Source: US State of Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz today announced that Jenny Starr, who serves as the chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), will conclude her six-year term of service on June 30, 2025. The Governor has appointed Tim O’Malley as temporary chief judge, who will serve until a permanent chief judge is appointed.
Source: US State of Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz today announced that Jenny Starr, who serves as the chief administrative law judge at the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH), will conclude her six-year term of service on June 30, 2025. The Governor has appointed Tim O’Malley as temporary chief judge, who will serve until a permanent chief judge is appointed.
Source: US State of Minnesota
Governor Tim Walz today issued Executive Order 25-07, amending Executive Order 25-06, to authorize the Minnesota Department of Veterans Affairs to activate the State Soldiers Assistance Program Disaster Relief Program. This financial assistance will help veterans and their families recover from the recent severe storms impacting Beltrami County.
Source: Government of South Africa
President Cyril Ramaphosa has assured South Africans that government is hard at work to safeguard the integrity and effectiveness of the police service.
The President made these remarks in his weekly newsletter to the nation, just a day after announcing the establishment of a commission of inquiry to investigate serious allegations made by SAPS KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
“We have taken this decisive step because we are determined that the important work that has been done to rebuild our law enforcement agencies and security services should not be compromised.
“It is necessary that we establish the facts through an independent, credible and thorough process so that we can safeguard public confidence in the police service. This is particularly important as we seek to put the era of state capture behind us,” the President said.
The commission of inquiry, to be chaired by Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, will investigate allegations made by General Mkhwanazi that the Minister of Police and others had colluded to interfere with police investigations.
The commission will investigate allegations relating to the infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.
Among the allegations that the commission may investigate are the facilitation of organised crime; suppression or manipulation of investigations; inducement into criminal actions by law enforcement leadership; commission of any other criminal offences and intimidation, victimisation or targeted removal of whistleblowers or officials resisting criminal influence.
“The commission will investigate the role of current or former senior officials in certain institutions who may have aided or abetted the alleged criminal activity; failed to act on credible intelligence or internal warnings; or benefited financially or politically from a syndicate’s operations,” the President said.
Institutions under scrutiny include the South African Police Service, National Prosecuting Authority, State Security Agency, the Judiciary and Magistracy, and the metropolitan police departments of Johannesburg, Ekurhuleni and Tshwane.
The commission will also investigate whether any members of the National Executive responsible for the criminal justice system, were complicit, aided and abetted, or participated in the acts mentioned above.
The commission will be asked to report on the effectiveness or failure of oversight mechanisms, and the adequacy of current legislation, policies and institutional arrangements in preventing such infiltration.
It will make findings and recommendations for criminal prosecutions, disciplinary actions and institutional reform.
Once established, the commission shall consider prima facie evidence relating to the involvement of individuals currently employed within law enforcement or intelligence agencies.
Where appropriate, the commission must make recommendations on the employment status of such officials, including whether they should be suspended pending the outcome of further investigations.
The commission will also be empowered to refer matters for immediate criminal investigation and urgent decisions on prosecution, taking into account the nature of the allegations and evidence the commission will uncover.
In order for the commission to execute its functions effectively, the President decided to put the Minister of Police Senzo Mchunu on a leave of absence with immediate effect. He said the Minister has undertaken to give his full cooperation to the commission to enable it to do its work.
In his place, the President has appointed Professor Firoz Cachalia as Acting Minister of Police. Cachalia is currently a professor of law at the University of the Witwatersrand and is the chairperson of the National Anti-Corruption Advisory Council. He previously served as an MEC of Community Safety in Gauteng.
President Ramaphosa emphasised that the commission is being established against the backdrop of significant progress in rebuilding and strengthening the country’s law enforcement agencies and security services.
In recent years, the South African Police Service, the Special Investigating Unit, the Asset Forfeiture Unit and other bodies have been making important inroads in the fight against organised crime and corruption.
“It is essential that we maintain this momentum and that we intensify this work. We will ensure that the SAPS and other law enforcement agencies continue to function without hindrance as the commission undertakes its work,” the President said.
He called on all members of the law enforcement agencies and security services to remain steadfast in upholding the rule of law and adhering to their code of conduct.
“I call on all South Africans to support the commission in its work and, where appropriate, to provide any information or assistance the commission may require.
“In establishing this Commission of Inquiry, we are affirming our commitment to the rule of law, to transparency and accountability, and to building a South Africa in which all people are safe and secure,” he said. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
Tuesday, July 15, 2025
President Cyril Ramaphosa will on Wednesday, table the 2025/26 Presidency Budget Vote before the National Assembly in Parliament.
“The Presidency Budget Vote for 2025/2026 encompasses the 7th administration’s three strategic priorities, including promoting inclusive growth, job creation, poverty reduction, and building a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
“These priorities are embodied by The Presidency’s flagship programmes Operation Vulindlela, Presidential District Development Model and the Presidential Infrastructure Coordinating Commission, among transformative initiatives to inculcate a nation that works for all,” the Presidency said in a statement.
As with other budget votes tabled by Ministers, Parliament will then debate the budget vote, followed by the President’s reply.
“The annual tabling of departmental Budget Votes is an accountability mechanism for Parliament and the public to monitor how government is working to implement its service delivery commitments against voted funds.
“At the apex of the Executive arm of the State, The Presidency is the centre of coordination, oversight and supervision across all spheres of government.
“The Presidency supports the President and Deputy President in execution of their primary responsibilities to uphold, defend and respect the Constitution of the Republic and to advance social cohesion,” the statement concluded. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
The Minister of Science, Technology, and Innovation, Professor Blade Nzimande, will lead a high-level South African delegation on a comprehensive visit focused on science, technology and innovation (STI) in Tunisia and Algeria.
According to the Department of Science, Technology, and Innovation (DSTI), these visits began on Monday, 14 July, and will conclude on Thursday this week.
Nzimande is visiting the two nations following invitations from the Tunisian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Mondher Belaid, and the Algerian Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research, Kamel Bidari.
“Through these visits, Minister Nzimande seeks to reinforce existing science, technology and innovation bilateral cooperation between South Africa and Tunisia and Algeria, as part of a broader commitment to grow the size and intensity of intra-Africa STI cooperation for development,” the DSTI said in a statement.
Nzimande’s programme will include bilateral engagements with his Algerian and Tunisian counterparts and visits to key science institutions.
In Tunisia, the Minister will visit the Borja Cedria Technopark, the Pasteur Institute of Tunis, the Bardo National Museum for arts and history, and the City of Science Museum.
In Algeria, he will visit the Centre for the Development of Advanced Technologies, the Saad Dahlab University and the Great Mosque of Algiers.
One highlight of the Minister’s visit to Algeria will be a guest lecture organised by the Ministry of Higher Education and Scientific Cooperation, focusing on Pan-African cooperation.
Reflecting on the importance of these visits, Nzimande said: “Our visit to Algeria and Tunisia forms part of our long-standing international relations strategy to strengthen meaningful science, technology and innovation cooperation with fellow African countries, and to advance the objectives of the African Union’s Science, Technology and Innovation Strategy for Africa (STISA).”
