Source: Government of Sweden
On 28–29 July, Sweden hosted a high-level dialogue on trade and other related matters between the United States and China in Stockholm. The meeting was arranged at the joint request of the parties and is an important step in the ongoing trade negotiations between the US and China.
Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police
Police are appealing for information after a woman is reported to have given birth to a baby before going missing.
Shortly before 16:45hrs on Wednesday, 30 July a report was made to the police that a woman had given birth that same day at about 08:00hrs at the Billet Road underpass, Walthamstow.
A witnesses was alerted when she heard sounds of distress in the underpass. She aided with the birth and stayed with the woman until about 16:00hrs when the mother and the newborn were picked-up by two people in a blue transit van.
The woman is believed to be rough sleeping, white, in her mid-30s, with long blonde hair. She was wearing a black dress and heavy jumper and is believed to go by the name Anne Marie.
Officers are extremely concerned for the welfare of her and her baby.
PC Dan Cooper, from the North East area’s Local Missing Hub, said: “Our top priority is to establish that the woman and her baby are safe and well and have access to any medical treatment they may need. I would like to stress that the woman is not in any trouble, our only concern is the wellbeing of her and her newborn child.
“We are carrying out fast-paced enquiries, including trawling CCTV, speaking to people in the area and visiting nearby hospitals.
“I’d also like to appeal to anyone who was in the area at the time and may have seen or heard something to come forward. Were you walking or cycling through the underpass or at the nearby Kwik Fit garage? If so, please get in touch with us.
“If the woman does not feel comfortable speaking to us, she can go directly to a medical centre or a charity.”
Anyone with information is asked to call the North East area’s Local Missing Hub on 07881 330 956 or 101 quoting CAD 5617/30JUL.
Alternatively, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs on Thursday approved four key railway multitracking projects worth approximately ₹11,169 crore. These projects, spanning six states and 13 districts, are expected to expand Indian Railways’ network by 574 kilometres and are scheduled for completion by 2028-29.
The projects span 13 districts across Maharashtra, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Bihar, Odisha, and Jharkhand, and will add around 574 kilometres to the existing railway network. The approved corridors include the fourth line between Itarsi and Nagpur, doubling of the Aurangabad (Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar)-Parbhani section, and the third and fourth lines on the Aluabari Road-New Jalpaiguri and Dangoaposi-Jaroli routes.
These multitracking works are aligned with the government’s PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, focusing on multi-modal connectivity through integrated planning and stakeholder consultations. The enhanced line capacity is expected to alleviate congestion, increase operational efficiency, and provide more reliable services for both freight and passenger trains.
The proposed upgrades will benefit approximately 2,309 villages with a population of about 43.6 lakh and generate an estimated 2.29 crore person-days of direct employment during the construction phase.
The corridors identified are vital freight routes for commodities such as coal, cement, clinker, gypsum, fly ash, containers, agricultural produce, and petroleum products. The capacity augmentation is projected to handle an additional 95.91 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic.
Beyond economic and logistical benefits, the projects are aligned with India’s climate goals. The railways’ increased capacity is estimated to reduce oil imports by 16 crore litres annually and lower carbon dioxide emissions by 515 crore kilograms – equivalent to planting around 20 crore trees.
Source: Government of India
Source: Government of India (4)
In a move aimed at strengthening India’s cooperative sector, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Thursday approved a Central Sector Scheme titled “Grant in Aid to National Cooperative Development Corporation (NCDC)” with a total outlay of ₹2,000 crore. The scheme will be implemented over a four-year period from 2025-26 to 2028-29, with an annual budgetary allocation of ₹500 crore.
The approved grant will enable NCDC to raise ₹20,000 crore from the open market over the next four years. These funds will be utilized to provide loans to cooperatives for setting up new projects, expanding existing operations, upgrading technology, and meeting their working capital needs.
According to the government, the initiative is expected to benefit approximately 2.9 crore members across 13,288 cooperative societies spanning various sectors, including dairy, livestock, fisheries, sugar, textiles, food processing, storage, cold storage, labour cooperatives, and women-led cooperatives.
Implementation Strategy
NCDC will serve as the nodal agency for the scheme. It will be responsible for the disbursement of loans, project monitoring, and recovery of funds. Loans will be extended either directly to eligible cooperatives or routed through respective state governments, as per NCDC’s funding guidelines. Direct funding will be allowed against admissible security or with a state government guarantee.
The scheme aims to provide both long-term credit for infrastructure development and short-term loans for working capital, helping cooperatives run their businesses more efficiently and profitably.
Economic and Employment Impact
The Cabinet noted that the infusion of funds will facilitate the creation of income-generating assets and enhance liquidity in the cooperative sector. This, in turn, is expected to increase productivity, profitability, and job creation, especially in rural areas. The move is seen as a catalyst for socio-economic empowerment, particularly for women and marginalized communities.
Furthermore, infrastructure development backed by these loans is likely to generate employment opportunities across various skill levels, thus contributing to India’s inclusive growth agenda.
A Strategic Boost to Rural Economy
India’s cooperative movement contributes significantly to the Indian economy, particularly by driving socio-economic advancement, strengthening rural infrastructure and generating employment in the rural sector. Spanning credit and banking, fertiliser distribution, sugar production, dairy, agricultural marketing, consumer retail, handlooms, handicrafts, fisheries, housing and more, cooperatives in India have their outreach across many production areas. Today, the country hosts more than 8.25 lakh registered cooperatives, enrolling over 29 crore members; remarkably, about 94 per cent of all farmers are linked to cooperatives in some form or the other.
By offering targeted financial support, especially to under-resourced segments like dairy, poultry, fisheries, and women-led cooperatives, the scheme aims to enhance the sector’s capacity for modernization, diversification, and economic resilience.
Source: APO – Report:
NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman of the African Energy Chamber (https://EnergyChamber.org)
In an emissions-focused world, do oil and gas revenues have a role to play in ending energy poverty in Africa? It may sound counterintuitive, but many would argue that they do, albeit as enablers of a future powered by alternative energy sources.
The key lies in recognizing that Africa’s situation is unique, and solutions take time, building on what we have and what we can do with it. This means that, in working towards a just energy transition, the continent’s oil and gas resources shouldn’t be viewed as obstacles that need to be immediately replaced by renewable energy sources. Instead, rather than prematurely phasing out fossil fuels in response to global pressure, Africa should harness these revenues responsibly to finance its energy transition and ultimately eradicate energy poverty.
Prioritizing Development Alongside Sustainability
Nearly 600 million Africans still live without access to electricity (https://apo-opa.co/3U6V4uH). This access is a fundamental human right, yet energy poverty remains one of the continent’s most significant barriers to development. This undermines health systems, education, industrialization, and dignity. As the world debates how to rapidly achieve net-zero, Africa’s priority is different: how to power its people now, while building a sustainable future.
Measuring Africa’s energy transition progress against external calls for an abrupt end to fossil fuels risks leaving millions behind. Our continent contributes less than 4% (https://apo-opa.co/4odEQxF) to global emissions, yet we are expected to decarbonize at the same pace as industrialized nations that built their wealth on hydrocarbons.
