Detectives have charged a man in connection with the murder of Tyler Hayward who was stabbed to death in Chingford.
Peshman Ahmedi, 22 (09.04.03), of no fixed address, was arrested at the Port of Dover on Tuesday, 8 July following a large police operation in Kent.
He was subsequently charged with murder on Thursday, 10 July. He will appear in custody at Willesden Magistrates’ Court on Thursday, 10 July.
A murder investigation was launched after officers were called to reports of a stabbing in Chingford Mount Road at 21:14hrs on Sunday, 6 July.
Met officers responded with paramedics and Tyler, 26, was found with a stab wound. Despite the efforts of emergency services, he sadly died at the scene.
His next-of-kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.
On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.
Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.
1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.
2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.
3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.
The government has said it will consider the recommendations.
These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.
But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.
In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.
The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.
The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.
In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.
The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.
In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.
The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.
So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.
There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.
Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.
Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.
This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.
Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.
Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.
Rebuilding trust
In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.
Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.
The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.
The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largelystopped.
Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.
It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.
Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.
On July 6, an arson attack targeted the East Melbourne Synagogue. It was the latest in a series of antisemitic incidents recorded across Australia since October 7 2023, when Hamas carried out a horrific terrorist attack, killing about 1,200 Israelis. These domestic incidents have escalated in both number and severity.
Australia has not previously experienced antisemitism at this scale. In response, the Albanese government appointed Jillian Segal as the nation’s first special envoy for combating antisemitism, and commissioned a plan with recommendations to address the issue.
1. Preventing violence and crime, including a proposed law enforcement framework to improve coordination between agencies, and new policies aimed at stopping dangerous individuals from entering Australia.
2. Strengthening protections against hate speech, by regulating all forms of hate, including antisemitism, and increasing oversight of platform policies and algorithms.
3. Promoting antisemitism-free media, education and cultural spaces, through journalist training, education programs, and conditions on public funding for organisations that promote or fail to address antisemitism.
The government has said it will consider the recommendations.
These measures are broadly reasonable and make practical sense. Some – such as those aimed at preventing violence and crime – are more straightforward to implement than others. It would also be logical to apply them to all forms of hate, not just antisemitism.
But that needs to be done with caution. We don’t want to create an environment in which any criticism of a community or group is shut down by regulation.
In a democracy, open and robust debate is essential. The challenge lies in the details: how we define hate, and where we draw the threshold for what counts as hate.
The document ignores the elephant in the room: whether the plan could be used to silence legitimate criticism of Israel.
The special envoy’s plan notes antisemitism has risen since October 7, but it does not fully explain the context. Israel’s military response in Gaza, which has killed more than 57,000 Palestinians, has prompted a wave of global protest and criticism of Israel, including accusations of genocide.
In this context, the line between antisemitism and criticism of Israel has become more difficult and contested than ever. Some people who attack Israel or Zionism may be expressing antisemitic views. Others may not. Distinguishing between the two is complex, but essential.
The envoy adopts the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance’s definition of antisemitism, which covers both direct attacks on Jewish identity and certain criticisms of Israel, such as comparisons with Nazi Germany.
In my experience as a researcher working on online hate (including antisemitism), even members of the Jewish community adopting this definition often disagree on how to apply it.
The threshold varies – for example when deciding whether an online post or a statement crosses the line into antisemitism.
So where should we draw that line? It’s a crucial question. If the envoy’s recommendations are implemented, decisions about funding, visas, and even criminal charges could depend on it.
There is, of course, broad agreement on some cases. Setting fire to a synagogue is clearly antisemitic – it targets a Jewish place of worship.
Similarly, attacking a Jewish-owned business or damaging property in a Jewish neighbourhood suggests the target was chosen because it was Jewish.
Some people – often those already harbouring anti-Jewish views – treat the entire Jewish community as if it represents the Netanyahu government or the Israel Defense Forces.
This ignores the diversity of views within Jewish communities. That lack of nuance fuels antisemitism.
Few would disagree that antisemitic acts include attacks on Jewish people or property carried out indiscriminately, or when anti-Israel protests attempt to hold the whole Jewish community collectively responsible for the actions of the Israeli government.
But we also need to be realistic. We are unlikely to eliminate all forms of antisemitic hate or intimidation from public life. Hate can be expressed without breaching laws, and people can intimidate others while staying just within legal boundaries.
Humour, sarcasm and coded language are often used to incite hatred without triggering any formal consequence. That kind of harm is much harder to prevent – and it may be something we have to learn to live with, while continuing to push back against it.
Rebuilding trust
In the long term, the only real solution is building mutual understanding. That’s why personal relationships matter.
Knowing someone who is Jewish is one of the strongest antidotes to antisemitism. When you have a Jewish friend, you’re less likely to believe or spread the myths that circulate online and offline about what Jewish people think, believe or represent.
The same applies to all forms of hate. Direct contact helps break down stereotypes across all communities.
The problem is that the current context is pushing communities apart. Segregation and isolation are increasing. Before October 7, there was meaningful interfaith work happening – Jewish students visiting the Islamic Museum, Muslim students visiting the Holocaust Museum. That work has largelystopped.
Now, people are retreating into fear, distrust and generalisations. All nuance is lost. The “other” becomes a single, threatening enemy.
It will take time to rebuild that trust – and the longer the war continues, the harder it will be.
Matteo Vergani receives funding from the Campbell Collaboration, NSW Department of Premier and Cabinet, the Department of Home Affairs.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
From its first domestically built aircraft carrier with electromagnetic catapults to the world’s second space station and a pioneering lunar far-side sample return, China has achieved a series of significant breakthroughs in innovation during the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-2025).
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
£500m Government investment to boost growth and opportunity for underrepresented entrepreneurs
Underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants build the track record they need.
£400 million package to back investment fund managers from underrepresented backgrounds and drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Additional £50 million for female-led venture capital funds, doubling the British Business Bank’s commitment to £100 million and supporting the Invest in Women Taskforce.
New report reveals that angel investors are backing more all-female founding teams than all-male teams in the UK for the first time.
Diverse or underrepresented investors and fund managers will benefit from £500m of Government backing to help high potential new entrants develop the track record they need to become the investors of the future.
Targeted at women, ethnic minorities, people with disabilities and those from deprived backgrounds, there will be a new £400m package from the British Business Bank starting in 2026, which will operate across three pillars:
Back more diverse fund managers directly through the Bank’s Enterprise Capital Funds programme, the Bank’s scheme to support early-stage businesses with high growth potential.
Invest more in supporting micro-funds, funds with around £10-15m and the first step on the venture capital ladder for new investors
Back partners, such as venture capital funds, to invest smaller amounts in talented individuals to build a track record and to provide training, giving those without personal wealth or connections the opportunity to become investors.
Research shows just 2p of every £1 invested in venture capital funding in the UK goes to female-founded businesses and only 13% of senior individuals on UK venture capital investment teams are women.
The initiative announced today aims to reduce the significant gap in venture capital investment for underrepresented founders and investors. It will target at least 50% of investment going to female fund managers.
By backing diverse and emerging fund managers, the initiative not only strengthens the UK’s venture capital ecosystem but also ensures that entrepreneurial ambition is no longer limited by background, gender, or geography. This targeted support will help build a more dynamic, inclusive economy that works for everyone.
Unlocking the potential of underrepresented entrepreneurs and breaking down barriers to opportunity will help drive growth as part of the government’s Plan for Change.
Chancellor of the Exchequer Rachel Reeves, said:
This is exactly what our Plan for Change is about: breaking down barriers to opportunity and kickstarting the growth that creates jobs and puts money into people’s pockets across the UK.
