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  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: New Silvertown Tunnel has significantly cut congestion in east and south-east London, reducing journey times on approach roads by as much as 70 per cent in the morning peak, and boosting public transport uptake in the capital

    Source: Mayor of London

    • Latest Transport for London (TfL) monitoring data confirms the new Silvertown Tunnel is a huge success for Londoners with eased congestion, increased public transport use and improved journeys for all
    • Since the new tunnel opened on 7 April this year, on budget and on time, there is significantly less congestion around the approaches to the Blackwall Tunnel during peak morning travel hours
    • Londoners using the previously congested northbound A102 approach to the tunnels have seen a 70 per cent decrease in their journey times in the morning peak when compared to the month prior to the Silvertown Tunnel opening
    • New figures also show a huge boost in number of Londoners choosing to take public transport with improved reliability and services seeing more than 20,000 daily trips on the three zero-emission bus routes serving the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels – an increase of 160 per cent
    • Discounted travel and public transport concessions introduced by the Mayor of London and TfL are working to better connect communities to jobs, opportunities, homes and leisure

    New data published today by Transport for London (TfL) shows that the Silvertown Tunnel is easing congestion for Londoners, boosting public transport use and improving journeys for everyone [1].

    Delivered on time and on budget by the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, the 1.4km Tunnel – which opened on 7 April this year and connects Silvertown to the Greenwich Peninsula in east London – is the first new road crossing east of London’s Tower Bridge in 33 years.

    Latest monitoring data from three months of operations has confirmed that the Tunnel is achieving the objectives it was designed for. These include supporting economic and population growth, in particular in east and south-east London, by providing improved cross-river transport links, and, through road user charging, managing congestion in this area of London.

    The report shows that, since the tunnel’s opening just over three months ago, the performance of the road network has improved and there is significantly less congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel approaches. This is particularly noticeable on the northbound A102 approach to the tunnels which was previously a hotspot for congestion. Now, during weekday morning peak hours, average speeds on the approach road have increased from 9mph in March 2025 – prior to the tunnel opening – to 30mph. These faster journeys mean that there has also been a 70 per cent decrease in journey times in the morning peak when compared with before the Silvertown Tunnel opened (March 2025).

    Currently, there are around 91,000 vehicles using the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels combined in both directions on a typical weekday, with almost 22,000 of these vehicles using the Silvertown Tunnel.​ It compares with around 96,000 vehicles per day using the Blackwall Tunnel before the Silvertown Tunnel opened – this is a reduction of six per cent despite a 50 per cent increase in road capacity for cars and vans.​ Of all the vehicles crossing the river at this point, only around four per cent are HGVs.

    The data published today covers the first 11 weeks of operation of the Silvertown Tunnel. TfL will continue to closely monitor and report on the scheme’s impact on congestion, resilience and air quality, in line with their obligations under the Development Consent Order for the scheme’s construction.

    The additional resilience that the new crossing provides is directly benefiting Londoners, especially when an incident occurs at the Blackwall Tunnel. Before the Silvertown Tunnel opened, daily incidents and closures caused delays of up to 20 minutes – a six-minute closure could result in three-mile tailbacks.

    There has been a 39 per cent reduction in the number of unplanned closures at the Blackwall Tunnel since the Silvertown Tunnel opened. When the Blackwall Tunnel was closed in both directions on 14 May due to a road traffic incident, there was minimal impact to traffic flow because drivers were able to use the Silvertown Tunnel, demonstrating the additional resilience that the new tunnel provides to the road network.

    Use of bus services operating through the Blackwall and Silvertown Tunnels has also increased. 

    Now, almost one in ten (nine per cent) cross-river trips through the two tunnels are being made by public transport. With new double-deck, zero-emission buses running through the Silvertown Tunnel and making use of the dedicated bus and HGV lane, more than 20,000 journeys are being made each day across new route SL4, the extended 129 and the existing 108 service, an increase of 160 per cent compared to before the scheme opened. It is estimated that around 7,000 of these journeys, which are free on pay as you go for at least the first 12 months, are crossing the river using one of the tunnels.

    In particular, Londoners who use the route 108 bus between Stratford International and Lewisham via the Blackwall Tunnel are experiencing around 23 per cent less excess waiting time – the average time passengers wait beyond the scheduled wait time – compared to the period before the Silvertown Tunnel opened, while peak northbound journey times on route 108 through the tunnel segment have reduced by 4.5 minutes. [2]

    These bus routes are working alongside a free cycle shuttle service between North Greenwich and Royal Docks. Data on use of the cycle shuttle service shows steady demand of around 125-130 cyclists daily, and usage is expected to grow as cyclists plan and adapt their routes to benefit from this innovative and free crossing option. TfL will continue working with boroughs and local stakeholders to raise awareness of the service over the summer months to encourage greater uptake.

    Across the wider road network, early analysis from the data released today shows that total traffic volumes – including on key corridors such as the A2, A12, and A13 – have remained stable and TfL is working closely to manage additional customers using the Woolwich Ferry.

    As the strategic river crossing in east London, the Blackwall and Silvertown tunnels corridor continues to carry the majority of cross-river traffic in east London as expected. Today’s new data shows that eligible TfL customers are signing up for discounts to use the Silvertown Tunnel, including the business discount for host boroughs (Greenwich, Newham and Tower Hamlets) and the east London low-income residents’ discount. [3]

    The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, said: “The new data TfL has published today clearly demonstrates the impact the new Silvertown Tunnel is having. It’s a big win for London. Since it opened in April, we have seen congestion significantly reduced at the Blackwall Tunnel, ensuring more Londoners get to their destination on time. The discounts and concessions we have put in place have also helped to encourage public transport uptake, boosting the numbers of journeys being made on the three cross-river zero-emission bus routes by 160 per cent.

    “This is encouraging early data, and we will continue to monitor the impacts of the scheme as we continue to build a better, greener and fairer London for everyone.”

    Alex Williams, Chief Customer and Strategy Officer at TfL, said: “It’s great to see that our initial analysis is showing that the new Silvertown Tunnel, supported by user charges, is already reducing congestion around the Blackwall Tunnel, improving journey times, and supporting thousands of Londoners to cross the river using public transport such as the free bus services that the tunnel facilitates.

    “We are fully committed to monitoring the impact of the tunnels, including how it impacts other river crossings and traffic along major and local roads in London, and will work hard to ensure that the benefits of the scheme are embedded to secure long-term improvements for Londoners.”

    Suzi Rullo, Senior Development Manager, Royal Docks Team, said: “The opening of the Silvertown Tunnel provides a significant boost to infrastructure in the Royal Docks – enhancing bus services, improving cycle access via the Lower Lea Crossing and delivering major upgrades to the road network around the Tidal Basin Roundabout. These new connections add to the Royal Docks excellent transport links – the Elizabeth Line, Jubilee Line, DLR and the Royal Docks Corridor road improvement initiative – helping to drive growth and unlock investment across the area.

    “As the tunnel’s construction works have completed, we are now working with TFL to release the land back to landowners in preparation for development of the Thameside West planning consent – set to deliver 5,000 new homes, strategic industrial land and a new DLR station.”

    Muniya Barua, Deputy Chief Executive at BusinessLDN, said: “It’s positive to see the Silvertown Tunnel already helping to improve journey times and reduce congestion only a few months after opening. The project shows what’s possible when the public and private sectors work in partnership to deliver vital infrastructure.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Caroline Russell AM launches report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London

    Source: Mayor of London

    Caroline Russell AM launches report, Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London

    Green Party member of the London Assembly, Caroline Russell, today published her report: Changing the Narrative – Ending the acceptance of road death in London. [1]

    It contains recommendations for Transport for London’s (TfL) Vision Zero Action Plan 2, to be published later this year.

    The first Vision Zero Action Plan was produced by the Mayor and TfL in 2018, with actions to ensure: “no one to be killed in or by a London bus by 2030, and for all deaths and serious injuries from road collisions to be eliminated from London’s streets by 2041.” [2]

    Yet, at a TfL Board meeting in June 2025, the TfL Commissioner stated: “significant acceleration is needed to meet the 2041 Vision Zero ambition.” [3]

    Caroline’s report looks at the widespread acceptance of cars dominating our public realm and shares ideas for big changes to achieve Vision Zero. These cover street design, communication and legislation.

    Green Party London Assembly Member Caroline Russell said:

    “Collisions, never ‘accidents’, happen daily. They happen when people make mistakes. The problem is that when a driver loses control at the wheel through fatigue, distraction or even recklessness, people walking, crossing the road or travelling on a bike or in another vehicle can be harmed.

    “My report calls on TfL – and outlines proposals – to ensure our streets are properly inclusive, safe and convenient for everyone to use. At a time when practical measures to reduce danger are all too often framed as ‘anti-driver’ rather than as helpful interventions to ensure everyone gets home safely from work or school or a trip to the shops, TfL must address the polarisation of debate about measures to reduce danger on our streets.

    “The Mayor and TfL need to lead a big conversation about how every Londoner can play their part in cutting miles driven, injuries sustained, and lives lost on London’s roads each day.

    “I want to hear Londoners’ ideas about ending road danger where they live, so I can share them with TfL while Vision Zero Action Plan 2 is being drafted.” 

    Caroline Russell will be hosting a roundtable participatory event at City Hall (Wednesday 23 July 2025) to mark the launch of the report. Attendees will include campaigners, bereaved families, crash survivors, policy experts, representatives from TfL and academics.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • Nifty, Sensex open with gains on US-Japan trade deal optimism

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Indian stock markets continued their upward momentum on Wednesday, with both key indices, the Nifty 50 and the BSE Sensex, posting early gains.

