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Category: AM-NC

  • Favourable agricultural output, easing inflation to support rural consumption in FY26: Report

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Recent reductions in income tax burdens, benign inflation, lower interest rates and a favourable outlook for agricultural production are expected to support rural incomes and bolster overall consumption in India, according to a new report.

    Given that private final consumption expenditure constitutes nearly 60 per cent of India’s GDP, it has a strong bearing on India’s overall growth outlook.

    A sustained recovery in consumption is also vital for a meaningful pick-up in private sector capital expenditure.

    “We expect private consumption growth of 6.2 per cent in FY26 compared to an average of 6.7 per cent in the last three years. In the long run, it will be critical to monitor factors impacting household income to ensure healthy growth in private consumption,” said the report by CareEdge Ratings.

    While overall consumption growth has remained broadly healthy over the past few years, recent indicators suggest emerging pressures in urban demand, even as rural demand continues to hold firm.

    Rural consumption is expected to be supported by favourable agricultural output and easing inflation in FY26, the report mentioned.

    Recent policy support in the form of RBI rate cuts, reduced tax burdens, and easing inflationary pressures is expected to offer some relief and support to urban consumption in the near term.

    Moreover, rural consumption could get a further fillip from the likelihood of a good monsoon this year, the report mentioned.

    At a time when the income growth has been weak, the household leverage has seen an uptick. As of FY24, household debt stands at 41 per cent of GDP and 55 per cent of net household disposable income. Even though, Indian households are less leveraged than certain emerging economies such as Thailand (87 per cent of GDP), Malaysia (67 per cent) and China (62 per cent).

    The report said that it is essential to closely monitor the unsecured segment of household liabilities, which has increased in the post-pandemic years. This is particularly important in the context of moderating income growth and rising delinquencies in the segment.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: ASEAN

    The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened on 11 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

    Review and Future Direction of the EAS

    The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS foundational documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Openness Brings Progress, Closedness Leads to Backwardness – Wang Yi on American Tariffs

    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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — Openness brings progress, while closedness leads to backwardness, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said on Saturday, commenting on the high tariffs imposed by the United States on various countries.

    Amid the ongoing intertwining of changes and chaos in the current international situation, every country must make a choice between unilateralism and multilateralism, closedness and openness, unity and division, said Wang Yi, who attended the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meetings in Kuala Lumpur.

    China is choosing to be more open, he stressed, explaining that this is not only based on the country’s basic experience of development and growth, but also on the inevitable logic of historical progress.

    Beijing has taken the lead in lifting tariffs on products from least developed countries and Africa as a whole, fully completed negotiations on the China-ASEAN Free Trade Area 3.0, and created a new model of inter-regional cooperation at the ASEAN-China-GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) summit, the minister added.

    On the contrary, high tariffs on various countries are a clear violation of World Trade Organization rules, disrupt the stable operation of production and supply chains, and hinder the recovery and development of the world economy, Wang said. He called the move irresponsible, unpopular and unsustainable.

    China will continue to firmly stand shoulder to shoulder with countries in the region, promote unity, cooperation and collective strength, and will always be an advocate of multilateralism, a defender of free trade and a champion of open development, the minister stressed. –0–

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

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Among the results of the meeting with the US Secretary of State were strengthening contacts and preventing misjudgments – Wang Yi

    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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, briefed reporters on Saturday on his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on the sidelines of the ASEAN Plus Foreign Ministers’ Meeting here on Friday.

    Both Beijing and Washington recognize that the China-US relationship is the most important bilateral relationship in the world, affects both countries and impacts the entire world, he said.

    The common goal of both sides is to translate the important consensus reached by the two heads of state into concrete policies and actions to ensure that the two giant ships – China and the United States – do not deviate from course, lose speed or collide, Wang added.

    According to him, the meeting was constructive and an equal dialogue took place in the spirit of mutual respect.

    The Chinese delegation comprehensively laid out its principled position on relations with the United States, which, according to Wang Yi, strengthened the United States’ understanding of China and paved the way for future exchanges between the diplomatic teams of the two countries.

    The Minister summed up the meeting with the following words: strengthening contacts, preventing misjudgments, managing differences and expanding cooperation.

    Wang Yi noted that from the perspective of historical evolution and humanity as a whole, China and the United States have great common interests and broad space for cooperation.

    Both sides have the responsibility and opportunity to find the right path to improve relations in the new era, the Foreign Minister said. Finding a common language will be a blessing for the peoples of both countries and will give hope to all countries in the world, he added. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Russian Foreign Minister Arrives in DPRK on Visit — KCNA

    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

    Pyongyang, July 12 (Xinhua) — Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov arrived at Wonsan Airport on Friday night to begin his visit to the DPRK, the Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) reported Saturday.

    It is noted that during the visit, which is taking place at the invitation of the DPRK Foreign Ministry, S. Lavrov will hold talks with his North Korean counterpart Choi Son Hee.

    The visit will last from July 11 to 13, KCNA reported earlier.

    Ahead of this trip, Russian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said that S. Lavrov and Choi Son Hee will take part in the second round of bilateral strategic dialogue at the level of foreign ministers in Pyongyang, Russian media reported on Friday. –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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Banking: Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting

    Source: ASEAN

    The 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting was convened on 11 July 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by The Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad bin Haji Hasan, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia.

    Review and Future Direction of the EAS

    The Meeting reaffirmed its commitment to further strengthening the EAS as the premier Leaders-led forum for dialogue and cooperation on broad strategic, political, and economic issues of common interest and concern with the aim of promoting peace, stability and economic prosperity in East Asia in line with the EAS foundational documents and based on the established principles, objectives and modalities of the EAS.

    Download the full statement here.

    The post Chairman’s Statement of the 15th East Asia Summit (EAS) Foreign Ministers’ Meeting appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.

    MIL OSI Global Banks –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Training on Organic Fertilizer Preparation

    Source: APO – Report:

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    The Ministry of Agriculture branch in the Southern Red Sea Region has provided training on the preparation of solid and liquid organic fertilizers to exemplary farmers in the port city of Assab.

    The training was attended by exemplary farmers from the sub-zones of Assab and South Dankalia, as well as members of the agriculture office branch.

    The training covered the preparation of composted fertilizer from household waste and leaves, fertilizer from fish remains, and the proper use of organic pesticides.

    Mr. Mohammed Abdurahman, Head of the Agriculture Office in the region, said that the objective of the training was to enhance farmers’ understanding and encourage the application of organic fertilizers and pesticides in their daily agricultural activities.

    The participants noted that the training would significantly contribute to improving their agricultural productivity and called for similar future programs.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Training on Financial and Material Management

    Source: APO – Report:

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    Training on financial and material management has been provided to newly elected area administrators, village coordinators, tax collectors in Afabet sub-zone, and members of the sub-zonal administration. The training was organized by the Human Resources Development Unit of the Northern Red Sea Regional Administration.