This £500 million investment will back diverse and emerging fund managers, making our economy stronger and more dynamic.
Louis Taylor CBE, Chief Executive Officer, British Business Bank, said:
To deliver the government’s growth mission it is critical that our most promising entrepreneurs can access the finance they need to grow their businesses, no matter who they are or what their background is. The UK equity market currently experiences a significant funding gap for diverse founders, negatively impacting their ability to start a business.
This new £400m Investor Pathways Capital initiative will support diverse and emerging fund managers across the UK, in turn supporting talented entrepreneurs currently underserved by the UK equity market. It has the potential to unlock the UK’s full commercial potential and boost the UK economy.
The initiative comes alongside an additional £50m investment into female-led funds to support the aims of the Invest in Women Taskforce, further expanding access to funding for female investors and entrepreneurs, taking the Bank’s total commitment to £100m.
The news comes alongside the latest Investing in Women Code report out today, which tracks and promotes investment into women-led businesses. It finds that investing in female and ethnic minority-led businesses could add 13% to the value of the UK equity market, underscoring the importance of backing diverse founders. The Code was launched in 2019 in response to the Rose Review’s findings that a lack of funding was one of the most significant barriers to women seeking to effectively scale a business.
There has also been promising progress for angel investment from Code signatories – those investing from their personal wealth – with all female investor teams and mixed-gender teams surpassing all male teams for the first time for investment received. Similarly, across all signatories, more female-only teams received funding than mixed-gender and all male teams.
However, more progress is still needed for investment in women businesses to meet its potential, with the total value of investments going into female led teams much less than that of all-male (15% vs 37%), with the remainder going to mixed teams.
Minister for Investment Baroness Gustafsson CBE said:
Women entrepreneurs have so much to contribute to economic growth, so it is encouraging to see progress in this year’s Code, with more female-led teams receiving investment than male for the first time.
Our Plan for Change is about boosting growth further and that’s why we’re taking action today to support high-potential female-led funds with an extra £50m of funding.
The report will be launched in a parliamentary reception attended by the Chancellor this afternoon.
Stakeholder quotes:
Hannah Bernard OBE, Head of Barclays Business Bank and Co-Chair of the Invest in Women Taskforce, said:
It’s heartening to see that once again IWC signatories are recognising the value of backing women-led businesses in the UK and are outperforming the broader market – proving that more diverse decision-making teams deliver better outcomes. We’re seeing real momentum in the number of women now shaping investment decisions, and the data shows this is directly linked to greater backing for female entrepreneurs.
That’s why programmes like the BBB’s new Investor Pathway Capital programme are so important and will help even more women break into Venture Capital. This is a core principle of the Invest in Women Taskforce – when you change who holds the capital, you change who gets funded.
The Investing in Women Code plays a vital role in helping us track progress and drive meaningful change across the wider industry and we urge more LPs to sign up and recognise the proven value of backing women. The Invest in Women Taskforce looks forward to deepening its partnership with the IWC to accelerate momentum and unlock the full potential of female entrepreneurs across the UK.
Michelle Ovens CBE, Founder, Small Business Britain, said:
Our country’s 5.45 million small businesses represent huge opportunity to power the UK’s economy forward, but the truth is that it is not always a level-playing field out there for entrepreneurs for many intersectional reasons.
So it is fantastic to see this new dedicated support package announced to help greater support flow towards under-represented entrepreneurial groups – like women, Disabled founders and those from ethnic minority backgrounds. We really applaud this effort and are keen to see the UK backing the rich diversity of British entrepreneurs as much as possible. It will undoubtedly bridge a big gap and has the potential to unlock tremendous growth and opportunity for us all.
Jenny Tooth OBE, Executive Chair, UK Business Angels Association, said:
We welcome today’s announcements from the British Business Bank. Backing underrepresented fund managers and doubling support for female-led VC funds are vital steps toward a more inclusive investment ecosystem.
This year, we saw that angel groups made more investment deals in all-female teams (42%) than in either mixed-gender or all-male teams – a powerful sign of change. These new initiatives will help build on that momentum, and work alongside more angel-backed innovation across the UK.
Check Warner MBE, Co-founder & Chair, Diversity VC, Co-Founding Partner, Ada Ventures, said:
To ensure the British economy is truly firing on all cylinders, we must find and back entrepreneurial talent from the widest possible pool. But if we don’t have representation at the investor level, the true potential of exceptional founders who don’t fit traditional moulds will continue to go untapped.
Building a more diverse cohort of emerging managers is a vital step en route to finding the best talent and driving outsized performance across a stronger tech ecosystem. At Ada Ventures, we’ve learnt from experience that a diverse investing team spots alpha founders that others miss.
It’s therefore encouraging to see a really meaningful and thoughtful package of interventions being announced by the Government and the British Business Bank today. This will be a key catalyst as Britain strives to become the best place in the world to start, scale and exit a business. I fervently believe that this ambition can go hand-in-hand with an equitable, diverse funding landscape that backs talent from all demographics and walks of life.
Shayan Chowdhury, Interim Managing Director at Newton Venture Program, said:
The most effective and enduring way to broaden access to capital for entrepreneurs of every kind is to cultivate an investor talent pool that reflects the diverse nature of society. That means opening up networks to a wider range of people and giving them the opportunity to participate, and thrive, in the venture capital ecosystem.
This £500m package is a huge step toward that. Allyship matters, but representation is what truly shifts outcomes, and building a more inclusive investor base is the most sustainable route to more equitable entrepreneurship.
Adopt best practices to improve female entrepreneurs’ access to finance needed to start and grow successful businesses
Nominate a member of the senior leadership team responsible for supporting equality in all interactions with entrepreneurs
Provide annual funding data disaggregated by gender to DBT, based on agreed guidelines. Providing data and analysis helps to promote greater transparency across the industry, highlighting where measures are working and where further measures may be needed.
The British Business Bank is the UK Government’s economic development bank. Established in November 2014, its mission is to drive sustainable growth and prosperity across the UK and to enable the transition to a net zero economy, by improving access to finance for smaller businesses. Its remit is to design, deliver and efficiently manage UK-wide smaller business access to finance programmes for the UK Government.
The British Business Bank’s core programmes support over £17.4bn of finance to almost 64,000 smaller businesses.
As well as increasing the supply and diversity of finance for UK smaller businesses through its programmes, the Bank works to raise awareness of finance options available to smaller businesses. The British Business Bank Finance Hub provides independent and impartial information to businesses about finance options, featuring short films, expert guides, checklists and articles from finance providers to help make their application a success.
The British Business Bank is also responsible for administering the Government’s three Coronavirus loan schemes and its Future Fund, together responsible for delivering £80.4bn in finance to 1.67m businesses. These schemes are now closed to new applications.
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The Polytechnic University held its eighth annual Summer School, an educational intensive for high school students that brought together talented children from all over the country. This year, 88 high school students from St. Petersburg and other regions of Russia who passed a competitive selection took part.
The Summer School program included four areas that combined theory, practice, and excursions to leading enterprises. The students visited UEC-Klimov, the Petersburg Tractor Plant, the Institute of Linguistic Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, NIIEFA, the IT Contact company, and the Volkhov Hydroelectric Power Station. In the final, they defended solutions to cases provided by the organizers.
On the Wings of Polytech track, the participants worked on optimizing the wing design. They created a model in KOMPAS-3D, conducted virtual tests in ANSYS, calculated the load and lift at different angles of attack. The final stage was 3D printing of the wing and its testing on a special stand. The guys presented the results in the form of an engineering report with the defense of the project. The teachers of the program were engineers of the Higher School of Power Engineering and the Scientific and Educational Center “Aircraft Engines and Power Plants” PISh CI Nikita Izbyakov, Andrey Shirokih and Anastasia Bodunova.
