Six teenagers have been arrested after a pursuit through metropolitan Adelaide and the arson of an Aldinga Beach house this morning.
About 12.50 am Monday 21 July Police and emergency services were called to a house at Pebble Court after reports of fire in the garage and house. Fortunately the occupants were not home at the time. MFS were quickly on scene and extinguished the blaze.
When police arrived, they saw a Subaru station wagon leaving the street. Police recognised the car as a stolen vehicle which had been stolen from a Mitchell Park home last week. Police attempted to stop the car, with the driver refusing to pull over.
The car was pursued by patrols along with the assistance from PolAir and Dog Operations Unit on South Road, along the Southern Expressway, through to the eastern suburbs before making its way to Two Wells where the tyres were successfully spiked by patrols at Port Wakefield Road and Mallala Road.
Six youths ran from the car and were arrested on Artisan Road with the assistance of PD Duke without incident.
The driver, a 17-year-old boy from Ottoway has been arrested for arson, illegal use, dangerous driving to escape pursuit
Four 15-year-old boys have been arrested for arson and illegal use.
One 16-year-old boy has been arrested for arson and illegal use.
All six will appear in the Youth Court later today.
President Trump and Secretary Noem stand with the victims of illegal alien crime
WASHINGTON — On July 19, 2025, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers inChicago arrested Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, a 52-year-old criminal illegal alien from Mexico, who was charged in April with concealing the body of a missing woman in a storage container on his yard for two months, abusing her corpse, and obstruction of justice.
Waukegan Police Department officers discovered the body of 37-year-old victim Megan Bos in a container in Mendoza’s yard in April after she had been reported missing on March 9, 2025.
Her body was found decapitated and in a bleach storage container by officers. Mendoza was charged in April. However,Lake County Judge Randie Bruno released him from custody at the conclusion of his court appearance, where he was immediately allowed to freely roam the Chicago streets.
This criminal illegal alien is currently being held at Lake County Jail in Waukegan, Illinois.
“Everyday ICE is arresting sickos like criminal illegal alien, Luis Mendoza-Gonzalez, and stopping them from terrorizing Americans. This depraved alien was charged with concealing the body of a missing woman in a storage container for months and abusing her corpse,” said Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin. “It is absolutely repulsive that a judge freed this monster and allowed him to walk free on Illinois’s streets after allegedly committing such a heinous crime. Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, Megan Bos and her family will have justice.”
Secretary Noem relaunched the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office. The VOICE office was shuttered by the previous administration, which left victims of alien crime without access to many key support services and resources. The office was first launched in 2017 by the Trump administration as a dedicated resource for those who have been victimized by crime that has a nexus to immigration.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a crime committed by an illegal alien, you are not alone. Call 1-855-48-VOICE (1-855-488-6423).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Fundamental lethality shift for British Army spearheaded by novel targeting tech ‘ASGARD’
British Army showcase new technology that improves the accuracy of targeting enemies and reduces decision-making time for strikes.
A pioneering digital targeting web, called ASGARD, has been showcased this week, following successful trials by British soldiers deployed on NATO’s eastern flank. The project will enable soldiers to rapidly find and strike enemy targets at greater distances than ever before.
Following the Strategic Defence Review, the Army will deliver a tenfold increase in lethality over the next ten years by harnessing firepower, surveillance technology, autonomy, digital connectivity, and data – leading the way in NATO in its use of technology to change how it fights, improving speed and accuracy. ASGARD will exploit AI and novel communications networks, providing rapid targeting and decision-support to personnel.
The Ministry of Defence is committing funding for the next phase of ASGARD’s development. This will allow the Army to expedite its lethality and deepen its links with society through partnership with British industry, delivering on the Government’s Plan for Change by keeping the UK secure at home and strong abroad.
Minister for Defence Procurement and Industry, Rt Hon Maria Eagle MP said:
We are learning the lessons from Ukraine so our frontline personnel can strike further and faster and maintain advantage over our adversaries.
ASGARD exemplifies the vision of the Strategic Defence Review, with speed and world-class capability achieved by bringing together military, Government and industry professionals with a focus on rapid frontline delivery.
ASGARD forms part of the work to create a wider digital targeting web across the UK’s Armed Forces by 2027, backed by more than £1 billion in funding. It will better connect military weapons systems and allow battlefield decisions for targeting enemy threats to be made and executed faster.
ASGARD was showcased this week to international allies and industry partners in London, with participants shown the capability in action, including its overwhelming effect on adversaries.
Chief of the General Staff, General Sir Roly Walker said:
Project ASGARD proves we can do things differently. It’s not just a pathfinder for transformation; it’s a transformation in how we find, fund, and fight with cutting-edge capabilities.
ASGARD helps double our lethality and exponentially reduces the time to see, decide, and strike. What took hours, now takes minutes. Today, the UK possesses a similar Recce-Strike system to the one used by Ukraine to maul Russian forces in the Donbas. That system now sits at the heart of our Forward Land Forces in Estonia.
We are particularly proud of the collaboration between tacticians and technicians, between Defence and Industry, and the support of and to small and medium enterprises and jobs across the UK.
Using a novel acquisition approach, ASGARD was first announced by the Defence Secretary in October 2024 and progressed at an unprecedented pace, with contracts awarded in January 2025 and a prototype capability deployed only four months later for NATO Exercise Hedgehog in Estonia. ASGARD’s capabilities were successfully tested, increasing the UK and NATO Armies’ lethality by improving targeting precision and significantly cutting decision-making time.
This quick turn-around was achieved through a collaboration between industry technicians and military tradecraft experts, bringing together a consortium of military, civil service and industry partners to deliver the best possible product in the shortest amount of time.
The Strategic Defence Review recommended a shift towards greater use of autonomy and Artificial Intelligence within the UK’s conventional forces, facilitated by a Digital Targeting Web. The next phase of ASGARD will deliver on this, focusing on enhancing the lethality at the Corps and Divisional levels as the Army’s contribution to the Defence Targeting Web. It will exploit the Digital Decision Accelerators from the Defence Commercial framework to harness the talents across a broader array of industry partners to improve core capability.
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
Cholpon-Ata, Kyrgyzstan, July 20 (Xinhua) — The 4th International Pop Music Festival “Making Asia” opened at the hippodrome in Cholpon-Ata, Issyk-Kul region of Kyrgyzstan on Sunday.
Talented artists from more than 20 countries of Asia and Europe came to the event. Among them were performers from Kazakhstan, Turkey, Russia, as well as the best representatives of the Kyrgyz stage.
As reported, the festival guests will have a rich program, which includes performances and cultural exchanges. The event is aimed at promoting the international image of Kyrgyzstan, its integration into the global tourism and humanitarian space.
The festival will run until July 22. –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
TEHRAN, July 20 (Xinhua) — Iran and three European countries — France, Germany and Britain, known as the E3 group — have agreed to resume talks on Tehran’s nuclear program, the semi-official Tasnim news agency reported Sunday.
As the agency reports, citing an anonymous “informed source,” Iran and the E3 are holding consultations on the date and place of the talks.
The upcoming talks are expected to take place at the level of deputy foreign ministers.
Since September 2024, Iran and the E3 have held several rounds of talks on Iran’s nuclear program and the lifting of sanctions against it.
In recent months, three European countries have threatened Tehran with triggering the snapback mechanism under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, signed in 2015 between Iran and world powers. The mechanism allows other parties to restore all international sanctions if Iran fails to comply with the agreement.
Tehran has repeatedly warned that it will respond decisively to the E3’s actions if this mechanism is launched. –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
BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) — The 3rd China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) concluded Sunday in Beijing. As announced at the closing press conference, this year’s expo attracted 1,200 enterprises and organizations from China and abroad, establishing business relationships with 42,000 enterprises from upstream and downstream supply chains. According to partial data, more than 6,000 cooperation agreements or cooperation intent agreements were signed on the spot.