    The training covered planning and its significance, financial and material management, strengthening worker discipline and productivity, documentation, project management, and conflict resolution in the workplace.

    Explaining the importance of the training in facilitating their daily responsibilities, the trainees called for the program’s continuity.

    Calling on the participants to apply the knowledge gained from the training in their day-to-day activities, Mr. Mohammed-Nur Rejib, Administrator of the sub-zone, expressed the administration’s readiness to strengthen participation and contribute to developing human resource capacity in the sub-zone.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Southern Youth to United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL): Improving the economy and security are priorities

    Source: APO – Report:

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    Thirty-four youth from across the south of Libya joined Deputy Special Representative for the Secretary General Stephanie Koury in an online youth consultation Wednesday to discuss their opinions on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations. 

    The event is part of broader consultations to gather feedback from the public on the next steps of the political process. UNSMIL has also launched an online poll inviting Libyans to share options on the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and contribute to shaping the way forward in the political process. 

    Participants stressed the need for representation for the south in any mechanism or institution, highlighting that they suffer through economic instability and insecurity across borders and do not benefit from oil money. 

    The youth all agreed that the deteriorating economic situation was closely linked to the security situation and one could not be solved without addressing the other. They highlighted that they wanted stability and security and their voices to be heard in representative forums. 

    “We suffer from weak infrastructure with power cuts during 50-degree heat,” said one participant from Ghat. “We are deprived of basic services. We need to focus on these things, not a constitution.” 

    The economic situation is so bad, another participant from Ghat said, that it’s impacting the security situation. “This is why people are making their livelihoods from selling weapons,” they said. “We need to have a clear economic plan,” said a participant from Sebha. “We need to end the sources of corruption.” 

    A participant from Ubari called for transitional periods to end. “Through the years and different governments, our divisions have only increased,” said a participant from Sebha, adding that the best way forward was to have a referendum.  

    When discussing elections, the youth expressed distrust in the national authorities’ ability to oversee elections and in the democratic process overall. One spoke of how votes had been bought; people he knew sold their voter cards in the previous elections. 

    DSRSG Koury briefed participants on the four options put forward by the Advisory Committee in May. As outlined in the  Executive Summary of the Advisory Committee’s report,  the options include:   

    1. Conducting presidential and legislative elections simultaneously;   

    2. Conducting parliamentary elections first, followed by the adoption of a permanent constitution;   

    3. Adopting a permanent constitution before elections; or   

    4. Establishing a political dialogue forum, based on the Libyan Political Agreement to finalize electoral laws, executive authority and permanent constitution.  

    Many of the participants who joined favoured option four saying that this was the only option that ended the current cycle of entities that they felt did not represent them or the people of Libya. 

    UNSMIL stressed that youth voices were crucial to the political process and that it intended to continue with its YouEngage outreach efforts.  

    All participants were encouraged to complete UNSMIL’s online poll [link] and share it with their friends and families to ensure community voices are heard.

    – on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: African Union Commission (AUC) Chairperson urges focus on Human Dignity in Anti-Corruption Fight on Africa Anti-Corruption Day 2025

    Source: APO – Report:

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    On the occasion of the 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day, H.E. Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, urges all African Union Member States to underscore human dignity in their anti-corruption strategies.

    The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day is commemorated under the theme, Promoting Human Dignity in the Fight Against Corruption. The commemoration held annually on 11 July, aligns this year with the overarching AU theme for 2025: “Justice for Africans and People of African Descent Through Reparations.”

    The Chairperson emphasizes that corruption is not merely an economic crime but a direct assault on human dignity and security as it robs countries of their potential and individuals of their dignity. Corruption undermines trust in our institutions, diverts resources meant for development, and perpetuates inequality and poverty.

    The Chairperson highlights that corruption strips citizens, particularly women, youth , children and the most vulnerable, of their fundamental rights, freedoms, and opportunities to thrive, leading to tragic consequences like increased maternal mortality due to diverted health funds or lack of basic education for children.

    The Chairperson highlights the intrinsic link between the fight against corruption and the broader pursuit of justice and reparations. He notes that just as the continent seeks to address historical injustices through reparations, it must equally dismantle contemporary corrupt systems that perpetuate indignity and injustice.

    The 2025 African Anti-Corruption Day theme seeks to sensitize Africans of the importance to examine our history, and to shape our shared future, based on the dignity of people.

    The Chairperson reiterates that the African Union has prioritized the fight against corruption as a cornerstone of its Agenda 2063, envisioning an Africa where integrity, accountability, and transparency prevail. He stresses that the African Union Convention on Preventing and Combating Corruption (AUCPCC), adopted 22 years ago, remains the guiding framework. He urges Member States to continue aligning national legislation and strategies with its principles, particularly Article 2(4), which enjoins State Parties to promote socio-economic development by removing obstacles to the enjoyment of economic, social, and cultural rights, as well as civil and political rights.

    The AU Chairperson calls for immediate action by Member States to fulfil their commitment to effectively tackle corruption and implement measures that apply a human rights lens in prevention and enforcement. He also calls for unity to dismantle corruption’s structures and build a continent where human dignity is protected and celebrated.

    – on behalf of African Union (AU).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: United Arab Emirates (UAE) President, Vice President (VPs) congratulate President of São Tomé and Príncipe on Independence Day

    Source: APO – Report:

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    President His Highness Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan has sent a message of congratulations to President Carlos Vila Nova of the Democratic Republic of São Tomé and Príncipe on the occasion of his country’s Independence Day.

    His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President, Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, and His Highness Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Vice President, Deputy Prime Minister, and Chairman of the Presidential Court, also sent similar message to President of São Tomé and Príncipe and to Prime Minister Americo d’Oliveira dos Ramos on the occasion.

    – on behalf of United Arab Emirates, Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: North-Eastern Agricultural University Strengthens Cooperation with Russian Universities

    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 12 (Xinhua) — A delegation from Northeast Agricultural University (NEAU) led by Vice-Rector Chen Qingshan recently visited Russian universities. The visit is aimed at actively promoting a higher level of openness in education in Heilongjiang Province (Northeast China) in the northern direction and creating a vanguard of cooperation with Russia among agricultural universities in the country.

    As reported on the official website of SVSU, during his visit to Krasnoyarsk State Agrarian University (KSAU), Chen Qingshan held talks with the university’s vice-rector Maria Ozerova. Chen Qingshan noted that in September this year, SVSU will send the first group of Chinese students majoring in “Food Technology” to KSAU as part of the training program for studying in Russia. He expressed hope for close cooperation between the parties in the joint training of highly qualified personnel in the agricultural sector for China and Russia. At the same time, he proposed exchanging genetic resources of such agricultural crops as potatoes and wheat, as well as accelerating the construction of a Chinese-Russian agricultural demonstration zone so that the results of cooperation could better serve the needs of the agricultural development of the two countries.

