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Category: AM-NC

  • EU’s von der Leyen says China ties are at ‘inflection point’ at tense summit

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen called for an “essential” rebalancing of trade ties with China during a tense summit on Thursday with President Xi Jinping, saying ties stood at an “inflection point”, according to a pool report.

    Expectations were low for the summit marking 50 years of diplomatic ties after weeks of escalating tension and wrangling over its format, with the duration abruptly halved to a single day at Beijing’s request.

    Von der Leyen and European Council President Antonio Costa met Xi at the start of an event set to be dominated by thorny issues ranging from trade frictions to the Ukraine war.

    “As our cooperation has deepened, so have imbalances. We have reached an inflection point,” von der Leyen told Xi during the meeting in the Great Hall of the People.

    She was referring to the EU’s trade deficit with China, which ballooned to a historic 305.8 billion euros ($360 billion) last year.

    “Rebalancing of our bilateral relation is essential … It is vital for China and Europe to acknowledge our respective concerns and come forward with real solutions.”

    However, Xi urged the EU to “make correct strategic choices” during the meeting, state broadcaster CCTV said, in a veiled criticism of Brussels’ hawkish stance on China.

    “The more severe and complex the international situation, the more China and the EU must strengthen communication, enhance mutual trust and deepen cooperation,” Xi told von der Leyen and Costa, it said.

    “Chinese and European leaders should … make correct strategic choices that meet the expectations of the people.”

    The weeks before the summit were dominated by tit-for-tat trade disputes and hawkish European rhetoric, such as a July 8 accusation by von der Leyen that China was flooding global markets as a result of its overcapacity and “enabling Russia’s war economy”.

    Shortly before the summit, however, von der Leyen struck a more conciliatory tone, describing it as an opportunity to “both advance and rebalance our relationship” in a post on X on Thursday.

    “I’m convinced there can be a mutually beneficial cooperation,” von der Leyen added.

    The two EU officials are set to meet Chinese Premier Li Qiang later. Both sides are hoping to reach a modest joint statement on climate, currently one of the only bright spots in EU-China cooperation.

    State news agency Xinhua also appeared to downplay Beijing’s rivalry with the 27-member bloc, saying China was a “critical partner” for Europe, with a range of shared interests.

    “China is a critical partner to Europe, not a systemic rival,” it said in a commentary.

    The two shared interests in trade, climate, and global governance, it said, adding, “These areas of common ground should not be eclipsed by isolated points of friction.”

    The EU defines China as a “partner, competitor and systemic rival”, which frames its strategic approach to China policy.

    At the summit, European leaders are also expected to raise topics such as electric vehicles and Chinese industrial overcapacity.

    China launched rare earth export controls in April that disrupted supply chains worldwide, leading to temporary stoppages in European automotive production lines the following month.

    But its exports of rare earth magnets to the EU surged in June by 245% from May, to stand at 1,364 metric tons, though that was still 35% lower than the year-earlier figure, customs data showed.

    The EU is likely to seal a trade deal with the United States for a broad tariff of 15% on its exports after intense negotiations, avoiding a harsher 30% figure threatened by President Donald Trump.

    (Reuters)

  • Israeli strike kills hungry Gaza family in their sleep

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Al-Shaer family went to bed hungry at their home in Gaza City. An Israeli airstrike killed them in their sleep.

    The family – freelance journalist Wala al-Jaabari, her husband and their five children – were among more than 100 people killed in 24 hours of Israeli strikes or gunfire, according to health officials.

    Their corpses lay in white shrouds outside their bombed home on Wednesday with their names scribbled in pen. Blood seeped through the shrouds as they lay there, staining them red.

    “This is my cousin. He was 10. We dug them out of the rubble,” Amr al-Shaer, holding one of the bodies after retrieving it.

    Iman al-Shaer, another relative who lives nearby, said the family hadn’t eaten anything before the bombs came down. “The children slept without food,” he said.

    The Israeli military did not immediately comment on the strike at the family’s home, but said its air force had struck 120 targets throughout Gaza in the past day, including “terrorist cells, military structures, tunnels, booby-trapped structures, and additional terrorist infrastructure sites”.

    Relatives said some neighbours were spared only because they had been out searching for food at the time of the strike.

    Ten more Palestinians died overnight from starvation, the Gaza health ministry said, bringing the total number of people who have starved to death to 111, most of them in recent weeks as a wave of hunger crashes on the Palestinian enclave.

    The World Health Organization said on Wednesday 21 children under the age of five were among those who died of malnutrition so far this year. It said it had been unable to deliver any food for nearly 80 days between March and May and that a resumption of food deliveries was still far below what is needed.

    In a statement on Wednesday, 111 organisations, including Mercy Corps, the Norwegian Refugee Council and Refugees International, said mass starvation was spreading even as tons of food, clean water and medical supplies sit untouched just outside Gaza, where aid groups are blocked from accessing them.

    Israel, which cut off all supplies to Gaza from the start of March and reopened it with new restrictions in May, says it is committed to allowing in aid but must control it to prevent it from being diverted by militants. It says it has let enough food into Gaza during the war and blames Hamas for the suffering of Gaza’s 2.2 million people.

    Israel has also accused the United Nations of failing to act in a timely fashion, saying 700 truckloads of aid are idling inside Gaza. “It is time for them to pick it up and stop blaming Israel for the bottlenecks which are occurring,” Israeli government spokesman David Mercer said on Wednesday.

    The United Nations and aid groups trying to deliver food to Gaza say Israel, which controls everything that comes in and out, is choking delivery, and Israeli troops have shot hundreds of Palestinians dead close to aid collection points since May.

    “We have a minimum set of requirements to be able to operate inside Gaza,” Ross Smith, the director of emergencies at the U.N. World Food Programme, told Reuters. “One of the most important things I want to emphasize is that we need to have no armed actors near our distribution points, near our convoys.”

    Israel’s U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the Security Council on Wednesday that Israel will now grant only one-month visas to international staff from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

    FALTERING PEACE TALKS

    The war between Israel and Hamas has been raging for nearly two years since Hamas killed some 1,200 Israelis and took 251 hostages from southern Israel in the deadliest attack in Israel’s history.

    Israel has since killed nearly 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza, decimated Hamas as a military force, reduced most of the territory to ruins and forced nearly the entire population to flee their homes multiple times.

    U.S. Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff is expected to hold new ceasefire talks, travelling to Europe this week for meetings on the Gaza war and a range of other issues, a U.S. official said on Tuesday.

    A Palestinian official close to the Gaza ceasefire talks and the mediation efforts told Reuters on Wednesday that Hamas had handed its response on the ceasefire proposal to mediators, declining to elaborate further.

    Talks on a proposal for a 60-day ceasefire between Israel and Hamas, which would include the release of more of the 50 hostages still being held in Gaza, are being mediated by Qatar and Egypt with Washington’s backing.

    Successive rounds of negotiations have achieved no breakthrough since the collapse of a ceasefire in March.

    Israel’s President Isaac Herzog told soldiers during a visit to Gaza on Wednesday that “intensive negotiations” about returning the hostages held there were underway and he hoped that they would soon “hear good news”, according to a statement.

    A senior Palestinian official earlier told Reuters Hamas might give mediators a response to the latest proposals in Doha later on Wednesday, on the condition that amendments be made to two major sticking points: details on an Israeli military withdrawal, and on how to distribute aid during a truce.

    Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s cabinet includes far-right parties that oppose any agreement that ends without the total destruction of Hamas.

    “The second I spot weakness in the prime minister and if I come to think, heaven forbid, that this is about to end with us surrendering instead of with Hamas’s absolute surrender, I won’t remain (in the government) for even a single day,” Finance Minister Belalel Smotrich told Army Radio.

    (Reuters)

  • Thailand F-16 jet deployed against Cambodian forces as border clash escalates

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A Thai F-16 fighter jet bombed targets in Cambodia on Thursday, both sides said, as weeks of tension over a border dispute escalated into clashes that have killed at least two civilians.

    Of the six F-16 fighter jets that Thailand readied to deploy along the disputed border, one of the aircraft fired into Cambodia and destroyed a military target, the Thai army said. Both countries accused each other of starting the clash early on Thursday.

    “We have used air power against military targets as planned,” Thai army deputy spokesperson Richa Suksuwanon told reporters. Thailand also closed its border with Cambodia.

    Cambodia’s defence ministry said the jets dropped two bombs on a road, and that it “strongly condemns the reckless and brutal military aggression of the Kingdom of Thailand against the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Cambodia”.

    The skirmishes came after Thailand recalled its ambassador to Cambodia late on Wednesday and said it would expel Cambodia’s envoy in Bangkok, after a second Thai soldier in the space of a week lost a limb to a landmine that Bangkok alleged had been laid recently in the disputed area.

    Thai residents in the Surin border province fled to shelters built of concrete and fortified with sandbags and car tires as the two countries exchanged fire.

    “How many rounds have been fired? It’s countless,” an unidentified woman told the Thai Public Broadcasting Service (TPBS) while hiding in the shelter with gunfire and explosions heard intermittently in the background.

    For more than a century, Thailand and Cambodia have contested sovereignty at various undemarcated points along their 817 km (508 miles) land border, which has led to skirmishes over several years and at least a dozen deaths, including during a weeklong exchange of artillery in 2011.

    Tensions were reignited in May following the killing of a Cambodian soldier during a brief exchange of gunfire, which escalated into a full-blown diplomatic crisis and now has triggered armed clashes.

    LANDMINES

    The clashes began early on Thursday near the disputed Ta Moan Thom temple along the eastern border between Cambodia and Thailand, around 360 km from the Thai capital Bangkok.

    “Artillery shell fell on people’s homes,” Sutthirot Charoenthanasak, district chief of Kabcheing in Surin province, told Reuters, describing the firing by the Cambodian side.

    “Two people have died,” he said, adding that district authorities had evacuated 40,000 civilians from 86 villages near the border to safer locations.

    Thailand’s military said Cambodia deployed a surveillance drone before sending troops with heavy weapons to an area near the temple.

    Cambodian troops opened fire and two Thai soldiers were wounded, a Thai army spokesperson said, adding Cambodia had used multiple weapons, including rocket launchers.

    A spokesperson for Cambodia’s defence ministry, however, said there had been an unprovoked incursion by Thai troops and Cambodian forces had responded in self-defence.

    Thailand’s acting Prime Minister Phumtham Wechayachai said the situation was delicate.

    “We have to be careful,” he told reporters. “We will follow international law.”

    An attempt by Thai premier Paetongtarn Shinawatra to resolve the recent tensions via a call with Cambodia’s influential former Prime Minister Hun Sen, the contents of which were leaked, kicked off a political storm in Thailand, leading to her suspension by a court.

    Hun Sen said in a Facebook post that two Cambodian provinces had come under shelling from the Thai military.

    Thailand this week accused Cambodia of placing landmines in a disputed area that injured three soldiers. Phnom Penh denied the claim and said the soldiers had veered off agreed routes and triggered a mine left behind from decades of war.

    Cambodia has many landmines left over from its civil war decades ago, numbering in the millions according to de-mining groups.

    But Thailand maintains landmines have been placed at the border area recently, which Cambodia has described as baseless allegations.

    (Reuters) 

  • MIL-OSI China: Xi calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world through steady, sound bilateral relations

    Source: China State Council Information Office

    Xi calls on China, EU to provide more stability, certainty for world through steady, sound bilateral relations

    Xinhua | July 24, 2025

    Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday called on China and the European Union (EU) to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

    Xi made the remarks when meeting with President of the European Council Antonio Costa and President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen, who are here for the 25th China-EU Summit in Beijing.

    Noting that this year marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic ties, and the 80th anniversary of the United Nations, Xi said China-EU relations have come to another critical juncture in history.

    He said over the past 50 years, China and the EU have achieved fruitful outcomes in exchanges and cooperation, delivering mutual success and worldwide benefits, and an important understanding and insight is that the two sides should respect each other, seek commonality while reserving differences, uphold openness and cooperation, and pursue mutual benefit.

    These are also important principles and the right direction for China-EU relations in the future, Xi said. Faced with accelerating global transformation not seen in a century and a changing and turbulent world, Chinese and EU leaders should once again demonstrate vision and leadership, and make the right strategic choices that will meet people’s expectations and stand the scrutiny of history, he added.

    Xi underscored the importance for China and the EU, both constructive forces for multilateralism and openness and cooperation, to strengthen communication, enhance trust and deepen cooperation in a more challenging and complex international situation, in order to provide more stability and certainty for the world through steady and sound China-EU relations.

    Both as “big guys” in the international community, China and the EU should keep their bilateral relationship growing in the right direction, and work together to usher it into an even brighter next 50 years, he said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s basic medical insurance covers 95 pct of population

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

    BEIJING, July 24 — During the 2021-2025 period, China’s basic medical insurance has maintained a coverage rate of around 95 percent, with over 1.32 billion people enrolled in 2024, according to the National Healthcare Security Administration.

    Zhang Ke, head of the administration, unveiled the data at a press conference on Thursday.

    From 2021 to 2024, nearly 20 billion medical visits received insurance reimbursements, Zhang said, noting that the number in 2024 was 1.6 times higher than in 2020.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China boosts medical insurance spending on innovative drugs

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

    BEIJING, July 24 — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s medical insurance spending on drugs newly included in the negotiations list, or the innovative drugs, grew significantly, increasing by 40 percent annually, an official from the National Healthcare Security Administration said on Thursday.

    In 2024, related spending reached 3.9 times the amount recorded in 2020, Zhang Ke, head of the administration, told a press conference.

    During this period, medical insurance fund expenditures totaled 12.13 trillion yuan (about 1.7 trillion U.S. dollars), growing at an average annual rate of 9.1 percent, Zhang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China takes strong measures to ensure affordable medicines during 14th Five-Year Plan period

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

    China takes strong measures to ensure affordable medicines during 14th Five-Year Plan period

    BEIJING, July 24 — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), China’s medical insurance authority adopted multiple measures to ensure reasonable pricing of medicines, a senior Chinese official said Thursday.

    Shi Zihai, deputy head of the National Healthcare Security Administration (NHSA), introduced the measures at a press conference held by the State Council Information Office.

    Since 2018, the country has carried out 10 rounds of centralized medicine procurement, covering 435 medicines, Shi said. He noted that the centralized procurement program has been an effective means to curb the overpricing of medicines, has significantly eased the people’s burden in receiving medication, and improved the quality and accessibility of medicines.