Instead, the continent’s abundance of fossil fuels should be viewed as a bridge, not a barrier. The African Energy Chamber (AEC) Africa-Paris Declaration (https://apo-opa.co/3GO1ImM) underscores this principle – Africa’s oil and gas revenues can and must be used as a financial lever to invest in electrification, clean energy, and infrastructure projects. This pragmatic and just approach prioritizes development alongside sustainability, not instead of.
There are several ways to achieve this. First, reinvesting oil and gas revenues into rural electrification can transform communities. Decentralized solutions like off-grid solar and mini-grids offer practical ways to reach remote areas. Although urban dwellers do experience power outages, for many rural populations, it’s a way of life. For the mother cooking with firewood or the student studying by candlelight, a small solar grid is life-changing. Fossil fuel revenues can finance these systems at scale, bridging the immediate access gap while longer-term grid expansions are in progress.
Second, establishing innovative financing mechanisms is essential. For instance, the fledgling Africa Energy Bank (https://apo-opa.co/4l5R2Of) aims to bridge the continent’s estimated $31 billion to $50 billion annual energy funding gap by focusing predominantly on financing energy projects. Launched in 2025, the bank is poised to play a transformative role in mobilizing capital for African energy projects. Additionally, global investors are increasingly exploring energy investment opportunities in Africa. In support of this, development finance institutions, such as the African Development Bank, the World Bank, and the International Finance Corporation, are de-risking investments by offering concessional loans, guarantees, and technical assistance, making investment in African energy projects more attractive.
Third, policy reforms that create enabling environments are critical. Here, governments have a role to play in prioritizing revenue-generating projects, creating stable regulatory frameworks, and offering incentives for public-private partnerships. This will support investment, reduce risks, and unlock the transformative power of energy access.
These solutions demonstrate the importance of a fair and equitable transition and the vital role that fossil fuels will continue to play in achieving this goal. They also prove that this goal is achievable, even if it is on the continent’s own terms.
Unique Solutions to Africa’s Energy Challenges
Africa’s path to net-zero has the same end goal as the rest of the world, but it can’t mirror their journey. Our starting points are different, and our development needs are urgent. We understand that climate action can’t be delayed. But it can be just, inclusive, and rooted in African realities. And it can also be supported by revenues from our abundant natural resources.
The Africa-Paris Declaration notes that ‘a fair transition recognizes that fossil fuels remain valuable for Africa’s development, prosperity, and energy access goals. Africa doesn’t need to choose between oil and gas or renewables. Given our current position, all are important and require both strategic and sensible deployment. Fossil fuels generate the revenues to invest in solar, wind, hydropower, and grid infrastructure. They fuel industries that create jobs. They support healthcare, education, and innovation.
When managed responsibly, Africa’s fossil fuel revenue can serve as a bridge to a brighter, greener, and more prosperous continent. Will it be quick and easy? No. Will some question the approach? Most certainly. But the alternative is leaving hundreds of millions of people in the dark.
– on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
.
Source: City of Derby
Derby City Council is expanding before and after-school childcare places across the city, supported by government investment to help working families access more flexible childcare options.
This expansion means more families will be able to access affordable, reliable childcare from 8am to 6pm during term time.
Through the Department for Education’s Wraparound Childcare Programme, Derby has secured a share of the £289 million national funding to support this goal. The government aims to ensure that by September 2026, all parents who need wraparound care can find it locally.
Since the funding was introduced, Derby City Council has already supported several primary schools to expand their wraparound care. This has created hundreds of new childcare places, helping more parents and carers access dependable support before and after the school day.
Councillor Paul Hezelgrave, Derby City Council Cabinet Member for Children, Young People and Skills, said:
This funding is making a real difference to families across Derby, giving parents more choice and flexibility when it comes to childcare.
We know how important wraparound care is in helping parents juggle work and family life, and we’re committed to ensuring that every child has access to high-quality, inclusive provision close to home.
I’m proud of the progress we’ve made so far, and I encourage more schools and providers to come forward and take advantage of the support available.
Laura Mitchell, Wraparound Programme Manager at Derby City Council, said:
We know that childcare is a key barrier for many parents when it comes to work and training. Our goal is to make sure that every family in Derby who needs wraparound care has access to a place that suits their needs.
A crucial part of achieving this has been the long-standing dedication of our Private, Voluntary, and Independent (PVI) providers. Their commitment, flexibility, and deep-rooted presence in the community have played a vital role in supporting families and laying the groundwork for the success of the Wraparound Childcare Programme.
We’ve already seen a fantastic response from schools and providers. We’re working closely with them to support new or expanded wraparound provision, and there’s still funding available for others who are interested.
Derby City Council continues to work with schools, PVI providers and childminders to develop long-term, sustainable childcare tailored to each community’s needs. The programme also prioritises inclusive provision, supporting children with additional needs and ensuring all eligible families can benefit.
Funding is available until March 2026. Schools and childcare providers interested in creating or expanding wraparound care are encouraged to get in touch at wap@derby.gov.uk.
More information on wraparound childcare can be found on the Derby City Council website.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: Rosneft – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Specialists from the Ufa scientific institute of Rosneft have made a real breakthrough – they have developed and patented the first Russian robotic complex for repairing pump and compressor pipes (NKT). This is a fully automated system that uses the most modern technologies for monitoring and managing processes.
The robotic complex is a modular design that allows changing the equipment configuration depending on the complicating factors common in the production region. Two technological lines allow not only to repair pipes, but also to apply a protective coating to their inner surface. The productivity of the complex reaches 21 thousand pipes per month.
The main advantage of the development is minimal human involvement. The entire complex process, including sorting, cleaning pipes from various types of contaminants and even such operations as turning and turning connecting couplings, is now performed automatically. The system’s operation is controlled by personnel remotely.
The introduction of robotic lines provides several advantages at once: production becomes more compact, safer and more efficient. As a result, the share of manual operations will decrease by 53%, while productivity will increase by 25%.
The project is a successful example of effective interaction between corporate science and production. The Ufa tandem plans to implement this direction not only at Rosneft facilities, but also to replicate its results to third-party oil companies interested in the development of domestic robotics and the effective use of innovations in the repair of tubing.
The introduction of advanced approaches and technologies is one of the key areas of the Rosneft-2030 strategy. The company pays special attention to innovative development, defining technological leadership as a key factor in competitiveness in the oil market.
Department of Information and AdvertisingPJSC NK RosneftJuly 31, 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 Information Services
The value of total retail sales in June, provisionally estimated at $30.1 billion, was up 0.7% compared with the same month in 2024, the Census & Statistics Department announced today.
After netting out the effect of price changes over the same period, the provisional estimate for the month was 0.3% lower year on year.
On a seasonally adjusted basis, the provisional estimate of the value of total retail sales was up 0.3% in the second quarter compared with the first quarter, while the provisional estimate of the volume of total retail sales increased by 2.7%.
Online sales accounted for 8.5% of the total retail sales figure for the month. Provisionally estimated at $2.5 billion, the value of online retail sales rose 8.4% compared with a year earlier.
Meanwhile, the value of sales of jewellery, watches and clocks, and valuable gifts increased by 6.8%.
There were also increases in the value of sales in the following categories: “other consumer goods not elsewhere classified” (+7.2%); commodities in supermarkets (+0.4%); medicines and cosmetics (+6%); commodities in department stores (+5.7%); and optical items (+1%).
