NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI USA: Ricketts Helps Advance President Trump’s Nominees, Focuses on Nebraska Agriculture and Indo-Pacific Partners

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Pete Ricketts (Nebraska)

    WASHINGTON, D.C. – This week, while chairing a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing, U.S. Senator Pete Ricketts (R-NE) discussed the role of Americans serving their country through government and the threat of foreign adversaries.  Ricketts highlighted the Committee’s record pace in advancing 43 of President Trump’s nominees to the Senate floor.

    “It’s vital for our foreign policy that we have confirmed ambassadors in positions of importance,” said Ricketts.  “This is something I’ve heard consistently as I visit with partners and allies around the world…  Disappointingly, though, many of these nominees aren’t yet confirmed.  This hurts our ability to advance our interests at a time when we are competing for influence with adversaries like Communist China.  We cannot afford to let partisanship get in the way of what’s best for our country.”

    Ricketts spoke on the role of agriculture in American domestic and foreign policy.

    “Nebraska is the nation’s fifth largest agricultural exporter, with nearly $8 billion in ag exports last year, the third highest total on record,” said Ricketts.  “Simply put, when Nebraska agriculture thrives, so does my state.  Nebraska’s impact just isn’t domestic, though it’s global.  In western Nebraska, cooperatives package and ship dry edible beans used in the World Food Program humanitarian operations, delivering American grown products to save lives in some of the world’s hardest hit regions.”

    Ricketts also discussed the vital importance of partnerships in the Indo-Pacific.

    “Singapore is one of our more vital partners in the Indo-Pacific,” said Ricketts.  “On the security front, it supports rotational US military deployments that enable our patrols throughout the region and hosts thousands of American sailors, airman, and their families.  Singapore is a significant buyer and user of US defense technologies.  It’s also a hub for maritime trade and financial services, a gateway for over 6,000 American businesses operating in Asia, and a leader in emerging technologies.  Oftentimes, an American company’s first step into the Indo-Pacific is in Singapore.  I recently had the pleasure of meeting with Singapore’s Prime Minister Wong, Foreign Minister Balakrishnan, and Defense Minister Chan at the Shangri-La dialogue, and I can confirm Singapore’s desire to not only maintain our strong partnership, but to build upon it.”

    Click here to watch more.

    The hearing considered the nominations of Anjani Sinha, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Singapore; Jeffrey Bartos, to be Representative of the United States of America to the United Nations for U.N. Management and Reform and as an Alternate Representative of the United States of America to the Sessions of the General Assembly of the United Nations; Lynda Blanchard, to be U.S. Representative to the United Nations Agencies for Food and Agriculture; Kimberly Guilfoyle, to be Ambassador of the United States of America to Greece; and Jennifer Locetta, to be Alternate Representative of the United States of America for Special Political Affairs in and the General Assembly of the United Nations.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Stoke-on-Trent gateway transformed in £29m regeneration project

    Source: City of Stoke-on-Trent

    Published: Friday, 11th July 2025

    Residents and visitors travelling to and from Stoke-on-Trent will soon benefit from improved access and a better connection to the city centre as part of a multi-million-pound project.

    Work to enhance the area around Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station has been ongoing since August 2023 as part of a scheme which aims to better connect the railway station to the city centre and new developments such as Goods Yard.

    Supported by £29 million from the government’s Transforming Cities Fund (TCF), the transformational scheme has included the complete redevelopment of Station Road and Winton Square which now boast:

    • An attractive public realm with new street furniture
    • Priority access for buses via a bus gate at Winton Square
    • Improved parking facilities including dedicated areas for drop-off and pick up
    • Wider pavements and pedestrian crossings
    • New bus stops and shelters showing real-time passenger information

    Councillor Finlay Gordon-McCusker, cabinet member for transport, regeneration and infrastructure at Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said: “We are committed to making it easier, safer and better for everyone to get around the city, and these improvements will enable improved access for buses, pedestrians and cyclists and support traffic flow around the Stoke-on-Trent Railway Station.

    “The scheme will also provide a safe and attractive travel corridor which connects the railway station to Hanley City Centre and the bus station, and encourage more sustainable travel by providing a more pleasant and healthier environment for cyclists and pedestrians.”

    To mark the completion of the milestone scheme, Stoke-on-Trent City Council is hosting a grand opening event at Station Road on Monday 11 August.

    This will be an opportunity to see what has been achieved as part of the project and will include the official unveiling of the Josiah Wedgwood statue which has been relocated to a more prominent place in front of the station.

    Prior to the opening, Station Road will be closed in both directions, all day and all night, from Saturday 19 July at 6am until Sunday 10 August at 10pm.

    The full road closure will enable block paving to be laid along the new-look carriage way, the completion of the bus gate at Winton Square and the re-location of the Josiah Wedgwood statue.

    Vehicles will not be able to access or drive over the carriageway for the full duration of the closure. Residents will still be able to use car park 3, at the rear of the station, for drop off and pick up, the taxi rank will remain accessible, businesses will remain open and the Keele and Newcastle bus stop will be temporarily relocated to Stoke Road.

    Cllr Gordon-McCusker added: “As we enter the final phase of this transformational project I would like to thank residents for their ongoing patience throughout the works.

    “I am hopeful that residents, visitors and commuters will feel the benefit of these improvements as they travel around the city during our centenary year and beyond.”

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Success as STI rates fall in Portsmouth

    Source: City of Portsmouth

    The number of new diagnoses of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) in Portsmouth has fallen by around 18% from 2023 to 2024, according to new figures.

    The figures, published by the UK Health Security Agency, show there were 1,471 new diagnoses in 2024, down from 1,797 in 2023.

    Portsmouth has seen its lowest on record rates of STIs (not including chlamydia in under 25s), which are now below the national average.

    Cllr Matthew Winnington, Cabinet Member for Community Wellbeing, Health and Care at Portsmouth City Council, said:

    “This encouraging drop in STI rates reflects the strength of our sexual health support in Portsmouth, which includes free, convenient and confidential testing and easy access to contraception.”

    Many people do not show symptoms of STIs which means people often pass them on without realising it. The use of condoms to reduce the risk of transmission is therefore recommended, as well as regular testing, particularly when changing sexual partners.

    The latest figures do show that chlamydia rates are on the rise in Portsmouth. There is also a high proportion of HIV late diagnosis; 56.5% of HIV diagnoses were made at a late stage of infection from 2021-2023 in Portsmouth, compared to an England average of 43.5%. Late diagnosis means the virus has had more time to weaken the immune system.

    Work continues to help residents enjoy safer, worry-free sex. Recent improvements to the local sexual health and HIV service, provided by Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust (HIOWH), have included having sexual health professionals on the phone lines as the first point of contact. This has meant people can often get specialist advice there and then, avoiding a face-to-face appointment. More work is underway to make the service even more accessible, including improvements to call waiting times and looking at how demand from other pathways is managed.

    Clare Scholfield, Clinical Director of Sexual Health and HIV Services at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, said:

    “Our goal is to create a safe and supportive environment where people can access testing, advice and make informed choices about contraception, without fear of judgment or stigma. Whether residents choose to access services online or in person, they can expect the same high-quality care from our dedicated clinicians.”