    The NHSA also actively handled cases of irregular drug pricing and urged pharmaceutical companies to rectify their practices. To date, the administration has issued notices to 566 companies, requiring price adjustments for 726 medicines across various specifications.

    In addition, the NHSA implemented measures to regulate medicine prices both online and at physical drugstores, Shi said.

    The official noted that some pharmaceutical companies abused their pricing autonomy and disrupted market order through practices such as offering kickbacks, monopolizing the market, and controlling sales.

    He said that while the NHSA resolutely supports high-quality medical innovation and respects the autonomy of companies in setting drug prices, it has also taken a stronger role in managing medicine pricing and maintaining market order.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Hugo Ekitike: Liverpool sign Frankfurt striker

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

    Premier League champion Liverpool continued a big-spending summer with the signing of striker Hugo Ekitike from Eintracht Frankfurt for an initial fee of 79 million pounds (106 million US dollars).

    “We have reached an agreement for the transfer of Eintracht Frankfurt forward Hugo Ekitike, subject to international clearance,” announced Liverpool’s social media sites on Wednesday.

    Hugo Ekitike (R) of Eintracht Frankfurt vies with Cristian Romero of Tottenham Hotspur during the UEFA Europa League quarterfinals 2nd leg match in Frankfurt, Germany, April 17, 2025. (Photo by Ulrich Hufnagel/Xinhua)

    “The 23-year-old has successfully completed a medical and agreed personal terms with the Reds, allowing him to fly out to Hong Kong to join his new teammates on their preseason tour of Asia later this week,” the club added.

    Ekitike is the fourth major signing of the summer for Arne Slot’s side, following the capture of Florian Wirtz for over 110 million pounds and defenders Milos Kerkez and Jeremie Frimpong.

    The 23-year-old Frenchman, who can play across the front line, joins Anfield after scoring 22 goals in 48 appearances last season, along with more than a dozen assists.

    Liverpool has spent over 250 million pounds this summer, although they are likely to recoup some of that if Luis Diaz completes a move to Bayern Munich in a deal worth more than 60 million pounds. Darwin Nunez also appears likely to leave, and Federico Chiesa has been left out of Liverpool’s preseason squad for the Asia tour, suggesting he may also be on his way out. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Barcelona confirm Marcus Rashford loan signing

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

    FC Barcelona confirmed the loan signing of England international forward Marcus Rashford from Manchester United on Wednesday with a video in which the player said the news was “official.”

    Rashford joins the La Liga and Copa del Rey champion on an initial one-season loan, with Barcelona having the option to make the move permanent for around 35 million euros. However, there is also a clause that means the club has to pay compensation if it opts against this.

    Manchester United’s Marcus Rashford (L) breaks through during the FA Cup quarterfinal match between Manchester United and Liverpool in Manchester, Britain, on March 17, 2024. (Xinhua)

    “What the club stands for means a lot for me. I feel like I am at home and a big factor in my choice to come here because it is a family place and a good place for good players to showcase their skills,” said Rashford at his presentation.

    “To be here is everything I wished and thought. I’m eager to get going and keep learning the Barcelona way as I go and be ready for the games,” he continued, adding that the chance to work with Barca coach Hansi Flick was another key reason for his decision.

    “What he did last season was terrific. In his career he’s proved he’s one of the top coaches, to lead such a young team to a very successful season,” commented the forward.

    The 27-year-old, who passed his medical tests in Barcelona on Monday, is rumored to have taken a 15 percent pay cut in order to complete the move after falling out of favor with United coach Ruben Amorim last season and spending the second half of the campaign on loan at Aston Villa.

    He will now form part of the squad that travels to Asia on Thursday to play matches in both South Korea and Japan.

    Rashford’s signing at Barcelona comes after the club suffered an embarrassing failure to sign Spain international Nico Williams from Athletic Bilbao for the second consecutive summer, with Williams opting to sign a new contract with Athletic.

    Meanwhile, efforts to bring in Colombian winger Luis Diaz were frustrated by Barca’s economic situation, which made it impossible for the club to get close to Liverpool’s demands.

    Rashford becomes the first English player to join FC Barcelona since Gary Lineker was at the club between 1986-1989 and only the second Englishman to play for them in over 100 years, with Harold Stamper the last previous Englishman after a season at Barcelona between 1922 and 1923.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Poland edge China to reach Women’s VNL semifinals

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

    Host Poland battled past China in a thrilling five-set quarterfinal, winning 17-25, 25-20, 19-25, 25-19, 15-12 in the FIVB Women’s Volleyball Nations League (VNL) on Wednesday evening in Lodz to secure a spot in the semifinals.

    Opposite hitter Magdalena Stysiak led the Polish side with 25 points, including 22 kills and three blocks. Outside hitter Martyna Czyrnianska added 16 points. For China, outside hitter Wu Mengjie delivered an impressive performance with a match-high 25 points, while Zhuang Yushan added 20.

    Coming off a 3-1 victory over China in a friendly on Saturday, Poland entered the match as slight favorites. However, it was China who came out strong in the opening set, fueled by Wu’s sharp attacks. She scored 10 points in the set, helping China establish a 19-14 lead before closing it out 25-17.

    China continued their momentum early in the second set, taking a 5-2 advantage after a spike from Chen Houyu. But Poland rallied back, drawing level at 14-14 thanks to a powerful attack from Martyna Lukasik. Momentum shifted in favor of the hosts as Czyrnianska registered a key block and Stysiak added timely offense to push Poland ahead. Lukasik sealed the set with back-to-back spikes, giving Poland a 25-20 win.

    In the third set, China capitalized on a string of unforced errors from Poland to race ahead 13-5. Maintaining their advantage throughout, China regained the lead in sets with a 25-19 win.

    The fourth set saw Poland respond with renewed energy. Paulina Damaske’s spike and service ace helped the home team build an 18-12 cushion. Although China fought back to narrow the gap to 21-19, Poland surged with four straight points to take the set 25-19, forcing a decider.

    In the tiebreak, Poland met the expectations of their home crowd at Atlas Arena. A block from Stysiak and another strong finish from Damaske gave them a 7-4 lead. Though China closed the deficit to 10-9 after a Stysiak error, Damaske delivered a key solo block to make it 13-10 and later sealed the match with a powerful spike, clinching the final set 15-12.

    “It was a tough challenge. We struggled during the match, so we’re very happy with the victory,” said Polish setter Alicja Grabka in a post-match interview with Polsat TV. “We overcame a difficult situation as we were behind. For me, playing in that kind of match was a dream come true. I’m very proud I could help the team.”

    Earlier in the day, Italy advanced to the semifinals after sweeping the United States 3-0 (25-22, 25-21, 28-26). Opposite spiker Paola Egonu starred with a match-high 20 points, while Avery Skinner led the Americans with 11.

    The remaining quarterfinal matchups will take place on Thursday, with Japan facing Turkiye and Brazil taking on Germany.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice

    Source: The Conversation – Global Perspectives – By Jacqueline Peel, Professor of Law and Director, Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne

    Hilaire Bule/Getty

    Climate change “imperils all forms of life” and countries must tackle the problem or face consequences under international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found.

    The court delivered its long-awaited advisory opinion overnight. The momentous case opens the door for countries impacted by climate disasters to sue major emitting countries for reparations.

