Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order dated July 11, 2025 No. 1871-r
1 billion rubles will be allocated from the Cabinet’s reserve fund for the implementation of measures to create the infrastructure of the innovative scientific and technological center (ISTC) “Composite Valley” in the Tula Region. This order was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
With the allocated funds, the necessary work will be carried out and at least 50 units of equipment will be purchased for the scientific laboratory buildings.
“Composite Valley” will become a platform that unites students, scientists and business representatives, which will help create new scientific and technological programs and attract investments for the implementation of innovative projects. The center is being created on the instructions of the President on the basis of Tula State University within the framework of the federal project “Development of the production of composite materials and products made from them”, which is part of the national project to ensure technological leadership “New Materials and Chemistry”.
The center’s main areas of activity include multifunctional materials, chemical components and technologies for their production; modeling, design and production of products from composite materials; new environmentally friendly closed-loop technologies for small-tonnage chemical production; catalytic materials and technologies for the production of chemical products for the agricultural and petrochemical industries.
“As a result, the region will have the most modern base for the development, implementation and small-scale production of multifunctional substances and components, as well as for modeling an advanced range of products made from composite materials, which will make it possible to find solutions to a number of complex design problems,” Mikhail Mishustin noted atGovernment meeting on July 10.
The law on the INTC was adopted in Russia in 2017. They are created to organize the transfer of scientific competencies of universities into commercial circulation, involve students and researchers in the development of technologies in demand on the market, and also to help technology companies and startups. A special legal regime for conducting scientific research and implementing innovative solutions, up to the production of specific products, is in effect on their territory. In the coming years, a whole network of such centers should be created in the country. They will become part of a single innovation ecosystem that will bring scientists’ developments closer to the real needs of the economy and stimulate the development of technologies.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Moscow State Technological University “Stankin” turns 95 years old.
Dear friends!
I sincerely congratulate you on this significant event – the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Moscow State Technological University “Stankin”.
Over its nearly century-long history, it has come a long way, becoming one of the leading technical universities in Russia. And all these years it has been making an invaluable contribution to the development of domestic mechanical engineering, automation, information technology, and the training of highly qualified engineering personnel.
Today, Stankin is a modern educational and research center where innovations are combined with fundamental knowledge. The university is rightfully proud of its glorious traditions, scientific schools, advanced developments and thousands of talented graduates who successfully realize themselves in various industries, science and business.
Behind all the achievements is the dedicated work of several generations of teachers, many of whom are recognized experts in their fields. Thanks to your professionalism and boundless dedication to the cause, students acquire extensive scientific and practical experience, learn to think outside the box, and find solutions to the most complex technical problems.
I am confident that Stankin will continue to be a leader in engineering education and a training ground for personnel for high-tech industries.
I wish the faculty, staff and students of the university success, new discoveries and prosperity.
M. Mishustin
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order of July 8, 2025 No. 1837-r
More than 480 million rubles will be allocated from the federal budget to ensure the operation of the new museum complex of the Russian State Art Gallery in Sevastopol. An order to this effect has been signed.
The allocated funds will provide funding for the museum complex’s activities in 2025. This includes expenses related to the acquisition of works of art and the creation of exhibitions.
The museum complex of the Russian State Art Gallery in Sevastopol is being created on the instructions of the President. The opening of the new art space will take place in stages. By the end of 2025, it is planned to open its first stage, including an education and creativity center, a digital art center and the first exhibition dedicated to the history of Sevastopol. The opening of the second stage – a permanent art gallery – is planned for the first half of 2026.
Together with the Academy of Choreography and the Opera and Ballet Theatre, the museum complex will become part of a cultural cluster in Sevastopol. Such large museum and theatre-educational complexes, uniting theatres, museums, concert halls and creative universities, are also being created in Vladivostok, Kaliningrad and Kemerovo as part of a large-scale project launched on the instructions of the President.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Mikhail Mishustin congratulated the director of the museum on his anniversary.
The telegram states, in particular:
“You have dedicated yourself to the museum business. And for many years now you have been heading the famous memorial historical-artistic and natural museum-reserve “Polenovo”.
Under your leadership, this cultural center is actively developing. Scientific and research activities are carried out here. The interiors of the old estate, famous historical monuments and valuable exhibits are given a second life, parks and landscapes are carefully preserved.
I wish you success, new projects, health and prosperity.”
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: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
During the International Scientific conference “Implementation of Innovations. New Materials and Additive Technologies” (VINMiAT-25), which took place at the Technopolis Polytech Scientific Research Institute, the School of Young Scientists was in operation. It was attended by students, postgraduates, early career researchers, as well as leading specialists in the field of additive technologies, materials science, and digital engineering.
The main objectives of the school are to ensure the transfer of advanced knowledge about modern production methods, to promote the growth of professionalism of young personnel and to introduce them to advanced trends in the field of scientific developments.
After the plenary session, the school participants worked in two sections: “Welding and related technologies/Nature-like materials and additive technologies for their production” and “Equipment, automation and robotics of innovative technologies”.
In the first section, Yarob Aldaiye, an engineer at the Research Laboratory of LiAT IMMiT, presented a report entitled “Assessment of residual deformations of a welded joint formed using various welding methods”. The scientist analyzed the influence of the welding method on the level of residual deformations, energy input and the width of the heat-affected zone, as well as on technical and economic characteristics. As part of the work, technologies for welding steel samples using various methods were created, control samples were welded to assess residual deformations, metallographic studies of welded joints were conducted, residual deformations of welded samples were analyzed and compared, and a technical and economic justification for the selected welding methods was carried out.
The second report, “Restoration of nozzle blades made of cobalt alloy MAR-M 509 using laser gas-powder surfacing,” was given by Vladimir Protsenko, an engineer at the Research Laboratory of LiAT.
A separate presentation was devoted to the restoration of nozzle blades made of cobalt and nickel alloy using laser cladding. SPbPU scientists developed a laser cladding technology and a method for preventing crack formation. The cladding blades successfully passed operational tests.
Anna Abdrakhmanova, an engineer at the Materials Design and Additive Manufacturing Laboratory, presented a report on the topic of “Study of Mechanical Properties of Continuously Reinforced Nature-Like Polymer Composite”. Maria Zaitseva, an engineer at the Russian-Chinese Research Laboratory of Functional Materials, spoke about the features of selective laser melting of DUO steel with platform heating.
Victoria Nefedova, an engineer at the Scientific and Educational Center for Structural and Functional Materials, presented the development of biocompatible titanium-tantalum composites using selective laser melting, and her colleague, engineer Alexander Zolotarev, spoke about the modification of the heat-resistant alloy BZh159 with TiB₂ and Y₂O₃ nanoparticles. Then Alexander Zaitsev, an engineer at the Russian-Chinese Laboratory for Functional Materials, gave a report on the production of a polymer-ceramic material using the filament deposition modeling method (FDM technology).