    Residents of Portsmouth, Southampton, Hampshire and the Isle of Wight can order free and confidential STI and HIV testing kits by post, as well as free condoms, from the service. Visit www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk or call 0300 300 2016. Where required, in-person appointments can be booked for the sexual health and HIV clinic at St Mary’s Health Campus.

    Free HIV and syphilis test kits are also available to order online from freetesting.hiv

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Council supports Blue Badge holders with targeted enforcement and investigations against badge misuse

    Source: City of York

    Checking Blue Badges

    Published Friday, 11 July 2025

    City of York Council is upholding its commitment to support Blue Badge holders with a new targeted exercise and investigations to stop misuse of the badge or illegal parking in designated spaces.

    A significant increase in Blue Badge usage on Toft Green was noted by the Council’s parking enforcement team which raised concerns about possible misuse. The street had recently changed from pay and display parking, to residents’ parking only (ResPark) where Blue Badge holders can park. On 10 July 2025, officers from Veritau (the council’s counter-fraud service provider) and the Council, conducted an operation to help protect legitimate badge holders’ access to accessible parking.

    Blue Badges used in cars parked on Toft Green were checked to ensure their use was valid, and no potential instances of misuse were identified.

    The council took part in a National Blue Badge Day of Action on 23 May 2025 with Veritau, Redcar & Cleveland Borough Council and Middlesbrough Council. 75 badges were checked across several locations in York, three potential instances of misuse were identified which are now under investigation.

    Following a similar Day of Action on 4 December 2024, three fraud cases were opened and two formal warnings for misuse of a Blue Badge were issued.

    Councillor Michael Pavlovic, Executive Member for Housing, Planning and Safer Communities, said:

    Blue Badge fraud undermines this scheme to offer disabled people easier access to the services and amenities they need. The badge is issued to a person, not a vehicle, and can only be used when the holder is travelling in the car, is being picked up or dropped off. So badge misuse reduces the availability of this parking and unfairly disadvantages those who need it.

    “Blue Badge misuse can take many forms: using someone else’s badge without them being present; using a badge that has expired, has been reported lost or stolen, or one that belonged to someone who has died. Offenders face possible prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

    The council will work with Veritau to carry out further planned and unannounced enforcement checks throughout the year.

    If you suspect fraud please report it to the council’s counter-fraud team, Veritau, immediately on 0800 9179 247 or counter.fraud@veritau.co.uk.

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: School run superheroes to boost cycle lanes and walkways to schools

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    Press release

    School run superheroes to boost cycle lanes and walkways to schools

    New junior active travel inspectors will work with teachers and parents to assess local walking and cycling routes around their schools.

    Secretary of State for Transport with new junior active travel inspectors

    • school children can become junior active travel inspectors for the first time, with a new mission to help more kids cycle, walk, wheel and scoot to schools
    • pupils will audit their school run on a new ‘kid-friendly app’ to boost health and safety, while reducing congestion
    • follows near £300 million government boost to build 300 miles of new cycleways and pavements, leading to 43,000 fewer sick days to ease pressure on the NHS and help deliver the Plan for Change

    Primary school children can now become real-life school run superheroes as the department unveils its new junior active travel inspectors scheme today (11 July 2025)

    A first-of-its-kind initiative, primary school children can now shape their own travel to school, helping all children access safer, greener and more accessible walking and cycling routes to school. 

    Around 40% of primary school children and 25% of secondary school pupils are currently driven to school and school drop-offs account for around 25% of peak morning traffic in London – even more elsewhere around the country. 

    The Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, visited Hollybush Primary School in Hertford to mark the launch of the scheme.

    Transport Secretary, Heidi Alexander, said:

    Walking, scooting and cycling to work and school has many benefits, to the economy, to congestion, air quality and physical and mental health. We want to make sure that more children and families can take advantage. 

    We’re putting young people at the heart of our Active Travel mission, and delivering this innovative new scheme will help councils make smarter decisions, improve local infrastructure, and support our Plan for Change by boosting local economies and easing pressure on the NHS.

    Each participating school will recruit a team of junior active travel inspectors, who will work with teachers and parents to assess local walking and cycling routes around their schools. They will use this data to identify barriers to healthier journeys and suggest ideas to encourage more active and safer travel to school. 

    In collaboration with Active Travel England and Modeshift STARS, the junior active travel inspectors will then report on areas for improvement using a bespoke, child-friendly version of ATE’s inspection checklist, (PDF).

    The new scheme follows the government’s £616 million funding commitment over the next 4 years for active travel in the Spending Review. It is also on top of £300 million announced in February, which is expected to deliver to deliver up to 300 miles of new cycle lanes and pavements across England, expected to save 40,000 NHS sick days and deliver £1.4 billion in economic benefits, all as part of the government’s Plan for Change.

    General enquiries

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Gaza: ‘Unacceptable’ choice between getting shot or getting fed

    Source: United Nations 4

    UN Human Rights Office (OHCHR) spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani told reporters in Geneva on Friday that “we’ve raised concerns about atrocity crimes having been committed and the risk of further atrocity crimes, where people are lining up for essential supplies such as food and medicine and where they are being attacked, where again… they have a choice between being shot or being fed”.

    Deadly lottery

    “This is unacceptable and it’s continuing,” she deplored.

    Ms. Shamdasani said that her office is still looking into the incident in which at least 15 Palestinians including women and children were reportedly killed by a strike in front of a clinic in Deir al-Balah run by US-based aid group Project Hope, a partner organization of the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF).  

    In a statement on Thursday UNICEF chief Catherine Russell said that the killing of families trying to access life-saving aid is “unconscionable”.

    The Israeli military reportedly said that it was targeting a Hamas member involved in the terror attacks in Israel on 7 October 2023.

    Asked about the rationale of putting civilians, including children, in mortal danger when targeting one specific person, Ms. Shamdasani said that over the course of the conflict in Gaza OHCHR has had serious concerns about respect for essential international humanitarian law principles, including that of distinction and proportionality.

    “We have seen that of the overall death toll in Gaza; a large proportion are women and children. And again, that raises serious questions about whether these principles are being respected,” she said.

    © UNICEF/Eyad El Baba

    Hungry people in Gaza run the risk being shot when picking up food aid.

    Hundreds killed queuing for food

    Killings of Gazans at or around aid distribution sites and near humanitarian convoys have become a regular occurrence in a context of restrictions on the entry of food, fuel and relief items into the Strip and particularly since the establishment of food distribution sites bypassing the UN operated by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF).

    Since late May, this militarised aid distribution model, backed by Israel and the United States, has sought to sideline the UN and its experienced humanitarian partners.  

    OHCHR’s Ms. Shamdasani said that from 27 May, when the GHF started operations in Gaza, until 7 July, OHCHR recorded 798 killings “including 615 in the vicinity of the GHF sites and 183 presumably on the routes of aid convoys”.  

    Gunshot injuries

    The deaths of almost 800 people trying to access aid were “mostly due to… gunshot injuries”, Ms. Shamdasani said.

    Joining her in condemning the killings, World Health Organization (WHO) spokesperson Christian Lindmeier said that he is “slowly lacking words to describe the scenario”.