    This positive movement came as investor confidence received a major boost following the recent trade agreement between the United States and Japan.

    The Nifty 50 index opened at 25,138.50, registering a gain of 77.60 points or 0.31 per cent. Similarly, the BSE Sensex began the day on a stronger note at 82,429.66, rising by 242.85 points or 0.30 per cent.

    Experts attributed the bullish sentiment to the recent US-Japan deal, which settled tariffs at 15 per cent on Japanese goods, instead of the previously feared 25 per cent. This has lifted investor morale across Asian markets.

    Ajay Bagga, Banking and Market Expert, told ANI, “Indian markets have held key support levels despite the twin headwinds of tariff uncertainty and weak earnings. The Japan deal raises hopes for a US-India deal in the ballpark 15 per cent range. That could be a huge catalyst for short covering and could lead to a regaining of the September 2024 all-time highs in the Indian markets. Today is promising to be a positive day, with massive inflows from DIIs countering the continued FPI outflows.”

    The US-Japan deal is expected to lead to a short squeeze in Japan, with Japanese automaker stocks reportedly rising as much as 15 per cent in early Tokyo trade.

    The market now anticipates that similar deals may be announced with other major economies such as the EU and India, providing further support to global equity markets.

    Despite the positive open, technical analysts remained cautious. Akshay Chinchalkar, Head of Research at Axis Securities, noted, “The Nifty ended down 30 points to close at 25,061. Technically speaking, the market did break above the first hurdle at 25,144 yesterday but wasn’t able to close above it, and that’s not a good sign. To reiterate, unless we break 25,340 on a closing basis, bulls have very little going for them from these levels. Asian cues are positive due to Japan securing a trade deal with the US.”

    In the broader market, indices on the NSE showed mixed trends. The Nifty 100 was up by 0.15 per cent, while the Nifty 200 gained 0.10 per cent. However, the Nifty Midcap index fell by 0.14 per cent, and the Nifty Smallcap 100 declined by 0.33 per cent.

    Sector wise performance was also mixed. The Nifty Auto index surged by 1 per cent, supported by gains in Japanese automobile stocks. Nifty Metal gained 0.36 per cent, while Nifty PSU Bank posted a 0.16 per cent increase. On the downside, the Nifty FMCG, IT, and Media indices registered losses.

    Commenting on the technical outlook, Vikram Kasat, Head, Advisory, PL Capital said, “The tug of war between the bulls and the bears continues. Nifty is failing to cross and sustain above the 40HEMA, which has now moved lower to 25,104. Sustaining above the 40HEMA and closing above the high hourly high of 25,182 can hint towards a trend reversal as it would reinforce a higher top, higher bottom formation. The low of 24,882 will be an important support level.”

    As the markets digest the implications of the US-Japan deal, all eyes are now on potential trade developments involving India, which could serve as a further trigger for the next leg of the market rally.

    (ANI)

  • India extends medical support to burn victims in Bangladesh air crash

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    India has dispatched a team of burn-specialist doctors and nurses to Dhaka to treat those injured in the military jet crash in Bangladesh, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Tuesday.

    The medical team will assess the condition of the injured and provide critical care to burn victims. Based on their evaluation, recommendations will be made for further treatment, including the possibility of transferring patients to India for specialised care, according to the MEA.

    The foreign ministry added that additional medical experts may also be deployed depending on the team’s preliminary assessment and treatment requirements.

    Earlier, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had expressed condolences over the loss of lives in the tragic air crash and conveyed India’s support and assistance to the Bangladeshi government.

  • Students protest in Bangladesh after air force jet crash kills 31, mostly children

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Police used tear gas to disperse angry students in Bangladesh on Tuesday who demanded answers from the interim government after an air force fighter jet crashed into a Dhaka school and killed 31 people, at least 25 of them children.

    The children, many aged under 12, were about to return home from class on Monday when the Chinese-manufactured F-7 BGI Bangladesh Air Force jet ploughed into their school and burst into flames, trapping pupils in the fire and debris.

    The military said it had suffered mechanical failure.

    Students from the school and others from nearby colleges protested as two government officials visited the crash site, demanding an accurate death toll and shouting, “Why did our brothers die? We demand answers!”

    Elsewhere in the capital, hundreds of protesting students, some of them waving sticks, broke through the main gate of the federal government secretariat, demanding the resignation of the education adviser, according to local TV footage.

    Police baton charged them, fired tear gas and used sound grenades to disperse the crowd, leaving dozens injured, witnesses said. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Deputy Commissioner Talebur Rahman said they had to use tear gas to disperse the protesters. He said he did not have information on the number of injured.

    Rescue workers continued to scour the charred buildings for debris on Tuesday as distressed residents of the area looked on. Some parents were inconsolable.

    Abul Hossain broke down as he spoke about his nine-year-old daughter, Nusrat Jahan Anika, killed in the crash. “I took her to school yesterday morning like every day. I had no idea it would be the last time I would be seeing her,” he said.

    She was buried on Monday night.

    Rubina Akter said her son Raiyan Toufiq had a miraculous escape after his shirt caught fire when he was on a staircase.

    “He sprinted to the ground floor and jumped on the grass to douse it,” she said. “He tore his shirt and vest inside, which saved him from severe burns.”

    The jet had taken off from a nearby air base on a routine training mission, the military said. After experiencing mechanical failure the pilot tried to divert the aircraft away from populated areas, but it crashed into the campus. The pilot was among those killed.

    On Tuesday, the military said in a statement that 31 people had died and 165 had been admitted to hospitals in the city. The health ministry said 68 remained in hospital and the condition of 10 of them was critical.

    STUDENT DEMANDS

    The government announced a day of mourning, with flags at half-mast and special prayers at all places of worship.

    Pope Leo said he was deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life in the crash and prayed that families and friends may be consoled in their grief, and for the healing and comfort of the injured, according to a Vatican statement.

    The protesting students called for those killed and injured to be named, the decommissioning of what they said were old and risky jets, and a change in air force training procedures.

    A statement from the press office of Muhammad Yunus, the country’s interim administrator, said that the government, the military, school and hospital authorities were working together to publish a list of victims.

    It also said the air force will be told not to operate training aircraft in populated areas.

    The F-7  BGI is the final and most advanced variant in China’s Chengdu J-7/F-7 aircraft family, according to Jane’s Information Group. Bangladesh signed a contract for 16 aircraft in 2011 and deliveries were completed by 2013.

    The Chengdu F-7 is the licence-built version of the Soviet era MiG-21.

    The incident comes as neighbour India is still grappling with the world’s worst aviation disaster in a decade after an Air India plane crashed into a medical college hostel in Ahmedabad last month, killing 241 of the 242 people on board and 19 on the ground.

    Bangladesh has faced months of political uncertainty after then Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina was forced to flee the country last August following weeks of deadly student protests.

    The interim government of Nobel laureate Yunus has promised to hold elections next year amid mounting demands from political parties to advance them.

    -Reuters

  • MIL-OSI China: China to work with all parties for progress in high-quality Belt and Road cooperation: FM spokesperson

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

    An aerial drone photo taken on May 20, 2025 shows a high-speed electrical multiple unit (EMU) train leaving Tegalluar Station of Jakarta-Bandung High-Speed Railway (HSR) in Bandung, Indonesia. [Photo/Xinhua]

    China is ready to work with all parties to strive for solid progress in pursuing high-quality Belt and Road cooperation for common development and a win-win future, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said on Tuesday.

    Guo made the remarks at the daily press briefing when asked to comment on a recent report regarding the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). The report said that the project value under the BRI in the first six months of this year is greater than the total for the whole of 2024, hitting a record high. Some media and scholars say that China’s increased engagement with countries under the BRI contrasts starkly with the approach of the United States, which is imposing bruising tariffs on trading partners around the world. BRI countries saw “an opportunity to deepen ties with China.”

    Guo said Belt and Road cooperation has now entered a new stage of high-quality development, adding that from Eurasia to Africa and Latin America, and from physical connectivity to institutional connectivity and people-to-people connectivity, the fruits of cooperation have benefited the people from over 150 countries.

    Guo listed representative projects of the BRI: the Jakarta-Bandung high speed railway has served more than 10 million passengers; China-Europe Railway Express has provided over 110 thousand freight train services; the first ever two-way voyage between Chancay and Shanghai through the new land-sea corridor between China and Latin America has been completed; the installed capacity of photovoltaic power plants jointly built by China and Africa totaled over 1.5 gigawatts; “Small and beautiful” projects like the Luban Workshops and the juncao technology have led households to a road to prosperity.

    Guo noted that after the development of more than a decade, and built on the advancements in connectivity, Belt and Road cooperation expands to a platform for trade and industrial cooperation, assisting more countries to integrate into the international industrial chain and safeguarding the stability and resilience of global supply chain.

    In Belt and Road cooperation, China follows the principles of “planning together, building together, and benefiting together,” the philosophy of open, green and clean cooperation, and the goal of pursuing high-standard, people-centered and sustainable cooperation, and is committed to promoting the modernization of all the countries, he added.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Beijing museum exhibition traces Chinese printing’s global impact

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

    Editor’s Note: Printing technology stands as one of China’s most significant contributions to humanity — the foundation of recorded knowledge and a force that transformed societies worldwide. An exhibition now on view at the China Printing Museum in Beijing explores this legacy, tracing how Chinese innovations fundamentally reshaped global communication.

    The “Printing in the East: Printing Originates in China” exhibition presents seven major sections covering writing, papermaking, woodblock printing, movable type, multicolor printing, intangible heritage and the transmission of printing technology along the Silk Road. The exhibition includes ancient relics and interactive scenes demonstrating printing techniques.