The event continued with a traditional tour of the IMMiT laboratories, where the school participants were able to get acquainted with modern equipment, industrial 3D printing systems, and discuss the knowledge gained with leading scientists working at the institute.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
July 12 marked the 95th anniversary of the founding of the Moscow State Technological University “Stankin” – one of the leading technical universities in the country. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko took part in the ceremonial celebration of this significant date for the university, and also presented diplomas with honors to the best students.
The Deputy Prime Minister read out a congratulatory message from Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin, who is a graduate of Stankin, to the university staff and students.
Dmitry Chernyshenko, in turn, shared his memories of how he himself was once a student at the university, and spoke about plans for its development: by 2030, a modern, world-class campus will be built for Stankin.
“Soon, Stankin will acquire a new site with new high-tech premises with an area of over 200 thousand square meters, designed for 11 thousand students. A modern scientific and educational ecosystem will appear by 2030 through the joint efforts of Moscow and the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Therefore, those who will proudly bear the title of Stankinites will receive even more unique opportunities to realize their talents, as President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin instructed us. I wish the staff and students all the best, and the graduates – to fully realize their potential, as all Stankinites do. Good luck to you, bon voyage!” said the Deputy Prime Minister.
Acting Rector Boris Padalkin also congratulated the graduates. The acting rector noted that on this solemn day the students receive their diplomas and take a serious step into their future lives. He expressed confidence that they will become good engineers and will bring glory to Stankin in the years to come.
As a token of gratitude, Dmitry Chernyshenko, as a graduate of the Faculty of Automated Systems for Control of Industrial Processes (now the Institute of Information Technologies) of MSTU “Stankin”, received a symbolic scarf from the acting rector Boris Padalkin. This gift, which has become traditional for current graduates, symbolizes the inseparable connection between generations and the continuity of traditions in the training of engineering personnel of the highest level.
Dmitry Chernyshenko also assessed how the admission campaign at MSTU “Stankin” is going. The Deputy Prime Minister was informed that the recruitment of applicants in 2025 is going well, and for master’s and postgraduate studies, it is significantly ahead of last year’s figures. This year, the university allocated more than 1.6 thousand budget places, for which more than 4.5 thousand applicants from 22 thousand competitive groups applied. The most popular method of submission is through the super service “Online University Admission”: 85% of applications were submitted this way.
The following areas of training are most in demand among applicants: computer science and computer engineering, information systems and technologies, software engineering and automation. Currently, more than 5.5 thousand undergraduate and graduate students are studying at the university, and over its history, the university has graduated more than 70 thousand engineers who have contributed to the development of the country.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Congratulations from Dmitry Patrushev on Fisherman’s Day
Dear colleagues!
I congratulate the workers and veterans of the Russian fisheries complex on Fisherman’s Day.
Fishing industry is one of the most important sectors of the Russian economy, which makes a significant contribution to ensuring not only national but also global food security. Russia is one of the leading countries in terms of volumes of aquatic bioresources production, and seeks to strengthen its position in the global fisheries industry and develop aquaculture production.
The President of our country has outlined a strategic goal to further increase production and export of agricultural products. Fishing industry is an integral part of this goal. And much has already been done to achieve it. Thanks to the investment quota program, the industry infrastructure is being updated – modern fishing vessels, processing plants and logistics centers are being built.
To support enterprises, the state implements comprehensive measures aimed at increasing innovation, introducing advanced environmentally friendly technologies throughout the entire chain from catching aquatic bioresources to releasing the finished product. This allows us to provide for the domestic market and increase export potential. Specialized science also plays an important role in the technological development and sustainable operation of the domestic fish industry.
I would like to point out that all these successes would be impossible without people. The Russian fisheries industry employs more than 125 thousand people – professionals, experts, who love their work. I thank all workers in the fishing industry for their conscientious work and wish them health, prosperity, development and new successes.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Russian team showed outstanding results at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad, which ended in Dubai (United Arab Emirates). All four participants from Russia won gold medals. Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko and Minister of Education Sergey Kravtsov congratulated the schoolchildren and their mentors on their victory.
“Every medal of Russian schoolchildren is a great joy and pride of the country. At a recent meeting, President Vladimir Putin especially noted the success of our Olympiad participants. All members of the team once again demonstrated their skills and received gold medals, scoring high points among about 1,000 representatives from 90 countries. As the head of state noted, we need to achieve excellence in chemistry and in the creation of new materials. I am confident that the winners of the International Chemistry Olympiad will be able to make a significant contribution to achieving this goal in the future,” said Dmitry Chernyshenko.
The Russian team took second place in the team standings.
The head of the Ministry of Education noted that the children’s achievements are the result of hard work and perseverance, which the entire country can be proud of.
“On behalf of the Russian Ministry of Education and on my own behalf, I would like to sincerely congratulate you on your successful performance at the 57th International Chemistry Olympiad in Dubai! In the conditions of tough competition among thousands of young talents, you demonstrated a high level of knowledge. By taking prize places, you confirmed that the Russian school still holds a strong position in the international arena. We are proud of you and are confident that many new victories and achievements await you ahead,” emphasized Sergey Kravtsov.
The Russian national team included:
• Konstantin Gunko (school No. 1589, Moscow);
• Viktor Demidov (TsPM school, Moscow);
• Vladimir Elistratov (TsPM school, Moscow);
• Fyodor Kuznetsov (school No. 1329, Moscow).
The team leader was Associate Professor of the Chemistry Department of Lomonosov Moscow State University Alexander Belov. His deputies were Leonid Romashov, a chemistry teacher at School No. 192, Maxim Likhanov, a senior lecturer at Lomonosov Moscow State University, and Maxim Kozlov, a chemistry teacher at Vorobyovy Gory. The Russian team was trained at the Chemistry Department of Moscow State University with the participation of the University Gymnasium.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order dated July 12, 2025 No. 1879-r
In 2025, the amount of contributions to the personal liability fund for tour operators in the outbound tourism sector will be reduced and the deadline for their payment will be extended.
According to the signed order, the amount of such contributions has been reduced from 1% to 0.75% of the total price of a tourism product in the field of outbound tourism for 2024.
By law, these contributions are paid in equal installments no later than the 15th of each month following the previous calendar quarter. Now the payment deadline has been moved from July 15 and October 15, 2025 to January 15, 2026.
The decision is aimed at supporting representatives of the tourism industry in the context of restrictions caused by the geopolitical situation in the Middle East. The released funds will be used, among other things, to return money to tourists who paid for trips to countries where restrictions are in place due to security threats.
Similar measures, providing for a reduction in the amount of contributions to the personal liability fund of tour operators in the field of outbound tourism, were taken by the Government in 2021 and 2022 due to the threat of the spread of coronavirus, and then external sanctions pressure.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order dated July 10, 2025 No. 1853-r
A number of Russian regions have been given the opportunity to write off up to two-thirds of their budget loan debt in 2025, totaling 42.7 billion rubles. The order to this effect was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
The debt will be written off for 25 regions. These are the Altai Republic, Buryatia, Dagestan, Kabardino-Balkaria, Karachay-Cherkessia, Crimea, Mari El, North Ossetia, Tuva, Zabaikalsky, Perm and Khabarovsk Krais, Arkhangelsk, Bryansk, Kaluga, Kurgan, Novgorod, Omsk, Oryol, Pskov, Samara, Sverdlovsk, Chelyabinsk, Yaroslavl and the Jewish Autonomous Regions.