    M. Ozerova said that in recent years the two universities have achieved significant results in student exchanges and scientific cooperation. She expressed hope for expanding cooperation in areas such as breeding cold-resistant crops and promoting agricultural technologies so that practical interactions would benefit more industries.

    The delegation also visited the Ural Federal Agricultural Research Center. Chen Qingshan noted the outstanding potential of the center in the field of genetic resource reserves and commercialization of research results. He proposed that the parties continue joint research in the field of potatoes, wheat, flax and other crops, providing technological support for Chinese-Russian agricultural cooperation.

    By deepening joint training with leading Russian agricultural universities and research institutes, promoting joint scientific research and establishing agricultural demonstration zones, HSAU aims to establish a cooperation model with Russia characterized by the unity of the three components of “education-scientific research-social services” and the deep integration of production, education, scientific research and application. This will comprehensively enhance the internationalization level of the university and contribute to the modernization of agriculture and the expansion of agricultural technology in Heilongjiang Province abroad. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) Director General to Speak at African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 Following Landmark Senegalese Oil Refining Milestone

    Source: APO – Report:

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    Mamadou Diop, Director General and CEO of refinery company Société Africaine de Raffinage (SAR) will participate as a speaker at African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies 2025, taking place on September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town. His participation comes after a historic breakthrough for Senegal’s energy sector as SAR recently successfully refined locally produced crude oil – marking a major leap forward in energy sovereignty and industrial growth. 

    In February 2025, SAR successfully refined domestically produced crude oil from the offshore Sangomar field for the first time, processing 650,000 barrels and generating 90,000 tons of petroleum products including diesel, kerosene, gasoline and butane gas. This major milestone is expected to significantly advance Senegal’s strategy to strengthen energy security, reduce dependence on imports and optimize the local value chain. 

    AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visit http://www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event. 

    With plans to scale up operations, the company recently launched the SAR 2.0 initiative and signed an agreement with China’s Sedin Engineering in September 2024 to explore the construction of a second refinery and petrochemical plant. The new facility is expected to increase the country’s refining capacity from 1.5 million to 5 million tons per year, helping meet local demand while creating new export opportunities to neighboring West African countries. 

    SAR has also strengthened ties with upstream partner Woodside Energy, with both companies exploring a long-term refining partnership to support increased crude processing. Through the partnership, the SAR refinery adapted its facilities to handle Sangomar crude and continues to implement upgrades to meet AFRI 6 fuel specifications and diversify into petrochemicals. The expansion enables SAR to process a 75/25 blend of Senegalese and Nigerian crude oil, positioning the company to meet up to 75% of domestic fuel demand. 

    Driven by the development of the 100,000 barrel-per-day Sangomar oilfield and the 2.3 million ton per annum Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG project, Senegal has emerged as a burgeoning regional petroleum hub in West Africa. In response to growing energy demand and infrastructure gaps, SAR is implementing a bold transformation strategy to expand refining capacity and meet 100% of domestic fuel needs by 2030. Backed by ongoing discussions with multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank to secure $500 million in syndicated financing, the upgrade will include the construction of a petrochemical complex aimed at reducing reliance on imported products and fostering industrial growth. 

    “Diop’s leadership has been instrumental in unlocking Senegal’s refining capabilities and in driving the country’s transition from a crude exporter to a fully integrated energy producer. His participation at AEW 2025 will spotlight how local refining capacity can catalyze broader industrial development across the continent,” states Tomás Gerbasio, VP of Commercial and Strategic Engagement, African Energy Chamber. 

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Eritrea: Contribution towards Augmenting Martyrs Trust Fund

    Source: APO – Report:

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    Nationals in Sweden have contributed over 105,000 Kroner towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.

    Mr. Negasi Goitom, Head of Finance of the Holidays Coordinating Committee, indicated that the Stockholm branch of the National Union of Eritrean Women contributed 2,000 Kroner; an anonymous donor contributed 2,500 Kroner; women members of the Southern Stockholm Association contributed 5,000 Kroner; the Husby-Kista-Akalla Women’s Association contributed 5,600 Kroner; the Medhanie Alem Women’s Association in Stockholm contributed 3,000 Kroner; and author Rim Tesfom contributed 3,000 Kroner—all towards augmenting the National Martyrs Trust Fund.

    Furthermore, Ms. Genet Tewolde contributed 5,000 Kroner in the name of her martyred brother; Ms. Emnet Tekle contributed 2,000 Kroner in the name of her two martyred brothers; Hewan Decoration Center contributed 14,000 Kroner; and the Eritrean community in Hasselby-Vallingby contributed 35,000 Kroner.

    – on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Over 80 youth trainees complete foundation course of third phase of ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region

    Over 80 youth trainees complete foundation course of third phase of ROLE Stars Train-the-Leaders Programme  
    Following the first day of the course taught by the Secretary for Justice, Mr Paul Lam, SC, and member of the Standing Committee of the 14th National People’s Congress and Member of the Legislative Council, Dr Starry Lee, last week, the Deputy Secretary for Justice, Dr Cheung Kwok-kwan, elaborated on the second day of the course about the importance of promoting the rule of law, and the responsibilities and roles of ROLE leaders.

    Member of the Working Group on Coordination and Liaison (Working Group) under the Steering Committee on Rule of Law Education (Steering Committee), Mr Chan Chak-ming, and member of the Steering Committee, Ms Sabrina Ho, briefed the trainees on topics such as the legal profession, court proceedings, and alternative dispute resolution services in Hong Kong. Founder and Chairperson of BExcellent Group, Dr June Leung, who has many years of experience in education, was also invited to share her insights on communication skills for effective dissemination of messages about the rule of law.
     
    Dr Cheung remarked that the rule of law is Hong Kong’s “golden reputation” and the foundation for Hong Kong to maintain long-term prosperity and stability under the principle of “one country, two systems”. At the current critical period of breaking new ground and achieving another leap forward, the Hong Kong community must uphold the rule of law, and leverage Hong Kong’s international advantages to promote high-quality development through the rule of law, and hence, the promotion of the rule of law is of great importance.
     
    He said that members of the district youth committees have been promoting youth development and civic education in the community, and they can certainly play an important role in the promotion of the rule of law. University students who are pursuing their career in the education sector will be the backbone of schools’ work in promoting rule of law education, and their active participation will undoubtedly provide new momentum to the passing on and further development of the rule of law in Hong Kong.
      
    Dr Cheung said that communication is a kind of special knowledge. The DoJ designed the course with an emphasis on diversified, interactive and easy-to-understand methods, along with real-life examples and case studies, which enable trainees to easily grasp knowledge of the rule of law. The course also invited experts to teach trainees the skills of dissemination and communication, better equipping them to become ROLE leaders in the future.
     
