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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Chancellor invests in Britain’s renewal with up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Chancellor invests in Britain’s renewal with up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years

    Families across the country will benefit from this investment in the NHS, delivering up to 4 million additional NHS tests and procedures over the next five years.

    • The £6 billion investment will deliver new scanners, more community diagnostic centre capacity, ambulances, and Urgent Treatment Centres to support emergency care teams, with increased capacity in community care to reduce pressure on hospitals and provide more convenient care for patients.
    • The additional £6 billion of funding will help deliver the Plan for Change promise that 92% of patients start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks and is part of the largest ever investment in the Department of Health and Social Care’s capital budgets.

    Up to 4 million additional tests, scans and procedures will be delivered across the UK as the Chancellor confirms £6 billion of investment over the next five years in Britain’s health to make working people better off.

    It comes after the Chancellor’s Spending Review where she pledged to invest in Britain’s renewal, with the biggest ever investment in the Department of Health and Social Care, where she told the commons “there’s no strong economy without a strong NHS”.

    Today (11 June), the Chancellor is confirming this investment in the NHS which will deliver new scanners, more community diagnostic centres – on top of the 170 already delivered across the country – ambulances and Urgent Treatment Centres to support emergency care teams, with increased capacity in community care to reduce pressure on hospitals. 

    The funding injection will give patients better access to vital diagnostic scans and treatment in more convenient locations, including shopping centres and local high streets, providing faster diagnoses and improved outcomes.

    This will help cut hospital waiting lists and deliver the Government’s Plan for Change commitment that 92% of patients should start consultant-led treatment within 18 weeks of referral and follows record investment of £232 billion in the NHS announced at the Spending Review.

    Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves said:

    Over a decade of underinvestment from the previous government put the NHS on its knees, with people across the country unable to get the care they need. We are investing in Britain’s renewal, and we will turn that around.

    Part of our record investment will deliver 4 million tests, scans and procedures, so hard working people can get the health care they and their families need. There is no strong economy without a strong NHS, and we’ll deliver on our Plan for Change to end the hospital backlog, improve living standards and get more money in people’s pockets.

    £30 billion will also be invested over the next five years in day-to-day maintenance and repair of the NHS estate, with over £5 billion specifically allocated to address the most critical building repairs, reducing the most serious and critical infrastructure risk in a targeted way. This will begin to address the recommendations of the Darzi review and will turn the tide on the trends of the past 15 years.  

    Record investment must go hand-in-hand with reform across the health service, to deliver 2% productivity growth each year and unlock £17 billion of savings over the next three years to be reinvested back into the Health Service and support a radical transformation of the Service to be set out in the 10 Year Health Plan.

    Wes Streeting, Secretary of State for Health and Social Care, said:

    Since taking office we have been relentless in our drive to cut waiting times for patients, delivering over 3.6 million extra elective care appointments and reducing the overall waiting list by over 200,000.

    The £6 billion investment we are announcing today will generate millions more vital diagnostic tests, scans and procedures for patients across the country.

    Through our Plan for Change we are delivering the investment and reform needed to put the NHS on the road to recovery.

    The government is already putting the latest technology in the hands of patients and staff with a national expansion of the NHS App and a recent £70 million investment in new radiography machines to give cancer patients faster and better treatment.

    Reforms to general practice will also slash red tape and bring back the family doctor, allowing GPs to spend more time treating patients.

    This settlement also supports the shift from treatment to prevention, improving the health of the nation and reducing demand on the Health Service.

    The government will also deliver its manifesto commitment of recruiting an additional 8,500 mental health staff by the end of the Parliament and expanding mental health support teams in schools to 100% of schools in England by 2029-30. An extra £4 billion a year will be made available for adult social care by 2028-29, supporting the sector to improve adult social care and deliver a Fair Pay Agreement.

    Today’s announcement is the latest milestone in the governments mission to reform the NHS through the Plan for Change, having already delivered over 3.6 million extra elective care appointments, recruited an additional 1,500 GPs, financed the upgrade of over 1,000 GP surgeries and allocated over £750 million for vital maintenance repairs at hospitals across the country.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eastern Cape search and recovery operations continue

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    Search and recovery efforts are ongoing across the Eastern Cape, following the recent inclement weather.

    Torrential rains over the past few days have caused devastating landslides and flooding, leaving hundreds of families displaced. The adverse weather has also caused extensive damage to critical infrastructure.

    Updating the media on Wednesday, Eastern Cape Premier Lubabalo Oscar Mabuyane, said that he has ordered the suspension of all other provincial programmes in the province, to enable Members of the Executive Council (MECs), including himself, to be on the ground and offer support to the affected communities.

    This after assessing the extent of widespread devastation, following the rains and strong winds that hit the province’s OR Tambo District Municipality enduring most of the severe weather.

    “Each of the MECs are looking at the service delivery needs of this and other affected communities across the province as mop-up operations begin in earnest. Together with the leadership of the OR Tambo District and King Sabata Dalindyebo Local Municipality, the provincial government is on the ground assessing the damage, to support relief operations, and engage directly with affected families and communities,” Mabuyane said.

    The Premier extended his deepest condolences to the families of the 49 people who passed away in OR Tambo District alone. Among the deceased are children whose scholar transport was swept away by floodwaters. 

    “The number of people confirmed to have been in the minibus taxi…. sadly, four learners have been confirmed to be deceased, together with the driver and a conductor of the minibus taxi. The rest of the deceased people are citizens of different ages. Four learners are still missing,” the Premier said.

    The heavy rains in the Amathole District have also displaced hundreds of residents from informal settlements, with many relocated to temporary shelters. The severe weather also caused power outages across several areas in the district.

    Mabuyane said a coordinated, multi-disciplinary emergency and rescue services team has been deployed across the province and remains actively involved in recovery, evacuation, and support efforts across the affected areas.

    The continuous provision of shelter, food, psychosocial support services, blankets, and other essentials to displaced families, through partnerships with the South African Social Service Agency (SASSA), the Department of Social Development, and local municipalities are some of the interventions that have been put in place by the provincial government.

    “Through the Intergovernmental Committee on Disaster Management (ICDM), technical experts are addressing damage to water infrastructure. When necessary, water tankers will be dispatched to ensure access to clean drinking water,” the Premier said.

    Search and rescue operations for the scholars is being led by the South African Police Service (SAPS) while the Department of Education is intervening to bring in the necessary support to the affected families during this tragic time.

    Restoration of electricity, reopening of roads

    Mabuyane also noted progress being made in reopening major roads affected by snowfall, and the continuous restoration of electricity following outages caused by gale-force winds and heavy snow.

    “Over the past 48 hours, at least 136 000 customers have since been brought back online, down from 300 000 that were without electricity. Eskom teams have resumed to continue with restoration to outstanding customers,” Mabuyane said.

    The Premier commended the South African Weather Service (SAWS) for their forecasts confirming that the inclement weather is coming to an end, as the cut-off low system responsible for the recent conditions moves out to sea.

    He also expressed gratitude to the provincial disaster management teams, including SAPS K-9 divers, the SAPS Search and Rescue Airwing, as well as residents for their swift response.

    The Premier further urged those that are yet received assistance to remain calm and patient, and that relief efforts will move faster with the easing of the inclement weather.

    “Infrastructure technical teams have been activated to carry out assessment to ascertain the extent of the damage as well as interventions that are required across the province. At this stage 20 health facilities have suffered damages to varying levels.

    “In terms of road infrastructure, engineers are on the ground assessing the impact and extent of the damage on our road network including rural roads. The R58 Khowa to Barkey through the Barkely is now open,” Mabuyane said.

    He advised motorists to exercise caution due to slippery conditions. He further called on citizens, and organisations to support the communities, as they continue to deal with this tragedy.

    “Condolences once again to the families who lost their loved ones,” he said.

    The Premier’s update on Wednesday came ahead of the visit of Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA) Minister Velenkosini Hlabisa’s visit to the province on Thursday.

    READ | Minister Hlabisa visits flood-affected Eastern Cape

    –SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Green hydrogen can ‘reposition’ Africa within global value chains

    Source: South Africa News Agency

    The burgeoning green hydrogen industry presents an opportunity for Africa to enable structural change and reposition the continent.

    This is according to the Minister of Electricity and Energy, Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa.

    The Minister delivered remarks at the African Green Hydrogen Summit, which is underway in Cape Town.