    And citizens could seek to hold governments to account for a failure to safeguard their human rights if their own or other countries fail to take adequate action to ensure a safe climate.

    Here’s what the court ruled – and the global ramifications likely to flow from it.

    Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu delivers a speech at a demonstration before the International Court of Justice issued its first advisory opinion on state’s legal obligations to address climate change.
    John Thys/AFP

    Climate change breaches human rights

    The ICJ case was instigated by law students at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu in 2019. They successfully launched a campaign for the court to examine two key issues: the obligations of countries to protect the climate from greenhouse gases, and the legal consequences for failing to do so.

    The court found a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of many other human rights. As such, it found, the full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    The ruling confirms climate change is much more than a legal problem. Rather, the justices concluded, it is an:

    existential problem of planetary proportions that imperils all forms of life and the very health of our planet.

    Most nations have signed up to global human rights agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The ICJ ruling means parties to those agreements must take measures to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice is not legally binding. But it is an authoritative description of the state of the law and the rights of countries to seek reparations if the law is breached. As such, it carries great legal weight.

    Just as climate science assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have become the gold standard for understanding the causes and impacts of climate change, the court’s ruling provides a clear baseline against which to assess countries’ action, or inaction, on climate change.

    Keeping 1.5°C alive?

    In recent years, many states’ emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement have seemed to “settle” at levels which would hold global temperature increases to 2°C at best.

    But the International Court of Justice ruled the much more ambitious 1.5°C goal had become the scientifically based consensus target under the Paris Agreement.

    Some countries argued formal emissions targets should be left to the discretion of each government. However, the court found against this. Rather, each nation’s targets had to be in line with – and make an adequate contribution to – the global goal of holding heating to 1.5°C.

    The court found each state’s emissions reduction pledges should be judged against a stringent “due diligence” standard. The standard takes into account each country’s historical contributions to emissions, level of development and national circumstances, among other factors.

    The ruling means rich countries, such as Australia, will be required under international law to make more ambitious emission-reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement, such as for the 2035 target currently under consideration by the Albanese government.

    The court decision also provides a measure of climate justice for small island states, which have historically low emissions but face a much higher risk of damage from climate change than other nations.

    Holding states accountable for inaction

    Because climate change is global, it is difficult – but not impossible – to attribute damage from extreme weather to the actions of any one nation or group of nations.

    On this question, the court said while climate change is caused by the cumulative impact of many human activities, it is scientifically possible to determine each nation’s total contribution to global emissions, taking into account both historical and current emissions.

    If a nation experiences damage caused by the failure of another nation, or group of nations, to fulfil international climate obligations, the ruling means legal proceedings may be launched against the nations causing the harm. It may result in compensation or other remedies.

    For small, climate-vulnerable nations such as those in the Alliance of Small Island States, this opens more legal options in their efforts to encourage high-emitting nations to properly address climate change.

    Importantly, the court made clear nations can be legally liable even if damage from climate change comes from many causes, including from the activities of private actors such as companies.

    That means nations cannot seek an exemption because others have contributed to the problem. They must also act to regulate companies and other entities under their jurisdiction whose activities contribute to climate change.

    Pacific Island nations emit very little but face huge threats from climate change.
    Luca Turati/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

    Paris Agreement quitters aren’t safe

    One line of argument put to the court by Australia and other states was that climate treaties represented the only obligations to tackle climate change under international law.

    But the court found this was not the case. Rather, other international laws applied.

    The United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement earlier this year. The court’s opinion means the US and other nations are still accountable for climate harms under other international laws by which all countries are bound.

    Could this lead to greater climate action?

    The International Court of Justice has produced a truly historic ruling.

    It will set a new baseline in terms what countries need to do to address climate change and opens up new avenues of recourse against high-emitting states not doing enough on climate change.

    Jacqueline Peel receives funding from the Australian Research Council under her Australian Laureate Fellowship and Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award on ‘Transforming International Law for Corporate Climate Accountability’.

    – ref. Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice – https://theconversation.com/historic-ruling-finds-climate-change-imperils-all-forms-of-life-and-puts-laggard-nations-on-notice-261848

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: New Dam Inaugurated in Dirfo Administrative Area

    Source: APO


    .

    A new dam in the Dirfo administrative area, Central Region, constructed at a cost of over 15 million Nakfa with a capacity to hold more than 200 thousand cubic meters of water, was inaugurated on 22 July.

    The inauguration ceremony was attended by Mr. Fesehaye Haile, Governor of the Central Region; General Filipos Woldeyohannes, Chief of Staff of the Eritrean Defense Forces; as well as senior commanders of the Central Command and Popular Force.

    Eng. Abraham Daniel, head of agricultural infrastructure in the Central Region, stated that construction of the dam began in December 2023 and was completed in April 2025 with strong participation from the public and members of the Defense Forces.

    Commending the initiative as a lasting solution to the potable water supply problem of the residents, Mr. Omar Ibrahim, administrator of the area, expressed readiness to conduct regular follow-up for the sustainability of the dam.

    Noting that the project provided valuable hands-on experience, the Commander of the Defense Forces involved in the construction said it would significantly contribute to their future participation in similar national development projects.

    Mr. Fesehaye Haile, for his part, noted that in the past two years, new dams have been constructed in the administrative areas of Gul-i, Temameo, Adi-Qe, and Arbe Robu, and that the Dirfo dam is a continuation of the same initiative.

    Certificates of recognition were awarded to individuals and groups who contributed to the project.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Libyan lawmakers, military and security officials discuss strengthening legislative role in national security

    Source: APO


    .

    Members of the House of Representatives and senior military and security officials gathered in the Tunisian capital this week for a two-day forum aimed at bolstering the role of legislators in shaping Libya’s national security legislations.  

    Organized and facilitated by the United Nations Support Mission in Libya, the event was attended by the Defense and National Security Committee, the Interior Committee, the Legislative Committee, and the Women and Children Committee of the Libyan House of Representatives. The UN Security Sector Reform Standing Capacity also participated. 

    Participants conducted a deep dive into shortcomings in the current legislation, emphasizing the need for comprehensive reforms that reflect Libya’s evolving security landscape. Key priorities included strengthening border security and enhancing the legislative authority’s capacity to modernize relevant laws. 

    The forum also spotlighted successful national initiatives, such as the development of a code of conduct for military and security personnel, raising the minimum age for recruitment, updating the police law, and intensifying efforts to secure Libya’s land borders. These measures were presented as foundational steps toward building more professional, effective, and responsive security and military institutions. 

    On the second day, discussions turned to election security. Participants stressed the importance of updating the legislation pertaining to elections security to ensure a safe and transparent electoral process—regardless of the type of elections. UNSMIL presented categories of misinformation, disinformation and malinformation, outlining its risks to electoral integrity. The session underscored the urgent need to update relevant legislation to keep pace with rapid developments in the digital information space. 

    In the context of Libya’s ongoing transitional phase, participants and UNSMIL experts reviewed a proposed action plan aimed at strengthening the role of the House of Representatives in security sector reform. The plan calls for the creation of specialized parliamentary sub-committees tasked with reviewing and updating security legislation, in collaboration with national and international experts and under UNSMIL’s technical guidance. 

    The plan, which received broad consensus, places citizen protection and human rights at the core of any future security legislation. It also calls for adherence to international standards and a stronger role for civil society in delivering security services. 

