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Category: AM-NC

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Derek Yu, Professor, Economics, University of the Western Cape

    Child labour is a big concern across the world. It is particularly acute in countries in the global south, where it is estimated that about 160 million children are engaged in child labour, about 87 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

    A range of countries have sought to outlaw child labour because it denies children their childhood as well as physical and mental development.

    In South Africa data on the work activities of children aged between 7 and 17 years are collected in the Survey of Activities of Young People, conducted by Statistics South Africa. Despite the survey having taken place four times (1999, 2010, 2015 and 2019), the dataset has been seriously under-used. There has hardly been any comprehensive research done on the state of South Africa’s child labour and child work activities.

    In a recently published study we looked at child labour activities in the country. We compared the 2010, 2015 and 2019 Survey of Activities of Young People.

    We first looked at personal and geographical characteristics of children, such as their gender, ethnic group and province of residence. We went on to look at their work activities, as well as the relationship (if any) between adults’ employment status and the probability of children from the same households having to work.

    The reason we chose to look at the relationship between child labour and work activities of adults is that South Africa has an extremely high level of unemployment. At the end of 2024 the unemployment rate was 31.8%.

    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which was passed in 1997, bans the employment of children until the last school day of the year when they turn 15 years old. Nonetheless, as some adult household members struggle to find work successfully, it is possible that child members of households are exploited to help the households survive financially.

    Two striking and alarming findings stand out from the study.

    First, the fewer adults were employed in a household, the more likely it was that children in the household were working. Secondly, the presence of child labour in the household had a discouraging impact on the adult members’ job-seeking action.

    The first key finding implies that if adults were employed, children might not be working. The second implies that jobless adult members most likely relied on the (illegal) income earned by the child labour, discouraging the adults from seeking work actively.

    The number of children working in South Africa has dropped from 778,000 in 2010 to 577,000 in 2019. This downward trend implies the success of South African legislation in prohibiting child labour over the years. But, we conclude, laws and regulations are not enough. In South Africa, the enforcement as well as the public awareness and understanding of the child labour related legislation must be improved to safeguard children.

    Thus, a coordinated programme of action by the government is important to bring all stakeholders into the fight against child labour and unemployment of the working-age population.

    About the survey

    The Survey of Activities of Young People was first introduced in 1999 by Statistics South Africa, two years after the 1997 legislation that banned child labour. However, since the 1999 survey was not linked to the Labour Force Survey and the 1999 survey questions were asked very differently from the 2010, 2015 and 2019 waves, we decided to exclude the 1999 survey wave from the analysis. Hence, we focus on examining the 2010, 2015 and 2019 results, notably because these three waves of data about young people are linked to the Labour Force Survey data taking place in the same year.

    This makes it possible to investigate the relationship between the employment status of child and adult household members.

    The 2019 survey findings show that, if a household had no employed adult members, the probability of the child from the same household ending up as child labour was 6.5%.

    If the household had one employed adult member, child labour probability dropped to 4.7%. Lastly, if the household had at least two employed adult members, child labour likelihood decreased further to 2.7%.

    Using the same 2019 data, we found that if a household had no child involved in labour, the probability of an adult member from the same household seeking work in the labour market was 60%. Adult members’ labour force participation rate from households where at least once child worked as child labour was much lower at 44%.

    Looking at other child labour statistics, we found that the majority (90%) of working children were Africans; above 60% were in the illegal age cohort of 7-14 years; and most were living in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

    In addition, 98% of them were still attending school while working as child labour.

    Lastly, most child labour worked 1-5 hours per week in elementary occupations in the wholesale and retail industry. The top three reasons for children working were “to obtain pocket money”, “to assist family with money” and “duty to help family”.

    The road ahead

    Some children spent many hours on household chores (which is not classified as child labour, strictly speaking). Parents, employers and the community must be educated about the dangers of long hours on domestic chores and even child labour.

    The government should consolidate its infrastructure development programmes, especially the delivery of electricity, water and sanitation in areas where children spend time on domestic chores. These actions will shorten the duration of child household chores and allow children more time for school activities. The surveys used for the study did not include questions about specific activities children were involved in. They only asked if the child was involved in chores such as cleaning, cooking and looking after elderly members.