The Minister believes that Pan-African STI cooperation and development are paramount, given the current unstable geopolitical environment and the imperatives of securing the continent’s sustainable future.
“All our efforts are therefore aimed towards developing what we refer to as a sovereign science, technology, and innovation agenda for Africa,” the Minister said.
The two visits will conclude with the adoption of two new comprehensive Plans of Action, aimed at intensifying cooperation with Tunisia and Algeria, respectively.
“This will be an immediate and concrete implementation of the ambitions for South Africa’s science diplomacy, which Minister Nzimande had outlined in his Budget Vote speech last week,” the department said.
The Minister’s delegation includes senior officials from the ministry, the department and its entities, such as the Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR) and the Technology Innovation Agency (TIA), as well as experts from the Council for Mineral Technology (Mintek). – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of South Africa
The Department of Agriculture has confirmed a new outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) on a commercial farm in Moqhaka Local Municipality, within the Kroonstad State Veterinary in Free State.
The outbreak was identified following epidemiological investigations and confirmed positive laboratory results.
The department said the affected property was placed under quarantine on 8 July 2025, and immediate control measures were implemented, including surveillance and vaccination of livestock.
“Trace-back activities are ongoing to determine the source of the infection, while farms in the surrounding 10km radius are undergoing surveillance to determine the possible extent of the spread,” the department said in a statement on Monday.
Over 250 FMD cases reported in five provinces
As of July 2025, South Africa has recorded a total of 270 FMD outbreaks across five provinces. Of these, 249 outbreaks remain unresolved, while 21 have been declared resolved.
“KwaZulu-Natal has been the most affected province, with 191 reported outbreaks, of which 172 remain active and 19 have been resolved. Since May 2025, Gauteng has reported 32 outbreaks, North West has four open outbreaks, while Mpumalanga has reported three outbreaks,” the department said.
The Eastern Cape has recorded 40 outbreaks, with 38 still open and two resolved. No new cases have been reported in Eastern Cape since September 2024.
Correction on KZN Disease Management Area notice
Meanwhile, the department has issued a correction in a Government Gazette notice (Gazette Notice 6396 of 4 July 2025), which repeal the previous notice (Gazette Notice 5997 of 17 March 2025).
The department acknowledged that certain areas that still fall under the Disease Management Area (DMA) designation in KwaZulu-Natal were mistakenly omitted.
“We sincerely apologise for any confusion caused and request all stakeholders to take note of the following areas that are declared to be part of the KwaZulu-Natal DMA,” the department said.
The municipalities confirmed to remain within the DMA include the entire Big Five Hlabisa; Mtubatuba; Nongoma; Ulundi; Umhlabuyalingana; Jozini; Pongola; Abaqulusi; Umfolozi; uMhlathuze; Mthonjaneni; Nqutu; Nkandla; uMlalazi; and Mandeni.
Other areas include the portion of the Emadlangeni Local Municipality, south of R34 from R33; Newcastle Local Municipality, south of R34 up to and east of N11; Dannhauser Local Municipality east of N11 and north of R68; Endumeni Local Municipality, north of R68 and east of R33; Msinga Local Municipality, east of R33; UMvoti Local Municipality, east of the R33 up to R74 and north of R74; Maphumulo Local Municipality, north-east of the R74; Ndwedwe Local Municipality, east of the R74; as well as portion of the KwaDukuza Local Municipality, north-east of R74 up to the N2 and west to the N2 up to Mandeni Local Municipality. – SAnews.gov.za
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
As the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft prepares for splashdown, excitement and happiness run high in the family of Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla – the first Indian astronaut to visit the International Space Station (ISS) as part of the Axiom-4 (Ax-4) mission.
Speaking to ANI, his mother, Asha Shukla said. “We are very excited… When we saw the undocking, we knew he was on his way home. We are waiting eagerly for our son. He will reach by evening. We prayed for his well-being, visited the temple, and sought the blessings of Lord Hanuman. We also recited the Sundarkand. We are proud that our son has written his name in history. We will give him a grand welcome.”
His father, Shambu Dayal Shukla, echoed the sentiment, calling it a historic moment not just for their family, but for the entire nation. “We are thrilled that our son is returning from this mission. He has made us immensely proud. This splashdown will go down in history. We are praying for his safe landing. It’s a day of joy for the entire country. He may be our son, but today, he belongs to the nation. We thank everyone for their prayers.”
Group Captain Shubanshu Shukla spent nearly 20 days in space, including approximately 19 days aboard the ISS as part of the Ax-4 mission—marking a significant milestone for India in human spaceflight.
The Dragon spacecraft, named Grace, is set to splash down in the Pacific Ocean off the coast of San Diego, California, at around 3 p.m. IST today. According to SpaceX, the crew aboard the Dragon capsule is on track to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere, with a brief sonic boom expected to announce their arrival before splashdown.
“Dragon and the Axiom Space Ax-4 crew are on track to re-enter Earth’s atmosphere and splash down off the coast of San Diego at ~2:31 a.m. PT tomorrow,” SpaceX posted on X. “Dragon will also announce its arrival with a brief sonic boom prior to splashing down in the Pacific Ocean.”
The crew’s return journey from the ISS to Earth will take approximately 22.5 hours. The Dragon capsule successfully undocked from the space-facing port of the Harmony module at 7:15 a.m. EDT (4:45 p.m. IST) on Monday, completing the fourth private astronaut mission to the ISS.
The Ax-4 mission, coordinated by Axiom Space in collaboration with NASA and SpaceX, marks a historic chapter in space exploration, with Group Captain Shukla’s achievement celebrated across India.
(With inputs from ANI)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
President Droupadi Murmu will confer the Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 Awards at a ceremony on July 17 at Vigyan Bhawan, New Delhi. The event, organized by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), will be attended by Union Minister Manohar Lal and Minister of State Tokhan Sahu.
Now in its ninth edition, Swachh Survekshan has grown into the world’s largest urban cleanliness survey. This year’s awards will honour top-performing cities and states across four major categories, including the newly introduced Super Swachh League (SSL), which features cities consistently ranking in the top tier of cleanliness. A total of 78 awards will be presented.
Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 assessed over 4,500 urban local bodies through 3,000+ assessors who conducted inspections across every ward over a 45-day period. The evaluation emphasized the theme of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle,” and reached over 14 crore citizens through direct engagement, digital platforms, and social media.
For the first time, cities have been grouped into five population-based categories, ensuring fair evaluation and recognition – from very small towns to million-plus cities. The initiative reflects a commitment to inclusive urban development, recognizing not just the cleanest cities but also those showing exceptional promise.
With a rigorous assessment framework of 10 parameters and 54 indicators, Swachh Survekshan 2024-25 continues to be a transformative force in shaping urban India’s sanitation and waste management landscape.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
China’s economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against U.S. tariffs, though analysts warn that weak demand at home and rising global trade risks will ramp up pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus.