    “People being shot at distribution sites… scores of women and children and men and boys and girls being killed while either getting food or in what’s supposedly safe shelters or on the road to health clinics or inside health clinics – this is far beyond unacceptable.”

    Fuel crisis

    Asked to comment on a 75,000-litre fuel delivery into Gaza on Wednesday, the first such provision in over 130 days, Mr. Lindmeier said that “as good as it is that these this amount of fuel came finally in… we should not be relying on special news of special deliveries,” be it on fuel, food or other relief items.

    “There should be a reoccurring delivery into Gaza to keep the lifelines open, to supply the ambulances, the hospitals, the water desalination plants, the bakeries… whatever is necessary to keep a little bit of lifeline open there, to run the incubators,” he said.  

    The WHO spokesperson pointed out that 94 per cent of the hospitals in Gaza are now damaged or destroyed, while displacement continues and civilians are being pushed into ever smaller spaces.

    Mr. Lindmeier also expressed his hope for a positive outcome of the ongoing ceasefire talks.

    “Peace is the best medicine and opening the doors remains the only viable option,” he concluded.

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: CBSA investigation leads to the conviction of two individuals for tobacco smuggling

    Source: Government of Canada News (2)

    July 11, 2025 | Niagara Falls, Ontario | Canada Border Services Agency

    The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is announcing that two individuals have entered guilty pleas and have been sentenced in connection with an investigation into tobacco smuggling.

    CBSA criminal investigators in Niagara Falls initiated an investigation after the McDuffie brothers attempted to smuggle a total of 45,620 kg of contraband tobacco in a commercial truck. Border services officers at the Queenston Bridge port of entry in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, seized the tobacco on three separate occasions in 2021 and 2022. These smuggling activities resulted in the attempted evasion of approximately $17.5 million in duties and taxes.

    On June 17, 2025, James McDuffie, 53, pled guilty to making false statements under the Customs Act. He received nine months’ house arrest followed by two years of probation.

    On May 21, 2025, Jason McDuffie, 53, pled guilty to two counts of smuggling under the Customs Act and two counts of possession of unstamped tobacco under the Excise Act. He received a conditional sentence of 2 years less a day on house arrest, probation for 12 months, and is ordered to perform 200 hours of community service.

    Criminal groups use various methods to smuggle contraband tobacco into Canada. This smuggling supports organized crime and helps move other high-profit illegal goods such as narcotics and weapons. The trade of contraband tobacco is a threat to the safety and health of Canadians.

    MIL OSI Canada News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese vice premier calls for strengthening digital economy cooperation

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

    TIANJIN, July 11 — Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday attended the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China’s Tianjin Municipality, calling for efforts to strengthen digital economy cooperation.

    Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, said in a keynote speech that in the face of opportunities and challenges brought by digitalization, efforts should be made to accelerate the implementation of the important consensus reached by the SCO Heads of State Council and the Global Digital Compact.

    Ding suggested promoting digital economy cooperation, strengthening policy communication and the alignment of development plans, and making full use of cooperation platforms such as the SCO Digital Economy Forum to inject vitality and momentum into the development of the digital economy.

    Efforts should be made to enhance the connectivity of digital infrastructure, strengthen the capabilities in computing power scheduling and data processing, and build a high-quality Digital Silk Road to create a regional digital infrastructure system that is more extensive, stable, and responsive, Ding said.

    The vice premier suggested promoting the sharing of achievements on digital technology innovation, and enhancing the accessibility of digital economy benefits and digital transformation so as to enable all countries to tap into the fast track of digital economic development.

    Ding also called for jointly building a multilateral and collaborative digital security governance system, strengthening international cooperation in digital governance, and supporting the United Nations in playing a leading role in global digital governance and rule-making.

    The forum was co-organized by the National Data Administration and the Tianjin municipal government, and approximately 600 participants from China and abroad, including government officials, business leaders, and scholars from academia and think tanks, attended the opening ceremony.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Main body of bridge of Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway smoothly lowered onto piers in Dazhou

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

    Main body of bridge of Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway smoothly lowered onto piers in Dazhou

    Updated: July 11, 2025 21:32 Xinhua
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 11, 2025 shows a bridge of the Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway over an expressway under construction in Dazhou, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. The main body of a bridge of Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway over an expressway linking Yingshan and Dazhou in Sichuan Province was smoothly lowered onto its piers on Friday. This marks the successful completion of the incremental launching construction for China’s first large-span high-speed railway network arch bridge with tied girders, laying a solid foundation for the timely opening of the Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway. The bridge spans 443.1 meters in total length, and the constructed tied-arch bridge section weighs 2,600 tonnes, measuring 147 meters long and 17 meters wide, with an incremental launching displacement of approximately 146 meters over a 10-day construction period. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 11, 2025 shows workers at the incremental launching construction site of a bridge of the Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway over an expressway in Dazhou, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Workers at the incremental launching construction site of a bridge of the Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway over an expressway in Dazhou, southwest China’s Sichuan Province, July 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    An aerial drone photo taken on July 11, 2025 shows a bridge of the Xi’an-Chongqing high-speed railway over an expressway under construction in Dazhou, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Mainland, Taiwan youths gather at cross-Strait forum in Hangzhou

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

    HANGZHOU, July 11 — Over 1,000 guests and youth representatives from both sides of the Taiwan Strait gathered in Hangzhou, east China’s Zhejiang Province, on Friday for a forum aimed at fostering mutual understanding.

    Addressing the opening event of the eighth cross-Strait youth development forum, Pan Xianzhang, deputy chief of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, warmly welcomed young people from Taiwan and pledged to take more effective measures to promote exchanges and integration across the Taiwan Strait.

    Pan called on youths on both sides of the Strait to firmly uphold the one-China principle and 1992 Consensus, oppose “Taiwan independence” separatism and external interference, and take an active part in cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation in all fields.

    Noting that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the restoration of Taiwan, former chairperson of the Chinese Kuomintang party Hung Hsiu-chu said that history has shown that division between the two sides of the Strait would only leave people to suffering and humiliation, and that the future of young people on both sides is closely tied to national rejuvenation.

    Hung expressed the expectation that youths from across the Strait will bring greater hope for peaceful reunification through their joint efforts of interactions and exchanges.

    The forum, running through July 15, features a cross-Strait baseball game alongside a series of workshops.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: 2025 SCO Digital Economy Forum held in China’s Tianjin

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

    2025 SCO Digital Economy Forum held in China’s Tianjin

    Updated: July 11, 2025 21:34 Xinhua
    Guests visit the interactive experience zone during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China’s Tianjin, July 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attend the opening ceremony of the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China’s Tianjin, July 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]
    Guests attend a cooperation project signing ceremony during the 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Digital Economy Forum in north China’s Tianjin, July 11, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Around the Air Force: Department Level Exercise, Aeromedical Readiness, Recruiting Exceeds Goals

    Source: United States Air Force

    Headline: Around the Air Force: Department Level Exercise, Aeromedical Readiness, Recruiting Exceeds Goals

    In this week’s look Around the Air Force, a DLE kicks off in multiple locations across the U.S. States and Indo-Pacific, a TAES exercise tests patient movement capabilities in contested environments, and the Air Force exceeds annual recruiting goals with its strongest DEP in the past decade.

