Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
This photo shows the booth of AITO during the third China International Supply Chain Expo (CISCE) in Beijing, capital of China, July 16, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
As global supply chains undergo digital transformation, major automakers are looking to deepen their integration into China’s advanced manufacturing and smart supply chain systems.
At the ongoing China International Supply Chain Expo in Beijing, industry leaders underscored how China’s maturing electric vehicle (EV) ecosystem, technological depth and industrial scale are shaping the next phase of global automotive production.
For Tesla, China is not just a market; it has become a core pillar of its global supply chain strategy. The company’s Shanghai Gigafactory, now producing one vehicle roughly every 30 seconds, has achieved a 95 percent local parts integration rate for its Model 3 and Model Y lines.
The company said the factory’s output accounted for nearly half of Tesla’s global deliveries as of June, with over 3 million vehicles having rolled off its assembly lines since its launch.
Beyond vehicle production, Tesla is expanding into energy storage with its first overseas Megapack factory, also located in Shanghai. Officially launched in February 2025, the facility was built and operational in just nine months, with an annual production capacity of 40 GWh. Megapacks from this factory are now being exported to markets across the Asia-Pacific, further embedding Tesla into China’s smart energy supply networks.
“China has the world’s most complete EV (electric vehicle) supply chain, with top-tier local suppliers and highly responsive manufacturing capabilities,” an unnamed Tesla spokesperson told Xinhua.
He added that China’s large talent pool in artificial intelligence (AI), EV engineering and advanced manufacturing has become essential to Tesla’s localized R&D.
“Whether it’s supply chain resilience, innovation capacity or market scale, China continues to offer unique advantages,” said the spokesperson.
German auto supplier Bosch shared similar views. The company presented its localized innovations in electrified powertrains and driving assistance systems at the expo, emphasizing the rapid technology iteration happening in China.
“China leads the way in electrification, intelligence and the shift to software-defined vehicles,” said David Xu, president of Bosch China. “Its consumers adopt new technologies quickly, which drives faster product evolution and continuous innovation in the auto sector.”
Bosch is advancing its R&D and production capacity in China, a strategy it views as critical for keeping pace with the country’s fast-moving automotive market.
Swedish carmaker Volvo returned to the expo for the third consecutive year. Sandra Liu, vice president of government affairs at Volvo Cars Asia Pacific, said the expo offers “a platform to promote collaboration across supply chain tiers, foster interaction among companies of all sizes, and integrate industry, academia and research.”
Volvo’s booth featured the newly launched S90 and its flagship electric SUV EX90, in a bid to engage global supply chain partners and demonstrate the brand’s commitment to high-quality growth and sustainable mobility.
With geopolitical uncertainty still clouding global trade, China’s combination of industrial depth and digital infrastructure is seen as a stabilizing force.
As electrification, automation and digitalization reshape the global auto industry, integration into China’s supply chain is no longer optional — it is strategic.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge The competition was co-organised by the Hong Kong Police Force, local universities and local technology enterprises. The participating teams comprised experts from law enforcement agencies, private enterprises and academic institutions. This year’s competition focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scenario simulated a cyberattack on an investment company’s system, where fraudsters altered its AI model to develop a fictitious investment scheme, attempting to deceive investors into purchasing fake cryptocurrency. Competing teams were required to utilise their technical expertise to analyze and crack this complex digital crime scenario.
The Computer Forensic Laboratory of Hong Kong Customs is responsible for digital forensics work and providing technical assistance to frontline investigators. The award not only showcases Hong Kong Customs’ exceptional technical and professional expertise in the field of digital forensics but also highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in the global digital forensic arena.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to dedicate efforts to advancing digital forensics technology and collaborate closely with local and international partners to address increasingly complex cybercrime challenges. Issued at HKT 20:14
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Members of Hong Kong Customs Computer Forensic Laboratory win championship at 2nd International Digital Forensics Challenge The competition was co-organised by the Hong Kong Police Force, local universities and local technology enterprises. The participating teams comprised experts from law enforcement agencies, private enterprises and academic institutions. This year’s competition focused on the theme of Artificial Intelligence (AI). The scenario simulated a cyberattack on an investment company’s system, where fraudsters altered its AI model to develop a fictitious investment scheme, attempting to deceive investors into purchasing fake cryptocurrency. Competing teams were required to utilise their technical expertise to analyze and crack this complex digital crime scenario.
The Computer Forensic Laboratory of Hong Kong Customs is responsible for digital forensics work and providing technical assistance to frontline investigators. The award not only showcases Hong Kong Customs’ exceptional technical and professional expertise in the field of digital forensics but also highlights Hong Kong’s leading position in the global digital forensic arena.
Hong Kong Customs will continue to dedicate efforts to advancing digital forensics technology and collaborate closely with local and international partners to address increasingly complex cybercrime challenges. Issued at HKT 20:14
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
MHRA approves adrenaline nasal spray – the first needle-free emergency treatment for anaphylaxis in the UK
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 18 July 2025, approved adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray (EURneffy) to be used for the emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) has today, 18 July 2025, approved adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray (EURneffy) to be used for the emergency treatment of serious allergic reactions, known as anaphylaxis.
Anaphylaxis is a sudden, severe and sometimes life-threatening allergic reaction that causes a drop in blood pressure and breathing difficulties.
Adrenaline is a well-established treatment for anaphylaxis, commonly administered through auto-injectors. This approval marks the introduction of a nasal spray formulation, providing a needle-free alternative for the emergency administration of a potentially life-saving medication.
It is intended for use in adults and children who weigh 30 kg (about 66 pounds) or more.
Patients are reminded to familiarise themselves with the important public guidance from the MHRA on how to respond to anaphylaxis and use adrenaline auto-injectors
Julian Beach, MHRA Interim Executive Director of Healthcare Quality and Access, said:
“Patient safety is our top priority, which is why we’re pleased to approve the first needle-free nasal spray formulation of adrenaline for the emergency treatment of anaphylaxis in the UK. Until now, adrenaline for self-administration has only been available via auto-injectors.
“While this represents an important new option, adrenaline auto-injectors remain a vital and potentially life-saving treatment, giving people experiencing anaphylaxis valuable time before emergency help arrives.
“We continue to encourage everyone at risk of severe allergic reactions, and those around them, to familiarise themselves with how to respond in an emergency. Resources and guidance are available on the MHRA website to help people be prepared.”
Adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray is a ready-to-use single dose nasal spray that delivers its entire contents (2mg) upon activation.
The plunger should not be pressed before inserting the product into the nostril, otherwise the single dose will be lost prior to use.
Adrenaline (epinephrine) nasal spray can also be used when the nose is congested due to a cold or allergy.
Patients should always carry two nasal sprays with them in case a second dose is needed and let friends or family know they have them in case of an emergency.
A full list of side effects can be found in the Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) or the Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC), available on the MHRA website within 7 days of approval.
As with any medicine, the MHRA will keep the safety and effectiveness of the adrenaline nasal spray under close review.
Anyone who suspects they are having a side effect from this medicine is encouraged to talk to their doctor, pharmacist or nurse and report it directly to the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, either through the website (https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/) or by searching the Google Play or Apple App stores for MHRA Yellow Card.
This medicine has been approved through the International Recognition Procedure (IRP). The IRP allows the MHRA to consider the expertise and decision-making of trusted regulatory partners for the benefit of UK patients.
ENDS
Notes to editors
The approval was granted to ALK-Abelló A/S on 18 July 2025.
This product was submitted and approved via the International Recognition Procedure.
The MHRA conducts a targeted assessment of IRP applications and retains the authority to reject applications if the evidence provided is not considered sufficiently robust.
More information can be found in the Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information leaflets which will be published on the MHRA Products website within 7 days of approval.
The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
The MHRA is an executive agency of the Department of Health and Social Care.
For media enquiries, please contact the newscentre@mhra.gov.uk, or call on 020 3080 7651.
Derby City Council recently welcomed Keith Fraser, Chief Executive of the Youth Justice Board, to see the work of the Derby Youth Justice Service (YJS) with young people and victims.
The Derby Youth Justice Service has achieved Quadrant 1 status, signifying its position as one of the highest-performing Youth Justice Services across England and Wales.
Following his visit, Mr Fraser told the service:
There were so many positive and inspiring aspects about your service. You demonstrated practice I have not often seen in other services, for example the children that were scrutinising the stop and search processes. You are also successfully keeping fewer children in police custody and also having fewer children remanded.
Derby YJS is performing exceptionally well, consistently achieving results below national averages for the rate of First Time Entrants into the justice system, the number of young people sentenced to custody, and rates of re-offending.
Key achievements highlighted during the visit included successful early intervention, which has seen more young people diverted away from possible offending and fewer young people being seen by the service as a result of going to court. Fewer children from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic Communities have been referred into the service following a court appearance, while none are currently serving secure remand or sentence.
