NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CS chairs storm response meeting

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    With Tropical Storm Wipha approaching Hong Kong, Chief Secretary Chan Kwok-ki chaired a meeting of the steering committee on inter-departmental handling of typhoons this afternoon to ensure comprehensive and adequate preparations and response planning by the Government.

     

    At the meeting, members were briefed by the Director of Hong Kong Observatory on the latest assessments of Wipha.

     

    According to the present forecast, Wipha will enter within 800km of Hong Kong around midnight tonight, at which point the Hong Kong Observatory will issue the Standby Signal No. 1. It will consider issuing the Strong Wind Signal No. 3 during the day tomorrow.

     

    As Wipha comes close to the vicinity of the Pearl River Estuary on Sunday, there will be heavy squally showers and thunderstorms. The observatory will assess, on Saturday afternoon, the need for issuing higher tropical cyclone warning signals. The public is advised to pay close attention to weather forecasts and warnings from the Observatory.

     

    The Chief Secretary co-ordinated preparatory work by relevant departments in view of possible adverse weather conditions.

     

    The Security Bureau’s Emergency Monitoring & Support Centre will be fully activated upon the issuance of Tropical Cyclone Warning Signal No. 8. Leveraging the Common Operational Picture, the centre will conduct real-time citywide monitoring, and integrate updates from various departments to swiftly assess risks and formulate response plans and measures. Various emergency response teams will be on standby to handle possible emergencies.

     

    The Transport Department’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will work with public transport agencies to closely monitor traffic and transport conditions, and will disseminate emergency traffic information and public transport service arrangements.

     

    Meanwhile, the Development Bureau is responsible for co-ordinating preparatory work to deal with flooding, landslides and fallen trees, and to ensure the safety of building structures. Emergency control centres in various departments are fully prepared to respond.

     

    The Drainage Services Department (DSD) today completed a special inspection and carried out necessary clearance at about 240 locations which are prone to flooding due to blockages.

     

    For coastal low-lying or windy residential areas at high risk, the DSD and the Civil Engineering & Development Department have advance management measures in place. These include early warning systems and emergency response arrangements.

     

    The Geotechnical Engineering Office and the Hong Kong Observatory closely monitor weather conditions and will issue a landslip warning when appropriate. Relevant departments have completed inspections of government man-made slopes which have relatively higher potential impacts.

     

    Additionally, the Highways Department (HyD) inspected again the flood warning systems installed at Kwun Tong Road Underpass and 16 pedestrian subways along Shing Mun River in Sha Tin, Lam Tsuen River in Tai Po, and Tai Po River, from July 16 to 18, to ensure normal operation.

     

    In collaboration with the DSD, the HyD carried out special inspections and clearance of public road sections which are prone to flooding due to blockages. It also inspected and cleared the drainage channels at roadside man-made slopes.

     

    District Offices have also initiated response measures, including co-ordinating with other departments and organisations to enhance preparedness, and preparing sandbags and water-stop boards. They will also mobilise District Council members, members of the “three committees”, and the District Services & Community Care Teams, to disseminate the latest weather information to residents in flood-prone areas.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Tax credits drive carbon capture deployment in our Annual Energy Outlook

    Source: US Energy Information Administration

    In-brief analysis

    July 18, 2025

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025)

    In our recently published Annual Energy Outlook 2025 (AEO2025), we introduce our new Carbon Capture, Allocation, Transportation, and Sequestration module (CCATS), which allows us to model carbon capture in the coming decades.

    The CCATS module allocates projected supply of captured CO2 across the energy system for either enhanced oil recovery or geologic storage using a network representation of capture facilities, transshipment points, and sequestration sites.

    In AEO2025, we project CO2 capture at electric power and industrial facilities will increase through the 2030s, primarily due to increased tax credit values. Captured emissions peak at 1.5%–3.5% of energy emissions in the late 2030s in most cases.

    In most of our cases, we considered laws and regulations in place as of December 2024, which meant including tax credit values implemented under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). We did not include changes in the recent One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), which essentially preserved tax credits for carbon capture but made them more generous in the case of utilization.

    Under the IRA, developers could claim the tax credits, known as 45Q, for projects that begin construction before January 1, 2033, for up to 12 years once placed in service. The 12-year period will end between the late 2030s through the mid-2040s. We project CO2 capture will decrease as the tax credits expire through 2050 across all AEO2025 cases.

    How do CO2 capture rates look through 2050?
    Projected peak CO2 capture amounts vary by AEO2025 case. In the Reference case, CO2 capture peaks at just under 71 million metric tons (MMmt) in 2039, or about 2% of overall energy emissions. Projected peak captured emissions are lowest in the Alternative Electricity case, at 56 MMmt in 2037, and highest in the High Oil Price case, at 122 MMmt in 2039.

    Our Alternative Electricity case has less carbon capture activity because it does not model Clean Air Act 111 regulations implemented in 2024, which effectively require carbon capture for coal and natural gas power plants. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency recently proposed to repeal the rule.

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2025
    Note: ZTC= Zero-Carbon Technology Cost

    Historically, most CO2 capture has occurred at ethanol and natural gas processing plants. We project CO2 capture at coal power plants, natural gas power plants, and hydrogen facilities to surpass these industries across many of the AEO2025 cases. In addition, we project that no bioenergy with carbon capture and storage is deployed in any of our cases, and CO2 capture at cement facilities remains small—between 1 MMmt and 2.5 MMmt in 2035.

    How will CO2 be sequestered?
    We modeled CO2 sequestered in saline storage—deep underground formations containing saltwater—and injected into oil fields to increase output, a process known as enhanced oil recovery (EOR). The 45Q tax credit under the IRA was $60 per metric ton of CO2 for EOR and $85 per metric ton for saline storage. The recently passed OBBBA increased the value of the credit for EOR to $85 per metric ton, but the new value is not included in our analysis.

    In all our cases, we project captured CO2 sent to saline storage will increase through the mid- to late-2030s. In the Reference case, we project CO2 sequestered in saline storage will increase from essentially none in 2024 to 52 MMmt in 2040. Less CO2 is sequestered in saline formations after 2041 as the 45Q tax credits expire because we do not model other sources of revenue.

    We project CO2 sequestered for EOR sites will increase in the Reference case from 12 MMmt of CO2 in 2024 to 26 MMmt of CO2 in 2044. The amount of CO2 sequestered at EOR sites through the projection period stays relatively steady because revenue from increased oil production supports the projects even after 45Q tax credits expire.

    What portion of emissions is captured and sequestered?

    Data source: U.S. Energy Information Administration, Annual Energy Outlook 2025

    CO2 capture remains small relative to overall energy emissions across AEO2025 cases. We project that for the electric power sector, gross emissions decline in all cases while CO2 capture increases. Peak CO2 capture in the electric power sector ranges from 2.8% to 15.6% of sector emissions, depending on the AEO2025 case. In the industrial sector, we project that gross CO2 emissions increase in most cases and captured CO2 emissions remain low. Peak CO2 capture ranges from 2.6% to 3.9% of industrial sector emissions in our projections.

    Previous Today in Energy articles for the AEO2025 presented key findings on crude oil and natural gas exports, energy consumption growth, and electricity use for commercial computing.

    Principal contributors: Will Sommer, Jeff Bennett, Kendyl Partridge, Anna Cororaton

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: New axolotl study gives researchers a leg up in work towards limb regeneration

    Source: US Government research organizations

    Researchers supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation have discovered that it is not how much of a key molecule that allows axolotls to regenerate limbs properly, it is how little. This new knowledge moves researchers closer to enabling tissue repair and, possibly, limb regeneration in humans.