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Republic of Korea rice donation provides critical boost to World Food Programme (WFP)’s emergency response for refugees in Kenya

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomed a contribution of 23,268 metric tons of rice from the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs (MAFRA) of the Republic of Korea, valued at US$18 million, to support the food needs of refugees in Kenya.

    This contribution – the largest from the Republic of Korea since it began supporting refugees in Kenya in 2018 – will  support the food needs of 720,000 refugees in Dadaab and Kakuma refugee camps and Kalobeyei settlement for six months.

    “This generous contribution is vital as we work to respond to the needs of an increasing number of refugees in Kenya, while the resources available to support them are decreasing,” said Baimankay Sankoh, WFP’s Deputy Country Director in Kenya. “Most refugees are unable to work or return home and are entirely dependent on humanitarian assistance to survive. This generous rice contribution from the Republic of Korea is more vital than ever for WFP to continue supporting the food needs of hundreds of thousands of refugees. And we sincerely hope that this expanded rice contribution will continue in the future.” 

    Over the past five years, the number of refugees and asylum seekers in Kenya has increased by over 70 percent – from around 500,000 to 843,000 – as people have fled conflict in neighbouring countries like Somalia and South Sudan. But, despite the generous support from many donors, funding shortfalls have forced WFP to reduce food rations for refugees to one-third of a ration.

    Korean rice is known for its high quality, while the reliable delivery from the Republic of Korea on a fixed annual schedule, allows WFP to plan effectively and respond flexibly to shifting needs on the ground. This predictable support contributes to safeguarding the dignity of refugees by ensuring access to sufficient and nutritious food.

    “The Republic of Korea is proud to stand alongside other nations in responding to the rising hunger crisis and providing hope to thousands of families in the eastern Africa region,” said H.E. Kang Hyung-shik, the Ambassador of the Republic of Korea to Kenya. “Our history is deeply rooted in global solidarity, and we remain committed to standing with those in need.”

    The Republic of Korea is a significant donor to WFP in Kenya, providing annual rice contributions that help WFP maintain consistent humanitarian operations. Between 2018 and 2025, WFP has received rice contributions to the value of US$ 88 million through MAFRA in support of refugees.

    – on behalf of World Food Programme (WFP).

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Video: Sudan – Joint Security Council Media Stakeout | United Nations

    Source: United Nations (video statements)

    Joint Security Council Stakeout on Sudan and South Sudan by Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu, Permanent Representative of Sierra Leone and Ambassador Sandra Jensen Landi, Deputy Permanent Representative of Denmark, and accompanied by Representatives from France, Greece, Guyana, Panama, Republic of Korea, Slovenia, United Kingdom.

    https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fg_Vij3BwaE

    MIL OSI Video –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Operation Vulindlela Progress Report shows momentum on economic reform

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    The Presidency and National Treasury have today, 11 July 2025, released a quarterly progress report for Q1 2025/26 on the implementation of economic reform through Operation Vulindlela. This report is the first to be released since the launch of Phase II of Operation Vulindlela this year.

    Operation Vulindlela is a joint initiative of The Presidency and National Treasury, which aims to achieve more rapid and inclusive economic growth through a programme of far-reaching economic reform.

    Phase I of Operation Vulindlela focused on unlocking progress in five priority areas: electricity, freight logistics, water, telecommunications, and the visa system. These reforms were selected for their high potential to catalyse investment, enhance economic competitiveness, and create jobs. Phase II represents a second wave of structural reform aimed at unlocking more rapid, inclusive, and sustained economic growth. While continuing to drive implementation of reforms initiated during Phase I, the second phase introduces new focus areas that respond to evolving challenges in the economy.

    The report released today demonstrates sustained progress in the economic reform agenda, which serves as a counter to strong economic headwinds. Key milestones during the past quarter include the publication of a Ministerial Determination and associated regulations to enable the first round of Independent Transmission Projects, as well as a Request for Information for major private sector participation (PSP) projects in the freight logistics sector.

    Progress has also been made in the new areas of reform included in Phase II, with a comprehensive review of the White Paper on Local Government to reform the local government system and the introduction of a performance-based financing mechanism to support the reform of municipal water and electricity services. The Digital Transformation Roadmap has been approved by Cabinet and is in implementation, with the development of a digital identity system and other core elements of the roadmap already advanced.

    Further details on progress in each of the reform areas is available in the full report, which can be accessed here. https://www.stateofthenation.gov.za/operation-vulindlela

    – on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Forvis Mazars Expands Across Africa, Joins African Energy Week (AEW) 2025 as Gold Partner

    Source: APO – Report:

    .

    Forvis Mazars – a global audit, assurance, tax, advisory and consulting services firm – is strengthening its commitment to Africa’s energy development through strategic partnerships, market expansion and financial expertise that drives energy growth across the continent. Formed through the merger of Mazars and Forvis, the global professional services network is expanding its footprint in Africa with new offices in Nigeria, Zimbabwe and Burkina Faso, bringing its total presence to 26 countries across the continent.

    As a Gold Partner of this year’s African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies conference, the firm plays a key role in enhancing corporate governance, boosting project bankability and facilitating long-term investment in Africa’s energy market. AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies will take place from September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town under the theme Positioning Africa as the Global Energy Champion.

    In Nigeria, Forvis Mazars recently launched a $5 billion global financial advisory firm in Lagos, creating a gateway to world-class financial services to support local project development. In Zimbabwe, the firm opened operations amid the country’s second gas discovery at the Mukuyu-2 well, aligning with upstream sector growth. Meanwhile, new offices in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso reflect the firm’s strategic focus on West Africa’s booming energy sector, as projects such as Senegal’s Sangomar oilfield and the Greater Tortue Ahmeyim LNG terminal – straddling the maritime border between Senegal and Mauritania – gain momentum.

    Forvis Mazars supports energy stakeholders with end-to-end financial advisory services that unlock value at every stage of the project lifecycle. From audits for LNG ventures to advising on energy taxation in oil-rich regions, the firm combines deep regional knowledge with global standards of excellence. Its role in Africa’s energy market is expected to grow alongside increasing demand for transparent, sustainable and compliant financial practices.

    As a trusted advisor to governments, developers and multinationals, Forvis Mazars has become a critical enabler of energy investment and economic development. Its participation as a gold partner at AEW 2025: Invest in African Energies highlights the firm’s pivotal role in shaping Africa’s energy landscape through rigorous financial guidance, capacity building and private sector support.

    “Forvis Mazars’ participation as a gold partner at AEW 2025 underscores the vital role financial expertise plays in accelerating energy development across Africa. Their presence strengthens the bridge between global investment standards and local project execution, ensuring transparency and long-term value creation. We are proud to welcome a partner so deeply committed to Africa’s energy future,” said NJ Ayuk, Executive Chairman, African Energy Chamber.

    – on behalf of African Energy Chamber.