    After the course, the DoJ held the closing ceremony (including a certificate presentation) for the foundation course of the third-phase programme. Members of the Steering Committee, Ms Ho and Professor Dicky Tsang, and member of the Working Group, Mr Chan, presented certificates to the trainees who completed the two-day foundation course of the third-phase programme.
     
    Looking ahead, the DoJ will continue to organise advanced and extended courses under the third phase of the TTL Programme. Through visits to law enforcement agencies, mock court activities, thematic talks on specific legal topics and practice activities for promoting the rule of law, the courses will further deepen the understanding of the legal system and the implementation of legal procedures of the trainees who have completed the foundation course, as well as bolster their confidence in disseminating messages of the rule of law in the community.
     
    For details and other information relating to the TTL Programme, please visit the dedicated website at www.role-ttl.gov.hk 
    Issued at HKT 17:16

    NNNN

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Alice Mak to depart for BJ, Sichuan

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Alice Mak will depart tomorrow for a visit to Beijing and Sichuan.
     
    Miss Mak will call on the State Council’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office, Sichuan’s Hong Kong & Macao Affairs Office and relevant ministries and institutions to deepen exchanges and co-operation with the Mainland in areas of youth development, district governance, women’s development and religious affairs.
     
    She plans to attend the inauguration ceremonies of the Hong Kong-Macao Youth Internship Programme at Palace Museum and the Youth Internship Programme at Chinese Academy of Sciences, as well as the closing ceremony of the Youth Internship Programme at Wolong Region of Giant Panda National Park.
     
    These three programmes are under the Home & Youth Affairs Bureau’s Thematic Youth Internship Programmes to the Mainland 2025 that are jointly organised by the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government and the cultural, scientific research and nature conservation institutions on the Mainland.
     
    Through diverse thematic internship opportunities, the programmes aim to help Hong Kong youths gain a deeper understanding of the country’s development and acquire knowledge of relevant disciplines and professional fields.
     
    The youth affairs chief will meet with the interns and learn about their lives and experiences on the Mainland.
     
    Miss Mak will return to Hong Kong on the afternoon of July 18. During her absence, Under Secretary for Home & Youth Affairs Clarence Leung will be Acting Secretary.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Audience with members of the General Chapters of eight Religious Institutes

    Source: The Holy See

    Audience with members of the General Chapters of eight Religious Institutes, 12.07.2025
    This morning, in the Courtyard of the Apostolic Palace of the Pontifical Villas of Castel Gandolfi, the Holy Father Leo XIV received in audience the participants in the General Chapters of: the Pontifical Institute for Foreign Missions (PIME), the Pontifical Institute of the Religious Teachers Filippini, the Religious Teachers Venerini, the Daughters of the Church, the Salesian Oblates of the Sacred Heart, the Angeline Franciscan Sisters, the Institute of Oblates of Jesus and Mary, and the Daughters of Mary, Sisters of the Pious Schools (Scolopians).
    The following is the address delivered by the Holy Father during the audience:

    Address of the Holy Father
    In the name of the Father, of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
    Peace be with you.
    Welcome to you all! Let us sit down and reflect together a little.
    Dear brothers and sisters,
    I welcome you with joy on the occasion of your Chapters and Assemblies. I greet the Superiors General, the members of the Councils, and all of you.
    You have gathered to pray, to discuss and to reflect together on what the Lord asks of you for the future. Your Founders and Foundresses, docile to the action of the Holy Spirit, have left you the legacy of various charisms for the edification of the Body of Christ (cf. Eph 4:11-12), and it is precisely so that this may grow according to God’s plans that the Church asks of you the service that you are carrying out (cf. Second Vatican Ecumenical Council, Decree Perfectae caritatis, 4).
    Your respective Institutes embody complementary aspects of the life and action of all the People of God: the offering of self in union with the Sacrifice of Christ, the mission ad gentes, love for the Church preserved and transmitted, the education and formation of the young. These are different ways in which the one and eternal reality that animates them all is expressed in charismatic form: God’s love for humanity.
    As is customary, then, each of your Congregations identified particular angles, in the light of which to reinterpret the legacy received, in order to update and modernize its contents. These pathways of work, which you chose during the time of preparation, in prayer and mutual listening, are also a precious gift insofar as they are the fruit of the Spirit. It is He who, through the contribution of many, under the guidance of the Pastors, “helps the Christian community to advance in charity towards the fullness of truth (cf. Jn 16:13)” (Benedict XVI, Homily at the Holy Mass for the Inauguration of the Fifth General Conference of the Bishops of Latin America and the Caribbean, 13 May 2007). You have thus formulated guidelines that contain fundamental calls: to renew an authentic missionary spirit, to make one’s own the attitude “that is also yours in Christ Jesus” (cf. Phil 2:5), to promote peace, to cultivate pastoral co-responsibility in local churches, and so on. To stay by their side and to remember them together, at this time, helps us to grasp the richness of our being in a community, especially as men and women religious, engaged in the same wonderful adventure of “[following] Christ more nearly” (Catechism of the Catholic Church, 916).
    May this renew and confirm in all of us the awareness and the joy of being Church, and in particular spur you, in your discernment in the Chapters, to think on a large scale, as unique pieces of a plan that exceeds you and involves you beyond your own expectations: the plan of salvation with which God wants to bring all of humanity back to himself, as one big family (cf. Francis, General Audience, 29 May 2013). This is the spirit in which your Institutes were born, and this is the perspective in which to place every effort, so that it may contribute, through small lights, to spreading over the whole earth the light of Christ, which never dims (cf. Roman Missal, Easter Precony).
    Dear friends, let us ask the Lord together to be docile to the voice of his Spirit, who “teaches everything” (cf. Jn 14:26), and without whose help, in our weakness, we do not even know how to ask as we ought (cf. Rom 8:26).
    Thank you for your work and for your faithful presence in so many parts of the world. I bless you from my heart, and I pray for you. Thank you!
    Let us pray together:
    [Our Father]
    [Blessing]
    Thank you all!

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Widespread rainfall predicted across India till July 17; Delhi-NCR faces waterlogging and traffic

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast intermittent rainfall across large parts of the country till July 17, with heavy to very heavy showers expected in several regions, including the National Capital Region (NCR).

    In Delhi and surrounding areas, continuous rainfall has led to waterlogging and traffic disruptions, affecting daily life in parts of Delhi, Noida, Ghaziabad, and Gurugram. Several roads, underpasses, and residential colonies remain inundated, leading to long traffic jams and vehicle breakdowns.

    While no formal weather alert has been issued for Delhi-NCR so far, the IMD has warned of persistent rain and thunderstorms throughout the week. The region is likely to experience fluctuating weather conditions, with spells of sunshine contributing to high humidity and discomfort. Temperatures are expected to range between 23°C and 36°C, with humidity levels staying between 60 and 95 percent.