    “Axolotls are a species of salamander that have the ability to regrow limbs and repair organ tissue,” said Anna Allen, a program officer in the NSF Directorate for Biological Sciences. “Based on previous work, researchers knew that a particular molecule told cells to start the process of regrowth but how cells knew where they were along a limb and, therefore, what structure to build in that location remained a mystery.”

    The new work, led by James Monaghan, a professor of biology and director of the Institute for Chemical Imaging of Living Systems at Northeastern University, shows that the key is how that critical molecule, retinoic acid, degrades. An enzyme whose only job is to destroy retinoic acid is extremely prevalent at the far end of the limb (the wrist) but much less prevalent at the shoulder, meaning the reverse for retinoic acid. It is this decreasing amount of retinoic acid that allows the cells to know if they are at the shoulder, mid-limb, or wrist.

    Building on their findings, the researchers used CRISPR technology to turn off certain genes to help identify which genes were involved in various aspects of limb regeneration. They found one gene, Shox, which has a role in human height, was critical in directing the shaping of parts of a limb near the shoulder. Other genes are important in shaping further out portions. When these genes were deactivated, limbs still regenerated but not to the proper length. Because axolotls and humans share these same genes and it is only whether or not they can be accessed at the right time, this information provides a genetic and molecular instruction manual that moves scientists closer to enabling tissue repair — and, maybe, limb regeneration — in humans.

    “We are still a long way from humans regrowing limbs,” added Allen. “But, while that may still be science fiction, we are now one step closer to repairing lost or damaged tissue rather than just having it scar over.”

    NSF has funded other work looking at the regenerative properties of axolotls, including to understand the function of genes involved in regeneration in the species and fish that can regrow their fins and how cells convert stimuli into electrochemical activity during regeneration.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: VA to extend caregiver support program eligibility for “legacy” Veterans, caregivers

    Source: US Department of Veterans Affairs

    WASHINGTON — The Department of Veterans Affairs today announced that it will soon propose a rule to extend Program of Comprehensive Assistance for Family Caregivers eligibility for certain Veterans and their family caregivers through Sept. 30, 2028.

    The new rule will extend program eligibility for legacy participants, legacy applicants and their family caregivers for three years while VA continues the rulemaking process to refine the program. The extension will ensure that legacy participants and applicants can maintain their benefits and stability during this time.  

    Legacy participants are Veterans, service members, and their family caregivers who were participating in PCAFC as of Sept. 30, 2020, and legacy applicants are Veterans, servicemembers, and their family caregivers who applied for PCAFC before Oct. 1, 2020, and were accepted into the program on or after Oct. 1, 2020.

    “Legacy caregivers have helped shape VA’s Caregiver Support Program for many years,” said VA Secretary Doug Collins. “This decision underscores VA’s commitment to Veterans and caregivers across the nation and will help provide consistency and stability to nearly 15,000 legacy participants for years to come.”

    PCAFC is part of VA’s broader Caregiver Support Program, and offers enhanced clinical support for family caregivers of eligible Veterans who incurred or aggravated a serious injury in the line of duty, and meet other eligibility criteria. PCAFC benefits include education and training, respite care, counseling, technical support, a monthly stipend and access to health care through the Civilian Health and Medical Program of the Department of Veterans Affairs and certain travel expenses. 

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative

    A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor and First Lady Stein spent the past week in western North Carolina to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative and encourage tourists to visit our mountains. The Governor and First Lady visited small businesses, explored towns, enjoyed adventures, and met with residents and small business owners across the mountains, showcasing so much of what the region has to offer travelers. 

    “Whether you’re taking in the grandeur of the mountains, feeling a spark of creativity in Asheville’s art and music scene, or meeting the everyday heroes of western North Carolina, you’ll see how truly special this place is,” said Governor Josh Stein. “No matter if it’s your first time or fiftieth time, you will always uncover something unforgettable in western North Carolina.” 

    📍 Spruce Pine: The ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new YMCA stands as testament to Mitchell County’s commitment to not only bouncing back but also moving forward. 
     

    📍 Catawba Falls Trail: The Governor and First Lady spent a morning hiking and taking in the sights.
     

    📍 Asheville River Arts District: Governor and First Lady Stein took an e-bike tour, stopping by local studios, galleries, and other small businesses. 
     

    📍Highland Brewing Company: The Governor and First Lady stopped to grab a drink and learn from local content creators about how to better introduce the world to western North Carolina. 
     

    📍Asheville Regional Airport: Travelers often take their first steps into western North Carolina at AVL. Governor Stein toured the new terminal and encouraged travelers to book their flights!  
     

    📍Nantahala River: The Governor and First Lady caught some waves while white water rafting. 
     

    📍 Dolly’s Dairy Bar & Gift Shop in Brevard: The Governor grabbed a scoop of Gwynn Valley vortex and the First Lady got Rockbrook Chocolate Illusion to beat the heat. 
     

    📍 Mud Dabbers Pottery of Brevard: At Stephen Colbert’s favorite destination in western North Carolina, Governor and First Lady Stein picked out some pottery at a whopping 0.00% discount. 
     

    📍Hot Springs: The Governor visited downtown to check out local businesses and spread the news that western North Carolina is open for business.

    Governor Stein’s travels are a part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” tourism initiative, a partnership with Visit NC to encourage people from around the world to visit western North Carolina and support its businesses and communities. Governor Stein announced the initiative at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park, which is now open to the public with limited hours. This campaign is available to local chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and small businesses for their joint promotional efforts as businesses in cities and towns across western North Carolina welcome travelers back with open arms. 

    Jul 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative

    Source: US State of North Carolina

    Headline: A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative

    A Week in Photos: Governor and First Lady Stein Tour Western North Carolina as Part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” Tourism Initiative
    lsaito

    Raleigh, NC

    Governor and First Lady Stein spent the past week in western North Carolina to promote the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” initiative and encourage tourists to visit our mountains. The Governor and First Lady visited small businesses, explored towns, enjoyed adventures, and met with residents and small business owners across the mountains, showcasing so much of what the region has to offer travelers. 

    “Whether you’re taking in the grandeur of the mountains, feeling a spark of creativity in Asheville’s art and music scene, or meeting the everyday heroes of western North Carolina, you’ll see how truly special this place is,” said Governor Josh Stein. “No matter if it’s your first time or fiftieth time, you will always uncover something unforgettable in western North Carolina.” 

    📍 Spruce Pine: The ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new YMCA stands as testament to Mitchell County’s commitment to not only bouncing back but also moving forward. 
     

    📍 Catawba Falls Trail: The Governor and First Lady spent a morning hiking and taking in the sights.
     

    📍 Asheville River Arts District: Governor and First Lady Stein took an e-bike tour, stopping by local studios, galleries, and other small businesses. 
     

    📍Highland Brewing Company: The Governor and First Lady stopped to grab a drink and learn from local content creators about how to better introduce the world to western North Carolina. 
     

    📍Asheville Regional Airport: Travelers often take their first steps into western North Carolina at AVL. Governor Stein toured the new terminal and encouraged travelers to book their flights!  
     

    📍Nantahala River: The Governor and First Lady caught some waves while white water rafting. 
     

    📍 Dolly’s Dairy Bar & Gift Shop in Brevard: The Governor grabbed a scoop of Gwynn Valley vortex and the First Lady got Rockbrook Chocolate Illusion to beat the heat. 
     

    📍 Mud Dabbers Pottery of Brevard: At Stephen Colbert’s favorite destination in western North Carolina, Governor and First Lady Stein picked out some pottery at a whopping 0.00% discount. 
     

    📍Hot Springs: The Governor visited downtown to check out local businesses and spread the news that western North Carolina is open for business.