    WATCH | 

    [embedded content]

    “[Green] hydrogen must be understood not merely as a clean fuel, but as a strategic enabler of Africa’s structural transformation. It holds the potential to reposition the continent within global value chains, not as an exporter of raw materials but as a competitive industrial actor. Harnessed strategically, it can anchor new industrial ecosystems, from green steel and fertilisers to sustainable mobility and synthetic fuels.

    “These are not abstract possibilities — they are within reach, provided we design policy frameworks that localise value, deepen intra-African trade, and direct investment flows towards infrastructure, skills, and technology transfer that serve the interests of the continent,” Ramokgopa said on Thursday.

    The industry presents a lucrative opportunity for the continent and boasts a global potential of at least $300 billion in global exports over the next three decades.

    Africa holds minerals and metals that are critical for the industry – placing the continent at the heart of this new frontier.

    “More fundamentally, green hydrogen offers an opportunity to reverse the logic of dependency that has historically defined Africa’s insertion into the global economy. Instead of reinforcing extractive patterns, Africa can lead with an agenda of beneficiation, regional integration, and sovereign industrial development. 

    “This will require that we reject siloed national approaches in favour of coordinated regional frameworks, leveraging platforms like the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), the Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA), and most crucially, Agenda 2063. 

    “These frameworks offer the institutional scaffolding for a common energy market and harmonised regulatory regimes that can attract patient, long-term capital,” Ramokgopa said.

    The Minister implored African leaders at the summit to be “unapologetic” in taking their place at the forefront of the Green Hydrogen global industry.

    “We must also be unapologetic in demanding a fair place at the green negotiating table. Africa’s role in the global energy transition cannot be one of accommodation. It must be one of agency. Our narrative must be led by African voices, grounded in African realities, and committed to African futures.

    “As the world seeks new energy alliances and supply chains, Africa must shape its energy destiny through solidarity, strategy and statecraft, turning the promise of green hydrogen into a pillar of continental prosperity,” he insisted.

    The summit also launched the Africa Green Hydrogen Report – a document thrashing out the continent’s green hydrogen potential, which brings together the full breadth of the continent’s technical readiness.

    “This is not just a theoretical compilation; it is a technical blueprint for scaled project execution. Its message is unequivocal: Africa is not short of knowledge. Africa is ready to move from pilot to pipeline, from strategy to scale.

    “But let us be clear. The window for Africa to shape the rules of this emerging market is narrowing. Other regions are moving fast, with public subsidies, regulatory incentives, and long-term offtake strategies. If we delay, we risk importing technologies, importing skills, and once again exporting unprocessed potential. 

    “So, the real work of this summit is to forge clarity on the scale of our ambition, the credibility of our plans, and the coordination of our actions. Let us begin that work today, with urgency, with unity, and with a shared conviction that Africa’s future is not on the periphery of the global green economy, but firmly at its centre,” he said.

    IN PICTURES | Green Hydrogen Summit

    According to the African Green Hydrogen Alliance (AGHA) – which is made up of 10 African states, including South Africa – the industry has the potential to add between $66 billion and $126 billion to the Gross Domestic Product of the member countries over the next 25 years.

    Furthermore, some two to four million jobs could also be added during that time.

    “Africa’s choice is whether to be a passive site of resource extraction or a proactive architect of the green energy economy. With the right policy frameworks, investment enablers, and regional coordination, green hydrogen can and must be the backbone of a new African industrial era,” Ramokgopa said. – SAnews.gov.za

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act: joint statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act: joint statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Holland delivers a joint statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and the United Kingdom expressing deep concern over Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.

    I am delivering this statement on behalf of Canada, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and my own country the United Kingdom.

    Our countries express our deep concern about Georgia’s Foreign Agents Registration Act which came into force on 31 May 2025. This legislation represents a serious setback for democratic governance, civil liberties, and Georgia’s stated European aspirations.

    As ODIHR has said, the Act profoundly impacts the work of civil society and all those working to defend human rights in Georgia. It undermines the independence of civil society and political plurality as well as restricting media freedom.

    In doing so it also threatens the independent institutions and fundamental freedoms which all OSCE participating States – including Georgia – have agreed are essential foundations of democracy and regional security.

    ODIHR has confirmed that it stands ready to use its longstanding expertise to assist Georgia. We encourage Georgia to work with ODIHR, civil society and other international actors to bring their approach into line with international human rights standards as well as OSCE principles and commitments.   

    The Act risks further isolating Georgia from its partners, by directly contradicting the democratic values and human rights standards that must underpin Georgia’s European future.

    Our countries reiterate our unwavering commitment to Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, and support for the people of Georgia in their pursuit of a democratic, open, and European future. We urge the Georgian government to repeal or substantially revise this law.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    Yorkshire second region in England to move into drought status

    Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years.

    Yorkshire has become the second region to enter drought status following the driest spring in 132 years.  

    The Environment Agency announced the change in status today (12th June 2025) following declining river flows and groundwater levels because of the dry March, April and May.  

    The decision sees the regulator stepping up its operational response in Yorkshire, whilst making sure water companies deliver the actions agreed in their drought plans.  

    This includes speeding up the fixing of leaks and communicating with customers on how to reduce demand to preserve supplies. 

    In the meantime, the National Drought Group will continue to meet regularly over the summer and is receiving updates on the situation.

    Claire Barrow, Yorkshire Environment, Planning and Engagement Manager, said:  

    Our climate is changing, and we had 22 days of almost no recorded rainfall in May.  

    While we have had some rain at the start of June, it has not been enough to reverse the impacts of the prolonged dry weather. 

    We are working with Yorkshire Water to make sure they enact their drought plans. We also encourage people to be aware of the environmental impacts of droughts as we enter the summer period and note the small steps we can all take to save water.

    Water Minister Emma Hardy said: 

    I am receiving regular updates from the Environment Agency. 

    I’m doing everything in my power to hold Yorkshire Water to account to ensure we have the regular supply of water that is needed across the region. 

    The government is taking decisive action to secure our water supply for the decades to come. That’s why we are building nine new reservoirs and upgrading pipes to cut leakage by 17%. 

    The north-west of England entered drought status on 21st May. The recent wet weather in the region has helped stabilise the situation and improve reservoir levels, but the area remains in drought.  

    Yorkshire received 66% of the long-term average May rainfall while England has experienced its driest spring since 1893.  

    Across the country, England has only seen 57% of the long-term average rainfall for last month. Three areas – the north-east, east and west midlands – are also experiencing prolonged dry weather.  

    Periods of dry weather and low rivers can have several consequences for the environment and wildlife. Low oxygen levels in water can lead to fish kills, as well as more algal blooms and lower river flows prevent wildlife from moving up or downstream.  The EA has moved over 500 native, white-clawed crayfish to a safer location as experts are concerned about water flow in the area. 

    Hot and dry weather can increase wildfires, severely damaging vulnerable areas of heathland and moorland. Yorkshire has seen several wildfires on the Pennine moorland, including large fires at Marsden Moor, Wessenden, and Rishworth Moor.  

    Crop failure is also a major impact of drought while low water levels make navigation difficult on canals and some rivers.  

    There are a number of closures and restrictions in place to preserve water across the Canal & River Trust network, predominantly on the Leeds & Liverpool Canal. 

    There are simple ways people can help save water, including taking shorter showers, using water from the kitchen to water plants, and fixing leaky toilets. 

    Read more about drought here: Drought explained – Creating a better place

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Strengthening the Economic and Environmental Dimension: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    Strengthening the Economic and Environmental Dimension: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Ambassador Neil Holland stresses the importance of the Economic and Environmental Dimension of the OSCE as part of its comprehensive approach to security.

    Thank you, Mr Chair.  

    The Second Dimension is vital to the OSCE’s comprehensive security approach. It addresses some of the most pressing challenges to our shared security and prosperity, including climate change, biodiversity loss, serious and organised crime, illicit finance, and the growing issue of irregular migration. This is particularly important given the devastating economic and environmental impact of Russia’s war of aggression on Ukraine.  

    The OSCE is uniquely positioned to assist participating States in tackling these complex issues. To do so we need to fully leverage the tools at our disposal — especially those that support good governance by promoting transparency, combatting illicit finance, and reducing corruption. Our Foreign Secretary’s campaign on illicit finance is a key example of the UK’s efforts to combat corruption and strengthen national security. 

    The UK values the OSCE’s role in addressing security-related environmental concerns, such as water management, energy security, and the impacts of climate change. We are proud to support the OSCE project on strengthening responses to security risks from climate change in Central Asia. We acknowledge the particular vulnerabilities of Central Asian states to climate change and its consequences. To address these challenges, we are funding a regional programme to enhance resilience through regional water and energy cooperation for low-carbon, climate-resilient growth.  