By contrast, the value of sales of apparel decreased by 4.3% for the period. Also down were sales of food, alcoholic drinks and tobacco (-1.5%); electrical goods and other consumer durable goods not elsewhere classified (-9.3%); motor vehicles and parts (-6%); fuels (-8.7%); furniture and fixtures (-16.3%); footwear, allied products and other clothing accessories (-7.2%); Chinese drugs and herbs (-2%); and books, newspapers, stationery and gifts (-4.7%).
The Government said that retail sales have shown signs of stabilisation in recent months. Looking ahead, it expects that continued increases in employment earnings and a buoyant local stock market, coupled with the Government’s efforts in promoting tourism and mega events, as well as enterprises’ efforts to provide more diversified experiences, will support consumption.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Cardiff Capital Region is one of three UK cities and regions supported through the UK Government’s £500m local innovation fund.
Aerial view of Cardiff.
Cardiff Capital Region is among three UK cities and regions receiving at least £30m each from the UK Government to unlock new, locally led innovation that can improve lives across the country, UK Science Minister Lord Vallance has announced today (Tuesday 29 July).
Partnerships between the city region authority, businesses and research organisations will work with UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) to invest the funding into a range of regional and national priorities in science and technology – from life sciences to green energy solutions, AI to engineering, and beyond.
It could even build on the existing strengths of Cardiff, and Wales more widely, from its role in developing electric vehicle components that will help us build a greener world to its data science capabilities which can improve lives from better public services to improving our health.
The funding forms part of the Local Innovation Partnerships Fund (LIPF) of up to £500m, announced ahead of last month’s Spending Review to empower local leaders with skin in the game. It will help target innovation investment and make the most of their communities’ expertise to unleash discoveries that benefit us all and grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change.
The decision to earmark at least £30m to three high-potential areas in Glasgow, Belfast-Derry/Londonderry and Cardiff was reached following collaboration between the UK Government and the governments of Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. Seven regions of England were also announced as recipients last month – spanning the North-East to Greater Manchester, Liverpool to London.
The funding was announced as part of a record £86bn R&D settlement until 2030 and will help the Government to deliver our modern Industrial Strategy by backing high growth sectors and bolstering partnerships with industry for long-term economic growth.
UK Science Minister Lord Vallance said:
From driving the development of electric vehicle components that will help deliver a greener planet to cutting-edge data science work, the Cardiff Capital Region playing a leading role in the technologies of the future that can benefit people throughout the UK.
By targeting this funding with local leaders to a range of science and technology sectors we can make the most of the expertise across Cardiff and wider Wales to grow the economy as part of our Plan for Change.
Secretary of State for Wales Jo Stevens said:
This funding from the UK Government is vital to support Wales’s leading science and technology sectors. We are already punching above our weight in areas where there is huge potential for even more growth.
Wales has the talent and expertise to develop high tech solutions to a range of challenges, and this investment will help kickstart innovation, create new well-paid jobs and grow the Welsh economy.
Welsh Government Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Energy and Planning, Rebecca Evans, said:
This investment represents another vote of confidence in the Cardiff capital region and builds on our work supporting its growth, strong university research ecosystem, industry base and innovation clusters over a number of years.
We will continue working closely with the South East Wales Corporate Joint Committee and the UK Government to build on the region’s strengths, attract significant private investment, strengthen regional partnerships and deliver real benefits for people across South East Wales and beyond.
High potential innovation clusters in places that have not been earmarked for funding will also be able to bid into a competition, with UKRI publishing guidance on this competition soon.
The Local Innovation Partnerships Fund represents a significant shift in place-based innovation policy, giving regions greater control over how research and development investment is directed to maximise their innovation potential and drive economic growth.
It builds on the lessons learned from programmes already underway to support high potential innovation clusters in regions across the UK, including the Strength in Places Fund and the Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme and Innovate UK Launchpads.
The Innovation Accelerator pilot scheme alone has leveraged more than
£140 million in new private investment, created hundreds of jobs across the West Midlands, Greater Manchester and Glasgow City Region, and supported a range of new technologies.
It includes those developed by the Greater Manchester advanced diagnostic accelerator, delivering quicker and cheaper detection for liver, heart and lung diseases, whilst Moonbility from the West Midlands is using AI software helping train companies to simulate, in real time, potential disruption to the network so they can alert passengers on delay length, giving advice on replanning journeys.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Scientists comment on latest data from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) that shows measles cases remain high.
Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush, Assistant Professor of Global Health & Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), said:
“It is no surprise that Hackney has seen the highest number of measles cases over the past four weeks. To prevent measles outbreaks, the WHO recommends that 95% of people are fully vaccinated with two doses of the MMR vaccine. In 2023-2024, MMR coverage in Hackney was lowest by local authority in England and just 60.8% had received both MMR doses by the age of five, compared with 83.9% of children on average across England. Without this vital vaccine coverage, children have been left as sitting ducks for a measles outbreak.
“Hackney’s population is unique and a ‘one-size fits all’ approach will not solve the problem. The borough’s population is diverse and younger, with almost one in three residents aged under 24. Hackney also has among the highest numbers of children living in low income families in London and around one in four children are Haredi (strictly Orthodox Jewish). In this context, every family will have their own challenges and pressures, so how can we expect under-funded, inflexible delivery strategies to offer equitable access?
“Local clinics and teams are working incredibly hard to protect children and prevent another child death from measles in the UK. But it is extremely difficult to sustain positive results when funding to commission vaccination projects and new professionals roles are short-term and unpredictable.
“Together with a local GP in Hackney, Dr Tehseen Khan, we have been researching ways to ensure vital vaccines are accessible to those who need them. This includes evaluating how primary care teams in the area offer parents more convenient appointments through Sunday walk-in clinics and allowing parents to bring several children to one appointment. However, primary care cannot solve these challenges alone. I would encourage any parent with questions or concerns, or anyone who’s unsure on their own vaccination status, to reach out to their local GP surgery, as it’s never too late to catch up on the MMR vaccine.
“Political decisions are threatening the ability to make long-term improvements in vaccination coverage in Hackney and nationwide. Integrated Care Boards, the NHS organisations that plan and commission health services for their local populations, are expected to reduce operational costs by 50%. This will be disastrous for vaccine coverage recovery efforts, and raises fundamental questions about how the government’s 10 year ‘Fit for the Future’ plan can realistically be implemented.”
Declared interests
Dr Ben Kasstan-Dabush: Dr Ben Kasstan- Dabush is Assistant Professor of Global Health & Development at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. He is currently working on vaccine delivery research in Hackney, funded by the British Medical Association Foundation for Medical Research (2023 Kathleen Harper Award, in collaboration with Dr Tehseen Khan). This builds on previous work funded by the NIHR Health Protection Research Unit in Vaccines & Immunisation, a collaboration between LSHTM and UKHSA. Ben provides regular consultation to UKHSA.”
Source: City of Oxford
Oxford City Council has awarded £388,000 of grant funding to 86 community groups and voluntary organisations – helping them to support local people across Oxford.
Oxford is the UK’s second most unequal city and the Council’s grants programme provides crucial financial support to organisations working to reduce inequality through the delivery of essential services, strategic projects, and community-led initiatives.
The Council has provided this latest funding through the Oxford Community Impact Fund (OCIF) programme, which is a three year fund that first started in 2022. It is already supporting essential services such as advice centres and domestic abuse support, with core funding maintained for these at the current level until March 2028.