Participants in the track “Energovaybe: how to tame the energy current and not burn out” successfully designed an efficient power supply system for a private home. They analyzed the needs of future residents and developed an optimal layout for electrical appliances, including sockets, switches, and lighting fixtures. To ensure reliable power supply, students calculated the parameters of the key elements of the system and prepared a detailed power distribution plan. The project took into account modern requirements for safety, energy efficiency, and ease of use.
The students studied electric power engineering with maximum focus on practical applicability. Testing the operation of electrical appliances, conducting experiments on connecting light bulbs, the first modeling in a popular engineering application, developing their own power supply scheme – the participants of the Summer School had no time to get bored, – noted Maria Lyulina, senior lecturer of the Higher School of Electric Power Systems.
In the track “Linguistics in the Digital Age: from Data Analysis to Artificial Intelligence”, schoolchildren analyzed excerpts from English textbooks for grades 7–11 to assess their complexity. Using special metrics and automatic text processing tools, they found out how the “from simple to complex” principle is observed in the school curriculum. The results will help textbook authors adjust the selection of materials, and teachers will be able to adapt complex texts for better understanding. The track was organized by teachers and staff of the Higher School of Linguistics and Pedagogy Alexander Dmitriev, Marina Kogan and Elena Krupnova.
In the “How it works: mechanical engineering” program, schoolchildren successfully designed and calculated a single-stage gearbox, a key mechanism for industrial equipment. They performed energy-kinematic calculations, created a 3D model, and analyzed various production technologies, including traditional processing and 3D printing. The intensive course allowed future engineers to master modern methods of designing mechanical systems and understand the principles of choosing optimal production solutions.
The summer school is a unique opportunity for schoolchildren to immerse themselves in student life and get acquainted with their future profession. Working in groups, together with interested and motivated children, allows them to delve deeper into various technologies of modern professions, – noted the director of the Center for Work with Applicants Artem Egupov.
The best teams received additional points, which will be taken into account when entering SPbPU, as well as gifts.
The most valuable thing for me was the acquired experience of teamwork and practical skills of working in KOMPAS-3D. The teachers presented the material in an accessible and exciting way, so it was really interesting. Thanks to the coordinated work, we were able to overcome all the difficulties and achieved an excellent result in the defense of the projects, – shared Leonid Svetlyakov.
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.
A Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, Switzerland, and the ASEAN Secretariat was convened today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, and was attended by Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, and Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. The Meeting discussed the ASEAN-Switzerland Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, including ongoing cooperation, and sought untapped opportunities for future collaboration.
The post Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland and the ASEAN Secretariat convenes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
Source: Peter the Great St. Petersburg Polytechnic University –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The sports and technical creativity club “Extreme” took part in the final of the Karelia Rally Cup – the legendary race “White Nights”, which took place in the Lakhdenpokhsky district of the Republic of Karelia. In the team standings, the polytechnicians were awarded bronze medals.
The competition was held on roads that had never been used as race tracks before. The new tracks became a real test of strength for the pilots and equipment. The mechanics also had to face various difficulties: on narrow rocky special stages, which were washed away by rain on the second day, not all athletes managed to find a balance between speed and caution.
Three Extreme crews reached the finish line. In the 2000N category, bronze medals were won by Andrey Zhukovsky and Konstantin Mukhamendrikov in a Ford Fiesta, despite the fact that the crew overcame the last special stages with serious problems.
Getting there somehow is better than dropping out of the race, the crew members sum up briefly.
IMMiT 2022 graduate Danil Kolpin and Valery Smirnov earned credit points in the 1600N category on a VAZ-2108. The Polytechnicians assembled the car on the basis of the KSTT from a bare body.
On the first day, the brakes created problems, on the second day, the electrics and gearbox. On such roads, the power steering was sorely lacking. The development vector is clear, we will improve the car and next time we will drive much more effectively, – shared Danil Kolpin.
Pavel Alekseev and IE student Mikhail Krasovitsky were one step away from winning medals in a Renault Logan in the Standard category, which is intended for cars without serious sports modifications.
On the very first special stage, a couple of turns from the finish, we hit the fuel tank and tore off the fuel pump. We got to the service station on a rope and spent the rest of the first day searching for and fixing the problem. We started the second day in eighth place with a big time penalty, we didn’t finish any special stage lower than third place, but, alas, we couldn’t make up the rest of the penalty minutes. In the end, we were fourth. For a fully factory “Logan”, this is an excellent result, but we strive for the best, – said Mikhail Krasovitsky.
It was a tough race for the Polytechnicians. In such conditions, it is important not to give up, to continue the fight to reach the finish. It is impossible to win if you do not reach the end. This is probably our main principle of the team, – commented the team leader, mechanic of the Department of Transport and Mechanization of SPbPU Sergey Korovay.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 8 (Xinhua) — China has always taken a prudent, responsible approach to military exports and is willing to share the achievements of its equipment development with friendly countries, a Chinese defense spokesperson said on Tuesday.
Jiang Bin, spokesperson for the Ministry of National Defense, made the remarks when commenting on recent reports that several countries are in discussions with China regarding weapon procurement plans that include China’s J-10 fighter jet.
Jiang also stressed the country’s commitment to playing a constructive role in regional and global peace and stability.
Source: People’s Republic of China – Ministry of National Defense
BEIJING, July 8 — Whatever weapons the DPP authorities use, the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification will not be stopped, said Senior Colonel Jiang Bin, spokesperson for China’s Ministry of National Defense, at a press briefing on Tuesday.
Jiang made those remarks when asked to comment on the Han Kuang-41 live-troop exercise to be conducted by Taiwan’s military from July 9. It is learnt the exercise will focus on such subjects as the so-called “response to gray-zone harassment”, “joint anti-landing operations” and “resilient defense on the island”. Meanwhile, many US weapons will make their debut during the exercise.
The spokesperson slammed that Han Kuang exercise is nothing but a bluffing and self-deceiving trick played by the DPP authorities to hijack Taiwan compatriots on-board its “Taiwan Independence” war chariot, and the DPP authorities are harming Taiwan out of its selfish interests.
“We solemnly warn the DPP authorities that seeking ‘independence by force’ is a dead end. Whatever subjects they drill and whatever weapons they use, the PLA’s resolute countermeasures against ‘Taiwan Independence’ will not be deterred, nor will the overwhelming and irresistible trend of China’s national reunification be stopped.” Jiang stressed.