    As Chair of the Security Committee, the UK is prioritising key areas that intersect with the Second Dimension – particularly the financial underpinnings of organised crime which we will deal with in July’s meeting. These crimes cause both direct and indirect harm to our citizens, eroding social cohesion, undermining democratic norms, exacerbating climate change, and impeding economic development. They contribute to instability and conflict and also disproportionately affect women and girls, which is one of the many reasons why the UK supports the OSCE’s emphasis on Women’s economic empowerment.  

    April’s Security Committee meeting focused on the security threats associated with irregular migration, recommending that the OSCE work together with other international organisations, including through field presences, to support States in countering the smuggling of migrants and other challenges. It is clear that the OSCE can and should be doing more on migrant smuggling. We will follow up on this in September when we mark the 20-year anniversary of the Border Security and Management Concept. Later this year, with our Slovenian colleagues, we will also host a joint session of the Security, and Environmental and Economic Committees on protecting critical infrastructure.  

    We will continue to support a strong and effective Second Dimension, including through the EEF cycle. As we approach the Helsinki discussions on organisational functionality a good place to start would be to fulfil the requirements set out by Ministers on holding mandated conferences according to the timetable laid out by them. 

    Thank you Mr Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Coombe Abbey MyTime Carer Breaks

    Source: City of Coventry

    Unpaid carers in Coventry are being offered free hotel stays and leisure experiences as part of a new scheme to provide a rare break from their demanding responsibilities.

    MyTime Coventry, a project run by the charity Local Solutions connecting carers and their families with complimentary leisure, cultural and educational activities, has now launched in the city – with Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club the first organisations to get involved.

    The project is funded by Coventry City Council, with money from the Department of Health and Social Care for the next two years as part of the Accelerated Reform Fund to trial innovation in Adult Social Care.

    Coventry resident Faye Mackey, 36, who started caring for her father Hugh Mackey last year, has become one of the first people to benefit from the scheme after staying at Coombe Abbey Hotel, which is offering an overnight stay with breakfast to carers on a monthly basis.

    Coventry Rugby Club has also provided free tickets to first-team matches at Butts Park Arena as part of the initiative.

    MyTime was set up in Liverpool by the charity Local Solutions and later was also rolled out in Wigan. Carers can apply for breaks online via mytime4carers.co.uk.

    A minimum of 27,500 people are estimated to have caring responsibilities in Coventry, according to Coventry City Council. Meanwhile, one in five carers nationally have not had a break in five years, according to Carers UK.

    Hugh, 68, suffered a major internal bleed last spring, which led him to being placed in an induced coma for four months. He then had an arm amputated after contracting sepsis, in addition to having an oesophageal tumour removed.

    Faye said she chose to become his carer to provide comfort and familiarity while he adapted to long term-disability.

    She said: “When you become a carer, you have to adapt your whole life including your relationships with the people closest to you, which can be really challenging – especially as you often have to make the decision overnight.

    “I wouldn’t have done it differently, but it gets to a point where you’d never actively seek a break for all sorts of reasons, so this initiative, in making it easier for carers to access some great experiences in the local area, is absolutely brilliant.

    “I spent my 21st birthday at Coombe Abbey – it’s a really special place and it was great to have the chance to visit again after what has been a really challenging year.”

    Michalina Kryska, MyTime coordinator for Coventry, hopes more city organisations and businesses will partner with the scheme, which is part of the council’s Carers Action Plan for 2024-26.

    She said: “One of the things carers tell us time and again is how much they need a break, yet finding time for themselves can be incredibly difficult.

    “MyTime gives carers the opportunity to prioritise their own wellbeing, take a step back, and enjoy some much-needed relaxation. It can be a real boost to mental health.

    “For many carers, simply organising an evening off can be complicated. That’s why our partnerships with Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club have been so important. They’ve made it possible to offer these experiences in a way that’s easy and accessible.

    “The response so far has been overwhelmingly positive. We’re excited about the possibility of expanding it even further to support more carers and their families.”

    Cllr Linda Bigham, Cabinet Member for Adult Services at Coventry City Council, added: “There are thousands of people who care for others in Coventry who don’t even realise they are carers.

    “It is vital that they have the right support to help them and that’s why this pilot project is so important. I’ve been a carer myself and every day see the compassion and commitment of so many people – of all ages – being there for someone else.

    “It is lovely to see the difference that carers getting a break can have, and I’m delighted that both Coombe Abbey Hotel and Coventry Rugby Club have signed up to the MyTime project.

    “I hope that more hospitality businesses and venues will be able to see the benefits it brings and consider being a part of the scheme.”

    Richard Harrison, Managing Director of No Ordinary Hospitality, which operates Coombe Abbey Hotel, commented: “It’s a real privilege to support the MyTime Carers initiative to give carers in the city a much-needed break, and we are looking forward to welcoming more people to the hotel over the coming months and years.”

    Jon Sharp, Executive Chairman of Coventry Rugby Club, said: “Coventry Rugby Club is proud to support the MyTime Carers initiative. As a club rooted in the heart of the community, we believe in using our platform to champion inclusion, wellbeing and opportunity for all.

    “Since 2013, it’s been my mission to ensure Cov plays a meaningful role beyond the pitch – and recognising the vital, often unseen work of unpaid carers is part of that.

    “They give so much to others, and we’re honoured to give something back and provide some respite and relaxation for such important members of our community.”

    Pictured left to right: Gabrielle Boro, Richard Harrison, Hazel Brown and Michalina Kryska, with Faye Mackey and Cllr Linda Bigham (seated) at Coombe Abbey Hotel

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cholera vaccination campaign in Khartoum, Sudan to reach 2.6 million residents – health authorities

    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 12 (Xinhua) — A cholera vaccination campaign targeting 2.6 million residents was launched in Sudan’s capital Khartoum on Wednesday, Khartoum health authorities said.

    The 10-day campaign will be carried out in 12 administrative units in Omdurman, Um Badda, Karari, Jabal Awliya and East Nile towns, health authorities said in a statement.

    According to the statement, the country has recorded a decrease in the number of cholera cases, and “the mortality rate due to complications associated with this disease has reached zero.”

    Khartoum State Governor Ahmed Osman Hamza has commended health authorities for containing the cholera outbreak and improving recovery rates.

    He called for continued efforts to combat epidemics and maintain stability in the health sector, praising the support of international and government organizations, as well as the contribution of volunteers. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Last year, 6,700 antiquities were donated to the National Museum of Afghanistan

    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

    KABUL, June 12 (Xinhua) — Afghan authorities have placed more than 6,700 antiquities at the National Museum of Afghanistan over the past year to further enrich the museum’s collections, state-run Radio Television of Afghanistan (RTA) reported on Wednesday.

    “A total of 6,752 exhibits dating back to the Bronze Age to Islamic civilizations were collected from different places and placed in the national museum over the past year,” RTA quoted the museum’s deputy director Yahya Mohibzadeh as saying.

    The National Museum of Afghanistan houses more than 60,000 exhibits and antiquities, RTA adds. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • India’s digital economy expected to contribute one-fifth of national income by 2029-30

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    As Prime Minister Narendra Modi marks 11 years in office, India’s digital economy is poised to become a cornerstone of national growth, projected to account for nearly one-fifth of the country’s income by 2029-30. According to the State of India’s Digital Economy Report 2024, India ranks as the third most digitized economy globally and 12th among G20 nations for individual user digitalization, reflecting remarkable progress in digital transformation over the past decade.

    The digital economy, contributing 11.74% of India’s GDP (Rs. 31.64 lakh crore or USD 402 billion) in 2022-23, is growing nearly twice as fast as the overall economy. Employing 14.67 million workers—2.55% of the workforce—it is almost five times more productive than other sectors. Under PM Modi’s leadership, this sector has flourished, driven by digital-enabling industries like ICT services, electronic component manufacturing, and communication equipment, which account for 7.83% of Gross Value Added (GVA). Digital platforms and intermediaries contribute an additional 2% of GVA, while digitalization in traditional sectors such as banking, financial services, insurance (BFSI), retail, and education adds another 2%.

    By 2029-30, the digital economy is expected to outpace agriculture and manufacturing, fueled by rapid adoption of artificial intelligence (AI), cloud services, and the expansion of global capability centers (GCCs). India hosts 55% of the world’s GCCs, which are offshore hubs established by multinational corporations for services like R&D, IT support, and business process management. The growth of digital intermediaries and platforms is anticipated to lead in the short term, with broader digital diffusion across the economy reducing the relative share of ICT industries over time.