    The exhibition, a key part of the China Printing Museum’s permanent collection, is open to the public Tuesday through Sunday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

    This photo shows the entrance to the “Printing in the East: Printing Originates in China” exhibition at the China Printing Museum, July 16, 2025. The display underscores the ingenuity and enduring global influence of Chinese printing. [Photo by Liu Ziying/China.org.cn]

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    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China’s top legislator, top political advisor meet with president of Madagascar’s Senate

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

    Zhao Leji, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, meets with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Zhao Leji, China’s top legislator, and Wang Huning, China’s top political advisor, each met with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing on Tuesday.

    Zhao, chairman of the National People’s Congress Standing Committee, said that China is willing to work with Madagascar to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state and the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, and to promote further achievements in friendly cooperation between the two countries, contributing to the construction of an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era.

    He called on the legislative bodies of the two countries to enhance exchange and cooperation to facilitate the continuous development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between China and Madagascar.

    Ravalomanana said that relations between the two countries are built on the basis of mutual benefit, and that the heads of state of the two countries have maintained close communication and noted the direction for the development of bilateral relations.

    The Senate of Madagascar is willing to work with the Chinese side to enhance exchange among legislative bodies, and to play an active role in promoting economic and trade, investment and local cooperation, as well as cooperation in other fields.

    Wang Huning, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), meets with Richard Ravalomanana, president of the Senate of Madagascar, in Beijing, capital of China, July 22, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that China and Madagascar are fellow travelers and genuine friends on the path of modernization. He said that China is willing to work with Madagascar to implement the important consensus reached between their two heads of state and bring more practical cooperation achievements to benefit their two peoples.

    Wang said that the National Committee of the CPPCC stands ready to enhance friendly exchange with the Senate of Madagascar and contribute to the development of the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership between the two countries.

    Ravalomanana said that Madagascar attaches great importance to the development of relations with China, admires China’s development achievements, and is willing to learn from China’s experience to promote cooperation in various fields for the benefit of people in both countries.

    The Senate of Madagascar is ready to enhance the exchange of experience in governance with the National Committee of the CPPCC to promote the in-depth development of bilateral relations, he said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with ASEAN Committee in Beijing

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with the ASEAN Committee in Beijing (ACB).

    The working lunch provided an opportunity for SG Dr. Kao to brief the ACB on recent developments in ASEAN and in ASEAN-China relations. SG Dr. Kao and the Committee also exchanged views on key regional developments and the role of the ACB in supporting ASEAN’s interest and visibility in China. SG Dr. Kao expressed appreciation for the ACB’s continued efforts to promote ASEAN awareness and enhance coordination among ASEAN Member States’ diplomatic missions in Beijing.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with ASEAN Committee in Beijing appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Singapore And Malaysia Strengthen Joint Emergency Response To Chemical Spills

    Source: Government of Singapore

    14th chemical emergency response exercise conducted as part of the bilateral co-operation under the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE)

    JOINT NEWS RELEASE BETWEEN NEA AND DOE

    Singapore, 23 July 2025 – The National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore and the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, successfully conducted the 14th chemical emergency response exercise at the Tuas Second Link this morning, sharpening the inter-operability between the two countries to respond to and mitigate chemical spillage incidents. A total of 15 agencies and companies from both countries were involved in the exercise [1].

    2               The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) conducts a biennial exercise to test the effectiveness of the Joint Emergency Response Plan developed by NEA, DOE, and other relevant agencies for dealing with accidental hazardous chemical releases on the Tuas Second Link [2]. These exercises strengthen the emergency response capabilities of the respective agencies, ensuring that they are prepared to take swift and effective action to protect the public’s safety should such an accident occur.

    3               Today’s exercise simulated an emergency response to hazardous chemicals being released as a result of a multi-vehicle accident along the Tuas Second Link [3]. In the simulated scenario, a truck transporting drums of concentrated sodium hydroxide swerved sideways into an International Organisation for Standardization (ISO) tanker transporting anhydrous ammonia from Singapore to the Pasir Gudang Industrial Area, Malaysia. Unable to avoid the sudden collision, a car then crashed into the truck. The impact caused two drums of concentrated sodium hydroxide to be dislodged and the chemical to be spilled. The ISO tank was punctured, releasing about 400kg of ammonia gas into the surroundings. The drivers of both the ISO tanker and truck suffered injuries and showed signs of ammonia exposure – coughing and irritation to the eyes, nose and throat. The driver of the car and the passenger were trapped in their vehicle with minor injuries.

    4               NEA Chief Executive Officer Mr Wong Kang Jet attributed the success of the exercise to the longstanding and strong bilateral relations between Singapore and Malaysia. “This joint chemical spill exercise has enabled Singapore and Malaysia agencies to further strengthen our cooperation on environmental matters. This exercise is part of a broader set of collaboration that also includes joint regular water quality monitoring along the Straits of Johor as well as workshops to exchange ideas and share expertise. All in, around 500 participants from across 15 agencies from both countries helped with this morning’s exercise. We also had the opportunity to test out newer technologies such as SCDF’s robotic dog, as well as BOMBA’s Long Range Gas Detector. These innovations allow us to monitor the air quality in the incident area in a safer way. The completion of this exercise has also given us greater confidence that we can manage an accident along the Second Link, as well as any other environmental incident with cross border impact. We look forward to strengthening this partnership as well as to explore new opportunities to further increase our collective readiness.”

    5               Director General of the Department of Environment, Dato’ Wan Abdul Latiff Wan Jaffar, stated: “I believe in the strong commitment and collaboration between agencies of both countries in ensuring the success of this exercise, and I am confident that it will continue in the future. This cooperation reflects our level of preparedness in responding to any unforeseen incidents”. The Department of Environment is also committed to strengthening inter-agency collaboration within Malaysia through the delegation of power, which was gazetted on 7 July 2025. This delegation reinforces the roles and functions of 15 agencies, supporting more efficient and comprehensive task execution. This move not only allows for more effective use of resources but also serves as a strategic approach to addressing current challenges, while maintaining integrity and public confidence in the country’s environmental regulatory system.

    6               To facilitate the exercise, all three lanes on the Singapore to Malaysia-bound carriageway on the Tuas Second Link were closed to vehicular traffic on 23 July 2025, from 5am and will reopen at 2pm. We thank motorists and any affected travellers for their patience and understanding.

     

    ——————

    [1] Please refer to Annex A for more information on the MSJCE and the exercise participants.

    [2] To date, there has been no accident involving the transportation of hazardous chemicals on the Tuas Second Link.

    [3] Please refer to Annex B for more information on anhydrous ammonia, concentrated sodium hydroxide, and ammonia gas.

    ~~ End ~~

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

    ANNEX A

    The Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE)

    Background

                The Tuas Second Link was opened on 2 January 1998. As part of the bilateral co-operation programme, the Malaysia-Singapore Joint Committee on the Environment (MSJCE) agreed that road transportation of hazardous chemicals between the two countries should be restricted to the Tuas Second Link. This has ensured that road tankers and vehicles carrying hazardous chemicals do not pass through congested and populated areas in Johor Bahru and Woodlands/Bukit Timah areas.

    2            Hazardous chemicals are often moved between the two countries. Common chemicals transported between the two countries include sulphuric acid, hydrochloric acid and sodium hydroxide. Considering the large amounts of chemicals transported via the Tuas Second Link, it is important to have in place response plans for any accidents or emergencies involving vehicles transporting hazardous chemicals.

    3            Under the auspices of the MSJCE, the Department of Environment (DOE), Malaysia, and the National Environment Agency (NEA), Singapore, together with other relevant agencies, jointly developed an Emergency Response Plan (ERP) to deal with accidents involving transportation of hazardous chemicals on the Tuas Second Link. The ERP comprises the following:

    a) a notification procedure to alert the two countries early on any incident involving release of hazardous chemicals occurring on the Tuas Second Link; and

    b) a response procedure to facilitate and co-ordinate emergency response actions by the agencies of both countries to control and mitigate a release of hazardous chemicals from incidents occurring on the Tuas Second Link.

    4          The ERP will enable emergency response agencies of both Malaysia and Singapore to take quick and effective response actions to minimise the consequences of an accident involving hazardous chemicals at the Tuas Second Link. To familiarise agencies from both countries with the ERP, DOE and NEA regularly conduct joint field exercises. Previous exercises are as follows:

    No. Date of Exercise Organised by
    1 22 Mar 2000 Malaysia: DOE
    2 10 May 2001 Singapore: NEA
    3 19 Dec 2002 Malaysia: DOE
    4 19 Feb 2004 Singapore: NEA
    5 10 Apr 2006 Malaysia: DOE
    6 2 Apr 2008 Singapore: NEA
    7 2 Dec 2009 Malaysia: DOE
    8 28 July 2011 Singapore: NEA
    9 29 Oct 2013 Malaysia: DOE
    10 14 May 2015 Singapore: NEA
    11 15 Nov 2017 Malaysia: DOE
    12 25 Sep 2019 Singapore: NEA
    13 26 Jul 2023 Malaysia: DOE

     

    Participating Agencies / Companies in the 14th Malaysia-Singapore Joint Emergency Exercise for Chemical Spill

    S/N Singapore
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.    		 Immigration and Checkpoints Authority (ICA)
    Singapore Civil Defence Force (SCDF)
    National Environment Agency (NEA)
    Pride-Chem Industries Pte Ltd
    S/N Malaysia
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.
    7.
    8.
    9.
    10.
    11.    		 Ministry of Home Affairs (KLN)
    Malaysian Border Control & Protection Agency (AKPS)
    Ministry of Health (KKM)
    Department of Environment (DOE)
    Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA)
    Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)
    Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ)
    Malaysia Immigration Department (JIM)
    PLUS Berhad
    Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM)
    Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
     
    S/N Malaysia
    1.
    2.
    3.
    4.
    5.
    6.
    7.
    8.
    9.
    10.
    11.    		 Ministry of Home Affairs (KLN)
    Malaysian Border Control & Protection Agency (AKPS)
    Ministry of Health (KKM)
    Department of Environment (DOE)
    Fire and Rescue Department (BOMBA)
    Malaysian Highway Authority (LLM)
    Malaysia Road Transport Department (JPJ)
    Malaysia Immigration Department (JIM)
    PLUS Berhad
    Royal Malaysian Customs Department (JKDM)
    Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM)
     

     

    ANNEX B

    Information on the Chemicals

    Information on Anhydrous Ammonia
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless liquefied gas.
    ·       Has a stinging odour and is not flammable.
     