1 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Samantha Beltran, left, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to French Forces in Djibouti personnel at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 12, 2025. The JTFAC analyzes evidence from the field, including DNA, fingerprints, firearms, and electronic media, to provide actionable intelligence in support of U.S., allied, and partner nation operations across Africa. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL2 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Natassha Robinson, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center Army CID FXD latent print examiner, demonstrates fingerprint analysis techniques to Japanese Self-Defense Force members at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, June 19, 2025. The JTFAC collaborates with various partner forces across the U.S. Africa Command area of responsibility to support operations to enhance regional security and stability. (U.S. Air Force photo by Staff Sgt. Hardy-Bannerman) (Photo Credit: Staff Sgt. Marcus Hardy-Bannerman) VIEW ORIGINAL3 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –A sign for the Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center is displayed at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti, May 5, 2025. The JTFAC is U.S. Africa Command’s sole provider of comprehensive forensic capabilities across the range of military operations. (U.S. Air Force photo by Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) (Photo Credit: Senior Airman Joseph Bartoszek) VIEW ORIGINAL4 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Emily Rue, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, observes a color test to isolate the compound in the sample in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL5 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces use a variety of chemicals to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL6 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –Lauren Kraul, Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center, discusses methods to retrieve serial numbers removed from equipment with Tunisian Armed Forces in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. African Lion 25 (AL25) is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve Photo By Lt. Col Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL7 / 7Show Caption +Hide Caption –The Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center and Tunisian Armed Forces collaborate during exercise African Lion 2025 (AL25) in Bizerte, Tunisia, April 28, 2025. Fluorescent lighting is used to view fingerprints on items being tested. AL25 is set to be the largest annual military exercise in Africa, bringing together over 40 nations, including seven NATO allies and 10,000 troops to conduct realistic, dynamic and collaborative training in an austere environment that intersects multiple geographic and functional combatant commands. Led by U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) on behalf of the U.S. Africa Command, AL25 takes place from April 14 to May 23, 2025, across Ghana, Morocco, Senegal, and Tunisia. This large-scale exercise will enhance our ability to work together in complex, multi-domain operations—preparing forces to deploy, fight and win. (U.S. Army Reserve photo by Lt. Col. Dale D. Barnes.) (Photo Credit: Lt. Col. Dale Barnes) VIEW ORIGINAL
Back to
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF)
VICENZA, Italy – When U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) and U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM) identified a need to gather evidence, the U.S. Army’s Joint Theater Forensic Analysis Center (JTFAC) answered the call. Its forensic team launched into action at sea, turning expertise into real-world impact.
At the request of the CENTCOM and AFRICOM, JTFAC personnel deployed to collect and analyze forensic evidence from a vessel carrying Iranian-supplied advanced conventional weapons. The seized cargo included ballistic missile components, anti-ship ballistic missile parts and a warhead, all bound for Houthi rebel forces in Yemen.
The forensic evidence helped secure a June 5, 2025, federal conviction of the ship’s captain, Muhammad Pahlawan, a Pakistani national who worked closely with Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, on six charges related to smuggling Iranian-made advanced conventional weaponry destined for the Houthis in Yemen, as well as threatening multiple witnesses.
“The JTFAC forensic team conducted rapid sensitive site exploitation at expeditionary locations, including within the maritime environment,” said U.S. Army Lt. Col. Kyle Thomason, provost marshal for U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF), which provides oversight to JTFAC operations.
To meet the unique demands of a maritime environment, the team rapidly adapted its Fly Away Kit, a mobile forensic toolkit designed for land and sea missions. This self-contained toolkit enabled JTFAC scientists to conduct on-site analysis, including chemical trace detection, biometric collection, and confirmed and inventoried types of weapons and equipment aboard the vessel.
The vessel’s initial interdiction resulted in the deaths of two Navy SEALs off the coast of Somalia in Jan. 2024, making international headlines at the time. However, the loss of service members was not in vain.
The interdiction successfully prevented anti-ship ballistic missiles from targeting U.S. and partner-nation vessels. The type of weaponry found aboard the vessel was consistent with the weapon systems used by the Houthi rebel forces during the time of the charged conspiracy against merchant ships and U.S. military vessels in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden after the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack in Israel.
“The JTFAC services the Joint Interagency Intergovernmental Multinational community within AFRICOM,” said Thomason. “Their mission enables U.S. and partner nation forces to accomplish AFRICOM campaign objectives.”
Along with AFRICOM and CENTCOM, U.S. European Command was also involved in this offshore mission, highlighting JTFAC’s reach across geographic boundaries and interagency lines.
“We’re glad to have had the opportunity to fit into the seams of multiple commands to support this consequential operation,” added Thomason.
The mission not only demonstrated the center’s technical capabilities, but also deepened collaboration between defense, justice and diplomatic agencies operating in the AFRICOM area of responsibility. It marked a significant milestone in JTFAC’s expanding role as a forensic enabler for both military and civilian partners.
“The lab is internationally accredited, meaning its scientists can serve as expert witnesses in both the U.S. and abroad,” said Greg Sanson, the JTFAC liaison officer to SETAF-AF. “This comes in handy when either the U.S. or a partner nation wants to take legal action against subjects identified through our forensic analysis.”
JTFAC’s recent support of African Lion exercises laid the groundwork for this success. During those multinational events, Forensic Exploitation Team (FXT) scientists provided hands-on training to host-nation forces in Tunisia and Morocco, covering topics such as latent fingerprint development, DNA analysis and post-blast evidence recovery.
In addition, AFRICOM’s exercise Cutlass Express included 21 legal advisors from 12 countries converging in Victoria, Seychelles, Feb. 10-14, 2025. The multinational team discussed legal processes and examined possible scenarios that support search and seizure operations such as the type of mission which brought about this latest conviction.
“These engagements not only enhance the forensic science capabilities of our partners across the African continent, but also reinforce our center’s readiness for real-world contingencies,” added U.S. Army Maj. Lucas Poon, the JTFAC director at Camp Lemonnier, Djibouti.
JTFAC’s capabilities stem from both military and civilian personnel, operating under the umbrella of the Department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division (CID). The Army CID’s Forensic Exploitation Division (FXD) staffs the majority of JTFAC positions. While the JTFAC is operationally controlled by SETAF-AF, a unique team from multiple U.S. Army commands enables this function.
The FXD supports numerous annual partner nation engagements and deploys on six-month rotations as part of the JTFAC in Djibouti.
“The lab’s ongoing mission provides multiple other benefits to partner nations, civilians and service members who operate in this area,” said Sanson. “Accurate forensic assessments lead to updated tactics, techniques and procedures, as well as revisions to protective equipment and policies to keep people safe now and into the future.”
As threats grow more complex and transnational, JTFAC continues to prove that science, when deployed with precision, can be a decisive force for justice and security.
About SETAF-AF
U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF) prepares Army forces, executes crisis response, enables strategic competition and strengthens partners to achieve U.S. Army Europe and Africa and U.S. Africa Command campaign objectives.
On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.
In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.
These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined.
‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp.
Ukraine Partnership Facility
At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible.
€20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience
One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.
On Thursday the Netherlands pledged €300 million for the reconstruction and recovery of Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. Minister of Foreign Affairs Caspar Veldkamp announced the support at the Ukraine Recovery Conference (URC) in Rome, in which he and Dutch prime minister Dick Schoof are participating. The URC is an annual international event dedicated to the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine.
The foreign minister also announced that €30 million of this sum will be earmarked to help Dutch businesses and organisations to set up projects that contribute to Ukraine’s reconstruction and sustainable recovery through the Ukraine Partnership Facility (UPF) grant programme. Mr Veldkamp had already said that €52 million of the Dutch contribution would be spent on repairing Ukraine’s energy infrastructure and drinking water supplies in 2025.
In addition, the Netherlands is donating €4 million for the construction of a new wing at the children’s hospital in Lviv, to be carried out in partnership with the Princess Máxima Center for paediatric oncology in Utrecht.
These amounts are part of the funds that the government had already set aside for non-military support to Ukraine in 2025 and 2026. The support amounts to €252 million per year, which adds up to more than €500 million in total. The details of how the first €200 million would be spent had already been announced. Now the purpose of the remaining amounts has also been determined.