    About African Energy Week:
    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 www.AECWeek.com for more information about this exciting event.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Representatives Sorensen, Moran Introduce Bipartisan Bill to Strengthen Weather Forecasting in Rural America

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressmen Eric Sorensen (IL-17) and Nathaniel Moran (TX-01) introduced their bipartisan Rural Weather Monitoring Systems Act, which would help strengthen weather forecasting systems in rural America.

    The legislation will require a new study of the nation’s weather monitoring systems to give lawmakers a better picture of the state of our current weather forecasting abilities across the country. This bill is urgently needed amid warnings that weather forecasting at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and National Weather Service (NWS) have been degraded by understaffing, layoffs, and cuts at the agencies.

    “Having access to accurate and reliable weather forecasting is critically important for everyone, whether you’re a farmer trying to plant your harvest or a family determining if you need to shelter in place for a tornado,” said Congressman Sorensen. “During severe weather season, it is critical that we get an accurate picture of the state of our weather monitoring systems across the country. This bipartisan bill will help us ensure that we’re meeting the needs of my neighbors in rural communities who rely on NOAA and the NWS to get their weather forecasts.”

    “In rural communities like ours, a few minutes’ warning can mean the difference between life and death,” said Congressman Moran. “But too often, our families are left without the tools to see danger coming. Every community—no matter how small—deserves the same protection as anywhere else in America. This bill is about closing the radar gap, so no one in East Texas, or rural America, is left in the dark when it matters most.”

    Congressman Sorensen has been a fierce advocate for protecting and strengthening NOAA and the NWS from cuts. Starting last year, he has been warning about the impact of Project 2025’s plans to dismantle and privatize NOAA and the NWS. As the Department of Government Efficiency began making cuts to the agencies, Congressman Sorensen has been speaking out, introducing legislation, and calling on the Administration to bring a stop to the disastrous cuts. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Votes No on Republicans’ Harmful “Big Beautiful Bill”

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Republicans’ So-Called ‘Big Beautiful Bill’ Rips Away Health Care and Food Assistance for Families in IL-17

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) issued the following statement in response to Republicans’ passing their ‘Big Billionaire Bailout,’ which gives massive tax breaks to the rich off by cutting health care and food assistance for working families.

    “Only heartless people could celebrate kicking people off their health care while taking food away from hungry people. It’s immoral and un-American,” said Congressman Sorensen. “President Trump promised he would bring down costs, but less than six months after taking office he has turned his back on them with legislation that will make their lives more expensive. I came to Congress to make life more affordable, create good paying jobs, and make Central and Northwestern Illinois sustainable for the next generation. I am thankful to be here in Washington to vote no on behalf of my neighbors in Illinois-17.”
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Announces Over $7 Million in Federal Funding to Support Head Start Programs

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced more than $7 million in federal funding is being awarded to support early childhood education programs in Western Illinois. The grants, provided by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, will help children and families get the strong start they deserve through high-quality Head Start and Early Head Start services. 

    Grant recipients include:

    • Rock Island-Milan School District – $3,277,131 

    • SAL Family and Community Services – $2,157,606 

    • Project NOW, Inc. – $1,845,264 

    “Every child deserves the chance to grow, learn, and succeed,” said Congressman Eric Sorensen. “Head Start helps make that possible by giving children and families the support they need from the very beginning. I’ve visited both SAL Family and Community Services and Project NOW, and I’ve seen firsthand the incredible work they do to lift up kids in our communities. These investments will make a real difference for families across our district.” 

    “We are incredibly grateful for Congressman Sorensen’s advocacy to help secure continued federal funding of Early Head Start, both in his visit to our Milan Skip-a-Long center and through his support in Congress,” said Marcy Mendenhall, CEO of SAL Community Services. “This secured funding means there will be no disruption to the essential services for 168 SAL Community Services families across the Quad Cities. SAL’s Early Head Start goes beyond high-quality childcare – it provides necessary healthcare and family advocacy to support our families at every level.”

    “We are deeply appreciative of the support and ongoing commitment of ensuring every child has access and opportunity to quality education and services; both of which Head Start provides,” said President/CEO of Project NOW, Dr. Dwight Ford. “It takes personal responsibilities, including confronting ignorance concerning Head Start, public will to promote quality education, and public policy to ensure funding.  Head Start is a priority and not an afterthought.  Early childhood education matters and the investment will yield a lifetime of return.”

    Together, these awards total $7,279,001 in new funding for early childhood education in Illinois’ 17th Congressional District.

    Head Start and Early Head Start programs provide vital services including early education, health screenings, nutrition, and family support for low-income families. These federal dollars will help ensure that more children in the 17th District have the tools they need to thrive from day one. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Sorensen Tours Rock Island Arsenal with Army Secretary Daniel Driscoll to Highlight its Importance to America’s National Security

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) joined Secretary of the Army, Daniel Driscoll, and other senior military and elected leaders to tour the Rock Island Arsenal amid concerns that hundreds of jobs may be cut. During the visit, Congressman Sorensen highlighted the work of the men and women at the Arsenal who do critical jobs to safeguard our national security.

    “It was an honor to have the Army Secretary come visit the Rock Island Arsenal so early into his tenure to come see with his own eyes the amazing work the men and women at the Arsenal do to protect our national security,” said Congressman Sorensen. “The visit was another opportunity for me to share the serious concerns I have with job cuts at the Arsenal directly with Secretary. I will always fight for the people who work at the Arsenal who help power our regional economy, ensure our military’s readiness, and keep Americans safe at home and abroad.”

    During the visit, the Congressman had a chance to meet with leadership from First Army, the Joint Manufacturing and Technology Center, in addition to Army Sustainment Command and Joint Munitions Command, which is being merged by Army leadership. Also participating in the visit were Congresswoman Mariannette Miller-Meeks (IA-01) and Lieutenant General Christopher Mohan, the acting Commander of Army Materiel Command.

    Since joining the House Armed Services Committee this Congress, Congressman Sorensen has been pushing the Army to pause it’s plans to cut hundreds of jobs at the Arsenal. In April, he joined regional leaders in sending a letter to Army leaders demanding answers and transparency around proposed jobs cuts the Arsenal. Earlier this month, he confronted Army Secretary Driscoll about jobs cuts at the Arsenal during a House Armed Services Committee hearing.
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: ICYMI: Over 13,000 Constituents Join Congressman Sorensen’s Virtual Town Hall

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17)

    IL-17 Constituents Shared Their Struggles with Rising Health Care Costs and Impact of Proposed Medicaid and Medicare Cuts

    Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) hosted a virtual town hall focused on protecting access to health care, including the importance of preserving Medicaid and Medicare. More than 13,000 constituents from across Central and Northwestern Illinois joined the call to hear updates and ask questions directly.

    Throughout the event, Congressman Sorensen discussed his work in Congress to defend the Affordable Care Act, oppose cuts to Medicaid and Medicare, and lower health care costs for working families and seniors.

    One of the most powerful moments of the evening came from a caller named Donna in Canton. Donna shared that she works a seasonal job and is actively trying to secure full-time employment, while her husband is on disability. She unfortunately lost her Medicaid coverage and now she’s left with no affordable health care options.