    “This dialogue between key Libyan institutions is a vital step toward strengthening the rule of law and fostering constructive engagement between the executive and legislative branches,” said Badreddine El Harti, Chief of Security Institution Services at UNSMIL. “It lays the foundation for sustainable peace and long-term state-building.”  

    The next meeting is scheduled for the second half of September, with UNSMIL set to coordinate preparations and mobilize international support to advance the implementation of the action plan.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: South Africa: Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities Welcomes the Appointment of the National Youth Development Youth Agency (NYDA) Board

    Source: APO


    .

    The Portfolio Committee on Women, Youth and Persons with Disabilities has noted the appointment of the new Board of the National Youth Development Youth Agency (NYDA) by President Cyril Ramaphosa.

    The Chairperson of the committee, Ms Liezl van der Merwe, said that the committee welcomes the new Board which replaces an interim one that has been in place since November 2024. She expressed the optimism of the committee on the new Board with members who have relevant skills and knowledge that will add a meaningful value to the NYDA and take it to the new heights.

    Ms van der Merwe said the committee expressed its faith in the new leadership of the NYDA, which is led by a new Chief Executive Officer. The committee wished the new Board well and trust that it will rise to the occasion.

    The Chairperson said the committee is looking forward to working together with the new Board and hopes that it will provide innovative solutions that will address the complex and vast challenges that currently face the young people.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Microsoft says some SharePoint server hackers now using ransomware

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    A cyber-espionage campaign centered on vulnerable versions of Microsoft‘s server software now involves the deployment of ransomware, Microsoft said in a late Wednesday blog post.

    In the post, citing “expanded analysis and threat intelligence,” Microsoft said a group it dubs “Storm-2603” is using the vulnerability to seed the ransomware, which typically works by paralyzing victims’ networks until a digital currency payment is made.

    The disclosure marks a potential escalation in the campaign, which has already hit at least 400 victims, according to Netherlands-based cybersecurity firm Eye Security. Unlike typical state-backed hacker campaigns, which are aimed at stealing data, ransomware can cause widespread disruption depending on where it lands.

    The figure of 400 victims represents a sharp rise from the 100 organizations cataloged over the weekend. Eye Security says the figure is likely an undercount.

    “There are many more, because not all attack vectors have left artifacts that we could scan for,” said Vaisha Bernard, the chief hacker for Eye Security, which was among the first organizations to flag the breaches.

    The details of most of the victim organizations have not yet been fully disclosed, but on Wednesday a representative for the National Institutes of Health confirmed that one of the organization’s servers had been compromised.

    “Additional servers were isolated as a precaution,” he said. The news of the compromise was first reported by the Washington Post.

    Other outlets said the hacking campaign had breached an even broader range of U.S. agencies. NextGov, citing multiple people familiar with the matter, reported the Department of Homeland Security had been hit, along with more than five to 12 other agencies.

    Politico, which cited two U.S. officials, said multiple agencies were believed to have been breached.

    DHS’ cyberdefense arm, CISA, did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the reports. Microsoft did not immediately return a message seeking further details on the ransomware angle of the hacking or the reported government victims.

    The spy campaign began after Microsoft failed to fully patch a security hole in its SharePoint server software, kicking off a scramble to fix the vulnerability when it was discovered.

    Microsoft and its tech rival, Google-owner Alphabet, have both said Chinese hackers are among those taking advantage of the flaw. Beijing has denied the claim.

    -Reuters

  • U’khand panchayat polls: 1st phase of voting begins, CM Dhami to cast vote in Khatima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday arrived in Khatima to cast his vote as the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections commenced across the state.

    He reached Khatima via helicopter and landed at the helipad of Saraf Public School. After this, he headed to the Nagla Tarai Primary School polling booth to exercise his right to vote.

    The voting, being held in two phases across 12 districts — excluding Haridwar — is set to decide thousands of local representatives.

    According to the notification issued by the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, a total of 2,247 candidates are in the fray for 948 member Gram Panchayat seats, while 9,731 candidates are contesting for 3,393 Pradhan Gram Panchayat posts.

    Additionally, 4,980 candidates are contesting for 1,507 Area Panchayat member positions and 871 for 201 District Panchayat member posts.

    An estimated 26 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in this first phase. Despite persistent monsoon showers, voters turned up in large numbers, forming long queues outside polling booths in various parts of the state.

    A total of 1,240 polling personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, while tight security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order throughout the process.

    Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to X to appeal to voters, saying, “Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights.”

    “With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,” he added.

    The second phase of voting is scheduled for July 28, and counting of votes will take place on July 31.

    (IANS)

  • U’khand panchayat polls: 1st phase of voting begins, CM Dhami to cast vote in Khatima

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Thursday arrived in Khatima to cast his vote as the first phase of the three-tier panchayat elections commenced across the state.

    He reached Khatima via helicopter and landed at the helipad of Saraf Public School. After this, he headed to the Nagla Tarai Primary School polling booth to exercise his right to vote.

    The voting, being held in two phases across 12 districts — excluding Haridwar — is set to decide thousands of local representatives.

    According to the notification issued by the Uttarakhand State Election Commission, a total of 2,247 candidates are in the fray for 948 member Gram Panchayat seats, while 9,731 candidates are contesting for 3,393 Pradhan Gram Panchayat posts.

    Additionally, 4,980 candidates are contesting for 1,507 Area Panchayat member positions and 871 for 201 District Panchayat member posts.

    An estimated 26 lakh voters were eligible to cast their votes in this first phase. Despite persistent monsoon showers, voters turned up in large numbers, forming long queues outside polling booths in various parts of the state.

    A total of 1,240 polling personnel were deployed to ensure the smooth conduct of elections, while tight security arrangements were put in place to maintain law and order throughout the process.

    Earlier in the day, CM Dhami took to X to appeal to voters, saying, “Today, the first phase of voting for the three-tier panchayat elections is taking place. I appeal to all the divine people of the state to reach the polling stations in large numbers and exercise their voting rights.”

    “With your vote, choose capable, aware, and dedicated representatives who will strongly raise your voice and strengthen the foundation of rural development. Your single vote is an important step towards a robust Panchayati Raj system,” he added.

    The second phase of voting is scheduled for July 28, and counting of votes will take place on July 31.

    (IANS)

  • Markets open flat; IT, midcap stocks under pressure amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened flat on Thursday as IT companies came under selling pressure amid mixed global cues.

    At 9:28 a.m., the Sensex slipped 110 points or 0.13 per cent to 82,615, and the Nifty declined 13 points or 0.05 per cent to 25,206.

    Sectorally, the Nifty IT index underperformed with a loss of 1.17 per cent. All other sectors showed marginal dips or moderate gains. Bank stocks registered moderate losses of up to 0.20 per cent.

    Midcap and smallcap stocks also faced selling pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was down 0.39 per cent at 59,148, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 0.07 per cent to 18,879.

    In the Nifty pack, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led the gainers with a 3.07 per cent rise, followed by Tata Motors at 1.51 per cent. Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, JSW Steel, and Tata Steel were also among the top gainers. Trent, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the early losers.