The service has also achieved 100% satisfaction rates from children’s feedback, with every child reporting they had been helped by Derby YJS.
The service attributes its success to several critical factors:
Committed practitioners who understand the children and young people well and can show the positive impact they make based on individual needs
A strong Multi-Agency Board working together to provide children with access a broad range of services
Stable senior leadership providing consistent direction
Service delivery based on insights to create tailored support for children, young people, and victims
A consistent understanding of risk across all levels.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
We’re immensely proud of the Derby Youth Justice Service’s achievements, and it was a pleasure to welcome Keith Fraser to witness their excellent work firsthand.
The YJS consistently delivers exceptional results, creating opportunities for positive change for young people while ensuring the safety of our communities – a true testament to our passionate practitioners and strong partnership working.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments 3
Press release
UK sanctions Russian spies at the heart of Putin’s malicious regime
The UK has exposed Russian spies responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.
UK exposes and sanctions three GRU units and 18 of their military intelligence officers, responsible for spreading chaos and disorder on Putin’s orders.
GRU units exposed for their involvement in the bombing of the Mariupol Theatre, the targeting of Yulia Skripal and cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war in Ukraine.
Action by UK and allies comes amid global threat posed by Russian malign activity.
Russian spies and hackers targeting the UK and others are today exposed and sanctioned in decisive action by the UK Government to deliver security for working people.
Today’s measures target three units of the Russian military intelligence agency (GRU) and 18 military intelligence officers who are responsible for conducting a sustained campaign of malicious cyber activity over many years, including in the UK.
The GRU routinely uses cyber and information operations to sow chaos, division and disorder in Ukraine and across the world with devastating real-world consequences.
In 2022, Unit 26165, sanctioned today, conducted online reconnaissance to help target missile strikes against Mariupol – including the strike that destroyed the Mariupol Theatre where hundreds of civilians, including children, were murdered.
Today’s action also hits GRU military intelligence officers responsible for historically targeting Yulia Skripal’s device with malicious malware known as X-Agent – five years before GRU military intelligence officers’ failed attempt to murder Yulia and Sergei Skripal with the deadly Novichok nerve agent in Salisbury.
In the UK, Russia has targeted media outlets, telecoms providers, political and democratic institutions, and energy infrastructure. The United Kingdom and our international allies are watching Russia and are countering their attacks both publicly and behind the scenes.
Foreign Secretary, David Lammy said:
GRU spies are running a campaign to destabilise Europe, undermine Ukraine’s sovereignty and threaten the safety of British citizens.
The Kremlin should be in no doubt: we see what they are trying to do in the shadows and we won’t tolerate it. That’s why we’re taking decisive action with sanctions against Russian spies. Protecting the UK from harm is fundamental to this government’s Plan for Change.
Putin’s hybrid threats and aggression will never break our resolve. The UK and our Allies support for Ukraine and Europe’s security is ironclad.
The UK government is committed to accelerating its efforts to counter hybrid threats at home, protecting the UK’s national security – a key foundation of the Plan for Change – and abroad, working in collaboration with a growing international coalition including all 32 NATO Allies, the EU and its member states, and our partners in the FBI.
That is why the UK has announced the biggest sustained increase in defence spending – rising to 2.6% of GDP from 2027 – since the Cold War, and as highlighted in the National Security Review, the UK is stepping up our focus on tackling hybrid and technology enabled threats. The new UK-EU Security and Defence Partnership will support this, enabling closer cooperation across a wide range of areas.
The Kremlin has also used cyber operations in support of Putin’s illegal war – including targeting critical infrastructure like Viasat satellite communications. Some of these attacks were conducted on the eve of the full-scale invasion in 2022 with the express purpose of degrading Ukraine’s ability to defend itself.
Russia’s insidious activity stretches far beyond Europe. In addition to the GRU Units and officers, the UK is also sanctioning three leaders of “African Initiative”, a social media content mill established and funded by Russia and employing Russian intelligence officers to conduct information operations in West Africa. This includes reckless attempts to undermine lifesaving global health initiatives in the region by pushing baseless conspiracy theories to further the Kremlin’s political agenda.
Background
The Foreign Secretary laid out how the UK is stepping up our approach to combatting Russian hybrid threats in his Mansion House speech. Read more here.
Hybrid Threats activity refers to overt or covert actions by foreign governments which fall short of direct armed conflict with the UK but cause harm or threaten the safety or interests of the UK or our allies.
Examples of this include:
Cyber attacks (e.g. hacking government systems or stealing trade secrets)
Disinformation (e.g. spreading false or misleading information online)
Sabotage (e.g. damaging infrastructure or supply chains)
Political interference (e.g. influencing elections or public opinion)
Collision risks to UK-licensed satellites were lower in June with a 19% decline when compared with May, caused by fewer interactions between UK licenced objects and other spacecraft or debris over the previous 30 days.
The number of Resident Space Objects (RSOs) reported may be subject to small adjustments over time as the way objects are tracked is refined. Figures in this report reflect the most current available data and may differ slightly from those published in previous months
Fragmentation Analysis
There have been no new fragmentation (break-up) incidents this month.
Space weather
June saw an increase in space weather activity, particularly geomagnetic events, compared to the previous month
Comments
The National Space Operations Centre combines and coordinates UK civil and military space domain awareness capabilities to enable operations, promote prosperity and protect UK interests in space and on Earth from space-related threats, risks and hazards.
SA strengthens science and innovation cooperation with Algeria
The Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI) has signed another significant partnership aimed at enhancing science, technology, and innovation cooperation with Algeria.
The partnership, known as the Plan of Action for 2026-2028, currently focuses on several strategic areas, including nuclear science and technology, the co-founding and implementation of the African Laser Centre (ALC), and the establishment of the Nanosciences African Network.
In addition, it emphasises the transfer of technical knowledge and equipment, as well as advancements in space propulsion and telecommunications.
The Plan of Action will also explore new areas of cooperation such as nanotechnology, renewable energy, nanomedicine, food and energy security, health innovation and vaccine development, artificial intelligence and emerging Technologies and others.
As much as this is a joint programme, South Africa’s National Research Foundation (NRF) will lead its implementation.
As a government-mandated research and science development agency, the NRF funds research, the development of high-end human capacity and critical research infrastructure to promote knowledge production across all disciplinary fields.
This comes after Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande led a high-level South African delegation on a comprehensive visit focused on science, technology and innovation (STI) in Tunisia and Algeria.
The signing ceremony was preceded by an opening ceremony, where Algeria’s Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Bidar, and Nzimande delivered their keynote speeches.
Nzimande reflected on the special bond between South Africa and Algeria. In addition, he said the two nations share a strong commitment to the advancement of the African continent.
“Similarly, our two countries also share a firm commitment to the realisation of a more just and humane world that will be underpinned by the values of human solidarity, peaceful coexistence, and a respect for the sovereignty of all nations, regardless of their size.”
Emphasising the strategic importance of cooperation in STI between South Africa and Algeria, Nzimande stated, “Both Algeria and South Africa recognise that, to address our urgent national development goals and achieve higher levels of development, we must consistently enhance our national scientific capabilities.”
The Minister believes that the countries’ shared conviction about the role of STI in development and commitment to cooperation is, in a way, a continuation of their liberation struggles.
“But now against underdevelopment and for prosperity in our respective countries, and on the rest of the continent. I must also say that we are highly impressed by the investments that you have made in building your public science system and its constituent institutions.”
The department emphasised that signing the Plan of Action between South Africa and Algeria is crucial for reinforcing both countries’ commitment to supporting the implementation of key development programs on the African continent.
These programmes include Agenda 2063, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), and the African Union’s Science, Technology, and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA-2034).
On Tuesday, South Africa and Tunisia signed a landmark agreement aimed at scaling up collaboration in STI in a bid to deepen bilateral cooperation.
The agreement, signed during the official visit by Nzimande to Tunisia, forms part of the Scaling up Tunisia–South Africa Strategy.
It includes a detailed plan of action and the formal minutes of a joint research call meeting. – SAnews.gov.za
Justice, Police committees to recommend Ad Hoc Committee on Mkhwanazi allegations
Parliament’s portfolio committees on Police and Justice will recommend to the National Assembly (NA) that an Ad Hoc Committee be established to probe the allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant-General Nhlanhla Mkwanazi.
Mkhwanazi has made several serious claims about, amongst others, an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, and allegations that Police Minister Senzo Mchunu colluded with criminal elements to disband the Political Killings Task Team based in KZN.
This led to President Cyril Ramaphosa placing Police Minister Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence and the establishment of a judicial commission of inquiry, chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga.
“Following consideration of a Parliamentary Legal Service legal opinion, the committees were of the view that an ad hoc committee is the best format to interrogate the allegations. Ad hoc committees are formed as per Rule 253 of the National Assembly. The rationale for this option is that the scope of such a committee is specific and time bound.