Li Xingqian, deputy head of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), said that politicians from many countries, more than 40 heads of Fortune Global 500 multinational companies, and high-ranking representatives of international organizations came specifically to the exhibition. The number of foreign delegations reached 172, which is 2.2 times more than the previous CISCE. The total number of online and offline visitors was more than 210,000, exceeding the previous figure by 5%. The exhibition hosted 70 different forums and events.
According to data from three CISCEs, the proportion of overseas participants has been growing each time and was 26%, 32% and 35%, respectively, at the 1st, 2nd and 3rd CISCEs. At the same time, more than 65% of overseas exhibitors are Fortune Global 500 companies and leading industry enterprises. The geography of participants has expanded from 55 countries and regions at the first exhibition to 75 at the current one. –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.
There is also broad agreement among early childhood educators and policymakers about the importance of play from birth to five years.
But once children start school, there is less certainty. Despite growing research about the importance of play in primary school, play is not often used for learning in these years.
Our new study with Australian primary teachers highlights significant confusion about the role of play in their schools.
Play can benefit older kids
There is nothing to suggest the importance of play suddenly stops when children reach school age.
Research shows play can support learning well into the primary years, helping students develop critical thinking, problem-solving and social skills.
Recent studies even show play has learning benefits well beyond childhood. Young adults (aged 19–25) who engage in regular play have shown improved emotional intelligence and resilience.
What do we mean by play?
When we are talking about play in primary school, it is more than just playground time during recess and lunch.
For example, children might explore mathematical concepts such as geometry and spatial reasoning through LEGO construction. Teachers would guide discovery of patterns, measurements and problem-solving, and then step back to allow students to be creative.
There is also evidence play can support literacy, numeracy and other academic goals, because it supports attention, memory and planning skills that underpin academic learning.
Research shows it can also help maintain students’ enjoyment of and engagement in their studies.
So when used effectively, it could be used across the school curriculum.
Our research
To better understand what teachers think about play and why they hold these views, we surveyed 238 teachers across Australia primary schools. Teachers ranged from those teaching the first year of primary school through to Year 6.
Most of the teachers were from public schools. We used an online questionnaire and recruited participants through email and social media.
Teachers’ different views on play
The results revealed some inconsistencies in teachers’ views.
Teachers strongly agreed play benefits children’s development. More than three-quarters (77%) strongly agreed students develop social skills through play, with similar numbers supporting play’s role in emotional, physical and language development.
One teacher described play as “magic” and “where real learning happens”.
However, only 52% strongly agreed students develop academic skills during play, revealing uncertainty about play’s educational value. As another teacher told us:
Play is something that children do and it’s fun for them, however, [it] should be out of school. School is for learning.
Some teachers still viewed play as separate from learning, with 61% agreeing that “play is a necessary break from learning” – suggesting they see play and learning as distinct entities rather than integrated.
Adding to this confusion, teachers often used the terms “play” and “play-based learning” interchangeably, despite these being different concepts.
How should play-based learning be structured?
Even when teachers valued play in principle, they struggled to provide time for it in their classrooms. Teachers reported feeling caught between covering mandated content and providing meaningful play experiences. As one teacher told us:
Play is fantastic for children but a challenge when there is so much limited time to cover such a huge curriculum.
Teachers were also divided about their role in children’s play. Should they structure it? Leave kids alone? Supervise but not interfere?
Our analysis revealed several distinct approaches, from hands-off supervision to active involvement. This reveals confusion about best practice (the research suggests different approaches can work, depending on the context).
What can we do instead?
Our research suggest there is missed opportunity when it comes to structuring play as part of learning in primary schools.
To address this, we need several changes. Teacher education programs should include training in practical ways to use play as a teaching tool. For example, how to teach science concepts through games and experiments that feel like play to children.
Professional development should also help existing teachers understand how to structure meaningful play that supports the curriculum.
At a policy level, we also need better alignment between the early education and primary years, to ensure play does not disappear at the school gate.
Katy Meeuwissen 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.
Think back to a time you helped someone move a heavy object, such as a couch. While at first the task may have appeared simple, it actually required a suite of advanced behaviours.
The job needed verbal commands for social coordination (“pivot!”) and anticipation of near-future events (moving other furniture out of the way). It also required a clear, shared vision of the final goal (which room to take the couch to).
It’s a small but satisfying example of human cooperation. But before we all get too pleased with ourselves, consider that ants – creatures with tiny brains and no capacity for speech – routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own.
Ants routinely pull off feats that rival, and sometimes exceed, our own. Andre Moura/Pexels
Understanding ant intelligence
Earth is literally crawling with ants. Scientists estimate there are at least 20 quadrillion ants on Earth. That’s 20 followed by 15 zeros – more ants than stars in our galaxy!
These incredible insects are amongst the most successful organisms on the planet. Part of the success comes from an ability to form complex societies, ranging from a few individuals to millions. And those societies, or colonies, are remarkably co-operative.
Take, for example, ants’ abilities to move large food items. To do it, they mobilise teams of dozens – or even hundreds – of fellow workers. Together, they efficiently work together to transport the load back to the nest.
Longhorn crazy ants (Paratrechina longicornis) are even known to clear debris from a path before a heavy object arrives – seemingly anticipating its trajectory and preparing the way.
One experiment pit longhorn crazy ants against humans, all tasked with moving T-shaped objects (scaled to body size) through tight spaces. In some trials, the human teams were not permitted to speak or use gestures.
And the result? Ants performed better in larger groups compared to smaller ones, showing the clear benefits of collective action. In contrast, human performance did not improve with group size. And when communication was restricted, human performance declined as group size increased.
All this highlights how ants rely on collective intelligence, without the need for central control or sophisticated cognition.
Expert farmers
Humanity’s invention of agriculture 12,000 years ago is understandably hailed as one of our greatest achievements.
But leaf cutter ants beat us to it. These ants (from the species Atta and Acromyrmex) evolved to undertake large-scale agriculture about 55 million years ago.
These ants cut and transport fresh leaves not to eat directly, but to feed a fungus that serves as their main food source.
This evolutionary partnership allows the ants to feed colonies with populations in the millions.
Remarkably, leaf cutter ants have also evolved a form of biological pest control to protect their crops from bacteria. Some worker ants patrol the gardens, detecting infected sections of the fungus. Then they apply antibiotics produced by bacteria that live on their bodies.
As these farmed insects feed on plant sap, they excrete a sugary liquid the ants eagerly collect. In return, ants serve as bodyguards, defending their tiny livestock from predators such as ladybirds and lacewings.
In some species, queen ants gently carry sap-sucking insects in their jaws as they fly off to start new colonies. Fossilised ants preserved in amber suggest this behaviour evolved up to 20 million years ago, long before humans domesticated animals.
Ant medicine
Medical care may seem like a distinctly human innovation. But several ant species have evolved sophisticated ways to treat injuries.
When a Florida carpenter ant (Camponotus floridanus) is injured during a battle between colonies, its nest-mates will amputate a damaged limb to prevent infection from spreading. Ants receiving this battlefield care are more likely to survive than ants left untreated.
Army ants (Eciton burchellii) join their bodies together to form structures. These include bridges across gaps on the forest floor, and “scaffolds” across steep terrain to prevent other ants from slipping.
Even the nest is made of hundreds of thousands of ants joined together, complete with tunnels and chambers housing the larvae and the queen. The entire structure is packed up and rebuilt each day, after the colony emigrates a few hundred metres into the forest.
They also form a line of workers that pull leaves together in treetops to form nests. Once the leaves are winched into place, other ants arrive with ant larvae in their jaws. Each larva produces a tiny blob of silk which the ants use to glue the leaves together.
Fire ants (Solenopsis invicta), a major pest species, owes its invasive success partly to a unique method of dispersal.