    Governor Stein’s travels are a part of the “Rediscover the Unforgettable” tourism initiative, a partnership with Visit NC to encourage people from around the world to visit western North Carolina and support its businesses and communities. Governor Stein announced the initiative at the reopening of Chimney Rock State Park, which is now open to the public with limited hours. This campaign is available to local chambers of commerce, tourism boards, and small businesses for their joint promotional efforts as businesses in cities and towns across western North Carolina welcome travelers back with open arms. 

    Jul 18, 2025

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place.

    A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall following the march.

    A static protest organised by Stop the Hate, in opposition to the Palestine Coalition march, will take place at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge.

    Discussions are ongoing with the organisers of both protests and details of any conditions in place will be published on Friday.

    We are also expecting further protest activity in support of Palestine Action which is a group now proscribed under the Terrorism Act. Similar protests have taken place in Parliament Square for the past two weekends, with 70 arrests made.

    The location of any such protest has not yet been confirmed.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is charge of the Met’s policing operation this weekend, said: “Our policing plans for the sort of protest activity we expect on Saturday are tried and tested, with officers working hard to achieve the balance of allowing people to exercise their right to peaceful protest while avoiding serious disruption to the community and ensuring incidents and offences can be swiftly dealt with.

    “This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large scale eventof its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood.

    “Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    “However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

    “I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

    “This is also the first large scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation. Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

    “Those investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcomes, but I can say a bit more about our approach to similar chanting at this weekend’s protest.

    “We have said before that whether chants cross the line from free speech to a potential criminal offence depends on the specific circumstances.

    “For example, there will be words that when chanted in the middle of the Palestine Coalition march, and not directed at individuals who might be caused harassment, alarm or distress as a result, might not lead an officer to reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

    “But directing the same words at a group of people for whom the words would very likely cause harassment, alarm or distress, could well give rise to grounds for arrest.

    “At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

    “Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.

    “All participants are responsible for their own behaviour. Avoiding the use of threatening, abusive and insulting language, or language that is supportive of proscribed organisations, is the surest way to stay on the right side of this line.”

    Further details of these protests, including any conditions in place, will be published at news.met.police.uk and on the Met’s X account.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: UPDATE: Met reiterates warning on support for proscribed organisations ahead of Saturday protests

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    There will be an increased police presence in Westminster on Saturday when a number of protests are due to take place.

    A march organised by the Palestine Coalition will go from Victoria Embankment to Whitehall via Westminster Bridge, Waterloo Bridge and the Strand. Speeches will take place in Whitehall following the march.

    A static protest organised by Stop the Hate, in opposition to the Palestine Coalition march, will take place at the junction of the Strand and Waterloo Bridge.

    Discussions are ongoing with the organisers of both protests and details of any conditions in place will be published on Friday.

    We are also expecting further protest activity in support of Palestine Action which is a group now proscribed under the Terrorism Act. Similar protests have taken place in Parliament Square for the past two weekends, with 70 arrests made.

    The location of any such protest has not yet been confirmed.

    Deputy Assistant Commissioner Ade Adelekan, who is charge of the Met’s policing operation this weekend, said: “Our policing plans for the sort of protest activity we expect on Saturday are tried and tested, with officers working hard to achieve the balance of allowing people to exercise their right to peaceful protest while avoiding serious disruption to the community and ensuring incidents and offences can be swiftly dealt with.

    “This Saturday’s Palestine Coalition protest is the first large scale eventof its kind since the proscription of Palestine Action and I want to make sure the implications of that change in the law are fully understood.

    “Nobody will be committing an offence by simply supporting the Palestinian cause, taking part in the march or carrying flags, banners or other signs providing they don’t stray into hate speech or other offences.

    “However, those who see this as an opportunity to test the limits of the law by expressing support for Palestine Action, whether at a standalone protest or as part of the Palestine Coalition protest, will likely be committing an offence and will very likely be arrested.

    “I would urge those people to consider the seriousness of being arrested under the Terrorism Act and the very real long term implications – from travel, to employment, to finances – that such an arrest is likely to have for their future.

    “This is also the first large scale protest on this issue since Glastonbury Festival where offensive chanting led by an artist on one of the stages prompted a police investigation. Investigations are also underway, led by Met officers, following similar uses of the same chant in London.

    “Those investigations are ongoing and it would not be appropriate to prejudge the outcomes, but I can say a bit more about our approach to similar chanting at this weekend’s protest.

    “We have said before that whether chants cross the line from free speech to a potential criminal offence depends on the specific circumstances.

    “For example, there will be words that when chanted in the middle of the Palestine Coalition march, and not directed at individuals who might be caused harassment, alarm or distress as a result, might not lead an officer to reasonably suspect an offence has been committed.

    “But directing the same words at a group of people for whom the words would very likely cause harassment, alarm or distress, could well give rise to grounds for arrest.

    “At previous protests, the area between the main march and any counter protest has seen the most heated exchanges. Officers will be particularly alert to conduct, including chanting, in this area and will be working with stewards to ensure crowds keep moving past this point.

    “Where they become aware of behaviour that crosses the line from protest into criminality they will intervene and take appropriate action.

    “All participants are responsible for their own behaviour. Avoiding the use of threatening, abusive and insulting language, or language that is supportive of proscribed organisations, is the surest way to stay on the right side of this line.”

    Further details of these protests, including any conditions in place, will be published at news.met.police.uk and on the Met’s X account.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China slams Senate Democrats’ report for hyping China threat

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 18 (Xinhua) — China on Friday strongly opposed a U.S. report that hypes the so-called “China threat” and called on relevant U.S. politicians to stop smearing and suppressing China.

    Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks during a regular briefing for reporters when asked about a report by Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee, in which they called on Congress to take steps to restore the United States’ global reputation and influence to prevent China from overtaking the United States as the world’s leading power.

    Lin Jian noted that the relevant report is permeated with Cold War thinking, incites confrontation between major powers and inflates the so-called “Chinese threat.” In fact, it is aimed at containing and suppressing China, which the Chinese side is firmly against, the diplomat added.

    The official representative stressed that China adheres to an independent and self-sufficient peaceful foreign policy, always strives to be a positive, stabilizing and creative force, and does not want and will not compete with any country for influence, Lin Jian added.

    China adheres to the principles of mutual respect, peaceful coexistence and win-win cooperation when handling its relations with the United States, Lin Jian said. The diplomat called on relevant American figures to form a correct perception of China, view China and China-US relations objectively and rationally, stop attacking, slandering, containing and suppressing, and take more actions conducive to the stable, healthy and sustainable development of China-US relations. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russia considers unilateral EU sanctions illegal – Russian presidential press secretary

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    Moscow, July 18 /Xinhua/ — Russia considers the unilateral sanctions imposed by the European Union to be illegal, Russian presidential press secretary Dmitry Peskov said on Friday, commenting on the 18th package of EU sanctions.

    “We have repeatedly said that we consider such unilateral restrictions to be illegal, and we oppose them,” TASS quotes him as saying.

    As the Kremlin spokesman noted, the Russian leadership will analyze the new package of European sanctions in order to minimize its consequences. “So far, we see a fairly consistent anti-Russian line from Europe,” he added.

    D. Peskov also emphasized that sanctions are a double-edged weapon that will also hit the initiators of the restrictions.

    “Each new package adds a negative effect for the very countries that join it,” concluded the press secretary of the Russian president.