“The [committees were] presented with two alternative options: a full-blown investigative inquiry and two committees exercising their conferring powers in terms of NA Rule 169. The majority of committee members present in the meeting were in favour of the ad hoc committee, as members felt Parliament would thereby remain involved in such a process, exercising their oversight responsibility,” the committees said in a statement.
The two committees noted the “urgency of the matter” and reiterated the need to reach findings to “protect the integrity and standing of the entire criminal justice system.”
“Also, the committee highlighted the need to avoid duplication of the work of the commission of inquiry established by the President.
“Lastly, the [committees] emphasised the need for continuous oversight over the work of the Presidential commission of inquiry and requested that the interim reports submitted to the President be made available to Parliament. At the next meeting, the [committees are] expected to discuss the terms of reference and timelines for such an ad hoc committee.
“The committees will on 23 July 2025, as per the directive from the Speaker, recommend to the NA that an ad hoc committee be established to consider the matter. Furthermore, the committees’ recommendations will emphasise the need for urgency in considering the matter,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
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) — The incoming and outgoing passenger flow at the checkpoint of Tianshan International Airport in Urumqi, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, in 2025 exceeded 500,000, up 65.2 percent year on year as of July 14, the Xinjiang Daily reported.
This year, this level of passenger traffic was achieved 77 days earlier than last year, the department added.
According to Luo Minxuan, an employee of the department, over 146 thousand foreigners entered China through the checkpoint at Tianshan Airport during the reporting period, which is 1.3 times more than during the same period in 2024. Among them, more than 39 thousand people took advantage of the visa-free regime.
In addition to the existing 24 international passenger air routes, the airport recently opened two new routes – Urumqi-Tianjin (Northern China)-Osaka (Japan) and Urumqi-Shymkent (Kazakhstan), which once again stimulated the demand for business and tourist travel to foreign countries.
According to Luo Minxuan, the airport has seen a significant increase in the number of family tours abroad and cross-border tour groups. She added that over 60 percent of Chinese citizens who left the country through the Tianshan checkpoint went to five Central Asian countries as well as the Transcaucasian countries, including Armenia, Azerbaijan and Georgia. -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 18 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Friday called on the Philippine side to take concrete measures to ensure the safety, dignity and legitimate rights and interests of Chinese students in the Philippines.
China’s Ministry of Education issued a warning to students studying in the Philippines on Friday, urging Chinese students to assess security risks and raise their awareness.
At a regular press conference, Lin Jian said the public security situation in the Philippines is deteriorating, with crimes and searches against Chinese citizens on the rise. The warning issued by the Chinese government is a responsible and reasonable measure to ensure the safety and rights of Chinese students, the diplomat added.
“We once again warn those planning to study in the Philippines to conduct a risk assessment,” he stressed. -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 18 /Xinhua/ — Sales of used passenger cars in Russia in the first half of the year amounted to 2.73 million units, which is 0.5 percent less than in the same period last year, TASS reported on Friday, citing the analytical agency Avtostat.
It is reported that the sales leader for the first 6 months of the current year was the domestic Lada, whose sales reached 715.8 thousand units with an increase of 4.7 percent. In second place is the Japanese Toyota with a result of 269.7 thousand (a decrease of 6.1 percent), and the top three is completed by the South Korean Kia – 150.6 thousand (a decrease of 3.6 percent).
In June, the Russian used car market shrank by 6.4 percent year-on-year to 467.4 thousand units. This is also 4.8 percent less than in May of this year.
As previously reported, sales of new passenger cars in Russia in the first half of 2025 amounted to 526.7 thousand units, which is 26 percent lower compared to the same period last year. –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 18 (Xinhua) — The National Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) on Friday held a symposium to review the macroeconomic situation in the first half of 2025.
Wang Huning, member of the Standing Committee of the Politburo of the CPC Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the CPPCC, attended the symposium and delivered a speech.
According to Wang Huning, since the beginning of the year, despite the complicated international situation and growing uncertainty, the country has maintained stable economic growth.
He stressed the need to focus on issues such as the goals and objectives of socio-economic development for the 15th Five-Year Plan period (2026-2030), the development of new-quality productive forces taking into account local conditions, expanding domestic demand and steadily promoting the achievement of common prosperity.
Wang Huning called for active discussion and suggestions to promote the effective implementation of relevant measures.
At the symposium, 13 members of the CPPCC National Committee delivered reports on a range of topics, including stabilizing and activating the capital market, promoting scientific and technological innovation in non-state enterprises, and developing artificial intelligence.
CPPCC National Committee Vice Chairman Wang Yong presided over the symposium. -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 18 (Xinhua) — China has achieved the target for the actual utilization of foreign direct investment (FDI) for the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025) ahead of schedule, Vice Minister of Commerce and Deputy China’s International Trade Representative Lin Ji said Friday.
He said at a press conference that from 2021 to the end of June 2025, China’s actual FDI utilization reached US$708.73 billion, achieving the target of US$700 billion six months ahead of schedule.
During this period, about 229 thousand new enterprises with foreign capital were created, which is approximately 25 thousand more than during the 13th five-year plan (2016-2020), he noted.
Foreign-invested enterprises accounted for one-third of China’s foreign trade turnover and one-quarter of its industrial added value, and over the same period, these investments created more than 30 million jobs, Lin Ji added.
According to him, the country has seen a noticeable improvement in the quality of foreign investment use. In 2024, high-tech industries accounted for 34.6 percent of attracted foreign investment, which is 6 percentage points more than in 2020.
To create a favorable environment for foreign businesses, the Ministry of Commerce has held more than 30 roundtable meetings since 2023, helping to resolve more than 1,500 issues related to foreign-invested enterprises, according to Lin Ji. -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.
The International Trade Centre (ITC) celebrated its first Partnership for Africa Day, bringing together more than 200 high-level participants from institutions, Member States, business support organizations, donors, and small businesses. The event also marked a new milestone in ITC’s collaboration with the Swiss-African Business Circle (SABC). This landmark occasion showcased how strategic, inclusive partnerships can drive trade, innovation, and prosperity for African small businesses.
Held as a high-level welcome reception on the eve of Swiss Africa Business Day (SABD) 2025, the event was co-organized by ITC and SABC. It offered a unique platform for Swiss and African leaders from both the public and private sectors to deepen dialogue and shape forward-looking trade collaborations.
“By joining forces with ITC to organise a welcome reception as the official start to SABD2025, we further strengthened dialogue on Swiss-African trade. The event brought together actors from international Geneva, business support organisations, and public and private sector representatives from Africa, Switzerland, and beyond,” said Helena Bischoff, Deputy Managing Director, SABC.
A central highlight of the gathering was the signing of a memorandum of understanding between H.E. Helene Budliger Artieda, State Secretary of the Swiss State Secretariat for Economic Affairs (SECO), and Prof. Benedict Oramah, President of Afreximbank. This formalized Switzerland’s renewed commitment to advancing regional integration and SME development in Africa.
Beyond official engagements, the reception celebrated the richness of Africa’s creative economy. From a “Taste of Africa” culinary experience curated by Geneva-based African restaurants to a fashion showcase featuring designs from the Pan African Fashion Alliance (PAFA) and Swiss NGO Afrodysée, the event underscored the growing importance of diaspora engagement and cultural industries in trade development.
“The State Secretariat for Economic Affairs collaborates with ITC, a long-standing partner, to strengthen the competitiveness of African SMEs by promoting intra-African trade and fostering linkages between Africa and Switzerland,” noted SECO representatives.
As host country and development partner, Switzerland continues to play a pivotal role in ITC’s mission to empower African small businesses. Through its One Trade Africa initiative, ITC supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and promotes triangular cooperation between Switzerland, African institutions, and global partners.
This inaugural Partnership for Africa Day was not only a celebration but also a springboard toward a more connected, resilient, and opportunity-rich trade future for Africa. Together with Switzerland and partners such as SABC and Afreximbank, ITC is committed to turning dialogue into action—and partnerships into impact.
Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute
If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?
In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.
These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.
In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.
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Cooperation, not compliance
As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.
While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.
Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.
Democratic data and digitalisation
Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.
Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.
Support for international emissions accounting
Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.
Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.
The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.
Investment with integrity
In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.
Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.
Regulating for whom?
The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.
Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.
The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.
Source: The Conversation – France – By Mira Manini Tiwari, Research Associate at the Robert Schuman Centre for Advanced Studies, European University Institute
If you choose to buy a sustainable product at the supermarket, or invest in a sustainable portfolio at your bank, how far does that sustainability reach? Does the product’s “sustainable” label account for the environmental and labour costs where the raw materials were extracted? Does the portfolio include renewable energy in countries where the investment is needed most?