When their underground nests are flooded by rain, the ants join together into a huge raft which floats on a layer of buoyant larvae. These rafts can ride floodwaters in safety for hundreds of kilometres, until the ants reach dry land.
When their nests are flooded, fire ants join together into a huge raft. TheCoz/Wikimedia, CC BY
Lessons for humanity?
Humans rightly take pride in our greatest achievements – agriculture, medicine, engineering and building civilisations. But remarkably, ants mastered these innovations millions of years before we did.
Ants may be tiny – but by working together they can build complex societies and solve many problems. They might even teach humans a thing or two.
Tanya Latty co-founded and volunteers for conservation organisation Invertebrates Australia, is former president of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australian Entomological Society. She receives funding from the Australian Research Council, NSW Saving our Species, and Agrifutures Australia
Chris R. Reid receives funding from the Australian Research Council and Macquarie University. He is secretary of the Australasian Society for the Study of Animal Behaviour and is on the education committee for the Australasian Entomological Society.
Spinal cord stimulators are electrical devices that are surgically implanted in the body to treat long-term pain. They have a battery pack and leads that deliver electrical impulses directly to the spinal cord. The devices are thought to work by providing electrical impulses that interfere with how the brain senses pain.
Spinal cord stimulators are mainly used to treat chronic back pain, especially when other less invasive treatments have not worked. They also aim to reduce people’s reliance on risky pain medicines. These include opioids, which research shows are ineffective and harmful for low-back pain.
But research, including our own, shows spinal cord stimulators work no better than a placebo. And they can also carry risks.
Do they work?
In a 2023 Cochrane review, researchers reviewed data from 13 randomised controlled trials on low-back pain and found no benefits in the short and medium term. These international reviews draw together the most robust evidence to provide a detailed summary of what we know on a particular topic.
Only one of the trials in the review tested efficacy in the longer term (six months). That trial found no benefits of spinal cord stimulation.
An earlier Cochrane review looked at the evidence of spinal cord stimulation for chronic pain in general, including for neck pain. Reviewers looked at 15 randomised controlled trials and couldn’t be certain about its benefits, largely due to the quality and reliability of the available trials.
Are there side effects?
Aside from disappointing results for pain relief, there are risks and side effects to consider.
We co-authored an analysis of 520 adverse events reported to Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). We found 79% of reported events were rated as severe, with 13% life-threatening. The same research found 80% of events required surgery to correct.
Our recent analysis in the Medical Journal of Australia looked at data from private health insurers. These cover 90% of spinal cord stimulation implants in Australia. Five major insurers, which covered 76% of privately insured people, contributed de-identified data.
We found about one-quarter of people who had a spinal cord stimulator implanted needed corrective surgery afterwards. These surgeries occurred within a median of about 17 months. This indicates these surgeries are not routine or expected interventions, such as to replace batteries, which are meant to last five to ten years.
Our previous research shows the sorts of reasons for corrective surgery. These include to replace a malfunctioning device, or the person was in more pain, had an infection, or a puncture of the delicate tissues covering the spinal cord.
However, even our latest findings are likely to underestimate the risk of these devices.
Sometimes the lead delivering the electrical current moves away from the spinal cord to elsewhere in the body. This requires surgery to reposition the lead, but does not necessarily require new hardware, such as a brand new lead. So this type of corrective surgery is not counted in the data from the private health insurance companies.
How much does it cost?
We found spinal cord stimulators cost about A$55,000 per patient, including the device, its insertion, and managing any associated additional surgeries.
For people who only had a “trial” – where the leads are implanted temporarily but the battery pack remains outside the body – this cost was about $14,000 per patient.
These figures do not include any out-of-pocket costs.
What do regulators say about the devices?
In 2022 the TGA began a review of spinal cord stimulators on the market because of safety and performance concerns.
The rest of the devices had conditions imposed, such as the manufacturers being required to collect and report safety data to the TGA at regular time points.
Should I do my own online research?
Yes, but be careful. Unfortunately not all online information about spinal cord stimulators is correct.
Look for sites independent of those who manufacture or implant these devices.
Government agencies, health departments and universities that have no financial interests in this area may be a better option.
The Cochrane Library is also a reliable and independent source for trustworthy health information.
What shall I ask my doctor?
The Australian health department provides useful advice for consumers about medical implants.
It says medical implants “are considered higher-risk therapeutic goods, and the decision to get one should not be taken lightly”. It recommends asking your health professional these questions:
do I really need this medical implant?
what are the risks/benefits?
is the medical implant approved?
where can I get more information?
what happens if I experience an adverse event?
What else could I do for my back pain?
There are other treatment options that are effective and have fewer risks than spinal cord stimulation.
For example, education about how to manage your pain yourself, exercise, cognitive behavioural therapy (a type of psychological therapy), and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicines (such as ibuprofen) all have solid evidence to back them. All offer benefits that are not outweighed by their potential risks.
Australian research has shown other types of therapy – such as sensorimotor retraining and cognitive functional therapy – are also effective. You can discuss these and other options with your health professional.
Spinal cord stimulation is a good example of a treatment that got ahead of the evidence. Although the devices have been around since the 1960s, we’ve only had reliable trials to test whether they work in recent years.
Everyone wants to find ways to help people with chronic pain, but we must ensure medical care is grounded in reliable science.
Christopher Maher holds a research fellowship funded by the National Health and Medical Research Council.
Caitlin Jones 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.
Source: The Conversation (Au and NZ) – By Jill Sheppard, Senior Lecturer, School of Politics and International Relations, Australian National University
Despite many pre-election predictions, the 48th Australian parliament looks quite similar to the 47th. The Labor Party has greater representation than before: 94 Members of the House of Representatives (up from 77) and 29 Senators (up from 26).
The Coalition’s numbers were famously smashed at the election, and will be represented by 43 Members and 27 Senators.
Despite the landslide electoral victory, Labor’s parliamentary position is not materially improved. It retains a majority in the House of Representatives, but Prime Minister Anthony Albanese faces the problem of finding jobs to keep such a large backbench occupied. Restless politicians reliably create havoc for their leaders (just ask Keir Starmer).
In the Senate, Labor has more possible paths to a majority, but none is particularly pretty. Pre-election, the government required 12 additional senators to support its legislation. Often this support came from the Coalition, with the crossbench bypassed entirely, as in the case of political donation reforms.
Other reforms, including workplace relations, were passed by a combination of Greens and independent senators.
Labor can achieve a majority (38 votes) in the new Senate by negotiating with either the Greens or the Coalition. If neither is forthcoming, Labor can then turn to a disparate group of crossbenchers: four One Nation Senators, plus Fatima Payman, Jacqui Lambie, Ralph Babet and David Pocock.
How the new Senate configuration affects Labor’s legislative agenda depends on what exactly that agenda looks like.
Labor went into the 47th parliament emphasising the Voice referendum, COVID and rising inflation.
At the end of that term, ten bills were listed for debate but were “timed out” by the constitutional requirement to hold an election.
The most controversial of these is the proposal to add a new 15% tax on superannuation balances of more than $3 million. The Greens, under previous leader Adam Bandt, promised to support the bill in 2023 pending the government extending superannuation to paid parental leave (which was legislated in 2024 and came into effect on July 1 2025).
The Greens continue to support the tax proposal in principle, but want the threshold lowered to $2 million.
One Nation is strongly opposed. The Coalition has expressed willingness to negotiate on the condition that unrealised gains are exempt from valuations.
The government has also proposed cutting the number of overseas students at Australian universities, ostensibly due to concerns over exploitation of the student visa program. The Greens have called the proposal “disastrous for tertiary education”.
Pocock and the Coalition have both called for key changes to the bill. Their primary concerns are about a ministerial power to decide appropriate student numbers without parliamentary approval.