The world’s No. 2 economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to policy support and as factories took advantage of a U.S.-China trade truce to front-load shipments, but investors are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low.
Policymakers face a daunting task in achieving the annual growth target of around 5% – a goal many analysts view as ambitious given entrenched deflation and weak demand at home.
Data on Tuesday showed China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2% in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4% in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1%.
“China achieved growth above the official target of 5% in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports,” said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.
“The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 gives the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year.”
On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1% in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9% increase and a 1.2% gain in the previous quarter.
Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year.
Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply.
Market reaction to the data was largely muted, with China’s blue-chip CSI300 Index .CSI300 reversing course to trade down 0.1%, while Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng .HSI cut gains to trade up 0.7%.
HOUSEHOLDS PRESSURED
Separate June activity data also released on Tuesday underlined the pressure on consumers. While industrial output rose 6.8% year-on-year last month – the fastest pace since March, retail sales growth slowed down to 4.8%, from 6.4% in May and hitting the lowest since January-February.
Indeed, the headline GDP numbers held little sway for most households including 30-year-old doctor Mallory Jiang, in the southern tech hub Shenzhen, who says she and her husband both had pay cuts this year.
“Both our incomes as doctors have decreased, and we still don’t dare buy an apartment. We are cutting back on expenses: commuting by public transport, eating at the hospital cafeteria or cooking at home. My life pressure is still actually quite high.”
China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years.
Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, said the GDP data “probably still overstate the strength of growth.”
“And with exports set to slow and the tailwind from fiscal support on course to fade, growth is likely to slow further during the second half of this year.”
Data on Monday showed China’s exports regained some momentum in June as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on the fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline.
TARIFF, PROPERTY HEADWINDS
The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5% in the third quarter and 4.0% in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as Trump’s global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty.
China’s 2025 GDP growth is forecast to cool to 4.6% – falling short of the official goal – from last year’s 5.0% and ease even further to 4.2% in 2026, according to the poll.
China’s property downturn remained a drag on overall growth despite multiple rounds of support measures, with investment in the sector falling sharply in the first six months, while new home prices in June tumbled at the fastest monthly pace in eight months.
China’s top leaders pledged to push forward urban village renovation and quicken a new property development model, state media reported Tuesday.
Fixed-asset investment also grew at a slower-than-expected 2.8% pace in the first six months year-on-year, from 3.7% in January-May.
The softer investment outturn reflected the broader economic uncertainty, with China’s crude steel output in June falling 9.2% from the year before, as more steelmakers carried out equipment maintenance amid seasonally faltering demand.
“Q3 growth is at risk without stronger fiscal stimulus,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group in Singapore.
“Both consumers and businesses have turned more cautious, while exporters are increasingly looking overseas for growth.”
(Reuters)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
China’s economy slowed less than expected in the second quarter in a show of resilience against U.S. tariffs, though analysts warn that weak demand at home and rising global trade risks will ramp up pressure on Beijing to roll out more stimulus.
The world’s No. 2 economy has so far avoided a sharp slowdown in part due to policy support and as factories took advantage of a U.S.-China trade truce to front-load shipments, but investors are bracing for a weaker second half as exports lose momentum, prices continue to fall, and consumer confidence remains low.
Policymakers face a daunting task in achieving the annual growth target of around 5% – a goal many analysts view as ambitious given entrenched deflation and weak demand at home.
Data on Tuesday showed China’s gross domestic product (GDP) grew 5.2% in the April-June quarter from a year earlier, slowing from 5.4% in the first quarter, but just ahead of analysts’ expectations in a Reuters poll for a rise of 5.1%.
“China achieved growth above the official target of 5% in Q2 partly because of front loading of exports,” said Zhiwei Zhang, chief economist at Pinpoint Asset Management.
“The above target growth in Q1 and Q2 gives the government room to tolerate some slowdown in the second half of the year.”
On a quarterly basis, GDP grew 1.1% in April-June, the National Bureau of Statistics data showed, compared with a forecast 0.9% increase and a 1.2% gain in the previous quarter.
Investors are closely watching for signs of fresh stimulus at the upcoming Politburo meeting due in late July, which is likely to shape economic policy for the remainder of the year.
Beijing has ramped up infrastructure spending and consumer subsidies, alongside monetary easing. In May, the central bank cut interest rates and injected liquidity as part of broader efforts to cushion the economy from U.S. President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs.
Some analysts believe the government could ramp up deficit spending if growth slows sharply.
Market reaction to the data was largely muted, with China’s blue-chip CSI300 Index .CSI300 reversing course to trade down 0.1%, while Hong Kong’s benchmark Hang Seng .HSI cut gains to trade up 0.7%.
HOUSEHOLDS PRESSURED
Separate June activity data also released on Tuesday underlined the pressure on consumers. While industrial output rose 6.8% year-on-year last month – the fastest pace since March, retail sales growth slowed down to 4.8%, from 6.4% in May and hitting the lowest since January-February.
Indeed, the headline GDP numbers held little sway for most households including 30-year-old doctor Mallory Jiang, in the southern tech hub Shenzhen, who says she and her husband both had pay cuts this year.
“Both our incomes as doctors have decreased, and we still don’t dare buy an apartment. We are cutting back on expenses: commuting by public transport, eating at the hospital cafeteria or cooking at home. My life pressure is still actually quite high.”
China observers and analysts say stimulus alone may not be enough to tackle entrenched deflationary pressures, with producer prices in June falling at their fastest pace in nearly two years.
Zichun Huang, China economist at Capital Economics, said the GDP data “probably still overstate the strength of growth.”
“And with exports set to slow and the tailwind from fiscal support on course to fade, growth is likely to slow further during the second half of this year.”
Data on Monday showed China’s exports regained some momentum in June as factories rushed out shipments to capitalise on the fragile tariff truce between Beijing and Washington ahead of a looming August deadline.
TARIFF, PROPERTY HEADWINDS
The latest Reuters poll projected GDP growth to slow to 4.5% in the third quarter and 4.0% in the fourth, underscoring mounting economic headwinds as Trump’s global trade war leaves Beijing with the tough task of getting households to spend more at a time of uncertainty.
China’s 2025 GDP growth is forecast to cool to 4.6% – falling short of the official goal – from last year’s 5.0% and ease even further to 4.2% in 2026, according to the poll.
China’s property downturn remained a drag on overall growth despite multiple rounds of support measures, with investment in the sector falling sharply in the first six months, while new home prices in June tumbled at the fastest monthly pace in eight months.
China’s top leaders pledged to push forward urban village renovation and quicken a new property development model, state media reported Tuesday.
Fixed-asset investment also grew at a slower-than-expected 2.8% pace in the first six months year-on-year, from 3.7% in January-May.
The softer investment outturn reflected the broader economic uncertainty, with China’s crude steel output in June falling 9.2% from the year before, as more steelmakers carried out equipment maintenance amid seasonally faltering demand.