    Recall that the European Union (EU) approved a new package of sanctions against Russia on Friday. It includes a reduction in the price ceiling for Russian oil sold to third countries by 15 percent of the market price. The package also includes measures to ensure that the Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2 gas pipelines in the Baltic Sea cannot resume operation. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: How Changes to Funding for the NIH and Changes in the FDA’s Review Times Would Affect the Development of New Drugs

    Source: US Congressional Budget Office

    CBO provides information about how changes to funding for the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and changes in the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA’s) review times would affect the development of new drugs. In particular, CBO was asked to assess two hypothetical scenarios:

    • A permanent 10 percent reduction in the amount of funding that the government provides to the NIH, and
    • A nine-month increase in the time it takes the FDA to review new drug applications (NDAs).

    To assess the effects of the hypothetical reduction in NIH funding, CBO focused on how the reduction would affect external preclinical research—that is, research conducted before clinical trials begin by organizations that receive money from the NIH. CBO estimated that a reduction in the NIH’s funding of external preclinical research would ultimately decrease the number of new drugs coming to market by roughly 4.5 percent, or about 2 drugs per year. That result would not be immediate; rather, the impact of the reduction in funding would grow over a 30-year period and would take full effect in the third decade after the reduction began. A reduction in other components of the NIH’s budget would further decrease the number of new drugs coming to market; CBO has not assessed the magnitude of that effect.

    A nine-month increase in FDA review times for NDAs would reduce the number of FDA-approved drugs in the first year following the increase because all but three months’ worth of drug approvals would shift to the next year. In addition to that initial delay, the increase in review times would reduce the number of such approvals by raising the cost to develop new drugs. The number of drug approvals deterred by the increase in development costs would grow over time and would reach its full effect of a 2 percent reduction—amounting to about one less new drug—each year in the second decade after the increase in review times began.

    CBO was also asked to analyze the implications of reducing NIH funding by 35 percent to 38 percent. CBO has not yet assessed whether historical evidence can be generalized and reliably used to estimate the effects of a reduction in funding of that magnitude.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Around the Air Force: Resolute Force Pacific, Resolute Space 2025, Autonomous Collaborative Platforms

    Source: United States Spaceforce

    In this week’s look around the Air Force, PACAF conducts its largest contingency-response exercise with REFORPAC, Guardians prepare to demonstrate Space Force capabilities with Resolute Space 2025 and the Air Force advances human machine teaming by flying ACPs alongside crewed fighter aircraft.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour of H.E. Kjell Tormod Pettersen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to ASEAN, who has completed his tenure in Jakarta. On this occasion, both sides exchanged views on advancing ASEAN–Norway relations, particularly as ASEAN and Norway commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership this year. Dr. Kao also expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Pettersen for his dedication and efforts in strengthening ASEAN-Norway relations throughout his tenure, including the successful arrangements for the Working Visit of SG Dr. Kao to Norway, in June 2025.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Australia: Auditor Compliance Program results for 2024–25

    Source: New places to play in Gungahlin

    We’ve completed more than 200 SMSF auditor reviews in 2024–25. Our goal remains the same – supporting a high-quality audit profession that underpins confidence in the SMSF sector.

    As a result of these reviews, we referred 41 auditors to our co-regulator ASIC (Australian Securities and Investments Commission) and 36 voluntarily cancelled their registration during our reviews.

    The main reason for a referral was due to an auditor failing to comply with the auditing and assurance standards. Most auditors reviewed did not obtain sufficient and appropriate audit evidence to form an opinion on the fund’s financial statements and compliance with the super laws.

    A number of auditors were also referred as a result of failing to meet the independence requirements by conducting in-house audits and by failing to demonstrate they had the necessary practical experience to carry out SMSF audits.

    We’ve also focused on educating auditors through market valuation and disqualified trustee reviews, 51 auditors received targeted guidance to help them meet their obligations.

    The most common compliance issues we identified from our auditor reviews were a lack of evidence to support that:

    • fund transactions were at arm’s length (section 109)
    • fund assets were correctly reported at market value (regulation 8.02B)
    • there were no charges over fund assets (regulation 13.14)
    • the fund’s limited recourse borrowing arrangement had met the borrowing exceptions (section 67, 67A).

    We also found many auditor’s files contained unsigned financial statements (section 35B).

    For more information, see Compliance audit of an SMSF or SMSF auditors.

    Our high-volume auditor program continues to be effective, with ACR lodgments rising from 2.2% to 3.6% following our reviews.

    We’ll keep a strong focus on this group in 2025–26, along with high-risk auditors, auditors conducting in-house audits and auditors who may be failing to conduct adequate compliance checks in relation to ensuring trustees value their assets at market value each year.

    Looking for the latest news for SMSFs? You can stay up to date by visiting our SMSF newsroom and subscribingExternal Link to our monthly SMSF newsletter.

    MIL OSI News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN

    Source: ASEAN

    Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, this evening hosted a farewell dinner in honour of H.E. Kjell Tormod Pettersen, Ambassador of the Kingdom of Norway to ASEAN, who has completed his tenure in Jakarta. On this occasion, both sides exchanged views on advancing ASEAN–Norway relations, particularly as ASEAN and Norway commemorate the tenth anniversary of the Sectoral Dialogue Partnership this year. Dr. Kao also expressed his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Pettersen for his dedication and efforts in strengthening ASEAN-Norway relations throughout his tenure, including the successful arrangements for the Working Visit of SG Dr. Kao to Norway, in June 2025.

    The post Secretary-General of ASEAN hosts Farewell Dinner for Outgoing Ambassador of Norway to ASEAN appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Zinke’s $20 Million to-do list for Western Montana water, roads, and bridges advances in Transportation Appropriations Bill

    Source: US Congressman Ryan Zinke (Western Montana)

    Washington, D.C. – Western Montana Congressman Ryan Zinke released this statement after Transportation, Housing, and Urban Development (THUD) Appropriations Bill passed full committee markup. As a member of the Appropriations Committee and THUD subcommittee, Zinke has an early hand in crafting the bill. The bill is next headed to the House floor for a vote.

    “Not every dollar spent by D.C. is a waste, much of it is needed investment and infrastructure is investments. The Montana investments secured in this year’s transportation appropriations bill includes some of my top priorities. These are projects I’ve been working on with community leaders and county commissioners for months and in some case years,” said Zinke. “Noxon Bridge has holes the size of trash can lids, and Pyramid Lumber shut down largely because of the lack of infrastructure to support housing in Seeley Lake. These funds are desperately needed, and our communities won’t be ignored any longer. I’m glad to see this bill move out of committee and head to the House floor for a vote.”

    See Congressman Zinke’s Community Project Funding Requests included in the bill below:

    • $10,000,000 for the Seeley Lake Wastewater Treatment Plant
    • $2,500,000 for the Sanders County Noxon Bridge Replacement Project Phase 1
    • $2,500,000 for the Ravalli County Wastewater Treatment Plant
    • $454,000 for Rural Airport Reconstruction and Emergency Services Expansion
    • $1,150,000 for repaving Marten Creek Road
    • $1,000,000 for Flathead County North Fork Road guardrails
    • $1,000,000 for Groff Lane Bridge Replacement
    • $1,000,000 for Old Corvallis Road Repair

    Read the full text of the bill HERE.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Leads Democrats in Demanding Transparency from the Department of Defense on Cutting Critical Satellite Weather Data Sharing

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Today, Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) led a group of Democrats on the House Armed Services Committee in introducing an amendment demanding answers from leadership at the Department of Defense (DOD) on why they are ending a decades-long partnership to share essential satellite weather data with the National Weather Service (NWS). The Trump Administration announced that DOD would stop sharing key data used in hurricane forecasting after July 31 as the nation enters peak hurricane season.