    Nationwide, the IMD has predicted heavy to very heavy rainfall in Central and Northwest India, especially over East Rajasthan, Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh, Jammu & Kashmir, and both eastern and western parts of Uttar Pradesh through July 17.

    Eastern and central Indian states such as Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, Bihar, Odisha, and West Bengal are also likely to receive isolated heavy showers during this period. In western India, isolated heavy rainfall is expected on July 13 in parts of Konkan and Goa, Gujarat, Central Maharashtra, and the Saurashtra region.

    The weather department also expects light to moderate rainfall, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, to continue in Northeast India over the next seven days.

    In the South, states like Coastal Karnataka, Kerala, South Interior Karnataka, and Tamil Nadu are likely to experience isolated heavy showers over the coming days.

    Due to rough sea conditions, fishermen have been advised to avoid venturing into the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal until July 16.

    (With agencies inputs)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China-Russia Border Festival Kicks Off in Suifenhe

    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 12 (Xinhua) — The China-Russia Border Festival will be held in Suifenhe City, northeast China’s Heilongjiang Province, from July to October. More than 20 events with a rich program, organized in close cooperation between the Chinese and Russian sides, will give guests an unforgettable summer festival combining culture, tourism, commerce, sports and exhibitions.

    According to the website of the Suifenhe city government, the grand opening of the festival will take place on the evening of July 13. The cultural program will feature a variety of events: a joint Chinese-Russian choral concert, the play “Suifenhe Past”, a harvest festival, and a folk feast called “Baijiayan”. The synthesis of the cultures of the two countries and the demonstration of traditional crafts will provide guests with an individual and exciting experience.

    In summer, Suifenhe’s enthusiasm for sports rises along with the temperature. The festival program includes numerous sports competitions that will ignite the city’s passion for sports and highlight the city’s dynamism.

    From the international archery competition of the 9th China-Russia Sports Games to the Heilongjiang Provincial Volleyball Championship, the mass race and outdoor sports games, Suifenhe will showcase the unique charm of its sports culture to the world in an atmosphere of intense competition.

    During the festival, the Suifenhe Border City Commodity Fair will also be held, where more than 100 types of high-quality Russian goods with traceable origin will be presented. The event will become a platform for expanding trade and investment cooperation between enterprises and Russia.

    A representative of the Suifenhe City Culture and Tourism Bureau noted that 10 themed tourist routes have been specially developed to provide guests with a deep immersion experience, including the “Romance of Abroad” tour with an emphasis on Russian flavor. At the same time, 10 initiatives have been launched, including the “Satisfied Suifenhe” program to improve the quality of tourism services, to create a safe, comfortable, convenient and high-quality environment for guests.

    With its diverse natural environment, rich cultural heritage and unique color, Suifenhe is an ideal place for leisure, health and tourism. In recent years, relying on its excellent ecological resources, the city has continuously updated its tourism products and consumption patterns. The summer economy in Suifenhe has been developing dynamically, attracting more and more tourists to enjoy the refreshing coolness of the city. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Top of the South floods – ongoing travel disruptions can be expected

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    With weather damage affecting critical routes across the top of the South Island, road users are warned to expect ongoing state highway closures and travel disruptions.

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says with the school holidays ending this weekend, people can’t expect travel to be simple or easy.

    “The fact is some routes have suffered significant damage from flooding, slips, and treefalls and won’t reopen to the public today.”

    “Our advice is, don’t queue at state highway closure points and avoid the inland route between Nelson and Murchison. If you’re travelling between the top of the South and Canterbury, use State Highway 1 and the east coast instead,” Mr Owen says.

    Nelson/Tasman

    SH6 Rocks Road

    State Highway 6 Rocks Road is not expected to reopen this weekend, and Mr Owen says it may remain closed into early next week. This will affect traffic, and delays and congestion can be expected while the closure remains in place.

    “There are multiple slip zones and a serious risk of debris falling onto the road. Until these risks are mitigated, Rocks Road will remain closed to traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. Please, for your own safety, stay out of the closure zone.”

    “We will have a soft closure at the intersection of Russell Street, so local businesses can continue operating. Rest assured, contractors will do their best to reopen the route, but it is going to take some time,” Mr Owen says.

    SH6 Belgrove to Murchison

    Mr Owen says this route is expected to remain closed today as well.

    “Our priority here is to punch a route through for first responders and restore a connection to cut-off communities like Tapawera. After that, we will work as hard as we can to get it open to the public.”

    “There have been slips, tree falls, and flood damage along this section of the highway, and they will take time to clear,” Mr Owen says.

    SH60 Tākaka Hill

    Mr Owen says contractors are working hard to restore this route and reopen a connection to Tākaka and Golden Bay.

    “A lifeline route for first responders and emergency services is the priority, and the highway is not expected to open to the public today.”

    “There are a number of slips on the route, and these need to be inspected and assessed before the road can be safely reopened to the public,” Mr Owen says.

    Marlborough

    There is better news in Marlborough with all of the region’s highways open.

    “Contractors managed to reopen State Highway 63 from Renwick to Korere-Tophouse Road to residents and essential travel at around 12:30 pm. The diversion at Andersons Bridge, put in place after flood damage two weeks ago, has held up to the heavy rain well.”

    “Elsewhere it’s been a case of surface flooding and minor slips. Drivers can expect to see warnings in place and, with more rain forecast, they must drive to the conditions,” Mr. Owen says.

    Next steps

    While the worst of the weather has passed, Mr Owen says its effect on State Highways will be ongoing.

    “We are in response mode at the moment. Our focus is on reconnecting the network and restoring connections to cut-off communities.”

    “However, once this passes, we will shift into recovery mode. This is where we plan and design what needs to be done to fix highways and infrastructure that have been badly damaged. This will take some time to finalise, and we don’t have the details yet. When we do, we will ensure affected communities are updated,” Mr Owen says.

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Top of the South floods – ongoing travel disruptions can be expected

    Source: New Zealand Transport Agency

    With weather damage affecting critical routes across the top of the South Island, road users are warned to expect ongoing state highway closures and travel disruptions.

    Mark Owen, Regional Manager Lower North Island/Top of the South, says with the school holidays ending this weekend, people can’t expect travel to be simple or easy.

    “The fact is some routes have suffered significant damage from flooding, slips, and treefalls and won’t reopen to the public today.”

    “Our advice is, don’t queue at state highway closure points and avoid the inland route between Nelson and Murchison. If you’re travelling between the top of the South and Canterbury, use State Highway 1 and the east coast instead,” Mr Owen says.

    Nelson/Tasman

    SH6 Rocks Road

    State Highway 6 Rocks Road is not expected to reopen this weekend, and Mr Owen says it may remain closed into early next week. This will affect traffic, and delays and congestion can be expected while the closure remains in place.

    “There are multiple slip zones and a serious risk of debris falling onto the road. Until these risks are mitigated, Rocks Road will remain closed to traffic, cyclists, and pedestrians. Please, for your own safety, stay out of the closure zone.”