Despite opposing the bill for different reasons, the Greens and Coalition were willing to team up against the government – perhaps foreshadowing strategy in the new parliament.
What’s on the horizon?
Labor announced just 15 specific policy proposals before the election. Only two costed promises are registered with the Parliamentary Budget Office. This gives Labor a free hand to determine its policy agenda in the 48th parliament.
Right out of the gate, the government promised to cut HECS debt by 20%. Given the Greens would wipe all current HECS debt, they seem likely to wave this through the Senate.
Treasurer Jim Chalmers has since declared that while “the first term was primarily inflation without forgetting productivity, the second term will be primarily productivity without forgetting inflation”.
In search of new thinking, the government has announced an economic reform roundtable comprising government, business and experts, and covering economic resilience, skills, new technologies, healthcare reform and clean energy.
Productivity is notoriously difficult to measure and improve. Whether policies arising from the roundtable will pass the parliament remains to be seen.
However, the government’s invitation to Shadow Treasurer Ted O’Brien was accompanied with commentary that Chalmers does not believe O’Brien or his leader Sussan Ley are “by their nature constructive, collaborative types”.
Other election policies should be legislated with ease. The Coalition has already supported purchasing the Port of Darwin, promised instant asset write-offs for small business, and pledged to match Labor’s Medicare spending dollar for dollar.
The Coalition is also likely to support new fast-track training for 6,000 tradies.
In general, the government’s stated agenda is incremental and should be achievable in this parliament. If the Greens won’t play ball, the Coalition will be waiting in line.
This will probably lead to quixotic policymaking as Labor bounces between two ideologically opposed partners.
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
HANOI, July 20 (Xinhua) — Thirty-five people have been confirmed dead and four are missing after a tourist boat sank in Halong Bay off the coast of Quang Ninh Province in northern Vietnam, local authorities said Sunday.
The Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee released the above figures at a press conference on Sunday afternoon, adding that 10 people had been rescued.
Previously, 37 people were reported dead, but after verification, the number was adjusted to 35 people.
The Vietnam News Agency clarified that there were 46 passengers and three crew members on board the plane, all Vietnamese citizens. Earlier it was announced that there were 53 people on board.
The ship capsized on Saturday during an excursion after being caught in a storm.
The search area has been expanded to locate the four missing persons. –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.
Today, President Donald J. Trump celebrates the most successful first six months in office for any President in modern American history.
Congress passed the One Big Beautiful Bill, thereby delivering the largest tax cut in American history, increasing Americans’ take-home pay by as much as $13,300, and terminating benefits for at least 1.4 million illegal immigrants who were gaming the system.
Congress passed President Trump’s historic rescissions package, which will save taxpayers $9 billion in wasteful, politically-motivated funding for leftwing foreign aid scams and biased NPR and PBS.
The wholesale price of a dozen eggs is down 53%, or $3.09, since the inauguration and is down 62%, or $5.08, from its March peak.
The U.S. economy has now added a net of 671,000 jobs since January 2025, with jobs numbers beating expectations four months in a row. Native-born workers have accounted for all job gains, with native-born employment increasing 2,079,000 while foreign-born employment has fallen 543,000.
U.S. Customs and Border Patrol encountered just 6,070 illegal immigrants at the southern border in June — setting a new record low (15% lower than the previous record set in March). Additionally, zero illegal immigrants were released into the U.S. on parole in June, compared to 27,766 a year prior.
The administration has ramped up deportations, breaking a record for the number of deportation flights in a month in June. President Trump’s self-deportation push has also been a massive success. Additionally, over 600 known and suspected terrorists have been removed from the United States.
At President Trump’s direction, U.S. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement has arrested over 100,000 illegal alien criminals, including over 2,700 members of the vicious Tren de Aragua gang.
Following President Trump’s declaration of an energy emergency, the U.S. has reached its fastest rate of new oil and gas drilling permits in years, exceeding the Biden administration by 44%.
Since President Trump took office, core inflation has tracked at just 2.1% — levels not seen since the first Trump Administration, when prices were low and stable — and has come in below or at economists’ expectations every single month. Meanwhile, wholesale inflation remained flat in June, while import prices came in far below expectations.
Summer gas prices reached their lowest point since 2021, and, inflation-adjusted, are near a 20-year low.
President Trump’s deregulatory efforts have already saved Americans over $180 billion, or $2,100 per family of four, with the rollback of automobile-related rules alone expected to save consumers more than $1.1 trillion.
President Trump secured a historic agreement for NATO members to raise defense spending to 5% of GDP – a foreign policy feat long thought impossible.
Under President Trump’s strong and decisive leadership, the U.S. obliterated Iran’s nuclear program.
As a result of his historic peacemaking efforts, President Trump has alreadyreceivedthree Nobel Peace Prize nominations since returning to office.
In May, blue-collar wage growth saw its largest increase in nearly 60 years since President Trump’s return to office.
Companies and foreign governments have pledged over $7.6 trillion in investments into the U.S.
The U.S. Treasury has taken in nearly $90 billion in tariff duties since January 2025, with the agency posting a record $27.2 billion surplus in June – the first June surplus since 2005.
President Trump has once again proved to be the Dealmaker-in-Chief, inking a minerals deal with Ukraine, a $14 billion “perpetual Golden Share” sale of U.S. Steel, and trade deals with the United Kingdom, China, and Indonesia.
President Trump has signed over 170 executive orders, delivering on key campaign promises such as closing the border, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation, removing men from women’s sports, unleashing American energy, ending federal censorship, ending the radical indoctrination in K-12 schooling, and ending radical and wasteful government DEI programs and preferencing.
The S&P 500 and Nasdaq market indices have reached multiple record highs.
The Supreme Court consistently bolstered the Trump administration’s agenda, blocking activist judges from issuing nationwide injunctions, permitting “third-country deportations,” greenlighting the revocation of temporary protected status (TPS) from more than 500,000 migrants and approving efforts to shrink the federal bureaucracy.
The Trump administration has made incredible strides in its effort to Make America Healthy Again, with roughly 35% of the American food industry making a commitment to eliminate the use of artificial dyes, including Hershey, Consumer Brands and dozens of ice cream companies representing more than 90% of the ice cream volume sold in the U.S.
President Trump has ensured U.S. benefit programs serve U.S. citizens, with the administration now having protected more than $40 billion in benefit programs from illegal aliens since POTUS signed an Executive Order in February “Ending Taxpayer Subsidization of Open Borders.”
President Trump inked an agreement to provide billions of dollars of military equipment to Ukraine, with NATO footing the bill.
President Trump has cracked down on international cartels, designating eight Latin American cartels as terrorist groups, including Tren de Aragua, MS-13 and the Sinaloa Cartel.
President Trump has solidified the U.S.’s position as the world leader in artificial intelligence, attracting north of $1 trillion in AI investment, including $90 billion in groundbreaking AI and energy investments in Pennsylvania.
The U.S. is on track for its lowest murder rate on record following President Trump’s reinstatement of law and order.
Hospitals and hospital systems across the country have halted so-called “gender-affirming care” for minors following President Trump’s executive order “protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation.”
In his first six months, President Trump has met with 23 foreign leaders, including three visits from Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as well as two visits from the NATO Secretary General — compared to thirteen foreign leaders and the UN Secretary General, the NATO Secretary General, and the Chinese Foreign Minister for Obama and just five in-person visits for Biden.
As part of ongoing efforts required under the Yellowstone Grizzly Bear Conservation Strategy to monitor the population of grizzly bears in the Yellowstone Ecosystem, the Interagency Grizzly Bear Study Team (IGBST) captures and monitors grizzly bears for research and monitoring purposes. Here you will find capture notifications for the current field season.
Capture operations can include a variety of activities such as baiting and trapping, but all areas where work is being conducted will have major access points marked with warning signs. Specific bait or capture sites will have closure signs in the immediate vicinity. It is critical that all members of the public heed these signs.
