man was arrested by the City’s Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit in Kraaifontein on 13 November 2023. He was found in possession of eight bags of stolen Transnet overhead copper cable weighing over 400 kilograms, with a street value of R558 000.

    In a statement issued on Saturday, the city confirmed that the suspect was prosecuted in terms of the Criminal Matters Amendment Act 18 of 2015 and sentenced in the Blue Downs Regional Court in April this year.

    “On the day in question, the Law Enforcement Metal Theft Unit received information about stolen overhead cables being stored at a property in Wallacedene. They spotted a male leaving the property in a red Opel Astra and followed him. When they stopped the vehicle along Voortrekker Road, officers found the copper cable,” the city said.

    The suspect was taken to Kraaifontein SAPS, where a Transnet representative confirmed that the cable had been stolen.

    The city described the 15-year sentence as one of the most significant outcomes resulting from an arrest by its enforcement units.

    “Although, to be fair, we do not always know how the story ends, as there is no mechanism that ensures feedback on investigations and convictions. Even in this instance, we came to hear about the matter more than two months after it concluded, but it is welcome news nonetheless, and we commend everyone who had a hand in the successful conclusion of the case, starting with our Law Enforcement Officer who made the arrest,” the city said.

    However, the city warned that cable theft remains a significant threat to essential services and infrastructure. In response, it has scaled up the Metal Theft Unit (MTU) in recent years, deploying more officers and technology such as drones, CCTV, and infrared cameras.

    In the past 11 months alone, the MTU has made 126 arrests, recovered over a kilometre of stolen cable and nearly two tons of stolen metal. Officers have also completed 4 706 patrols in hotspot areas, conducted 1 573 scrapyard compliance inspections, responded to 501 public complaints, and issued 3 634 by-law fines.

    “The illicit scrap metal trade is arguably one of the biggest challenges. We need greater intervention at national level to take the shine out of the trade, and we need consistently strong signals from the criminal justice system that this type of criminal activity won’t be tolerated,” the city added. – SAnews.gov.za

    DikelediM

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria, Lebanon, Israel – Presser by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Upon his return from the Middle East, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, today (27 Jun) told journalists in New York that Lebanese Armed Forces “have continued to strengthen their presence South of the Litani River,” with the support of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), while in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operations, Syrian authorities have indicated that they are ready to deploy “the military and security presence to all Syrian territory.”

    Lacroix said in Lebanon, “there has been additional action with a view to identify and eventually neutralize caches of weapons, which is an important element in the implementation of a resolution 1701.”

    Nevertheless, he said, “there continues to be violations, there continues to be more that needs to be done, again, to achieve a full implementation of that resolution.”

    Lacroix commended General Aroldo Lázaro, “who was at the head of UNIFIL during extremely, extremely challenging time” and welcomed General Diodato Abagnara, who just took over as the new Force Commander.

    UNDOF, he said, “is operating in a changed environment, where on the one hand, of course, there was this change in the political dispensation in Syria.”

    The Under-Secretary-General noted “the presence of the Israeli Defence Forces in the area, the so-called area of separation, where according to the 1973 Disengagement of Forces agreement, only UNDOF can be present with a military presence.”

    He said, “of course, the presence of the IDF in those areas is a violation, it’s quite clear.

    Finally, he welcomed efforts “for de-escalation and the advancement of dialog in the DRC and in the wider Great Lakes region,” and said the UN “and particularly when it comes to MONUSCO, we are fully committed to supporting these efforts” and the implementation of a peace agreement.

    In Washington DC today, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace deal which could bring peace to the eastern region of the DRC.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CroPGPYSJhY

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Syria, Lebanon, Israel – Presser by Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Upon his return from the Middle East, Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix, today (27 Jun) told journalists in New York that Lebanese Armed Forces “have continued to strengthen their presence South of the Litani River,” with the support of the United Nations Interim Force In Lebanon (UNIFIL), while in the United Nations Disengagement Observer Force (UNDOF) area of operations, Syrian authorities have indicated that they are ready to deploy “the military and security presence to all Syrian territory.”

    Lacroix said in Lebanon, “there has been additional action with a view to identify and eventually neutralize caches of weapons, which is an important element in the implementation of a resolution 1701.”

    Nevertheless, he said, “there continues to be violations, there continues to be more that needs to be done, again, to achieve a full implementation of that resolution.”

    Lacroix commended General Aroldo Lázaro, “who was at the head of UNIFIL during extremely, extremely challenging time” and welcomed General Diodato Abagnara, who just took over as the new Force Commander.

    UNDOF, he said, “is operating in a changed environment, where on the one hand, of course, there was this change in the political dispensation in Syria.”

    The Under-Secretary-General noted “the presence of the Israeli Defence Forces in the area, the so-called area of separation, where according to the 1973 Disengagement of Forces agreement, only UNDOF can be present with a military presence.”

    He said, “of course, the presence of the IDF in those areas is a violation, it’s quite clear.

    Finally, he welcomed efforts “for de-escalation and the advancement of dialog in the DRC and in the wider Great Lakes region,” and said the UN “and particularly when it comes to MONUSCO, we are fully committed to supporting these efforts” and the implementation of a peace agreement.

    In Washington DC today, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC)and Rwanda signed a US-brokered peace deal which could bring peace to the eastern region of the DRC.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CroPGPYSJhY

    MIL OSI Video –