    Digital transformation is reshaping traditional sectors unevenly. In BFSI, over 95% of banking payment transactions are digital, but revenue-generating activities like loans and investments remain largely offline. Retail is embracing omni-channel models, with e-tailers adding physical stores and leveraging AI chatbots and digital inventory tools for efficiency. Education is adopting hybrid models combining offline and online learning, while hospitality and logistics are integrating AI, metaverse technologies, and digital tools, though smaller firms lag behind larger ones in full digitalization.

    The digital economy’s growth rate of 17.3% over the past decade surpasses the overall economy’s 11.8%. Digital platforms, in particular, are projected to grow at approximately 30% in the coming years. In 2022-23, the sector employed 14.67 million workers, with 58.07% in digital-enabling industries. Notably, digital platforms are creating job opportunities for women, overcoming barriers related to mobility and safety, though the workforce remains predominantly male.

  • Air India flight with 242 on board crashes near Ahmedabad airport

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (2)

    n Air India plane crashed near Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel International Airport in Ahmedabad on Thursday,  airline and police officials said. 

    According to Gujarat State Police Control Room, the Air India Flight AI 171 was bound for London.

    The plane was headed to London’s Gatwick airport in the UK, Air India said. 

    “At this moment, we are ascertaining the details and will share further updates,” Air India said on X.

    Thick plumes of smoke were visible at the crash site, and fire tenders were rushed to the spot immediately after the incident.

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah spoke with Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, state Home Minister, and Ahmedabad Police Commissioner regarding the crash. According to ANI, Shah assured full support and assistance from the central government.

    (With inputs from agencies)

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Concerns about ongoing Cook Strait ferry issues

    Source: Maritime Union of New Zealand

    The Maritime Union of New Zealand says the Cook Strait ferry service is struggling, with the entire Interislander fleet currently either suffering breakdowns, wave damage or being taken out of service for audit.

    Maritime Union of New Zealand National Secretary Carl Findlay says the vital transport link is hanging by a thread, with ongoing disruption.

    He says the Aratere has once again experienced technical issues, following engine shaft problems in Picton on Wednesday evening that caused several hours of delays. Crew members and passengers had to remain on board before being able to disembark in Wellington.

    Over the previous weekend, Kaiarahi had its bow door damaged in rough seas, which will be welded shut to allow it to continue to operate until a scheduled dry dock in Singapore in July.

    Kaitaki is being pulled from service this weekend for a Maritime NZ audit.

    KiwiRail announced in May 2025 it would remove the rail-enabled Aratere ferry from service in August 2025, and is now seeking to cut 70 jobs for MUNZ members in the deck and catering departments on the Aratere.

    Mr Findlay says the Union had flagged the dangers of removing a key vessel from service, and the current situation showed that KiwiRail needed to rethink their plan.

    He says technical problems with Cook Strait ferries extended to the private operator Strait Shipping, and had their roots in a failure to invest in modern shipping and infrastructure by the Government and private operators.

    Mr Findlay says the cancellation of the iRex project by Finance Minister Nicola Willis was going to cause years of disruption as the iRex ferries would have been entering into service over the next year or two.

    New ferries announced by Minister of Rail Winston Peters are now not expected until at least 2029.

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA launches IMCA Awards 2025 celebrating innovation and impact in marine contracting

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA launches IMCA Awards 2025 celebrating innovation and impact in marine contracting

    This year’s IMCA Awards are now open for entries, with new categories celebrating outstanding achievement in Innovation and Technology, and People Development, as well as a new Rising Star award to recognise the next generation of talented marine contractors.

    The marine contracting industry’s premier awards – sponsored this year by global marine contractor McDermott International and diving contractor Unidive Subsea – return in 2025 to showcase innovative and impactful projects led by IMCA Members.

    Last year’s three award categories, Health and Safety Project of the Year, Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year, and the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project of the Year, which recognises progress in reducing greenhouse gas emissions – all return in 2025.

    The winners will be announced at IMCA’s Global Summit Gala Dinner, which will take place on 26 November in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on the middle night of IMCA’s two-day flagship event. Global Summit tickets, which include entry to the Gala Dinner, are available at a reduced rate until 30 June – find out more here.

    Jim Cullen, Technical Director, IMCA said: “We’re excited to share the return of the IMCA Awards, which are a great opportunity to celebrate outstanding achievement, promote innovative projects and approaches, and champion best-practice from across our membership.

    “AI and new technology are rapidly changing our industry and creating the need for new skills and training, so it is only right that our Members’ work in response to these opportunities is celebrated through new awards for technological innovation and people development. We also want to celebrate the next generation of talented early-career professionals that are coming through the ranks.

    “I would like to offer my thanks to McDermott International and Unidive Subsea for becoming our first IMCA Award sponsors.” 

    The awards are open to IMCA Members only. A judging panel, made up of selected Committee members, IMCA Secretariat leads, Committee Chairs, and IMCA Global Summit sponsors, will review the entries in a formal and independent scoring process. Shortlisted companies will be announced in the Autumn. The deadline for entries is Monday 1 September 2025. 

    Find out more about the judging process and criteria, and enter IMCA Awards 2025, here.

    For the first time, sponsorship opportunities are available to sponsor individual awards. To find out more about sponsorship and exhibition opportunities at the IMCA Awards and IMCA Global Summit, please contact events@imca-int.com.

    The full list of IMCA Awards can be seen below:

    • Health and Safety Project of the Year – Recognising excellence in health and safety performance.
    • Greenhouse Gas Reduction Project of the Year – Promoting success in reducing operational and value chain emissions.
    • Environmental Sustainability Project of the Year – Highlighting projects designed to support environmental sustainability in offshore or marine environments.
    • People Development Project of the Year – Recognising people-focussed initiatives including skills and training, diversity initiatives, and projects to attract new talent to the sector.
    • Innovation and Technology Project of the Year – Rewarding advancements in digital transformation, AI, and technological innovation.
    • Rising Star Award – Celebrating the achievements of an early-career professional with fewer than five years’ experience in the marine contracting industry.

    Discover last year’s winning entries, submitted by DeepOcean, Subsea7 and the National Oceanography Centre, and Solstad Offshore, here.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA to access climate action best practice through membership of cross-sector business network

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA to access climate action best practice through membership of cross-sector business network

    IMCA has officially joined the Climate Action for Associations (CAFA) Collective, a leading not-for-profit initiative dedicated to accelerating climate action across industries and professions.

    CAFA membership will enable IMCA to access best practice case studies and resources from other business sectors to better support Members’ work to minimise their environmental impact and transition to a low-carbon and climate resilient economy.

    Mary Ntamark, IMCA’s Technical Adviser for Environmental Sustainability, said: “We are delighted to join CAFA. This partnership enables us to collaborate with a powerful network of membership organisations, access tailored resources, and participate in peer-to-peer learning and working groups focused on climate action and resilience. Working with other business sectors, we can make a meaningful impact and bring important insights to our work with IMCA Members.”

    IMCA’s Greenhouse Gas Committee and Environmental Sustainability Committees are engaged in numerous projects in support of Members’ work to enhance the sustainability of their operations, such as reducing greenhouse gas emissions from vessels, implementing circular economy principles in supply chains, and projects to support marine biodiversity.

    For further information, please contact mary.ntamark@imca-int.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: IMCA announces results of South America Committee elections

    Source: International Marine Contractors Association – IMCA

    Headline: IMCA announces results of South America Committee elections

    IMCA has welcomed four new industry experts including a representative from Marinha do Brasil – the Brazilian Navy – to its South America Committee following elections among IMCA Members.

    The successful candidates, who were all nominated and voted for by IMCA Members from across the region, are:

    Fugro’s John Chatten and Daniel Marins from Subsea7 were re-elected for a third two-year session, as Committee Chair and Vice Chair, respectively, alongside Renata Cortês and Patricia Gomes from Companhia Brasileira de Offshore – Grupo CBO, Cicero Ricardo Batista Lopes from Posidonia Shipping and Trading, Nelsiane Carrara from TechnipFMC, and Michel Teicher from SISTAC Sistemas de Acesso SA.

    The South America Committee supports the development of our industry across the region, promoting IMCA’s campaigns to improve safety and sustainability among key stakeholders, and regularly bringing local Members together to share their insights and experiences. Recent in-person meetings have taken place in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

    The Committee works in partnership with energy company Petrobras, and Marinha do Brasil.

    For further information, contact jennifer.evans@imca-int.com.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Joint Summary of the Visit by H

    Source: ASEAN

    At the invitation of the Government of Norway and on the occasion of the 10th anniversary of ASEAN-Norway Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, undertook a working visit to Norway, from 9 to 12 June 2025.
     