The amount of the write-off will correspond to the amount of funds allocated by these regions for the implementation of measures in the sphere of housing and communal services, the resettlement of citizens from dilapidated housing, the renovation of public transport, the development of key settlements, the implementation of new investment projects, as well as for the recapitalization of industrial development funds, guarantee and microfinance organizations and support for companies that manage territories with preferential tax regimes.
In addition, the debt of regions included in the Far Eastern Federal District and the Arctic zone will be written off in the amount of funds allocated for the implementation of activities within the framework of master plans of cities located in these territories, and for entities with low budgetary security – funds allocated for the implementation of national projects.
“The funds remaining in the region will help speed up the solution of important tasks for our citizens, which will have a positive impact on the dynamics of both the regional and federal economies and, of course, the social sphere,” Mikhail Mishustin noted, commenting on the decision taken at a meeting with deputy prime ministers on July 14.
The rules for writing off regions’ debt on budget loans and the list of areas for spending the released funds were approved by the Government in February 2025. The President instructed the Government to develop them following his Address to the Federal Assembly in 2024, as well as following the meeting of the Council for Strategic Development and National Projects and the State Council commissions on socio-economic development areas.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order dated July 10, 2025 No. 1844-r
Over the course of three years, over 2.5 billion rubles will be additionally allocated for the implementation of social development plans for economic growth centers in the regions of the Far Eastern Federal District. The order on the distribution of funds reserved in the federal budget was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Thus, in 2025, projects implemented within the framework of social development plans for the Far Eastern economic growth centers will be financed in the amount of 242.6 million rubles, in 2026 – 1.9 billion rubles, in 2027 – 372.9 million rubles.
This will allow, among other things, to modernize the infrastructure of the advanced development areas in Buryatia, Zabaikalsky, Kamchatka and Khabarovsk Krais, Amur Oblast and the Jewish Autonomous Oblast. In addition, the events of the master plan for the development of the city of Ulan-Ude in Buryatia, work on technological connection to utility networks of housing construction projects within the framework of the Far Eastern Quarter program in Zabaikalsky Krai, on the reconstruction of public utility infrastructure facilities in Blagoveshchensk in Amur Oblast, and the acquisition of specialized road and public utility equipment in the Jewish Autonomous Oblast will be implemented.
The Government provides support to the economic growth centers of the Far East regions on a systematic basis on the instructions of the President. It is aimed at creating a comfortable living environment in the Far Eastern cities and towns, and realizing the economic potential of the Far Eastern regions.
“Attention is paid not only to the social component, but also to the formation of growth points in order to give the dynamics of the macro-region’s development a sustainable, long-term character,” noted the Prime Minister.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The work is being carried out on the instructions of the President.
Document
Order dated July 11, 2025 No. 1872-r
In 2025–2027, 15 billion rubles will be allocated from the federal budget to support investment projects to create modular tourist accommodation facilities, which will create additional places for comfortable recreation. The order on the distribution of these funds between the regions was signed by Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.
Subsidies will be provided to 55 regions, investment projects in which were selected based on the results of a competition held by the Ministry of Economic Development. There will be over 10 thousand more places for tourists to rest there.
State support funds will be used to provide financial support or reimburse expenses for the acquisition and installation of modular non-capital accommodation facilities for tourists. At the same time, investors in the Far East, the Arctic and the Far North are allowed to use subsidies for the construction of non-capital accommodation facilities of non-factory production. This is due to the remoteness of such territories from the centers of production of modular structures and the high cost of their delivery.
Among the priority areas are the implementation of investment projects in new regions and in the territories of special economic zones of the tourist and recreational type, the construction of facilities near automobile tourist routes passing through sections of the federal roads M-4 “Don”, M-8 “Kholmogory”, M-11 “Neva”, M-12 “Vostok”.
Support will be provided within the framework of the federal project “Creation of hotel rooms, infrastructure and new points of attraction”, which is part of the new national project “Tourism and Hospitality”.
The issue was discussed at a meeting with deputy prime ministers on July 14. According to Mikhail Mishustin, in the previous three years, 20 billion rubles were allocated to 65 regions for these purposes, thanks to which about 13 thousand rooms for tourists were built.
“It is important that such projects are implemented within the specified timeframes and that they meet the highest safety requirements and provide comfortable conditions,” the head of government emphasized.
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: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev, an open creative competition has been announced for the best architectural and artistic concept for a monument dedicated to the victory of the Red Army in the final battle of World War II. The monument will be erected on the Kuril Island of Shumshu. The organizers are the Russian Military Historical Society and the Office of the Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District.
“This year our country celebrates the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. We honor the feat of our fathers and grandfathers who shed their blood for the freedom of the Motherland and a peaceful sky above their heads, the feat of workers who forged Victory in the rear. One of the most important tasks facing us is not just to remember the heroism of our people, but to pass on the memory of this to our descendants. World War II ended in the Far East. Here, on the Kuril island of Shumshu, the Kuril landing operation was carried out. During the war, Shumshu was an almost impregnable fortress. According to the laws of military art, in order to take fortified positions, the attackers must have at least a threefold superiority in forces. But here it was exactly the opposite: the Japanese troops were many times superior to the Soviet landing force. But we won, and our country put an end to World War II. Now, on the instructions of the President of the Russian Federation Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin, a military-historical memorial complex dedicated to the Kuril landing operation is being created on Shumshu. A decision has been made to erect a monument dedicated to the victory of the Red Army in this battle on the top of Mount Severnaya on Shumshu Island – in close proximity to the historical battlefield of Soviet paratroopers with Japanese tanks. A competition has been announced for this purpose. I am sure that there will be a great response from sculptors, artists and other creative people,” said Yuri Trutnev.
The competition will be held until August 29, 2025 inclusive. Concepts will be accepted until 18:00 Moscow time on August 8, 2025. The expert committee will sum up the competition and announce its results on August 29, 2025.
There are several requirements for the concept of the monument. The main artistic idea of the monument being created is the image of the rapid advance of the Red Army, breaking through the line of defense of the Japanese troops in the final battle of World War II. The composition must be visually readable from all directions and become a key point of the space of the memorial ensemble.
The location of the monument was not chosen by chance. The most difficult moment of the Kuril operation was the landing of Soviet troops on the northernmost island of the ridge – Shumshu – with numerous defensive fortifications, underground tunnels and pillboxes.
The liberation of the Kuril Islands put an end to the Soviet-Japanese War and became one of the bloodiest operations of August-September 1945. The 2nd Far Eastern Front and the Pacific Fleet participated in the Kuril landing operation. The Soviet landing force landed on the islands without tanks and artillery, and had only light weapons.
The bloody battles for the capture of Shumshu Island lasted for several days. After the capitulation of the Japanese garrison of Shumshu on August 23, 1945, the islands of the northern and central part of the ridge were liberated, and a successful operation was carried out to capture the islands of Iturup, Kunashir, Shikotan, and Habomai.