    “Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic amid heightened volatility and mixed global cues. Nifty 50’s rebound highlights buyer strength at lower levels. A sustained move above 25,250 could potentially open the path toward the 25,330 mark. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 25,125, followed by 25,000,” said Hardik Matalia of Choice Equity Broking Private Limited.

    The Bank Nifty outperformed the broader index, rising 454 points and forming a bullish candlestick, indicating renewed buying interest, he added.

    Both Asian and U.S. indices posted strong overnight gains, lending a positive backdrop for Indian markets at the open.

    In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.14 per cent, the Nasdaq rose 0.61 per cent, and the S&P 500 added 0.78 per cent.

    According to analysts, the U.S. striking trade deals with various countries is gradually easing concerns over tariff wars. Strong corporate earnings in the U.S. are also providing fundamental support to the market.

    In Asian markets, the Nikkei 225 continued its strong rally for the second consecutive day, gaining 1.97 per cent, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite climbed 1.70 per cent. Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul were also trading in the green.

    On July 23, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers for the fifth consecutive session, offloading stocks worth Rs 4,209 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers for the 12th straight day, purchasing shares worth Rs 4,358 crore.

    IANS

  • Markets open flat; IT, midcap stocks under pressure amid mixed global cues

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Indian stock market opened flat on Thursday as IT companies came under selling pressure amid mixed global cues.

    At 9:28 a.m., the Sensex slipped 110 points or 0.13 per cent to 82,615, and the Nifty declined 13 points or 0.05 per cent to 25,206.

    Sectorally, the Nifty IT index underperformed with a loss of 1.17 per cent. All other sectors showed marginal dips or moderate gains. Bank stocks registered moderate losses of up to 0.20 per cent.

    Midcap and smallcap stocks also faced selling pressure. The Nifty Midcap 100 index was down 0.39 per cent at 59,148, while the Nifty Smallcap 100 index declined 0.07 per cent to 18,879.

    In the Nifty pack, Dr. Reddy’s Laboratories led the gainers with a 3.07 per cent rise, followed by Tata Motors at 1.51 per cent. Tata Consumer Products, Eicher Motors, JSW Steel, and Tata Steel were also among the top gainers. Trent, Kotak Mahindra Bank, and Bajaj Finance were among the early losers.

    “Market sentiment remains cautiously optimistic amid heightened volatility and mixed global cues. Nifty 50’s rebound highlights buyer strength at lower levels. A sustained move above 25,250 could potentially open the path toward the 25,330 mark. On the downside, immediate support is placed at 25,125, followed by 25,000,” said Hardik Matalia of Choice Equity Broking Private Limited.

    The Bank Nifty outperformed the broader index, rising 454 points and forming a bullish candlestick, indicating renewed buying interest, he added.

    Both Asian and U.S. indices posted strong overnight gains, lending a positive backdrop for Indian markets at the open.

    In the U.S., the Dow Jones Industrial Average advanced 1.14 per cent, the Nasdaq rose 0.61 per cent, and the S&P 500 added 0.78 per cent.

    According to analysts, the U.S. striking trade deals with various countries is gradually easing concerns over tariff wars. Strong corporate earnings in the U.S. are also providing fundamental support to the market.

    In Asian markets, the Nikkei 225 continued its strong rally for the second consecutive day, gaining 1.97 per cent, while Indonesia’s Jakarta Composite climbed 1.70 per cent. Hong Kong, Shanghai, and Seoul were also trading in the green.

    On July 23, foreign institutional investors (FIIs) were net sellers for the fifth consecutive session, offloading stocks worth Rs 4,209 crore. In contrast, domestic institutional investors (DIIs) remained strong buyers for the 12th straight day, purchasing shares worth Rs 4,358 crore.

    IANS

  • UAE Central Bank mandates phase-out of SMS and email OTP authentication by March 2026

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The Central Bank of the United Arab Emirates (CBUAE) has issued a directive requiring all financial institutions to eliminate SMS and email-based one-time password (OTP) authentication for customer transactions by March 31, 2026. This move, aimed at bolstering digital banking security, will affect banks, finance companies, exchange houses, insurers, and payment service providers across the UAE, marking a significant shift toward more secure, risk-based authentication technologies.

    Traditional OTP methods, delivered via SMS or email, are increasingly vulnerable to phishing, SIM swapping, and SS7 protocol exploits. To counter these threats, the CBUAE is mandating the adoption of advanced authentication methods, such as Emirates Face Recognition, biometric verification, and mobile-based soft tokens.

    Starting July 25, 2025, UAE banks will begin transitioning customers to app-based authentication for all domestic and international financial transactions. Leading institutions like Emirates NBD, ADIB, and FAB have already adopted biometric and in-app solutions for most online banking activities. Customers will need to enable app-based verification features to authorize transactions, replacing the reliance on SMS or email OTPs. The CBUAE has set a phased implementation, with full compliance required by March 2026.

    The UAE’s move aligns with global trends, as countries like Singapore and Malaysia phase out SMS-based OTPs due to similar security concerns. The Monetary Authority of Singapore, for instance, mandated a similar shift in 2024, citing rising phishing scams. The CBUAE’s directive is part of its broader Financial Infrastructure Transformation (FIT) Programme, which includes initiatives like the planned launch of a retail central bank digital currency (CBDC), the digital dirham, in late 2025.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Result of the Overnight Variable Rate Repo (VRR) auction held on July 24, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Tenor 1-day
    Notified Amount (in ₹ crore) 50,000
    Total amount of bids received (in ₹ crore) 1,421
    Amount allotted (in ₹ crore) 1,421
    Cut off Rate (%) 5.51
    Weighted Average Rate (%) 5.53
    Partial Allotment Percentage of bids received at cut off rate (%) NA

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/775

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Meeting on Implementation of Development Programs

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Ambassador Abdella Musa, Governor of the Anseba Region, conducted a meeting with residents of Keren city on 22 July focusing on the implementation of planned development programs.

    At the meeting, Ambassador Abdella said that the progress registered over the past few years in water and soil conservation and dam construction was the result of strong public participation and involvement of the Defense Forces. He noted that this experience will be vital for the implementation of future development programs.

    Ambassador Abdella also highlighted that the implemented programs have made significant contributions to food security efforts and called for continued public engagement in upcoming initiatives.

    He further stated that the dams constructed so far have played a critical role in ensuring water supply for both the public and livestock, as well as in supporting irrigation farming. He called for reinforced participation to sustain these efforts and urged the public to ensure that school-aged children attend regular education.

    The participants conducted extensive discussions on the issues raised during the meeting and adopted various recommendations.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Underwriting Auction for sale of Government Securities for ₹36,000 crore on July 25, 2025

    Source: Reserve Bank of India

    Government of India has announced the sale (re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on July 25, 2025 (Friday).

    As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:

    (₹ crore)
    Security Notified Amount MUC amount per PD Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
    5.91% GS 2028 6,000 143 143
    6.33% GS 2035 30,000 715 715

    The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on July 25, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.

    The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.

    Ajit Prasad          
    Deputy General Manager
    (Communications)    

    Press Release: 2025-2026/774

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese automakers unveil new models in Indonesia

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    JAKARTA, July 24 (Xinhua) — Chinese automakers on Wednesday unveiled new electric vehicle models in Indonesia, where demand for them continues to grow.

    At the GAIKINDO Indonesia International Auto Show (GIIAS) in Tangerang, Banten Province, Chinese automaker BYD unveiled the Atto 1, known in China as the Seagull or Dolphin Mini.