In the EU, whether you are an individual or represent a company or financial institution, these questions are governed by the bloc’s non-financial reporting (NFR) regulations. The latest ones include the European Sustainable Reporting Standards (ESRS), which are gradually coming into force through 2029. The ESRS set out reporting standards and requirements, while the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) determines which companies these standards apply to, to what extent, and when.
These EU regulations also have strong implications for the Majority World, the countries and territories outside Europe and North America where most people live, at a time when global, systemic policy effects are more important than ever. As supply chains become longer and more interconnected, and as communities involved in them confront the fragilities of economic, political and climate shifts, the regulations that govern the sustainability of these chains and that enable or prohibit participation in them must be crafted and implemented to minimise harm to the most vulnerable.
In an article in Environment and Development Economics, my co-authors and I developed a set of proposals to improve the global sustainability of the NFR regulations. These call for collaborative development of regulations across the value chain, better data accessibility, measuring of and accounting for cross-border environmental damage, and greater integrity and engagement from financial actors.
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Cooperation, not compliance
As the ESRS come into force, reporting requirements are being applied to companies’ full value chains. This means that Majority World actors, such as those that extract raw materials for European products, may be indirectly subjected to the NFR regulations. This is important, as it holds companies and consumers, EU and non, accountable for the ethics of the goods and services they rely on. However, when regulations are built without directly involving those they will affect, they risk causing collateral, longer-term damage. For example, reporting requirements that feel inaccessible to smaller organisations can foster distrust and backlash, or cause companies to withdraw from contexts where data are less accessible, taking away key sources of income for communities.
While global climate negotiations have come under public scrutiny for their Minority World dominance, there has been relatively less scrutiny of global organisations governing financial and corporate sustainability standards. On their boards, the Majority World is conspicuous by its absence, demonstrating the dearth of attention to its agency in enabling greater sustainability, both locally and globally. European investors and policymakers are already shifting capital from the Majority World back to the EU in response to the NFR regulations, citing the difficulty of accounting for activities along the length of value chains. The damage falls on livelihoods, industries and essential investments, such as in renewable energy, which can suddenly disappear.
Developing NFR regulations in collaboration with all stakeholders, rather than only at the top, can provide a regulatory landscape that is, from the outset, more implementable, accessible and effective in the long run.
Democratic data and digitalisation
Efficacy in global NFR regulations relies on global data cooperation, which could lower the administrative burden on those reporting and enable greater accountability. The increasing number of EU NFR regulations do not exist in a vacuum: they have been accompanied by shifts in global regulations and a proliferation of national regulations. With regulations expanding to cover the full value chain, actors are increasingly likely to be subjected to multiple regulatory bodies, or have to provide data to reporting entities upstream. The time, financial resources and practical challenges involved in identifying, collecting, processing and sharing data are considerable, both for those submitting data and those receiving and verifying them. This makes divestment or significant losses more likely. Furthermore, the expansion of regulations can result in isolated streams of data and closed-circuit processes, which, in turn, cut out civil society organisations and individuals who use data to help hold firms to account for their social and environmental responsibilities.
Aside from EU calls for a European Single Access Point for corporate data, Majority World contexts offer particularly fertile ground for reimagining and building data infrastructures. Digitalisation in low- and middle-income countries is growing rapidly, and demonstrates the ability to make digital financial and business instruments democratic and accessible to those with the fewest resources. Such efforts should involve statisticians and local data experts from the outset to determine and harmonise appropriate data, along with transnational entities with the mandate of establishing links across data systems.
Support for international emissions accounting
Corporate reporting on environmental impacts must be accompanied by their reduction. Indeed, the work and transparency required to identify impacts in the first place, let alone mitigate them, underpins decisions to simply detach from the system, moving economic activity to local contexts where impacts are more traceable.
Firms that cannot afford to bring their activities onshore must account for emissions that occur from assets not directly under their ownership or control, which are known as Scope 3 emissions. In some cases, these emissions constitute well over half of a firm’s total value chain emissions. However, the implementation of the ESRS has designated the reporting of Scope 3 emissions, and climate impacts in general, to be largely discretionary, under the condition that firms provide evaluations of the economic and material implications of a given activity in their value chains.
The glaring gaps between some firms’ targets, actions and declarations are in part enabled by reporting systems that allow the omission of more distant climate risks and impacts, maintaining the misalignment between climate pledges and actions aimed at achieving them. While the number of firms showing readiness to comply with Scope 3 accounting is increasing, data on global investor preferences suggests that investors do not necessarily prioritise companies’ performance on these emissions when making investment decisions. For ethics to exist on the ground, they must be prioritised in financial flows.
Investment with integrity
In light of the above, financial institutions have a core responsibility to engage with NFR. These institutions’ economic leverage and centrality in the value chains and activities of several sectors give them incentivising power to catalyse a shift from the submission of reports to the building of living data systems and the achievement of fuller value chain accountability. Currently, many investors are not willing to accept reductions in their returns in exchange for the pursuit of social or environmental goals. Surveys suggest this is in part due to perceptions of low quality of environmental information, limited ability to assess the data received, and the difficulty of making investment decisions accordingly. In the current landscape of Minority World-led reporting, such mistrust is likely to be greater with respect to Majority World data, reiterating the need for data systems and reporting mechanisms built on equal footing.
Financial institutions can operate proactively, using their privileged access to data to bridge Minority and Majority World actors engaging in sustainable practices, such as microfinance bodies, local communities and relevant investors. Doing so could plug, at least in part, an information and trust gap that can hinder Minority World firms’ investment in unfamiliar contexts.
Regulating for whom?
The research underpinning our article initially involved a recommendation on streamlining and supporting reporting by small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 60% of the EU’s corporate emissions. For these firms, especially, regulators face a critical balance between lowering the entry barrier of the reporting ecosystem and setting robust environmental targets. The nature, data points and timelines of reporting under the CSRD are currently under review following calls for simplification and greater support, and decision-makers are wrestling with the tension between accessibility and integrity.
Our work also included a recommendation that turns from the supply side, the focus of the preceding proposals, to the demand side: the data and sustainability literacy of the individual who walks into the supermarket to buy that sustainable product, or wants family investments to do more good than harm. Across sectors – public policy, investment and citizen engagement – resources must be dedicated to these literacies, so that actors are better placed to hold each other to account. Regulation becomes easily abstracted, reduced to figures and PDFs, databases and scores. Beneath each regulation is a world of citizens whose homes, livelihoods and health depend on them.
The author was affiliated with the University of Siena during the period in which she and her colleagues did the original work for the scholarly article that is mentioned in this piece. The author’s affiliation came via a project that, overall, was financed by the Italian National Recovery and Resilience Plan (PNRR). The scholarly article and the present article were not outputs for the project.
As many countries grapple with ageing populations, falling birthrates, labour shortages and fiscal pressures, the ability to successfully integrate immigrants is becoming an increasingly pressing matter.
However, our new study found that salaries of immigrants in Europe and North America are nearly 18% lower than those of natives, as foreign-born workers struggle to access higher-paying jobs. To reach this conclusion, we analysed the salaries of 13.5 million people in nine immigrant-receiving countries: Canada, Denmark, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden and the United States. Data was taken from the period of 2016 to 2019.
Immigrants in these countries earned less primarily because they were unable to access higher-paying jobs. Three-quarters of the migrant pay gap was the result of a lack of access to well-paid jobs, while only one-quarter of the gap was attributed to pay differences between migrant and native-born workers in the same job.
Spain has the largest gap, while Sweden’s is the smallest. Author’s own elaboration
The high-income countries we examined in Europe and North America all face similar demographic challenges, with low fertility rates resulting in an ageing population and labour shortages. Pro-natalist policies are unlikely to change this demographic destiny, but sound immigration policies can help.
Across these countries with vastly different labour market institutions and immigrant populations, a common theme emerged: countries are not making good use of immigrants’ human capital.
Stark regional differences
We found that immigrants earn 17.9% less than natives on average, although the pay gap varied widely by country. In Spain, a relatively recent large-scale receiver of immigrants, the pay gap was over 29%. In Sweden – a country where many employed immigrants find work in the public sector – it was just 7%. These results don’t include immigrants who are unemployed or in the informal economy.
Where immigrants were born also mattered. The highest average overall pay gaps were for immigrants from sub-Saharan Africa (26.1%) and the Middle East and North Africa (23.7%). For immigrants from Europe, North America and other Western countries, the difference in average pay compared to natives was a much more modest 9%.
Migrant pay gaps according to region of origin. The minus sign (−) before figures indicates that immigrants earn less than natives. Note that data for second-generation immigrants is unavailable in France, Spain and the US. Author’s own elaboration
Our results suggest that the children of immigrants faced substantially better earning prospects than their parents. For the countries where second-generation data was available – Canada, Denmark, Germany, Netherlands, Norway and Sweden – the gap narrowed over time, and the children of immigrants had a substantially smaller earnings gap, earning an average of 5.7% less than workers with native-born parents.