“Q3 growth is at risk without stronger fiscal stimulus,” said Dan Wang, China director at Eurasia Group in Singapore.
“Both consumers and businesses have turned more cautious, while exporters are increasingly looking overseas for growth.”
(Reuters)
Source: Scottish Government
Agriculture support applications open.
Applications for up to £200,000 a year to build farming skills and improve biodiversity have opened.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie also confirmed that the Knowledge Transfer and Innovation Fund (KTIF) would consider requests for multi-year funding agreements, subject to budgetary confirmation each financial year.
The fund promotes skills development, improvements in business practice, resource efficiency, environmental performance and sustainability.
Previous projects supported include a skills development programme for staff working with livestock in Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, a course to help crofters, and promoting learning about the benefits of calving intervals on the Isle of Bute.
Agriculture Minister Jim Fairlie said:
“Since this fund was launched in 2015 it has been supporting the agricultural industry to share really important skills and lessons learned across farming networks. The KTIF is well placed to support tackling the climate emergency through restoring and preserving biodiversity and ecosystems, promoting resource efficiency, improving water and soil management, and preventing and controlling pollution.
“Working with farmers, crofters and land managers we want to do what we can to give them as much stability as possible, with multi-year applications allowing them to better plan for the future and help them try new ways to make farming and food production as sustainable as possible.”
Source: City of Plymouth
Plymouth’s Life Centre is to get an upgrade to its fire alarm and public address system as part of the Council’s ongoing programme of investment into the city’s key buildings and assets.
Components of the current fire alarm and voice evacuation systems are near end of life and advances in technology have made some parts obsolete.
The proposal is to install six networked fire alarm panels; this will enable areas to be reconfigured in sections and minimise the disruption to the facility.
The public address system is also near the end of its useful life and the proposal is to replace all control equipment as well as install cabling to a new touch screen, desk mounted microphone station at the reception desk.
Upgrading or replacing a fire alarm system in a complex leisure facility can be a challenging process with the need to maintain a fire detection system during the replacement programme. The facility will remain open through any work.
The proposed new fire alarm system will significantly increase Plymouth Active Leisure’s ability to receive competitive service charges and more choice of servicing agents when term contracts are reviewed.
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member responsible for assets said: “As a large organisation with a huge number of buildings and assets in our estate, we try to prioritise limited funds to where they are needed most.
“Safety is paramount, but these upgrades will also remove headaches such as parts supplies and should help Plymouth Active Leisure get on with the job of running a successful and popular venue that is so important to the lives of the many members and teams that use its great facilities to get and stay fit and healthy.”
The Council is allocating £381,879 into the Capital Programme funded by corporate borrowing and the executive decision signals the start of the procurement process.
Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements
New data from UKHSA reveals that treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023 to 2024.
New data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has revealed that treating urinary tract infections (UTIs) cost NHS hospitals in England an estimated £604 million in 2023-24.
UTIs occur when bacteria enter the urinary system including the urethra, bladder or kidneys. Most lower urinary tract infections (those in the urethra or bladder) cause mild discomfort and go away on their own, or may require a short course of antibiotics, but for some can progress to more serious infections, including upper urinary tract infections affecting the kidneys, leading to bloodstream infections and sepsis.
Analysing data from the Hospital Episode Statistics (HES) database using the records of patients with a UTI-related primary diagnosis for the 2023 to 2024 financial year in England, there were nearly 200,000 UTI-related patients. This includes infections acquired in both community and hospital settings. Those admissions resulted in 1.2 million bed days, averaging 6 bed days per infection.
However, one-third of UTI patients were in hospital for less than a day, indicating that other treatment pathways could be considered for these patients.
The findings reflect the well-documented burden of UTIs on older people and women. 52.7% of admissions were patients aged over 70 and 61.8% were female. While females were nearly 5 times more likely to require hospital treatment for a UTI in people under 50 years old (24.7% female compared to 5.3% male), this levelled out in age groups over 50 (37.1% female compared to 32.9% male). This highlights the need for men over 50 to also pay early attention to urinary symptoms and seek treatment that may prevent hospitalisation.
Hospitalisations for UTIs were at their lowest in 2020 to 2021 – possibly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, admissions have increased, climbing by 9% in 2023 to 2024 compared to the previous year.
The data highlights the clear need to reduce UTIs acquired in the community to help reduce hospitalisations. People can reduce their risk of catching a UTI in the first place by:
Detecting and treating a UTI early is also important. Some of the early symptoms of UTI include:
UKHSA also recently published updated diagnostic flowcharts to help healthcare professionals manage symptoms and infections.
Dr Colin Brown, Deputy Director at UKHSA responsible for antibiotic resistance, said:
Urinary Tract Infections are a major cause of hospitalisations in this country, but many could be prevented.
We know that the most serious consequences that come from UTIs are more common in people over the age of 50 so we are reminding this group in particular to be aware of the ways they can help reduce their risk of getting poorly. Drinking enough fluids is so important, as well as avoiding holding onto pee. If you have frequent UTIs, talk to your healthcare provider about treatments that may help prevent further infections. If you have a UTI and your symptoms get worse, please call your GP or 111, or go to your nearest A&E to seek assistance as UTIs can develop into more serious, life-threatening infections.
Preventing UTIs is also important in our fight against antibiotic resistance as they are often treated with antibiotics, which drives resistance in bacteria. Reducing the number of UTI infections means bacteria has less chance to develop this resistance, helping to keep antibiotics working for longer.
Dr Joanna Harris RGN PhD, Head of Infection Prevention and Control at UKHSA, said:
UTIs are a significant cause of avoidable harm, particularly among older adults and those with long-term conditions, and can lead to serious complications, including sepsis and death. It’s really important that nurses, midwives and social care workers, have the knowledge and tools to reduce the risk of UTIs occurring. When a UTI is suspected, their promotion of early and accurate diagnosis can enable timely and appropriate treatment, helping to limit the impact of the infection.
Professor Matt Inada-Kim, National Clinical Director for Infections Management and Antimicrobial Resistance at NHS England, said:
Urinary tract infections are an increasingly common reason for becoming ill at home and in hospitals. They are more serious in older patients and, in particular, those with catheters, but they can occur at any age and are not often related to poor hygiene.
Antimicrobial resistance continues to grow and it is vital that we do everything we can to manage urinary infections through prevention, education and providing easy access to healthcare – including diagnostic tests and appropriate treatment.
UTIs are typically caused by bacteria, most commonly Escherichia coli (E. coli), and often require antibiotics to treat the infection. As UTIs are so common, there are concerns that the volume of antibiotics prescribed is contributing to the growing risk of antimicrobial resistance (AMR). This is because every antibiotic taken makes the development of resistance more likely. More targeted prescribing of antimicrobials for UTIs is essential as part of the National Action Plan for AMR 2024-2029. However, preventing infections where possible would also decrease antibiotic prescribing and the selective pressure that antibiotics have on bacteria, helping reduce antibiotic resistance.