Decisions have now been announced on two rounds of funding:
All these grants have been awarded to organisations assessed on their work to reduce inequality and attract external funding to Oxford.
The Council has awarded funding to 45 organisations across Oxford totalling £338,000 per annum, organisations will receive funding for three years.
These organisations are:
Ark-T Centre, Arts at the Old Fire Station, Aspire Oxfordshire, Asylum Welcome, Be Free Young Carers, Blackbird Leys Adventure Playground, Cowley Road Works, Cutteslowe Greenhouse Limited, Donnington Doorstep, EMBS Community College Limited, Emmaus Oxford, Fusion Arts, Home-Start, IF Oxford, In-Spire Sounds, Justice in Motion, Leys CDI, Makespace Oxford, Mandala Theatre, Museum of Modern Art, My Life My Choice, MyVision, OVADA, Oxford Community Action, Oxford Contemporary Music, Film Oxford, Oxford Hub, Oxford Mutual Aid, Oxford Pride, Oxford Youth Enterprise, Oxfordshire Chinese Community and Advice Centre, Oxfordshire Play Association, Peeple, Pegasus Theatre, Refugee Resource, Rose Hill Junior Youth Club, Sobell House, Survivor Space, T(ART) Productions, The Oxford Playhouse, The Parasol Project, The Story Museum, WASTE2TASTE, and Yellow Submarine.
The Council has awarded funding to 41 organisations across Oxford, with funding totaling £50,000 overall.
These organisations are:
Parents And Children Together, Wild Boor Ideas, Fight Against Blindness (Fab), Rose Hill Community Larder, Oxford Opera Trust Cio, Response Organisation, Wood Farm Youth Centre, Action Deafness, Botley Bridges, Damascus Rose Kitchen, Blackbird Leys Boxing Club, Dovecote Voluntary Parent Committee, East Oxford Stay and Play, Fight Against Blindness, Headway Thames Valley Limited, Body Politic, Littlemore Hub, Syrian Sisters, Music at Oxford, Elmore Community Services, Read Easy Oxford, The Oxford Preservation Trust, Lowland Rescue, Oxford Afrobeats Festival, Iranian Community Network (ICN), Oxford Philharmonic Orchestra, Oxford Poetry Library, Tandem Collective, Oxford Health Charity (OHC), Oxford Peoples Theatre, MuMo Creative, Oxford Lindy Hoppers, Syrian Community Oxfordshire (SYRCOX), The Oxford Voice, The Porch, Oxfordshire Asian Women’s Voice, WEMPOWERED CIC, Rose Hill and Iffley Low Carbon, South Oxford Community-Association, The Good Gym, and Wood Farm Youth Centre.
It is estimated that for every £1 that the Council invests in local community organisations and groups through grant funding, this investment results in more than £15.92 of additional funding/earned income per organisation – helping to strengthen communities across the city.
This year, over half (51%) of applicants were new applicants.
You can learn more by visiting our grant funding webpages.
“We’ve streamlined our community grants programme and this year we’ve changed the criteria to provide a tight focus on work to reduce inequality in Oxford. We’re the UK’s second most unequal city and these grants will be spent on tackling this ugly scar on our beautiful city.
“It is great news that we have been able to support so many community groups and organisations through this latest round of funding – and especially so many new groups. I can’t wait to visit as many of these projects as possible to see for myself the impact these funds will have on local communities and the difference made to people’s lives.”
Councillor Linda Smith, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities
Source: City of Canterbury
We are very pleased to say fans of the Don Juan Cafe can now continue to enjoy their food and drink at their new temporary home at Tower House in the Westgate Gardens.
They have taken over the tea hut on the patio at the back of Tower House, with the added bonus of glorious views over the park.
The Don Juan normally trades in the Dane John Gardens, but as part of our ongoing improvement project in the Dane John, the cafe has been closed while we redevelop it to make it bigger and better.
We worked with the owners of the Don Juan to look at alternative trading locations during the closure, and the tea hut at Tower House was identified as a good option.
A new water supply was installed and we agreed terms on a short term lease. We are also supporting them with new signs for the tea hut.
Looking forward, the Don Juan Cafe has been given first refusal on the new cafe in the Dane John Gardens, subject to agreeing new lease terms.
This discussion will happen in due course, once the final designs for the cafe have been agreed.
For now, we welcome the Don Juan to the Westgate Gardens and wish them a busy and successful summer!
Published: 31 July 2025
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
New wave of “Do Something Big” campaign launches to encourage more men to join the early years workforce.
Children across the country are to benefit from more male role models in nurseries, as the government ramps up efforts to grow and diversify the early years workforce ahead of the September childcare expansion due to save parents up to £7,500 a year.
This is the latest phase of the “Do Something Big” campaign, which highlights how children thrive when they see both men and women in caring, nurturing roles from the very start of their education. Research shows that this supports healthy development, with findings showing:
To help change this, the government is offering £1,000 payments to new early years staff in 38 priority areas, supporting nurseries to recruit in time for the September expansion of 30 funded childcare hours for children from 9 months old.
This will support the government’s Plan for Change, which has already seen almost half a million benefitting from 15 childcare hours from last September, and tens of thousands of new recruits to the early years workforce in recent months. This drive builds on the government’s Best Start in Life strategy, which is raising the status of the profession and growing a diverse, skilled workforce so every child can start school ready to learn.
Minister for Early Education, Stephen Morgan, said:
Children thrive when they’re supported by a diverse mix of role models – and that starts in the early years.
With big changes coming in September, we’re backing nurseries to recruit the staff they need and encouraging more men to consider this rewarding career.
Through our Plan for Change, we’re making early years careers more appealing – and reminding dads that if you’ve helped your own child learn and grow, you’ve already got the skills to make a difference to many more.
From today, new Do Something Big content will be bursting onto screens and social feeds across the nation.
The adverts show that dads in particular will already have the skills to succeed in early years roles through the play and learning they have done with their own children. They will run across digital display and social media platforms, as well as posters on roadside billboards and the rail network, ensuring the campaign reaches men across the country.
Greg Lane, Nursery Manager and Creative Lead at Soho Nursery and Pre-School (LEYF) said:
Our children don’t choose us based on gender – they choose us because we’re good at what we do. One child recently told me, ‘He’s really good at dinosaurs,’ while another said, ‘She’s great at playing football.’ That’s what matters to them.
I joined this sector because I wanted to make a difference, and every day I get to do that. I’m proud to be part of a profession that is evolving, and I hope more men take the leap because the children need us, and they’ll welcome us with open arms.
Mike Abbott, Director of Operations at London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) said:
At LEYF, we know that what truly matters to children is not whether their teacher is a man or a woman – it’s the quality of the relationship, the skill, and the trust they build.
We see every day how boys and girls alike flourish in environments where all adults’ model empathy, curiosity, and care. The government’s renewed focus on recruiting more men into Early Years is a crucial step in challenging outdated stereotypes and ensuring children grow up with diverse role models.
It’s time we make it completely normal for men to sing lullabies, lead story time, or soothe a baby, just as it is for women to play football or lead science activities. Everyone should be seen to do everything.