    Health Hazard
    ·       Inhalation may cause severe irritation or burn of the nose, throat and respiratory tract.
    ·       Corrosive to the skin and can cause burns.
    ·       May cause serious eye damage when in contact with the eye.
    ·       Ingestion may be fatal, cause burns and corrosion, severe pain in the throat, esophagus, and stomach.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used to make fertilisers, household cleaning products and refrigerant recirculating fluid.
    ·       It is also used in many soldering machines for the manufacturing of jewellery.
    Information on Concentrated Sodium Hydroxide
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless liquid.
    ·       Odourless and not flammable.
     
    Health Hazard
    ·       Inhalation may cause burns of mucous membranes, cough, and shortness of breath.
    ·       May cause severe skin burns and eye damage when in contact with the eye.
    ·       Ingestion can cause severe burns of the mouth and throat, as well as the potential danger of perforation of the esophagus and stomach.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used in paper manufacturing, chemical cellulose bleaching, chemical industry, petrochemical, textile industry and the making of soap and detergents.
    Information on Ammonia Gas
    Physical Description
    ·       Colourless gas.
    ·       Stinging odour.

    Health Hazard
    ·       May cause serious eye damage when in contact with the eyes.
     
    Industrial Uses
    ·       Commonly used in fertiliser production, chemical manufacturing, water treatment and fuel production.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: In Basmanny District, six land plots will be reorganized under the KRT project

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A comprehensive territorial development project (CTD) will be implemented in the Basmanny District of the Central Administrative District of Moscow. Within its framework, six inefficiently used land plots will be reorganized. The corresponding draft resolution posted on the Moscow Government website, said the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.

    “The integrated development project for the Basmanny District envisages the reorganization of six sites with an area of 9.53 hectares. Three of them with a total area of 4.23 hectares will be allocated for launch sites for the renovation program. They plan to build more than 110 thousand square meters of residential real estate there. The necessary infrastructure will be built on other sites located nearby, and cultural facilities will be preserved. The operator of the integrated development of the territory will be a city developer. As a result of the project, more than one thousand jobs will be created here,” said Vladimir Efimov.

    The areas allocated for redevelopment are located at the intersection of Tsentrosoyuzny and Balakirevskiy lanes. This is an area with a rich history and established infrastructure. Nearby there is a school, college, lyceum, exhibition center, pharmacy, medical center, bank branch, coffee shops, restaurants, and the Moscow Drama Theater “Modern” is also located.

    “The area of apartments in new buildings will be approximately 64.8 thousand square meters, which will provide new housing for about 2.3 thousand city residents. In addition to construction, the project also provides for the preservation of cultural sites located on two sites. On one of them, where the Moscow Food Plant previously operated, two sculptures were installed in the 70s of the last century: a monument to Lenin and a monument to the workers of the enterprise who died during the Great Patriotic War. They will be put in order and moved to a new location. On the site of the former Moscow Margarine Plant of Centrosoyuz, they will preserve the historical complex of dormitories of the former factory for the production of paper yarn of the merchant S.A. Gorelov, built according to the design of the architect Luntz in the last third of the 19th century,” noted the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier, Sergei Sobyanin spoke aboutthe fifth anniversary of the KRT program in the capital.

    According to the program of integrated development of territories, multifunctional city blocks are being created, where roads, comfortable housing and all necessary infrastructure are being designed on the site of former industrial zones and inefficiently used areas. Currently, 336 KRT projects with a total area of more than 4.2 thousand hectares are at various stages of development and implementation in Moscow. This work is being carried outon behalf of Sergei Sobyanin.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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: Over 330 Muscovites signed contracts for apartments in a new building under the renovation program on Perovskaya Street

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    More than 330 residents of four old five-story buildings on Plyushcheva and Masterovaya streets have completed paperwork for new apartments under the renovation program. This was reported by Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Department of City Property.

    “In the second half of May, about 900 Muscovites from houses 8 and 10, buildings 1 and 2 on Plyushcheva Street, and house 5 on Masterovaya Street began a phased relocation to a new residential complex at 6a Perovskaya Street. Now, 90 percent of city residents who have begun relocation have already decided on their choice of housing in the modern residential complex — over 800 people. More than 330 of them have signed contracts with the City Property Department to receive equivalent housing. Apartments are provided to program participants with finished finishing, which will allow new residents to move in immediately without wasting time on repairs,” said Ekaterina Solovyova.

    The new building is located a five-minute walk from the five-story buildings being resettled — after moving in, residents will be able to use the familiar infrastructure. Over time, shops, service enterprises, or city organizations will appear on the ground floors.

    “The residential complex on Perovskaya Street will have 442 apartments with finished, improved finishes. Three of them have been equipped for people with limited mobility and disabilities – they have made wide corridors and doorways, and handrails have been installed in the bathrooms. A children’s playground and a sports ground with a safe rubber surface, as well as a recreation area, have been set up near the building. CCTV cameras and lights have been installed in the courtyard. After moving, city residents will be able to maintain their usual way of life, since the five-story buildings being resettled are a five-minute walk from the new building,” added the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the capital’s Department of Urban Development Policy.

    Vladislav Ovchinsky.

    Earlier, the Mayor of Moscow spoke about resettlement under the renovation program inKhoroshevo-Mnevniki.

    Renovation program approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. Sergei Sobyanin ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program intwice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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: Parks, squares, boulevards: more than 80 popular places will be improved in the capital this year

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    The specialists of the city economy complex will improve more than 80 popular places in different areas of the capital. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.

    “This year, work is planned to improve 83 iconic sites, these are parks, squares, boulevards, plazas and public spaces located near points of attraction – metro stations, shopping centers, medical institutions, schools and kindergartens. The bulk of the work will take place outside the central part of the city, because the main task is to create comfortable conditions for each resident,” noted Petr Biryukov.

    Thus, the public space near the Ivanovskie ponds in the Ivanovskoye district, the area around the Church of the Holy Blessed Grand Duke Dmitry Donskoy in Severnoye Butovo, the Central Park in Vnukovo, the Pionersky Park in Fili-Davydkovo, and the Dubrava Park in Kurkino will be improved.

    In addition, it is planned to renovate part of the 850th Anniversary of Moscow Park in the southeast of the city, as well as the area near the Izyutinsky Pond, Simferopolsky and Chernomorsky Boulevards in the Southern Administrative District.

    Specialists will repair pedestrian paths, plant lawns and flower beds, equip sports and children’s playgrounds, and arrange places for quiet recreation. As a result, this fall, millions of Muscovites will receive modern, comfortable spaces near their homes, workplaces, and schools.

    Uniform standards for improvement have been developed for all objects – from courtyards, parks, squares to the territories of educational and health care institutions. This allows each resident to have the necessary infrastructure for sports, leisure with children and recreation in green areas within walking distance.

    Improvement of the Vinogradovo estate in north-east Moscow has begunMore than 700 streets in Moscow will be improved by the end of the year

    Improvement of popular places in the capital corresponds to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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: The Moscow — Kind City grant school begins training for socially oriented NGOs

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    On August 1, the Moscow — Kind City grant school will open free training for teams of socially oriented non-profit organizations (NPOs). During the classes, participants will learn how to write effective applications for the Moscow — Kind City grant competition of the capital Department of Labor and Social Protection of the Population, how to plan a budget, promote your product and build the right communication strategy with the city.

    Classes will begin on August 1 and will run until September 11. The detailed program is available atwebsite. A separate registration is required to participate. registration for each block of the program.

    The training will include seven modules and will be held in two formats at once – in-person and online. During the first lesson, experts and specialists of the competition will meet the participants and tell them about the upcoming program. In addition, there will be a master class on social design, during which students will learn how to build a project architecture and correctly set goals, and will also analyze the main mistakes when writing applications for the competition.

    In the following classes, participants will learn how to correctly assess the prospects of a project’s impact on society and assemble a proactive team. They will learn how to plan and seek funding for the implementation of their initiatives, as well as attract media support. Specialists will show how to correctly fill out an application for participation in a competition in the information system and answer the most frequently asked questions.

    Speakers include experienced representatives of the non-profit sector and communications professionals, as well as competition experts.

    The organizers emphasize that the grant school “Moscow – a kind city” is a modern educational space, training in it is aimed at the formation of relevant social projects and the exchange of experience between key representatives of the non-profit sector and start-up organizations in this area. To improve the efficiency and comprehensiveness of training, not only managers are invited to the school, but also the entire project team – program managers, financial managers, PR specialists, grant writers and fundraisers. The curriculum is improved and updated every year to meet the demands of the time and new challenges.