‘Russia isn’t just trying to bring Ukraine’s armed forces to their knees, but for more than three years has also been attempting to destroy Ukraine’s society and economy through continuous attacks, for instance on energy infrastructure, water supplies and grain storage facilities, as well as houses and apartments. It is therefore important that the international community supports Ukraine not only with arms, but also with financial, economic and social assistance. Ukraine’s economy and society must be kept running because that will help the country in its struggle. It is, as it were, another front line. Our financial and economic support is also intended to help the recovery process run more smoothly and to keep the costs of reconstruction down,’ said Mr Veldkamp.
Ukraine Partnership Facility
At the conference, Mr Veldkamp and Ukraine’s First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Economy, Yulia Svyrydenko, will sign a cooperation agreement on the extension of the UPF grant programme established in 2023 to help Dutch businesses and organisations working on projects in the fields of agrofood, sustainable energy, healthcare, water and circular construction that will benefit Ukraine’s recovery and reconstruction. The Netherlands and Ukraine will collaborate to ensure that the selected projects meet Ukraine’s needs to the greatest extent possible.
€20 million to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience
One of the topics discussed at the conference will be efforts to boost Ukraine’s cyber resilience. The Netherlands had already announced it was setting aside €10 million per year for 2025 and 2026 to assist Ukraine in this area. The cyber threat posed to Ukraine by Russia has never been greater, as cyber attacks are an integral part of Russia’s war effort. The funding may for example be used to increase the cyber resilience of critical sectors such as energy and transport.
In its 2025 Rule of Law report, the Commission finds there is a positive way forward in many EU countries, where important reforms have been carried out in justice, anti-corruption, media freedom and institutional checks and balances. Some challenges remain, however, and further action is needed.
The State of Qatar participated in the109th session of the Executive Council of the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW), held in The Hague.
The Qatari delegation was headed by HE Ambassador of the State of Qatar to the Kingdom of the Netherlands and its Permanent Representative to the OPCW Dr. Mutlaq bin Majid Al Qahtani.
In Qatar’s statement during the session, His Excellency noted that the meeting is taking place amid serious challenges to international peace and security, foremost among them the war waged by Israel on the Gaza Strip, which has resulted in severe humanitarian tragedies.
His Excellency affirmed Qatar’s support for the request made by the State of Palestine, as a party to the Chemical Weapons Convention, for an immediate investigation into Israel’s use of prohibited substances during its military operations in Gaza.
His Excellency stressed that such actions constitute a blatant violation of international law and relevant conventions and require accountability for the perpetrators.
In this context, His Excellency condemned Israel’s repeated targeting of sites within Syrian territory, which hinders the work of OPCW missions and endangers the lives of its experts, especially as Syria continues its cooperation with the OPCW Technical Secretariat to identify sites containing chemical materials and develop destruction plans.
HE the Ambassador praised the recent positive progress in cooperation between the Syrian Arab Republic and the OPCW Technical Secretariat, commending the vital role played by the organization in this regard and Qatar’s support for enhancing this cooperation, calling on the Executive Council to engage positively with this new reality and to take the necessary steps to restore Syria’s rights and privileges as an active member of the organization.
His Excellency also reiterated Qatar’s position calling for the resolution of the Russian-Ukrainian crisis through dialogue and diplomatic means, and for the peaceful settlement of international disputes.
Noting increased reports of continued military build-up in and around Tripoli, the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) strongly urges all parties to refrain from using force, particularly in densely populated areas, and to avoid any actions or political rhetoric that could trigger escalation or lead to renewed clashes.
As reiterated in the Security Council press statement on 17 May, UNSMIL reminds all political and security actors of their obligation under international law to protect civilian lives and property and that those responsible for attacks against civilians will be held accountable.
The Mission continues its efforts to help de-escalate the situation and calls on all parties to engage in good faith towards this end. UNSMIL urges the swift implementation of security arrangements developed by the Truce and Security and Military Arrangements Committees, which the Mission continues to support. Forces recently deployed in Tripoli must withdraw without delay.
Dialogue – not violence – remains the only viable path toward achieving lasting peace, stability in Tripoli and across Libya.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The Portfolio Committee on Planning, Monitoring and Evaluation has expressed significant concerns regarding the centralisation of state-owned entities (SOEs) as outlined in the National State Enterprises Bill (B1-2024).
During a meeting on Wednesday, the committee received a briefing from the National Treasury (NT) and the Financial Fiscal Commission (FFC) on the Bill, which aims to develop a strategic approach to enhancing the governance and operational efficiency of SOEs. National Treasury highlighted critical issues, particularly the proposed non-application of the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) to the holding company and its subsidiaries, which could undermine transparency and accountability in financial management. NT cautioned that the centralisation model poses risks, such as increased political interference and the potential for state capture, emphasising the importance of ensuring that SOEs remain financially sustainable without undue reliance on public funds.
In its presentation, the FFC stated that it does not support the Bill in its current form, noting that it fails to address longstanding governance concerns experienced over the past 30 years. The FFC recommended that the holding company be established within the National Treasury’s budget baseline, in accordance with Sections 213 and 216 of the Constitution.
During the questioning phase, committee members raised significant concerns about the centralisation issues presented in the Bill. They argued that a centralised model could lead to a lack of transparency and accountability, making it more vulnerable to corruption and political interference. Members highlighted that consolidating oversight of SOEs under a single holding company might exacerbate existing vulnerabilities rather than mitigate them, potentially creating an environment where decision-making becomes opaque and less subject to scrutiny. Additionally, there were worries that centralisation could undermine the transformative goals for SOEs, distancing them from the necessary checks and balances that ensure equitable governance and public accountability.
The committee members expressed a strong sentiment that the Bill, as it stands, does not adequately protect the interests of the public or ensure the effective functioning of SOEs. Members highlighted the importance of maintaining robust oversight mechanisms to prevent the erosion of accountability, particularly given the historical context of governance challenges within SOEs. Members voiced their commitment to ensuring that any legislative framework promotes transparency and fosters public trust, arguing that the proposed centralisation could lead to a concentration of power that is detrimental to democratic principles.
While National Treasury did not explicitly call for the Bill to be withdrawn in its current form, it acknowledged the necessity for reworking the legislation. The committee flagged the risk that the holding company could be controlled by multinational corporations, raising concerns that Parliament might enact a law that leaves the state powerless in managing public funds effectively. Members articulated a shared apprehension that the proposed changes could inadvertently enable the very issues the Bill seeks to address, further complicating the governance landscape for SOEs.
The committee also raised alarms about the fiscal risks associated with establishing the holding company, particularly the significant funding requirement of R615 million. Members expressed scepticism regarding the feasibility of the innovative funding mechanisms proposed. Furthermore, committee members indicated that the Department of Planning, Monitoring, and Evaluation (DPME) appears to be circumventing the public procurement process, suggesting that the DPME’s approach could remove SOEs from the public procurement environment altogether.
In response to the FFC’s presentation, the committee welcomed their directness, contrasting it with the more diplomatic approach taken by National Treasury. Following a robust engagement among committee members regarding the next steps for the Bill, there was a prevailing view to pause its progress in light of the presentations received. The committee resolved to seek further guidance and legal advice, as there was overwhelming sentiment among members to halt the process, despite the Bill already being before the committee.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Republic of South Africa: The Parliament.
A Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, as the ASEAN Chair, Switzerland, and the ASEAN Secretariat was convened today in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. The Meeting was chaired by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Malaysia, the Honourable Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Mohamad Bin Haji Hasan, and was attended by Federal Councillor and Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland, Ignazio Cassis, and Secretary-General of ASEAN, Dr. Kao Kim Hourn. The Meeting discussed the ASEAN-Switzerland Sectoral Dialogue Partnership, including ongoing cooperation, and sought untapped opportunities for future collaboration.