The research, commissioned by the Department for Education, also shows that around a quarter of adults believe gender stereotypes (25%), fear of judgement or false accusations (25%) and social pressure to pursue more ‘masculine’ careers (24%) are major reasons why men are deterred from entering the sector. Yet there is strong public support for greater male representation in nurseries.
Almost half of parents said their child’s nursery has no male staff, and parents highlighted the positive impact of having men in early years roles – from providing children with diverse role models to challenging harmful stereotypes early and showing that caring and teaching are careers for everyone.
Strengthening the early years workforce and broadening diversity is central to delivering on the government’s promises to working parents to deliver the huge £7,500 cost saving from September, with a full 30 hours of government funded childcare each week during term time. The latest data shows the number of staff delivering entitlements in private, voluntary and independent nurseries has risen by 11,200, alongside an increase of 7,100 childminders.
Interventions from financial incentives to a renewed recruitment drive will help ensure providers have the staff they need, families get the support they deserve and every child has the chance to thrive.
DfE media enquiries
Central newsdesk – for journalists 020 7783 8300
Source: City of Preston
On Friday 25 July 2025, NHS Property Services, Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan and the NHS Lancashire and South Cumbria Integrated Care Board came together to celebrate the opening of the modernised Ingol Healthcare Centre.
This transformative project represents a significant investment in local healthcare infrastructure, designed to both modernise existing facilities and enhance sustainability.
The project has attracted a substantial investment of over £1.3 million, with £526,000 allocated from developer contributions secured through the planning process at Preston City Council and £730,000 coming from NHS Property Services (NHSPS) – with £240,000 earmarked for energy improvements through the health and property organization. This funding underscores NHSPS’ commitment to creating a more efficient and environmentally responsible healthcare environment.
The improved facilities are expected to service approximately an additional 35,000 patients and a total of 5,300 new homes in North West Preston.
In addition to a full refurbishment of existing clinical rooms, the project will add seven new clinical rooms to increase capacity for GP services and convert the site into a Net Zero facility. New forms of insulation have been installed (cavity wall and loft insulation), the move to electric heating was made and energy-efficient upgrades such as LED lighting, double glazed windows and solar PV panels were put into place. These measures will ensure long-term cost savings and reduced carbon emissions.
The project was launched to address the growing demand for GP clinical services and to improve the sustainability and long term future of the building. NHSPS and the ICB’s Strategic Estates and Infrastructure Team were played a central role in to the project, handling everything from the initial Section 106 bid, negotiations with GP’s and other delivery partners, design and tender phases, to legal agreements and project management.
Ben Gammer, NHSPS Estate Strategy Lead, said: “This project is a standout example of how smart space optimization can directly support the goals of the NHS’s 10-year health plan. By transforming underutilized areas into high-impact clinical environments, we’re not only increasing capacity but also reinforcing our commitment to delivering accessible, quality care in every neighborhood. It’s a testament to what can be achieved through strategic partnerships and sustainable design.”
Now completed, the site’s increased GP capacity will alleviate pressure on local services, while the energy-efficient infrastructure will offer long-term benefits for both the local healthcare system and the environment.
Dr Nidghtta Anjan, Partner GP at North Preston Medical Practice, said:
“We are delighted to announce the completion of the newly renovated health centre, which signifies a substantial positive change for the community. We are committed to supporting the NHS’s long-term strategy to deliver high-quality healthcare whilst minimizing environmental impact and promoting social responsibility. With the new developments surrounding the area, we eagerly anticipate welcoming new patients to our practice, allowing us to showcase our enhanced clinic rooms, improved waiting area and modern reception desk.”
Deputy Mayor of Preston Councillor Nweeda Khan said:
“The improvements at the centre have been made possible by what is known as Section 106 agreements in relation to various planning applications made to Preston City Council.
“These agreements are made to reduce the impact of a significant development on a local community, by providing such things as affordable housing, improving public spaces, enhancing local services or the environment. The upgrades will make a huge difference to the quality of service the health centre can provide and to the number of people in the area who now have access to essential services.”
Geoff Lavery, Strategic Estate Lead for the ICB said:
“We have worked incredibly hard with NHSPS and other delivery partners over several years to deliver this project and we are grateful that the S106 funding was in place to support it, however even with the availability of the funding the project has been incredibly challenging. The aim has always been to deliver increased capacity, sustainability and improved primary care services in the area and we were determined to achieve those aims. I hope the delivery of the Ingol project highlights the commitment of the ICB to serve the needs of its patient populations.”
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China has noted relevant reports that two Chinese were seriously beaten in Tokyo, calling on the Japanese side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens in Japan, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Thursday.
Earlier it was reported that on Thursday, four men in Tokyo attacked two Chinese people and caused them serious injuries.
Answering questions from reporters at a regular departmental press conference, Guo Jiakun said that China has taken note of the relevant reports, adding that the Chinese Embassy in Japan, having immediately expressed its concerns to the Japanese side, continues to establish the circumstances of the incident.
“We urge the Japanese side to take effective measures to ensure the safety of Chinese citizens,” Guo Jiakun concluded. -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.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — Two international invitational Go (Chinese name Weiqi) tournaments will be held from Aug. 4 to 6 in Wushi County, Aksu Prefecture, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, the prefectural government said.
The upcoming competition will bring together 10 teams of Go players from eight countries, namely China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Uzbekistan, Russia, Mongolia, Vietnam and Laos.
On the sidelines of the sporting events, the Chinese side is expected to sign strategic cooperation agreements in the field of go with Kyrgyzstan and Kazakhstan.
The two events are aimed at promoting cultural exchanges between participating countries, local authorities said. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
VILNIUS, July 31 (Xinhua) — Lithuanian Prime Minister Gintautas Paluckas on Thursday announced his resignation as head of the country’s government and chairman of the Social Democratic Party of Lithuania.
“I have informed the President… that I have decided to resign from the post of Prime Minister,” G. Paluckas said in a statement.
The resignation came ahead of a planned vote by the party’s executive council and followed a warning from the speaker of the Seimas (parliament) and leader of the Union of Democrats “For Lithuania” Saulius Skvernelis, who threatened to withdraw his party from the coalition government if Paluckas remained in his post.
According to the Constitution of Lithuania, the entire cabinet of ministers will resign along with the prime minister.
Lithuanian President Gitanas Nauseda on Thursday welcomed the resignation of G. Paluckas, calling the decision “the only right choice.”
G. Paluckas’ resignation from the post of the head of government comes amid an investigation into his financial transactions and alleged improper involvement in business, connections with certain businessmen and failure to compensate for damages caused to the Vilnius municipality.
G. Paluckas, however, denied any wrongdoing and called the criticism a “coordinated attack” by political opponents. –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.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Moscow, July 31 /Xinhua/ — Russian armed forces took control of Chasov Yar on Thursday, TASS reported, citing the Russian Defense Ministry.
The battles for Chasov Yar lasted for more than a year. The city was one of the most powerful fortified areas of the Ukrainian Armed Forces in Donbass due to the complexity of the landscape and the peculiarities of the buildings and infrastructure. –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.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BANGKOK, July 31 (Xinhua) — The Thai government on Wednesday approved adjustments to the country’s key incentive programs to encourage manufacturers to boost exports of battery electric vehicles (BEVs), a move aimed at bolstering the country’s position as a regional EV manufacturing hub.