    It is also worthwhile if questions relating to child labour are included in the child questionnaire of the National Income Dynamics Study (the only national panel data survey in South Africa) to more thoroughly investigate whether child labour is a short-term or long-term phenomenon, and whether there is any relationship between poverty (and receipt of social grants) and child labour incidence.

    Lastly, it has been six years since the Survey of Activities of Young People was last conducted. It is time for Statistics South Africa to collect the latest data on the state of child labour in the country.

    This article is based on a journal article which the writers co-authored with Clinton Herwel (Economics Masters student at the University of the Western Cape).

    – Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study
    – https://theconversation.com/child-labour-numbers-rise-in-homes-where-adults-are-jobless-south-african-study-259398

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Russia downs 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, Defence Ministry says

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Russia’s anti-aircraft systems downed 120 Ukrainian drones overnight, mostly in regions bordering Ukraine, the Russian Defence Ministry said on Sunday, reporting no damage.

    More than three years into the war, Ukraine has increasingly been using drones to attack targets deep inside Russia.

    The Defence Ministry said the drones that were intercepted overnight included 30 over the western Bryansk region, 29 in the Kursk region and 17 in Belgorod – all of which share a border with Ukraine.

    Another 18 drones were downed over the Oryol region, which borders Kursk and has been hit by previous Ukrainian drone attacks targeting oil facilities.

    Russia’s civil aviation authority, Rosaviatsiya, said it had lifted restrictions that were introduced overnight to ensure safety due to the drones at airports in St. Petersburg, Kaluga, Moscow and Nizhny Novgorod.

    (Reuters)

     

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Two killed in central China excursion boat sinking

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    CHANGSHA, July 6 (Xinhua) — Two people were killed and 27 others were rescued after a sightseeing boat sank on Dongjiang Lake in Zixing City, central China’s Hunan Province, on Saturday afternoon, local authorities said.

    The search and rescue operations ended on Sunday afternoon. The only person missing from the accident was found at 2:40 p.m., but unfortunately without signs of life.

    The incident occurred at around 4.30pm on Saturday when the 40-seater excursion boat capsized on the lake, leaving 29 people falling into the water.

    A preliminary investigation has shown that at the time of the incident, a sudden gust of wind, reaching speeds of up to 30 meters per second, hit the water area of the reservoir at the site of the tragedy. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy

    Source: The Conversation – Africa (2) – By Salah Ben Hammou, Postdoctoral Research Associate, Rice University

    August 2025 makes it five years since Malian soldiers ousted President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta in a coup d’état. While the event reshaped Mali’s domestic politics, it also marked the beginning of a broader wave of military takeovers that swept parts of Africa between 2020 and 2023.

    Soldiers have toppled governments in Niger, Burkina Faso (twice), Sudan, Chad, Guinea and Gabon.

    The return of military coups shocked many observers. Once thought to be relics of the cold war, an “extinct” form of regime change, coups appeared to be making a comeback.

    No new coups have taken place since Gabon’s in 2023, but the ripple effects are far from over. Gabon’s coup leader, Gen. Brice Oligui Nguema, formally assumed the presidency in May 2025. In doing so he broke promises that the military would step aside from politics. In Mali, the ruling junta dissolved all political parties to tighten its grip on power.

    Across the affected countries, military rulers remain entrenched. Sudan, for its part, has descended into a devastating civil war following its coup in 2021.

    Analysts often cite weak institutions, rising insecurity, and popular frustration with civilian governments to explain coups. While these factors play a role, they don’t capture the patterns we have observed.

    I have studied and written on military coups for nearly a decade, especially this coup wave.

    After a close analysis of the coup cascade, I conclude that the international community must move beyond the view of coups as isolated events.

    Patterns suggest that the Sahelian coups are not isolated. Coup leaders are not only seizing power, they are learning from one another how to entrench authority, sidestep international pressure and craft narratives that legitimise their rule.

    To help preserve democratic rule, the international community must confront five lessons revealed by the recent military takeovers.

    Key lessons

    Contagion: Just a month after Guinea’s military ousted President Alpha Condé, Sudan’s army disrupted its democratic transition. Three months later, Burkina Faso’s officers toppled President Roch Marc Christian Kaboré amid rising insecurity.

    Each case had unique triggers, but the timing suggests more than coincidence.

    Potential coup leaders watch closely, not just to see if a coup succeeds but what kinds of challenges arise as the event unfolds. When coups fail and plotters face harsh consequences, others are less likely to follow.