The post Trilateral Meeting between Malaysia, Switzerland and the ASEAN Secretariat convenes in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia appeared first on ASEAN Main Portal.
The UK and Japan yesterday signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) aimed at enabling increased UK investment into Japan, further strengthening the economic ties between the two nations.
The agreement was signed at the British Embassy in Tokyo by Baroness Poppy Gustafsson of Chesterton CBE, UK Minister for Investment, and Mr. Seto Takakazu, State Minister of the Cabinet Office of Japan, who played an important role in compiling the ‘Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment in Japan 2025’ last month.
This strategic partnership establishes a formal framework for collaboration to accelerate UK investment into Japan, supporting Prime Minister Ishiba’s ambitious target of more than doubling Japan’s foreign direct investment stocks to JPY120 trillion (approximately £600 billion) in 2030.
Minister for Investment Baroness Poppy Gustafsson CBE said:
The UK and Japan share a deep and enduring partnership that is committed to mutual prosperity and growth. That’s why I’m delighted to sign this new partnership with Japan – capitalising on the major opportunities for UK businesses to bring their innovative offers to Japan and grow in the Japanese economy.
Key growth sectors with strong potential for increased UK investment include clean energy, digital transformation, biotechnology and healthcare, alongside enabling sectors such as legal, professional and financial services.
This aligns with the UK’s new Industrial Strategy, which sets out plans to transform the UK’s clean energy, digital and technologies, and life sciences sectors over the next decade – providing businesses with the stability and certainty to make long-term investment decisions in the UK.
The MoC builds upon the foundation of the enhanced global strategic partnership outlined in the Hiroshima Accord of May 2023 and complements existing frameworks such as the UK-Japan Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) and both nations’ membership of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
To mark the occasion, the British Embassy in Tokyo has launched “Expand in Japan” – an initiative to champion and support UK investors seeking opportunities in the Japanese market. Companies can register their interest here.
The signing comes as the Minister for Investment Poppy Gustafsson is in Tokyo to meet with key Japanese investors and government partners.
It also follows the UK’s recent National Day celebration at Expo 2025 Osaka, where the UK Pavilion, themed “Come Build the Future,” has been showcasing Britain as a global hub of innovation.
Nearly 1,000 Japanese companies have already established operations in the UK, with £87 billion in investment stock. This new agreement aims to strengthen reciprocal investment flows, supporting both nations’ economic growth and security objectives.
Richard Lyle, President of the British Chamber of Commerce in Japan, said:
We welcome this close partnership which enables UK companies to invest, innovate, and drive growth in Japan – this is a strong signal of Japan’s openness to high-quality investment. UK companies in Japan already create high-quality jobs across the country, develop deep partnerships, and offer world-leading products, services and solutions to multiple sectors in the market.
We will continue to work with the UK and Japanese governments to enable further UK investment into Japan. As a membership organisation supporting British companies in the Japanese market, we look forward to seeing more companies doing business here.
Martin Kent, His Majesty’s Trade Commissioner for Asia Pacific, said:
This new partnership with the Japanese Government is about turning ambition into action – unlocking opportunities for UK businesses in key sectors aligned with our Industrial Strategy – and building mutual prosperity with Japan. I look forward to the collaboration, innovation, and growth that will emerge following today’s signing.
Notes to Editors:
The UK-Japan relationship has been strengthened through multiple agreements including the 2023 Hiroshima Accord, a bilateral free trade agreement in 2020, UK’s accession to CPTPP in 2024, and the launch of the Economic 2+2 in 2025.
This agreement supports both the UK’s Modern Industrial Strategy and Japan’s Program for Promotion of Foreign Direct Investment.
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On July 10, our country celebrates the Day of the Russian army’s victory over the Swedes in the Battle of Poltava – one of the 20 days of military glory in the Russian holiday calendar.
The Battle of Poltava became the decisive battle of the Northern War (1700-1721), in which the Russian Tsardom, which was in the period of reforms of Peter I, was confronted by the powerful Swedish Kingdom, led by the talented military leader Charles XII.
Charles’s self-confidence played a cruel joke on him. Being in the minority, cut off from supplies, having lost his baggage train in the battle near the village of Lesnoy and having suffered serious losses in attempts to take Poltava by storm, the Swedish king decided on a general battle, hoping to defeat the Russian army, which was not yet well trained and equipped. Contrary to his expectations, the Russians had an overwhelming advantage in artillery and well-fortified positions.
In the first stage of the battle, the Swedes managed to occupy two unfinished redoubts on the move, but they were no longer able to advance. Having withstood heavy artillery fire and mixed up their ranks, they moved into a decisive attack, which quickly turned into a bayonet fight. Two hours later, they were surrounded by the Russians from the flanks, panicked, and fled the battlefield.
As a result, the Swedish corps was completely routed. About 9,000 people were killed, and 19,000, including all the generals, were captured. The Russians got the entire royal treasury, but Charles XII himself managed to escape to Turkey with a small detachment, where he continued to intrigue against Russia.
Despite the fact that the Northern War lasted for another 12 long years after the Battle of Poltava, Sweden could no longer pose a significant threat to the Russians. At the end of the war, Russia retained the territories of Karelia, Livonia, Estonia, Ingria and free access to the Baltic Sea, opening up broad strategic and trade opportunities.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: 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 10 (Xinhua) — The China-Russia Sister Cities Education Forum was held in Guangzhou, capital of south China’s Guangdong Province, on Tuesday. More than 300 educators, teachers and students from six cities in the two countries gathered to develop new approaches to cooperation through thematic seminars, amateur performances and the signing of inter-school agreements.
According to Chinese education portal eol.cn, Guangzhou maintains sister city ties with five Russian cities, where educational cooperation has become a key area. In recent years, chess tournaments, children’s art exhibitions and other exchanges have been successfully held. This forum has deepened practical cooperation between the two sides in the field of education.
“Sustainable development is the fundamental mission of education. We must strengthen mutual understanding and move forward together,” said Chen Xueming, deputy director of the Guangzhou Municipal Education Bureau, noting achievements in teacher exchanges, joint curriculum development and academic research.
Deputy Head of the Kazan City Education Department Alsu Biktova emphasized that the capital of Tatarstan expects to conclude new interschool agreements with China and adopt Guangzhou’s experience in pedagogy and educational institution infrastructure to take cooperation to a new level.
At a round table, the heads of six schools from sister cities in China and Russia discussed AI education and training of future personnel.
The forum showcased the fruits of Sino-Russian educational cooperation, bringing wisdom to the construction of a community with a shared future for mankind. The two sides will continue to deepen exchanges to cultivate innovative talent. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: 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 10 (Xinhua) — A press conference was held in Yanji City, Northeast China’s Jilin Province, on July 8 to announce the launch of an international bus service between Yanji and Vladivostok, announcing that the route will operate regularly from July 10.
According to the local newspaper Yanbian Ribao, transport companies of the Yanbian Korean Autonomous Region and Primorsky Krai signed an agreement in 2024 to open a regular international bus service from Yanji to Vladivostok to meet tourist demand. On June 24, 2025, all permits were completed, and the route launch ceremony will take place on July 10 in Yanji.
The route is 399.2 km long and travel time is about 8 hours 50 minutes. The frequency of flights will increase depending on passenger traffic.
The launch of the Yanji-Vladivostok route will meet the growing demand for tourist travel, border trade and accelerate the development of tourism between Jilin Province and neighboring areas of Russia, which is of great significance for interregional cooperation between the two countries in the political, economic, cultural and tourism spheres. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: 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 10 (Xinhua) — China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Thursday issued a yellow alert for heavy rainfall in some parts of the country.