The operation to liberate the Kuril Islands ended on September 1, 1945, one day before the end of World War II. Many soldiers distinguished themselves in valiant battles, 52 people were awarded the high title of Hero of the Soviet Union.
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.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Bank of Russia defined prospects for regulating the IPO market after publicly discussing their initiatives. The proposed measures will contribute to the formation of best practices and improving the quality of IPOs.
The first part of the changes is aimed at adapting the information disclosed by issuers to the needs of investors. The summary of the securities prospectus will be transformed into a short and clear document, which reflects financial indicators in comparison with previous periods, a description of the company’s development strategy, information on dividend policy and other key information. And the securities prospectus itself will need to include forecast indicators for the coming year.
Companies are also required to disclose information on the planned and actual distribution of shares among buyers, the existence of restrictions on the sale of securities by the issuer and current shareholders, as well as the mechanisms used to stabilize the price of shares to reduce their volatility after the IPO.
The regulator plans to establish a new listing condition. When entering an IPO, the issuer must submit at least two independent analytical reports with an assessment of the fair value of the company. They can be prepared by professional participants or audit organizations in the financial market. In their reports, they must reflect all the essential information about the company: the current position on the market and the results of activities, prospects and forecasts for development, possible risks. At the same time, they must justify the methodology of their assessment. As a result, retail investors will have access to high-quality analytics for making informed decisions.
For third-tier companies, additional guarantees of the reliability of information and the quality of the preparation of issue documentation will be attracted organizations providing services for the preparation of a securities prospectus and (or) the organization of placement. All changes are planned to be prepared by the end of 2025.
Preview photo: Vink Fan / Shutterstock / Fotodom
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
The Secretary-General welcomes the consensus adoption of the final report of the Open-ended working group on security of and in the use of information and communications technologies (ICTs) 2021-2025, marking the conclusion of four years of steady efforts to safeguard the peace and security of the ICT domain.
The Secretary-General expresses his sincere appreciation to Ambassador Burhan Gafoor (Singapore), Chair of the Open-ended working group, for his tireless efforts and leadership.
He congratulates the Open-ended working group on its many concrete achievements, which demonstrate that even in the most challenging international security environment, collective action is still possible.
He welcomes, in particular, the agreement to establish a new ‘Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs.’
The Secretary-General now calls upon all States to work together through the Global Mechanism to tackle digital risks and ensure these technologies are leveraged for good.
July 14, 2025 — Ottawa, Ontario — Canadian Institutes of Health Research
Today, Dr. Paul Hébert, President of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR), announced that Dr. Rae Yeung has been appointed Scientific Director of the CIHR Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis (CIHR-IMHA) for a term of four years, starting October 1, 2025.
Dr. Yeung is one of the world’s leading experts on childhood inflammatory diseases. She is a Professor of Paediatrics, Immunology and Medical Science at the University of Toronto’s Temerty Faculty of Medicine, and a Staff Physician and Senior Scientist at The Hospital For Sick Children (SickKids). Her research focuses on precision medicine in childhood arthritis and rheumatic diseases, tailoring treatments to each patient based on presentation and biology.
By pairing phenotype with molecular insights, Dr. Yeung is uncovering the mechanisms that drive autoimmunity, with the goal of improving diagnosis, treatment, outcomes and prevention. With this innovative approach, Dr. Yeung has become internationally recognized for translational research that has transformed the clinical care of Kawasaki Disease and other inflammatory conditions.
Dr. Yeung also leads national and international efforts to develop guidance for the diagnosis and management of disease and to understand the underlying causes and progression of childhood arthritis and vasculitis. She is the driving force behind the Understanding Childhood Arthritis Network (UCAN), an international federation of research networks that involves over 50 countries with translational research hubs on three continents. UCAN has become a scalable model to improve health in many inflammatory conditions — from those affecting bones, joints and muscles to diseases associated with COVID-19.
During Dr. Yeung’s term, CIHR-IMHA will be located at SickKids in Toronto.
The people constructed an illegal hut and used that as a base for other illegal activity.
Targeted patrols conducted in the Curtis Island National Park in August 2024 led to the discovery of an illegal hut and evidence of significant illegal activity.
Rangers from the Department of the Environment, Tourism, Science and Innovation (DETSI) identified the people who built the hut in a remote area of the park.
Regional Director Great Barrier Reef and Marine Parks Region Tina Alderson said it is illegal to build any structure in a protected area and rangers will have the hut removed.
“Building an illegal structure in a protected area essentially excludes others from the area and causes damage to the environment. This hut was also used as a base for other illegal activities,” Ms Alderson said.
“People who want to build a hut for their own personal use for activities such as fishing, hunting and vehicle-based activities can do so on private land but not in a national park.
“Multiple fines and warnings have been issued for illegal activity within the protected areas of Curtis Island, and eighteen offenders have been identified.
“QPWS is serious about compliance and anyone who builds an illegal structure in a protected area will be caught.
“So far we have issued 22 penalty infringement notices totalling $7606, which includes two people receiving fines of more than $1000 each for their role in the offending.”
The illegal activities include:
Illegal fires in a protected area putting rangers, neighbours and other park users at risk
Bringing domestic dogs into a protected area impacting the environment and native wildlife
Hunting, including the use of firearms and other weapons putting rangers, neighbours and other park users at risk.
Multiple driving offences including driving in restricted access areas, use of unregistered vehicles and traveling with unrestrained people.
Illegal clearing and harvest of trees to construct the hut.
Anyone with information about illegal activities in Queensland’s protected areas is encouraged to call 1300 130 372. Information can be provided anonymously.
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) is on track to deliver a record-breaking year, following the success of the first six months of 2025. New York City Transit (NYCT), Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) and Metro-North Railroad ridership and on-time performance have all improved in the first half of the year, while customer satisfaction rates are up across all agencies. This comes while the MTA executes a historic capital plan, investing in state-of-good-repair work that will ensure the system continues to run reliably and safely for generations to come. Safety in the subway system continues to improve with overall major crimes dropping by 3.2 percent from the same period last year and by almost 10 percent when compared to pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
“MTA ridership, performance and safety are all improving dramatically in 2025, serving nearly six million New Yorkers every day and keeping New York moving,” Governor Hochul said. “Thanks to the investments we’re making in safer, more reliable and more frequent service, riders are benefitting every day. When transit is thriving, New York is thriving.”
MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber said, “The new MTA is a business-like organization that delivers for customers, and the proof is in the data – soaring ridership, historic levels of on-time performance and major improvements in customer satisfaction.”
In the past several years, Governor Hochul and the MTA have increased service across the MTA network. In 2023 and 2024, weekend and off-peak weekday service was increased on 12 subway lines, reducing wait times for millions of customers. The opening of Grand Central Madison in 2023 enabled a 41 percent increase in service on the Long Island Rail Road. Bus service has improved across the city: service was increased on 8 express and 15 local routes with high-ridership earlier this year, following the launch of congestion pricing. The Queens Bus Network Redesign, which began its first phase June 29, expands 24-hour service to hundreds of thousands of Queens bus riders and includes a $35 million annual investment in more service for the borough.