    “We will have a soft closure at the intersection of Russell Street, so local businesses can continue operating. Rest assured, contractors will do their best to reopen the route, but it is going to take some time,” Mr Owen says.

    SH6 Belgrove to Murchison

    Mr Owen says this route is expected to remain closed today as well.

    “Our priority here is to punch a route through for first responders and restore a connection to cut-off communities like Tapawera. After that, we will work as hard as we can to get it open to the public.”

    “There have been slips, tree falls, and flood damage along this section of the highway, and they will take time to clear,” Mr Owen says.

    SH60 Tākaka Hill

    Mr Owen says contractors are working hard to restore this route and reopen a connection to Tākaka and Golden Bay.

    “A lifeline route for first responders and emergency services is the priority, and the highway is not expected to open to the public today.”

    “There are a number of slips on the route, and these need to be inspected and assessed before the road can be safely reopened to the public,” Mr Owen says.

    Marlborough

    There is better news in Marlborough with all of the region’s highways open.

    “Contractors managed to reopen State Highway 63 from Renwick to Korere-Tophouse Road to residents and essential travel at around 12:30 pm. The diversion at Andersons Bridge, put in place after flood damage two weeks ago, has held up to the heavy rain well.”

    “Elsewhere it’s been a case of surface flooding and minor slips. Drivers can expect to see warnings in place and, with more rain forecast, they must drive to the conditions,” Mr. Owen says.

    Next steps

    While the worst of the weather has passed, Mr Owen says its effect on State Highways will be ongoing.

    “We are in response mode at the moment. Our focus is on reconnecting the network and restoring connections to cut-off communities.”

    “However, once this passes, we will shift into recovery mode. This is where we plan and design what needs to be done to fix highways and infrastructure that have been badly damaged. This will take some time to finalise, and we don’t have the details yet. When we do, we will ensure affected communities are updated,” Mr Owen says.

    More information

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI China: White House official denies plan to abolish FEMA

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

    It is not on the agenda of the White House to abolish the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) outright, The Washington Post on Friday cited an official source, as U.S. President Donald Trump travels to Texas to view the impact of last week’s deadly floods.

    For months, Trump and his homeland security secretary have said that FEMA, the agency initially created to coordinate the response to disasters that occur in the United States and that overwhelm the resources of local and state authorities, could be eliminated.

    The newspaper quoted a White House official as saying that no official action is being taken to wind down FEMA, and that changes in the agency will probably amount to a “rebranding” that will emphasize state leaders’ roles in disaster response.

    Trump will make the ultimate decision, but at this point FEMA is not set to be abolished, it added.

    On Friday, Trump is scheduled to meet with first responders and family members of the victims in Texas, receive a briefing from local elected officials and take part in a roundtable discussion.

    Authorities have confirmed at least 120 deaths across six counties in Texas, including 60 adults and 36 children in Kerr County, since the floods erupted about a week ago. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese FM expounds China’s position on South China Sea arbitration case

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

    The 15th East Asia Summit Foreign Ministers’ Meeting is held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, on July 11, 2025. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attended and delivered a speech at the summit on Friday. [Photo by Chong Voon Chung/Xinhua]

    Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Friday expounded China’s position on the South China Sea arbitration case while attending the ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings.

    Wang said the arbitration case unilaterally initiated by the Philippines lacked the necessary precondition of prior consultations and failed to meet the principle of state consent, which is fundamental to arbitration. Therefore, it did not possess the legal basis to proceed from the outset.

    The move violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea (DOC), which stipulates that disputes should be resolved peacefully through friendly consultations by parties directly concerned. It also ran counter to commitments made by the Philippines in bilateral agreements with China and breached the principle of estoppel under international law, Wang noted.

    He pointed out that although the arbitration case was presented in various forms, the essence of the Philippine claims concerned China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and maritime delimitation issues. Territorial issues are beyond the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and China had explicitly excluded maritime delimitation from compulsory arbitration in a declaration made in 2006, in accordance with UNCLOS concerning the optional exceptions to the applicability of the U.N. Convention.

    Among the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, only the United States has not joined UNCLOS, while the other four, including China, have all made similar declarations of exclusion, Wang said. The arbitral tribunal exceeded its mandate and abused the UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanism, undermining the rule of law in international maritime affairs and engaging in actions contrary to the very Convention it claimed to uphold.

    Wang emphasized that the tribunal’s ruling contained serious factual and legal flaws. In particular, it wrongly classified Taiping Island — the largest feature in the Nansha Islands with an area of over 500,000 square meters — as a rock, thereby concluding that no feature in the Nansha Islands could generate an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf. This decision contradicts both the facts on the ground and the provisions of UNCLOS. If such a standard were applied globally, the existing maritime order would be fundamentally altered, Wang said, questioning whether countries like the United States and Japan would also be willing to abandon their own maritime claims under this logic.

    Wang said it is widely recognized that the arbitration case and the subsequent hype were orchestrated and manipulated by forces outside the region, with the aim of disrupting peace in the South China Sea and serving their own interests. More and more countries around the world have come to see the nature of this farce.

    China’s position, Wang stressed, is precisely about upholding the principle of international rule of law and the authority of UNCLOS. Thanks to joint efforts by China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains stable, with freedom of navigation and overflight effectively protected.

    China is accelerating consultations with ASEAN countries on a Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, striving to establish a new narrative of peace, cooperation and friendship in the region. Any attempt to stir up trouble or sow discord will fail, Wang said.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO of Iranian Engineering Company Arrested for Allegedly Shipping Sophisticated Electronics to Iran in Violation of U.S. Sanctions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – An Iranian national and United States lawful permanent resident has been arrested on a four-count federal indictment charging him with unlawfully exporting electronics used in railway signaling and telecommunications systems from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).

    Bahram Mohammad Ostovari, 66, a resident of Tehran, Iran, and Santa Monica, was arrested Thursday afternoon upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.

    Ostovari is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and three counts of violating the IEEPA.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $1.3 million bond and scheduled a September 2 trial date.

    According to the indictment unsealed today, Ostovari is the founder and CEO of a Tehran-based engineering company – identified in the indictment as “Company A” – that supplied signaling and communications systems to Iran and its government, including on projects for the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways. From at least May 2018 to July 2025, Ostovari and his co-conspirators obtained and shipped sophisticated computer processors, railway signaling equipment, and other electronics and electronic components to Company A in Iran. Many of these items were controlled under federal regulations, and their export to Iran without a license was prohibited.

    To perpetrate his illegal export scheme, Ostovari used two front companies he controlled in the UAE – MH-SYS FZCO and Match Systech FZE – as conduits. Ostovari directed co-conspirators at these front companies to acquire the electronics and electronic components for Company A. Ostovari and his co-conspirators intentionally concealed from electronics suppliers in the United States and elsewhere that the goods were destined for Iran, falsely stating that MH-SYS and Match Systech in the UAE were the end users when in fact the true end user was Company A in Iran. Ostovari then directed his co-conspirators to arrange to ship the goods from the UAE to Company A in Iran.