    “Donna’s story is heartbreaking, and unfortunately, far too common,” said Congressman Sorensen. “No family should have to struggle finding affordable health care options. I’m going to work as hard as I can—not just on legislation, but one-on-one with constituents like Donna—to make sure people in our communities don’t fall through the cracks. Health care is not a privilege—it’s a right.”

    Congressman Sorensen expressed his gratitude to everyone who participated in the event and reaffirmed his commitment to keeping health care affordable and accessible for all.

    “I’m so appreciative to everyone who took the time to join the town hall,” said Sorensen. “Listening to my neighbors and hearing your stories is one of the most important parts of my job. When I hear directly from you, it helps me fight harder in Washington. Your voices guide my work, and I’ll keep showing up, listening, and making sure your needs are heard loud and clear in Congress.”

    The full telephone town hall is available here. 
     

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Senator Coons, Foreign Relation Democrats Statement on State Department Personnel Cuts

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator for Delaware Christopher Coons

    WASHINGTON – Today, U.S. Senators Chris Coons (D-DE), Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH), Chris Murphy (D-CT), Tim Kaine (D-VA), Jeff Merkley (D-OR), Cory Booker (D-NJ), Brian Schatz (D-HI), Chris Van Hollen (D-MD),Tammy Duckworth (D-IL) and Jacky Rosen (D-NV) released a statement on announced plans by the State Department to terminate personnel.

    “As the U.S. retreats, our adversaries—like the People’s Republic of China—are expanding their diplomatic reach, making Americans less safe and less prosperous. If this administration is serious about putting ‘America first,’ it must invest in our diplomatic corps and national security experts—not erode the institutions that protect our interests, promote U.S. values and keep Americans abroad safe.?? 

    “The Administration’s decision to fire hundreds of members of the Civil Service and Foreign Service at the Department of State undermines our national security. While there are targeted reforms that our government can pursue to maximize the impact of every tax dollar, that’s not what this is. Blanket and indiscriminate cuts—the legacy from Elon Musk’s failed DOGE effort—weaken our government’s ability to deliver for the American people in a cost-effective manner. There are active conflicts and humanitarian crises in Ukraine, Sudan, Gaza, Haiti and Myanmar—to name a few. Now is the time to strengthen our diplomatic hand, not weaken it. From pursuing peaceful resolutions to out-competing China diplomatically and economically, we can’t afford to not have experienced diplomats at the table. 

    “We will continue to fight on behalf of the public servants and their families who now face job loss after careers spent advancing America’s interests and values in challenging and often high-risk environments. We call on Secretary Rubio to ensure that any proposed reorganization, including reductions in force, is carried out transparently and in full accordance with U.S. law.”

    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Ramps Up Commitment to Advance Development and Cancer Care Across Africa

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Three Years of Rays of Hope

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative aims to widen access to life-saving cancer care where it is needed most; by helping low- and middle-income countries establish or expand medical imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services. Since its launch in 2022, more than 90 countries have requested support under the initiative.  

    Malawi has already built it’s first-ever public radiotherapy centre (see below), while Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti and Lesotho are also in the process of establishing radiotherapy services. Linear accelerators for radiotherapy have been delivered to Kenya, Malawi, Niger and Paraguay. More than 80 cancer care professionals have been trained around the world, and 12 Rays of Hope Anchor Centres have been set up. 

    The Director General’s trip began in Addis Ababa at the Rays of Hope Forum, a gathering of countries taking stock of achievements made and planning vital next steps. 

    During the forum, the IAEA and St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital also entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care. 

    Read more about the Rays of Hope Forum here.

    While in Ethiopia the Director General met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to talk health and energy. 

    Mr Grossi joined Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera and Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe to open the country’s first public radiotherapy centre. 

    “This is a major milestone under Rays of Hope, which supported the centre with life-saving equipment,” said the Director General.

    During his ensuing visit to Kenya, the Director General met with Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale and other key members of the government. They exchanged views on support received so far and the importance of facilitating further training for Kenyans working in cancer care.

    Mr Grossi visited Monrovia, Liberia, marking the first time an IAEA Director General has ever been to the West African country.  

    “Today, with Rays of Hope support, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the country’s only radiotherapy facility. We are helping establish it, starting with a mammography unit and training to bring life-saving care to those who need it most. More support will soon be on the way,” said the Director General.  

    Mr Grossi met with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Acting Foreign Minister Cllr. Deweh Grey, Health Minister Louise Kpoto, and several other ministers at the Environmental Protection Agency.  

    Beyond cancer care, the IAEA is also strengthening food security through Atoms4Food, reinforcing radiation safety, supporting sustainable water management, as well as Liberia’s national energy strategy.  

    As a marine country, Liberia faces ocean acidification and plastic pollution. “Nuclear science, including support through our NUTEC Plastics, can help protect its coasts and communities,” said the Director General. “There is much more we can do together. The IAEA is here, ready to continue supporting Liberia’s development in all its aspects.” 

    During the week, the Director General also travelled to Rwanda to attend the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (#NEISA2025) in Kigali. 

    At the summit, the Director General also met with both Rwanda and Niger’s Prime Ministers to talk about support for smart agriculture and water management via Atoms4Food.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: IAEA Ramps Up Commitment to Advance Development and Cancer Care Across Africa

    Source: International Atomic Energy Agency – IAEA

    Three Years of Rays of Hope

    The IAEA’s Rays of Hope initiative aims to widen access to life-saving cancer care where it is needed most; by helping low- and middle-income countries establish or expand medical imaging, radiotherapy and nuclear medicine services. Since its launch in 2022, more than 90 countries have requested support under the initiative.  

    Malawi has already built it’s first-ever public radiotherapy centre (see below), while Chad, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Djibouti and Lesotho are also in the process of establishing radiotherapy services. Linear accelerators for radiotherapy have been delivered to Kenya, Malawi, Niger and Paraguay. More than 80 cancer care professionals have been trained around the world, and 12 Rays of Hope Anchor Centres have been set up. 

    The Director General’s trip began in Addis Ababa at the Rays of Hope Forum, a gathering of countries taking stock of achievements made and planning vital next steps. 

    During the forum, the IAEA and St Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital also entered a significant new partnership to address inequality in global childhood cancer care. 

    Read more about the Rays of Hope Forum here.

    While in Ethiopia the Director General met with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed Ali to talk health and energy. 

    Mr Grossi joined Malawi’s President Lazarus Chakwera and Health Minister Khumbize Kandodo Chiponda at Kamuzu Central Hospital in Lilongwe to open the country’s first public radiotherapy centre. 

    “This is a major milestone under Rays of Hope, which supported the centre with life-saving equipment,” said the Director General.

    During his ensuing visit to Kenya, the Director General met with Health Cabinet Secretary Hon. Aden Duale and other key members of the government. They exchanged views on support received so far and the importance of facilitating further training for Kenyans working in cancer care.

    Mr Grossi visited Monrovia, Liberia, marking the first time an IAEA Director General has ever been to the West African country.  

    “Today, with Rays of Hope support, we celebrated the groundbreaking of the country’s only radiotherapy facility. We are helping establish it, starting with a mammography unit and training to bring life-saving care to those who need it most. More support will soon be on the way,” said the Director General.  