New York City Transit In the first half of 2025, performance across New York City Transit was at historic highs. Weekday subway on-time performance in the first six months of 2025 was 83.7 percent, 2.4 percentage points higher than the same time last year and on track for the best non-pandemic year in recorded history. Weekday subway delays are down 11 percent in 2025 compared to 2024, while weekend delays were down 14 percent. Bus service delivery was above 95 percent each month of 2025, and bus speeds have improved over the first half of the year, thanks in part to reduced gridlock following the start of congestion pricing. Across the board, customers are happier. In the biannual customer survey completed this spring, satisfaction for subways rose 8 percent, satisfaction for local buses rose 11 percent, and satisfaction for express buses rose 9 percent compared to the Fall of 2024.
Ridership has also surged in 2025. The first half of the year has seen record post-pandemic ridership for subways, buses and paratransit. In June, NYCT surpassed 106 million rides, up 10 percent from 2024. 2025 subway ridership is up 8 percent compared to 2024 and 31 percent compared to 2022. Ridership gains have continued, with the first post-pandemic July days to exceed four million subway riders reached on July 9 and 10. Bus ridership has also grown in 2025, with ridership up 12 percent compared to 2024. Bus paid ridership has grown in part following the MTA’s efforts to improve fare compliance through targeted deployments of fare enforcement teams. Combined, buses and subways have carried over 850 million customers in the first half of 2025.
Paratransit has also continued to see huge ridership and performance gains. In June, Paratransit served 1.3 million Paratransit riders on 904,000 completed trips, both above previous pre-Covid peaks, and delivered an on-time performance rate of 92 percent for the month. Customer satisfaction has remained high with rates staying above 78 percent every month of 2025.
Long Island Rail Road and Metro-North Railroad In June, LIRR hit a new post-pandemic high for weekday riders by averaging 266,047 weekday riders. On June 18, LIRR set a new single day post-pandemic ridership record, carrying 287,437 customers. LIRR carried 6.9 million customers in June, representing 89 percent of pre-pandemic ridership — the best June since 2019. Year-to-date ridership on LIRR is up 9 percent compared to 2024 and up 64 percent from 2022. LIRR also achieved the best June non-pandemic On-Time Performance in its history at 95.9 percent, up 1.4 percentage points from 2024.
On June 18, Metro-North carried nearly 259,000 riders and average weekday ridership for the month of June was 235,450, both new post-pandemic highs. Year-to-date Metro-North ridership is up 6 percent compared to 2024 and up 63 percent compared to 2022. Metro-North delivered an On-Time Performance rate of 98 percent in June, continuing its outstanding start to 2025. In the customer survey completed this spring, Metro-North received a satisfaction rating of 89 percent from customers, an increase of 4 percent from the Fall 2024 survey, while satisfaction among LIRR customers surged 11 percentage points from this time last year.
New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow said, “NYC Transit is working hard to deliver fast, reliable and safe service for riders and that determination is reflected in these historic on-time performance and ridership numbers. We’ll keep up the momentum and build on this success across Subways, Buses and Paratransit as we head into the rest of the year.”
Long Island Rail Road President Rob Free said, “Not only do riders have more service options than ever before, but we’re getting them where they need to go more reliably with record levels of on-time performance. The big gains we’ve made in customer satisfaction prove that riders are noticing our commitment to great service and we will work even harder to improve the customer experience.”
Metro-North Railroad President Justin Vonashek said, “Riders are responding to the great service Metro-North is providing by choosing to take the train in record numbers. And we’ll continue to deliver safe and reliable service that they can count on.”
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and representatives from more than a dozen state agencies visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) today in Belcourt to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and identify shared priorities for further collaboration.
The visit was part of Armstrong’s commitment to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is facilitating the visits to the tribal nations introduce the new administration and build stronger relationships and effective partnerships.
“We want to build on our relationships, partnerships and conversations that began at the Government to Government seminar and bring these conversations to you,” Armstrong said. “These visits serve as listening sessions, opportunities to hear directly from tribal leaders and community members, gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities each nation faces and foster mutual respect rooted in history, culture and sovereignty.”
The governor and Cabinet agency leaders met with TMBCI Chairman Jamie Azure and Tribal Council members and agency representatives, District 9 state legislators and other stakeholders at Sky Dancer Event Center. Discussion covered a wide range topics including health care and behavioral health, education, economic and workforce development, public safety and law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, transportation, gaming, natural resources, hunting access, and the need to extend natural gas service to the reservation.
State agencies and offices represented in today’s discussions included the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Human Services including the Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry, Department of Public Instruction, State Fire Marshal, Governor’s Office, Game and Fish Department, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Job Service ND, Insurance & Securities Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the state-tribal Northland Narcotics Task Force. Other participating partners included the North Dakota Tribal College System, First Nation Women’s Alliance (MMIP), Broadband Association of North Dakota, Spirit Lake Nation, and United and Turtle Mountain Communications, Tribal Nations Research Group, USDA Rural Development, Turtle Mountain Recovery Center and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Before breakout sessions, Armstrong challenged participants to move the dialogue forward into actionable solutions and address problems before they become crises. He emphasized the importance of open lines of communication, citing as an example the state’s role in helping Turtle Mountain battle wildfires that burned thousands of acres in early May.
Azure, the TMBCI chairman, said he’s hoping the dialogue and “hard discussions” can lead to more substantive action, and he thanked Armstrong for bringing his administration and other state agencies to Belcourt.
“We appreciate people coming to our lands,” he said. “You can see with your own eyes … a lot of the issues, a lot of the infrastructure needs. While you’re here, you are guests, you are friends.”
Gov. Kelly Armstrong and representatives from more than a dozen state agencies visited the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa Indians (TMBCI) today in Belcourt to strengthen state-tribal partnerships and identify shared priorities for further collaboration.
The visit was part of Armstrong’s commitment to visit all five tribal nations in North Dakota during his first year in office. The North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission is facilitating the visits to the tribal nations introduce the new administration and build stronger relationships and effective partnerships.
“We want to build on our relationships, partnerships and conversations that began at the Government to Government seminar and bring these conversations to you,” Armstrong said. “These visits serve as listening sessions, opportunities to hear directly from tribal leaders and community members, gain a deeper understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities each nation faces and foster mutual respect rooted in history, culture and sovereignty.”
The governor and Cabinet agency leaders met with TMBCI Chairman Jamie Azure and Tribal Council members and agency representatives, District 9 state legislators and other stakeholders at Sky Dancer Event Center. Discussion covered a wide range topics including health care and behavioral health, education, economic and workforce development, public safety and law enforcement, corrections, emergency management, transportation, gaming, natural resources, hunting access, and the need to extend natural gas service to the reservation.