According to the NMC, heavy rain and downpours will rage in some provincial-level areas of the country, including Fujian, Guangdong, Hainan, Hebei, Guizhou, Yunnan, Sichuan, Hubei, Shaanxi, Taiwan, Chongqing and Beijing, as well as Inner Mongolia and Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Regions from 2:00 p.m. Thursday to 2:00 p.m. Friday.
Heavy rains are expected in some areas of Guangdong and Fujian provinces, with hourly rainfall reaching 300 mm, the center added.
In some places in the above-mentioned regions, short-term heavy precipitation is expected, the maximum hourly rate of which may exceed 80 mm. In addition, strong convective phenomena such as thunderstorms and gusty winds will be observed.
The NMC recommended that local authorities and relevant departments properly organize storm control measures and take necessary drainage measures in urban areas and agricultural lands.
Let us recall that China has a four-tier weather warning system, with red representing the highest level of danger, followed by orange, yellow and blue. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: 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 10 (Xinhua) — China’s courier sector handled more than 100 billion parcels as of July 9 this year, the State Post Administration said Thursday.
The department noted that the operational volume of shipments exceeded the 100 billion unit mark 35 days earlier than in 2024. This figure has exceeded 100 billion parcels for the fifth year in a row.
As the country’s consumer market continues to expand and e-commerce becomes more popular, the courier sector is playing an increasingly important role in supporting relevant industries and driving economic growth, the department said.
Since the beginning of this year, Chinese authorities have unveiled a series of measures to stimulate consumption. For example, the trade-in program for replacing old consumer goods with new ones has added more product categories to stimulate domestic demand and unlock consumer potential.
In June this year, China reaffirmed its support for the national trade-in program for equipment upgrades and consumer goods, and promised to provide continued funding to pay government subsidies through 2025.
To improve the effectiveness of the trade-in program, the courier sector is working to provide more efficient and convenient services, the official concluded. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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
NEW DELHI, July 10 (Xinhua) — Strong tremors were felt in many parts of northern India on Thursday morning, sending people running out of their homes in panic. The tremors lasted for about 10 seconds.
An earthquake measuring 4.4 on the Richter scale struck northern India at around 09:04 a.m. local time, according to India’s National Seismological Centre.
The epicentre of the earthquake was reported to be in the town of Jhajjar in the northern Haryana state.
There are currently no reports of damage or casualties. –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.
WHO, in partnership with UNICEF, has published a new training manual to equip health and social care professionals and other workers to deliver effective and safe support to adults with mental health and psychosocial needs.
The manual provides a structured, competency-based approach to teaching and assessing foundational helping skills such as active listening, empathy and collaboration among specialist and non-specialist workers.
Globally, most people with mental health conditions do not receive effective care. For example, only 3% of individuals living with depression in low- and middle-income countries receive treatment, partly due to a shortage of well-trained mental health workers.
Everyone who is in a role supporting others – including health and social care professionals, community workers, counsellors, volunteers, and teachers ─ can benefit from evidence-informed training to improve foundational helping skills to assist with delivery of effective and safe support. Without these skills, there is a risk of ineffective, or even harmful, care.
“Millions of people cannot access quality mental health care because there simply aren’t enough trained specialists,” said Dévora Kestel, Director a.i., WHO Department of NCDs and Mental Health. “Strengthening foundational helping skills among non-specialists can help close this gap. This manual offers a practical, evidence-based path to equip helpers with the skills they need to provide effective, timely, and compassionate care to those who need it.”
Developed for the joint WHO-UNICEF EQUIP platform, the manual addresses gaps in training by offering a standardized, competency-based approach to teaching and assessing key foundational helping behaviours such as communication, empathy, collaboration, and promoting hope.
This manual equips trainers and supervisors with the tools to build helpers’ skills and confidence, ensuring care that is safe, respectful, and effective. It covers 15 core competencies and employs a validated approach to assess competency levels through structured role-plays. This competency-based approach helps reduce unhelpful or potentially harmful behaviours.
“The modular aspect of this manual makes it easy for trainers to integrate foundational helping skills in existing training courses. It can thus be flexibly adapted across health, social care, education, as well as humanitarian settings,” said Mark Van Ommeren, Mental Health Unit Head, WHO Department of NCDs and Mental Health.
Developed through expert consultation, literature review, and tested in four countries, the training has demonstrated improved competency and increased trainee confidence.
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry Piyush Goyal on Wednesday addressing the ICC: Krishi Vikram thematic session in New Delhi, said that India’s agriculture and fisheries exports have reached ₹4.5 lakh crore and hold the potential to scale up to ₹20 lakh crore. The key to unlocking this potential, he said, lies in strengthening food processing, branding, and packaging standards.
Highlighting India’s expanding footprint in global agri-markets, the Minister noted that newer items such as jamun, litchi, pineapple, and bottle gourd are now being exported. He cited recent shipments of jamun to the UK and litchis from Punjab to Doha and Dubai as signs of growing international demand for Indian produce. India’s export presence is increasing notably in Gulf nations like the UAE and Saudi Arabia.
Shri Goyal praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s global advocacy of millets through the International Year of Millets, which brought international attention to India’s traditional grains and their health benefits.
He stressed the importance of building resilient agricultural supply chains, including inputs like seeds, fertilisers, pesticides, and essential equipment. India, he said, must ensure self-reliance in agricultural inputs to buffer against global disruptions.
A major focus of Shri Goyal’s address was on the adoption of drip irrigation, which he described as a game changer for Indian agriculture. He called for scaling up water conservation methods and turning them into a mass movement. Establishing small water bodies at the village level and widely adopting drip irrigation, he said, would make Indian agriculture more climate-resilient and export-ready by improving crop predictability and yield.
To further support this transformation, the Minister recommended replacing outdated water pumps with energy-efficient smart pumps that can be remotely operated via mobile phones and provide real-time data on water usage. When used alongside drip systems, such pumps reduce water wastage, prevent crop damage from over-irrigation, and lower input costs.
Encouraging agri-entrepreneurs to partner with farmers, Shri Goyal pointed to recent developments like the creation of the Turmeric Board to boost spice exports. He also noted that coffee exports have doubled, and spice exports continue to rise. However, he emphasised the need for more targeted efforts to scale India’s global presence in these sectors.
He further spoke about the growing potential of natural and organic farming. To enhance credibility in the global market, the government is tightening certification norms using blockchain technology to ensure transparency and traceability. Additionally, it will support innovative packaging and design, helping Indian agri-products compete effectively in global markets.
Shri Goyal stressed that when farmers, industries, and exporters collaborate, challenges can be resolved faster. The government, he said, will continue to provide support for packaging and design innovation as a means to boost exports.
Reflecting on India’s agricultural transformation, the Minister said the journey has been both challenging and inspiring. He attributed the nation’s growing self-reliance in agriculture to the richness of Indian soil, the relentless efforts of farmers, and consistent government support. Citing the evolution from Lal Bahadur Shastri’s “Jai Jawan, Jai Kisan” to Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Atmanirbhar Bharat, he reiterated that agriculture has always been a national priority.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to enhancing farmers’ income and productivity. Under PM-Kisan Yojana, financial support is being provided directly to farmers. The government has also absorbed rising fertiliser prices by increasing subsidies.
Goyal shared that 1,400 mandis have been integrated with the e-NAM platform to enable transparent price discovery, while Farmer Producer Organisations (FPOs) are helping improve access to mechanisation. A ₹1 lakh crore Agriculture Infrastructure Fund is aiding the development of rural agri-infrastructure.