    The visit underscored the growing and multifaceted cooperation between ASEAN and Norway since the formalisation of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership in 2015. It also reflected both sides’ shared commitment to further strengthening cooperation on sustainable ocean management and green transition, trade and investments, as well as on peace and conflict management and human rights.
     
    While in Oslo, the Secretary-General paid a courtesy call on H.E. Jonas Gahr Støre, Prime Minister of Norway. He also held meetings with H.E. Espen Barth Eide, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and with H.E. Cecilie Myrseth, Minister of Trade and Industry. The discussions touched on the deepening of ASEAN-Norway relations, trade and investment, blue economy, regional and global developments, and the importance of ASEAN as a regional consensus builder and a stabilising role in the Indo-Pacific region. The Meetings also emphasised the importance of upholding and strengthening ASEAN Centrality, rules-based international order and the importance of practical cooperation pursued through the ASEAN Outlook on the Indo-Pacific (AOIP).
     
    The Secretary-General also engaged with the ASEAN Inter-Parliamentary Assembly (AIPA) delegation at the Norwegian Parliament, took part in a roundtable discussion at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs (NUPI), delivered a lecture at the Centre of Geopolitics, and participated in Oslo Forum where he exchanged views with a range of stakeholders on peace, diplomacy, and regional security issues. The Secretary-General and his delegation also visited Bergen where he engaged with Norwegian businesses and institutions related to sustainable ocean management, circular economy and smart cities.
     
    The visit demonstrated the scope and depth of ASEAN-Norway relations over the past decade and reaffirmed both sides’ mutual commitment to further strengthening the partnership. Both sides look forward to the finalisation of the ASEAN-Norway Practical Cooperation Areas (2026-2030) that is ambitious yet practical and implementable, which will serve as a framework for tangible cooperation in the years ahead.
    The post Joint Summary of the Visit by H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, Secretary-General of ASEAN, to the Kingdom of Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK applauds Ukraine’s heroic resistance and demands Russia end its illegal war: UK Statement to the OSCE

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Speech

    UK applauds Ukraine’s heroic resistance and demands Russia end its illegal war: UK Statement to the OSCE

    UK Military Advisor, Lt Col Joby Rimmer, reiterates the UK’s call for Russia to cease its unlawful aggression against Ukraine and reaffirms Ukraine’s right to self-defence under international law.

    Thank you, Madame Chair. The United Kingdom again calls on the Russian Federation to immediately cease its illegal and unprovoked aggression against Ukraine. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has been extremely clear: Ukraine is not defeated. On the contrary, it has emerged as a formidable fighting force, demonstrating extraordinary resilience and determination in defending its sovereignty. And let us be clear, Ukraine has an absolute right to defend itself against aggression, and the United Kingdom stands firmly in support of that right.

    We remain focused on achieving a just and lasting peace. In Istanbul, Ukraine demonstrated its commitment to peace by offering reasonable and practical proposals aimed at securing an unconditional ceasefire. Regrettably, Russia failed to reciprocate. Instead, it presented maximalist, non-negotiable demands that do not respect Ukraine’s sovereignty. This behaviour underscores that President Putin is not serious about peace and remains committed to prolonging his illegal war.

    Since Ukraine’s offer of a full, unconditional ceasefire on 11 March 2025, Russia has continued its brutal campaign, launching daily airstrikes that have killed over 500 civilians and injured more than 2,700. We fully anticipate that the Russian Federation will deliver more disinformation in this forum today about alleged ‘acts of terrorism’ from Ukraine. But the distinction between Ukraine striking military targets and Russia hitting civilian targets is a critical one, both morally and under international law.

    There is a clear difference. Ukraine’s drone and missile strikes have been targeting military infrastructure within Russian territory or illegally occupied regions. These include airbases, logistics hubs, ammunition depots, command and control centres and radar and missile systems. These strikes are intended to degrade Russia’s ability to wage war, especially its long-range bombing capabilities. Under international humanitarian law, Ukraine is within its rights to target military assets of an aggressor state, especially in self-defence.

    In contrast, Russia has repeatedly launched drone and missile attacks on civilian areas across Ukraine. These have included Residential buildings, Hospitals and Schools, Energy Infrastructure and Emergency Services. In Kharkiv, over 50 explosions were recorded, damaging residential buildings and killing civilians. In Kyiv, three firefighters were killed while responding to earlier strikes. Lviv, Lutsk, and Chernihiv also suffered civilian casualties and infrastructure damage. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights verified a total of 45,000 civilian casualties as of 30th April 2025 and specified that the real numbers could be higher.

    Russian strikes on civilians or civilian infrastructure are either an attempt to terrorise the civilian population and break morale (rather than achieve legitimate military objectives), or a failure to adequately distinguish military targets and act proportionately for military necessity. These are not the actions of a nation seeking peace, despite what President Putin says. These are the acts of blatant retaliation from the Kremlin, following Ukraine’s most successful and comprehensive strike against Russian Strategic bomber air bases.

    Russia’s continued occupation in Ukraine and escalating aggression are not only unlawful, but they are also unsustainable. President Putin’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, has now dragged on for over 1,200 days, resulting in catastrophic losses – including an estimated one million Russian casualties. President Putin continues to sacrifice Russian lives and futures and must choose another path – one of peace, responsibility and respect for international law. We have seen what the brave men and women of Ukraine’s Armed Forces are capable of, and the UK will continue to provide them with the tools they need to defend their sovereignty and protect their people. We call on Russia to accept the unconditional ceasefire, return to the negotiating table in good faith, and end this illegal war. Thank you, Madame Chair.

    Updates to this page

    Published 12 June 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK Government training IDF soldiers is active participation in genocide

    Source: Scottish Greens

    12 Jun 2025 External Affairs

    Training soldiers who participate in the atrocities in Gaza is a betrayal of every principle of human rights and international law.

    More in External Affairs

    The Scottish Greens have condemned the UK Government after it was revealed through a parliamentary question that Israeli Defence Forces personnel are currently being trained on UK military bases.

    The shocking revelation comes as Israel continues its relentless assault on Gaza. More than 55,000 Palestinians have already been murdered, the majority of whom are women, children and the elderly. 

    The further destruction of homes, hospitals, schools, and critical infrastructure has led to the situation in Palestine to be described as “worse than hell on earth” by the head of the International Committee of the Red Cross. Human rights organisations, UN officials and legal scholars around the world have described Israel’s actions as war crimes and acts of genocide.

    The UK Government has already faced widespread criticism for continuing to supply arms to Israel despite overwhelming evidence that they are being used in clear violation of international law. The news that UK forces are also providing military training takes that complicity to a far more serious level of active participation.

    Scottish Greens Co-Leader Patrick Harvie MSP said:

    “The UK  is actively training members of the Israeli military while they carry out a brutal assault on Gaza. This is nothing short of disgraceful. This goes beyond complicity – it is direct, active participation in the genocide of the Palestinian people. Every bomb dropped, every home destroyed, every child killed is a crime that the UK Government is now tied to.

    “The Scottish Greens have been clear from the start, what we are witnessing in Gaza is a genocide. Tens of thousands of people, most of them women, children and the elderly, have been killed and entire communities have been wiped out. Hospitals, schools, and refugee camps have been targeted. This is not self-defence – it is the destruction of a people through murder and forced displacement.”

    “It is appalling that instead of taking action to end the violence, this Labour UK Government are training the Israeli war machine that is committing these crimes. Training soldiers who are part of these atrocities is a betrayal of every principle of human rights and international law. It must stop now. 

    “We repeat our calls for an immediate ceasefire, an end to UK participation in genocide, and full accountability for war crimes. Scotland must stand on the side of peace and justice – not with those who commit and support these horrific acts. All those who are participating in these atrocities must be brought to justice.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Russia Day is a national holiday celebrated annually on June 12. It was established in honor of the event of 1990, when the first Congress of People’s Deputies adopted the Declaration of State Sovereignty of the RSFSR. The document established the supremacy of the Constitution and laws of the RSFSR throughout the country, the principle of separation of powers, and the equality of political parties and public organizations.

    At first, the holiday was called Independence Day. In 1994, it received official status and a name – Day of Adoption of the Declaration of State Sovereignty of Russia. Since 1998, the holiday has been renamed Russia Day.

    On this day, our fellow citizens celebrate the beginning of a new stage in our national history. Russia Day embodies love for the Motherland, reminds us of the importance of unity and mutual respect for each other.