    “I will always be on the side of increasing the National Weather Service’s access to data that will help make our nation’s weather forecasting more reliable and accurate, meaning better warnings ahead of severe weather and more lives saved,” said Congressman Sorensen. “The sudden cut-off of mission-critical satellite weather data risks degrading hurricane forecasting and warnings just as we’re getting into peak hurricane season. As the only meteorologist in Congress, I’m proud to be leading the charge with my colleagues on the House Armed Services Committee to get to the bottom of DOD’s decision to end a decades-long data sharing agreement.”

    The amendment is cosponsored by Representatives Sara Jacobs (CA-53), Chrissy Houlahan (PA-06), George Whitesides (CA-27), Salud Carbajal (CA-24), Wesley Bell (MO-01), and Jill Tokuda (HI-02). You can read the full amendment HERE.

    As the only meteorologist in Congress, Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening NOAA and the NWS from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts. He recently introduced the Weather Workforce Improvement Act to help the NWS fully staff critical positions at their offices and the Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act to help strengthen weather forecasting in rural America. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Bean Secures Major Win for Northeast Florida in FY 2026 Defense Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Aaron Bean Florida (4th District)

     WASHINGTON—Last night, U.S. Congressman Aaron Bean (FL-04) voted in strong support of H.R. 4016, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for Fiscal Year 2026 (FY26). This landmark bill strengthens America’s military, shapes a more efficient and effective Department of Defense, enhances border security, expands support for service members and their families, and provides a 3.8% increase in basic pay for all military personnel.

    Congressman Bean also secured a $9.4 million investment to help streamline the production of a critical sonar system for the Virginia-class attack submarine program. This investment reinforces Northeast Florida’s vital role in our national defense and ensures our attack submarine fleet remains second to none.

    Congressman Bean said in a statement: “Northeast Florida stands at the heart of our national defense strategy—and I’m working to reinforce that strength for years to come. As a steadfast advocate for our Armed Forces, I remain committed to ensuring Northeast Florida has a powerful voice at the highest levels—championing our warfighters, securing our future, and investing in the men, women, and missions that keep our nation safe. I was proud to cast my vote for a bill that pays tribute to our military legacy, enhances combat readiness, and prioritizes our national security.” 

    KEY BACKGROUND 

    The FY26 Department of Defense Appropriations Act affirms Northeast Florida’s pivotal role in national defense, backed by the $9.4 million investment championed by Congressman Bean.

    This funding supports the production of the Bow-Conformal Array (BCA)—the advanced sonar system replacing the bow dome on the Virginia Class Submarine. Built at RTX Technology’s Collins Aerospace facility in Jacksonville, the BCA enhances stealth, sonar performance, and mission flexibility for the Navy.

    RTX Technology is a major defense employer in Florida, with:

    • 7,000+ employees statewide
    • 1,273 suppliers and $165B in spending
    • 334 employees and $26.8M invested across 65 suppliers in Florida’s 4th District

    This strategic investment will enhance output, mitigate production disruptions, and bolster Northeast Florida’s role in America’s national security supply chain.

     

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK tightens Oil Price Cap in blow to Putin’s war machine

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    Press release

    UK tightens Oil Price Cap in blow to Putin’s war machine

    The UK and EU will lower the crude Oil Price Cap.

    • UK and EU lower the crude Oil Price Cap, striking at the heart of Putin’s oil revenues

    • new measure will drive down the market value of Russian oil, disrupting the flow of oil money into Putin’s war chest

    • coordinated action comes as the UK and allies continue to ratchet up economic pressure on Russia

    UK will ramp up economic pressure on Russia with fresh measures directly targeting Putin’s critical oil revenues. 

    The UK and EU have today announced a lowering of the Crude Oil Price Cap, striking at the heart of Putin’s oil revenues.  

    Today’s action will lower the Crude Oil Price Cap from $60 barrel to $47.60 directly hitting Russia’s oil revenues, which have already fallen 35% year-on-year to May.  

    This will clamp down on Putin’s oil industry, driving down the market value of Russian crude oil and hurting a crucial source of funding for the Kremlin’s illegal war in Ukraine.

    Every financial blow against Russia’s oil revenues is another step towards a just and sustainable peace in Ukraine, and a step towards security and prosperity in the UK and beyond, which is a key foundation of the government’s Plan for Change.

    Speaking at the G20 in South Africa, Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves said: 

    The UK and its EU allies are turning the screw on the Kremlin’s war chest by stemming the most valuable funding stream of its illegal war in Ukraine even further.  

    This decisive step to lower the Crude Oil Price Cap will target Russia’s oil revenues and ramp up the pressure on Putin by exploiting his biggest vulnerability – while keeping energy markets stable.

    Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

    As Putin continues to stall on serious peace talks, we will not stand by.  

    That’s why we’re striking at the heart of the Russian energy sector alongside the EU. Together we will continue to apply relentless pressure on Putin, squeezing his critical oil industry and cutting off funding for his illegal war in Ukraine.

    The UK is taking decisive action to cut off Putin’s oil supply pipeline and has to date sanctioned over 250 ships responsible for transporting Russian energy.

    The UK has been clear that delaying peace efforts will only redouble our resolve to help Ukraine to defend itself and ratchet up pressure on Russia. That’s why the UK has committed £3 billion a year of military support for Ukraine for as long as it takes. 

    Today’s action comes as the UK further clamps down on Russian malign activity, exposing and sanctioning Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.    

     The UK and EU are working in lockstep to combat those callously fuelling the fires of destruction in Ukraine and are committed to ramping up economic pressure on Putin, forcing him to the table to secure a just and lasting peace in Ukraine.

    Background 

    • The Crude Oil Price Cap, introduced in December 2022, is a measure to limit the Kremlin’s ability to finance its war against Ukraine, and prohibits G7 companies from shipping, insuring, or otherwise servicing Russian oil sold above $60 per barrel. Now, the UK and EU are lowering this to $47.60 per barrel, directly slashing Putin’s oil profits. 

    • The price caps of $100 on high-value refined oil products, such as diesel and petrol, and $45 on low-value refined oil products, such as fuel oil, remain unaffected. 

    • Oil exports are one of Russia’s key vulnerabilities: energy revenues account for around 30% of total federal revenues which in turn fund Russia’s war machine. 

    • The government is giving UK businesses time to adapt to the lower price cap. The lowered Oil Price Cap of $47.60 per barrel comes into effect at 23:01 (BST), Tuesday, 2 September 2025. Additionally, for any trades with an effective date of contract before this date, and which are compliant with the existing price cap of $60 per barrel, there will be a wind-down period of 45 days, ending at 23:01 (BST), Friday, 17 October 2025.

    Media enquiries

    Email newsdesk@fcdo.gov.uk

    Telephone 020 7008 3100

    Email the FCDO Newsdesk (monitored 24 hours a day) in the first instance, and we will respond as soon as possible.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    Invasion of Ukraine

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Call for packaging value chain representatives to join the pEPR Scheme Administrator Steering Group (SASG)

    Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments

    News story

    Call for packaging value chain representatives to join the pEPR Scheme Administrator Steering Group (SASG)

    PackUK are now welcoming expressions of interest (EOI) for the appointment of members of the Scheme Administrator Steering Group.

    PackUK, the Scheme Administrator for Extended Producer Responsibility for Packaging (pEPR), is committed to working with experts from across the packaging value chain to guide it in its work.

    The Scheme Administrator Steering Group plays a key role in supporting this close working relationship and brings together skilled professionals from across the packaging value chain who are passionate about recycling and environmental sustainability.