The struggle to access higher-paying jobs
Beyond quantifying the gap, we wanted to understand the roots of pay disparities. To create better policies, it is important to know whether immigrants are paid less than natives when they’re doing the same job in the same company, or whether these differences arise because immigrants typically work in lower-paying jobs.
By a wide margin, we found that immigrants end up working in lower-paying industries, occupations and companies; three-quarters of the gap was due to this type of labour-market sorting. The pay gap for the same work in the same company was just 4.6% on average across the nine countries.
These differences represent a failure of immigration policy to incorporate immigrants, as immigrants are relegated to jobs where they cannot contribute to their full potential. Our analyses rule out that the lack of access to higher-paying jobs simply reflects a difference in skill between immigrants and native-born workers. We also found that the size of the pay gap and the key role of unequal access to well-paid jobs is similar for immigrants with and without a university education.
This means that the immigrant-native pay gap in large part represents a market inefficiency and policy failure, with significant social consequences for both immigrants and immigrant-receiving countries.
Although equal pay for equal work policies may seem like a viable solution, they won’t close the immigrant pay gap. This is because they only help those who have already secured work, but immigrants face barriers to employment that begin long before even applying for a job. This includes convoluted processes to validate university degrees or other qualifications, and exclusion from professional networks.
The policy focus should therefore be on improving access to better jobs.
To make this happen, governments should invest in programmes such as language training, education and vocational skills for immigrants. They should ensure immigrants have early access to employment information, networks, job-search assistance and employer referrals. They should implement standardised and transparent recognition of foreign degrees and credentials, helping immigrants to access jobs matching their skills and training.
This is particularly important for Europe as it races to attract – and retain – skilled immigrants who may be having second thoughts about the US in the Trump era. In the European Union, around 40% of university-educated non-EU immigrants are employed in jobs that do not require a degree, an underutilisation of skills known as brain waste.
Some countries are already taking steps to remedy this. Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act – which took effect in 2024 – allows foreign graduates to work while their degrees are being formally recognised. In 2025, France reformed its Passeport Talent permit to attract skilled professionals and address labour shortages, especially in healthcare.
These kinds of policies help ensure that foreign-born workers can contribute at their full capacity, and that countries can reap the full benefits of immigration in terms of productivity gains, higher tax revenue and reduced inequality.
If immigrants can’t get access to good jobs, their skills are underutilised and society loses out. Smart immigration policy doesn’t end at the border – it starts there.
Are Skeie Hermansen has received funding from the European Research Council (ERC) under the European Union’s
Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme (grant agreement no. 851149), the Research Council of Norway (grant 287016), and the Center for Advanced Study at The Norwegian Academy of Science
and Letters (Young CAS grant 2019/2020).
Marta M. Elvira receives funding from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation, grant PID2020-
118807RB-I00/AEI /10.13039/501100011033
Andrew Penner no recibe salario, ni ejerce labores de consultoría, ni posee acciones, ni recibe financiación de ninguna compañía u organización que pueda obtener beneficio de este artículo, y ha declarado carecer de vínculos relevantes más allá del cargo académico citado.
When the announcement of Chimamanda Adichie Ngozi’s latest novel Dream Count was made, it was regarded as a major event in African literature. The internationally celebrated Nigerian writer had not published a novel in the past 12 years, and her long-awaited return stirred both anticipation and speculation. In the post-COVID context in which the book comes, so much has changed in the world.
The first leg of her three city homecoming book tour coincided with my stay in Lagos as a curatorial fellow at Guest Artist Space Foundation, dedicated to facilitating cultural exchange and supporting creative practices. After Lagos, Chimamanda took the tour to Nigeria’s capital city Abuja and finally Enugu, where she was born and grew up.
As a scholar of African literature, I arrived here in search of literary Lagos. But my attachment to the city may also just be romantic, a nostalgia born out of years of reading about it in fiction. No doubt, Lagos is a city of imagination and creativity.
Chimamanda’s book event was a reminder that literary celebrity, when it happens in Africa, can exist on its own terms. It’s rooted in a popular imaginary that embraces both the writer and the spectacle.
Lagos superstar
The launch in Lagos took place at a conference centre on the evening of Friday 27 June. The MUSON is a multipurpose civic auditorium located in the centre of Lagos Island which can accommodate up to 1,000 guests. And on this night, the auditorium was packed.
When I arrive, the scene outside is buzzing. A crowd gathers in front of a large canvas banner bearing a radiant image of the author. It’s more than just decoration; it’s a backdrop. It is an occasion for the selfie, a digital marker that you were there. There is even a hashtag for this: #dreamcountlagos. People take turns posing in front of it, curating their presence in the frame of Chimamanda’s aura.
The atmosphere is festive, electric. And yet beneath the surface shimmer is something more urgent: a hunger for story, for presence, for return. Perhaps that explains why people come not just to witness, but to be counted.
Inside the lobby, piles of Chimamanda’s books are neatly arranged on long tables. People are not just buying a copy. They are buying several in the hope that the author will autograph them. The sight is striking, almost surreal. In many parts of the continent, a book launch is often a quiet affair. Writers are lucky to sell a handful of copies. But this is something else entirely. This is not just a book launch, it is a cultural moment.
It would have been easy to mistake the event for a political townhall. There was a VIP section reserved for the who’s who of Lagos, but those class distinctions easily dissolved into the collective energy of the room. The auditorium was filled with genuine enthusiasm.
Even after a delay of more than an hour, when Chimamanda finally walked in, she was met with rapturous applause. She wore a bright yellow dress, an Instagrammable outfit, suited for the many fans who rushed forward to take selfies with her. Chimamanda, no doubt, is as much a fashion icon as she is a literary figure.
On stage, she was joined by media personality Ebuka Obi-Uchendu, widely known as the host of the reality TV show Big Brother Africa. But here, he was also something more intimate: the author’s friend. Chimamanda even credited him with being a “great reader”. This is a rare compliment in a literary world that often separates celebrity from critical engagement.
Their conversation was relaxed and full of laughter, offering the audience both intimacy and insight. Chimamanda addressed the question that had lingered for years: her decade-long silence. She spoke candidly of writer’s block, of the grief that came with losing both her parents in quick succession, and how that loss eventually reignited her desire to write.
Dream Count, she explained, is shaped by that rupture. It is one of the major post-COVID novels from Africa, and centres on the lives of four women. It is a book about love, friendship and independence.
Africans do read
When she spoke about her characters on stage, it was as though she was talking about relatives that the audience recognised. They responded by shouting out the characters’ names, to the delight of the author.
When I asked people about the launch afterwards, many said that it was a very Nigerian event – big, colourful, exuberant, festive. It was indeed a celebration that felt communal, even joyous. It was also a public demonstration of how literature can still command space and attention, not just in private reading rooms or crammed bookstores, but on a civic scale.
This was a remarkable event because it defied the tired cliché that Africans do not read. People, mostly young, came out in their hundreds. They bought books, they took selfies with their “favourite” author, they screamed the names of fictional characters as though greeting friends.
But more significant was Chimamanda’s choice to work with a local publisher, Narrative Landscape Press, which produced the Nigerian edition of Dream Count that is now available and accessible locally, at the same time as its release in Europe and North America. That alone is a radical act.
In returning to Nigeria to launch her book, Chimamanda also disrupts the assumption that African literary prestige must only be validated abroad. Even though she belongs to a cohort of African writers shaped by the diaspora, she actively insists on presence – on homecoming – not as simply nostalgia, but as active engagement.
Of course, Chimamanda is an exception. Her stature as a global literary figure, combined with her deep connection to home, allows her to move between worlds with remarkable ease. Few writers command the kind of multigenerational, cross-class attention she does. I found myself wishing though that more book launches could carry this same sense of occasion, of meaning, of return. That they could gather people in such numbers, not just to celebrate the writer, but to affirm the African book as something still worth gathering for.
And perhaps that is what made this book launch unforgettable: not just the celebrity or the spectacle, but the sense that literature still matters here, and that it belongs to the people.
Tinashe Mushakavanhu 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.
Connie Francis dominated the music charts in the late 1950s and early 1960s with hits like Stupid Cupid, Pretty Little Baby and Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You.
The pop star, author and actor has died at 87, and will be remembered for recording the soundtrack songs of post-World War II America.
Francis photographed around 1963. Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images
An early life of music
Francis was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero in Newark, New Jersey, to Italian immigrant parents. At a very early age, Francis was encouraged to take accordion and singing lessons, compete in talent shows, and later she would perform occasionally on the children’s production Star Time Kids on NBC, remaining there until she was 17.
Within these early recordings you can hear her style begin to develop: her tone, great pitching, her versatility in vocal range. Her vocal delivery is technically controlled and stylistically structured, often nuanced – and even at this early stage demonstrating such power coupled with an adaptability for a broad range of repertoire.