    The staff of the Saint Petersburg State University of Architecture and Civil Engineering celebrates this day together with everyone else. Everyone contributes to the development of the country – through their scientific research, conscientious work, success in studies, social activities, sports and creativity.

    On Russia Day, we wish everyone success, energy and productive work for the benefit of the Motherland!

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

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Congratulations from the Minister of Science and Higher Education Valery Falkov on Russia Day

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    Dear friends, colleagues, fellow citizens!

    Happy Russia Day!

    This day embodies the power and greatness of our state. It symbolizes civil harmony and unity of the multinational people, preserving the memory of the labor and military exploits of our ancestors.

    The history of Russia is full of grandiose achievements of our people. And today we are united by the spirit of patriotism, a noble sense of responsibility for the fate of the country.

    We are proud of the heroes of our time – the participants of the special military operation who valiantly defend our common home – Russia. We are proud of the scientists, engineers, teachers – all who contribute to the development of Russia with honor and dignity every day.

    Dear friends! On this festive day I wish you good health, prosperity and success in all your endeavors for the benefit of our Motherland!

    Valery Falkov

    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 Europe: Audience with the clergy of the diocese of Rome

    Source: The Holy See

    This morning, in the Paul VI Hall, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the clergy of the diocese of Rome, to whom he delivered the following address:

    Address of the Holy Father
    I want to ask for a big round of applause for all of you who are here, and for all the priests and deacons of Rome!
    Dear Priests and Deacons who provide your service in the diocese of Rome, dear seminarians, I greet you all with affection and friendship!
    I thank His Eminence the Cardinal Vicar, for the words of greeting and for his presentation, telling something of your presence in this city.
    I wished to meet you to get to know you personally, and to begin walking with you. I thank you for your life given in the service of the Kingdom, for your daily labours, for your great generosity in the exercise of your ministry, for everything you live in silence and that is at times accompanied by suffering or misunderstanding. You carry out different services, but you are all precious in the eyes of God and in the fulfilment of his plan.
    The diocese of Rome presides in charity and in communion, and can fulfil this mission thanks to each one of you, in the bond of grace with the Bishop and in the fruitful co-responsibility of all God’s people. Ours is a truly particular diocese, because many priests come from various parts of the world, especially in order to study; and this implies that pastoral care too – I am thinking above all of the parishes – is marked by this universality and the mutual acceptance it entails.
    Starting precisely from this universal outlook that Rome offers, I would like to share cordially with you a few reflections.
    The first note, that is particularly close to my heart, is that of unity and communion. In the so-called “priestly” prayer, as we know, Jesus asked the Father that his people may be one (cf. Jn 20-23). The Lord knows well that only by being joined to him and united among ourselves can we bear fruilt and give credible witness to the world. Presbyteral communion here in Rome is favoured by the fact that, by ancient tradition, it is it is customary to live together, in rectories as well as in colleges or other residences. The presbyter is called to be the man of communion, because he is the first to live it, and continually nurtures it. We know that this communion today is hindered by a cultural climate that favours isolation or self-absorption. None of us is exempt from these pitfalls that threaten the solidity of our spiritual life and the strength of our ministry.
    But we must be vigilant because, in addition to the cultural context, communion and fraternity among us also encounter some obstacles that are, so to speak, “internal”, which relate to the ecclesial life of the diocese, interpersonal relationships, and also what resides in the heart, especially that feeling of weariness that arises because we have experienced particular hardships, because we do not feel we are understood and heard, or for other reasons. I would like to help you, to walk with you, so that each person may regain serenity in his own ministry; but it is precisely for this reason that I ask you for zeal in priestly fraternity, which has its roots in a solid spiritual life, in the encounter with the Lord and in listening to his Word. Nourished by this lymph, we are able to have relationships of friendship, outdoing one another in respect (cf. Rm 12:10); we feel the need for others in order to grow and to foster the same ecclesial drive.
    Communion should also be translated into commitment in this diocese: with diverse charisms, with different paths of formation and even with different services, but the effort to sustain it must be one. I ask all of you to pay attention to the pastoral journey of this Chruch which is local but, because of who leads it, is also universal. Walking together is always a guarantee of fidelity to the Gospel; together and in harmony, striving to enrich the Church with one’s own charism but having at heart the single body of which Christ is the Head.
    The second note I want to give you is that of exemplarity. On the occasion of the priestly ordinations on 31 May last, in the homily I recalled the importance of the transparency of life, on the basis of the words of Saint Paul who said to the elders of Ephesus: “You yourselves know how I lived among you” (Acts 20:18). I ask you, with the heart of a father and of a pastor, let us all undertake to be credible and exemplary priests! We are aware of the limits of our nature and the Lord knows us in depth; but we have received an extraordinary grace; we have been entrusted with a precious treasure of which we are the ministers, the servants. And fidelity is required of the servant. None of us is exempt from the suggestions of the world, and the city, with its thousands of offerings, could even draw us away from the desire for a holy life, inducing a levelling down in which the profound values of being a priest are lost. Let yourselves be drawn once again by the call of the Master, to feel and live the love of the first hour, that which drove you to make important choices and courageous sacrifices. If together we try to be exemplary in a humble life, then we will be able to express the renewing force of the Gospel for every man and for every woman.
    A final note I wish to give you you is that of looking at the challenges of our time from a prophetic perspective. We are concerned and saddened by everything that happens every day in the world: we are hurt by the violence that generates death, we are challenged by inequalities, poverty, many forms of social marginalization, the widespread suffering that assumes the features of an unease that no longer spares anyone. And these are not distant realities, far from us, but rather they affect even our city of Rome, marked by multiple forms of poverty and grave emergencies such as the issue of housing. A city in which, as Pope Francis remarked, the “great beauty” and charm of art must also be matched by “simple decorum and the normal functioning of places and situations in ordinary, everyday life. Because a city that is more liveable for its citizens is also more welcoming to everyone” (Homily for Vespers with Te Deum, 31 December 2023).
    The Lord wanted us in this time filled with challenges that, at times, seem to exceed our strength. We are called to embrace these challenges, to interpret them evangelically, to experience them as opportunities to bear witness. Let us not flee from them! Pastoral commitment, like that of study, become for us a school to learn how to build the Kingdom of God in today’s complex and challenging history. In recent times we have had the example of holy priests who have been able to combine a passion for history with the proclamation of the Gospel, such as Don Primo Mazzolari and Don Lorenzo Milani, prophets of peace and justice. And here in Rome we have had Don Luigi Di Liegro who, faced with so much poverty, devoted his life to seeking ways of justice and human advancement. Let us draw on the strength of these examples to continue sowing seeds of holiness in our city.
    Dear friends, I assure you of my closeness, my affection and my readiness to walk with you. Let us entrust our priestly life to the Lord, and let us ask him to be able to grow in unity, exemplarity and in prophetic commitment to serve our time. May we be accompanied by the heartfelt appeal of Saint Augustine, who said: “Love this Church, be ye in this holy Church, be ye this Church; love the Good Shepherd, the Spouse so fair, who deceiveth no one, who desireth no one to perish. Pray too for the scattered sheep; that they too may come, that they too may acknowledge Him, that they too may love Him; that there may be One Flock and One Shepherd” (Sermon 138, 10). Thank you.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Frontex Joins Forces with Spain to Keep Summer Travel Safe and Smooth

    Source: Frontex

    Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, is working side by side with Policía Nacional in Spain this summer to support border checks at some of the busiest ports in the country.

    Every summer, thousands of people travel between Spain and Morocco, especially through Algeciras, Tarifa and Ceuta. With travel picking up, Frontex is sending more than 100 officers as part of Operation Minerva to help Policía Nacional manage the high number of passengers and vehicles.

    The goal? To make travel safer, faster and more secure for everyone.

    A year ago, Operation Minerva helped stop more than 100 kg of hashish and nearly 27 000 smuggled cigarettes from crossing the border. It’s a strong example of how working together helps tackle crime and keeps borders safe.

    “Spain knows its borders, and we bring backup when it counts. This isn’t just about sending officers. It’s about showing up when we’re needed. Strong borders start with strong cooperation,” said Frontex Executive Director Hans Leijtens.

    This partnership is part of Frontex’s wider effort to support countries across the EU while ensuring that border management respects people’s rights and upholds European values.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN visits the BIR AS in Bergen, Norway

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, visited the BIR AS, one of Norway’s largest waste management companies located in Bergen, Norway, on 12 June 2025. The visit highlighted the importance of strengthening cooperation between ASEAN and Norway on innovative waste management solutions, where Norway has been a major player in the waste management sector.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN visits the BIR AS in Bergen, Norway appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Source: Thales Group

    Headline: Thales ranked No.1 most attractive employer among engineering students in France in 2025

    Thales has secured the top spot in the 2025 ranking of the most attractive employers for engineering students in France, in a survey conducted by the Universum research institute. The survey covered 23,376 students, including 11,556 from engineering schools. Thales also ranked 4th among IT students.