Patient and campaigner, Caroline Sampson, explains how a chronic UTI has impacted her life:
For 9 years, I have had a chronic UTI. No form of antibiotics has successfully treated it. It has derailed by life in every possible way. The daily symptoms are debilitating and painful. Trying to accomplish the smallest task takes a huge amount of effort. The impact on my mental health has been enormous and I live with daily anxiety that the infection could develop into Urosepsis. The threat of antibiotic-resistant infections to us all cannot be underestimated.
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, H.E. Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, today met with Secretary General of AIPA, H.E. Ar. Siti Rozaimeriyanty Dato Haji Abdul Rahman, on the margins of the 16th AIPA Caucus in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. During the meeting, SG Dr. Kao commended the Secretary General of AIPA for her active role and highlighted the vital role of ASEAN Parliamentarians in implementing the recently launched ASEAN 2045: Our Shared Future.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN meets with Secretary General of AIPA on the sidelines of 16th AIPA Caucus in Cambodia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: APO – Report:
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Nearly 27 months have passed since fighting broke out between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and a former ally, the paramilitary Rapid Security Forces (RSF), creating an unprecedented humanitarian crisis.
The UN voiced grave alarm over escalating hostilities in El Fasher, the besieged capital of North Darfur state.
Serious risk of renewed violence
Large numbers of RSF fighters reportedly entered the city on Friday for the first time since the siege began over a year ago.
Local sources report that recent fierce fighting, particularly in the southwest and east of El Fasher, has led to civilian casualties.
“The situation remains highly volatile and unpredictable, with a serious risk of renewed violence, as well as further displacement and disruption of humanitarian operations – which are already under severe strain,” OCHA said.
Insecurity in North Kordofan state
Meanwhile, in North Kordofan State, growing insecurity forced 3,400 people to flee their homes over the weekend, according to the UN International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Local reports indicate that at least 18 civilians were killed, and homes were burned in several villages.
OCHA reminded all parties that attacks on civilians and civilian infrastructure are prohibited under international humanitarian law, and that civilians must be protected at all times.
Rainy season constraints
Meanwhile, heavy rains have been reported in West and Central Darfur states, which may affect road conditions in some locations and worsen the challenges humanitarians are already facing in accessing people in need.
“With the rainy season continuing through October, the risk of floods, access constraints and disease outbreaks is growing – especially during this critical lean season, a time between harvests when food stocks traditionally run low,” OCHA warned.
Families return to West Darfur
The agency said that despite the crisis, signs of small-scale returns are visible in West Darfur state, where displaced families have been returning from Chad to three localities – Sirba, Jebel Moon and Kulbus – to cultivate their farms.
Furthermore, local authorities report about 40 people returning daily to Kulbus, with 300 arriving over the past week.
OCHA urged all parties to enable safe and unimpeded access to all people in need across Sudan, and for donors to step up their support.
Some 30 million people nationwide – more than half the population – need vital aid and protection this year.
– on behalf of United Nations (UN).
Source: APO – Report:
The 7th edition of the Strengthening Families Conference (SFC) (https://StrengthenFamily.org/) 2025 unfolded in Freetown as The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and collaborators joined government leaders, faith communities, and civil society to champion women’s empowerment and child protection across Sierra Leone. The two-day conference officially opened on Thursday, June 26 at the Bintumani International Conference Centre under the theme ‘Building Stronger Communities through Women Empowerment and Child Protection’.
Delivering the keynote address on the first day, Her Excellency the First Lady of the Republic of Sierra Leone, Madam Fatima Maada Bio, stated that the conference presented a unique platform to drive lasting change and consequently challenged stakeholders to turn dialogue into action. “Let me use this as a call to us all to not let this be just a conference. Let us use this platform to design policies that will make women change-makers in our society,” she urged.
She emphasized that promoting women’s empowerment should not be reduced to tokenism, as genuinely empowering women has tangible and far-reaching effects. “Women are agents of transformation. They build up the families, and our families are what build up our society,” the First Lady added.
Representing The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Elder Isaac K. Morrison, General Authority Seventy and Second Counselor in the Africa West Area Presidency, echoed this conviction, highlighting the role of women in the home and across various facets of society. “Women create harmonious and resilient communities. We need more women of virtue, purity, and empowerment, and this begins with the family,” he said.
Other dignitaries reinforced the shared mission. Archbishop Edward Tamba Charles, President of the Inter-Religious Council, described empowerment as a spiritual responsibility, and consequently, must be spearheaded by religious institutions. “Religious institutions must champion gender equality and child welfare,” he noted.
Traditional leader Sheku Amadu Tejan Fasuluku-Sonsiama III similarly said, “It is in our homes, towns, and villages that true transformation must begin. When women are given a seat at the table, nations prosper.”
Goodwill messages came from Ambassador Bob Sheriff of Liberia and Amir Musa Mewa of the Ahmadiyya Muslim Mission, in a show of regional solidarity. The first day also featured an exhibition showcasing solutions in family welfare, women’s advancement, and child protection, along with a panel discussion led by Madam Isatu Jabbie Kabbah and Aminata Turay exploring policy and grassroots strategies.
Child protection at the heart of resilient communities
The second day of the conference turned the spotlight to child protection as the cornerstone of strong families.
Delivering the keynote, Elder Alfred Kyungu, President of the Africa West Area of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, underscored the benefits of dedicated care for the young. “Children are shaped by their experiences; hence, families must create a conducive environment that contributes not just to their physical well-being but to their emotional and spiritual health,” he added. He further stressed the power of love over fear in raising children.
Sheik Ibrahim Barrie, a respected religious and political leader, reiterated the role of women’s empowerment in Islamic teachings. “Empowering women is not just a moral obligation; it is a necessity for the progress of our communities,” he noted. Young gender activist Grace Ada Brown moved the audience with her personal testimony, adding that the strength of a nation depends on the strength of families. “When families are strong, communities thrive,” she said.
Speakers such as Tonya Waite of Protect Child Health Coalition–USA, Jennifer Hogge Ellsworth of Engage Now Africa, and Sharon and Greg Slater of Family Watch International offered practical strategies for safeguarding children’s well-being. Panelists Daniel F. H. Kettor, Blessing Kutubu, and Christiana Ogbemoye Oliko shared insights on regional collaboration and community-based support systems. “Protecting children starts with building trust between families and the institutions designed to help them,” Mr. Kettor said.
Safe house for gender-based violence victims
In a landmark announcement, Elder Kyungu, revealed plans to build a 54-bed safe house in partnership with the office of the First Lady. “This facility will not only provide shelter but also counseling sessions to help survivors regain their footing in society.” The closing ceremony concluded with awards recognizing the First Lady’s leadership, including honors from The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, the Social Welfare Department, and the Government of Liberia.
ICU renovation and donation underscore commitment to health
Ahead of the conference, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints commissioned a comprehensive renovation of the Intensive Care Units at Connaught Hospital, the nation’s main healthcare facility. Elder Isaac Morrison described the project as faith in action. “This project represents our deep commitment to alleviating burdens and bringing hope to communities around the world.”