State agencies and offices represented in today’s discussions included the North Dakota Department of Transportation, Highway Patrol, Department of Commerce, Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Health and Human Services including the Commissioner of Recovery and Reentry, Department of Public Instruction, State Fire Marshal, Governor’s Office, Game and Fish Department, and Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, Job Service ND, Insurance & Securities Department, Bureau of Criminal Investigation and the state-tribal Northland Narcotics Task Force. Other participating partners included the North Dakota Tribal College System, First Nation Women’s Alliance (MMIP), Broadband Association of North Dakota, Spirit Lake Nation, and United and Turtle Mountain Communications, Tribal Nations Research Group, USDA Rural Development, Turtle Mountain Recovery Center and U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs.
Before breakout sessions, Armstrong challenged participants to move the dialogue forward into actionable solutions and address problems before they become crises. He emphasized the importance of open lines of communication, citing as an example the state’s role in helping Turtle Mountain battle wildfires that burned thousands of acres in early May.
Azure, the TMBCI chairman, said he’s hoping the dialogue and “hard discussions” can lead to more substantive action, and he thanked Armstrong for bringing his administration and other state agencies to Belcourt.
“We appreciate people coming to our lands,” he said. “You can see with your own eyes … a lot of the issues, a lot of the infrastructure needs. While you’re here, you are guests, you are friends.”
Gov. Kelly Armstrong issued the following statement today regarding the passing of Dr. Tom Strinden, husband of Lt. Gov. Michelle Strinden. Tom Strinden passed peacefully Sunday, July 13, at their family lake home, surrounded by his loving family following a 17-month battle against brain cancer.
“Tom valiantly fought cancer the same way he lived his life – with an unshakable faith in his savior Jesus Christ and an unwavering commitment to his family,” Armstrong said. “Tom was Michelle’s biggest fan, encouraging her to enter public service and supporting her journey to the Legislature and lieutenant governor’s office. Even after his cancer diagnosis and initial surgery, he returned to his work as a gifted eye surgeon who cared deeply about his patients and improving their quality of life. From coaching and supporting hockey programs to hunting and fishing with his kids, to making regular medical mission trips around the globe, Tom lived life to the fullest – with the happiness of others always his top priority. Our hearts go out to Michelle, Jacob, Joe, Ben, Sarah, and the entire Strinden and Strecker families. We ask all North Dakotans to pray for them as they grieve this enormous loss.”
Funeral arrangements are pending. The Strinden family asks for privacy during this difficult time.
“This study shows that there is a seasonal predictability to these pocket beaches, which are a fundamental landform type along California’s rocky shore,” said USGS Research Geologist Jon Warrick, lead author of the study.
Because the dataset used primarily captured medium and large beaches, researchers believe many more pocket beaches exhibit similar rotational behavior but went undetected due to their small size. That means the number of seasonally rotating beaches may be significantly undercounted.
Understanding how these pocket beaches behave over time is important not only for managing erosion and habitat change, but also for improving models that forecast coastal response to climate-driven shifts in wave energy and sea level.
July 14, 2025Houston, TX, United StatesEnforcement and Removal
Among the aliens arrested were 32 child predators, 9 murderers, 16 gang or cartel members, and one alien convicted for hijacking an airplane
HOUSTON — U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested 1,361 illegal aliens in the Houston area during the month of June who are currently charged with, or have been convicted of, a criminal offense after illegally entering the United States. Among the criminal aliens arrested were 32 aliens convicted of child sex offenses, nine aliens convicted for homicide-related offenses, 16 documented members of a transnational gang or drug cartel, and one alien convicted for hijacking an airplane on its way to Key West from Cuba.
“Despite attempts by some to undermine our mission by spreading false and malicious rumors, the brave men and women of ICE continue to work tirelessly around the clock targeting dangerous criminal aliens to restore integrity to our nation’s immigration system and bolster public safety in our communities,” said ICE Enforcement and Removal Operations Houston acting Field Office Director Gabriel Martinez. “The number of dangerous criminal aliens that they removed from local communities across Southeast Texas last month is just another example of their selfless and unyielding efforts to return our local communities to places where we can all raise our families without having to worry about child predators, gang members, or other violent criminal aliens preying on our loved ones.”
Among the criminal aliens arrested in June by the ICE ERO Houston field office were:
Adermis Wilson-Gonzalez, a 56-year-old criminal alien from Cuba, arrested by ICE June 29 who was convicted in 2003 of hijacking an airplane traveling from Cuba to Key West, Florida.
Arnulfo Olivares Cervantes, a 47-year-old criminal alien from Mexico and former Mexicles gang member, arrested by ICE June 13 who has illegally entered the U.S. six times and been convicted twice for trafficking cocaine, and once for attempted murder, evading arrest, illegal entry, and drug possession.
Luis Pablo Vasquez-Estolano, a 29-year-old, six-time deported criminal alien from Mexico, arrested by ICE June 10 who has been convicted of homicide, aggravated robbery, burglary of a vehicle, and drug possession.
Jose Meza, a 40-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, arrested by ICE June 24 who has illegally entered the U.S. four times and been convicted of sexual assault of a minor and theft.
Javier Escobar Gonzalez, a 51-year-old criminal alien from Mexico, arrested by ICE June 23 who has been convicted of sexual indecency with a minor, criminal trespass with a deadly weapon, driving while intoxicated, and unauthorized use of a firearm.
The arrests were part of the ERO Houston field office’s routine immigration enforcement activities being conducted alongside federal, state and local law enforcement agencies daily throughout Southeast Texas to enhance public safety, national security and border security.
To learn more about ICE’s mission to combat illegal immigration in Southeast Texas follow us on X at @EROHouston.
Headline: SECAF, CSAF recognize Airmen who supported Operation Midnight Hammer
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David Allvin visited US Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command and Scott Air Force Base to engage with service members and highlight contributions to Operation Midnight Hammer.
Headline: SECAF, CSAF recognize Airmen who supported Operation Midnight Hammer
Secretary of the Air Force Troy Meink and Air Force Chief of Staff Gen David Allvin visited US Transportation Command, Air Mobility Command and Scott Air Force Base to engage with service members and highlight contributions to Operation Midnight Hammer.
On Monday, 14 July 2025, the NATO Military Committee welcomed the new Director General of the NATO International Military Staff (DGIMS), Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas (LTU Army).
During his welcome remarks, the Deputy Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Lieutenant General Andrew M. Rohling, acknowledged General Baltrėnas’s extensive military career, which combines various postings: “A proud Lithuanian and dedicated soldier, General Baltrėnas brings with him over three decades of distinguished service to his nation and to the wider Euro-Atlantic community. Your background, therefore, bridges the tactical and strategic, the national and the multinational, as an invaluable asset in today’s complex security environment.”
Taking the floor, Lieutenant General Baltrėnas thanked the Committee for the warm welcome and pledged to the Nations and Chiefs of Defence who entrusted him with DGIMS responsibility: “As the new Director in this well-structured organism, I will do my utmost to maintain its agility, adaptability, speed and effectiveness. The greatest strength, treasure and success of the International Military Staff are its military and civilian personnel. I have no doubt that they will all continue contributing to the Alliance with the greatest dedication,” Lieutenant General Baltrėnas said.