    Program “Moscow is a kind city” has been implemented in the capital since 2019. This is an effective model of partnership between the city and the charitable sector to provide targeted assistance to each person. One of its key projects is a grant competition for socially oriented NPOs. Over six years, 648 projects of non-profit organizations have become winners, between which 2.4 billion rubles were distributed.

    The city’s property support enables charitable organizations to increase the availability of services for Muscovites. The capital has provided the non-profit sector with 53 equipped spaces with a total area of over 13,000 square meters free of charge. In them, charitable organizations and foundations can work without worrying about finding an office and funds to pay rent.

    As Sergei Sobyanin noted indevelopment strategies for the social protection system of Moscow until 2030, the synergy between the work of city services and NGOs allows us to provide support to the maximum number of residents in need.

    Get the latest news quicklyofficial telegram channel the city of Moscow.

    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 Security: Man convicted for murdering a stranger on a night out in east London

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    An investigation by Met detectives has secured a murder conviction against a man who attacked a stranger on a night out in east London.

    Hamza Kamali, 29, was found guilty at the Old Bailey on Tuesday 22 July of murdering 38-year-old Saley Beya outside a nightclub in Romford Road E7 in the early hours of Saturday, 10 August 2024.

    Detective Superintendent Kelly Allen, Specialist Crime North, said: “Saley’s family and loved ones have endured incredible pain and suffering over this past year and I am thinking of them today as they process this outcome.

    “Kamali’s actions that night were violent and deliberate. He went out armed with a knife – clearly intent on causing harm. We will never know what prompted his interaction with Saley, but it is clear he is a very dangerous individual with little regard for human life and I’m pleased the jury were able to recognise the threat he poses to the public.”

    On the evening of Friday, 9 August Saley and his friends had attended a party in Stratford before deciding to continue their evening at a nightclub, arriving at the Romford Road venue at about 02.30hrs.

    Around an hour later they were all outside when an altercation took place between one of Saley’s friends and a group of men who were known to Kamali. Shortly after, Kamali arrived at the scene and following a brief interaction with the victim the situation escalated into violence and Kamali stabbed Saley in the leg.

    Saley was able to run from the scene, but he was pursued by Kamali who kicked out at him several times as he tried to get away from him. Eventually giving up his pursuit, Kamali returned to Romford Road, before leaving the scene with others.

    Meanwhile Saley had succumbed to his wound and collapsed in the street. Emergency services attended and paramedics attempted to stem the bleeding, but Saley went into cardiac arrest on his way to hospital. He remained in a critical condition for nearly three weeks before sadly dying on 29 August.

    Following the incident, Kamali returned to his home address. After 30 minutes he reappeared from the property wearing different clothes and carrying a full plastic bag which he was then seen to discard. That bag was never recovered.

    After Kamali’s arrest on 16 August a search of his home led to the discovery of a pair of bloodstained trainers – later identified to be his own. He had a noticeable injury to his hand – a wound CCTV had shown him tending to with a tissue in the immediate aftermath of the stabbing. Blood from this injury was also found at the crime scene. It is believed he injured himself with his knife in the course of attacking Saley.

    Kamali (03.04.96), who is of Henniker Road, Stratford was convicted of murder and possession of an offensive weapon. He is due to appear at the same court for sentencing on Thursday, 24 July.

    + Abdi Ulusow, 28 (03.09.96), of Hathaway Crescent E12 and Edson Bernardo, 26 (10.07.99), of Carlton Avenue, Westcliff-on-Sea appeared at the Old Bailey on 3 July where they pleaded guilty to affray and possession of an offensive weapon (machete and pole) in connection with the incident. Both will also be sentenced at the same court on 24 July.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Gaza – an open question for NZ’s foreign minister Winston Peters

    OPEN QUESTION: By Bryan Bruce

    Dear Rt Hon Winston Peters,

    There was a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was morally right. There are memorials around our country for those who died fighting fascism, we wrote parts of the UN Charter of Human Rights, we took an anti-nuclear stance in 1984, and three years prior to that, many of us stood against apartheid in South Africa by boycotting South African products and actively protesting against the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour.

    To call out the Israeli government for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not to be antisemitic. Nor is it to be pro- Hamas. It is to simply to be pro-human.

    While acknowledging the peace and humanitarian initiatives on the Foreign Affairs website, I note there is no calling out of the genocide and ethnic cleansing that cannot be denied is happening in Gaza.

    The Israeli government is systematically demolishing whole towns and cities — including churches, mosques, even removing trees and vegetation — to deprive the Palestinian people the opportunity to return to their homeland; and there have been constant blocks to humanitarian aid as part of a policy forced starvation.

    There is no doubt crimes against international law have been committed, which is why the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity.

    So, my question to you is: why are you not pictured standing in this photograph (below) alongside the representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá?

    The nations that took part in the Gaza emergency summit in were:

    Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, South Africa, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    Representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá. Image: bryanbruce.substack.com

    Is your policy simply to fall in behind the USA denying there is genocide and ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza?

    If not, are you prepared to endorse the six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures already signed up to by 12 of the participating countries in the Bogetà summit, to restrain Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and defend international law at large?

    Remaining countries, which could still include New Zealand, have a deadline of September 20, to coincide with the 80th UN General Assembly, for additional states to join them.

    The 6 agreed measures are:
     Prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel.

    Prevent the transit, docking, and servicing of vessels at any port
     in all cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel

    Prevent the carriage of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel on vessels bearing our flag . . .  and ensure full accountability, including de-flagging, for non-compliance with this prohibition.

    Commence an urgent review of all public contracts, to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory and entrenching its unlawful presence.

    Comply with obligations to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law, through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

    Support universal jurisdiction mandates, as and where applicable in national legal frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for victims of international crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In addition, are you prepared to specifically support the enforcement of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza including murder and forced starvation, in a war that has left more than 211,000 Palestinians, including many children, dead, maimed, or missing since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry? (That’s a figure that is approximately the entire population of Hamiton and Rotorua).

    What then is the NZ government’s policy? Are we going to support International Law and call out the Israeli government’s acts of genocide in Gaza, or not?

    Yours sincerely,

    Bryan Bruce
     Investigative documentary maker, journalist and podcaster.
     Auckland.

    Bryan Bruce is a New Zealand investigative journalist and documentary maker. Republished from Bruce’s substack page.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-Evening Report: Gaza – an open question for NZ’s foreign minister Winston Peters

    OPEN QUESTION: By Bryan Bruce

    Dear Rt Hon Winston Peters,

    There was a time when New Zealanders stood up for what was morally right. There are memorials around our country for those who died fighting fascism, we wrote parts of the UN Charter of Human Rights, we took an anti-nuclear stance in 1984, and three years prior to that, many of us stood against apartheid in South Africa by boycotting South African products and actively protesting against the 1981 Springbok Rugby Tour.

    To call out the Israeli government for genocide and ethnic cleansing in Gaza is not to be antisemitic. Nor is it to be pro- Hamas. It is to simply to be pro-human.

    While acknowledging the peace and humanitarian initiatives on the Foreign Affairs website, I note there is no calling out of the genocide and ethnic cleansing that cannot be denied is happening in Gaza.

    The Israeli government is systematically demolishing whole towns and cities — including churches, mosques, even removing trees and vegetation — to deprive the Palestinian people the opportunity to return to their homeland; and there have been constant blocks to humanitarian aid as part of a policy forced starvation.

    There is no doubt crimes against international law have been committed, which is why the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague has issued warrants for the arrest of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity.

    So, my question to you is: why are you not pictured standing in this photograph (below) alongside the representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá?

    The nations that took part in the Gaza emergency summit in were:

    Norway, Portugal, Slovenia, Spain, Turkey, Colombia, South Africa, Bolivia, Cuba, Honduras, Malaysia, Namibia, Algeria, Bangladesh, Botswana, Brazil, Chile, China, Djibouti, Indonesia, Iraq, Ireland, Lebanon, Libya, Mexico, Nicaragua, Oman, Pakistan, Palestine, Qatar, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Uruguay and Venezuela.

    Representatives from 33 nations at the July 16 2025 Gaza emergency conference in Bogotá. Image: bryanbruce.substack.com

    Is your policy simply to fall in behind the USA denying there is genocide and ethnic cleansing happening in Gaza?

    If not, are you prepared to endorse the six coordinated diplomatic, legal and economic measures already signed up to by 12 of the participating countries in the Bogetà summit, to restrain Israel’s assault on the Occupied Palestinian Territories and defend international law at large?

    Remaining countries, which could still include New Zealand, have a deadline of September 20, to coincide with the 80th UN General Assembly, for additional states to join them.

    The 6 agreed measures are:
     Prevent the provision or transfer of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel.

    Prevent the transit, docking, and servicing of vessels at any port
     in all cases where there is a clear risk of the vessel being used to carry arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel

    Prevent the carriage of arms, munitions, military fuel, related military equipment, and dual-use items to Israel on vessels bearing our flag . . .  and ensure full accountability, including de-flagging, for non-compliance with this prohibition.

    Commence an urgent review of all public contracts, to prevent public institutions and funds from supporting Israel’s illegal occupation of the Palestinian Territory and entrenching its unlawful presence.

    Comply with obligations to ensure accountability for the most serious crimes under international law, through robust, impartial and independent investigations and prosecutions at national or international levels, to ensure justice for all victims and the prevention of future crimes.

    Support universal jurisdiction mandates, as and where applicable in national legal frameworks and judiciaries, to ensure justice for victims of international crimes committed in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

    In addition, are you prepared to specifically support the enforcement of the International Criminal Court arrest warrants issued last year for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Yoav Gallant, his former defence minister, for alleged crimes against humanity and war crimes in Gaza including murder and forced starvation, in a war that has left more than 211,000 Palestinians, including many children, dead, maimed, or missing since October 2023, according to the Gaza Health Ministry? (That’s a figure that is approximately the entire population of Hamiton and Rotorua).

    What then is the NZ government’s policy? Are we going to support International Law and call out the Israeli government’s acts of genocide in Gaza, or not?

    Yours sincerely,

    Bryan Bruce
     Investigative documentary maker, journalist and podcaster.
     Auckland.

    Bryan Bruce is a New Zealand investigative journalist and documentary maker. Republished from Bruce’s substack page.

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: LCQ20: Nurturing environmental, social and governance talents

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    LCQ20: Nurturing environmental, social and governance talents 
    Question:
     
         In recent years, environmental, social and governance (ESG) has become a core strategy for global development, and Hong Kong has also been actively promoting Hong Kong’s Climate Action Plan 2050 (Plan) and the development of green and sustainable finance. It has been reported that according to a study, only 27 per cent of the secondary schools in Hong Kong have included references to matters relating to sustainable development, climate and biodiversity in their school development plans, reflecting that there are still inadequacies in the nurturing of ESG talents and civic awareness in Hong Kong. According to the Report on 2023 Manpower Projection, the Labour and Welfare Bureau has also envisaged that ESG will be deemed essential knowledge in the future employment market. In this connection, will the Government inform this Council:
     
    (1) as it is stated in the Plan that the authorities will broaden school teachers’ knowledge about climate change, and that schools may strengthen the relevant learning materials in different subjects, but the findings of the aforesaid study have revealed that such efforts seem to have failed to achieve the intended results, whether the authorities have assessed the effectiveness of schools’ education on climate change and biodiversity, etc;
     
    (2) whether the authorities have considered further strengthening education on ESG (e.g. climate actions and social responsibilities) in secondary schools, and formulating interdisciplinary teaching guidelines; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that;
     
    (3) as the Plan has mentioned the need to incorporate learning materials relating to climate change, low-carbon technologies and green finance, etc, into the curricula in tertiary institutions, whether the authorities have assessed if the relevant curricula in the institutions can satisfy the need to train ESG talents; how to ensure that students are equipped with ESG literacy to meet the needs of the future job market, thereby facilitating the development of Hong Kong into a regional green finance centre; and
     
    (4) regarding the workforce in the local employment market at present, whether the authorities have plans to promote the popularisation of ESG education, thereby assisting members of the public in enhancing their ESG knowledge to address the needs of the future employment market; if so, of the details; if not, the reasons for that?
     
    Reply:
     
    President,
     
         Regarding the question raised by the Hon Chan Siu-hung, the consolidated reply, after consulting the Environment and Ecology Bureau, the Labour and Welfare Bureau, and the Financial Services and the Treasury Bureau, is as follows:
     
    (1) and (2) The Education Bureau (EDB) attaches great importance to promoting education for sustainable development (ESD). It has been encouraging schools to adopt a “multi-pronged and co-ordinated” approach to enhance students’ understanding of sustainable development (SD) and encourage them to practise green living through different subjects, cross-curricular learning and life-wide learning activities. The relevant learning elements, which include climate action, biodiversity conservation, renewable energy, energy saving and waste reduction, making good use of resources and corporate social responsibilities, have been incorporated in the curriculum guides of various subjects, such as Primary Humanities and Primary Science at the primary level, and Geography, Science, Biology, Business, Accounting and Financial Studies, Citizenship and Social Development as well as some Applied Learning courses at the secondary level.
     
         ESD is an important component of values education across different subjects in primary and secondary school education. The Values Education Curriculum Framework (Pilot Version) lists “actively practising green living as well as encouraging and supporting joint efforts from people around” and “possessing a global perspective as well as being concerned about global environmental issues and the challenges in attaining sustainable development” as the expected learning outcomes, encouraging students to take responsibility for environmental conservation and nurturing in them proper values and attitudes, such as respecting, be thankful to and caring about nature.
     
         To support teachers in implementing ESD, the EDB has organised various teacher professional development programmes. Field studies and seminars have been conducted to deepen teachers’ understanding of ESD and related topics as well as enhance their teaching capacity. Since the 2020/21 school year, the EDB has conducted nearly 200 relevant training activities with the number of teacher participation exceeding 12 300. The EDB has also collaborated with Radio Television Hong Kong Radio 3 to produce the “Savvy Earth Savers” segment featured in the English learning programme “In the Common Room”. The segment explores environmental, social and governance (ESG) issues and provides teachers with English learning and teaching resources for promoting ESD.
     
         The EDB has also organised diversified student activities, such as slogan and poster design competitions, drawing and photo-taking competitions and picture book creation competitions, to help students understand the rationale and importance of sustainable development as well as enrich their learning experiences. To further promote ESD, the EDB launched the “Achieving Carbon Neutrality Student Ambassador Training Scheme 2024/25” for the first time in this school year. Through the collaborative efforts with different government departments, green groups and the business sector in organising diversified experiential learning activities, such as bank visit, coral conservation field trips and green building tours, the EDB aims to deepen students’ understanding of green finance and intelligent green buildings and the importance of marine biodiversity. Building on the first year’s experience with the ambassador scheme, the EDB will continue to collaborate with different stakeholders to provide students with more learning opportunities to further increase their understanding of the efforts of the Government and various sectors of society in achieving the target of carbon neutrality in Hong Kong.
     
         Under school-based management, when formulating the School Development Plan (SDP), schools have to set out a clear direction for development and focused priority tasks, which should be in line with the school’s vision and mission, the latest education development, as well as the school context. Schools have been promoting ESD for years with good progress, and have generally taken forward relevant work as the routine ones. If there are new development focuses, strategies or measures, they will be included in the SDP as appropriate.
     
         Besides, the relevant bureaux and departments have also been actively implementing various education and publicity programmes to enhance students’ understanding of SD, including:

    (i) The Environment and Ecology Bureau has organised a range of seminars, workshops, field trips and interactive dramas, etc, on various topics through the Sustainable Development School Outreach Programme (Outreach Programme) and the Sustainable Development School Award Programme, so as to promote the concept and practice of SD among secondary students, and at the same time recognise the efforts of schools and students in promoting SD in the community. In the 2024/25 school year, under the theme of Food Waste Reduction and Recycling, the Outreach Programme attracted the participation of 231 schools, encompassing about 82 000 teachers and students. 
         In 2024, the EPD also launched the “We-recycle@School” Activity (the Scheme). Through providing a variety of teaching materials, support and teacher training to primary and secondary schools in Hong Kong, the Scheme assists schools and teachers in integrating waste reduction and recycling knowledge into daily teaching, encourage students to make good use of recycling facilities in schools and the community, and motivate their family members to practise resource separation and recycling together. Since its launch, the Scheme has received an overwhelming response, with the participation of about 350 000 students from around 550 primary and secondary schools. In addition, from January to May 2025, the EPD organised in collaboration with GREEN@COMMUNITY operators over 460 publicity activities on waste reduction and recycling involving or co-hosted by schools, thereby raising environmental awareness among students.
     
    (iii) The Drainage Services Department (DSD) has been supporting schools in promoting environmental protection education through organising guided tours at sewage treatment facilities. For instance, students can learn about the sewage treatment process, energy efficiency design and the measures in combating climate change through visits to the DSD’s facilities such as the Stonecutters Island Sewage Treatment Works and the Sha Tin Sewage Treatment Works.
     
    (3) The EDB has all along supported post-secondary institutions offering post-secondary programmes that meet the social and economic needs of Hong Kong, having regard to different policy bureaux’ and departments’ recommendations on manpower needs. In response to the ever-changing social needs for sustainable development, the University Grants Committee (UGC)-funded universities have offered various funded programmes relevant to “Environment, Society and Governance” in recent years, to nurture students to become talents in sustainable development and green finance. In the 2024/25 academic year, there are about 40 programmes at undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The EDB and the UGC will continue to encourage universities to nurture talents for growth, transformation and future challenges, and meet Hong Kong’s future development’s talent needs. Self-financing institutions also have the flexibility to develop programmes that meet market needs, and adjust the curricula and intake places of relevant programmes, in response to the ever-changing manpower needs of different sectors of society, and provide diversified articulation pathways.
     
    (4) Bureaux and departments take forward sector-specific talent training programmes in response to the latest industry development and manpower situation to enrich the local human resources. 
     
         The Government launched in 2022 the Pilot Green and Sustainable Finance Capacity Building Support Scheme (Pilot Scheme) for application by local eligible market practitioners and related professionals as well as students and graduates of relevant disciplines. There are currently 94 eligible programmes and qualifications, including green and sustainable finance programmes and qualifications related to banking services, asset management, insurance industry, etc. These are provided by the professional and continuing education schools of local universities, professional institutions, international training providers, etc, and the list will continue to be updated. As of May 2025, over 7 200 reimbursement applications were approved, involving a total reimbursement amount of over $40 million. To continuously support local green finance talent training, we will extend the Pilot Scheme to 2028.
     
         Besides, the Green and Sustainable Finance Cross-Agency Steering Group (Steering Group) formed by relevant Government Bureaux, financial regulators and the Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited launched in October 2022 the Sustainable Finance Internship Initiative to create more relevant local internship opportunities for students. Members of the Steering Group also regularly offer training seminars and forums, at which representatives from financial regulators as well as experts from the academia and industry are invited to share insights to deepen university students and industry’s understanding of sustainable finance. 
     
         The EPD has all along been supporting the continuous development of environmental professions in Hong Kong, so that the standards and credibility of environment-related services and industries can be enhanced through professionalisation. The EPD is exploring collaboration with the Hong Kong Institute of Qualified Environmental Professionals to provide ESG-related training, with a view to addressing the rapid development and growing demand for talents in the ESG field. Besides, relevant courses are offered by course providers under the Continuing Education Fund in response to market development and needs, which are currently mainly provided by higher education institutions, and the Employees Retraining Board also provides relevant courses.
    Issued at HKT 14:25

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: New Energy for Xinjiang’s Summer Economy

    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

    Football, kok-boru competitions… in Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the integration of original sports events and cultural tourism has not only fueled tourists’ interest in sports, but also promoted the development of industries such as catering and agricultural production, bringing “summer energy” to Xinjiang’s economy.

    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: Cultural tourism consumption continues to grow during summer holidays

    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

    July this year marks the peak of summer travel. In light of this hot season, China’s tourist destinations have stepped up their cultural tourism activities.

    This summer, hydrophilic tourism projects such as rafting and water games have been launched in a number of scenic spots in Chizhou City, Anhui Province, attracting a large number of tourists. Tourists feel the coolness of streams and shallows, and enjoy summer activities.

    In Zhangjiajie, Hunan Province, in addition to enjoying the unique natural scenery, tourists can also enjoy various types of travel such as expeditions and night tours.

    In Dunhuang, Gansu Province, the Yueyaquan Lake and Mingsha Mountain Scenic Area hosts four open-air concerts every week. In addition, a night market has been opened there this year to enrich the tourism experience for tourists.

    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.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: EU officials condemn Israel for killing Gaza civilians in aid queues

    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

    BRUSSELS, July 23 (Xinhua) — Senior European Union officials on Tuesday strongly condemned the killing of civilians in lines for humanitarian aid in the Gaza Strip, warning Israel to uphold its commitments on aid access and comply with international law.

    “The killing of civilians waiting for humanitarian aid in Gaza is unforgivable,” EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Kaja Kallas wrote on social media X. She said she had spoken to Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar to remind him of how the EU understands aid and to demand that the Israeli military stop killing people at distribution points.

    “We do not rule out any options if Israel does not fulfill its obligations,” she added.

    European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen shared those concerns, calling the situation in Gaza “unbearable” and stressing that civilians must never be targeted.

    “The EU reiterates its call for the free, safe and rapid flow of humanitarian aid, with full respect for international and humanitarian law,” she wrote on the social network X. “The civilian population of Gaza has suffered too much and for too long. This must stop now. Israel must live up to its obligations,” added U. von der Leyen.

    The comments come amid a series of deadly incidents in the Gaza Strip. Health authorities in the enclave said Israeli forces opened fire on civilians waiting for aid distribution on Sunday, killing at least 85 people. Six more were killed in a separate incident in Rafah. –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.

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  • MIL-OSI Russia: UN Security Council adopts resolution on peaceful settlement of disputes

    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

    UNITED NATIONS, July 22 (Xinhua) — The United Nations Security Council on Tuesday unanimously adopted Resolution 2788, aimed at strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.

    The document urges all UN Member States to make effective use of the mechanisms listed in Article 33 of the UN Charter, including negotiation, inquiry, mediation, conciliation, arbitration, judicial settlement, resort to regional organizations or arrangements and other peaceful means at their discretion.

    It is noted that the UN Security Council is ready to use the mechanism provided for in Article 34 of the UN Charter, which gives it the authority to investigate any dispute or any situation that could lead to international friction in order to determine whether the continuation of the dispute could threaten international peace and security.

    Resolution 2788 reaffirms the role of the UN Security Council in recommending appropriate procedures or methods of settlement for the peaceful settlement of disputes and calls upon Member States to take the necessary measures to effectively implement UN Security Council instruments on the peaceful settlement of disputes.

    The UN Secretary-General is called upon to ensure the organization’s ability to lead and support mediation and preventive diplomacy efforts, the resolution says. It also calls on the Secretary-General to continue to provide his good offices and on Member States to support and cooperate with the UN chief in this regard.

    The Security Council urged regional and subregional organizations to intensify efforts to peacefully resolve disputes in accordance with the UN Charter and relevant Security Council resolutions, and member states to support the role of regional and subregional organizations in this regard. The document calls for strengthening cooperation between the aforementioned organizations and the UN.

    Within a year, the UN Secretary-General must present concrete recommendations for further strengthening mechanisms for the peaceful settlement of disputes, the resolution says. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Mexico to Organize Immediate Repatriation of U.S. Citizens — President

    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

    MEXICO CITY, July 23 (Xinhua) — Mexico is seeking the immediate repatriation of 14 of its citizens held in the U.S. immigration detention center known as the “Alcatraz of the Alligators,” Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said at a daily press conference on Tuesday.

    “At the moment, 14 Mexicans have been detained, and everything possible is being done to ensure their immediate repatriation,” she noted.

    According to the president, the “Alligator Alcatraz,” located in the Everglades region of the American state of Florida, has now become one of the main topics of news.

    Diplomats sent notes “so that all Mexicans are immediately deported and do not have to stay in this center,” she added.

    Commenting on allegations that migrants detained during raids ordered by the Trump administration are being mistreated in an “Alcatraz of alligators,” Sheinbaum said consular officials are looking into the matter. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese-Russian scientific expedition to the Bering Sea and the northwestern Pacific Ocean starts from Vladivostok

    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

    VLADIVOSTOK, July 23 (Xinhua) — A ceremony to mark the launch of a Chinese-Russian scientific expedition to the Bering Sea and the northwestern Pacific Ocean was held here on Tuesday.

    An expedition on the research vessel /NIS/ “Akademik M.A. Lavrentyev” departs from Vladivostok on Wednesday. Scientists from the V.I. Ilychev Pacific Oceanological Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences /POI FEB RAS/ and the First Institute of Oceanography of the Ministry of Natural Resources of the People’s Republic of China /PIO MNR/ will conduct research in the Bering Sea and the northwestern part of the Pacific Ocean for 45 days.

    Acting Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Vladivostok Wang Jun delivered a speech at the ceremony. According to him, the joint scientific expedition will focus on paleoceanography, paleoclimatology and ecosystem studies. The results will help humanity better understand the patterns of climate evolution in the Arctic Ocean and the North Pacific Ocean, and provide a key scientific basis for predicting future environmental changes. He noted that against the backdrop of deepening economic globalization and regional integration, the resumption of Sino-Russian scientific expeditions demonstrates the shared responsibility of the two countries in addressing global climate change and exploring cutting-edge marine science.

    Director of the Pacific Oceanological Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences Denis Makarov emphasized that this voyage of the research vessel Akademik M. A. Lavrentyev will be the first after more than three years of modernization of the vessel. This is also the first expedition of the Pacific Oceanological Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences and the PIO MNR after the forced break caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, which is important for increasing cooperation between the two parties.

    The general management of the expedition is carried out by Alexander Anatolyevich Bosin, leading researcher of the laboratory of paleoceanology and paleoclimatology of the Pacific Oceanological Institute of the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences. The co-leader from the Chinese side is Zou Jianjun, leading researcher of the laboratory of marine geology and geophysics of the PIO MPR. The expedition includes 25 scientists, including five from China.

    The expedition will collect samples of bottom sediments, volcanic ash, zoo- and phytoplankton in the Pacific Ocean and the Bering Sea. In the ship’s laboratories, scientists will conduct research to assess the degree of response of the marine environment to past and current climate changes, including those associated with growing economic activity in the region. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A sports complex for KRT will be built in Sviblovo

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A decision has been made on the comprehensive development of a non-residential development area with a total area of 11.79 hectares in the Sviblovo district in the north-east of the capital. The corresponding resolution was signed Sergei Sobyanin.

    The area to be reorganized is located on Selskokhozyaistvennaya Street (property 42, building 1). It is currently occupied by outdated buildings.

    The urban development potential of the plots is 161.97 thousand square meters of real estate. This will allow the construction of a modern residential quarter with a sports complex. In addition, landscaping of the territory and organization of the street and road network are planned.

    A cultural and leisure center will appear on the site of the former Sokolinaya Gora industrial zone under the KRT programNew life for urban areas: implementation of six KRT projects has begun

    As of July 22, 2025, 118 projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of over 1.4 thousand hectares have been approved by the Moscow Government and are in the implementation stage. Within their framework, it is planned to build over 28.7 million square meters of real estate. As a result, 340.6 thousand jobs will be created.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Modern housing for the renovation program will be built on Pavlovskaya Street

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

    A decision has been made on the comprehensive development of two non-residential development sites with a total area of 2.24 hectares in the Danilovsky District in the south of the capital. The corresponding resolution was signed Sergei Sobyanin.

    The reorganized areas are located on Pavlovskaya Street (properties 18 and 27/29). They are currently occupied by outdated facilities: offices, warehouses, shops and a car service.

    The urban development potential of the plots is 54.48 thousand square meters of real estate. This will allow the construction of a modern residential quarter for the purposes of the renovation program, an ambulance substation for 15 vehicles, and public and business facilities. Landscaping of the territory and organization of the street and road network are also planned.

    As of July 22, 2025, the Moscow Government has approved and is in the implementation stage of 118 projects for the integrated development of territories with a total area of over 1.4 thousand hectares. Within the framework of these projects, it is planned to build real estate objects with a total area of over 28.7 million square meters and create 340.6 thousand jobs.

    The renovation program was approved in August 2017. It concerns about a million Muscovites and provides for the resettlement of 5,176 houses. The Moscow mayor ordered to increase the pace of implementation of the renovation program intwice.

    Moscow is one of the leaders among regions in terms of construction volumes. High rates of housing construction correspond to the goals and initiatives of the national project “Infrastructure for life”.