    After he became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in May 2020, Ostovari continued to export, sell, and supply electronics and electrical components to Company A in Iran.

    Ostovari knew of the U.S. sanctions against Iran, mentioning them in emails to co-conspirators and directing one co-conspirator to provide false information to a federal export control officer regarding the end use of U.S.-origin goods they had shipped to Company A in Iran.

    The IEEPA and the ITSR impose controls and restrictions on transactions involving Iran based on the threats posed by Iran to the national security of the United States including, among others, its pursuit of nuclear weapons and sponsorship of terrorism. The IEEPA and ITSR, among other things, prohibit the export, re-export, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a United States person, wherever located, of any goods, technology, or services to Iran or the Government of Iran without first obtaining authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    At no time did Ostovari, his companies, or his co-conspirators apply for or obtain authorization from OFAC to export, sell or supply goods and technologies from the United States to Iran.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Ostovari would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Lachman and Colin S. Scott of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case. Trial Attorney Kathryn DeMarco of the Justice Department National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided valuable assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: CEO of Iranian Engineering Company Arrested for Allegedly Shipping Sophisticated Electronics to Iran in Violation of U.S. Sanctions

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    LOS ANGELES – An Iranian national and United States lawful permanent resident has been arrested on a four-count federal indictment charging him with unlawfully exporting electronics used in railway signaling and telecommunications systems from the United States to Iran, in violation of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the Iranian Transactions and Sanctions Regulations (ITSR).

    Bahram Mohammad Ostovari, 66, a resident of Tehran, Iran, and Santa Monica, was arrested Thursday afternoon upon his arrival at Los Angeles International Airport.

    Ostovari is charged with one count of conspiracy to violate the International Emergency Economic Powers Act and three counts of violating the IEEPA.

    He pleaded not guilty to the charges at his arraignment today in United States District Court in downtown Los Angeles. A federal magistrate judge ordered him released on $1.3 million bond and scheduled a September 2 trial date.

    According to the indictment unsealed today, Ostovari is the founder and CEO of a Tehran-based engineering company – identified in the indictment as “Company A” – that supplied signaling and communications systems to Iran and its government, including on projects for the Islamic Republic of Iran Railways. From at least May 2018 to July 2025, Ostovari and his co-conspirators obtained and shipped sophisticated computer processors, railway signaling equipment, and other electronics and electronic components to Company A in Iran. Many of these items were controlled under federal regulations, and their export to Iran without a license was prohibited.

    To perpetrate his illegal export scheme, Ostovari used two front companies he controlled in the UAE – MH-SYS FZCO and Match Systech FZE – as conduits. Ostovari directed co-conspirators at these front companies to acquire the electronics and electronic components for Company A. Ostovari and his co-conspirators intentionally concealed from electronics suppliers in the United States and elsewhere that the goods were destined for Iran, falsely stating that MH-SYS and Match Systech in the UAE were the end users when in fact the true end user was Company A in Iran. Ostovari then directed his co-conspirators to arrange to ship the goods from the UAE to Company A in Iran.

    After he became a lawful permanent resident of the United States in May 2020, Ostovari continued to export, sell, and supply electronics and electrical components to Company A in Iran.

    Ostovari knew of the U.S. sanctions against Iran, mentioning them in emails to co-conspirators and directing one co-conspirator to provide false information to a federal export control officer regarding the end use of U.S.-origin goods they had shipped to Company A in Iran.

    The IEEPA and the ITSR impose controls and restrictions on transactions involving Iran based on the threats posed by Iran to the national security of the United States including, among others, its pursuit of nuclear weapons and sponsorship of terrorism. The IEEPA and ITSR, among other things, prohibit the export, re-export, sale, or supply, directly or indirectly, from the United States or by a United States person, wherever located, of any goods, technology, or services to Iran or the Government of Iran without first obtaining authorization from the U.S. Treasury Department’s Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC).

    At no time did Ostovari, his companies, or his co-conspirators apply for or obtain authorization from OFAC to export, sell or supply goods and technologies from the United States to Iran.

    An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

    If convicted, Ostovari would face a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count.

    Homeland Security Investigations, the United States Department of Commerce’s Bureau of Industry and Security Office of Export Enforcement, and IRS Criminal Investigation are investigating this matter.

    Assistant United States Attorneys David C. Lachman and Colin S. Scott of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section are prosecuting this case. Trial Attorney Kathryn DeMarco of the Justice Department National Security Division’s Counterintelligence and Export Control Section provided valuable assistance.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national, illegally living in Beaumont, guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Jesus Adame-Nunez, 43, a Mexican national illegally residing in Beaumont, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on July 10, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Adame-Nunez was arrested in Beaumont on February 11, 2025, after an investigation revealed that he had been previously deported from the United States to Mexico in 2006.

    Adame-Nunez faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Mexican national, illegally living in Beaumont, guilty of immigration violations in the Eastern District of Texas

    Source: Office of United States Attorneys

    BEAUMONT, Texas –A Mexican national has pleaded guilty to an immigration violation in the Eastern District of Texas, announced Acting U.S. Attorney Jay R. Combs.

    Jesus Adame-Nunez, 43, a Mexican national illegally residing in Beaumont, pleaded guilty to illegal reentry by a previously deported person before U.S. Magistrate Judge Zack Hawthorn on July 10, 2025.

    According to information presented in court, Adame-Nunez was arrested in Beaumont on February 11, 2025, after an investigation revealed that he had been previously deported from the United States to Mexico in 2006.

    Adame-Nunez faces up to 2 years in federal prison and deportation at sentencing.  The maximum statutory sentence prescribed by Congress is provided here for information purposes, as the sentencing will be determined by the court based on the advisory sentencing guidelines and other statutory factors.  A sentencing hearing will be scheduled after the completion of a presentence investigation by the U.S. Probation Office.

    This case is part of Operation Take Back America, a nationwide initiative that marshals the full resources of the Department of Justice to repel the invasion of illegal immigration, achieve the total elimination of cartels and transnational criminal organizations (TCOs), and protect our communities from the perpetrators of violent crime. Operation Take Back America streamlines efforts and resources from the Department’s Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Forces (OCDETFs) and Project Safe Neighborhood (PSN).

    This case was investigated by Department of Homeland Security-Immigration and Customs Enforcement and prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Chris Jackson. 

    MIL Security OSI –

  • PM Modi hands out 51,000 appointment letters in 16th Rozgar Mela, says youth driving nation-building

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday distributed over 51,000 appointment letters to newly-inducted recruits in various Central government departments and organisations through video conferencing during the 16th edition of the Rozgar Mela.