    Whether coups spread depends on the perceived risks as much as on opportunity. But when coups succeed – especially if new leaders quickly take control and avoid immediate instability – they send a signal that can encourage others to act.

    Civilian support matters: Civilian support for coups is real and observed.

    Since the start of Africa’s recent coup wave, many commentators have highlighted the cheering crowds that often welcome soldiers, celebrating the fall of unpopular regimes. Civilian support is a common and often underestimated aspect of coup politics. It signals to potential coup plotters that military rule can win legitimacy and public backing.

    This popular support also helps coup leaders strengthen their grip on power, shielding their regimes from both domestic opposition and international pressure. For example, following Niger’s 2023 coup, the putschists faced international condemnation and the threat of military intervention. In response, thousands of supporters gathered in the capital, Niamey, to rally around the coup leaders.

    In Mali, protesters flooded the streets in 2020 to welcome the military’s ousting of President Ibrahim Boubacar Keïta. In Guinea, crowds rallied behind the junta after Alpha Condé was removed in 2021. And in Burkina Faso, both 2022 coups were met with widespread approval.

    International responses: The international community’s response sends equally powerful signals. When those responses are weak, delayed, or inconsistent – such as the absence of meaningful sanctions, token aid suspensions, or symbolic suspensions from regional bodies – they can send the message that the illegal seizure of power carries few legitimate consequences.

    International responses to recent coups have been mixed. Some, like Niger’s, triggered strong initial reactions, including sanctions and threats of military intervention.

    But in Chad, Mahamat Déby’s 2021 takeover was effectively legitimised by key international actors, which portrayed it as a necessary step for stability following the battlefield death of his father, President Idriss Déby, at the hands of rebel forces.

    In Guinea and Gabon, regional suspensions were largely symbolic, with little pressure to restore civilian rule. In Mali and Burkina Faso, transitional timelines have been extended repeatedly without much pushback.

    The inconsistency signals to coup leaders that seizing power may provoke outrage, but rarely lasting consequences.

    Coup leaders learn from one another: Contagion isn’t limited to the moment of takeover. Coup leaders also draw lessons from how others entrench themselves afterwards. They watch to see which tactics succeed in defusing opposition and extending their grip on power.

    Entrenched military rule has become the norm across recent coup countries. On average, military rulers have remained in power for nearly 1,000 days since the start of the current wave. Before this wave, military leaders had retained power on average for 22 days since the year 2000.

    In Chad, Mahamat Déby secured his grip through a contested 2024 election. Gabon’s Nguema followed in 2025, winning nearly 90% of the vote after constitutional changes cleared the path. In both cases, elections were used to re-brand military regimes as democratic, even as the role of the armed forces remains unchanged.

    Connecting the dots

    Coup governments across Mali, Burkina Faso and Niger have shifted away from western alliances and towards Russia, deepening military and economic ties. All three exited the Economic Community of West African States and formed the Alliance of Sahel States, denouncing regional pressure.

    Aligning with Russia offers these regimes external support and a veneer of sovereignty, while legitimising authoritarianism as independence.

    The final lesson is clear: when coups are treated as isolated rather than interconnected, it’s likely that more will follow. Would-be plotters are watching how citizens react, how the world responds, and how other coup leaders consolidate power.

    When the message they receive is that coups are tolerable, survivable and even rewarded, the deterrent effect weakens.

    Poema Sumrow, a Baker Institute researcher, contributed to this article

    Salah Ben Hammou does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Coups in west Africa have five things in common: knowing what they are is key to defending democracy – https://theconversation.com/coups-in-west-africa-have-five-things-in-common-knowing-what-they-are-is-key-to-defending-democracy-258890

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study

    Source: The Conversation – Africa – By Derek Yu, Professor, Economics, University of the Western Cape

    Child labour is a big concern across the world. It is particularly acute in countries in the global south, where it is estimated that about 160 million children are engaged in child labour, about 87 million of them in sub-Saharan Africa.

    A range of countries have sought to outlaw child labour because it denies children their childhood as well as physical and mental development.

    In South Africa data on the work activities of children aged between 7 and 17 years are collected in the Survey of Activities of Young People, conducted by Statistics South Africa. Despite the survey having taken place four times (1999, 2010, 2015 and 2019), the dataset has been seriously under-used. There has hardly been any comprehensive research done on the state of South Africa’s child labour and child work activities.