As part of the IGBST Public Notification and Signing Protocol, the Grizzly Bear Capture Hotline was developed to assist in notification of IGBST trapping operations, as well as serve as a public outreach tool for those with questions pertaining to IGBST capture operations.
NOTE: State and federal wildlife managers capture bears for both management and research purposes. For questions pertaining to non IGBST bear capture activity, please call state and federal wildlife management officials directly.
For more information about IGBST capture operations, call the IGBST hotline at 406-994-6675
Bear Capture Announcements
Back to theInteragency Grizzly Bear Study Team website
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
CHANGSHA, July 20 (Xinhua) — Four construction workers were trapped while working underground at a highway construction site in Changsha, capital of central China’s Hunan Province, after heavy rain on Sunday afternoon, local authorities said.
According to the Publicity Department of the CPC Tianxin District Committee, the incident occurred at around 4:50 p.m. local time in Heishipu Community in the district. As of 10 p.m. Sunday, two people had been rescued and taken to hospital for medical treatment.
The search and rescue operation for the remaining two construction workers continues. –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
LANZHOU, July 20 (Xinhua) — Six people, including an investor, director and cooks of a kindergarten, were arrested in northwest China’s Gansu Province after deliberately adding toxic lead dyes to baby food, poisoning 247 preschoolers, the government’s investigation revealed Sunday.
An investigation by Gansu provincial authorities involving state environmental and health experts concluded that cooks at Heshi Peixin Kindergarten in Maiji District, Tianshui City added dyes labeled “inedible” to flour to make corn buns with sausage and date cakes. The baked goods were served to children and staff several times a month since May 2024.
The director of the kindergarten, with the approval of the investor, advised the cooks to make the food more colorful and attractive. Laboratory analysis of food samples from the kindergarten revealed excess lead concentrations, which amounted to 1,340 mg/kg in corn buns and 1,052 mg/kg in date cakes, which is significantly higher than the permissible levels.
Based on the testing results, 247 of the 251 children had abnormal blood lead levels, including 14 cases that were found on retesting. In addition, 28 staff members had elevated blood lead levels.
As of Sunday afternoon, all 247 children had been treated in hospital or with clinical nutrition at home. A total of 234 children had completed the first course of treatment and were discharged from hospitals, with one child still hospitalized. Five children who left the daycare last year were also found to have abnormal blood lead levels and are currently being treated at home with clinical nutrition.
According to the experts’ conclusion, after providing medical assistance, the level of lead in the patients’ blood decreased by 40.21 percent, which corresponds to the therapeutic goal.
Law enforcement arrested six suspects, two of whom were remanded in custody and three of whom were released on bail pending investigation. The investigation into the case is ongoing. The provincial disciplinary authorities are investigating 10 local officials, including the head of the provincial health committee and Tianshui city leaders.
The Gansu provincial government has promised to provide all-round support for medical care for children, including providing free treatment and financial assistance to families who choose to receive treatment in other regions. –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.
In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritise peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.”
“This important declaration marks a shift towards easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. “We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good-faith implementation.”
These commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.
The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese Government of supporting the M23.
The Mission’s statement highlighted the Declaration’s emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
MONUSCO’s statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.
Many low income households across Aotearoa are now living below the income floor, with increasingly fewer households able to cover the bare essentials, according to new research released today by Child Poverty Action Group (CPAG).
The research builds on modelling by the Welfare Expert Advisory Group (WEAG) and ext
DHS has accomplished more in six months than most Administrations achieve in an entire term
WASHINGTON – In just six months, President Trump and Secretary Noem have delivered the American people a long list of victories in their mission to secure the homeland and Make America Safe Again.
Under their leadership, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has closed the southern border, removed violent criminal illegal aliens, restored law and order to our immigration system, supported Americans in times of crisis, revolutionized our Coast Guard to meet the challenges of the 21st Century, and kept Americans safe.
Secured the Southern Border
On day one, President Trump declared a national emergency at the southern border.
President Trump immediately reinstated “Remain in Mexico” and ended catch-and-release.
Daily border encounters have plunged by 93% since President Trump took office.
Under President Trump’s leadership, Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) has located over 10,000 unaccompanied children.
Migrants are turning BACK before they even reach our border— migration through Panama’s Darien Gap is down 99%.
President Trump—with $46.5 billion from the Big Beautiful Bill—is finishing the border wall. DHS already has more than 85 miles either planned or under construction with funding from the prior year, in addition to hundreds of miles that are now planned to be funded by the bill. President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill also includes over $5 billion for new technology and border surveillance.
With the Big Beautiful Bill, CBP will get the resources they need to keep America safe, including $4.1 billion to hire additional personnel, including 5,000 more customs officers and 3,000 new Border Patrol agents.
In June, Customs and Border Protection (CBP) had the lowest number of nationwide encounters in CBP history at 25,228.
The number of nationwide apprehensions in June was also a historic low of just 8,024.
Notably, on June 28, Border Patrol recorded only 136 apprehensions across the entire Southwest Border—the lowest single-day total in agency history.
And in both May and June, U.S. Border Patrol reported zero parole releases—reinforcing the Administration’s commitment to ending catch-and-release policies.
Removed the Worst of the Worst Illegal Aliens
The Trump Administration empowered our brave men and women in law enforcement to use common sense to do their jobs effectively.
DHS returned to using the term “illegal alien” which is the statutory language. President Trump will not allow political correctness to hinder law enforcement.
The Trump administration has arrested more than 300,000illegal aliens in 2025 alone.
70% of ICE arrests are criminal illegal aliens with criminal charges or convictions.
The Big Beautiful Bill will allow ICE to arrest and remove even more criminal aliens by providing $14.4 billion for removals, 10,000 new ICE agents, 80,000 new ICE beds, and a $10,000 signing bonus for new ICE agents. This will help ICE achieve as many as 1 million deportations per year.
As part of 287(g), DHS partnered with the State of Florida and opened Alligator Alcatraz, giving the Trump administration the capability to lock up some of the worst scumbags who entered the country illegally under the previous administration. The new facility expands facility and bed space by the thousands.
Operation Tidal Wave, the first 287(g) enforcement operation coordinated with state and federal law enforcement partners, resulted in over 800 arrests.
President Trump and Secretary Noem are empowering state and local law enforcement to get these criminal illegal aliens off our streets. DHS has secured more than 800 signed agreements with state and local partnerships under 287(g).
At the direction of President Trump, CBP and ICE began widescale immigration enforcement operations in sanctuary city Los Angeles and southern California. The month-long operation resulted in arresting some of the worst of the worst criminal illegal aliens.
In July, federal law enforcement officers executed criminal warrant operations at marijuana grow sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo. At least 14 migrant children have been rescued from potential exploitation, forced labor and human trafficking. Federal officers also arrested at least 361 illegal aliens from both sites in Carpinteria and Camarillo.
After weeks of delays by activist judges, the Department of Homeland Security finally deported eight barbaric, violent criminal illegal aliens to South Sudan.
Delivering Justice for Victims of Illegal Immigration
President Trump and Secretary Noem reopened the Victims of Immigration Crime Engagement (VOICE) office, which was shuttered by the Biden Administration. President Trump and Secretary Noem are standing up for the victims of illegal alien crime and ensuring they have access to much needed resources and support they deserve.
Incentivizing Historic Self-Deportations
President Trump ended the CBP One app that allowed more than one million aliens to illegally enter the U.S. The Trump Administration replaced this disastrous program with the CBP Home app, which has a new self-deportation reporting feature for aliens illegally in the country.
President Trump launched Project Homecoming through a presidential EO. The United States is also offering any illegal alien who uses the CBP Home App a stipend of $1,000 dollars, paid after their return to their home country has been confirmed through the app. So far, tens of thousands of illegal aliens have used the app to self-deport.