Manufacturers participating in the EV subsidy program, which started in 2022, are required to produce electric vehicles domestically as compensation for receiving subsidies and exemption from import duties.
Under the revised terms, one BEV produced for export will count as 1.5 vehicles under the local production quota, making it easier to meet production commitments.
“The changes will allow for greater flexibility and help Thailand, already a leader in the region’s auto industry, become a key base for electric vehicle production,” said Narit Terdsteerasukdee, secretary general of the Thai Board of Investment (BOI).
The adjustments to the program come as total investment in the country’s EV supply chain as of June reached 137.7 billion baht (about US$4.21 billion), the BOI said in a statement.
The move is expected to boost Thailand’s EV exports to around 12,500 units in 2025 and 52,000 units in 2026.
In the first half of 2025, the number of new BEV registrations increased by 52.4 percent year-on-year to reach 57,289 units, accounting for 15 percent of all new vehicle registrations in Thailand.
To date, the Thai government has provided subsidies totaling more than 12 billion baht (approximately $367.82 million) for 175,064 BEVs and 34,559 electric motorcycles under the EV 3.0 and 3.5 subsidy programs. –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.
.
Translation. Region: Russian Federal
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, July 31 (Xinhua) — China calls on the European Union (EU) to provide a fair, impartial and non-discriminatory business environment for Chinese companies to invest in and trade with Europe, Ministry of Commerce spokesman He Yadong said at a press conference on Thursday.
China, he said, hopes the EU will keep its market open, pay attention to the concerns of Chinese companies and show restraint in using restrictive trade and economic measures.
He Yadong stressed that China will continue to expand high-level opening-up, continuously improve its own business environment, comprehensively ensure national treatment for foreign investors, and strengthen the protection of intellectual property rights to provide quality services to foreign-invested enterprises.
China welcomes investments in its own economy from more European companies, expansion of their activities in the Chinese market and joint sharing of the country’s development opportunities, the department representative summed up. -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: Reserve Bank of India
|
The value of exports and imports of services during June 2025 is given in the following table.
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/817 |
|||||||||||||||||||||
Source: Reserve Bank of India
|
The Reserve Bank today released data on India’s invisibles as per the IMF’s Balance of Payments and International Investment Position Manual (BPM6) format for January-March of 2024-25. Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/816 |
Source: Reserve Bank of India
|
Data on lending and deposit rates of scheduled commercial banks (SCBs) (excluding regional rural banks and small finance banks) received during the month of July 2025 are set out in Tables 1 to 7. Highlights: Lending Rates:
Deposit Rates:
Ajit Prasad Press Release: 2025-2026/818 |
Source: Samsung
London, U.K. – 31 July, 2025 – Leading social entertainment business LADbible Group makes its debut on television screens with the launch of the LADbible Free Ad-Supported Streaming TV (FAST) channel.
Now available in the UK on Samsung TV Plus, Samsung’s FAST platform, LADbible FAST Channel will showcase the Group’s most loved original programming 24/7, including hit series such as Minutes With, Snack Wars, Agree to Disagree and Would You Rather.
As viewing habits shift, LADbible Group is expanding its reach to meet audiences exactly where they are. Insights from Samsung’s 2024 Anatomy of a Streamer research report show that Gen Z Samsung Smart TV viewers are embracing streaming TV, watching an average of 1 hour and 38 minutes of streamed content per day, compared to just over 49 minutes for Boomers.
The channel offers a bold mix of entertaining, unfiltered moments with household celebrities and untold stories from around the world, all delivered straight into viewers’ homes. Whether it’s Minutes With, spotlighting powerful, personal stories from mental health advocates to reformed gangsters, or Snack Wars featuring stars like Sabrina Carpenter, Ryan Gosling or Paul Mescal, each show is designed to entertain, spark conversation, and put viewers into the heart of culture.
To mark the launch, LADbible Group will also premiere its new format ‘Jury Room’, a debate show that takes on issues the public can not agree on, hosted by ‘Juries’ – from barristers, business owners, gangsters, to Gen Z influencers. The six-part series will see the first episode questioning, “Should we bring back military conscription in the event of war?”. It will be available on CTV and YouTube.
LADbible’s original programming has seen notable growth and success. Its audience has grown to over 280 million views on YouTube alone with a YOY increase of 20%, averaging a staggering 100 million minutes per month.
Becky Gardner, Head of Originals said, ‘LADbible on TV presents an exciting new opportunity to expand our reach and connect with even more viewers of our shows. This launch reflects our dedication to being where our audience is, delivering always-on entertainment that they love – anytime, anywhere, on any screen. We’re thrilled to bring LADbible directly into people’s homes”
Gus Grimaldi, Head of Samsung TV Plus EMEA, added: “LADbible is a global powerhouse of entertainment, and we’re thrilled to bring their first-ever TV channel to Samsung TV Plus users for free in the UK. With young viewers rapidly turning to CTV and watching from the comfort of their own homes, Samsung TV Plus is at the forefront of connecting audiences with high quality entertainment. LADbible is the ideal content partner to reach the ever-growing number of FAST TV viewers.”
Availability:
LADbible is now live on Samsung TV Plus, available pre-installed on 2016+ Samsung Smart TVs and on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets. Channel number: 4093
About LADbible Group
LADbible Group is a leading social entertainment business, reaching a global audience of 520 million followers. In the UK alone, it reaches two‑thirds of 18‑ to 34‑year‑olds and ranks as the fifth largest social and digital business. The Group operates a diverse portfolio of brands and platforms, including LADbible, SPORTbible, UNILAD and Betches, and operates over seven websites. Every month, it generates 13.9 billion views on social and 2,700 views per second. Its purpose is to give young adults a voice by building communities that laugh, think and act, with content that spans entertainment, celebrity interviews, news, live documentary and factual programming. LADbible Group has an international presence spanning all corners of the globe, with physical offices across APAC, US, the UK and Ireland. The Group has been widely recognised across the industry for its impactful social good campaigns, brand partnerships and original programming. This includes Media Brand of the Year at the Media Week Awards, Commercial Team of the Year at the Campaign Media Awards and Web Channel of the Year at the Broadcast Digital Awards.
About Samsung TV Plus
Samsung TV Plus is free streaming, TV with no subscription and no additional device or credit card needed. The service is pre-installed on all 2016+ Samsung Smart TVs, and on Samsung Galaxy smartphones and tablets in select territories. Samsung TV Plus instantly delivers a vast and growing library across multiple genres including news, sports, entertainment, as well as a video on demand catalogue of your favourite movies and popular shows. The free, ad-supported streaming video service is available globally in 30 territories, all you need is an internet connection. For the latest on Samsung TV Plus, please visit www.samsungtvplus.com.
Source: US State of Connecticut
In the coastal waters of Long Island Sound, Connecticut’s shellfish industry is quietly thriving and evolving. A statewide effort led by Connecticut Sea Grant and UConn Extension professionals is helping prospective farmers, agriscience teachers, and environmental professionals dive into the world of aquaculture with the Foundations of Shellfish Farming course.
Now entering its fourth year, the course has become a vital entry point for people launching or expanding their careers in the shellfish industry, and the results are rippling across the state.
“In this business, you need to get up early and go to work even when it’s not always fun. But we try to prepare people for that reality, and for the opportunities that come with it,” says Mike Gilman, an assistant extension educator and co-instructor of the course.