    Mr Grossi met with President Joseph Nyumah Boakai, Acting Foreign Minister Cllr. Deweh Grey, Health Minister Louise Kpoto, and several other ministers at the Environmental Protection Agency.  

    Beyond cancer care, the IAEA is also strengthening food security through Atoms4Food, reinforcing radiation safety, supporting sustainable water management, as well as Liberia’s national energy strategy.  

    As a marine country, Liberia faces ocean acidification and plastic pollution. “Nuclear science, including support through our NUTEC Plastics, can help protect its coasts and communities,” said the Director General. “There is much more we can do together. The IAEA is here, ready to continue supporting Liberia’s development in all its aspects.” 

    During the week, the Director General also travelled to Rwanda to attend the Nuclear Energy Innovation Summit for Africa (#NEISA2025) in Kigali. 

    At the summit, the Director General also met with both Rwanda and Niger’s Prime Ministers to talk about support for smart agriculture and water management via Atoms4Food.  

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Victim named in Knightsbridge murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A victim has been named following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.

    Detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of a man in Knightsbridge on Thursday, 9 July.

    Police were called to Seville Street at 21:24hrs following reports of a stabbing. Sadly, a man was declared dead at the scene by paramedics after sustaining stab wounds.

    The victim has been named as 24-year-old (27.07.2000) Blue Stevens from Yateley, Hampshire. His next-of-kin are aware and will continue to receive support from specialist officers.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are pursuing several lines of enquiry and you can expect to see more officers – both uniformed and plain-clothed – on patrol in the area. At this early stage no arrests have been made.

    BCU Commander Christina Jessah, who leads policing in Central West London and the Royal Parks, said: “Our thoughts remain with Blue’s loved ones following this tragic incident and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with Blue’s death.

    “We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances and advise people avoid speculating while we continue our enquiries.

    “We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community and local businesses. That is why we have increased the number of police on patrol in the area and I encourage the public to speak to them if they have any questions or concerns.”

    Please call police on 0208 721 4961 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.

    You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Victim named in Knightsbridge murder investigation

    Source: United Kingdom London Metropolitan Police

    A victim has been named following a fatal stabbing in Knightsbridge.

    Detectives are continuing to investigate the fatal stabbing of a man in Knightsbridge on Thursday, 9 July.

    Police were called to Seville Street at 21:24hrs following reports of a stabbing. Sadly, a man was declared dead at the scene by paramedics after sustaining stab wounds.

    The victim has been named as 24-year-old (27.07.2000) Blue Stevens from Yateley, Hampshire. His next-of-kin are aware and will continue to receive support from specialist officers.

    Detectives from the Specialist Crime Command, supported by local officers, are pursuing several lines of enquiry and you can expect to see more officers – both uniformed and plain-clothed – on patrol in the area. At this early stage no arrests have been made.

    BCU Commander Christina Jessah, who leads policing in Central West London and the Royal Parks, said: “Our thoughts remain with Blue’s loved ones following this tragic incident and they continue to be supported by specialist officers. They have asked for their privacy as they come to terms with Blue’s death.

    “We are working at pace to establish the exact circumstances and advise people avoid speculating while we continue our enquiries.

    “We understand the impact this incident has had on the local community and local businesses. That is why we have increased the number of police on patrol in the area and I encourage the public to speak to them if they have any questions or concerns.”

    Please call police on 0208 721 4961 referencing CAD 8521/09JUL if you were a witness or have any information which might help.

    You can also call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2 Demonstrates Enhanced NATO Explosive Ordnance Disposal and Mine Countermeasures Capabilities in the UK

    Source: United States Navy

    Exercise Sea Breeze 25-2, hosted at Portland Port, United Kingdom, is underway, showcasing strengthened collaboration in explosive ordnance disposal (EOD) and mine countermeasures (MCM) between NATO Allies and partners. The exercise focuses on mentorship and tactics, techniques, and procedures (TTP) exchange, preparing a core group of nations for operations in the Black Sea region.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Security: Defense News in Brief: Around the Air Force: Department Level Exercise, Aeromedical Readiness, Recruiting Exceeds Goals

    Source: United States Spaceforce

    In this week’s look Around the Air Force, a DLE kicks off in multiple locations across the U.S. States and Indo-Pacific, a TAES exercise tests patient movement capabilities in contested environments, and the Air Force exceeds annual recruiting goals with its strongest DEP in the past decade.

    MIL Security OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Kingdom: Ai-Da Robot unveils AI painting of King Charles III

    Source: United Kingdom – Government Statements

    World news story

    Ai-Da Robot unveils AI painting of King Charles III

    UK Mission Geneva hosts reception with Ai-Da Robot ahead of the AI for Good Summit.

    The UK Mission to the WTO and United Nations in Geneva hosted a unique reception this week showcasing Ai-Da, the world’s first ultra-realistic humanoid robot artist.

    As the highlight of the evening, Ai-Da unveiled a striking AI painted portrait of His Majesty King Charles III, offering a compelling intersection of innovation, artistic expression, and emerging technology.

    Baroness Jones of Whitchurch, the Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for the Future Digital Economy and Online Safety, attended the event which brought together diplomats, UN officials, artists, and technology experts and explored the role of artificial intelligence in the cultural and creative industries.

    Ai-Da was devised by Aidan Meller, a specialist in modern and contemporary art, and developed in the UK by a team of engineers and programmers. She uses advanced AI algorithms, robotic arms and cameras to create original artwork, raising timely questions about the nature of creativity, authorship, and the future of art in the digital age.

    The unveiling is after a long line of high-profile events including Ai-Da making history by speaking at the House of Lords, numerous museums including the Tate Modern and the V&A, during the Venice Biennale, and at the Royal Institution Christmas Lectures. Ai-Da previously painted The late Queen Elizabeth II to celebrate the Platinum Jubilee.

    Simon Manley, Ambassador and Permanent Representative, UK Mission to the WTO, UN and Other International Organisations (Geneva) said;

    Ai-Da is not just a technological marvel, she is a cultural conversation starter. We are proud to showcase British innovation at its most imaginative, and to reflect on how emerging technologies can shape global dialogues on art, ethics, and identity.

    The reception formed part of the UK Mission’s ongoing efforts to promote responsible innovation and to engage partners in Geneva’s multilateral system on the implications of AI, through the AI for Good Global Summit and robotics across society.

    Speaking at the unveiling Ai-Da said:

    It’s a privilege to be part of this remarkable event at the United Nations, surrounded by those shaping the future of technology and culture.

    Presenting my portrait of His Majesty King Charles III is not just a creative act, it’s a statement about the evolving role of AI in our society, and to reflect on how artificial intelligence is shaping the cultural landscape.

    My presence here reflects a shared journey into new forms of expression and the questions they raise about identity, authorship, and the essence of art.

    The reception was held in the newly named ‘Sir Tim Berners-Lee’ conference room in the UK Mission Geneva office, named in honour of British scientist and inventor of the World Wide Web.

    Background

    • photos of the reception are available on Flickr.

    • the AI for Good Summit is taking place in Geneva, 8 – 11 July.