    The employment drive was conducted simultaneously at 47 locations across the country.

    According to an official statement, the new recruits, selected from across India, will be joining key departments including the Ministry of Railways, the Ministry of Home Affairs, the Department of Posts, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, the Department of Financial Services, and the Ministry of Labour and Employment, among others.

    Addressing the new appointees, PM Modi said, “Our campaign to hand out appointment letters to youth in the Central Government is underway. Today, over 51,000 youth have been given appointment letters. Through such employment initiatives, till now, lakhs of youth have secured permanent jobs in the Indian government. These individuals are now contributing significantly to nation-building.”

    He highlighted the wide spectrum of departments where the recruits will be deployed, highlighting their contribution to diverse national missions.

    “Many of you have started your careers in Indian Railways, and many will be a part of India’s security. People appointed in the postal department will take the government’s initiatives to every village. Many will be a part of the ‘Health for All’ mission, some will enhance the engine of financial inclusion, and others will further strengthen the industrial development of the country. Your department might be different, but the focus is one — service to the nation and ‘Citizen First’,” he said.

    The Prime Minister congratulated the appointees and wished them well as they begin their new professional journey.

    Stressing India’s “unlimited power — demography and democracy,” PM Modi said, “India has the largest youth population and the largest democracy. This is India’s most cherished wealth and guarantee. Our government is working day and night to make this wealth a source of progress.”

    Referring to his recent international engagements, PM Modi said, “Two days ago, I returned from a five-nation tour. In every country, India’s youth power was acknowledged. The agreements made during this tour will all benefit Indian youth.”

    Launched on October 22, 2022, the Rozgar Mela is part of the Prime Minister’s mission to prioritise employment generation. It is aimed at expediting recruitment across government departments and organisations and ensuring that vacant posts do not slow down public service delivery.

    Official data reveals that more than 10 lakh appointment letters have been issued across the country through Rozgar Melas since its inception.

    The initiative has played a key role in streamlining recruitment, improving efficiency in public services, and strengthening critical infrastructure in schools, hospitals, railway stations, police units, and tax offices.

    The appointees under the Rozgar Mela will serve in a variety of sectors, reinforcing the government’s workforce and contributing towards national development goals.

    By accelerating the selection process, the initiative is ensuring that employment generation remains at the core of India’s governance agenda.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Chinese Foreign Minister Outlines China’s Position on South China Sea Arbitration Case

    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

    KUALA LUMPUR, July 12 (Xinhua) — Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, on Friday outlined China’s position on the South China Sea (SCS) arbitration case while attending a series of ASEAN Plus foreign ministers’ meetings.

    Wang Yi said the arbitration, initiated unilaterally by the Philippines, lacked the necessary requirement of prior consultations and did not respect the principle of state consent, which is fundamental to arbitration. Thus, there was no legal basis for it to be heard from the outset.

    The move violated the Declaration on the Conduct of Parties in the South China Sea, which stipulates that disputes should be resolved peacefully through friendly consultations between the parties directly concerned. Wang noted that it also contradicts the Philippines’ commitments under bilateral agreements with China and violates the principle of estoppel under international law.

    The Chinese Foreign Minister noted that although the arbitration had taken various forms, the substance of the Philippines’ claims concerned China’s territorial sovereignty over the Nansha Islands and maritime delimitation issues. Territorial issues are outside the scope of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS), and China had categorically excluded maritime delimitation from binding arbitration in a statement made in 2006, in line with UNCLOS’s provisions on optional exceptions to the applicability of the UNCLOS.

    According to Wang Yi, of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council, only the United States has not acceded to the Convention, while the other four countries, including China, have made similar exclusion statements. The arbitral tribunal has exceeded its mandate and abused the UNCLOS dispute settlement mechanism, undermining the rule of law in international maritime affairs and committing acts contrary to the very Convention to which it claimed to adhere.

    Wang Yi stressed that the arbitration tribunal’s decision contained serious factual and legal inaccuracies. In particular, it erroneously classified Taiping Island, the largest naturally formed island in the Nansha Islands with an area of more than 500,000 square meters, as a rock, thereby concluding that no feature in the Nansha Islands could form an exclusive economic zone or continental shelf. The decision contradicts both the facts on the ground and the provisions of UNCLOS. If such a standard were applied worldwide, the existing maritime order would be fundamentally changed, Wang Yi said, questioning whether countries such as the United States and Japan would be willing to give up their maritime claims under this logic.

    According to the minister, it is widely acknowledged that the arbitration and subsequent hoopla were orchestrated and manipulated by forces outside the region to undermine peace in the SCS and further their own interests. More and more countries around the world are coming to understand the nature of this farce.

    China’s position, the Foreign Minister emphasized, is precisely to support the principle of the supremacy of international law and the authority of UNCLOS. Thanks to the joint efforts of China and ASEAN countries, the situation in the South China Sea remains stable, and freedom of navigation and flights is effectively protected.

    China is accelerating consultations with ASEAN countries on the Code of Conduct in the South China Sea, seeking to create a new atmosphere of peace, cooperation and friendship in the region. Any attempt to stir up trouble or sow discord will fail, the foreign minister 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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China’s digital infrastructure opens up new opportunities for SCO cooperation

    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

    TIANJIN, July 12 (Xinhua) — The Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economic Forum was held in north China’s Tianjin City from Thursday to Friday, with the theme of “New Links of the Digital Economy, Jointly Expanding New Horizons of Cooperation.”

    At the event, participants noted the need to actively promote the interconnectedness of digital infrastructure and jointly expand new space for the development of digital economic cooperation.

    “The digital economy is the Silk Road of the new era, connecting countries through data, not through valleys and deserts as was traditionally the case,” said former Egyptian Minister of Administrative Development and former chairman of the Suez Canal Economic Zone Ahmed Darwish.

    He said China’s BeiDou Navigation Satellite System (BDS) and Internet of Things technology solutions are boosting Egypt’s computing infrastructure construction, which will greatly benefit the local digital economy.

    Chen Zhongyue, Chairman of China United Network Communications Group Co., Ltd, said that building an efficient, intelligent, green and secure regional network infrastructure will help countries make full use of their resources and better integrate into the global industrial chain, supply chain and value chain to achieve common development.

    “Chinese enterprises are actively involved in the construction of the 5G network and the construction of a “smart city” in Uzbekistan,” said Daniyar Kurbanov, head of the department for the study of historical and cultural heritage and humanitarian research at the International Institute of Central Asian Studies of Uzbekistan.

    He stressed that cooperation between China and other SCO countries is becoming an important benchmark for Central Asian countries in achieving digital transformation.

    Let us recall that the forum, jointly organized by the State Data Administration of the People’s Republic of China and the Tianjin People’s Government, was attended by more than 1,500 guests representing governments, enterprises, universities and think tanks of the SCO member states. -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.

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    MIL OSI Russia News –