    Students notably praised the Group’s capacity for innovation and the wide range of career development opportunities it offers.
    ​As a global leader in high technology across Defence, Aerospace, Cybersecurity and Digital Identity, Thales provides the opportunity to work in critical environments involving artificial intelligence, quantum technologies or cloud computing. The company offers a very broad array of career paths, backed by a strong industrial and academic presence across 68 countries. For the past three years, Thales has also invested heavily in a global upskilling initiative called the “Learning Company” programme, delivered by 2,000 in-house trainers. It brings together 13 Domain Academies (Radar, Radio, Naval, Tubes, Pyrotechnics…) and 19 Functional Academies (Engineering, Industry, HR, Finance, Communications…).

    The preference expressed by young engineering students for Thales also reflects the Group’s efforts to reach out to younger generations. Last year, Thales engaged with over 150,000 young people through 600 events. In 2025, in France alone, the Group expects to welcome more than 3,000 interns and apprentices in higher education, with around 25% going on to secure permanent or fixed-term roles. Nearly 1,500 students in Year 10 and Year 11 will also be welcomed for short-term work experience across around 40 Thales sites in mainland France, helping to spark interest in science and technology careers.

    “Attracting engineers – and diverse talent more broadly – to Thales is essential to staying at the forefront of innovation. We firmly believe that mathematics and science are key to understanding the world around us and tackling society’s greatest challenges. Joining Thales means continuing to learn throughout your career and helping to address the major societal challenges we are working on through our activities.”
    ​    Patrice Caine, Chairman & CEO of Thales

    Interested candidates can learn more and apply online at
    ​    https://careers.thalesgroup.com/global/en

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Grattan on Friday: the galahs are chattering about ‘productivity’, but can Labor really get it moving?

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Michelle Grattan, Professorial Fellow, University of Canberra

    Former prime minister Paul Keating famously used to say the resident galah in any pet shop was talking about micro-economic policy. These days, if you encounter a pet shop with a galah, she’ll be chattering about productivity.

    Productivity is currently the hot topic for a conversation on economic reform. Australia, like many other countries, has a serious problem with it. Our productivity hasn’t significantly increased for more than a decade (apart from a temporary spike during the pandemic).

    Now Treasurer Jim Chalmers has named productivity as his priority for Labor’s second term; assistant minister Andrew Leigh, part of the government’s economic team, has had it inserted into his title; the Productivity Commission has put out 15 potential reform areas for discussion, and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has announced a roundtable to canvass the way ahead.

    The roundtable appears to be a prime ministerial initiative. Announcing it at the National Press Club on Tuesday, Albanese made a point of saying he had asked Chalmers to convene it. Perhaps it’s a case of the prime minister emulating his forerunner Bob Hawke, with his penchant for summits, while Chalmers seeks to be a contemporary Keating, as he searches for reforms to promote.

    It would be a major achievement if people were able to remember the second-term Albanese government for paving the way for a significant lift in Australia’s productivity. It would probably also be an economic and political miracle.

    Let’s never knock a summit, but let’s not be taken in by the suggestion that the planned August meeting, involving employers, unions and the government, will mark some breakthrough moment. Business representatives are approaching it with a degree of cynicism; they saw the 2022 jobs and skills summit as preparing the ground for the new government to meet union demands.

    This summit is expected to have fewer participants than the 2022 meeting, and may be briefer. Albanese described it as “a more streamlined dialogue than the jobs and skills summit, dealing with a more targeted set of issues”. Chalmers will announce more details next week. We can expect the government will package a collection of initiatives at least for further work, and perhaps a few for early action.

    While many stakeholders give lip service to improving productivity, there are huge obstacles to actually doing so.

    There’s perennial talk about tax reform – from business and economists, rather than the government. But serious change produces winners and losers, and having “losers” has become a political no-no, especially when there is not enough money to compensate them.

    The housing crisis could be eased, with more homes built faster, if there were less onerous regulations, notably at state and local level. Governments are working around the edges of this, but attempting to seriously slash regulation immediately runs into opposition from those who, variously, argue that will harm city-scapes, the environment, safety or the like.

    Red tape hampers big projects, but interest groups concerned about fauna, flora or the climate defend extensive hurdles and appeals processes as important for other priorities.

    We’d be more productive if people with skills (whether immigrants or those moving between states) faced fewer complexities in getting their credentials recognised. But critics would point to the risk of underqualified people getting through.

    Regulations are both barriers and protections. Whether you see particular regulations as negative or positive will depend where you are coming from. Less regulation can enhance productivity – but in certain cases the trade-off can be less protection and/or more risk. We have, for good or ill, become a more risk-averse community.

    Employers say various industrial relations laws and regulations restrict changes that could boost productivity. A Labor government interlocked with the union movement is going to listen to its industrial base on that one. Asked on Tuesday whether his message to business groups going to the summit was, “don’t waste your breath if you’re going to raise IR” Albanese said, “People are entitled to raise whatever they want to raise. But I’m a Labor prime minister.”

    Artificial Intelligence presents great opportunities to advance productivity. But it will cost some jobs and produce dislocation. Industry Minister Tim Ayres said recently, “I will be looking in particular at how we can strengthen worker voice and agency as technology is diffused into every workplace in the Australian economy. I look forward to working with our trade union movement on all of this.” Employers’ ears pricked at the union reference.

    While the government is signalling it wants to do something meaningful on productivity, the prime minister is also highly cautious when it comes to getting ahead of what he considers to be the government’s electoral mandate. Nor is he one to gamble political capital.

    He is not like, for example, John Howard, who before the 1996 election said he would “never ever” have a GST, then brought forward an ambitious GST package that he took to the 1998 election. That package had plenty of compensation for losers but Howard, who had a big parliamentary majority, was nearly booted out of office.

    Reform is more difficult than it was in the Hawke–Keating era – though it wasn’t as easy then as is often portrayed now. The voters are less trusting of government, and less willing to accept the downsides of change.

    The voices of those wanting to say “no” to various proposed changes are greatly amplified, in a highly professionalised political milieu and ubiquitous media opportunities. In the era of the “permanent campaign”, opinion polling has become so constant that politicians are always measuring their support in the moment, making a government hyper-nervous.

    Progress on productivity is also harder these days because the easier things have been done, and because changes in our economy – especially the growth of the care economy – mean in some sectors efficiencies are not so readily available, or measurable.

    We don’t actually need more inquiries, or a roundtable, to come up with ideas for what could or should be done on productivity. There have been multiple reports and thousands of recommendations. What is required is for the government to devise a bold program, have the will and the skill to implement it, and the ability to sell it to the public. But that runs into the problem of not having sought permission from the voters – which forces the government back to incrementalism.

    Whatever the problems, it is not too fanciful to see Chalmers hanging his hat on the productivity peg in his longer-term bid to be the next Labor prime minister. We’ll see how he goes.

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

    – ref. Grattan on Friday: the galahs are chattering about ‘productivity’, but can Labor really get it moving? – https://theconversation.com/grattan-on-friday-the-galahs-are-chattering-about-productivity-but-can-labor-really-get-it-moving-257337

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI China: 20th meeting of ADMM-Plus Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations kicks off in Nanjing 2025-06-12 19:03:26 The 20th meeting of the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) kicked off in Nanjing City in east China’s Jiangsu Province on June 11.

    Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense

      By Huang Xiangliang and Chen Cheng

      NANJING, June 12 — The 20th meeting of the Experts’ Working Group on Peacekeeping Operations under the ASEAN Defense Ministers’ Meeting Plus (ADMM-Plus) kicked off in Nanjing City in east China’s Jiangsu Province on June 11. More than 80 representatives from 21 countries and international organizations including the member states, dialogue partners, observer states and Secretariat of the ASEAN attended the meeting.

      Themed on “Technology and Innovation: Enhancing Military Cooperation in Peacekeeping Operations”, the meeting organized discussions and exchanges on topics such as the application of unmanned and counter-unmanned technologies in peacekeeping operations, the application of artificial intelligence in peacekeeping operations, and the application of new technologies and equipment in security defense of peacekeeping operations. It aims to explore the military application of emerging technologies in peacekeeping operations, deepen military mutual trust and security cooperation among regional countries, and enhance their capacities in carrying out peacekeeping operations. The meeting, organized by the Chinese PLA Nanjing Army Command College, will last until June 14.