    In a recently published study we looked at child labour activities in the country. We compared the 2010, 2015 and 2019 Survey of Activities of Young People.

    We first looked at personal and geographical characteristics of children, such as their gender, ethnic group and province of residence. We went on to look at their work activities, as well as the relationship (if any) between adults’ employment status and the probability of children from the same households having to work.

    The reason we chose to look at the relationship between child labour and work activities of adults is that South Africa has an extremely high level of unemployment. At the end of 2024 the unemployment rate was 31.8%.

    The Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which was passed in 1997, bans the employment of children until the last school day of the year when they turn 15 years old. Nonetheless, as some adult household members struggle to find work successfully, it is possible that child members of households are exploited to help the households survive financially.

    Two striking and alarming findings stand out from the study.

    First, the fewer adults were employed in a household, the more likely it was that children in the household were working. Secondly, the presence of child labour in the household had a discouraging impact on the adult members’ job-seeking action.

    The first key finding implies that if adults were employed, children might not be working. The second implies that jobless adult members most likely relied on the (illegal) income earned by the child labour, discouraging the adults from seeking work actively.

    The number of children working in South Africa has dropped from 778,000 in 2010 to 577,000 in 2019. This downward trend implies the success of South African legislation in prohibiting child labour over the years. But, we conclude, laws and regulations are not enough. In South Africa, the enforcement as well as the public awareness and understanding of the child labour related legislation must be improved to safeguard children.

    Thus, a coordinated programme of action by the government is important to bring all stakeholders into the fight against child labour and unemployment of the working-age population.

    About the survey

    The Survey of Activities of Young People was first introduced in 1999 by Statistics South Africa, two years after the 1997 legislation that banned child labour. However, since the 1999 survey was not linked to the Labour Force Survey and the 1999 survey questions were asked very differently from the 2010, 2015 and 2019 waves, we decided to exclude the 1999 survey wave from the analysis. Hence, we focus on examining the 2010, 2015 and 2019 results, notably because these three waves of data about young people are linked to the Labour Force Survey data taking place in the same year.

    This makes it possible to investigate the relationship between the employment status of child and adult household members.

    The 2019 survey findings show that, if a household had no employed adult members, the probability of the child from the same household ending up as child labour was 6.5%.

    If the household had one employed adult member, child labour probability dropped to 4.7%. Lastly, if the household had at least two employed adult members, child labour likelihood decreased further to 2.7%.

    Using the same 2019 data, we found that if a household had no child involved in labour, the probability of an adult member from the same household seeking work in the labour market was 60%. Adult members’ labour force participation rate from households where at least once child worked as child labour was much lower at 44%.

    Looking at other child labour statistics, we found that the majority (90%) of working children were Africans; above 60% were in the illegal age cohort of 7-14 years; and most were living in the rural areas of KwaZulu-Natal, Gauteng and Eastern Cape.

    In addition, 98% of them were still attending school while working as child labour.

    Lastly, most child labour worked 1-5 hours per week in elementary occupations in the wholesale and retail industry. The top three reasons for children working were “to obtain pocket money”, “to assist family with money” and “duty to help family”.

    The road ahead

    Some children spent many hours on household chores (which is not classified as child labour, strictly speaking). Parents, employers and the community must be educated about the dangers of long hours on domestic chores and even child labour.

    The government should consolidate its infrastructure development programmes, especially the delivery of electricity, water and sanitation in areas where children spend time on domestic chores. These actions will shorten the duration of child household chores and allow children more time for school activities. The surveys used for the study did not include questions about specific activities children were involved in. They only asked if the child was involved in chores such as cleaning, cooking and looking after elderly members.

    It is also worthwhile if questions relating to child labour are included in the child questionnaire of the National Income Dynamics Study (the only national panel data survey in South Africa) to more thoroughly investigate whether child labour is a short-term or long-term phenomenon, and whether there is any relationship between poverty (and receipt of social grants) and child labour incidence.

    Lastly, it has been six years since the Survey of Activities of Young People was last conducted. It is time for Statistics South Africa to collect the latest data on the state of child labour in the country.

    This article is based on a journal article which the writers co-authored with Clinton Herwel (Economics Masters student at the University of the Western Cape).

    The authors do not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and have disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.