    The Steering Group provides valuable perspectives and recommendations to the Scheme Administrator Executive Committee (SA ExCo) on the operational functions of the Scheme Administrator, supporting it to:

    • deliver a system that creates maximum environmental benefits through knowledge sharing and collaboration
    • deliver maximum efficiency and effectiveness of the collection and packaging system

    These recommendations play a central role in shaping PackUK as it grows and develops. While the group is not directly involved in decision-making, it serves as a trusted source of insight comprising members who will have a wealth of operational and policy expertise from a variety of both public and private sector organisations.

    Expressions of interest for the role of Steering Group Member now open

    We are delighted to announce that we are now welcoming expressions of interest (EOI) for the appointment of members of the Scheme Administrator Steering Group.

    This voluntary role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to one of the most significant environmental reforms of our time: making a direct contribution to the UK’s achievement of decarbonisation and net zero by 2050.

    As a member, you’ll provide valuable feedback, recommendations, and technical advice that will contribute to the UK’s first pEPR scheme, a key milestone in the transition to a circular economy.

    Applications will close 11th August. Applicants must be able to demonstrate a variety of skills, experience and knowledge from across the value chain and will be subject to a fair and open competitive application process.

    Further information on how to apply can be found below.

    Details on the steering group

    In line with international best practice for EPR Schemes, the Steering Group will be producer led. The makeup of the seats on the Steering Group is as follows:

    The Steering Group will consist of 10 individuals from producer organisations and trade association representatives (1 designated seat for the food sector and 1 designated seat for packaging manufacturing) and 11 other members, representing Local Authorities (LAs) in each of the four nations, waste management organisations, environmental Non-Government Organisations (NGO), compliance schemes, and an independent chair.

    How to apply

    More information can be found in the following documents:

    To apply for this voluntary role, your CV and supporting statement should be returned to SASteeringgroup@defra.gov.uk by mid-day on 11 August 2025, marking the email as ‘Member of Scheme Administrator Steering Group’ in the subject field.

    All candidates are also required to submit the following:

    • Diversity information and conflicts of interest form

    • CV of no more than two sides of A4 outlining your experience, any professional qualifications and employment history

    • a supporting statement demonstrating how you meet the essential criteria, providing specific examples (750 words maximum)

    Please indicate in the email which Steering Group seat you are applying to (for example, Producer, Waste Management Organisation, e-NGO, Compliance Scheme).

    If you have any queries, please email SASteeringgroup@defra.gov.uk.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: UK and Australia discuss digital defence and emerging threats

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    News story

    UK and Australia discuss digital defence and emerging threats

    Australia’s recent defence changes offer valuable insights for the UK’s newly announced Strategic Defence Review. 

    From left to right: WO Suzie Hall, JCG CSEL WO; Lt Gen Susan Coyle, Australia Chief of Joint Capabilities; Sqn Ldr A Porter, Director Cyber and EM; AVM Tom Ashbridge, Director Cyber and EM; Maj Gen Robert ‘Doc’ Watson, Commander ADF Cyber Command; Brig James Dennis, PJHQ J6 ACOS MOD Crown Copyright

    Australia remains one of the UK’s closest partners and in an increasingly dangerous world, working with our international partners has never been more important. Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, Australia’s Chief of Joint Capabilities, and Major General Robert Watson from the Australian Defence Force’s Cyber Command visited Strategic Command where they were welcomed by Commander General Sir Jim Hockenhull and Deputy Commander Lieutenant General Sir Tom Copinger-Symes to share lessons from their 2023 defence review and discuss progress on the AUKUS partnership. 

    The visit focussed on four main areas where both nations are adapting defence to address modern threats. Australia now brings together cyber, space, intelligence and logistics teams under single commands, allowing different military specialities to work together more effectively. This approach mirrors what the UK wants to achieve through its Strategic Defence Review. 

    Lieutenant General Coyle and Major General Watson visited the new UK Cyber Command facility at Ministry of Defence Corsham, where our teams protect the country’s digital networks from online attacks. They were among the first senior international visitors to see the headquarters, with Air Vice-Marshal Ashbridge leading detailed discussions about cyber threats and defence methods during their time at Corsham. These talks showed how both the UK and Australia need specialist teams to tackle digital threats, working closer together on cyber defence and shared ways to protect military networks. 

    Conversations also included progress on AUKUS capabilities beyond submarine development. The three nations, the UK, US and Australia, are developing artificial intelligence, smart systems and cyber capabilities that will define future warfare. Australia’s experience implementing these new technologies provides valuable lessons for UK programmes. 

    Australia’s Joint Capabilities Group, led by Lieutenant General Susan Coyle, operates similarly to Strategic Command. Both are designed to integrate capabilities across the single services, showing how close allies learn from each other’s experiences to speed up defence transformation and maintain military advantage. 

    By combining Australia’s lessons with the UK’s Strategic Defence Review, both countries are building the modern defence capabilities needed to stay ahead of new threats and ensure we remain ahead of our adversaries in an increasingly dangerous world.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: The UK welcomes the Colombian Government’s announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Speech

    The UK welcomes the Colombian Government’s announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme: UK statement at the UN Security Council

    Statement by Ambassador Barbara Woodward, UK Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on Colombia.

    The UK remains committed to the implementation of the 2016 Agreement as the main vehicle for lasting peace in Colombia.

    I’d like to start by welcoming the Colombian Government’s announcement of the Comprehensive Protection Programme in June as a measure to address increasing levels of violence across the country, including the assassination attempt on Senator Miguel Uribe on 7 June.  

    And I join others in hoping for his continued recovery.  

    Nine signatories were killed during the reporting period, bringing the total to 469 since the Agreement was signed.

    These attacks, often deliberately targeting those who are committed to peace and societal change, underline the urgent need to implement the Comprehensive Protection Programme and for stronger protection measures. 

    President, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, transitional justice remains a critical component of the 2016 Agreement, as we also heard during our visit last year.

    Colombians need to see restorative justice in action. So, we encourage the Jurisdiction to maintain the pace of sentencing and the government to ensure complementary actions advance in parallel.

    We welcome the presence of the Special Jurisdiction for Peace in this chamber and its President, Alejandro Ramelli.  

    We understand that the Special Jurisdiction for Peace will shortly issue sentences under two Macro Cases. 

    This would represent a significant advance in the work of the Jurisdiction.

    And this, as SRSG Massieu reminded us, is essential to maintain the trust of the victims, the signatories and the Colombian people. 

    Finally, President, as this government enters its final year in office, and with elections in view, we urge the government to prioritise implementation of the Agreement and to fund it adequately.

    The Secretary General’s latest report shows that implementation of the 2016 Agreement remains uneven, with key challenges unaddressed across several chapters, despite progress in others.

    We welcome the meeting in May of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion, and Verification of the Implementation, ‘the CSIVI’, where parties agreed an action plan for the remainder of the year. 

    We commend efforts to strengthen institutional coordination and support civil society.

    Convening institutional structures of the Agreement is key to sustaining peace efforts, particularly as Colombia transitions into its electoral period.

    President, the UK is and will remain a key partner on the path to sustainable peace in Colombia.

    Updates to this page

    Published 18 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: ‘You have to be able to rule your life’: The care revolution in Latin America

    Source: United Nations 2-b

    The workers we don’t pay or see are grandmothers, mothers, daughters — the women who take care of children, look after ill family members, and give dignity to the elderly. 

    To do this vital care work, they give up formal employment with pay cheques. 

    “Our system is designed as if women didn’t do care work. And that forces us to choose between raising children or working,” said Meredith Cortés Bravo, a founder of a grassroots organization in Chile that supports these women.

    But in Latin America, this is slowly changing — a care revolution is underway that is asking governments and employers to consider what it would mean to recognize, protect and fund care work. 

    “Care is essential for every family and for every community. The revolution is to make it visible, to make it valuable and to invest,” María Noel Vaeza, UN Women’s regional director for Latin America and the Caribbean, told UN News.