Acting Minister of Health, Professor Dr. Charles Senessie, highlighted the alignment between this initiative and national goals. “The collaboration between the Church and the government is vital for improving health outcomes in Sierra Leone,” he noted.
Hospital leaders called the upgrades for changing life. “This is not just an upgrade; it is a lifeline,” Dr. Ibrahim Kapuwa, Hospital Care Manager said. The donation included ICU beds, defibrillators, vital sign monitors, and other critical equipment, reinforcing the message that healthy families are the foundation of strong nations. As the 7th Strengthening Families Conference concluded, one message resonated clearly: Empowering women, protecting children, and investing in health are inseparable pillars of a thriving, resilient Sierra Leone.
Outlook and future conference
The conference is scheduled to next go to Monrovia, Liberia in June, 2026. All stakeholders are looking forward to Liberia hosting a successful event.
– on behalf of Strengthening Families Conference (SFC).
Additional Link: https://apo-opa.co/44RCsUA
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Source: APO – Report:
In April, two of Britain’s biggest retailers got hit by a massive cyberattack by the notorious Scattered Spider group, leading to substantial financial losses, operational disruptions and compromised customer data (http://apo-opa.co/40O1faD). M&S suffered losses of £300 million (http://apo-opa.co/40O1gLJ) (roughly R7.3 billion) due to the attack, with supply chains affected for weeks. On top of the direct losses, over £1 billion was stripped from the organisation’s market value (http://apo-opa.co/4lPmMb3). Similarly, the Co-op experienced data breaches (http://apo-opa.co/4524lud) affecting customers’ personal information, while Harrods reported attempted cyberattacks (http://apo-opa.co/3GIeSl3), but managed to maintain online operations.
“These attacks aren’t just about stolen data,” says Anna Collard, SVP of Content Strategy & Evangelist at KnowBe4 Africa. “They took whole systems offline.
“In retail, downtime is a critical threat – it affects sales, customer trust, and brand loyalty, instantly.”
A new kind of threat actor
Unlike traditional ransomware gangs, Scattered Spider is decentralised, native English-speaking, and highly adaptive. “Scattered Spider aren’t mere opportunistic hackers,” explains Collard. “They operate more like well-funded, well-organised crime syndicates.”
With some members as young as 19, they coordinate their activities on platforms like Discord and Telegram. “They’re agile, patient and disturbingly good at blending in,” she says. Added to this, they have great expertise in human psychology, as showcased during their attacks on Las Vegas casinos in 2023 (http://apo-opa.co/4nPvtnM).
Their primary weapons, therefore, aren’t just digital – they’re human. “They’ve mastered social engineering,” says Collard. “They specialise in exploiting human trust. From vishing (voice phishing) to impersonating internal staff and triggering what’s referred to as ‘MFA fatigue’; they’re skilled manipulators who understand both systems and people.”
MFA fatigue is one of the growing tactics they’re known for which involves triggering repeated multi-factor authentication (MFA) prompts, hoping the bombarded employees eventually click “approve” just to make the interruptions stop.
“Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points. Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”
Another alleged tactic Scattered Spider used in its latest attacks involved calling IT helpdesks to reset credentials, gaining access to their target’s infrastructure and subsequently deploying a ransomware-as-a-service tool. The outcome? Encrypted systems, stalled operations, and a long road to recovery.
Why Africa should be paying close attention
Retailers across Africa – particularly in South Africa, Nigeria, and Kenya – are digitally transforming at a rapid pace. Cloud-based POS systems, centralised inventory platforms, and data-driven loyalty programmes are now standard. But these digital advancements also expand attack surfaces.
High employee turnover, remote workforces, and under-resourced helpdesks can compound exposure. And while business English is common in South Africa, this linguistic advantage also makes local teams more susceptible to social engineering by fluent English-speaking attackers.
“Our local executives aren’t naïve,” Collard notes. “Many are acutely aware of the risks. What’s needed now is clarity on what really matters – and cutting through the noise.”
Pepkor IT’s CISO, Duncan Rae, delivered an insightful talk at the ITWeb Security Summit in May where he warned that cybersecurity teams are often overwhelmed – not just by threats, but by too many competing priorities. Teams are bombarded with shiny, new tools and threat reports spreading fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) which sometimes makes organisations lose sight of the basics, he warned.
“These basics include managing human risk, addressing third-party exposure, and hardening vulnerabilities,” according to Rae.
What needs to change?
Collard points to gaps in access controls, third-party risk management, and cloud security as common weaknesses – not just in the UK, but globally. “Legacy systems, shadow IT, and poorly enforced policies create entry points,” she warns. “Attackers don’t need to break in if they can just log in.”
For African retail leaders, this is a call to fortify the human layer.
“Train your frontline teams, especially in helpdesk and customer support. Teach them to detect manipulation. Make secure behaviour the norm – not the exception.”
Equally important, she says, is embedding cybersecurity into leadership conversations. “Cybersecurity is not just an IT function. It’s a board-level business risk.
“Executives must ask tough questions about readiness, incident response, and accountability.”
From awareness to action
Too often, security training is treated as a box-ticking exercise. Collard urges a more thoughtful approach: “Training must resonate. It should be contextual, culturally relevant, and delivered in local languages where appropriate.”
She challenges business leaders with the following:
“If the answer is ‘no’ to any of these, your organisation is vulnerable,” Collard says. “But the good news is that change is possible – and fast – when you start investing in the human element.”
“Cyber resilience is a collective responsibility,” she concludes. “And in an interconnected world, learning from each other’s crises is one of the smartest defences we have.”
– on behalf of KnowBe4.
Contact details:
KnowBe4:
Anne Dolinschek
anned@knowbe4.com
Red Ribbon:
TJ Coenraad
tayla@redribboncommunications.co.za
.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India has registered a stellar performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14. All four Indian students who participated in the global competition secured medals – two gold and two silver – bringing international recognition to the country. The medal winners are Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad, Telangana, who both won gold medals. Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi were awarded silver medals.
This year’s Olympiad witnessed the participation of 354 students from 90 countries, including five observer nations. India ranked sixth in the overall medal tally, alongside Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel. This appearance marks India’s 26th participation in the IChO. Over the years, Indian students have consistently excelled, winning 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze medals. Notably, in the last ten editions alone, the proportion of gold and silver medals has increased to 38% and 58% respectively.
The Indian contingent was mentored by a dedicated team of academic experts. Prof. Ankush Gupta from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, served as the head mentor, while Prof. Seema Gupta of Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi, was the mentor. Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and Dr. Amrit Mitra from Government General Degree College, Singur, West Bengal, were the scientific observers. Their efforts played a crucial role in preparing the students for this challenging competition.
HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), serves as the nodal centre for training and selecting Indian students for various International Olympiads in subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics. The National Olympiad Examinations conducted by HBCSE are the primary gateway to this prestigious representation.