    – ref. Child labour numbers rise in homes where adults are jobless – South African study – https://theconversation.com/child-labour-numbers-rise-in-homes-where-adults-are-jobless-south-african-study-259398

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI China: Chinese premier says to expand cooperation with Brazil in digital economy, aerospace

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

    Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Saturday that China is willing to work with Brazil to leverage each other’s complementary advantages and expand cooperation in such areas as digital economy, green economy, sci-tech innovation and aerospace.

    Li made the remarks during his meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. The Chinese premier arrived in Rio de Janeiro on Saturday to attend the 17th BRICS Summit.

    Li conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping’s warm greetings to Lula, noting that China-Brazil relations are in their best shape ever, with both sides working together to build a China-Brazil community with a shared future for a more just world and a more sustainable planet.

    During Lula’s visit to China in May, the two heads of state reached important consensus on pushing for building a China-Brazil community with a shared future and upholding multilateralism, Li said.

    China stands ready to work with Brazil to continue the efforts in enriching the dimensions of bilateral relations and achieving more concrete results in cooperation so as to deliver more benefits to the two peoples, Li added.

    China is willing to work with Brazil to further consolidate and deepen bilateral cooperation in trade, finance and infrastructure development under the framework of high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, said the premier.

    Li also urged both countries to jointly ensure the success of the China-Brazil Year of Culture in 2026, step up cooperation in education, youth, healthcare and other areas, further facilitate people-to-people exchanges and strengthen public support for China-Brazil friendship and cooperation.

    Depicting both countries as staunch supporters of multilateralism and free trade, Li said that China is willing to enhance communication and coordination with Brazil within multilateral frameworks such as the United Nations, BRICS and the G20, work in unity with developing countries to promote an equal and orderly multipolar world and a universally beneficial and inclusive economic globalization, and provide more certainty and stability for the world.

    China supports Brazil in hosting the UN Climate Change Conference in Belem (COP30) later this year, Li said.

    For his part, Lula asked Li to convey his sincere regards to Xi. He noted that the two peoples share a profound friendship.

    Brazil attaches great importance to advancing its relations with China, and stands ready to work with China to follow through on the important consensus reached by the two heads of state and further strengthen high-level exchanges, he said.

    Brazil is ready to promote exchanges and cooperation with China in such areas as economy and trade, science and technology, finance, and aerospace, he added.

    Brazil also seeks to deepen collaboration with China in addressing climate change, said Lula, noting the country welcomes China’s participation in the upcoming COP30 in Belem.

    He also congratulated China on successfully hosting the fourth ministerial meeting of the China-CELAC (the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States) Forum this year.

    Lula said Brazil is willing to deepen multilateral communication and coordination with China, jointly oppose unilateralism, and uphold multilateralism and free trade so as to promote world peace and development.

    Following the meeting, the two sides witnessed the signing of cooperation documents in such fields as fiscal and financial affairs, artificial intelligence, development strategies alignment and aerospace. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Unicorns, gazelles, little giants: Tech startups thrive in ‘fund jungle’

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

    In a high-stakes race to pursue next-generation technologies, Chinese startups specializing in artificial intelligence, autonomous driving, and advanced manufacturing are gaining momentum through a novel but supportive financing model called the “fund jungle.”

    This ecosystem — a dense network of government-led investment funds, venture capital and corporate backing — is accelerating the rise of so-called “gazelle” firms, unicorns and niche “little giant” enterprises across east China’s Anhui Province and beyond.

    Leading the way is HiDream.ai, which rose to the forefront of global generative AI startups in just two years. With its cinematic-quality video generation technology, the fast-growing firm has attracted 10 million individual users and 40,000 corporate clients worldwide.

    Founder Mei Tao said that starting an AI company was like “venturing into an uncharted territory” where both the technology and the market are entirely new.

    Amid shifting international dynamics that led to a withdrawal of U.S. capital and a relative shortage of RMB venture funding, the company adopted a “move fast with small steps” strategy by demonstrating its value with limited capital to attract follow-up investment.

    The turnaround came last year, when it secured a sizable Series A round, with state-owned Hefei Industry Investment Group being the lead investor, joined by the Anhui artificial intelligence fund of funds and other institutional investors.

    Beyond financing, establishing base in Hefei, provincial capital of Anhui, has helped the company expand its applications in broadcasting, film and television, and tourism, while the local government is aiming to leverage the AI technologies to empower local industries.