In addition to offering CBP Home, DHS announced illegal aliens who self-deport through the app will receive forgiveness of any civil fines or penalties for failing to depart the United States. DHS also made CBP Home more user friendly by eliminating certain steps and making it easier than ever for illegal aliens to self-deport.
DHS and DOJ are enforcing our immigration laws and fining illegal aliens who do not depart when they are supposed to. So far, nearly 10,000 fine notices have been issued by ICE.
Restoring Common Sense to America’s Legal Immigration System
President Trump ended the broad abuse of humanitarian parole and returned the program to a case-by-case basis. As part of this effort, Secretary Noem terminated the Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela parole programs.
Following victory at the U.S. Supreme Court, DHS began sending termination notices in June, informing the illegal aliens both their parole is terminated, and their parole-based employment authorization is revoked – effective immediately.
DHS has returned the Temporary Protected Status immigration program to its original status: temporary. No longer will this program be abused and exploited by illegal aliens. Secretary Noem rescinded the previous administration’s extension of Venezuelan, Haitian, Nicaraguan, Honduran, and Afghan TPS.
Secretary Noem terminated Harvard University’s Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP) certification—meaning Harvard can no longer enroll foreign students and existing foreign students must transfer or lose their legal status—for fostering violence, antisemitism, and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party.
It is a privilege, not a right, for universities to enroll foreign students and benefit from higher tuition to help pad their multibillion-dollar endowments. Harvard University repeatedly abused this privilege and even stonewalled DHS’s request for information.
Initiating a Golden Age in American Air Travel
Secretary Noem terminated the politically motivated Quiet Skies Program, which since its existence has failed to stop a single terrorist attack while costing US taxpayers $200 million a year. The program, under the guise of “national security,” was used to target political opponents and benefit political allies.
TSA ended the “shoes-off” travel policy, allowing passengers traveling through domestic airports to keep their shoes on while passing through security screening at TSA checkpoints. This change will drastically decrease passenger wait times at our TSA checkpoints, leading to a more pleasant and efficient passenger experience.
The Trump administration fully implemented REAL ID enforcement measures nationwide—a law signed 20 years ago. REAL ID helps ensure that travelers are who they say they are and prevents fraud by criminals, terrorists, and illegal aliens. Most travelers have not even noticed a difference because nearly 94% of travelers are already REAL ID compliant.
Secretary Noem ended collective bargaining for the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Transportation Security Officers, which constrained TSA’s chief mission to safeguard our transportation systems.
Fixing Disaster Relief for the 21st Century
The Federal Emergency Management Agency is now shifting from bloated, DC-centric dead weight to a lean, deployable disaster force that empowers state actors to provide relief for their citizens. The old processes are being replaced because they failed Americans in real emergencies for decades.
President Trump has established the FEMA Review Council to provide recommendations on how to best conduct disaster relief at the federal level.
Under Secretary Noem’s leadership, the FEMA Review Council is developing a comprehensive plan for necessary change.
DHS has empowered state and local governments to lead disaster relief efforts without interference from the federal government.
Provided Rapid and Effective Support to Flood Victims in Texas
Within moments of the flooding in Texas, DHS assets, including the U.S. Coast Guard (USCG), CBP Border Search, CBP BORSTAR, and FEMA personnel surged into unprecedented action alongside Texas first responders for search and rescue operations.
FEMA deployed 311 staffers delivering critical intelligence, aerial imagery, and shelter for 171 survivors.
Combined state and federal rescue efforts evacuated and rescued over 1,500 people.
Getting CISA Back on Mission
Under the Biden Administration, the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Agency (CISA) censored free speech and targeted Americans.
Under President Trump’s direction, DHS closed CISA’s politically weaponized offices and fired those responsible for abusing their power.
CISA is now back on-mission: Protecting Americans and critical infrastructure from cyberthreats.
CISA is shifting away from an all-hazards approach to a risk-informed approach, prioritizing resilience and action over mere information sharing.
CISA personnel are deployed across 10 regions in support of all 56 states/territories.
CISA is also on the front lines of defending America from cyberattacks.
CISA partnered with the FBI and NSA to ensure state and local governments have information and resources necessary for protection.
CISA is also providing security support for next year’s FIFA World Cup.
Secretary Noem discontinued the Critical Infrastructure Partnership Advisory Council (CIPAC) as a part of the implementation of President Trump’s Executive Order 14217, Commencing the Reduction of the Federal Bureaucracy, and removed members of the Cyber Safety Review Board (CSRB), which CISA oversees.
Revolutionizing the Coast Guard
When President Trump came back into office, the Coast Guard faced its greatest readiness crisis since World War II because the Biden Administration left it underfunded and neglected.
President Trump’s order to surge Coast Guard assets to our maritime border changed the game.
In the first few months of the Trump Administration, the Coast Guard seized more cocaine and other illegal drugs than during the entirety of 2024.
For the first time in years, the Coast Guard expects to exceed its recruiting goals.
In Fiscal Year 2025, the Coast Guard has brought in more than 4,250 recruits – 1,200 more than the same time last year.
That’s 108% over the goal.
Under Biden, the Coast Guard fell short of its recruiting goals four years straight.
Under President Trump and Secretary Noem, the Coast Guard is unleashing “Force Design 2028,” a revolutionary new blueprint that will make the Coast Guard more agile, more capable, and more responsive than ever before.
Standing up for the American taxpayer
The United States Coast Guard (USCG) eliminated an ineffective information technology (IT) program, saving nearly $33 million, and is now focusing resources where they’re most needed to protect our homeland.
USCG partially terminated a wasteful Offshore Patrol Cutter (OPC) contract with Eastern Shipbuilding Group (ESG), which has been slow to deliver four OPCs, harming U.S. defense capabilities.
The Trump Administration stopped aliens on the Terror Watchlist from receiving Medicaid benefits.
Secretary Noem cancelled CISA’s expensive headquarters project, saving taxpayers over half a billion dollars.
To stop policies that were magnets for illegal immigration, DHS froze all funding to non-governmental organizations that facilitate illegal immigration and announced a partnership with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to ensure taxpayer dollars do not go to housing illegal aliens.
An agreement signed by the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) government and the Congo River Alliance/March 23 Movement (AFC/M23) has been hailed by the UN peacekeeping mission in the country (MONUSCO) as “an important step toward sustainable peace.
In a statement released on 19 July, MONUSCO said that the Declaration of Principles, signed in Doha under the mediation of Qatar, “reflects the parties’ resolve to prioritize peaceful means, establish a ceasefire, and set up a joint mechanism to define its practical implementation.”
“This important declaration marks a shift toward easing tensions and protecting civilians seriously affected by the conflict,” declared Mr. Bruno Lemarquis, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General in the DRC and Acting Head of MONUSCO. “We commend the commitments made and call for their timely and good faith implementation.”
Those commitments include measures to facilitate the voluntary, safe, and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their places or countries of origin, and the encouragement of inclusive dialogue, seen as vital to addressing the root causes of the conflict and achieving lasting peace.
Earlier this year, the M23 launched an offensive in North and South Kivu provinces, capturing cities and villages, including provincial capitals Goma and Bukavu. Thousands of civilians were killed, hundreds of thousands more were displaced, and serious human rights violations were committed.
The Declaration of Principles comes less than a month after a peace agreement signed by Congo and Rwanda, long accused by the Congolese government of supporting the M23.
The Mission’s statement highlighted the Declaration’s emphasis on civilian protection and support for the ceasefire, with assistance from MONUSCO and other partners, and reaffirmed its readiness to support the cessation of hostilities, particularly through the establishment of a credible and jointly agreed verification mechanism.