More information is available on the websites https://www.ichosc.org and https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India has registered a stellar performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Dubai, UAE, from July 5 to 14. All four Indian students who participated in the global competition secured medals – two gold and two silver – bringing international recognition to the country. The medal winners are Devesh Pankaj Bhaiya from Jalgaon, Maharashtra, and Sandeep Kuchi from Hyderabad, Telangana, who both won gold medals. Debadatta Priyadarshi from Bhubaneshwar, Odisha, and Ujjwal Kesari from New Delhi were awarded silver medals.
This year’s Olympiad witnessed the participation of 354 students from 90 countries, including five observer nations. India ranked sixth in the overall medal tally, alongside Ukraine, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, and Israel. This appearance marks India’s 26th participation in the IChO. Over the years, Indian students have consistently excelled, winning 30% gold, 53% silver, and 17% bronze medals. Notably, in the last ten editions alone, the proportion of gold and silver medals has increased to 38% and 58% respectively.
The Indian contingent was mentored by a dedicated team of academic experts. Prof. Ankush Gupta from Homi Bhabha Centre for Science Education (HBCSE), Mumbai, served as the head mentor, while Prof. Seema Gupta of Acharya Narendra Dev College, Delhi, was the mentor. Dr. Neeraja Dashaputre of Indian Institutes of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune and Dr. Amrit Mitra from Government General Degree College, Singur, West Bengal, were the scientific observers. Their efforts played a crucial role in preparing the students for this challenging competition.
HBCSE, under the Tata Institute of Fundamental Research (TIFR), serves as the nodal centre for training and selecting Indian students for various International Olympiads in subjects including Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Astronomy, and Astrophysics. The National Olympiad Examinations conducted by HBCSE are the primary gateway to this prestigious representation.
More information is available on the websites https://www.ichosc.org and https://olympiads.hbcse.tifr.res.in.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.
As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.
Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.
In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.
Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA
Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.
As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.
Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.
In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.
Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India’s retail inflation has averaged around 5% over the last 11 years, showing a steady decline in recent months and reaching a more than six-year low of 2.1% in June 2025.
According to data from the Finance Ministry, the average inflation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure stands at 5.1%, a significant drop compared to the 8.1% in the UPA regime.
Between January 2012 and April 2014, during the UPA era, retail inflation remained above 9% for 22 out of 28 months. During its final three years (2011–2014), India experienced an average retail inflation of 9.8%, despite relatively stable global inflation of around 4-5%, a senior official noted.
In contrast, under the Modi government, retail inflation has largely remained below 5%, never breaching the 8% mark. This decline in inflation has eased the cost of living, leaving people with more disposable income. Higher purchasing power drives demand for industrial goods, boosting economic growth and job creation.
Persistent high inflation disproportionately affects low-income groups by making essential goods unaffordable. Therefore, keeping inflation in check is critical for inclusive development.
The latest data for June 2025 shows a notable decline in food prices, with the annual food inflation rate turning negative at -1.06%. Compared to May 2025, food inflation in June dropped by 205 basis points, marking the lowest rate since January 2019. This decline is largely attributed to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, meat, and spices.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward -from its earlier forecast of 4% to 3.7%, according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
CPI inflation for FY 2025–26 is now projected at 3.7%, with quarterly projections at 2.9% for Q1, 3.4% for Q2, 3.9% for Q3, and 4.4% for Q4. The RBI noted that the near – and medium-term inflation outlook suggests a durable alignment with the 4% target and possibly even a marginal undershooting during the year.
(IANS)
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
India’s retail inflation has averaged around 5% over the last 11 years, showing a steady decline in recent months and reaching a more than six-year low of 2.1% in June 2025.
According to data from the Finance Ministry, the average inflation during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s tenure stands at 5.1%, a significant drop compared to the 8.1% in the UPA regime.
Between January 2012 and April 2014, during the UPA era, retail inflation remained above 9% for 22 out of 28 months. During its final three years (2011–2014), India experienced an average retail inflation of 9.8%, despite relatively stable global inflation of around 4-5%, a senior official noted.
In contrast, under the Modi government, retail inflation has largely remained below 5%, never breaching the 8% mark. This decline in inflation has eased the cost of living, leaving people with more disposable income. Higher purchasing power drives demand for industrial goods, boosting economic growth and job creation.
Persistent high inflation disproportionately affects low-income groups by making essential goods unaffordable. Therefore, keeping inflation in check is critical for inclusive development.
The latest data for June 2025 shows a notable decline in food prices, with the annual food inflation rate turning negative at -1.06%. Compared to May 2025, food inflation in June dropped by 205 basis points, marking the lowest rate since January 2019. This decline is largely attributed to falling prices of vegetables, pulses, meat, and spices.
Meanwhile, the Reserve Bank of India has revised its inflation outlook for 2025–26 downward -from its earlier forecast of 4% to 3.7%, according to RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
CPI inflation for FY 2025–26 is now projected at 3.7%, with quarterly projections at 2.9% for Q1, 3.4% for Q2, 3.9% for Q3, and 4.4% for Q4. The RBI noted that the near – and medium-term inflation outlook suggests a durable alignment with the 4% target and possibly even a marginal undershooting during the year.
(IANS)
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Ofsted has today announced several measures to reassure education providers about the November roll-out of inspections under the renewed inspection framework.
To support a steady and assured start, Ofsted’s National Director for Education and Principal Inspector, Lee Owston HMI, will quality assure the work of the most senior inspectors following their participation in pilot visits to volunteer settings in early autumn. Every inspector will also complete a comprehensive training programme, with the same quality assurance checks, before being deployed on a live inspection.
This rolling quality assurance process will mean there are fewer inspections than usual in November and December. To begin with, all inspections will be led by the most senior and experienced inspectors, assisted by Ofsted’s permanent, in-house teams. Part-time, external Ofsted Inspectors will be phased in following training.
During autumn, a random sample of providers will be invited to take part in ‘exit interviews’ with His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, the National Director, and senior Ofsted officials to hear about their inspection experience and reflect on the implementation of the reforms. This is in addition to the post-inspection survey that all education providers will still be invited to complete.
Continuing Ofsted’s commitment to transparency and listening to feedback, His Majesty’s Chief Inspector will also invite sector representatives to a series of roundtable meetings to share their thoughts on the renewed framework.
There will be no education inspections in the final week before the Christmas break, to allow for further inspection training.
Ofsted has also taken on board suggestions raised last week by the Confederation of School Trusts (CST) and has announced a series of wraparound measures to support a smooth start to the framework, including:
Schools and other education providers have always had the right to request an inspection at any time, and some have already volunteered for an early inspection under the new framework. While Ofsted cannot guarantee an early inspection, all such requests will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
His Majesty’s Chief Inspector, Sir Martyn Oliver, said:
We’re confident that our reforms will deliver an improved system of education inspection, with real benefits for children and their parents. But we’re also serious about giving providers the support they need to engage confidently and fairly with the changes, and ensuring a steady and assured start to inspections under the renewed framework.