He also discussed the Drone Didi initiative, under which 1.5 lakh women have been trained to operate drones for fertiliser spraying. The government is promoting intercropping, horticulture, and floriculture, and is encouraging entrepreneurs to study and adopt international best practices to drive innovation in Indian farming.
Paris St Germain’s Spanish midfielder Fabian Ruiz scored twice in a devastating first-half display as the French champions demolished Real Madrid 4-0 on Wednesday to book their place in the Club World Cup final against Chelsea.
Two defensive errors handed PSG their opening goals within nine minutes at MetLife Stadium.
Raul Asencio’s poor control in the sixth minute gifted Ousmane Dembele possession and his first effort was saved by Thibaut Courtois before the rebound was picked up by Ruiz who scored into an empty net.
Antonio Ruediger’s miskick as he attempted to pass three minutes later allowed Dembele to burst unmarked into the box before firing a tidy finish past Courtois.
Ruiz struck again in the 24th minute after Achraf Hakimi made a great run down the right and the Spaniard held off defender Raul Asencio with a feint before finishing perfectly from close range.
Substitute Goncalo Ramos completed the rout for European champions PSG three minutes from time, punishing a feeble Real Madrid side who failed to pose any attacking threat.
“It was an incredible match, brilliant win,” player of the match Ruiz told DAZN.
“Even under scorching heat, such difficult conditions to play in midday, the team responded really well and it’s an achievement to be proud of.
“We made a perfect game and beat a top-level rival like Real Madrid in a great way. It’s job well done.”
Real Madrid manager Xabi Alonso’s tactical gamble backfired spectacularly.
Missing suspended defender Dean Huijsen and injured Trent Alexander-Arnold, Alonso abandoned the five-man defence that had served them well in previous rounds, reverting to a four-man backline that proved woefully inadequate against PSG’s attacking prowess.
PSG, who thrashed Inter Milan 5-0 in the Champions League final last month, smelled blood from the opening whistle and never relented against opponents who looked clueless on how to approach Gianluigi Donnarumma’s goal even with French forward Kylian Mbappe back in the starting side after illness.
Dembele almost scored in the fourth minute with a curling strike from inside the box that Courtois stopped with a brilliant one-handed save before the keeper produced another stunning reflex block from a close-range strike by Ruiz.
But there was nothing he could do to deny PSG from opening a three-goal lead and the French team had more chances to extend their advantage further before the break.
Real made no changes at halftime and PSG stayed in control, with Desire Doue having a goal ruled out for an offside.
The Spanish side never came close to causing Donnarumma a serious problem and Ramos added a fourth goal for PSG.
“At the beginning, the setback was strong enough with a 2-0 down. We knew that the task was really tough,” Real coach Alonso told DAZN.
“At the moment, the feeling is not the best, but we’ll have to try to learn from today. They are a team that has been built in two years and we are just starting here, so it will take time.
“Right now what we need is a proper break. This is not the beginning of next year, this is just the end of this season. After just three weeks here, I think that we can take positives from this period, not from today. We take lessons from today.”
Government of India has announced the sale (issue/ re-issue) of Government Securities, as detailed below, through auctions to be held on July 11, 2025 (Friday).
As per the extant scheme of underwriting commitment notified on November 14, 2007, the amounts of Minimum Underwriting Commitment (MUC) and the minimum bidding commitment under Additional Competitive Underwriting (ACU) auction, applicable to each Primary Dealer (PD), are as under:
(₹ crore)
Security
Notified Amount
MUC amount per PD
Minimum bidding commitment per PD under ACU auction
New GS 2032
11,000
262
262
7.09% GS 2074
14,000
334
334
The underwriting auction will be conducted through multiple price-based method on July 11, 2025 (Friday). PDs may submit their bids for ACU auction electronically through Core Banking Solution (E-Kuber) System between 09:00 A.M. and 09:30 A.M. on the day of underwriting auction.
The underwriting commission will be credited to the current account of the respective PDs with RBI on the day of issue of securities.
Ajit Prasad Deputy General Manager (Communications)
U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio will meet with Southeast Asian counterparts on Thursday in his first visit to Asia since taking office, and will try to reassure them the region is a priority for Washington, even as President Donald Trump targets it in his global tariff offensive.
Washington’s top diplomat will meet foreign ministers of the 10-member Association of Southeast Asian Nations gathered in Kuala Lumpur, and also hold talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov who is in the Malaysian capital, according to the U.S. State Department.
Rubio’s trip is part of an effort to renew U.S. focus on the Indo-Pacific and look beyond the conflicts in the Middle East and Europe that have consumed much of the Trump administration’s attention, with Rubio balancing dual responsibilities as secretary of state and national security adviser.
However, Trump’s global tariff strategy is likely to cast a shadow over the trip, after the president announced steep tariffs to take effect on August 1 on six ASEAN members, including Malaysia, as well as on close Northeast Asian allies Japan and South Korea.
Rubio will nevertheless seek to firm up U.S. relationships with partners and allies, who have been unnerved by the tariffs, and is likely to press the case that the United States remains a better partner than China, Washington’s main strategic rival, experts said.
“This is significant, and it’s an effort to try to counter that Chinese diplomatic and economic offensive,” said Victor Cha, president of the geopolitics and foreign policy department at Washington’s Center for Strategic and International Studies.
Rubio will also meet with Lavrov later on Thursday, according to the U.S. State Department schedule. It would be the second in-person meeting between Rubio and Lavrov, and comes at a time when Trump has grown increasingly frustrated with Russian President Vladimir Putin as the war in Ukraine drags on.
China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also expected to join talks from Thursday, but it was unclear if Rubio would meet with him.
‘BETTER LATE THAN NEVER’
A senior U.S. State Department official told reporters on Monday that among Rubio’s priorities on the trip was reaffirming Washington’s commitment to the region, not just for its sake but because it promotes American prosperity and security.
“It’s kind of late, because we’re seven months into the administration,” Cha said of Rubio’s trip. “Usually, these happen much sooner. But then again, it is extraordinary circumstances. But I guess better late than never.”
Security cooperation is a top priority, including the strategic South China Sea, and combating transnational crime, narcotics, scam centers, and trafficking in persons, said the State Department official, speaking on the condition of anonymity.
As well as their unease about Trump’s tariff policies, many in the Indo-Pacific have doubts about the willingness of his “America First” administration to fully engage diplomatically and economically with the region.
Trump said this week he would impose a 25% tariff on Japan and South Korea and also took aim at ASEAN nations, announcing a 25% levy on Malaysia, 32% on Indonesia, 36% on Cambodia and Thailand, and 40% on Laos and Myanmar.
Trump has also upset another key Indo-Pacific ally, Australia, which said on Wednesday it was “urgently seeking more detail” on his threat to raise tariffs to 200% on pharmaceutical imports.
According to a draft joint communique seen by Reuters, ASEAN foreign ministers will express “concern over rising global trade tensions and growing uncertainties in the international economic landscape, particularly the unilateral actions relating to tariffs.”
The draft, dated Monday, before the latest U.S. tariff rates were announced, did not mention the United States and used language similar to an ASEAN leaders’ statement in May. Both said tariffs were “counterproductive and risk exacerbating global economic fragmentation.”
The State Department official said Rubio would be prepared to discuss trade and reiterate that the need to rebalance U.S. trade relationships is significant.
The export-reliant ASEAN is collectively the world’s fifth-biggest economy, with some members beneficiaries of supply chain realignments from China. Only Vietnam has secured a deal with Trump, which lowers the levy to 20% from 46% initially.