    “This is the first Atto 1 in Southeast Asia. We offer it in two variants: Dynamic and Premium,” said Nathan Sun, COO of BYD Indonesia, during the launch.

    In turn, Wuling presented a new multi-purpose vehicle Cortez Darion, designed for both family and business use. It will be available in two versions: hybrid and fully electric.

    GIIAS 2025 officially opened on Wednesday and will be open to the general public from July 24 to August 3. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In China, about 95 percent of the population is covered by basic medical insurance /detailed version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 24 (Xinhua) — During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025), the country’s basic medical insurance coverage remained at about 95 percent, with the number of people registered in the system reaching more than 1.32 billion in 2024, according to data from the National Medical Insurance Administration (NMIA).

    These data were made public by the head of the Main Directorate of the Ministry of Internal Affairs Zhang Ke at a press conference held on Thursday.

    In China, health insurance reimbursed citizens for nearly 20 billion visits to doctors between 2021 and 2024, Zhang Ke said, noting that in 2024, the number of people visiting doctors increased by 1.6 times compared to the figure recorded at the end of 2020. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Saudi Arabian delegation arrives in Damascus to participate in investment forum

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    DAMASCUS, July 24 (Xinhua) — A high-level Saudi delegation led by Investment Minister Khalid al-Falih arrived in Damascus on Wednesday to open the Saudi-Syrian Investment Forum, which is seen as a significant step toward restoring and expanding economic cooperation between the two countries, state news agency SANA reported.

    The delegation, sent at the initiative of Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud, includes more than 130 businessmen and investors.

    As SANA notes, the purpose of the forum is to explore opportunities for bilateral cooperation and promote the signing of agreements that support sustainable development and mutual economic interests of the two countries.

    As part of the forum program, it is planned to launch a project for a white cement production plant in the city of Adra in the outskirts of Damascus.

    In an interview with Saudi Arabia’s Al Arabiya TV channel on Wednesday, Saudi Arabia’s Ambassador to Syria Faisal al-Majfal said the forum reflects the kingdom’s leadership’s commitment to supporting reconstruction, the resumption of state institutions and the territorial unity of Syria. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: More than 145,000 people have fled their homes due to violence in Syria’s As-Suwayda province – UN

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    DAMASCUS, July 24 (Xinhua) — Despite a declared ceasefire, sporadic clashes, drone strikes and ground fighting continue in Suwayda province and surrounding areas in southern Syria, with the number of displaced people exceeding 145,000, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said on Wednesday.

    According to him, mortar shelling and aerial reconnaissance were recorded from July 20 to 22, civilians were injured, and thousands were forced to flee. Most of the displaced persons remain within the province of As-Suwayda, while some are seeking refuge in the neighboring province of Daraa and rural areas of Damascus.

    Access to basic services remains severely disrupted across As-Suwayda. The UN reports widespread disruptions to electricity, water, fuel and communications, while food insecurity is exacerbated by disruptions to markets and the closure of bakeries.

    Humanitarian organisations have begun to respond to the crisis, providing health and protection services to affected communities, delivering food, clean water and non-food items. Access constraints remain, hampering their work.

    The UN warns that displacement continues in the region, with overcrowded shelters, poor sanitation and explosive contamination exacerbating risks for already vulnerable groups. –0–

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Cambodian and Thai soldiers exchange fire in disputed border area

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    PHNOM PENH, July 24 (Xinhua) — Cambodian soldiers clashed with Thai soldiers in a disputed border area on Thursday, said Mali Socheat, deputy secretary of state and spokesperson for the Cambodian Defense Ministry.

    According to her, armed clashes occurred on the Cambodian-Thai border in Oddar Meanchey province.

    “The Thai military was the first to launch an armed attack on Cambodian troops. Cambodian troops acted strictly in self-defense, responding to the unprovoked incursion of Thai troops that violated our territorial integrity,” she said in a statement. -0-

    Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Waste Generation Rate Continues To Trend Downwards In 2024

    Source: Government of Singapore

    Per capita daily domestic waste decreased by more than 20 per cent over the past decade; per billion dollar GDP daily non-domestic waste decreased by more 30 per cent over the same period. The recycling rate continues to hover around 50 per cent. 

    Singapore, 23 July 2025 – Singapore continued to see a decrease in waste generation rate in 2024. The daily domestic waste generated per capita decreased from 0.88 kg in 2023 to 0.85 kg in 2024. The daily non-domestic waste  generated per billion dollar Gross Domestic Product (GDP) decreased from around 25 tonnes in 2023 to around 23 tonnes in 2024. This reflects the sustained reduction and reuse efforts by households and businesses in 2024.

    Per capita and per billion dollar GDP waste generated decreased in past decade

    2          Over the past decade, daily domestic waste generated per capita decreased by more than 20 per cent, and daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP decreased by more than 30 per cent.

    Fig. 1. Chart on the daily domestic waste generated per capita from 2014 to 2024.

    Fig. 2. Chart on the daily non-domestic waste generated per billion dollar GDP from 2014 to 2024.

    Recycling rate continues to hover at around 50 per cent

    3          Overall recycling rate continues to hover at around 50 per cent (refer to Table 1 in 

    Annex). The recycling rate of paper/cardboard, food, and plastics remained similar. The slight reduction in recycling rate is driven largely by the reduction in the amount of Construction & Demolition (C&D) waste (by 122,000 tonnes) and used slag (by 63,000 tonnes) generated, which are almost completely recycled. This resulted in a corresponding reduction in overall recycling volume. Additionally, there was a reduction in the amount of wood waste recycled, by 49,000 tonnes, due to a short-term reduction in wood waste processing capacity in 2024 as a result of the closure of one biomass plant and prolonged maintenance of another.

    10-year Recycling Trends

    4          Over the past decade, the recycling rate dropped from 60 per cent in 2014 to 50 per cent in 2024 (refer to Table 2 in Annex). This is driven by two factors.

    a.     There was a 44 per cent and 69 per cent decrease in the volume of C&D waste and used slag generation, respectively. As C&D waste and used slag are almost fully recycled, the decrease in volume generated and consequently recycled led to a significant reduction (7 percentage points) in the overall recycling rate (refer to Chart 1 and Chart 2 in Annex). This is due to the reduction in C&D waste volume generated from demolition projects in recent years, while the lower amount of used slag generated is due to a reduction in steel smelting activities in Singapore. 

    b.     The amount of paper/cardboard waste generated has been similar between 2014 and 2024, although paper waste generated had been on a downtrend from 2014 to 2019, before rising again post-2019 driven in part by e-commerce packaging. However, there has been a steep reduction in the paper recycling rate, from 52 per cent to 32 per cent (refer to Chart 3 in Annex). The decline is driven by factors such as the cost of collecting and freight as well as commodity prices.