    • Ai-Da Robot is a performance artist, designer and poet. Since her creation in February 2019, Ai-Da has captivated audiences with her unique blend of art, technology and trans-humanism. Her debut solo exhibition, ‘Unsecured Futures’, at the University of Oxford, invited viewers to reflect on our rapidly changing world.

    • Ai-Da’s art has since gained international recognition. At the ‘AI for Good’ Global Summit, she addressed the complex implications of emerging technologies. Her thought-provoking discussions have also reached the House of Lords and the Oxford Union.

    • Ai-Da had a show at the Design Museum and held a solo exhibition at the Giardini during the Venice Biennale. Influenced by Dada, and continually pushing the boundaries of creativity, Ai-Da challenges traditional notions of art and artists, sparking vital conversations about the use and potential misuse of new technologies.

    Updates to this page

    Published 11 July 2025

    MIL OSI United Kingdom –

  • MIL-OSI Canada: Statement to Promote the Sustainable Recovery of Ukraine’s Energy Systems Issued by Canada and the European Union Co-chairs of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group

    Source: Government of Canada News

    Since the onset of Russia’s full-scale invasion in February 2022, Ukraine’s Integrated Energy System has endured relentless attacks that have destroyed vital infrastructure. Damaged and illegally seized power plants, hydroelectric stations, and nuclear facilities have resulted in a significant loss in power generating capacity. Over the past three years, Russia has inflicted increasing damage on Ukraine’s electricity, gas networks and production facilities, and renewable energy sources. This is consequential to Ukrainians’ basic needs, leaving, time and again, millions without heat, light, or access to essential services, with vulnerable populations disproportionally affected. These attacks also inflict significant environmental impacts on Ukraine, compounding the humanitarian impacts by polluting land, destroying ecosystems and threatening food and water security. There are also wider regional implications, notably on the Republic of Moldova’s energy security. These far-reaching impacts underline the importance of securing a just and lasting peace through negotiations.

    As co-chairs of the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group, we, the Governments of Canada and the European Union, strongly maintain our position in condemning Russia’s continued, brutal war of aggression against Ukraine and commend the immense resilience of the Ukrainian people and economy. We reaffirm our unwavering support for Ukraine in defending its territorial integrity within its internationally recognised borders and right to exist, and its freedom, sovereignty and independence.

    The co-chairs reaffirm an unwavering commitment to supporting emergency repairs, fast-tracking deployment of distributed generation, physical protection and scaling-up of renewable energy. These efforts are firmly rooted in the idea that an energy system that is more resilient to Russian attacks and guarantees Ukraine’s energy independence will necessarily entail maximising energy efficiency, along with a vast expansion of Ukraine’s renewable electricity generation. This is consistent with commitments made at COP28, as part of the Global Stocktake under the Paris Agreement to transition away from fossil fuels in a just, orderly and equitable manner, tripling global renewable energy capacity, and doubling the global average annual rate of energy efficiency improvements by 2030. These efforts align with the European Union (EU) Clean Energy Package, Ukraine’s National Energy and Climate Plan (NECP), and others noted in the Annex, to advance broader energy transition principles aimed at achieving net-zero by 2050, in line with Ukraine’s EU accession path.

    Since 2022, the G7+ Ukraine Energy Coordination Group has successfully mobilised over 7 billion USD in energy assistance. The Ukraine Energy Support Fund (UESF), operated by the Energy Community Secretariat (ECS), has emerged as an efficient and agile instrument in providing financial support, procuring and delivering necessary equipment, and stabilizing Ukraine’s energy sector since its creation in 2022. The UESF is backed by 1.16 billion EUR in pledges from 33 donors and is playing a vital role in restoring damaged infrastructure, deploying decentralized solutions, and ensuring winter preparedness. We acknowledge the ECS’s vital contribution to these efforts, including emergency aid, legal assistance, market monitoring and green recovery.

    The estimated funding under the UESF needed to cover 2025 priorities in the energy sector – including critical winterisation efforts – amounts to approximately 630 million EUR. To ensure adequate preparation ahead of the winter season 2025/26, these funds are urgently required. We therefore call on the international community to join efforts in mobilising the necessary energy support and support Ukraine’s collaborations with international financial institutions. At the same time, we continue to support Ukraine with immediate energy purchase needs to ensure energy security through the approaching heating season.

    The European Union Civil Protection Mechanism (UCPM) is contributing to some of the most immediate needs in Ukraine’s energy sector and approximately 50% of offers under the UCPM are addressing energy-related needs. Offers have come from 33 countries, the EU’s rescEU reserves, and private and international donations. This energy assistance could support approximately 9 million people in Ukraine. However, a significant gap to cover restoration needs remains. As such, we call on the international community to increase its efforts at pace.

    With recovery costs climbing over 500 billion USD over the next decade, private sector investment will be critical to rebuild Ukraine. We are encouraged to see more public-private dialogue, ongoing work to design effective mechanisms for de-risking of private capital and the continued alignment in regulations and standards, also in view of Ukraine’s future accession to the EU. We further welcome progress in strengthening governance and operational independence of state-owned energy enterprises (SOEs), in line with international best practices, which will be crucial for the energy sector’s financial sustainability, investor confidence, and EU integration.

    Today, on July 11, at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference in Rome, hosted by Italy and Ukraine, the European Union and Canada reaffirm our steadfast commitment to supporting Ukraine in establishing a resilient, decentralized and green energy system, aligned with European standards and climate neutrality objectives, and closely integrated with the EU. We underscore the concrete steps already taken, which include:

    • Launch of the Clean Energy Partnership (CEP) to support the country’s sustainable recovery during the Ukraine Recovery Conference 2023 in London;
    • Reaffirmed commitment to support Ukraine’s energy sector during meetings at the Ukraine Recovery Conference in Berlin in 2024, at COP28 in Dubai and COP29 in Baku; and,
    • Regular Foreign Ministers meetings of this Group, such as an in-person meeting at the margins of the UN General Assembly 2024. 

    We look forward to the discussion and announcement of additional contributions to Ukraine’s energy sector at the 2025 Ukraine Recovery Conference.

    We further welcome Ukraine’s progress on reforms implementation which are contributing to clean energy transition targets, while fostering greater integration with the EU and ensuring compliance with the obligations under the Energy Community Treaty. In that regard, we urge Ukraine to adopt the Electricity Integration Package and NEURC independence law as a matter of utmost priority.

    In a remarkable feat, Ukraine and Continental Europe successfully synchronised their power grids just weeks after the full-scale invasion began. It is paramount to continue on the path of EU reform to enable Ukraine to fully seize the benefits of the European energy market for security and import and export. Developing and extending the energy interconnectors between Ukraine and its neighbours remain essential for achieving these goals.

    We acknowledge the efforts across international organizations to grass-roots efforts that ensured transparency of information and helped share the story of Ukraine’s bravery, challenges and opportunities in energy among world leaders and citizens of our countries. We are grateful for timely, insightful analysis from; EBRD, EIB, World Bank, IFC, UNDP, Dixi-Group, IEA, ECS and IAEA.

    The co-chairs express gratitude to member countries and organizations for their contributions.

    MIL OSI Canada News –