    The most off-track goal

    The High-Level Political Forum (HLPF) on Sustainable Development is convening at UN Headquarters in New York in order to discuss progress – or lack thereof – towards the globally agreed Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

    While 18 per cent of the Goals are on track for 2030, achieving gender equality remains the Goal that is most off-track. Discriminatory laws and gender-based norms persist worldwide, with women dedicating approximately twice as many hours to unpaid care work as men.   

    “Gender equality is not a side issue. It is central to peace, it is central to justice, and it is central to sustainable development and the credibility of the multilateral system itself,” Sima Bahous, Executive Director of UN Women said at an HLPF session this week.

    The revolution is underway

    Before the revolution began, Latin America faced a care crisis during the coronavirus“>COVID-19 pandemic, according to Ms. Vaeza.  There was not enough care available outside of the home for sick people, forcing society to recognize that taking care of others is work. 

    “Unpaid care work is what keeps the economy running, but it’s unfair because it’s invisible, undervalued and underfunded. We must recognize it,” Ms. Vaeza said. 

    In Latin America, 17 are countries actively working to redesign their care economies, ensuring more protections and income for the women and men who provide this work. 

    “The biggest shift has been putting care at the centre of public policy, not just academic debates,” said Virginia Gontijo, UN Women programme lead in Brazil.

    This work is already bearing fruit. 

    In Chile, one of the region’s most ambitious care systems is already delivering in 151 municipalities, with the ultimate goal of reaching 75,000 people in the next few years.  

    UN Women is working with State governments and civil society groups to ensure that these new systems, policies and laws are shaped by and for caregivers.

    A care system in Brazil worked closely with a care activist network to train caregivers in labour rights and promote long-term professional development.  

    “I never felt my work was valued. But after this project, I feel better prepared to take part in political discussions and make our voices heard,” said Lucileide Mafra Reis, a domestic worker activist in Brazil.

    Care is a human right

    Mexico and Peru have taken a more rights-based approach to care, codifying it as a basic human right. 

    While the international community has yet to make a similar guarantee, Ms. Vaeza said that the human rights framework is an exceptionally effective one — it restores dignity and recognizes that care is a fundamental part of human life trajectories, from birth to death.

    “If you say that care is a human right, it means that the government and the state have to provide support,” she Ms. Vaeza.  

    For Aideé Zamorano González — a mother who founded Mama Godin, an organization in Mexico which evaluates the impact of care policies on women — it is equally as important that employers protect women’s right to do care work. 

    This means ensuring that workplaces have policies that are supportive of mothers as workers, such as schedules that allow them to drop their children off at school.

    For her, these sorts of policies are crucial for women’s rights and particularly for their freedom and autonomy.

    “You have to be able to rule your life,” Ms. Zamorano González told UN News. 

    Beyond just autonomy, however, it is also about safety. If a woman can make her own money — and therefore, her own decisions — she can leave abusive relationships and avoid economic exploitation. 

    “Every other type of violence depends on the economic power that you have. If you have the ability to make your own decisions and own money, you are safer,” said Ms. Zamorano González. 

    An economic investment

    Changes to legal classifications and governmental support for care work not only benefit the caregivers but also promote economic growth across societies. 

    “[Care] is an investment, a strategic investment for social justice, for gender equality and for sustainable development,” Ms. Vaeza said.

    She noted that dedicating government funds to paying caregivers will return the investment threefold — both by increasing caregivers’ purchasing power and by generating tax revenue. 

    In Chile and Colombia, new care systems are estimated to contribute 25.6 per cent and 19.6 percent respectively to their national GDPs, according to UN Women.

    “When you invest in a women’s organization, you strengthen a living network, a tree with many branches that reaches places no office or institutional programme ever could,” Ms. Bravo said. 

    Export the revolution

    Latin America’s progress on care is a model for other regions around the world, Ms. Vaeza said, and demonstrates the importance of changing legal frameworks for women and girls. 

    “It’s extremely important that this revolution be exported. It’s an investment, a strategic investment for social justice, for gender equality and for sustainable development,” she said. 

    But while the revolution is ongoing, Ms. Zamorano González underlined the importance of economic empowerment for women as a means to protect their own rights even when laws and policies fall short. 

    “We are under capitalism, so while we change the system, let’s play the game. Let’s get our own means to have freedom,” she said. 

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • Amit Shah felicitates Indian Contingent for World Police and Fire Games 2025, highlights Modi govt’s commitment to sports

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Union Home Minister and Minister of Cooperation Amit Shah on Friday addressed a felicitation ceremony in New Delhi to honor the Indian Police and Fire Brigade contingent for their remarkable performance at the 21st World Police and Fire Games 2025, held in Birmingham, Alabama, USA. The Indian team secured an impressive 613 medals, earning praise from Shri Shah for making the nation proud. The event was attended by dignitaries, including the Director of the Intelligence Bureau and the Special Secretary (Internal Security) of the Ministry of Home Affairs.

    Shah announced that an incentive of ₹4,38,85,000 was awarded to the contingent for their outstanding achievement. He emphasized the significance of the World Police and Fire Games, noting that it is the world’s largest sporting event after the Olympics and Commonwealth Games, with nearly 10,000 athletes participating globally. The Home Minister expressed pride in India’s strong performance, which he said reflects the potential of the country’s 1.4 billion citizens.

    Looking ahead, Shah set ambitious goals for the 2029 World Police and Fire Games, which will be hosted in Ahmedabad, Gandhinagar, and Kevadia in Gujarat. He urged every athlete to aim for a medal with the focus and determination of the mythological archer Arjun. He stressed the importance of participation, stating that while winning is crucial, the spirit of striving for excellence is what defines success. The Home Minister encouraged the All India Police Sports Control Board to ensure at least one athlete from every police force participates in 2029, with each team targeting at least three medals to surpass the current record.

    Shah highlighted the Modi government’s efforts to promote sports across India, including bids to host the 2036 Olympics, Commonwealth Games, and Asian Games. He noted that the sports budget has increased fivefold over the past decade, reflecting the government’s commitment to fostering a sports culture. Initiatives like the Target Olympic Podium Scheme (TOPS) support around 3,000 athletes with a monthly stipend of ₹50,000 to prepare for the 2036 Olympics, while the Fit India Movement has tripled India’s medal tally in major global events like the Olympics, Paralympics, and Asian Games. Shri Shah expressed confidence that India will rank among the top five nations in the 2036 Olympics medal tally.

    The Home Minister also underscored the role of sports in building resilience and teamwork, particularly for police personnel. He urged Directors General of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) to foster a sporting culture by starting mornings with parades and spending evenings playing sports with subordinates to relieve stress and enhance performance. He emphasized that sports teach broad thinking and cultivate a habit of accepting defeat while striving for victory.

    To support sports within security forces, Shah outlined recent initiatives by the Ministry of Home Affairs, including changes in recruitment rules for talent identification, the formation of 25 outdoor sports teams in each force, and the creation of combined CAPF teams. The proposed National Sports Bill will recognize state police forces, allowing them to participate as single units in national sporting events. Additionally, he called for world-class coaching and specialized medical training for sports injuries to prepare Indian police teams for global competitions, assuring full support from the Ministry of Sports.

  • Why India’s True Freedom Lies in the Strength of Local Languages and Culture, Reveals New Book

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    In a linguistically diverse country like India, disputes over language are commonplace. Yet, intriguingly, resistance to English education and the resulting sense of “Englishness” is almost nonexistent—perhaps never existent. What lies at the root of this? A new book by scientist Amitabh Satyam, titled *The Hindi Medium Types*, delves into this question, unraveling the hollow “Englishness” entrenched in Indian society, particularly among the elite.