MONUSCO’s statement concluded by urging all parties to honour their commitments, act in good faith throughout the process, and prioritise human rights, security, and the aspirations of the Congolese people in all decisions.
The 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum will provide a crucial space to focus on the fundamental principles driving trust, including transparency, consistency and accountability.
This Annual Meeting will welcome over 100 governments, all major international organizations, 1000 Forum’s Partners, as well as civil society leaders, experts, youth representatives, social entrepreneurs, and news outlets.
The World Economic Forum is the International Organization for Public-Private Cooperation. The Forum engages the foremost political, business, cultural and other leaders of society to shape global, regional and industry agendas. We believe that progress happens by bringing together people from all walks of life who have the drive and the influence to make positive change.
World Economic Forum Website ► http://www.weforum.org/
Facebook ► https://www.facebook.com/worldeconomicforum/
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X ► https://twitter.com/wef
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Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
PJSC NK Rosneft considers the decision of the European Union to introduce restrictive measures against the Indian Nayara Energy refinery to be unfounded and illegal. These sanctions are another example of the extraterritorial application of politically motivated restrictions that grossly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.
Rosneft emphasizes that it is not the controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.
The EU’s reason for imposing sanctions is completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at developing the asset. The company is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividends, and the accumulated profits were used exclusively for the development of oil refining and petrochemicals, as well as the company’s retail network in India.
The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset of the Indian energy sector, ensuring stable supplies of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The introduction of sanctions against the enterprise directly threatens India’s energy security and will negatively affect its economy.
Such actions by the EU demonstrate a complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU using unfair competition practices.
We expect that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.
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: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Rosneft Oil Company considers the European Union’s decision to impose restrictive measures on the Indian refinery of Nayara Energy as unjustified and illegal. These sanctions are yet another example of extraterritorial implementation of politically motivated restrictions that blatantly violate international law and infringe on the economic interests of a sovereign state.
Rosneft emphasizes that it is not a controlling shareholder of Nayara Energy – the Company’s share in the authorized capital of the enterprise is less than 50%. The enterprise is managed by an independent Board of Directors.
The European Union’s grounds for imposing sanctions are completely far-fetched and false in content, Nayara Energy is an Indian legal entity whose economic activity is aimed at the development of its asset. The entity is taxed entirely in India. Nayara Energy shareholders have never received dividend payments and the accumulated profits have been used exclusively for the development of the refinery and petrochemicals and the company’s retail network in India.
The Nayara Energy refinery is a strategically important asset for the Indian energy industry, providing a stable supply of petroleum products to the country’s domestic market. The imposition of sanctions against the refinery directly threatens India’s energy security and will have a negative impact on its economy.
Such actions of the European Union demonstrate complete disregard not only for international law, but also for the sovereignty of third countries. Rosneft views these sanctions as part of the EU’s destructive policy aimed at destabilizing global energy markets. The restrictions on Nayara Energy are yet another example of the EU’s use of unfair competition practices.
We are counting on the fact that Nayara Energy will take measures to protect the legitimate interests of its shareholders and consumers, which will be supported by the governments of Russia and India.
Please note; this information is the raw content received directly from the information source. This is exactly 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
TOKYO, July 20 (Xinhua) — Japan’s ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Komeito Party will struggle to maintain a majority in the House of Councillors (upper house of parliament) following Sunday’s election, media reported.
Voting in the upper house elections, where half of the legislators were up for reelection, ended at 8 p.m. local time. The ruling coalition risks losing its majority, public broadcaster NHK reported, citing its exit poll.
Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s LDP and its coalition partner Komeito need to win at least 50 of the 125 possible seats to secure a majority. NHK predicts they could win between 32 and 51 seats.
An exit poll by the Kyodo Tsushin news agency also showed the ruling bloc struggling to maintain a majority in the 248-seat House of Councillors.
The LDP and Komeito currently have 75 seats in the upper house. As Kyodo Tsushin noted, the coalition’s failure to secure another 50 seats in this election will lead to political instability in Japan, as Shigeru Ishiba will have to seek support from opposition parties.
The ruling coalition has already lost its majority in the more powerful House of Representatives (lower house) in the October 2024 general election, forcing Shigeru Ishiba to form Japan’s first government without a parliamentary majority in more than three decades. –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
Moscow, July 20 /Xinhua/ — Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov, speaking about the “anti-Russian militaristic ecstasy” in Europe over the issue of arms supplies to Ukraine, called this a very dangerous trend in general, which Russia takes into account and makes its plans based on it.
“Anti-Russian and militaristic ecstasy, thank God, has not yet found common understanding.” “But the trend as a whole is, of course, very bad and very dangerous,” the Kremlin spokesman said in an interview with the author and co-host of the program “Moscow. Kremlin. Putin” Pavel Zarubin.
“And we see this, we take this into account and proceed from this when drawing up our future plans,” D. Peskov pointed out.
As he noted, a number of Western countries “are creating an enemy for themselves, conducting such concentrated professional work both in their own society and abroad in order to present Russia as the spawn of hell.” “And in order to ensure the continuation of the war, in order to suppress Russia, this discussion is taking place about who will pay for the holiday,” added the press secretary of the Russian president.
D. Peskov noted that Germany is the economic locomotive of Europe, but it cannot bear the burden of paying for arms supplies to Ukraine alone.
Commenting on the statements of US President Donald Trump on the Ukrainian settlement, D. Peskov stated that “Russia is ready to move quickly. The main thing for us is to achieve our goals.”
“Our goals are clear, they are obvious, they do not change,” he emphasized.
According to Russian media, in March the European Union, under the pretext of a threat from Russia and Belarus, agreed on a plan to militarize Europe. The EU announced an increase in military spending and the development of circular defense plans.
D. Trump announced on July 14 that the United States would sell modern weapons to NATO member states for delivery to Ukraine. Western media reported that Hungary, Italy and France refused to finance such purchases. –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
BEIJING, July 20 (Xinhua) — Residents of the southern Chinese island province of Hainan, one of the most popular destinations in China for Russian tourists, will have a new chance to enjoy magnificent Russian art. An exhibition of masterpieces by contemporary Russian artists opened at the Hainan Provincial Museum on Friday and will run until Oct. 8.
According to the official website of the Hainan Provincial Department of Tourism, Culture, Broadcasting and Sports, as one of the highlights of the cultural exchange projects within the framework of the China-Russia Cross Culture Years, the exhibition features representative works by 10 outstanding contemporary artists from Russia, including the famous sculptor Andrei Kovalchuk and landscape artist Nikolai Kuznetsov.
The exhibition’s organizer, Zhu Yufeng, hopes that residents of Hainan Province, for which Russia is one of the main sources of foreign tourists, will be able to actively visit the exhibition and personally experience the charm of remarkable Russian art.
In the middle of the exhibition center in the museum stands the work of A. Kovalchuk – the easel sculpture “Ballerina Anna Pavlova”, which greatly attracted the attention of the tourist Zhong Hui, who arrived in Hainan for the first time.
“How lovely the muscular texture and expression of the ballerina’s face are!” she said. “I have heard admiration from other young visitors, and I believe that such a masterpiece contributes to the aesthetic education and upbringing of children.”
A representative of the Hainan Provincial Museum management emphasized that this exhibition demonstrates both the deep historical foundations and modern innovative forces of art in Russia, serves as a bridge for deepening cultural cooperation between China and Russia, and promotes Hainan’s efforts to build an international platform for cultural exchanges. -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.
In a continued effort to reduce the burden of cervical cancer, the Ministry of Health, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and other key partners has launched a national training initiative aimed at strengthening the capacity of both doctors and nurses in the screening and treatment of pre-cancerous cervical lesions.