A former high school science teacher, Gilman co-owns an oyster business and has experienced firsthand the long, uncertain path from lease applications to harvesting a market-ready crop.
Tessa Getchis, senior extension educator and aquaculture specialist, co-teaches the course with Gilman.
“We’ve created a program that combines science, policy, and lived experience. Students walk away with a binder full of resources, a support network, and a deeper understanding of the industry,” Getchis says.
The course was launched through a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration grant. Foundations of Shellfish Farming offers 12 weeks of intensive, in-person instruction each winter. Classes are held at UConn Avery Point, and the curriculum includes biology lessons, business planning, regulatory guidance, and mental and emotional preparedness for the unpredictable world of shellfish farming.
The course enrolls around 15 participants annually, with a cap of 20 to ensure knowledge sharing and individualized attention. Students range from new farmers to conservation professionals, and entrepreneurs.
The course’s hands-on emphasis extends beyond the classroom. Each year, students have an opportunity for real-world experience through the Sharing Hands-On Understanding and Cultivating Knowledge on Shellfish (SHUCKS) internship program, a partnership with Sixpenny Oyster Farm in Noank.
Last year’s interns were funded by the Small Business Development Fund, with preference given to Foundations students. One of the interns, Sam Tucker of Clinton, was already a seasoned shellfish worker. A music teacher by trade, Tucker recently planted his first crop of oysters after navigating a complex, years-long permitting process.
This season, two new interns are back on the water with funding from Connecticut Sea Grant. Sixpenny co-owners Will Ceddia and Jason Hamilton oversee the interviews and day-to-day management of interns. Gilman and Getchis facilitate the program, provide orientation, and collect feedback.
The Foundations course addresses a significant barrier in the shellfish industry: access.
“Shellfishing has traditionally been a hard industry to enter,” Gilman says. “One of our goals is to make the path clearer and more inclusive.”
The start-up requirements and expenses involved can also be a disincentive. In some cases, the Foundations course has helped students decide a large investment in shellfish farming isn’t the right choice for them.
“If this class helps a student realize that aquaculture isn’t for them, before they spend years in the permitting process and potentially thousands of dollars in equipment, that’s actually a win for the industry,” says Gilman.
But for many, the course is the launchpad they need to start or expand their businesses.
Four new farms have launched directly from the program with multiple others currently in the process of becoming established operations. Also, some former students now hire interns or share equipment.
Participants report increased confidence with permitting, inspections, and gear management. A six-month follow-up survey shows that more than 60% of graduates are actively engaged in industry work, environmental stewardship, or continued aquaculture training.
The course is a requirement for new licensees through the Connecticut Department of Agriculture’s Bureau of Aquaculture. Gilman and Getchis also consult regularly with the Bureau and other subject matter experts to adapt content to emerging issues, such as pests, predators, diseases, impaired water quality and climate (for example, the growing threat of rainfall-related closures).
The Foundations course goes beyond shellfish biology and gear types. It includes sessions on physical and mental health, business planning, and managing risks. “Farming shellfish is isolating and physically demanding,” says Gilman. “We don’t shy away from that. We talk about how to stay safe, how to deal with closures, and how to make it through when things get tough.”
Another recent innovation honors the legacy of former Guilford Shellfish Commissioner, Peter Charland, who passed away in 2024. In partnership with the Guilford Shellfish Commission, the team created aquaculture worker starter packs with boots, sun gear, and other essentials which were distributed during a ceremony this spring. A larger grant seeks to continue this initiative and help reduce startup costs for new entrants.
Extreme weather and regulatory hurdles challenge the industry, making sustainable shellfish aquaculture more important than ever. Connecticut remains one of the top six shellfish-producing states, with over 50 businesses supported by its oyster and clam operations.
The next steps for Gilman and Getchis include facilitating more pathways from coursework to water-based experience.
“You don’t need an advanced degree to grow oysters,” says Gilman. “We need plumbers, electricians, and mechanics, people with complementary skills who can fix a pump or a boat engine and aren’t afraid to get dirty.”
For now, the Foundations course is cultivating more than oysters; it’s growing a community.
“Our students stay in touch. They ask questions, they call us for help, and they show up at industry meetings,” Getchis says. “It’s been incredible to watch this bubble of new energy form around Connecticut aquaculture. That’s the kind of impact you hope for in Extension.”
The Connecticut Sea Grant College Program (CTSG) is part of the National Sea Grant College Program network, administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). CTSG is based at UConn Avery Point in Groton. Several staff members have academic appointments in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources, including UConn Extension. For more than 30 years, CTSG has worked to foster the wise use and conservation of coastal and marine resources of Long Island Sound and beyond through research, outreach and education. It is science serving the coast!
Source: ASEAN
Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn, will welcome H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat, on 1 August 2025.
The visit will include a Policy Speech by H.E. José Ramos-Horta, President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste and an Interface with the Secretary-General of ASEAN, the Committee of Permanent Representatives to ASEAN (CPR) and the Ambassador of Timor-Leste to ASEAN. The visit will highlight, among others, the progress in Timor-Leste’s journey towards membership in ASEAN. During the Policy Speech, attendances would include members of the diplomatic corps in Jakarta, representatives of Entities associated with ASEAN, academia and think tanks, the business community, as well as staff members of the ASEAN Secretariat.
The post Secretary-General of ASEAN to Welcome President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to the ASEAN Headquarters/ASEAN Secretariat appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: APO – Report:
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa (CCBA) (www.CCBAGroup.com) marks nine years since the transformative merger that established it as the continent’s largest Coca-Cola bottling partner.
This milestone is grounded in a proud legacy that began 85 years ago, when the first Coca-Cola was bottled in Gqeberha, South Africa in 1940 by the SA Bottling Company (Pty) Ltd. That same year, Philipp Rowland Gutsche joined the company, beginning a family legacy that would shape the business for generations. From those early beginnings, CCBA has evolved into a key player in Africa’s beverage industry, with a deep commitment to local communities and long-term development.
Today, CCBA continues to invest in new production capacity, reinforcing its belief in Africa’s potential and its commitment to creating shared opportunities across the value chain.
In the past year alone, CCBA has launched new state-of-the-art bottling lines in South Africa, Namibia and Malawi, increasing total production capacity by over 108,000 bottles per hour, and equipped with advanced technology, including artificial intelligence. CCBA has also opened a new polyethylene terephthalate (PET) flaking plant in Namibia which doubled the capacity of the only mechanical recycler of plastic in the country through a partnership with Plastic Packaging. The completion of this cutting-edge recycling facility has enabled Namibia Polymer Recyclers (NPR), a subsidiary of Plastic Packaging, to recycle up to 500 tons of PET per month.
CCBA has also announced the company’s intention to grow its investment in Kenya by up to $175m in the five years between 2024 and 2029, should it achieve its anticipated growth targets in the country.
“These investments are a demonstration of our progress and continued belief in the future of Africa,” said Sunil Gupta, Chief Executive Officer of CCBA.
“They reaffirm the Coca-Cola system’s local approach – we produce locally, distribute locally and, where possible, source locally. Our value chain includes a significant number of businesses, many of them small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
“These investments go beyond numbers, it’s about creating shared opportunities across the value chain,” Gupta said.