I want to reassure everyone that we’re taking every possible measure to provide a consistent and high-quality inspection experience for all, right from the off.
Press office
8.30am to 6pm Monday to Friday 0300 013 0415
Source: International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) –
Independent sampling and analysis conducted by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have confirmed that the tritium concentration in the 13th batch of ALPS-treated water, which Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) began discharging today from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (FDNPS), is far below Japan’s operational limit.
As part of its ongoing safety review, the IAEA collected and analyzed samples onsite of the diluted water that was being prepared for discharge as part of this latest batch. The results confirmed that the tritium concentration is far below the operational limit of 1,500 becquerels per litre and is in line with international safety standards.
Japan is releasing the ALPS-treated water in a series of batches over the next decades, following the start of the discharge in August 2023. The treated water is diluted with seawater prior to discharge. Of the 93.500 cubic meters of water already released in the first 12 batches, the IAEA confirmed that the tritium concentrations were far below the international safety standards and operational limits.
In a comprehensive report issued on 4 July 2023 before the discharge began, the IAEA’s safety review found that Japan’s plan for handling the treated water was consistent with international safety standards and that the release as planned would have a negligible radiological impact to people and the environment.
Reports on sampling, independent analysis, data evaluation, as well as timeline, are available on the IAEA website.
Source: Northern Territory Police and Fire Services
Our CBR is the ACT Government’s key channel to connect with Canberrans and keep you up-to-date with what’s happening in the city. Our CBR includes a monthly print edition, email newsletter and website.
You can easily opt in or out of the newsletter subscription at any time.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Xi’s article on unswervingly advancing high-standard opening-up to be published
Xinhua | July 15, 2025
An article by Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on unswervingly advancing high-standard opening-up will be published on Wednesday.
The article by Xi, also Chinese president and chairman of the Central Military Commission, will be published in this year’s 14th issue of the Qiushi Journal, a flagship magazine of the CPC Central Committee.
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
July 7, 2025
No. 231
The central region of the US state of Texas was recently hit by catastrophic flooding, causing major devastation. More than 80 people are confirmed to have died, including dozens of children, while an unknown number of people remain missing. Flood warnings currently remain in place across certain parts of the region.
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) promptly instructed the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Houston to ascertain whether any Taiwanese nationals had been affected. It also instructed the office to convey condolences and sympathies to the government of Texas on behalf of the government of Taiwan and emphasize that Taiwan would be glad to offer assistance.
According to information currently available to TECO Houston, no Taiwanese nationals have been identified among the dead, injured, or stranded as a result of the flooding. MOFA and TECO Houston will closely follow developments, maintain contact with the relevant Texan agencies, and provide assistance if needed. (E)
Source: Republic of Taiwan – Ministry of Foreign Affairs
July 8, 2025
No. 232
Minister of Foreign Affairs Lin Chia-lung on July 7 attended the opening of the 2025 International Law Association-American Society of International Law Asia-Pacific Research Forum, where he addressed more than 50 noted international scholars from over 20 nations.
In his remarks, Minister Lin said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had been promoting the policy of integrated diplomacy, which aimed to deepen partnerships with like-minded countries based on the values of freedom, democracy, and human rights. He explained that Taiwan had proactively leveraged its diplomatic strengths—consolidating diplomatic ties, expanding its alliance of friendly nations, and integrating the resources of the public and private sectors with the goal of having Taiwan continue to be a Taiwan of the world.
Noting the extreme turbulence of international relations and the severe geopolitical challenges facing the Indo-Pacific region, Minister Lin said that in recent years, China had repeatedly challenged the rules-based international order, gravely undermining democracy, the rule of law, human rights, freedom, and even fair trade. He observed that the world’s leading states had gone on alert and that an increasing number of countries had acted by sending warships through the Taiwan Strait, underscoring that the Taiwan Strait constituted international waters and demonstrating the great importance that they attached to the security of the Indo-Pacific region.
Minister Lin also pointed out that China had long sought to pressure Taiwan in the international arena, enacting the Anti-Secession Law in 2005 and 22 guidelines on punishing independence in 2024, among other legal warfare tools. He said that China had inappropriately distorted UN General Assembly (UNGA) Resolution 2758, seeking to weaponize the text and transform it into a tool to suppress Taiwan’s international participation and provide cover for an armed invasion. He stated that China had used the resolution as justification for its false claims that Taiwan was a part of China and that the Taiwan Strait was China’s internal waters, adding that such claims were clearly contrary to the facts and to democratic values.
Minister Lin noted that in response to China’s efforts to distort UNGA Resolution 2758, last year the Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China, the European Parliament, and the parliaments of Australia, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, and the Czech Republic passed resolutions clearly opposing China’s misrepresentations. He said that senior US officials had also publicly expressed a similar position and that the international community had gradually gained an accurate understanding of Resolution 2758—that it neither mentioned Taiwan nor precluded Taiwan’s international participation.
Looking back on history, Minister Lin remarked that following the Second World War, the signing of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which was binding under international law, had supplanted the political statements contained in the Cairo Declaration and the Potsdam Proclamation. He also pointed out that the People’s Republic of China had never governed Taiwan. He said that since the mid-1980s, Taiwan had experienced political liberalization and democratization, leading to the completion of its first direct presidential election in 1996. At that point, he said, the central executive and legislative representatives of government of the Republic of China were all elected by the people of Taiwan—and since then, the Republic of China government had been the sole legitimate government exercising effective rule over Taiwan and representing Taiwan internationally. He added that this underscored the cross-strait status quo that the Republic of China (Taiwan) and the People’s Republic of China existed as equals, with neither being subordinate to the other. He said that the Republic of China (Taiwan) had experienced three changes of governing party—in 2000, 2008, and 2016—that had consolidated the democratic system and helped create a clearer sense of national identity, reflecting the Taiwanese people’s pursuit of and desire for freedom and democracy.
Minister Lin went on to explain that, in response to dramatic changes in the international geopolitical landscape and the threat of authoritarian expansion, President Lai Ching-te had issued 17 national security measures. He said that China’s vaulting ambition had alerted the international community to the fact that Taiwan was not subordinate to the PRC. He observed that this had upended China’s cross-strait framework, making the issue of democratic Taiwan and authoritarian China not merely a regional matter, but a question the countries of the world must address together.
Minister Lin emphasized that the more secure Taiwan was, the more secure the world would be, and that the stronger Taiwan grew, the more secure the world’s democracies would be. He reiterated that Taiwan was a Taiwan of the world and said that the Republic of China (Taiwan), as a democratic nation and a force for good in the world, had demonstrated that it was part of the global village through the continued application of democratic processes and through its international participation.
Concluding his remarks, Minister Lin said that Taiwan would continue to be at the forefront of the global battle against authoritarian expansionism, adding that Taiwan would work with like-minded countries to defend the values of freedom and democracy and ensure regional peace, security, and prosperity. (E)