At 17, Francis signed a contract with MGM Records.
One of her early recordings was the song Who’s Sorry Now?, written by Ted Snyder with lyrics by Bert Kalmar and Harry Ruby in 1923. Her version was released in 1957 and struggled to get noticed.
The following year, Francis appeared with the ballad on American Bandstand. This performance exposed Francis’ talent for interpretation and her ability to bridge the teen and adult fanbase.
The song would become a hit.
It’s useful to listen to the original version to gain more insight into Francis’ vocal approach and styling. The original is an instrumental song of its time, with light whimsical call and response motives in a foxtrot feel.
But in Francis’ version, she demonstrates her ability to revitalise a late 1950s pop music aesthetic. In an emotional delivery she croons her own rendition, with the country styling elements of Patsy Cline.
Connie Francis performing in Milan in 1961. Universal Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
The voice of a generation
Following Who’s Sorry Now?, Stupid Cupid (1958), Where The Boys Are (1960, the titular song of a feature film starring Francis) and Lipstick on Your Collar (1959) became the soundtrack songs of post-war America.
Francis was supported with songs penned by the some of the best songwriters from the Brill Building, a creative collective in Manhattan that housed professional songwriters, working with staff writers Edna Lewis and George Goehring.
In 1960, Francis released her hit Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool written by Jack Keller and Howard Greenfield. It was a teeny-bopper classic, and she became the first women to top the Billboard Hot 100.
Francis records in the studio with Freddy Quinn at MGM in 1963 in New York. PoPsie Randolph/Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images
Styled after some of the other greats of the time – such as Frank Sinatra (1915–98), Dean Martin (1917–95) and Louis Prima (1910–70) – Francis’ performance on the Ed Sullivan show highlighted her connection to her Italian heritage and ability to draw from a broad repertoire.
On the show, she performed Mama and La Paloma. Each performance is very carefully styled, a thoughtful approach to dynamics, sung in both English and Italian.
Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You, a number one hit from 1962, features Francis’ gorgeous crooning harmonies. Then, the song breaks down into an earnest spoken part and finishes with a powerful belted vocal part of long notes.
The song is full of confidence and hope.
Away from the microphone
Francis had two key roles in films, starring in Where the Boys Are (1960) and the comedy Follow the Boys (1963).
She was an author of two books. The second, Who’s Sorry Now?, became a New York Times bestseller.
Francis was involved with humanitarian causes. She was particularly involved with Women Against Rape, following her own violent rape in 1974, and the Valour Victims Assistance Legal Organisation, dedicated to supporting the legal rights of crime victims. A lesser known song in her repertoire, fitting to include here, is her version of Born Free from 1968.
As a singer, Francis worked at her craft and transitioned effortlessly from one genre to another, performing for over five decades. She will be remembered as a trailblazing solo artist, leaving a strong legacy in popular music culture.
She was the voice of one generation when she was a star. And in her final year she became the voice of a new generation as Pretty Little Baby, released in 1962, went viral on TikTok, with more than 1.4 million videos using her voice to share stories of their lives.
Francis performs in Atlantic City, New Jersey, in 2009. Bobby Bank/WireImage
Leigh Carriage 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.
When thousands of Afghans were quietly flown to the UK under a secret relocation scheme, few knew it was triggered by an error. A defence official had accidentally leaked the personal data of nearly 19,000 Afghan nationals who had worked with British forces and were at risk of Taliban reprisals.
It has now also been revealed that the leaked list contained the identities of UK special forces and spies.
Even fewer knew that this misstep was being kept from the public by a rare and powerful legal device: a superinjunction. Now, after nearly two years of legal wrangling, the High Court has lifted that order, reopening the conversation about when secrecy in the justice system goes too far.
What is a superinjunction?
An injunction is a court order that stops someone from doing something (like publishing a story) or requires them to do something (like taking down an online post or handing back confidential documents).
A superinjunction goes one step further and does two things: it bans the publication of certain information (usually to protect privacy, safety or national security) and also bans anyone from revealing that the court order even exists.
In essence, it is a tool that provides legal invisibility: the story is hidden and so is the fact that it is being hidden. While an injunction works like a padlock on a filing cabinet, a superinjunction means you cannot even tell anyone the cabinet is even there.
Superinjunctions are exceptionally rare and controversial, precisely because they run counter to the principle of open justice. This is the idea that courts must operate in public, and that their decisions can be seen, scrutinised and questioned. Any derogation from open justice must be continuously justified and treated with considerable caution, especially where media freedom is curtailed.
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Historically, superinjunctions have been used sparingly in cases involving blackmail, risks of violence against witnesses, the protection of children or to prevent tipping-off a subject before an order can be served (such as in fraud investigations), always with the aim of preventing harm or ensuring that justice is done.
The superinjunction committee (which was established in 2010 by Lord Neuberger to review growing concerns about such orders) made clear that the use of these legal tools must meet strict tests of necessity and proportionality. And, that they are only granted where serious harm (for example to life, safety or the administration of justice) is credibly at stake.
Why was a superinjunction granted in the Afghan data breach case?
In this case, the government argued that revealing the data leak could put lives in danger. The leaked spreadsheet contained names, contact details and, in some cases, family information of Afghan nationals who had applied to resettle in the UK. Many feared Taliban retaliation.
So, in September 2023, the Ministry of Defence asked the High Court for an injunction to stop media outlets from reporting on the leak. The judge did not just grant that request, he escalated it to a superinjunction, banning any mention of the case or the fact of the order.
It was described at the time as “unprecedented” in its scope. Journalists, even those who had already discovered the breach, were effectively gagged. The public had no idea any of it was happening.
Why did the court later decide to lift the secrecy?
After multiple hearings and appeals, High Court judge Mr Justice Chamberlain ruled on July 15 2025 that the superinjunction should be discharged once and for all. A government-commissioned review found that the leak may not have spread as widely as initially feared, and that Taliban reprisals were unlikely to be triggered solely by someone appearing on the leaked list.
The judge concluded that while the leak was deeply serious, continued secrecy was no longer necessary, and that the harm of suppressing public debate and scrutiny now outweighed the risks of disclosure. To put it plainly, the balance tipped.
Protection v cover-up
Superinjunctions are not inherently wrong. There are situations where short-term secrecy is essential, for instance for the purposes of shielding vulnerable parties like children or genuinely guarding national security.
But the Afghan case exemplifies the dangers of allowing secrecy to persist too long or too broadly. For nearly two years, the public was kept in the dark about a data breach involving tens of thousands of lives – including British citizens – and a government response that may ultimately cost the taxpayer “several billion pounds”.
In this context, secrecy risked becoming a form of institutional self-protection, shielding the Ministry of Defence and the government from political fallout, legal scrutiny and accountability, rather than safeguarding people from actual harm.
The principle of open justice is at the heart of democratic life. Superinjunctions, by their nature, run directly against that principle. There are times when secrecy might be seen as necessary, but it must always be tightly scoped and justified with evidence while serving the public interest; not convenience or image. By lifting this superinjunction, the courts affirmed that the British public has a right to know not only what went wrong, but that something went wrong at all.
Alexandros Antoniou 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 – UK – By Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London
On a sunny afternoon, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a video of a young woman tossing her sunscreen into a bin. “I don’t trust this stuff anymore,” she said to the camera, holding the bottle up like a piece of damning evidence.
The clip had been viewed over half a million times, with commenters applauding her for “ditching chemicals” and recommending homemade alternatives like coconut oil and zinc powder.
In my research on the effect of digital technology on health, I’ve seen how posts like this can shape real-world behaviour. And anecdotally, dermatologists have reported seeing more patients with severe sunburns or suspicious moles who say they stopped using sunscreen after watching similar videos.
Sunscreen misinformation created by social media influencers is spreading and this isn’t just a random trend. It’s being fuelled by the platforms designed to host influencer content.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
In my book, The Digital Health Self, I explain how social media platforms are not neutral arenas for sharing information. They are commercial ecosystems engineered to maximise engagement and time spent online – metrics that directly drive advertising revenue.
Content that sparks emotion – outrage, fear, inspiration – is boosted to the top of your feed. That’s why posts questioning or rejecting science often spread further than measured, evidence-based advice.
Health misinformation thrives in this environment. A personal story about throwing out sunscreen performs well because it’s dramatic and emotionally charged. Algorithms reward such content with higher visibility: likes, shares and comments all signal popularity.
Each second a user spends watching or reacting gives the platform more data – and more opportunities to serve targeted ads. This is how health misinformation becomes profitable.
In my work, I describe social media platforms as “unregulated public health platforms”. They influence what users see and believe about health, but unlike public health institutions, they’re not bound by standards for accuracy or harm reduction.
If an influencer claims sunscreen is toxic, that message won’t be factchecked or flagged – it will often be amplified. Why? Because controversy fuels engagement.