“Our vision is to refresh Africa and create shared value. As we celebrate our ninth birthday as a company, we aim to inspire excellence and set the standard as Africa’s leading and most admired company, fostering growth, innovation and impact across the continent,” Gupta said.
– on behalf of Coca-Cola Beverages Africa.
ISSUED BY:
Keli Fernie
Head: Reputation and Communication
Coca-Cola Beverages Africa
Tel: +27 82 419 8766
Email: kfernie@ccbagroup.com
Follow us on:
LinkedIn: https://apo-opa.co/4l54fGW
About CCBA:
CCBA is the eighth largest Coca-Cola bottling partner in the world by revenue, and the largest on the continent. It accounts for over 40% of all Coca-Cola products sold in Africa by volume. With over 17,000 employees in Africa, CCBA services more than 800,000 customers with a host of international and local brands. CCBA operates in 14 countries, South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Uganda, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Botswana, Zambia, the islands of Comoros and Mayotte, Eswatini, Lesotho, and Malawi.
Learn more at https://www.CCBAGroup.com
.
Source: APO – Report:
The African Development Bank (www.AfDB.org) and the Government of Burkina Faso launched the third phase of the incubator program of the Support Project for Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas (PADEJ-MR in the French acronym) on July 15, 2025, in Ouagadougou, the capital of Burkina Faso.
Ms. Franceline Kaboré, representing the country’s Minister of Sports, Youth, and Employment, and Ms. Mouna Diawara, Head of Operations both attended.
The PADEJ-MR aims to promote the economic empowerment and resilience of young people in rural areas through entrepreneurship. The project, with a total cost of €13.62 million, mainly financed by a €12.25 million grant from the African Development Bank, has supported the establishment of an incubator mechanism providing practical training in financial education and safeguards, personalized coaching, and local technical support.
The initiative aims to help young people convert their ideas into viable businesses in promising sectors such as agriculture, agri-food, services, crafts, and new technologies. In the third phase of the incubator program, 65 young people from the four regions covered by the Project are receiving support to help them prepare business plans that are eligible for financing.
Ms. Franceline Kaboré commended the African Development Bank’s commitment to the PADEJ-MR. She noted that youth entrepreneurship is a national priority enshrined in the strategic vision of the government of Burkina Faso.
Ms. Mouna Diawara emphasized that “the Project to Support Youth Employment and Skills Development in Rural Areas is a concrete and integrated response to the problem of youth unemployment in rural areas. The African Development Bank is ready to continue supporting Burkina Faso in its economic transformation efforts, with a particular focus on opportunities for young people and women.”
Sévérine Lankouandé, speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries of the incubator, expressed gratitude to the government and to the African Development Bank for the opportunities that the incubator program had already provided. A cohort of young entrepreneurs have already received training that will enable them to launch transformative enteprises.
– on behalf of African Development Bank Group (AfDB).
Media contact:
Department of Communication and External Relations
media@afdb.org
.
Source: Government of South Africa
Gauteng Social Development welcomes arrest of viral video suspects
The Gauteng Department of Social Development has welcomed the arrest of three suspects involved in video footage that has emerged depicting a toddler smoking a pipe with an unknown substance in a broken bottle top.
“The Gauteng Department of Social Development is condemning the behaviour of parents following a video that went viral on social media where a toddler is seen smoking a pipe with an unknown substance in a broken bottle top. The department categorically wishes to state that it is gravely outraged by the irresponsible behaviour of the toddler’s parents and further commits to investigating the incident in order to provide the necessary intervention that will help the child.”
In a statement on Wednesday, the department further condemned actions that harm children, such as violence and negligence and emphasised the importance of positive role models and responsible behaviour towards children.
“This incident is both unfortunate and barbaric, and the department welcomes the arrest of the three suspects involved from Newclare in Johannesburg, including the mother who is detained at a police station. The department calls on community members (particularly those who claim to be community activist and take to posting on social media) to instead take action against these kinds of incidents by reporting to the relevant institutions and/or law enforcement agencies.
“Rather than share such videos widely, the department appeals to the citizens to forward such videos to the police or to the department so that action can be taken against perpetrators, whilst ensuring children’s rights are protected and not violated through such social media postings.”
As the custodian of the Children’s Act, the department condemned the constant disregard of children’s safety and protection in the province.
Meanwhile, Gauteng police confirmed the arrests in the matter.
According to the South African Police Service (SAPS), the Gauteng Family Violence, Child Protection and Sexual Offences (FCS) responded to a call from Sophiatown police station about a child who was brought to the police station by Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and the grandmother.
“The child was recorded on a video being given what appeared to be drugs and also being given those drugs to smoke. The Johannesburg FCS Unit commander Lieutenant Colonel Marema Mogale and his members responded immediately at about midnight. Three people, the mother and two men, were detained as they were brought to the police station by [the] JMPD,” said the SAPS on Wednesday.
The three-year-old boy was taken to hospital for medical attention and then taken to a place of safety.
The trio were expected to appear before the Johannesburg Regional Court on Thursday, 31 July 2025, on child abuse charges. – SAnews.gov.za
Neo
Source: Government of South Africa
‘Evolution of energy landscape’ requires deepening government, industry collaboration
The success of South Africa’s energy transition depends, in part, on deepening and stronger collaboration between government and the renewable energy industry to fill out policy implementation gaps and drive investment.
This according to Chief Executive Officer of the South African Wind Energy Association (SAWEA), Niveshen Govender, who participated in a panel discussion on the sidelines of the third G20 Energy Transitions Working Group (ETWG) meeting held in the North West.
“From an industry perspective… there are a number of requirements that we have to work on with government to ensure that we implement. I think we are doing a good job… We have the energy one stop shop that is now a single point of access to all permitting. You have the Department of Energy and Electricity with a minister [Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] who is very active in unblocking [challenges].
“We have seen government’s readiness of market and allowing for business to come in, invest [and] implement on cost, on time – as quickly as possible – to get those electrons into place,” Govender said.
He noted that the industry and government stand at the same point with a “lot of commonalities” between the two.
“[This is] in terms of ensuring that we have access to energy per country, we have affordable energy to actually use, we have security of supply so we don’t go back to load shedding and we have sustainability in the long-term for reducing our carbon emissions.
“The Minister [Dr Kgosientsho Ramokgopa] very succinctly articulated… the importance of the energy mix and the importance of renewable energy being central to the decarbonisation of that energy mix,” Govender said.
However, despite these commonalities, misalignments still remain.
“We have very good policies in South Africa, top tier policies. They give good direction and good guidance. It takes everything into consideration… for the people of South Africa to make sure that we’re leaving no one behind.
“Where we do struggle is implementation of these policies. I think the biggest one of those is investor readiness. If you are not engaging industries, your readiness is going to [be impacted] as to what does the investor need to make that policy a reality,” the industry expert said.
He described the current developmental pace of the industry as an “evolution of the energy landscape”.
“We’ve moved from, essentially, the monopoly that Eskom was into public procurement of renewable energy and IPPs [Independent Power Producers]. Now we’re moving into bilateral agreements between these IPPs and… users. We’re even moving one step further into a liberalised energy market where you have traders and aggregators playing a role.
“We see this evolution of the electricity space that’s changing how we do business. It’s changing how we look at the landscape and energy planning,” Govender said. – SAnews.gov.za
NeoB