    Originally from Sheohar, Bihar, Amitabh Satyam, an IIT Kanpur graduate with an MBA from Fisher University, USA, shares his journey from Bihar to America. Through experiences spanning student life to professional endeavors, he illustrates how English in India is not just a language but a mindset. Despite India’s independence, colonial notions and Western cultural concepts remain firmly rooted in the Indian psyche.

    Satyam highlights experiences that many Indians, especially those who speak local languages, may find relatable. Though published in English and Hindi, the book champions every Indian local language, culture, and its values. From viewing traditional attire like dhoti-kurta as inferior to dismissing Ayurveda as unscientific, Satyam underscores aspects that reveal the hollowness of “Englishness” in certain societal sections. He notes how English medicine has deemed expensive fruits like apples essential, while local and seasonal fruits are equally beneficial.

    Striking at the mindset of English supremacy, Satyam writes: “Today, people don’t even consider that English is the language of foreigners who forcibly ruled and exploited us. Millions of Indians—once pioneers in science, engineering, literature, medicine, philosophy, and art—were declared illiterate overnight. By the decree of English-speakers, India’s greatness was dismissed, and English language and culture were imposed as superior. Jobs went only to those who spoke English and followed their ways. Governance was in their hands.”

    Satyam observes that English culture so deeply influences Indian systems that parents prefer schools named after Western “saints.” He recounts how merely changing a school’s name in his hometown led to a surge in admissions. Remarkably, the notion that English is supreme follows Indians even to America. Satyam shares: “In the USA, my English accent and pronunciation were American-like. Most Indians speak English with an Indian accent, having learned it in India. But I learned proper English in America, so it sounded like theirs. My American accent earned me praise from Indians there: ‘You’re from India? You sound like you were born here!’”

    The book, divided into nine chapters, is a treasure trove of anecdotes exposing the colonial mindset ingrained in Indian society. It challenges the notion of venerating the language and culture of former oppressors, suggesting that a large part of India’s population is gripped by a form of “Stockholm Syndrome.” This book is essential reading for anyone who senses the excesses of Western civilization and colonial thinking in India.

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly amendments supporting American military, defense projects included in Appropriations package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026,” which includes three critical amendments led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) to provide funding for cutting-edge military technology and projects. 

    The measure was approved by a vote of 221 to 209.

    These amendments include:

    • $10 million for the Army’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation account, specifically the Advanced Surface Machinery Systems.
    • $10 million for Defense Wide Research, Development, Test and Evaluation account, Specifically the Defense Critical Alloy Production Capacity Expansion program.
    • $10 million for Defense Wide Research, Development Test and Evaluation account, Robotics and Automation Manufacturing.

    “Supporting the great men and women of our military is of utmost importance,” said Rep. Kelly. “This funding invests in the future of our military and critical technology that will keep America competitive with militaries around the world, including China.”

    Learn more about the legislation here.

    Rep. Kelly has previously highlighted China’s growing naval fleet and the importance of American military readiness in his January 2024 Newsweek op-ed, “Trump is Right About Panama Canal.“

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Kelly amendments supporting American military, defense projects included in Appropriations package

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Mike Kelly (R-PA)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the “Department of Defense Appropriations Act of 2026,” which includes three critical amendments led by U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly (R-PA) to provide funding for cutting-edge military technology and projects. 

    The measure was approved by a vote of 221 to 209.

    These amendments include:

    • $10 million for the Army’s Research, Development, Test and Evaluation account, specifically the Advanced Surface Machinery Systems.
    • $10 million for Defense Wide Research, Development, Test and Evaluation account, Specifically the Defense Critical Alloy Production Capacity Expansion program.
    • $10 million for Defense Wide Research, Development Test and Evaluation account, Robotics and Automation Manufacturing.

    “Supporting the great men and women of our military is of utmost importance,” said Rep. Kelly. “This funding invests in the future of our military and critical technology that will keep America competitive with militaries around the world, including China.”

    Learn more about the legislation here.

    Rep. Kelly has previously highlighted China’s growing naval fleet and the importance of American military readiness in his January 2024 Newsweek op-ed, “Trump is Right About Panama Canal.“

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes First Package of DOGE Cuts, Bill Headed to President Trump’s Desk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. Representative Riley M. Moore voted “Yes” on the legislation, which eliminates approximately $9 billion in wasteful spending for partisan media organizations and certain foreign aid programs.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “The American people know waste, fraud, and abuse when they see it, and this package represents the worst of the worst. I’m proud to have voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation, which finally eliminates funding for leftist propaganda networks and significantly cuts back on woke and weaponized foreign aid programs.

    “As the leader of the Republican Study Committee’s Rescissions Task Force, I’m committed to building support amongst my colleagues to codify more of these DOGE cuts. Doing so will ensure every taxpayer dollar advances America’s strategic interests.”

    Congressman Moore leads the Republican Study Committee’s (RSC) Rescissions Task Force, which serves as the tip of the spear for codifying President Trump’s DOGE cuts. He recently hosted the RSC’s Right to the Point Podcast to discuss this first rescissions package with Wade Miller, Senior Advisor at the Center for Renewing America.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: House Passes First Package of DOGE Cuts, Bill Headed to President Trump’s Desk

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Representative Riley Moore (WV-02)

    Washington, D.C. – Early this morning, the House of Representatives passed an amended version of H.R. 4, the Rescissions Act of 2025. Representative Riley M. Moore voted “Yes” on the legislation, which eliminates approximately $9 billion in wasteful spending for partisan media organizations and certain foreign aid programs.

    Congressman Moore issued the following statement:

    “The American people know waste, fraud, and abuse when they see it, and this package represents the worst of the worst. I’m proud to have voted ‘Yes’ on this legislation, which finally eliminates funding for leftist propaganda networks and significantly cuts back on woke and weaponized foreign aid programs.

    “As the leader of the Republican Study Committee’s Rescissions Task Force, I’m committed to building support amongst my colleagues to codify more of these DOGE cuts. Doing so will ensure every taxpayer dollar advances America’s strategic interests.”

    Congressman Moore leads the Republican Study Committee’s (RSC) Rescissions Task Force, which serves as the tip of the spear for codifying President Trump’s DOGE cuts. He recently hosted the RSC’s Right to the Point Podcast to discuss this first rescissions package with Wade Miller, Senior Advisor at the Center for Renewing America.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Earl L Buddy Carter (GA-01)

    Headline: Carter Introduces Bill to Increase Funding for Veteran Health Care

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – Rep. Earl L. “Buddy” Carter (R-GA), Rep. Mike Lawler (R-NY), Rep. Josh Harder (D-CA), and Rep. Jason Crow (D-CO) today introduced the Veterans Health Care Stamp Act of 2025, a bill directing the United States Postal Service to issue and sell a stamp that will fund medical care and treatment for veterans.

    For every stamp sold, proceeds will be contributed to an account within the Department of Veterans Affairs, providing the public with a convenient way to contribute to health care services for veterans. 

    “This common-sense legislation will provide additional support to our heroic veteran community for the sacrifices they have made in defense of our country,” said Rep. Carter. “With this bill, we will increase the quality, accessibility, and affordability of health care for our nation’s veterans, fulfilling our promise to defend them as fully as they defended us.” 

    “I served as an Army Ranger in Iraq and Afghanistan. As a veteran, caring for our veterans is personal to me. I’m proud to introduce this bipartisan legislation to help support the VA health system and provide better care for those who have served our country,” said Rep. Crow.

    Read full bill text here.

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    MIL OSI USA News –