    Upcoming efforts to improve recycling of key waste streams

    5          NEA will continue to partner the community and businesses to encourage the reduction of waste generated and to increase recycling efforts. Our efforts will be focused on food, paper, and plastics as these make up the largest amount of waste that is not recycled.

    a.     The recycling rate for food waste increased from 13 per cent in 2014 to 18 per cent in 2024. To drive the reduction and recycling of food waste, all new large commercial and industrial food waste generators have been required since March 2024 to segregate, treat and report their food waste. In addition, we will progressively extend these requirements to existing large commercial and industrial food waste generators in tandem when the Food Waste Treatment Facility becomes operational, as we progressively complete the Integrated Waste Management Facility (IWMF) from 2027 onwards.

    b.     To encourage reduction in paper/cardboard waste and improve recycling rates, NEA supported the development of a set of Guidelines on Sustainable E-commerce Packaging in March 2025. The guidelines offer practical 3R (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) strategies tailored to common types of e-commerce packaging, including cardboard boxes. Furthermore, NEA is looking to strengthen support for paper recycling, working together with waste collectors, recycling companies, and the community.

    c.     We will also increase plastic recycling through initiatives such as the beverage container return scheme, which will take effect next year. Under the scheme, a 10-cent deposit will be fully refunded when consumers return the empty beverage containers at designated return points such as reverse vending machines. The scheme will aggregate clean and high-quality plastic recyclables, which can be made into new products. NEA is working with the licensed scheme operator, Beverage Container Return Scheme Ltd. (BCRS Ltd.) on the return point network and deposit refund options to provide a convenient return and refund journey for consumers, when the scheme rolls out on 1 April 2026.

    Waste Disposed of

    6          Our combined commitment to reducing the amount of waste generated and improving recycling efforts is reflected in the waste disposed of at our waste-to-energy plants and Semakau Landfill. While the waste disposal rate has similarly trended downwards in the last decade, the total amount of waste disposed of has increased from 3.04 million tonnes in 2014 to 3.33 million tonnes in 2024. This is due to the recycling amount declining faster than the total amount of waste generated. Hence, the net effect is an increase in the total amount of waste disposed of. When everyone plays their part to reduce, reuse, and recycle, we avoid sending waste for disposal, thus reducing our environmental footprint and extending the lifespan of Semakau Landfill.

    7          The latest waste and recycling statistics can be accessed at go.gov.sg/waste-statistics-and-overall-recycling.

     

    ——————

    [1] Domestic waste is waste collected from households and trade premises (e.g., shophouses, educational institutions, petrol stations, hawker centres and places of worship).

    [2] Non-domestic waste is waste generated at industrial and commercial premises.

     

    ~~ End ~~

    For more information, please submit your enquiries electronically via the Online Feedback Form or myENV mobile application.

     

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jacqueline Peel, Professor of Law and Director, Melbourne Climate Futures, The University of Melbourne

    Hilaire Bule/Getty

    Climate change “imperils all forms of life” and countries must tackle the problem or face consequences under international law, the International Court of Justice (ICJ) has found.

    The court delivered its long-awaited advisory opinion overnight. The momentous case opens the door for countries impacted by climate disasters to sue major emitting countries for reparations.

    And citizens could seek to hold governments to account for a failure to safeguard their human rights if their own or other countries fail to take adequate action to ensure a safe climate.

    Here’s what the court ruled – and the global ramifications likely to flow from it.

    Vanuatu’s Climate Change Minister Ralph Regenvanu delivers a speech at a demonstration before the International Court of Justice issued its first advisory opinion on state’s legal obligations to address climate change.
    John Thys/AFP

    Climate change breaches human rights

    The ICJ case was instigated by law students at the University of the South Pacific in Vanuatu in 2019. They successfully launched a campaign for the court to examine two key issues: the obligations of countries to protect the climate from greenhouse gases, and the legal consequences for failing to do so.

    The court found a clean, healthy and sustainable environment is essential for the enjoyment of many other human rights. As such, it found, the full enjoyment of human rights cannot be ensured without the protection of the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    The ruling confirms climate change is much more than a legal problem. Rather, the justices concluded, it is an:

    existential problem of planetary proportions that imperils all forms of life and the very health of our planet.

    Most nations have signed up to global human rights agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The ICJ ruling means parties to those agreements must take measures to protect the climate system and other parts of the environment.

    An advisory opinion from the International Court of Justice is not legally binding. But it is an authoritative description of the state of the law and the rights of countries to seek reparations if the law is breached. As such, it carries great legal weight.

    Just as climate science assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change have become the gold standard for understanding the causes and impacts of climate change, the court’s ruling provides a clear baseline against which to assess countries’ action, or inaction, on climate change.

    Keeping 1.5°C alive?

    In recent years, many states’ emissions reduction targets under the Paris Agreement have seemed to “settle” at levels which would hold global temperature increases to 2°C at best.

    But the International Court of Justice ruled the much more ambitious 1.5°C goal had become the scientifically based consensus target under the Paris Agreement.

    Some countries argued formal emissions targets should be left to the discretion of each government. However, the court found against this. Rather, each nation’s targets had to be in line with – and make an adequate contribution to – the global goal of holding heating to 1.5°C.

    The court found each state’s emissions reduction pledges should be judged against a stringent “due diligence” standard. The standard takes into account each country’s historical contributions to emissions, level of development and national circumstances, among other factors.

    The ruling means rich countries, such as Australia, will be required under international law to make more ambitious emission-reduction pledges under the Paris Agreement, such as for the 2035 target currently under consideration by the Albanese government.

    The court decision also provides a measure of climate justice for small island states, which have historically low emissions but face a much higher risk of damage from climate change than other nations.

    Holding states accountable for inaction

    Because climate change is global, it is difficult – but not impossible – to attribute damage from extreme weather to the actions of any one nation or group of nations.

    On this question, the court said while climate change is caused by the cumulative impact of many human activities, it is scientifically possible to determine each nation’s total contribution to global emissions, taking into account both historical and current emissions.

    If a nation experiences damage caused by the failure of another nation, or group of nations, to fulfil international climate obligations, the ruling means legal proceedings may be launched against the nations causing the harm. It may result in compensation or other remedies.

    For small, climate-vulnerable nations such as those in the Alliance of Small Island States, this opens more legal options in their efforts to encourage high-emitting nations to properly address climate change.

    Importantly, the court made clear nations can be legally liable even if damage from climate change comes from many causes, including from the activities of private actors such as companies.

    That means nations cannot seek an exemption because others have contributed to the problem. They must also act to regulate companies and other entities under their jurisdiction whose activities contribute to climate change.

    Pacific Island nations emit very little but face huge threats from climate change.
    Luca Turati/Unsplash, CC BY-NC-ND

    Paris Agreement quitters aren’t safe

    One line of argument put to the court by Australia and other states was that climate treaties represented the only obligations to tackle climate change under international law.

    But the court found this was not the case. Rather, other international laws applied.

    The United States pulled out of the Paris Agreement earlier this year. The court’s opinion means the US and other nations are still accountable for climate harms under other international laws by which all countries are bound.

    Could this lead to greater climate action?

    The International Court of Justice has produced a truly historic ruling.

    It will set a new baseline in terms what countries need to do to address climate change and opens up new avenues of recourse against high-emitting states not doing enough on climate change.

    Jacqueline Peel receives funding from the Australian Research Council under her Australian Laureate Fellowship and Kathleen Fitzpatrick Award on ‘Transforming International Law for Corporate Climate Accountability’.

    – ref. Historic ruling finds climate change ‘imperils all forms of life’ and puts laggard nations on notice – https://theconversation.com/historic-ruling-finds-climate-change-imperils-all-forms-of-life-and-puts-laggard-nations-on-notice-261848

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –