TVS Motor Company Managing Director Sudarshan Venu has credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for providing a visionary boost to tourism in Gujarat’s Kutch region by encouraging the concept of motorcycle racing.
According to Venu, the initiative helped transform the desert expanse into a magnet for motor enthusiasts and tourists alike.
While sharing his experience with the ‘Modi Story’, Venu recalled a conversation he had with the Prime Minister that led to the bold idea of combining motorcycle sport with tourism in Kutch.
“I was fortunate to talk to him a bit about what we are doing on racing. And he said you must develop tourism in India, and use these opportunities for that, and do something in Kutch during the Kutch festival. And we got hundreds of riders to ride there, to do stunt shows, to engage with the local community, but also to get riders from all parts to come there and see what Kutch is, a really beautiful place, and to expose everybody to that, and to further the brand of India in India and abroad,” Venu said.
“It creates a sense of confidence, a sense of exploration, and a sense of fun, and this was really possible with PM Modi’s vision,” he added.
Praising the Prime Minister’s wide-ranging influence on Indian industry, Venu added, “On the other hand, you also see him (addressing) tangible issues, how do we make in India, how do we design in India? How do MSMEs prosper? So at multiple levels, he is able to connect with people and give them ideas and inspire them to do better. That is really important. So I really cherish these ideas and try to implement them.”
Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Modi met with Sudarshan Venu and Venu Srinivasan, Chairman Emeritus of TVS Motor Company.
During the meeting, they presented the Prime Minister with the TVSM x Rann Utsav 2025 Coffee Table Book, which showcases the beauty of Kutch and the synergy between motorsports and regional tourism.
“Glad to have met Shri Venu Srinivasan Ji and Mr. Sudarshan Venu. I commend them for the effort to chronicle the beauty of Kutch and also encourage motorcyclists to go there,” PM Modi wrote in a post on X following the meeting.
TVS’s motorcycle racing initiative in Kutch has now become a case study in how motorsports and festivals can come together to create lasting tourism value, all driven by the Prime Minister’s vision of showcasing India’s diverse landscapes and talent.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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This year, the capital’s colleges have expanded their enrollment in culinary specialties. More than 2,500 budget places are available for applicants – this is 20 percent more than in the previous academic year. This was reported by the press service of the capital’s Department of Education and Science.
“In Moscow colleges, future chefs and pastry chefs are immersed in the profession from the very first days: they undergo practical training on modern equipment, master current trends and hone their skills under the guidance of experienced mentors. Thanks to close cooperation with the city’s leading enterprises, two-thirds of students begin working while still studying. The guys cook for premium establishments and work in food industry companies,” the department’s press service said.
For example, Elizaveta Blokhina is a third-year student at College of the Service Sphere No. 10, majoring in pastry chef. In the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, the student completed an internship at the White Rabbit restaurant. During her last internship, she realized that she wanted to become part of the team. Thanks to the close cooperation between the college and the restaurant, the girl met the chef, successfully passed the interview, and now works in the cold shop.
Ekaterina Khmelevskaya, a graduate of the Moscow educational complex “West” in the specialty “cooking and confectionery”, graduated from college this summer. Already in her third year, she completed an internship at the prestigious Moscow restaurant Selfie, awarded a Michelin star, and soon began working there. After that, the student tried her hand at an unusual project – an immersive gastrotheatre, where she created desserts, combining them with video projections and light effects. However, she soon realized that she liked classical cooking more, and took part in the All-Russian open culinary championship among chefs Chef a la Russe, where she took second place. After participating in the competition, the girl was invited to an internship at a Moscow restaurant named after the philanthropist Savva Mamontov, and a week later she was offered the position of pastry chef.
Darya Stelmakhova graduated from Food College No. 33 as a pastry chef in 2023. In her second year, the student began working at the Aist restaurant under the guidance of Italian chef Mirko Zago. Later, she moved to the Savva restaurant, where she worked in the hot shop. Thanks to her talent and responsible approach to work, the girl quickly won the respect of her colleagues and became a sous-chef two years later.
Admissions campaign
This year, the number of budget places in Moscow colleges for ninth-graders in the capital has increased to a record 43 thousand. Applicants can choose from more than 150 professions and specialties in all sectors of the city’s economy.
Moscow ninth-graders who graduated from school this year will be able to submit applications until July 26. The application period for programs with entrance examinations ended on July 20. Moscow ninth-graders of previous years, Moscow eleventh-graders, as well as out-of-town applicants will be able to submit applications until August 15, and for programs with entrance examinations – until August 10.
Applicants are allowed to choose five specialties at one educational institution at the same time or distribute them among several. Applications can be submitted electronically viamos.ru portal.
Detailed information about in-demand professions and specialties taught in the capital’s colleges is available on the website “Colleges of Moscow”, in the same names telegram channel Andcommunity on the social network VKontakte.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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The collection of standards for assessing the costs of operating urban facilities (SN-2012) has been updated, taking into account prices as of July 1, 2025. This was reported by Maria Bagreeva, Deputy Mayor of Moscow, head of the capital’s Department of Economic Policy and Development.
“The SN-2012 collection contains prices for all types of work and services for the maintenance and repair of schools, clinics, kindergartens, parking lots, roads, parks, sports complexes, cultural heritage sites and other city facilities. Using the collection allows us to eliminate unjustified spending of budget funds on the repair and maintenance of city facilities, and provides contractors with equal and transparent conditions for participation in tenders. Muscovites also benefit from this, as they receive high-quality improvement of the capital that meets the highest requirements,” noted Maria Bagreeva.
The standards approved in the SN-2012 collection are used by about 2.5 thousand Moscow customers and commercial companies in the operation and maintenance of various municipal facilities. New cost standards are added and recalculated to the current price level on a quarterly basis. In the first two quarters of this year, the Department of Economic Policy and Development of the City of Moscow developed and included 128 standards in the collection, some of which are related to the maintenance of the street and road network and the outdoor lighting system.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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In the first half of 2025, investors leased and purchased land for the construction of various facilities in six administrative districts of the capital. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Urban Development Policy and Construction Vladimir Efimov.
“Over the first six months of 2025, based on the results of auctions, more than 40 plots with a total area of over 7.5 hectares were leased and purchased from the city. Almost 84.2 thousand square meters of real estate are planned to be built on these sites, including industrial, public and business facilities and private residential buildings. The land is located in six administrative districts, the majority of which is in TiNAO: there are 36 plots there. Two objects were purchased in the southwest and west, one in the east and southeast of the capital,” Vladimir Efimov noted.
For the construction of non-residential facilities, the city offers investors two formats: a land lease agreement for construction or an agreement on the implementation of a large-scale investment project (MaIP).
“Based on the results of the first half of the year, entrepreneurs signed three agreements with the city on the implementation of the MAIP. According to one of them, a modern retail and office building will appear on the territory of the administrative and business center “Kommunarka”, the second provides for the construction of two industrial facilities with an area of 12.5 thousand square meters in the Nekrasovka and Vnukovo districts. Another 36 plots, mainly in the Troitsky administrative district, were sold to individuals for individual housing construction. Commercial buildings will be erected under three land lease agreements in the southwest of the capital and in the Tatar Administrative District,” she noted.
Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.
You can find out information about land plots put up for auction, rules for holding auctions and study the documentation in the section “Moscow Trades” on the capital’s investment portal. All contracts are concluded electronically in the buyer’s personal account.
According to the head of the Moscow City Department for Competition Policy Kirill Purtov, the capital offers a convenient format for holding auctions and guarantees legal purity and transparency of the transaction, which contributes to the popularity of city auctions among entrepreneurs and city residents. In the first six months of this year, at auctions for the sale of land plots for the construction of both commercial and residential properties, an average of 11 participants bid for one lot.
The development of electronic services for entrepreneurs is being implemented within the framework of the national project “Data 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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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Specialists from the capital’s municipal services complex will update in-house gas supply systems in 467 apartment buildings. The work will be carried out within the framework of capital repair programsThis was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Housing and Public Utilities and Improvement Petr Biryukov.
“The capital’s capital repair program is one of the most significant housing modernization projects not only in Russia, but also in the world. We are carrying out work to update not only the exterior of the building: the facade, roof and entrance group, but also the engineering systems. During the program’s implementation, we have completed capital repairs of in-house gas supply systems in 2,343 apartment buildings. This year, work is planned for another 467, and it has already been completed at 301 facilities,” noted Pyotr Biryukov.
Timely repair of equipment is important for its safe operation and organization of uninterrupted gas supply. In their work, specialists use modern technical solutions. For example, they use ball valves with three degrees of protection against accidental opening. They limit the flow of gas in case of equipment failure and temperature exposure. In addition, flexible gas piping made of stainless steel with PVC coating and a dielectric insert are installed in houses. This is done to protect against external influences and to eliminate an emergency situation when stray currents appear.
Gas risers inside an apartment building are common property, so apartment owners must promptly provide specialists with access to the work sites.
According to current regulations, the service life of an in-house gas pipeline is 30 years. After this time, the equipment wears out and requires replacement.
The regional program for capital repairs of housing stock being implemented in the capital corresponds to the goals and objectives 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.
“Our task is to use natural resources rationally. Both during the work and during the operation of the metro,” the Mayor of Moscow noted.
Source: Sergei Sobyanin’s Telegram channel @mos_sobyanin
To do this, specialists conduct environmental monitoring of air, ground and surface water, and soil analysis. All samples are examined in independent laboratories. Most often, such testing is used when tunneling, which affects the territories of national parks or protected areas. Thus, it was carried out during the construction of the Big Ring Line (BCL), when tunnel boring machines worked under the territories of nature conservation areas and repeatedly crossed the water area of the Moscow River.
After work, builders remove and dispose of all waste, including soil. For example, at the ZIL station Trinity line To create the pits and reversible culverts, it was necessary to remove a total of almost 400 thousand cubic meters of earth.
After the work is completed, green spaces are restored. Thus, more than 600 bushes and trees will be planted near the Stolbovo electric depot, and about 1.4 thousand in TiNAO. Among the already implemented projects, one can highlight the improvement of the adjacent territory of the Kuntsevskaya station of the Big Circle Line. Almost 300 trees and 2.5 thousand bushes were planted here – a new park for citizens to relax appeared.
“We minimize harm to the animal world. For example, trees and bushes are cut down before the nesting period. Grass is not burned and chemical reagents are not used,” added Sergei Sobyanin.
All these measures help to avoid negative impacts on the environment and the health of construction workers, passengers and metro personnel.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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IN Museum of Entrepreneurs, Patrons and Philanthropists On July 23, the exhibition “Rediscover Russian PR” will open. The exposition will introduce visitors to the history of public relations in Russia and show how the reputations of domestic entrepreneurs and industrialists were formed, destroyed and restored.
“By studying the origins of entrepreneurial activity, Moscow entrepreneurs will be able to learn not only about the legacy of business culture, but also find inspiration and practical guidelines for modern business communications. Such projects form the value of continuity and strengthen the connection between generations,” she noted.
Kristina Kostroma, Head of the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow.
The exhibition is based on the study and analysis of primary sources — business press, memoirs, materials from industrialists’ congresses, and other historical documents. Among them are more than a thousand newspaper issues from 1861–1917, including Moskovskiye Vedomosti, Russkoye Slovo, Golos Moskvy, Birzhevye Vedomosti, and Kommersant.
The exhibition includes stands describing historical cases from the second half of the 19th and early 20th centuries in the areas of education, patronage and social support. They feature examples of press publications, early press releases and anti-crisis PR campaigns from past eras. The exhibition will reveal the PR tools of Russian entrepreneurs — from creating a personal brand to influencing public opinion and government decisions.
Examples include the educational project “Agronomic Train,” which clearly demonstrated modern agricultural technologies to farmers, the anti-crisis media strategy in the Savva Mamontov case, which influenced public perception of the trial, and the activities of the first advertising agencies, which were engaged not only in advertising, but also in promoting news items.
“The practice and history of Russian PR is currently taught only in specialized educational institutions, and, unfortunately, we are still learning from Western examples. Meanwhile, a huge number of Russian entrepreneurs have contributed to the development of the economy, education, and culture. Our task as a museum is to continue and support research in this area, as well as in other insufficiently studied areas, such as the experience of building entrepreneurial dynasties,” emphasized Nadezhda Smirnova, director of the Museum of Entrepreneurs, Patrons, and Philanthropists, member of the Moscow Council of Entrepreneurs.
The exhibition will last until September 1. To visit, you must purchase a ticket to the Museum of Entrepreneurs, Patrons and Philanthropists, which includes a comprehensive tour. It includes a viewing of the permanent exhibition, as well as materials from the exhibition “Rediscover Russian PR”.
The organizers of the exhibition were the digital agency Interium, the Museum of Entrepreneurs, Patrons and Philanthropists, members of the Council of Entrepreneurs of the City of Moscow, participants of the working group on PR and advertising, operating at the site of the capital headquarters for business protection.
The Business Protection Headquarters, subordinate to the Department of Entrepreneurship and Innovative Development of the City of Moscow, ensures the processing of individual requests from Moscow entrepreneurs, facilitates the resolution of systemic issues and builds effective communication between businesses and government bodies. More detailed information about the work of the headquarters is available at website and by phone number: 7 495 620-20-45.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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The complex of buildings of the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 of the 19th–20th centuries (now the Moscow Crystal Factory) was among the 142 identified cultural heritage sites. In total, the Unified State Register of Cultural Heritage Sites includes 3,975 historical buildings and structures. All monuments are under state protection. Their owners and tenants are obliged to ensure the preservation of cultural heritage sites and maintain them in accordance with the approved subject of protection.
Moscow State Wine Warehouse
The complex of buildings of the Moscow Crystal Plant is located on Samokatnaya Street (house 4, buildings 1, 2, 9, 11, 13, 14, 32 and an unnamed building). This is a monument of industrial architecture from the turn of the 19th–20th centuries, which previously had another name – Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1. It was erected on the bank of the Yauza River in Lefortovo and became the largest enterprise in the industry.
The oldest buildings that have survived to this day date back to 1851–1876. The main part of the production buildings was created by the architect Nikolai Faleev and the civil engineer Viktor Velichkin.
In 1894, on the initiative of the Minister of Finance of the Russian Empire, Sergei Witte, a state monopoly on the production and sale of alcoholic beverages was introduced in the country. In 1901, it also affected Moscow.
After the introduction of prohibition in 1914 during the First World War, Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 continued to manufacture products for medical and technical needs and for export abroad. Several buildings of the plant were given over to housing the wounded.
Since 1925, the production of strong alcoholic beverages has been resumed here. During the Great Patriotic War, the Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 bottled Molotov cocktails and produced dry alcohol. On July 22, 1941, a bomb hit its main building. The building burned almost completely inside and was restored only by 1950.
In January 1987, Moscow State Wine Warehouse No. 1 was renamed the Crystal Plant. In 2013, the Crystal Plant’s production facilities were transferred to the Kashirsky District of the Moscow Region. However, the head office remains located in Moscow on Samokatnaya Street.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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A new water pipeline will be built in the Shcherbinka district of the Novomoskovsk administrative district. The corresponding territorial planning project has already been approved. This was reported by Juliana Knyazhevskaya, Chairman of the Committee for Architecture and Urban Development of the City of Moscow (Moskomarkhitektura).
Large-scale work is being carried out in TiNAO to update water supply and sanitation systems. The new facility will provide residents of Shcherbinka with water from a centralized system supplied by the Western Water Treatment Plant.
“In the Shcherbinka district, it is planned to build a new water pipeline for water supply to existing and prospective consumers of the district. At present, a land use planning project has been approved for an area of about 96 hectares. It is planned to build a water pipeline and regulating water pumping units “Ryazanovsky-1”, “Ryazanovsky-2” and “Erino”, as well as two access roads. The total length of the water pipeline will be 3.42 kilometers. The work is being carried out within the framework of the capital’s Address Investment Program,” said Yuliana Knyazhevskaya.
She also added that high-quality design of engineering infrastructure and water supply systems in new areas is a key element of sustainable development. The creation of a well-thought-out and reliable network will not only improve the quality of life of city residents, but will also ensure long-term stability and comfort for future generations, contributing to the harmonious development of the territory.
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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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In the Zelenograd Administrative District (ZelAO), as part of a large-scale investment project (MaIP), a production complex is being built for the companies Pervy DSK and Life Engineering. This is the third of four facilities being built in the Savelki area. This was reported by the Deputy Mayor of Moscow for Transport and Industry Maxim Liksutov.
“In accordance with the instructions of Sergei Sobyanin, the capital continues to implement projects to develop industrial infrastructure. For example, a complex of four production facilities for various purposes is being built in Zelenograd, where it is planned to produce windows, aerated concrete blocks and ready-made modules. Its creation became possible thanks to two key measures to support the city at once. Due to the status of a large-scale investment project, the investor was able to lease a plot of land on preferential terms. And thanks to the program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities, after the completion of the construction of all enterprises, the complex will provide more than 600 new jobs for residents of the capital. This will strengthen the production potential of the city and increase the level of employment of the population,” said Maxim Liksutov.
The complex will house two enterprises producing modern construction products.
The plant of the company “First DSK” will produce window and door systems, as well as facades using glass and aluminum. The enterprise will provide a full cycle of work – from standard elements to individual solutions. The annual output will be up to 279 thousand square meters of PVC structures, 82 thousand square meters of products with warm glazing and 184 thousand square meters – with cold glazing.
The Life Engineering company’s enterprise will produce 40 thousand square meters of ready-made modules per year using prefab technology. It involves the preliminary assembly of standard-sized modular structures with full or partial glazing.
“The construction of an industrial facility, which will become part of the city’s modern infrastructure, is underway in Zelenograd Administrative Okrug. The project’s implementation will create over 100 jobs for residents of the district and open up additional employment opportunities near home. The new facility, with a total area of over 17 thousand square meters, will be located in the Savelki district,” said the Minister of the Moscow Government, head of the Moscow Department of Investment and Industrial Policy
The city provides land plots for the construction of production facilities within the framework of the implementation of the MAIP at a preferential rate of one ruble per year. This contributes to the development of Moscow’s infrastructure and the reduction of pendulum migration of the population of different districts.
“The provision of land plots at a preferential rate for the creation and expansion of production is a support measure that has been in effect in the capital since March 2022. The FSK Group of Companies was one of the first to take advantage of this opportunity. A plot of about 3.5 hectares was allocated for the construction of the complex. In total, more than 17 hectares of land in the Savelki area have been transferred to the company for the construction of four industrial facilities,” she noted.
Ekaterina Solovieva, Minister of the Moscow Government, Head of the Moscow Department of City Property.
As the head of the department said Anton Slobodchikov, permitting documentation, which allows the developer to begin work on the territory of the complex, was issued at the end of December 2023. The facility will have workshops, warehouses, administrative blocks and checkpoints, offices, a medical center, a canteen, sanitary and household premises and dressing rooms. More than two thousand square meters are allocated for landscaping. Mosgosstroynadzor inspectors monitor each stage of construction – from site preparation to the delivery of the facility. The implementation is carried out in strict accordance with the design documentation and compliance with all technical requirements.
Work is currently underway to install a reinforced concrete base and roof, as well as to install metal structures and sandwich panels.
FSK Group Project Director Maxim Rybakov noted that the new industrial facility in Zelenograd will unite two high-tech production facilities at one site. This will increase the efficiency of using the provided land plot and provide residents of the district with a large selection of vacancies for employment at future enterprises. The partnership of the city and business in projects of this scale allows for a comprehensive approach to the development of territories and human resources. Maxim Rybakov also noted that construction is planned to be completed this year.
The program to stimulate the creation of employment opportunities has covered almost all districts of the city since 2020. Investors will build over 230 facilities with a total area of over six million square meters. Among them are new industrial enterprises, office and shopping centers, as well as educational, cultural and sports institutions. The implementation of the projects will create more than 310 thousand new jobs in almost all sectors of the city’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.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
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Entrepreneurs are offered to purchase eight commercial premises with an area of 64.3 to 135.7 square meters in the west of Moscow. All of them are located on the ground floors and have a flexible purpose. This was reported by the head of the Moscow City Department for Competition Policy Kirill Purtov.
“Commercial real estate properties in new buildings are of interest to investors – in the first half of 2025, 714 business premises with a total area of 132.2 thousand square meters were sold at open auctions. Currently,
Moscow investment portal eight free-use lots in residential complexes in the Fili-Davydkovo area are presented. The premises are located on the ground floors and are suitable for opening a store, cafe, order pick-up point or other local infrastructure facilities. Open auctions will be held on August 12,” said Kirill Purtov.
The objects are located at the following addresses: Oleko Dundicha Street, Building 29 and Building 31, Block 1. This is next to the Filevsky Park metro station. Each premises has a separate entrance from the street, electricity, water supply and sewerage.
The bidding campaigns will end on August 1. Both individuals and legal entities can participate in the bidding. This will require registration on the Roseltorg online platform and an enhanced qualified electronic signature.
Moscow is a city that develops entrepreneurship. The capital puts up for auction various real estate properties, and the showcase of the lots on offer is Moscow investment portal. In the section “Moscow Trades” Photos of the lot, documentation, conditions and form of implementation are published. Here you can also take a 3D tour of the objects. Participation is completely remote: the auction is held online.
Development of electronic services for business corresponds to the objectives of the national project “Data Economy and Digital Transformation of the State” and the regional project of the city of Moscow “Digital Public Administration”.
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.
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
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Second-year students of the Institute of Civil Engineering of SPbPU took part in a series of excursions to the construction sites of Setl Group. During their introductory practice, the students also visited the company’s office.
The students of the Polytechnic University were accompanied by Svetlana Belyaeva, senior lecturer of the Civil Engineering Institute, and Alexandra Zatsepina, assistant of the ISI. Setl Group was represented by Daria Fioletova, manager of personnel training and development.
In the residential complex “Bionika Zapovednaya” the tour was conducted by the leading construction engineer Ivan Golubev and the head of the construction project Vladimir Farykin. In the residential complex Univer City the children were met by the construction engineer Ksenia Tolkacheva and the leading construction engineer Alexey Borisenko. The head of the construction project Ruslan Ermoolenko, leading construction engineers Kirill Tropin and Artem Akimov told about the residential complex “Dvortsovy Fasad”.
At the company’s office, construction project manager Dmitry Shmodin gave a lecture on the specifics of management, site organization, interaction between engineers at all stages of work, and the use of modern technologies.
During excursions to residential complexes and the office, ISI students received detailed safety instructions, saw presentations of architectural concepts of the facilities, learned about the company’s areas of activity, job responsibilities of engineers and strict requirements for the quality of work. In addition, the students studied the sequence of construction processes – from monolithic work to finishing and landscaping, got acquainted with engineering systems, visited the technical underground and underground parking. They discussed modern digital solutions for construction management with experts, including the ICONA platform, and also asked questions to engineers.
Based on the results of the internship, the students compiled reports with photos and videos. This will be useful to them in the next semester when designing a multi-apartment residential building. The guys were interested in the possibility of completing an internship at the company and further employment.
“I received additional motivation in my desire to become a professional who not only knows how to design, but is also able to control and understand the entire construction process on site,” shared Mikhail Abramov.
“Such excursions help students combine knowledge of different disciplines in a single real picture of construction. This is how they learn to think, reason, ask questions and see more,” noted ISI teacher Alexandra Zatsepina.
“It’s nice to see the students’ sincere desire to learn a lot. This gives rise to the desire to invest more: to hold useful events to help the new generation grow professionally. We will be glad to see interested students in our practice,” said Setl Group’s HR Training and Development Manager Daria Fioletova.
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.
In a joint statement, more than two dozen Western countries, including New Zealand, have called for an immediate end to the war on Gaza. But the statement is merely empty rhetoric that declines to take any concrete action against Israel, and which Israel will duly ignore.
AGAINST THE CURRENT:By Steven Cowan
The New Zealand government has joined 27 other countries calling for an “immediate end” to the war in Gaza. The joint statement says “the suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths”.
It goes on to say that the drip feeding of aid and the inhumane killing of civilians, including children, seeking to meet their most basic needs of water and food.
But many of the countries that have signed this statement stand condemned for actively enabling Israel to pursue its genocidal assault on Gaza. Countries like Britain, Canada and Australia, continue to supply Israel with arms, have continued to trade with Israel, and have turned a blind eye to the atrocities and war crimes Israel continues to commit in Gaza.
It’s more than ironic that while Western countries like Britain and New Zealand are calling for an end to the war in Gaza, they continue to be hostile toward the anti-war protest movements in their own countries.
The British government recently classified the protest group Palestine Action as a “terrorist” group.
In New Zealand, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Winston Peters, has denounced pro-Palestine protesters as “left wing fascists” and “communist, fascist and anti-democratic losers”. He has pushed back against the growing demands that the New Zealand government take direct action against Israel, including the cutting of all diplomatic ties.
The New Zealand government, which contains a number of Zionists within its cabinet, including Act leader David Seymour and co-leader Brooke van Velden, will be more than comfortable with a statement that proposes to do nothing.
‘Statement lacks leadership’ Its call for an end to the war is empty rhetoric, and which Israel will duly ignore — as it has ignored other calls for its genocidal war to end. As Amnesty International has said, ‘the statement lacks any resolve, leadership, or action to help end the genocide in Gaza.’
“This is cruelty – this is not a war,” says this young girl’s placard quoting the late Pope Francis in an Auckland march last Saturday . . . this featured in an earlier report. Image: Asia Pacific Report
New Zealand has declined to join The Hague Group alliance of countries that recently met in Colombia.
It announced six immediate steps it would be taking against Israel. But since The Hague Group has already been attacked by the United States, it’s never been likely that New Zealand would join it.
The National-led coalition government has surrendered New Zealand’s independent foreign policy in favour of supporting the interests of a declining American Empire.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The participation rate of persons with disabilities in China’s basic medical insurance has remained above 95 percent, according to official data.
Meanwhile, over 90 percent of people with disabilities in China are covered by basic old-age insurance for both urban and rural residents, Cheng Kai, chairman of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, told a press conference on Tuesday.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China created a total of 6.95 million new urban jobs in the first half of 2025, achieving 58 percent of its annual target, official data showed on Tuesday.
In June, the surveyed urban unemployment rate stood at 5 percent, remaining flat compared with one year earlier, Cui Pengcheng, spokesperson of the Ministry of Human Resources and Social Security, told a press conference.
The country has set a target for a surveyed urban unemployment rate of around 5.5 percent in 2025 and aims to create over 12 million new urban jobs.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A new training ground dedicated to advancing embodied artificial intelligence (AI) robots has been launched in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, marking a step forward in the development of the country’s high-end robotics industry.
Based in the city of Mianyang, the embodied AI robot training ground will operate as a comprehensive platform integrating research and development, validation testing, standard-setting and commercialization.
The project, officially launched on July 18, is a cornerstone of Sichuan’s strategy to build a globally competitive embodied AI robotics cluster in west China, an official from the Sichuan provincial science and technology department told Xinhua on Tuesday.
Thanks to rapid advancements in technologies such as AI and large language models, China’s robotics industry is undergoing a rapid transformation from laboratory research to mass production and applications.
The industry is expected to see a market boom in the coming years. According to the Chinese Institute of Electronics, China’s humanoid robot market is projected to reach 870 billion yuan (about 121.74 billion U.S. dollars) by 2030.
The training ground is expected to address critical bottlenecks facing embodied AI development globally, including scarce real-world training scenarios, insufficient high-quality data, and inadequate extreme-environment testing capabilities.
“This facility functions essentially as a ‘school’ for robots,” said the official.
It aims to overcome these challenges by creating simulated environments for deep interaction and vast data acquisition, thereby accelerating robotic learning, algorithmic improvements and capability upgrades, crucial for applications spanning manufacturing, healthcare, urban management and emergency response.
The training ground will follow an operational model featuring one innovation center focusing on core technologies like system integration, research and development of key components and algorithms, and pilot manufacturing.
It will be supported by two dedicated scenario training bases to gather operational data across diverse settings and enable deployment across diverse application scenarios, particularly targeting advanced manufacturing, emergency response, social services, tourism and urban governance.
The provincial government will allocate a special fund to develop the training ground, which, according to its plan, will help complete the infrastructure and operational framework while attracting over seven robotics enterprises by the end of 2025.
By 2027, the target is to bring together over 30 enterprises, facilitate the application of more than 30 new technologies, and launch over 10 new robot products, establishing the training ground as a nationally leading platform.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
While Chinese divers kept their dominance in the diving event, host Germany jumps into the limelight with its strong performance at the Rhine-Ruhr 2025 FISU World University Games.
Wang Weiying brought China its sixth diving gold on Monday with a wire-to-wire victory on 344.25 points in the women’s 3m springboard. Her teammate Qu Zhixin completed a one-two finish for China with silver at 318.55, while Germany’s Lena Hentschel and Jette Muller thrilled the home crowd by taking bronze and fourth place, respectively.
A golden Monday capped a near-perfect week for Wang, who has two golds and one silver in Berlin. The lone blemish came in the 10m platform competition where she finished runner-up to fellow Chinese Lu Wei.
Qu Zhixin of China competes in the women’s 3m springboard. [photo:xinhua]
“The environment is amazing. I am very happy to be able to compete in so many different events,” Wang said.
After five competition days, China has collected six gold and six silver medals in diving, while host Germany has three golds, two silvers and three bronzes under its belt – compared to just two silvers at the previous Games held in Chengdu two years ago.
The 11-strong German roster includes five Olympians, with Hentschel arriving in Berlin as a Tokyo 2020 bronze medalist.
“The German divers are looking to use home-crowd advantage to better their fourth place on the Chengdu Games medal table in 2023, when they claimed two silver medals,” the FISU’s official preview noted.
“Considering we are competing away from home and the hosts place great emphasis on diving, the results so far are already very good,” said Fu Yuchao, leader of the Chinese diving team. “There are still some regrets, but overall the team has performed to expectation.”
The diving competition of the Rhine-Ruhr Universiade will conclude on Wednesday with four gold medals up for grabs.
Foreign aid is no longer a viable solution for Africa’s growing development needs. The continent’s annual Sustainable Development Goal financing shortfall has reached $1.3 trillion, and leaders are increasingly clear-eyed about the limits of donor-driven models.
At a high-level session on the margins of the 2025 UN High-level Political Forum, African leaders called for structural reforms to expand domestic resource mobilization, build regional value chains and shift away from exporting raw commodities.
“Aid won’t close the gap. We must stop exporting raw materials and importing poverty,” said Claver Gatete, UN Under-Secretary-General and Executive Secretary of the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
He called for greater investment in manufacturing, green industries and youth-led enterprises. More than 80 percent of Africa’s exports remain unprocessed, a model he described as unsustainable.
Mr. Gatete was speaking at a session organized on the margins of the 2025 High-level Political Forum on Sustainable Development in New York. The event, co-hosted by the Government of Uganda and the ECA, focused on how to translate the Kampala Declaration, adopted at this year’s Africa Regional Forum on Sustainable Development (ARFSD), into concrete action.
Uganda’s Prime Minister Robinah Nabbanja said the continent was “dangerously off track” but highlighted progress made in her country, including reductions in maternal mortality, gains in gender equality and increased national budget allocations linked to the Sustainable Development Goals.
“The Kampala Declaration is practical,” said Ms. Nabbanja. “We’re proud to host this conversation and to take it forward in terms of implementation.” Her remarks underscored a broader shift toward self-determined development.
Uganda chaired the ARFSD Bureau in 2025 and has introduced measures to align domestic planning with regional and global frameworks. Despite this, debt pressures, limited access to concessional finance and the high cost of capital continue to challenge many African economies.
Mr. Gatete reiterated ECA’s support for the creation of an African Credit Rating Agency, arguing that current international rating practices distort risk and restrict access to affordable capital. He also called for scaling blended finance mechanisms, issuing local currency bonds and digitizing tax and revenue systems to boost efficiency and compliance.
He noted that inclusive growth also depends on people-centered investments. “We must stop viewing youth as recipients of development and start recognizing them as drivers of it,” he said, emphasizing the need for vocational training, digital skills and youth entrepreneurship.
Selma Malika Haddadi, Deputy Chairperson of the African Union Commission, said the Kampala Declaration represents more than a political commitment. “It is not just about potential. It is about will,” she said. “Partnership is not patronage. It must be grounded in mutual recognition and institutional respect.”
She warned against “performative partnerships” and called for better alignment between global funding frameworks and Africa’s priorities. Ms. Haddadi cited progress on regional integration, including the rollout of the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System and implementation of the African Union’s climate finance strategy.
With fewer than five years remaining to achieve the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, and with the second ten-year plan of Agenda 2063 now underway, speakers agreed that declarations must be backed by systems capable of delivery. The Kampala Declaration, they said, provides a roadmap, but only coordinated action will close the gap.
The event drew senior-level representation from across the continent and the UN system, including Uganda’s Minister for General Duties, Justine Kasule Lumumba; UN Special Adviser on Africa, Cristina Duarte; and other experts and policymakers engaged in development financing, innovation and regional planning.
“The future we want will not be given to us,” Mr. Gatete said. “It must be built. And we must build it now.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA).
On Monday 21st July 2025, the High Commissioner-designate of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh to the Republic of Seychelles, H.E. Mr. Zokey Ahad, paid a courtesy call on the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Mr. Sylvestre Radegonde, at Maison Quéau de Quinssy, ahead of his official accreditation ceremony scheduled for tomorrow.
Discussions centered around the conclusion of six Memoranda of Understanding (MOU), including one focused on the Blue Economy, a key sector which will be mutually beneficial for both countries.
The meeting also served as an opportunity for the two parties to reaffirm their commitment to strengthening bilateral ties and to explore new avenues for cooperation in areas such as tourism, agriculture, trade, investment, and education.
Due to the size of the Bangladeshi community in Seychelles, both sides recognized the importance of appointing an Honorary Consul for Bangladesh in Seychelles to better serve and support the growing Bangladeshi community.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Tourism, Republic of Seychelles.
Many young South Sudanese women and men are involuntarily idle and desperate for any opportunities to earn qualifications that may lead to gainful employment or enable them to start their own small businesses.
In Akobo and Bor, in volatile Jonglei State, a significant number of them were given such chances, with the graduates of three-month-long vocational trainings in both towns determined to grab them with both hands.
“Everyone should plant vegetables. If you do, you gain good health and a possibility to earn money without subjecting yourself to the risks of assaults we women run when we collect firewood,” says Rodah Nyathuok Lual in Akobo.
There, more than 100 youth, with the majority being women, have learnt income-generating skills like farming, tailoring, hairdressing, marketing and financial management.
The initiative, funded by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and implemented by the national non-governmental organization Community Initiative for Development, is timely as resources in Akobo, following the return of many previously conflict-displaced persons, have become scarcer than usual.
“When we work, we become role models in our communities by promoting both development and peace. When everyone is busy, there is no time or room for conflict,” says Domach Makuach Mark, another proud owner of new and marketable skills who, like all graduates, was also given a starter kit and connected to banks and other lenders for possible investments.
UN peacekeepers from South Korea have given 77 of Domach’s peers in Bor reason to be equally optimistic about their futures. In the state capital, they have learnt everything from wiring a building safely and repairing a leaking pipe to cultivating food and raising poultry.
“From now on, I hope people will buy eggs and chickens from me,” says Akuoch Mary Atem as she details her plan to open a poultry farm to support herself and her family.
More young, aspiring women and men in and around Bor are likely to benefit from similar opportunities in the future.
“In cooperation with the government, we hope that we’ll be able to expand our vocational school,” says Colonel Kwon Byung Guk, Commander of the South Korean contingent, who also revealed that his government will provide five top students with full scholarships for advanced studies in the East Asian country.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
The First Lady’s humanitarian organisation, the Lordina Foundation, has donated a quantity of essential medical supplies and equipment to the Techiman North constituency to enhance healthcare delivery.
The items were officially handed over to the Member of Parliament for Techiman North and Minister for Trade, Agribusiness and Industry, Elizabeth Ofosu-Agyare, by Mrs Lordina Dramani Mahama, First Lady and President of the Foundation.
Mrs Mahama reiterated the Foundation’s enduring commitment to improving the quality of life for vulnerable populations in the country.
“We are dedicated to contributing to the development of deprived children and women in both rural and urban areas, focusing on quality healthcare promotion, education, and overall well-being,” Mrs. Mahama stated during the presentation ceremony.
“This donation highlights our belief in collaborative efforts to foster sustainable development within Ghana’s health sector.”
Mrs Ofosu-Agyare (MP) expressed her gratitude and that of the people of Techiman North for the gesture, noting that the equipment and supplies will have a positive impact on the health delivery service.
“This contribution from the Lordina Foundation will play a pivotal role in bridging gaps in our healthcare system. It reflects our shared commitment to improving the well-being of our people,” she said.
This initiative is part of the Lordina Foundation’s broader mission to modernise and strengthen under-resourced health facilities across communities, and to ensure medical professionals are equipped with the necessary tools to provide high-quality, life-saving care to patients.
The items presented include Hospital and Theatre Beds, Delivery Beds, Incubators, Theatre Lights, Phototherapy Machines, Baby Scales, Syringes and Gloves and Trolleys. The remaining items include Wheelchairs, Commodes, Baby Cots, Baby Carts, Medical Screens, Baby Baths, Bedside Cabinets, and Overhead Tables.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of The Presidency, Republic of Ghana.
The council wants to hear from local residents, people affected by domestic abuse, and professionals from across Wolverhampton to help shape priorities and intentions for the new services to ensure they are effective, accessible and respond to local need.
Domestic abuse specialist support services provide victims of domestic abuse with practical help, advice, and guidance. In Wolverhampton, support is available to women, men, and children who are either living in the community or in accommodation such as a refuge.
The types of support that may be offered can include safe accommodation, support through the criminal justice system, financial, legal, or housing advice, counselling or therapy, and emotional and peer support.
Councillor Obaida Ahmed, Cabinet Member for Health, Wellbeing and Community, said: “This is an important piece of work which will help to ensure that Wolverhampton continues to deliver high quality domestic abuse support services.
“By completing a short survey, you can help us develop services that respond to victims of domestic abuse sensitively and effectively and meet the needs of local residents.
“This is a public consultation, and we would welcome responses from as many people as possible, so please take a few moments to have your say.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 22 — China is exploring the use of advanced technologies such as smart bionic hands and guide robots to improve the well-being of people with disabilities, ensuring that scientific and technological progress benefits this community, an official said Tuesday.
Zhou Changkui, chairperson of the Board of Executive Directors of the China Disabled Persons’ Federation, said at a press conference that these applications were unveiled at a recent forum.
He added that China will further focus on the development of new technologies and industries, including brain-computer interfaces, to better support people with disabilities.
According to Zhou, the federation and some other governmental departments have jointly issued a guiding document to promote the use of technology in supporting people with disabilities. It is also collaborating with universities, research institutes and high-tech companies to boost the development of relevant technologies and industries.
Zhou noted that during the upcoming 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), China will continue to promote the application of artificial intelligence and other cutting-edge technologies to serve people with disabilities, and ensure that advanced technologies better meet their needs.
Heavy rain is expected to lash the Nilgiris district and the Ghat areas of Coimbatore district, with the Regional Meteorological Centre (RMC) forecasting intense rainfall activity at isolated locations on Tuesday.
The warning comes as Tamil Nadu continues to witness a change in weather patterns driven by an upper-air cyclonic circulation over the Bay of Bengal.
According to the RMC, the cyclonic circulation lies over south Odisha and extends up to 5.8 km above mean sea level, tilting southeastward with height. This system, which initially stretched from south Odisha to north coastal Andhra Pradesh, is influencing widespread weather activity across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry.
In Chennai, a dip in temperature was recorded after widespread drizzle and overcast skies on Monday.
Nungambakkam recorded a maximum temperature of 31.3 degrees Celsius, marking a departure of 4.2 degrees from the normal, while Meenambakkam recorded 31.7 degrees, with a deviation of 3.9 degrees from the usual maximum.
The weather department has predicted partly cloudy skies for Chennai on Tuesday, with light showers likely in some parts of the city and suburbs.
Thunderstorms and lightning are also expected at a few places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry, along with wind speeds reaching 40–50 kmph in some areas.
The forecast indicates that light to moderate rain is likely at isolated places across Tamil Nadu and Puducherry till July 27.
The temperature in Chennai is expected to remain between 32-35 degrees Celsius during the day and around 26-28 degrees Celsius at night for the next five days.
Thanjavur recorded the highest maximum temperature in the state at 38 degrees Celsius on Monday, while Karur Paramathi reported the lowest minimum temperature at 21 degrees Celsius among the plains. Meanwhile, Chennai has received 19.8 cm of rainfall from June 1 to July 21 this year — significantly higher than the normal average of 13.17 cm for the same period, according to RMC data.
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this morning met with H.E. Kitte Sangahak Bandith Kun Kim, Senior Minister in Charge of Special Missions, First Vice President of the National Committee for Disaster Management (NCDM) of the Kingdom of Cambodia and Chair of ASEAN Ministerial Meeting on Disaster Management (AMMDM) 2025, in Phnom Penh, prior to the Opening Ceremony for the ASEAN Disaster Emergency Response Simulation Exercise 2025 (ARDEX-25). During the meeting, SG Dr. Kao congratulated Cambodia for hosting the ARDEX-25 and reiterated ASEAN Secretariat’s support for Cambodia’s Chairmanship for the AMMDM and the ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM) to be held later this year in Phnom Penh.
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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
LONDON, July 22 (Xinhua) — Twenty-eight countries and the European Union’s Commissioner for Equality, Preparedness and Crisis Management issued a joint statement on Monday condemning Israel for the suffering of civilians in Gaza.
“The suffering of civilians in Gaza has reached new depths. We condemn the crumbs that are being sent as aid and the inhumane killing of civilians,” the statement said. “It is appalling that more than 800 Palestinians have been killed while asking for aid,” the document noted.
“The Israeli government’s refusal to provide essential humanitarian assistance to civilians is unacceptable. Israel must uphold its obligations under international humanitarian law,” the statement added, calling for an immediate end to the war in Gaza.
The parties also called on the Israeli government “to immediately lift restrictions on aid and urgently allow the UN and humanitarian NGOs to carry out their life-saving work safely and effectively.”
Signed by the foreign ministers of Britain, France, Italy, Canada, Japan and other Western countries, the statement also opposes any attempts to change the territorial or demographic status of the occupied Palestinian territories.
In response, the Israeli Foreign Ministry dismissed the statement as “out of touch with reality” and accused Hamas of being “the only party responsible for the lack of an agreement on the release of hostages and a ceasefire.” –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.
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
LOS ANGELES, July 22 (Xinhua) — A passenger jet was forced to make an aggressive maneuver to avoid a collision with a B-52 bomber over the U.S. state of North Dakota last week, multiple media reported on Monday.
The Delta Connection-branded flight, operated by SkyWest Airlines, was en route from Minneapolis to Minot International Airport on Friday. According to the Washington Post, air traffic controllers cleared the plane to land, but a B-52 bomber suddenly appeared on the route, forcing the civilian plane to make a quick go-around.
In a video posted to Instagram and verified by Storyful, the pilot explains to passengers that a B-52 was approaching their plane, the article says. He apologized for the sudden and “aggressive maneuver” that was necessary to avoid a collision. “Nobody told us” about the bomber’s presence, the pilot said.
A U.S. Air Force spokesman told the Minot Daily News that the military is aware of the media reports and is investigating the incident. He confirmed that a B-52 bomber based at Minot Air Force Base, about 20 kilometers north of the airport, was flying over the North Dakota State Fairgrounds Friday night. –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.
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
LONDON, July 22 (Xinhua) — British Foreign Secretary David Lammy on Monday condemned the killing of civilians in Gaza and criticized Israel’s aid distribution model as “inhumane” after Britain endorsed a joint international statement calling for an end to the conflict.
“I categorically condemn the killing of civilians trying to meet their basic needs,” Mr Lammy told MPs in the House of Commons.
“The Israeli government must answer what military justification there can be for strikes that have killed desperate, starving children,” he said.
While reaffirming support for Israel’s right to security and existence, the minister warned that the country’s current actions “cause incalculable damage to Israel’s reputation in the world and undermine its long-term security.”
Lammy described Israel’s recently implemented system of delivering humanitarian aid to Gaza as “inhumane, dangerous and dehumanising to the people of Gaza”. He added that it “contradicts long-standing humanitarian principles” by forcing civilians, including children, “to struggle in unsafe conditions for basic necessities”.
He also mentioned proposals by Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz, which reportedly included moving the entire Gaza population to Rafah and detaining Palestinians unless they emigrated. “This is a cruel idea that should never happen,” Lammy said. –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.
Winter is here, and with it come higher rates of respiratory illnesses. If you’ve been struck down recently with a sore throat, runny nose and a cough, or perhaps even a fever, you’re not alone.
Last week, non-urgent surgeries were paused in several Queensland hospitals due to a surge of influenza and COVID cases filling up hospital beds.
Meanwhile, more than 200 aged care facilities around Australia are reportedly facing COVID outbreaks.
So, just how bad are respiratory infections this year, and which viruses are causing the biggest problems?
COVID
Until May, COVID case numbers were about half last year’s level, but June’s 32,348 notifications are closing the gap (compared with 45,634 in June 2024). That said, we know far fewer people test now than they did earlier in the pandemic, so these numbers are likely to be an underestimate.
Besides classic cold-like symptoms, this Omicron offshoot can reportedly cause particularly painful sore throats as well as gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea and diarrhoea.
While some people who catch COVID have no symptoms or just mild ones, for many people the virus can be serious. Older adults and those with chronic health issues remain at greatest risk of experiencing severe illness and dying from COVID.
The COVID booster currently available is based on the JN.1 subvariant. Nimbus is a direct descendant of JN.1 – as is another subvariant in circulation, XFG or “Stratus” – which means the vaccine should remain effective against current variants.
Free boosters are available to most people annually, while those aged 75 and older are advised to get one every six months.
Vaccination, as well as early treatment with antivirals, lowers the risk of severe illness and long COVID. People aged 70 and older, as well as younger people with certain risk factors, are eligible for antivirals if they test positive.
More recent case numbers seem to be trending lower than 2024, however we don’t appear to have reached the peak yet.
Flu symptoms are generally more severe than the common cold and may include high fever, chills, muscle aches, fatigue, sore throat and a runny or blocked nose.
Most people recover in under a week, but the flu can be more severe (and even fatal) in groups including older people, young children and pregnant women.
An annual vaccination is available for free to children aged 6 months to 4 years, pregnant women, those aged 65+, and other higher-risk groups.
Queensland and Western Australia provide a free flu vaccine for all people aged 6 months and older, but in other states and territories, people not eligible for a free vaccine can pay (usually A$30 or less) to receive one.
RSV
The third significant respiratory virus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), only became a notifiable disease in 2021 (before this doctors didn’t need to record infections, meaning data is sparse).
Last year saw Australia’s highest case numbers since RSV reporting began. By May, cases in 2025 were lower than 2024, but by June, they had caught up: 27,243 cases this June versus 26,596 in June 2024. However it looks as though we may have just passed the peak.
RSV’s symptoms are usually mild and cold-like, but it can cause serious illness such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Infants, older people, and people with chronic health conditions are among those at highest risk. In young children, RSV is a leading cause of hospitalisation.
A free vaccine is now available for pregnant women, protecting infants for up to six months. A monoclonal antibody (different to a vaccine but also given as an injection) is also available for at-risk children up to age two, especially if their mothers didn’t receive the RSV vaccine during pregnancy.
For older adults, two RSV vaccines (Arexvy and Abrysvo) are available, with a single dose recommended for everyone aged 75+, those over 60 at higher risk due to medical conditions, and all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people aged 60+.
Unfortunately, these are not currently subsidised and cost about $300. Protection lasts at least three years.
The common cold
While viruses including COVID, RSV and influenza dominate headlines, we often overlook one of the most widespread – the common cold.
The common cold can be caused by more than 200 different viruses – mainly rhinoviruses but also some coronaviruses, adenoviruses and enteroviruses.
Typical symptoms include a runny or blocked nose, sore throat, coughing, sneezing, headache, tiredness and sometimes a mild fever.
Children get about 6–8 colds per year while adults average 2–4, and symptoms usually resolve in a week. Most recover with rest, fluids, and possibly over-the-counter medications.
Because so many different viruses cause the common cold, and because these constantly mutate, developing a vaccine has been extremely challenging. Researchers continue to explore solutions, but a universal cold vaccine remains elusive.
How do I protect myself and others?
The precautions we learned during the COVID pandemic remain valid. These are all airborne viruses which can be spread by coughing, sneezing and touching contaminated surfaces.
Practise good hygiene, teach children proper cough etiquette, wear a high-quality mask if you’re at high risk, and stay home to rest if unwell.
You can now buy rapid antigen tests (called panel tests) that test for influenza (A or B), COVID and RSV. So, if you’re unwell with a respiratory infection, consider testing yourself at home.
While many winter lurgies can be trivial, this is not always the case. We can all do our bit to reduce the impact.
Adrian Esterman receives funding from the Medical Research Future Fund.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is set to implement a paradigm shift in its policy regarding excise tax on sugar-sweetened beverages (SSBs) from January 2026, announced the Ministry of Finance and Federal Tax Authority (FTA) .The new rule will shift from a flat 50% tax rate to a tiered volumetric model, where the tax per liter is directly linked to the sugar content per 100ml of a beverage. This move aims to reduce sugar consumption, promote healthier dietary habits, and combat lifestyle-related diseases such as obesity and Type 2 diabetes.
Under the current system, introduced in 2017 and expanded in 2019, all sweetened beverages—including carbonated drinks, energy drinks, and products with added sugars or sweeteners, are subject to a uniform 50% excise tax. The new tiered system will impose higher taxes on beverages with greater sugar content, incentivizing manufacturers to reformulate their products to lower sugar levels. “The updated mechanism encourages manufacturers to reduce added sugars and empowers consumers to make more informed dietary choices,” the Ministry of Finance stated.
Health experts have praised the initiative as a significant step toward addressing public health challenges in the UAE, where the prevalence of diabetes among adults is approximately 20.7%, according to 2024 statistics from the International Diabetes Federation. This policy is commendable in the fight against obesity, metabolic syndrome, and Type 2 diabetes.”The policy aligns with the UAE’s broader health strategy and sustainable development goals, developed in coordination with the Ministry of Health and Prevention.The UAE’s innovative approach to taxing sweetened beverages based on sugar content positions the country as a leader in using fiscal policy to drive public health outcomes, with potential ripple effects across the region.