Lieutenant General Remigijus Baltrėnas took over the DGIMS position from the outgoing Director General, Lieutenant General Janusz Adamczak, on 10 July 2025. He is a three-star General in the Lithuanian Army, elected by the NATO Chiefs of Defence in September 2024, and will serve a three-year term.
The Director General of the International Military Staff (DGIMS) is responsible for the coordination between the decision-making bodies of the Alliance, the two Strategic Commanders, national military personnel from NATO and Partner countries working in Brussels, and the civilian International Staff, that support the Secretary General and the North Atlantic Council, so that the IMS can provide the best possible policy advice to the Military Committee.
The Director General heads the International Military Staff, the executive body of the NATO Military Committee, which prepares assessments and studies on NATO military issues, identifying areas of strategic and operational interest and, most importantly, proposes courses of action. The IMS enables the National Military Representatives to address military issues rapidly and effectively, ensuring that the Military Committee provides the North Atlantic Council with consensus-based advice on all military aspects of policy, operations, and transformation within the Alliance.
Almost 70 years after independence was gained across the continent, many African countries continue to face the complex task of managing ethnic diversity and building national cohesion. National cohesion is a broad and often abstract concept. It refers to the extent to which people within a country share a sense of common purpose and belonging. It is often reflected in the strength of national identities and the degree of pride individuals feel in being part of the nation.
The fact that borders in colonial Africa were drawn in the late 19th century to the early 20th century by European powers without regard for ethnic and cultural realities and histories meant that post-colonial African governments had to develop a sense of national consciousness and belonging.
To address this task, many African countries have made efforts to promote a shared national identity which could bridge ethnic and regional divides. Governments have experimented with a diverse range of policies: promoting national languages, establishing civic education, celebrating national holidays, and reforming state institutions. Other measures have included abolishing traditional kingdoms, redistributing land, renaming capital cities, compulsory military service, and national youth service programmes.
Research into the effectiveness of these African initiatives has been limited and inconclusive. In recently published research, researchers at the Centre for Research on Peace and Development at KU Leuven addressed this gap by analysing the impact of Ghana’s National Service Scheme. Our research shows that, under certain conditions, participation in this programme can meaningfully enhance feelings of national belonging.
Ghana’s experience with national service
Established in 1973, Ghana’s National Service Scheme requires university graduates to spend one year serving in diverse roles throughout the country. This sometimes takes them to regions far from their homes.
While Ghana is widely regarded as a model for the peaceful management of ethnic diversity, the establishment of the National Service Scheme in 1973 was necessary. It was partly a response to the deep regional and ethnic divisions that marked the country’s early postcolonial period. Notably, in the years leading up to the scheme’s introduction, political rivalry between Ashanti and Ewe elites played a significant role in the country’s political instability.
Initially designed to counteract such ethnic divisions, the scheme continues to engage very large numbers of graduates each year. Over 100,000 were deployed in 2025. The programme aims not only to strengthen national cohesion, but also to promote manpower development and address key social challenges. These include unemployment, illiteracy and poverty.
Participants are deployed across a range of sectors, including education, healthcare, agriculture and public administration. While the vast majority of participants are assigned to teaching roles in primary or secondary schools or to positions in healthcare institutions, others take on administrative roles within government agencies or the private sector. These deployments are meant to expose them to different communities and foster intergroup contact under conditions that promote social bonding and reduce prejudice.
But can national service also contribute towards fostering stronger feelings of national belonging?
To answer this question, we conducted a large-scale panel survey among almost 3,000 service personnel. They had participated in the scheme between August 2014 and September 2016. The participants were surveyed three times: before their deployment and again within weeks after completing their national service.
The survey was aimed at examining their feelings of national pride before, during, and after their year of national service. Our study provides compelling evidence that national service significantly boosts participants’ feelings of national pride and belonging.
Change in national pride items over time – per cohort. This graph displays the average national pride per cohort and time point (with 95% confidence bars).Authors
We found that the mechanism behind this impact lies in intergroup contact. This is described as positive, meaningful interactions between individuals from diverse ethnic and regional backgrounds. Participants who reported frequent and meaningful interactions, including developing new friendships and gaining deeper knowledge of other cultural groups, showed the most significant increases in their sense of national pride.
Importantly, the greatest improvements were observed among participants who initially identified less strongly with the nation.
We further found that the positive effects of participation were not short-lived. It persisted well beyond the year of service.
Key takeaways for policymakers
Governments aiming to strengthen national identity through youth service programmes should consider four key lessons from Ghana’s experience.
Mandatory participation is crucial. Voluntary schemes tend to attract individuals who are already inclined towards inter-ethnic harmony. This limits their broader societal impact. Ghana’s mandatory approach ensures that a wide and diverse range of participants are included. This enhances the programme’s reach and effectiveness.
Structured interactions must be actively promoted. Simply placing people from different backgrounds together is not enough. Successful programmes, such as Ghana’s, intentionally create opportunities for meaningful engagement. These structured interactions help participants develop lasting relationships and deepen their understanding of other cultures.
Youth should be engaged during formative years. Recent graduates are at a stage in life when attitudes and identities are still forming. National service programmes that target this age group can have a lasting influence. Especially on how young people perceive national unity and their role within it.
Diverse placements are essential. National service programmes should deploy participants in settings that are diverse. The geographical location is of secondary importance. Exposure to diverse settings will challenge assumptions and broaden perspectives. It will also foster stronger national bonds across ethnic and regional lines.
Why national service pays off in the long run
National youth service programmes, when well-designed and properly managed, are a promising yet underused tool for promoting national unity in Africa’s ethnically diverse societies. These initiatives can create meaningful opportunities for young people to engage across regional and ethnic lines. This helps to build trust, civic responsibility, and a shared sense of national identity.
Yet, in recent decades, many of these programmes have been scaled back or discontinued across the continent. Examples are Botswana, Tanzania, Zimbabwe and Zambia. The main reason? Cost. Governments have often viewed the logistical and financial demands of deploying tens of thousands of graduates each year as unsustainable. But this short-term budget logic misses the bigger picture.
Ghana’s scheme shows what’s possible. In recent years, the scheme’s deployment figures have reached record highs. It is now common for around 100,000 national service personnel to be mobilised in a single service year. The positive outcomes observed in Ghana offer clear, evidence-based lessons for policymakers across the continent. Investing in national service is not just a cost – it’s a commitment to a more united future.
– University graduates in Ghana must serve society for a year – study suggests it’s good for national unity – https://theconversation.com/university-graduates-in-ghana-must-serve-society-for-a-year-study-suggests-its-good-for-national-unity-258743
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
PHOTOS & VIDEO
RUIDOSO, N.M. – U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) met with New Mexicans affected by severe flash flooding in Ruidoso, received an update on the disaster and future recovery efforts, and delivered supplies to flood victims.
PHOTO: U.S. Senators Martin Heinrich (D-N.M.) and Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.) meet with local leaders in Ruidoso, July 11, 2025.