The two-week training brought together healthcare workers from various districts, including Good Hope, Mochudi, and Palapye. The programme focused on equipping six doctors and a group of nurses with advanced clinical skills, particularly in managing cases that require more than basic procedures such as thermal ablation or cryotherapy. “Our goal is to ensure that both doctors and nurses are adequately trained to identify and manage cervical pre-cancer,” said Ms Thomamo Pheto, National Coordinator for the Cervical Cancer Prevention Programme at the Ministry of Health. “Many districts in Botswana still lack skilled personnel, and this training is designed to close that gap.”
Since the inception of the programme in 2015, more than 283 healthcare professionals have been trained in cervical cancer screening and treatment, an achievement made possible through ongoing collaboration with WHO and other development partners. Ms Pheto noted that the training has sparked a growing interest in women’s health among healthcare workers and has significantly strengthened capacity at the district level. “This time around, we are building a team of professionals who will return to their districts better prepared to screen more women and manage cases early, before they progress to full-blown cancer,” she added.
Despite the availability of services, Botswana continues to record low cervical cancer screening rates. Ms Pheto attributes this to the asymptomatic nature of pre-cancer and the resulting lack of urgency.
“When you have a pre-cancer, you don’t feel sick. There’s no pain, no discharge, so many women assume they’re fine,” she said. “This false sense of security is one of the reasons women don’t come forward for screening.” She emphasized the importance of reaching women who have never screened. “Those who have never screened are the ones we are most concerned about. Their health status is unknown, and they may already be at risk.”
In his remarks, WHO Botswana’s focal person for Noncommunicable Diseases (NCDs), Dr Tebogo Madidimalo, reaffirmed the country’s commitment to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat. “Botswana is committed towards eliminating cervical cancer by 2030, and we all, particularly us health care workers, have a responsibility to ensure that women coming through our facilities are offered cervical cancer screening and timely follow-up care,” said Dr Madidimalo. He further highlighted the nation’s strong record in addressing major health challenges: “We have proven before that elimination of communicable diseases is possible in Botswana, and likewise, elimination of cervical cancer is within reach for us. It will, however, take all hands-on deck to achieve the WHO targets for elimination.”
Ms Pheto echoed this call to action, encouraging communities to support eligible women, especially those aged 25 and above, to come forward for screening. “Cervical cancer is a silent killer. By the time symptoms appear, it may already be too late. But with early detection, it is both preventable and treatable.”
With continued support from WHO and other partners, the Ministry of Health remains committed to scaling up prevention efforts, enhancing healthcare worker capacity, and expanding community outreach. “With the right skills, tools, and community support, we can save lives and move closer to eliminating cervical cancer as a public health threat in Botswana,” Ms Pheto concluded.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO), Botswana.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Secretary-General of the League of Arab States, Mr. Ahmed Aboul Gheit.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said the meeting addressed the latest developments pertinent to Arab crises and issues, mainly the situation in Gaza Strip and the West Bank, as well as the massive efforts being made by Egypt and Qatar to achieve a ceasefire and ensure the delivery of humanitarian aid to the people of Gaza. This is in addition to the pursuit of a just and comprehensive resolution to the Palestinian cause through the establishment of an independent Palestinian state, in accordance with international legitimacy, the protection of the rights of the Palestinian people and the prevention of their displacement and the compromise of their just cause.
The meeting also touched on the latest developments in Syria and Libya, in addition to the situation in Sudan and the ongoing efforts to restore security and stability there. The meeting also covered the political and security situations in the Horn of Africa and the security of the Red Sea.
President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s steadfast commitment to supporting the Arab League, based on its deep belief in the League’s pivotal role in strengthening joint Arab action and unifying Arab ranks in the face of the region’s complex and unprecedented challenges. For his part, the Secretary-General of the Arab League valued Egypt’s wise positions, which contribute to restoring security and stability in the Middle East, especially through its support for a just and final solution to the Palestinian issue, as the only path to achieving lasting and comprehensive peace in the region.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Today, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi received the Commander of the United States Central Command (CENTCOM), General Michael E. Kurilla, in the presence of Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces and Minister of Defense and Military Production General Abdel Mageed Saqr, as well as U.S. Ambassador in Cairo, Herro Mustafa Garg.
The Spokesman for the Presidency, Ambassador Mohamed El-Shennawy, said General Kurilla conveyed the greetings of U.S. President Donald Trump to President El-Sisi, which the President appreciated, emphasizing the deep strategic relations between Egypt and the United States. The meeting addressed ways to enhance bilateral cooperation and joint coordination in all fields, particularly military and security, and stressed the importance of reinforcing this cooperation in light of both sides’ keenness to supporting regional and international security and stability.
The meeting reviewed developments in the Middle East. President El-Sisi reaffirmed Egypt’s continued intensive efforts to achieve a ceasefire in Gaza, facilitate the exchange of hostages and captives, and resume the urgent entry of humanitarian aid. The President also commended President Trump’s efforts toward achieving a ceasefire, underscoring the importance of reviving the peace process and striving for lasting peace and stability in the region.
Views were aligned on the need to de-escalate tensions in the region and to pursue political and sustainable solutions to the current crises, so as to contribute to enhancing regional peace and stability. In this regard, the meeting reviewed the latest developments in Syria, Libya, Sudan, and the Horn of Africa, in addition to the water issue. President El-Sisi underscored the utmost importance of the Nile River issue as a matter of national security for Egypt.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
The Hong Kong Observatory downgraded the storm signal from No. 8 to No. 3, as Typhoon Wipha moved away from the city this evening.
The No. 8 Southeast Gale or Storm Signal, issued at 4.10 this afternoon was replaced by the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 at 7.40pm.
The Hospital Authority said that 33 people received medical treatment at public hospitals due to typhoon-related injuries.
During the storm, the Government’s 1823 Call Centre received 286 reports of fallen trees and the Fire Services Department received 425 reports, while the Drainage Services Department received seven flooding cases.
Meanwhile, the Home Affairs Department opened 34 temporary shelters at which 277 people sought refuge.
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
QINGDAO, July 20 (Xinhua) — Belarus-China cultural cooperation has become closer in recent years. The forms of cultural interaction between the two countries are constantly updated, and the content of exchanges is enriched, Vladimir Kukharev, Chairman of the Minsk City Executive Committee (Minsk City Executive Committee), said Saturday while delivering a speech at the opening ceremony of the event titled “Qingdao-Overseas Sister Cities Exchange Month.”
V. Kukharev listed the results of fruitful Chinese-Belarusian cooperation in the cultural sphere. According to him, in order to deepen the cultural dialogue, Belarus regularly hosts events organized jointly with the Chinese Embassy in Minsk and the Chinese Cultural Center.
He highlighted events such as the Happy Spring Festival, Chinese Language Day, regular exhibitions of traditional and contemporary Chinese art, as well as festivals of national cuisine and arts and crafts.
V. Kukharev particularly noted the important role of Confucius Institutes in the development of Chinese-Belarusian relations. “Currently, there are six Confucius Institutes operating in the Republic of Belarus. Their main efforts are aimed at studying and popularizing the language and culture of both countries, promoting intercultural dialogue, strengthening academic and scientific ties, as well as implementing joint research and educational projects,” he explained.
Meanwhile, he also named cinema, theatre arts and tourism as promising areas for cooperation.
According to V. Kukharev, in the context of global challenges, it is cooperation
in the field of culture and tourism contributes to the formation of a common cultural space, expanding opportunities for interpersonal communication and mutual enrichment.
“By developing such partnerships, states not only stimulate economic growth, but also contribute to the strengthening of peace, friendship and tolerance between peoples, which is the most important basis for the stable and harmonious development of modern society,” he concluded.
The event, “Qingdao Overseas Sister Cities Exchange Month,” is being held in Qingdao City, Shandong Province, East China. It is attended by representatives from 19 cities and organizations from 17 countries, including Belarus, Ethiopia, Cambodia, Hungary, Germany, Greece, Japan, New Zealand, etc. -0-
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