    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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • Focus on trade, investment during PM Modi’s UK visit: High Commissioner Doraiswami

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s upcoming visit to the United Kingdom will prioritise trade, investment, and the advancement of the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), Indian High Commissioner to the UK, Vikram Doraiswami, said on Tuesday.

    Speaking to IANS, Doraiswami underlined that preparations are in full swing to reinforce the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between the two nations. “Our entire team is working in London to prepare for the visit,” he said.

    “We will be discussing a lot on trade and investment, especially how to implement the trade agreement once it is signed, and how both countries can further strengthen their economic relationship,” Doraiswami said. He added that Indian companies operating in the UK have been “largely satisfied” with market access.

    Doraiswami noted that while the core negotiations on the FTA were concluded in May, certain formalities remain. “The main negotiations have concluded, but some paperwork is still pending,” he said, adding that the process, known as ‘legal scrubbing,’ ensures the agreement is legally sound and all documents are in order.

    PM Modi is set to visit the UK from July 23–24 at the invitation of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. It will be his fourth visit to the country.

    According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the visit will include a review of progress under the bilateral strategic partnership. Discussions will cover trade, technology, defence, climate, health, education, and people-to-people ties.

    IANS

  • Fire still burns as Venus Williams becomes oldest WTA match-winner since 2004

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Venus Williams said she still has fire in her belly after the 45-year-old became the oldest player to win a WTA singles match since 2004 with her 6-3 6-4 victory over Peyton Stearns at the Washington Open on Tuesday.

    Having returned to competitive action on Monday in the women’s doubles following a 16-month absence from the game, Williams defeated world number 35 Stearns to claim her first singles win since 2023 in Cincinnati.

    The seven-times Grand Slam singles champion is the oldest WTA singles match-winner since a 47-year-old Martina Navratilova won at Wimbledon in 2004.

    “I think I just attacked the whole time. It’s just trying to find the right balance between going to hard and not enough,” Williams said after the opening-round win.

    “It’s the same because this is what I do, but at the same time, at the time it was imperative for me to do it. Now I don’t have to do this, but I have the same fire and the same want to win.

    “In some ways, I’m still getting back into that. When you do it everyday, everything is natural. Not as natural feeling now, but I hope I can get back to that.”

    Williams will next face Polish fifth seed Magdalena Frech.

    “I think it was a big win for me today. Like I said, it’s not easy. It won’t be easy. It’s not easy for anyone out here,” Williams said.

    “So I know I’ll have to fight for every match, but I’m up for that.”

    Emma Raducanu was among the big names that progressed after the 2021 U.S. Open champion beat Ukrainian seventh seed Marta Kostyuk 7-6(4) 6-4 in her opener. The 22-year-old Briton will next face four-times Grand Slam champion Naomi Osaka.

    “I think it’s a great match for a lot of spectators, which is great to be a part of,” Raducanu told reporters. “She’s been playing really good tennis this year. Yeah, it will be a great test of my own game and myself.”

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-Evening Report: Time to ditch splitting the bill? Shouting a close friend could actually make you happier

    Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Aimee E. Smith, Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the Net Zero Observatory, The University of Queensland

    Jose Calsina/Shutterstock

    When an outing calls for upfront payment, such as admission to the cinema, a play or a theme park, the question of who covers it can shape the tone before the fun even begins.

    Navigating payment with others – whether colleagues, close friends or new acquaintances – can be tricky and interrupt the social dynamic that makes shared experiences so valuable.

    Our new research, published in Psychology and Marketing, suggests the way you approach splitting upfront costs could have some surprising impacts.

    In some cases, despite the dent in your bank account, covering the full cost of an experience for yourself and someone else could actually make you happier.

    But this won’t always be the case. And it likely comes down to the different norms and expectations we have for different kinds of relationships.

    The experience economy

    When times are tough financially, psychology suggests people would prefer to spend their money on material goods rather than experiences.

    Yet despite ongoing cost-of-living pressures, there’s evidence to suggest many Australians are prioritising experiences.

    Experiences are often shared with other people.
    Tsuguliev/Shutterstock

    Experiences are not just services, but rather about creating memorable events. Compared with material goods, experiences are consistently linked to improved happiness.

    A big part of the benefit we derive from such experiences hinges on the fact that we share them with other people. Putting money towards experiences lets us spend time with other people and relate to them in ways just buying “stuff” often can’t match.

    So much so, that factors like who we go with, the quality of conversations an experience leads to, or the clarity we have about the other person’s interests can have as much of an effect on happiness as the experience content itself.

    In shared experiences, where money is unavoidable, how does “who pays” affect their well-being benefits? This is the question we posed in our latest research, coauthored with Belinda Barton and Natalina Zlatevska.

    Going to the movies

    We conducted three experiments with 2,640 people and presented them with a common scenario: they would be going to the cinema with either their best friend or a casual acquaintance.

    We told half of the participants they would split the cost (that is, pay only for their own admission). The other half were told they would cover the whole cost for both themselves and the other person. We then asked them how happy they would be with this purchase.

    Across the three studies, when participants were with their best friend, they reported they would be happier paying the full amount than they would be splitting the cost. In contrast, when participants were with an acquaintance, we found that how the cost was split had no effect on happiness.

    Could paying for someone else’s ticket actually make you happier?
    andresr/Getty

    The ‘close friends’ effect

    With closer friends, unlike acquaintances and strangers, we often have a different set of norms and expectations – especially surrounding reciprocity.

    Interactions with close friends usually follow “communal norms”. This is where people help each other based on care and need, without expecting something in return.

    On the other hand, interactions with strangers and acquaintances are more likely to follow “exchange norms”, which prioritise balance and direct repayment.

    In line with this, we found when participants were with their best friends, their expectations of repayment were lower than with acquaintances when they paid for them. Where participants had higher expectations of repayment, they noted they would be less happy.

    Other possibilities

    We also tested other ideas, such as whether who pays would affect how smooth the conversation felt or whether it created awkwardness in the dynamic.

    We also examined whether the payment felt like an investment in the relationship, or whether it made the other person think more positively of the participant.

    We found that none of these really changed depending on who paid and how close the two people were, so they didn’t seem to explain why paying for a close friend felt better.

    Instead, norms around reciprocity in different types of relationships can make paying feel more transactional than a kind gesture. This, in turn, affects how happy it makes us feel.

    So, should I spend all my money on my friends?

    While our research suggests paying for others can make you happier, we don’t recommend budgeting your life savings for this cause.

    We limited our experiments to inexpensive experiences (that is, the cinema). So, it’s unlikely paying for your friend’s 2026 Europe trip will bring you ultimate happiness.

    Also, if your friend already owes you money, you might expect them to pay you back sooner, and footing the bill again could start to wear thin on your happiness.

    Aimee E. Smith 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. Time to ditch splitting the bill? Shouting a close friend could actually make you happier – https://theconversation.com/time-to-ditch-splitting-the-bill-shouting-a-close-friend-could-actually-make-you-happier-261557

    MIL OSI Analysis – EveningReport.nz –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Energy Sector – Equinor to commence third tranche of the 2025 share buy-back programme

    Source: Equinor

    23 JULY 2025 – Equinor will on 24 July 2025 commence the third tranche of up to USD 1,265 million of the share buy-back programme for 2025, as announced in relation with the second quarter results 23 July 2025.

    In this third tranche of the share buy-back programme for 2025, shares for up to USD 417.5 million will be purchased in the market, implying a total third tranche of up to USD 1,265 million including shares to be redeemed from the Norwegian State. The tranche will end no later than 27 October 2025.

    Equinor announced at the Capital Market Update in February 2025 a share buy-back programme of up to USD 5 billion for 2025, including shares to be redeemed from the Norwegian State, in order to conclude the two-year programme for 2024 – 2025, announced in February 2024. The share buy-back programme will be subject to market outlook and balance sheet strength and be structured into tranches where Equinor will buy back shares for a certain value in USD over a defined period. For the third tranche in 2025, Equinor will be entering into a non-discretionary agreement with a third party who will execute repurchases of shares and make its trading decisions independently of the company.

    Commencement of new share buy-back tranches after the third tranche in 2025 will be decided by the board of directors on a quarterly basis in line with the company’s dividend policy and will be subject to board authorisation for share buy-back from the company’s annual general meeting and agreement with the Norwegian State regarding share buy-back (as further described below).

    The purpose of the share buy-back programme is to reduce the issued share capital of the company. All shares purchased as part of the third tranche for 2025 will thus be cancelled through a capital reduction at the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026.

    Further information about the share buy-back programme and the third tranche:

    The third tranche of the share buy-back programme for 2025 is based on an authorisation granted to the board of directors at the annual general meeting of the company held on 14 May 2025. According to the authorisation, the maximum number of shares which can be purchased in the market is 84 million, of which 67,622,812 remain available per commencement of the third tranche in 2025 (buy-backs made under previous tranches in the authorisation period taken into account). The minimum price that can be paid per share is NOK 50, and the maximum price is NOK 1,000. The authorisation is valid until the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026, but no later than 30 June 2026.

    An agreement between Equinor and the Norwegian State regulates the State’s participation in the share buy-back: at the annual general meeting of the company in May 2026, the State will, as per proposal by the board of directors, vote for the cancellation of shares purchased in the market pursuant to the board authorisation, and the redemption and cancellation of a proportionate number of its shares in order to maintain its ownership share in the company at 67%. The price to be paid to the State for redemption of the State’s shares shall be the volume-weighted average of the price paid by Equinor for shares purchased in the market plus an interest rate compensation, adjusted for any divid

    MIL OSI – Submitted News –