I call this environment “the credibility arena”: a space where trust is built not through expertise, but through performance and aesthetic appeal. As I write in my book: “Trust is earned not by what is known, but by how well one narrates suffering, recovery, and resilience.”
A creator crying on camera about “toxins” can feel more authentic to viewers than a calm, clinical explanation of ultraviolet radiation from a medical expert.
This shift has real consequences. Ultraviolet rays are invisible, constant and damaging. They penetrate cloud cover and harm skin even on cool days.
Decades of research, especially in countries like Australia with high skin cancer rates, show that regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen dramatically reduces risk. And yet, myths spreading online are urging people to do the opposite: to abandon sunscreen as dangerous or unnecessary.
This trend isn’t driven solely by individual creators. It’s embedded in how content is designed, framed and presented. Algorithms prioritise short, emotionally-charged videos. Interfaces highlight trending sounds and hashtags. Recommendation systems push users toward extreme or dramatic content.
These features all shape what we see and how we interpret it. The “For You” page isn’t neutral. It’s engineered to keep you scrolling, and shock value outperforms nuance every time.
That’s why videos about “ditching chemicals” thrive, even as posts on other aspects of women’s health are shadowbanned or suppressed. Shadowbanning refers to when a platform limits the visibility of content – making it harder to find, without informing the user – often due to vague or inconsistently applied moderation rules.
The system rewards spectacle, not science. Once creators discover that a particular format, like tossing products into a bin, boosts engagement, it’s replicated over and over again. Visibility isn’t organic. It’s manufactured.
Those who throw away their sunscreen often believe they’re doing the right thing. They’re drawn to creators who feel relatable, sincere and independent — especially when official health campaigns seem cold, patronising or out of touch. But the consequences can be serious. Sun damage accumulates silently, raising skin cancer risk with every hour spent unprotected.
The real danger lies in a system that not only allows misinformation to spread, but also incentivises it. A system in which false claims can boost an influencer’s reach and a platform’s revenue.
To resist harmful health trends, we need to understand the systems that promote them. In the case of sunscreen, rejecting protection isn’t just a personal decision – it’s a symptom of a digital culture that turns health into content, and often profits from the harm it causes.
Rachael Kent 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 – UK – By Rachael Kent, Senior Lecturer in Digital Economy & Society Education, Department of Digital Humanities, King’s College London
On a sunny afternoon, I was scrolling through social media when I came across a video of a young woman tossing her sunscreen into a bin. “I don’t trust this stuff anymore,” she said to the camera, holding the bottle up like a piece of damning evidence.
The clip had been viewed over half a million times, with commenters applauding her for “ditching chemicals” and recommending homemade alternatives like coconut oil and zinc powder.
In my research on the effect of digital technology on health, I’ve seen how posts like this can shape real-world behaviour. And anecdotally, dermatologists have reported seeing more patients with severe sunburns or suspicious moles who say they stopped using sunscreen after watching similar videos.
Sunscreen misinformation created by social media influencers is spreading and this isn’t just a random trend. It’s being fuelled by the platforms designed to host influencer content.
Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox.Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.
In my book, The Digital Health Self, I explain how social media platforms are not neutral arenas for sharing information. They are commercial ecosystems engineered to maximise engagement and time spent online – metrics that directly drive advertising revenue.
Content that sparks emotion – outrage, fear, inspiration – is boosted to the top of your feed. That’s why posts questioning or rejecting science often spread further than measured, evidence-based advice.
Health misinformation thrives in this environment. A personal story about throwing out sunscreen performs well because it’s dramatic and emotionally charged. Algorithms reward such content with higher visibility: likes, shares and comments all signal popularity.
Each second a user spends watching or reacting gives the platform more data – and more opportunities to serve targeted ads. This is how health misinformation becomes profitable.
In my work, I describe social media platforms as “unregulated public health platforms”. They influence what users see and believe about health, but unlike public health institutions, they’re not bound by standards for accuracy or harm reduction.
If an influencer claims sunscreen is toxic, that message won’t be factchecked or flagged – it will often be amplified. Why? Because controversy fuels engagement.
I call this environment “the credibility arena”: a space where trust is built not through expertise, but through performance and aesthetic appeal. As I write in my book: “Trust is earned not by what is known, but by how well one narrates suffering, recovery, and resilience.”
A creator crying on camera about “toxins” can feel more authentic to viewers than a calm, clinical explanation of ultraviolet radiation from a medical expert.
This shift has real consequences. Ultraviolet rays are invisible, constant and damaging. They penetrate cloud cover and harm skin even on cool days.
Decades of research, especially in countries like Australia with high skin cancer rates, show that regular use of broad-spectrum sunscreen dramatically reduces risk. And yet, myths spreading online are urging people to do the opposite: to abandon sunscreen as dangerous or unnecessary.
This trend isn’t driven solely by individual creators. It’s embedded in how content is designed, framed and presented. Algorithms prioritise short, emotionally-charged videos. Interfaces highlight trending sounds and hashtags. Recommendation systems push users toward extreme or dramatic content.
These features all shape what we see and how we interpret it. The “For You” page isn’t neutral. It’s engineered to keep you scrolling, and shock value outperforms nuance every time.
That’s why videos about “ditching chemicals” thrive, even as posts on other aspects of women’s health are shadowbanned or suppressed. Shadowbanning refers to when a platform limits the visibility of content – making it harder to find, without informing the user – often due to vague or inconsistently applied moderation rules.
The system rewards spectacle, not science. Once creators discover that a particular format, like tossing products into a bin, boosts engagement, it’s replicated over and over again. Visibility isn’t organic. It’s manufactured.
Those who throw away their sunscreen often believe they’re doing the right thing. They’re drawn to creators who feel relatable, sincere and independent — especially when official health campaigns seem cold, patronising or out of touch. But the consequences can be serious. Sun damage accumulates silently, raising skin cancer risk with every hour spent unprotected.
The real danger lies in a system that not only allows misinformation to spread, but also incentivises it. A system in which false claims can boost an influencer’s reach and a platform’s revenue.
To resist harmful health trends, we need to understand the systems that promote them. In the case of sunscreen, rejecting protection isn’t just a personal decision – it’s a symptom of a digital culture that turns health into content, and often profits from the harm it causes.
Rachael Kent 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.
According to the BBC more than 30,000 criminal cases collapsed between October 2020 and September 2024 due to lost, damaged or missing evidence.[1] It found that around one in 20 prosecutions by the Met had been dropped due to missing evidence between 2020 and 2024, compared to one in 50 across England and Wales.
Following a FOI request from the BBC and University of Leicester, the number of cases reported as missing evidence were found to be increasing: in 2020, 7,484 prosecutions collapsed due to lost, missing or damaged evidence, compared to 8,180 in 2024, a 9 per cent increase.
The BBC reported that the cases recorded included:
Physical evidence, including forensic evidence, being lost, damaged or contaminated during storage
Lost digital evidence, including victim interview footage or body worn camera footage
Witness statements or pathology reports not being provided by the police
Key evidence not collected from the crime scene.
Tomorrow, the London Assembly Police and Crime Committee will meet to question the Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime on the Met’s ability to safely store and collect evidence.
The Committee will also question the Deputy Mayor about online radicalisation, the Met’s recruitment pathways and the Met’s Culture, Diversity and Inclusion Directorate.
The guests are:
Kaya Comer-Schwartz, Deputy Mayor for Policing and Crime
Kenny Bowie, Director of Strategy and MPS Oversight, Mayor’s Office for Policing and Crime (MOPAC)
The meeting will take place on Wednesday 16 July 2025 from 10am in the Chamber at City Hall, Kamal Chunchie Way, E16 1ZE.
Media and members of the public are invited to attend.
The meeting can also be viewed LIVE or later via webcast or YouTube.
Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The ceremonial opening of the annual Summer Project School for students of Rosneft Classes took place at the University Gymnasium of Moscow State University named after M.V. Lomonosov. The training will involve 80 tenth-graders from 15 regions of Russia – they passed a competitive selection, which included multi-stage testing and a distance learning course.
The Summer Project School is a joint project of Rosneft and Moscow State University, created to support talented youth. The event is being held for the fourth time. The training helps schoolchildren acquire basic knowledge in the field of project and research activities, as well as practical skills in team development and implementation of projects, including in key areas of the Company’s activities.
For two weeks, schoolchildren will work in project groups in four areas: mathematics, engineering, geology and natural science. To get acquainted with the activities of Rosneft, schoolchildren will visit the Arctic Research Center, as well as the laboratories of the Company’s Joint Research and Development Center. Specialists will tell schoolchildren about Rosneft’s key scientific projects. In addition, the program includes visits to specialized faculties and museums of Lomonosov Moscow State University and Gubkin Russian State University of Oil and Gas.
For the participants of the Summer School, trainings on the development of professional and personal skills, creative master classes, as well as sports and entertainment events will be organized.