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • India’s e-Governance turns 11: over 1.07 crore officials onboarded on Karmayogi Bharat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Over the past 11 years, e-Governance in India has revolutionized the way citizens interact with the government by making services more accessible, transparent, and efficient. Through robust digital platforms, it has empowered both citizens and officials, enhancing ease of governance across the country.

    Mission Karmayogi: Building a Future-Ready Civil Service
    Karmayogi Bharat, operating under the National Programme for Civil Services Capacity Building (NPCSCB), is playing a pivotal role in reshaping the learning ecosystem for India’s civil servants. The initiative aims to prepare a future-ready public workforce by equipping officials with the Attitude, Skills, and Knowledge (ASK) required for efficient governance.

    As of May 2025, more than 1.07 crore civil servants, referred to as Karmayogis, have been onboarded on the platform. It currently hosts 2,588 courses across a broad spectrum of governance-related subjects. The platform has issued over 3.24 crore learning certificates, encouraging continuous learning through online, in-person, and blended formats.

    The platform also promotes peer-to-peer learning, provides structured career path guidance, and includes rigorous assessment mechanisms. Together, these features contribute to building a capable, agile, and accountable public service aligned with the vision of a New India.

    DigiLocker: Advancing Digital Empowerment
    Since its launch in 2015, DigiLocker has emerged as a cornerstone in India’s digital public infrastructure. Designed to provide citizens with secure access to authentic digital documents, the platform enables a paperless and convenient method of availing government and other services.

    As of April 2025, DigiLocker has recorded an impressive 51.6 crore users. Between January and June 11, 2025, 9.42 crore new users registered on the platform, including 33.06 lakh sign-ups in the month of June alone.

    In 2024, the platform saw an exponential rise with 2031.99 lakh yearly user sign-ups, a sharp increase compared to 9.98 lakh sign-ups recorded in 2015 — marking a significant leap in digital document adoption.

    UMANG: Simplifying Access to Government Services
    Launched in 2017, the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) platform has been instrumental in facilitating mobile governance in the country. It provides a single, unified interface for citizens to access e-Governance services ranging from Central to State and Local government bodies.

    As of May 2025, UMANG has achieved 8.21 crore user registrations and facilitated 597 crore transactions. The platform currently offers 2,300 government services in 23 Indian languages, reinforcing inclusive access to public services across diverse linguistic and regional demographics.

  • India leads global digital transactions: Amit Shah highlights 11 years of tech progress

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday highlighted the achievements of the Modi government’s digital revolution over the past 11 years, including ease of living and economic boom achieved during the ‘India’s Techade’.

    He credited the government’s vision for the technology-led development that has transformed society and every sector of the economy.

    “The Modi government democratised the use of technology and harnessed its power for the business sector, making Bharat a leading digital economy in the world in the #11YearsOfDigitalIndia. Whether it is healthcare, education, trade, or commerce, PM Shri @narendramodi Ji has transformed every sector of the economy and society through the digital revolution,” said Union Minister Shah in a post on the social media platform X.

    In his post, the Home Minister attached a digital poster titled ‘Big Picture – India’s Techade’ enlisting the achievements of the government, ranging from the launch of foreign satellites to rising internet users and mobile subscribers.

    The Union Minister’s post underscored the big digital strides taken by the government as reflected in 2.18 lakh gram panchayats getting an optical fibre connection and Rs 44 lakh crore being transferred to the poor and the needy under the direct benefit transfer (DBT) during the 11 years.

    He said that over 37 crore patients used digital consultation under the eSanjeevani scheme, over 52-plus crore people registered themselves on ‘DigiLocker’, 8 crore users used the UMANG platform for all government services, and the number of internet users rose 285 per cent during the period.

    Showcasing the strides taken in the telecom sector, Shah said the number of mobile subscribers has touched 116 crore while the cost per GB of data has declined from Rs 308 to Rs 9.34 during India’s Techade.

    The Home Minister’s post also delved into the government’s achievement of laying 6.93 lakh km of optical fibre cable under Bharat Net.

    Focusing on the economic benefits from the digital revolution, HM Shah said 49 per cent of the global real-time digital transactions happen in India.

    On the GeM portal, Rs 13-plus lakh crore worth of orders were placed on the platform till March 2025, he said.

    The Home Minister also said that during the past 11 years, the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) launched 393 foreign satellites.

    (IANS)

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Digital finance drives unprecedented financial inclusion

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    During the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, India has emerged as a global leader in digital finance and inclusion, harnessing technology to deliver accessible, efficient, and transparent financial services to every corner of the country. This digital transformation has played a pivotal role in bridging the urban-rural divide and reshaping India’s economic landscape.

    The Unified Payments Interface (UPI) has revolutionised digital transactions, with over 1,867.7 crore transactions worth ₹24.77 lakh crore recorded in April 2025 alone. Now used by nearly 460 million individuals and 65 million merchants, UPI has gone global, with its presence in more than seven countries, including the UAE, Singapore, and France. According to ACI Worldwide’s 2024 report, India accounted for 49% of all global real-time transactions in 2023, underscoring its leadership in digital payments innovation.

    The Aadhaar-enabled e-KYC system has simplified access to banking and public services, with over 141.88 crore Aadhaar IDs issued as of April 2025. It has become a foundational pillar of India’s digital infrastructure, ensuring faster verification and enhanced transparency.

    Direct Benefits Transfer (DBT), backed by Aadhaar authentication, has streamlined welfare delivery. Over ₹44 lakh crore has been transferred directly to beneficiaries’ accounts as of May 2025, eliminating middlemen and fake beneficiaries. This has saved the exchequer more than ₹3.48 lakh crore since 2015. The system has also removed over 5.87 crore ineligible ration card holders and 4.23 crore fake LPG connections, making welfare schemes more targeted.

    In the realm of e-commerce, the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), launched in 2022, has expanded to over 616 cities, empowering small sellers and service providers. By January 2025, more than 7.64 lakh sellers had joined the platform, boosting MSME participation in the digital economy.

    Similarly, the Government e-Marketplace (GeM), launched in 2016, has transformed public procurement. By January 2025, GeM had achieved a gross merchandise value (GMV) of ₹4.09 lakh crore in just 10 months of FY 2024–25, marking nearly 50% growth over the previous year. With over 1.6 lakh government buyers and 22.5 lakh sellers, GeM continues to enhance transparency and efficiency in government transactions.

    Together, these initiatives reflect a decade of digital empowerment under the Modi government, setting the foundation for a more inclusive, transparent, and resilient financial ecosystem.

  • 11 years of Modi govt: Digital connectivity and infrastructure witness remarkable growth

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    During the 11 years of Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government, India has witnessed a digital revolution, transforming itself into a digitally empowered society and knowledge-based economy. Under the leadership of PM Modi, the country has made remarkable strides in expanding internet connectivity, boosting telecom infrastructure, and revolutionising public service delivery through digital platforms.

    The digital economy, which contributed 11.74% to India’s national income in 2022–23, is projected to rise to 13.42% by 2024–25, fuelled by advancements in artificial intelligence, cloud computing, and digital infrastructure.

    Total telephone connections in India have grown from 93.3 crore in March 2014 to over 120 crore by April 2025. The overall tele-density in India which was 75.23 % in March 2014 rose to 84.49% in October 2024. Rural connectivity has significantly improved, with rural telephone connections jumping from 377.78 million in 2014 to 527.34 million in 2024. Internet connections have soared from 25.15 crore to 96.96 crore during the same period—a growth of over 285%.

    Broadband services saw an exponential rise, from just 6.1 crore users in 2014 to nearly 95 crore by August 2024. The cost of wireless data has dropped drastically from ₹308 per GB in 2014 to ₹9.34 in 2022, making digital access more affordable for millions.

    A key milestone in India’s digital journey has been the rollout of 5G services, launched in October 2022. In less than two years, India installed 4.74 lakh 5G Base Transceiver Stations, extending high-speed connectivity to 99.6% of districts. This leap supports a growing mobile subscriber base, which reached 116 crore in 2025.

    The BharatNet project has also played a pivotal role in bridging the digital divide. As of January 2025, high-speed internet has been delivered to over 2.18 lakh Gram Panchayats, with 6.92 lakh km of optical fibre cable laid, transforming connectivity in rural India.

    With this rapid progress, India continues its march towards a digitally inclusive future, powered by robust infrastructure and visionary policy implementation.