“What we saw yesterday was devastation – to businesses, properties, and families whose lives changed overnight. But we also saw enormous community strength. It will take time, resources, and work to rebuild, and this community is ready. Talking with the local leaders and impacted residents, it’s clear that we can all support their work, and we must,” said Heinrich. “I am grateful to all those, on the ground and from afar, who are working to support Ruidoso in this critical time. My thoughts are with the families who lost loved ones in this tragedy. And I will keep urging President Trump to approve a full Major Disaster Declaration to unlock all the federal support needed to rebuild.”
“Seeing the devastation from the flooding in Ruidoso firsthand is heartbreaking and tragic,” said Luján. “My prayers are with the families who lost loved ones, and with those who were injured or forced from their homes. I’m deeply grateful to the first responders whose quick action saved lives, and to the local leaders whose tireless work is guiding the community through this crisis. With more rain projected this weekend, I encourage residents to stay vigilant. The road to recovery is just getting underway, but the approval of an emergency declaration is a critical first step. I’ll keep working with our Congressional Delegation to push for a Major Disaster Declaration and to deliver the federal support that Ruidoso families need to rebuild.”
Earlier this week, Heinrich, Luján, and the rest of the N.M. Congressional Delegation welcomed the President’s granting of an emergency declaration for Chaves, Lincoln, Otero, and Valencia Counties, while renewing their call for President Trump to grant a Major Disaster Declaration in the wake of severe flooding that took the lives of three people and damaged homes, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
The emergency declaration opens up access to specific FEMA funds for immediate disaster response, including support for search and rescue and incident management efforts. An emergency declaration does not preclude a subsequent Major Disaster Declaration. Therefore, the N.M. Delegation will continue to push President Trump to approve a Major Disaster Declaration request from Governor Michelle Lujan Grisham.
Through a Major Disaster Declaration request, the State of New Mexico has requested Public Assistance, Category A through G, including Direct Federal Assistance for Lincoln County, Chaves County, Otero County, and Valencia County, as well as Individual Assistance, including Housing Assistance, Small Business Administration Disaster Assistance, Disaster Case Management, Transitional Sheltering Assistance, Serious Needs Assistance, Crisis Counseling, Disaster Legal Services, Disaster Unemployment, and Displacement Assistance for Lincoln County and Valencia County. The State also requested Hazard Mitigation statewide, as facilitated by New Mexico’s Natural Disaster Hazard Mitigation Plan.
Source: United States Senator Ben Ray Luján (D-New Mexico)
Senators Send Letter to Commissioner Olivia Trusty Urging Her to Support a Full Commission Vote on the Merger
Washington, D.C. – U.S. Senators Ben Ray Luján (D-N.M.), Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, and Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a member of the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Commissioner Olivia Trusty, urging the FCC to hold a full Commission vote on the pending Paramount Global and Skydance Media merger. On July 2, Paramount Global, the parent company of CBS, agreed to pay $16 million to settle a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump. In May 2025, as Paramount was reportedly pushing for the settlement to help facilitate approval of its merger, Senators Luján and Markey wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr requesting that the FCC hold a full Committee vote on the Paramount-Skydance merger.
In the letter, the lawmakers wrote, “As we explained in a letter to Chairman Brendan Carr in May, the Paramount-Skydance merger is unique in the FCC’s storied history, with the sitting President actively litigating against a news organization whose parent is seeking FCC approval of a major media merger. In that baseless lawsuit, Trump falsely alleged that CBS had violated state consumer protection laws through its editorial decisions around an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the transcript of the interview indisputably showed that Trump’s claims were a flagrant attempt to intimate the media, Paramount has nevertheless agreed to settle that lawsuit for $16 million. This settlement casts a shadow over the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger and raises serious questions about the editorial independence of one of the nation’s largest media organizations. The Commission cannot turn a blind eye to this context.”
The lawmakers conclude, “For that reason, in our May letter, we urged Chairman Carr to hold a vote on the merger by the full Commission, instead of unilaterally directing the Media Bureau to approve it on its delegated authority. Commissioner Anna Gomez has similarly called for a full Commission vote on the merger. We respectfully request you to join her and encourage Chairman Carr to schedule a full Commission vote. The FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue.”
As Ranking Member of the Telecommunications and Media Subcommittee, Senator Luján has pushed back against attacks on news organizations. In February, Senators Luján, Markey, and Peters wrote to Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Chairman Brendan Carr and Commissioner Nathan Simington condemning actions taken by the FCC under the Trump administration demonstrating that the FCC is weaponizing its authority over broadcasters and public media for political purposes. In March, Senators Luján, Markey, and Rosen introduced the Broadcast Freedom and Independence Act, legislation that would prohibit the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) from revoking broadcast licenses or taking action against broadcasters based on the viewpoints they broadcast. In May, Senators Luján and Markey wrote to FCC Chairman Brendan Carr requesting that the FCC hold a full Committee vote on the Paramount-Skydance merger.
Read the full letter here or below:
Dear Commissioner Trusty,
Congratulations on your recent confirmation to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC). We write today regarding the proposed merger between Paramount Global and Skydance Media now pending before the FCC. Paramount’s recent agreement to settle for $16 million a frivolous lawsuit brought by President Donald Trump against CBS — a Paramount subsidiary — over its editorial decision-making raises serious questions about Paramount’s rationale for the settlement and its implications for media independence. For that reason, we urge you to insist that the FCC conduct its merger review with the utmost transparency, including holding a full Commission vote on any order to approve the merger.
As we explained in a letter to Chairman Brendan Carr in May, the Paramount-Skydance merger is unique in the FCC’s storied history, with the sitting President actively litigating against a news organization whose parent is seeking FCC approval of a major media merger. In that baseless lawsuit, Trump falsely alleged that CBS had violated state consumer protection laws through its editorial decisions around an interview of then-Vice President Kamala Harris. Although the transcript of the interview indisputably showed that Trump’s claims were a flagrant attempt to intimate the media, Paramount has nevertheless agreed to settle that lawsuit for $16 million. This settlement casts a shadow over the proposed Paramount-Skydance merger and raises serious questions about the editorial independence of one of the nation’s largest media organizations. The Commission cannot turn a blind eye to this context.
For that reason, in our May letter, we urged Chairman Carr to hold a vote on the merger by the full Commission, instead of unilaterally directing the Media Bureau to approve it on its delegated authority. Commissioner Anna Gomez has similarly called for a full Commission vote on the merger. We respectfully request you to join her and encourage Chairman Carr to schedule a full Commission vote. The FCC owes the public a transparent, deliberative process on such a high-profile and controversial issue.
Thank you for your attention to this matter. We look forward to working with you to ensure that our media and communications systems serve the public interest, uphold democratic values, and reflect the highest standards of transparency and accountability.
Sincerely,
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
BRUSSELS, July 14 (Xinhua) — Danish Foreign Minister Lars Lokke Rasmussen on Monday denounced the U.S. President Donald Trump’s administration’s threat to impose 30 percent tariffs on European Union exports as “totally unacceptable” at a joint press conference with European Trade Commissioner Maros Sefcovic in Brussels. -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.