Career guidance events will help high school students decide on their future profession. Based on the results of their studies at the Summer School, students will present their own projects.
Reference:
In order to form an external personnel reserve and a constant influx of highly educated young specialists into the Company, in 2005 Rosneft created a corporate system of continuous education “School – College/University – Enterprise”.
Today, with the Company’s support, 2.7 thousand schoolchildren in 20 regions of Russia study in Rosneft Classes. The training is conducted according to programs with in-depth study of mathematics, physics, chemistry and computer science with the involvement of the best teachers.
Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 18, 2025
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: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Police today (July 18) appealed to the public for information on a woman who went missing in Yuen Long.
Lo Siu-ying, aged 86, went missing after she was last seen on Ma Tong Road yesterday (July 17). Her family then made a report to Police.
She is about 1.5 metres tall, 41 kilograms in weight and of thin build. She has a long face with yellow complexion and short white hair. She was last seen wearing a brown long-sleeved shirt, black trousers, black shoes, a pair of black sunglasses, carrying a black shoulder bag and a light-coloured long umbrella.
Anyone who knows the whereabouts of the missing woman or may have seen her is urged to contact the Regional Missing Persons Unit of New Territories North on 3661 3113 or email to rmpu-ntn-1@police.gov.hk, or contact any police station.
ANCHORAGE, Alaska – An Anchorage man was sentenced yesterday to 10 years in prison and, upon release, will serve five years on supervised release, for possessing drugs with the intent to distribute them following a refusal of a routine search of his residence while on parole.
According to court documents, on Oct. 20, 2022, two Alaska Department of Corrections parole officers visited Andrew Lee, 42, at his residence for a routine search pursuant to Lee’s conditions of parole release in a state criminal case where he was convicted of second-degree murder. Lee shared this residence with multiple family members.
Lee led the parole officers to a bedroom he claimed he shared with his father. During a search of this bedroom, the parole officers found no material evidence that Lee stayed in the bedroom The parole officers searched his vehicle and located two cell phones and a “tooter” straw, both of which are consistent with drug paraphernalia.
When parole officers attempted to determine who resided in the other three bedrooms in the residence, Lee claimed that two of the three were occupied by his aunt and mother, respectively, while the final bedroom was occupied by a different individual. Lee stated that this room was locked, and the parole officers were not allowed to enter. The parole officers spoke on the phone with the individual who allegedly lived in that bedroom. That individual said he was the owner of the residence, that he lived in Georgia and that the bedroom was Lee’s.
The parole officers asked Lee about inconsistencies in his statements and Lee immediately began yelling at his father in a different language. The parole officers informed Lee he was being detained and handcuffed him for their own safety. When the parole officers attempted to unlock the bedroom door, Lee’s father stopped them. The parole officers asked Lee whether we would comply with the search, and he started yelling at his father in a different language again. The parole officers decided to arrest Lee for refusing to submit to the search.
The parole officers remanded Lee to the Anchorage Correctional Complex. During in-processing, correctional officers located roughly $1,500 in cash and over 57 grams of pure methamphetamine, over 28 grams of heroin and nearly 5 grams of fentanyl packaged in multiple baggies on his person.
On Jan. 18, 2024, a federal grand jury indicted Lee, and on April 11, 2024, Lee pleaded guilty to possessing controlled substances with the intent to distribute.
“Mr. Lee participated in the dangerous drug trade while on parole for a violent felony—and will now spend 10 years behind bars for it,” said U.S. Attorney Michael J. Heyman for the District of Alaska. “Let this sentence serve as a clear message: our office, in partnership with law enforcement, will pursue drug traffickers and seek harsh penalties for those who threaten the safety of our communities.”
“While on parole, the defendant continued to threaten the safety of our communities by committing federal drug trafficking crimes,” said Special Agent in Charge Rebecca Day of the FBI Anchorage Field Office. “Following a collaborative investigation by the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, this sentencing reflects our continued commitment to hold drug traffickers accountable, while protecting Alaska’s communities from the dangers of illicit drug activity.”
The FBI Anchorage Field Office and Anchorage Police Department investigated the case as part of the FBI’s Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the Alaska Department of Corrections.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Cody Tirpak prosecuted the case.
India reiterated its strong commitment to the Pact for the Future and its annexes, the Global Digital Compact (GDC) and the Declaration on Future Generations, during the third interactive informal dialogue held to review the pact.
Describing the initiative as a vital step in the global community’s collective efforts to address emerging and long-term challenges, India emphasised the importance of inclusive, forward-looking international cooperation.
The informal interactive dialogue on Thursday aimed to provide a platform for member States to exchange ideas and share practices, looking ahead to 2028 in the implementation of the pact.
At the Summit of the Future on 22 September 2024, world leaders adopted the Pact for the Future and its annexes: the Global Digital Compact and Declaration on Future Generations. This historic agreement is the culmination of years of inclusive dialogue and collaboration aimed at modernising international cooperation to address today’s realities and prepare for tomorrow’s challenges.
“India believes the 2028 review should be results-oriented and forward-looking. We must particularly ensure dedicated attention to critical reform areas, especially UN Security Council expansion and international financial architecture reform, where progress has been insufficient,” said Parvathaneni Harish, Permanent Representative of India to the United Nations, addressing the session.
“As regards Security Council reforms, the majority agree that the body should be reflective of the current geopolitical realities. This would be critical to enhance the Council’s credibility, legitimacy and efficacy. During the 79th session, the IGN has concluded without any concrete progress. Member states need to redouble the efforts to achieve real reforms and resist efforts by a group of countries to maintain the status quo. Negotiations based on a text need to commence at the earliest,” he added.
He asserted that India strongly supports strategic alignment to maximise impact and avoid duplication.
“Ideally, UN@80 goals should have been part of the Pact framework and pursued as part of negotiations among member states last year. However, moving forward, we should ensure that implementation and review of the Pact should be aligned with UN@80 initiative,” Harish stressed.
Emphasising that the review should be linked with the 2027 SDG Summit outcomes to create a unified narrative on sustainable development progress, the Ambassador said, “we should also build on sectoral reviews including the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development, the World Social Summit, the WSIS+20 Review and Peacebuilding Architecture Review while leveraging existing mechanisms like the High-Level Political Forum and ECOSOC for reporting.”
India also called for coherence and complementarities with ongoing processes within the G20, WTO, World Bank and IMF, particularly in the context of sustainable financing and fair and equitable global financial architecture.
“India believes that these ongoing reviews and processes, as mentioned above, must inform the design and content of the 2028 Pact review. The 2028 review must not only be a stock-taking exercise but should deliver concrete next steps for the implementation cycle ahead. We particularly need clear benchmarks for Security Council reform with timelines for text-based negotiations,” Harish noted.
He further said that an important outcome of the implementation of GDC is the decision to establish an Independent International Scientific Panel on AI and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance within the UN Framework.
“We look forward to a fruitful conclusion of the on-going negotiations and adoption of the modalities resolution on the basis of consensus. India remains committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure the effective implementation of the Pact and its annexes and look forward to continued dialogue and briefings in this regard,” he concluded.
At a time when global supply chains are getting rejigged, if India can do the right reforms, it could become a meaningful producer and exporter of goods, which could spur investment, credit and GDP growth, an HSBC report said on Friday.
In the chicken-and-egg debate of who rises first, GDP growth or credit growth, we thankfully, have a new contender – reforms, said the report by HSBC Global Investment Research.
“The reforms include lowering tariff rates, signing trade deals, welcoming FDI inflows, and improving ease of doing business. A start has been made. But for impact, reforms need to run deep,” it added.
The report said that market memory can be short.
“Same time last year, we were fretting about weak deposit growth. Today, we are fretting about weak credit growth. We believe one thing is common across both episodes. That while all eyes are on the RBI to resolve the situation, the central bank can only partly address the problem using the monetary policy levers at its disposal,” it further stated.
Instead, the root of the problem, and the real solution, in both instances, lies elsewhere – the real economy and the composition of GDP growth.
Last year’s deposit drag was a two-fold problem – concerns on tepid deposit growth and compositional shifts (too few sticky deposits). Once inflation started to fall, the RBI loosened monetary policy, pushing base money growth up.
“Real deposit growth started to rise in early 2025. But did the RBI solve the entire problem? Perhaps not. Some rise in deposits would have happened anyway (the credit-deposit ratio tends to mean revert). And the deposit composition problem persists,” the report mentioned.
Can the RBI help? Yes, it can, and it has, by cutting the repo rate by 100bp, and infusing large amounts of domestic liquidity.
“Will it solve the entire credit slowdown problem? Likely not. Because just as the deposit composition issue had its roots in the real economy, the credit softness issue does too,” said the report.
The President of the European Council, António Costa, will travel to Japan and China, together with the President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, to represent the EU in the EU-Japan Summit on 23 July and EU-China Summit on 24 July.