    HiDream.ai had good reason to choose Hefei as its base. Anhui Province has set out plans to cultivate a cohort of rapidly growing gazelle companies and a new wave of unicorns, startups valued at over 1 billion U.S. dollars. The province has also pledged support for local “little giant” enterprises, which are specialized small and medium-sized firms that excel in niche markets, drive innovation, tackle frontier technologies, and help strengthen industrial chains.

    To empower these “fantastic beast” companies, Anhui has built a “fund jungle” led by state investors and joined by social capital. The cluster of funds aims to ensure sufficient funding for a tech company at all stages of its growth.

    As of last October, a total of 124 funds with nearly 50 billion yuan (about 7 billion U.S. dollars) in committed capital had been set up in the fund complex, investing in more than 400 projects. The province is home to 2,191 private funds, including 50 angel funds, 734 venture capital funds and 1,407 industrial investment funds.

    “Different industries and different stages of growth have distinct capital needs. A ‘fund jungle’ offers specialized funds for each phase, thus forming a comprehensive matrix that nurtures an industry across its entire lifecycle,” said Tang Zhiqiang, deputy dean of Anhui institute of industry and information technology.

    “This lush ecosystem of funds fuels companies’ growth through tailored financial empowerment,” he added.

    Funds, patience and ecosystem 

    Cowa Robot, based in the city of Wuhu in Anhui, is one of the beneficiaries of this funding ecosystem. The unicorn company’s self-driving vehicles, such as street-cleaning robots, have started operation in more than 50 Chinese cities.

    Lu Wenjun, the company’s vice general manager, said the Wuhu government has deep expertise in robotics and provides clear development pathways along with strong supportive policies. From establishing initial industry frameworks to continuously building the ecosystem, many firms have reaped the benefits.

    “Autonomous driving thrives on high-quality data to refine algorithms, and that data comes from real-world scenarios. Local governments provided critical support, from pilot programs to scaled deployment,” he added.

    Home to automaker Chery and 96 little giant firms, Wuhu is known for patiently nurturing emerging industries. In 2024, the share of R&D expenditures in Wuhu’s GDP reached 4.28 percent, far exceeding the nationwide average of 2.68 percent.

    The city has also set up a fund of 3 billion yuan to spur tech innovation and to solicit participation of social capital.

    Wanzhi District in the city has created a fund jungle totaling 11.1 billion yuan, which has invested in 58 projects and attracted an additional 3.57 billion yuan in non-local capital.

    Here, an industrial park consisting of nearly 200 general aviation companies, from propeller making to pilot training, has taken shape, poised to capitalize on the country’s trillion-yuan low-altitude economy boom.

    The industry can be traced back to 2013, when CETC Wuhu Diamond Aircraft Manufacture Co., Ltd. was founded here. The company is now a little giant firm that produces both manned aircraft and unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), after 12 years of continuous investment in R&D and government support.

    General manager Tian Manlin stressed that low-altitude manufacturing is the core of the low-altitude economy, requiring relentless R&D and industry collaboration.

    A strong focus on R&D is a shared conviction among entrepreneurs in Anhui’s emerging industries. “R&D must never stop,” emphasized Mei Tao, adding that HiDream.ai continually integrates user feedback to refine its models daily.

    “AI demands top talent and heavy funding. A healthy financial ecosystem fuels innovation, helping more tech pioneers break through,” Mei said. 

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • Heavy rain likely in Himachal Pradesh, Odisha, Konkan & Goa: IMD

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Sunday said that Odisha, Himachal Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, central Maharashtra, Vidarbha, Madhya Pradesh, and east Rajasthan are expected to witness intense rainfall activity between July 6 to July 9.

    Heavy to very heavy rainfall is likely across several parts of Northwest, West Coast, and Northeast India over the next 6–7 days, with extremely heavy rainfall (more than 21 cm) likely at isolated locations, the IMD added.

    A low-pressure area is also forming over Gangetic West Bengal and its neighbourhood, further intensifying rainfall in the eastern region.

    Heavy rainfall is particularly likely in regions including Gangetic West Bengal, Jharkhand, Jammu & Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Saurashtra & Kutch, and parts of the Northeast. Central India, including Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, and Vidarbha, is also likely to receive continued heavy rains between July 6 to July 9.

    Delhi-NCR Weather Forecast

    Today, Delhi will experience a generally cloudy sky with light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning. Maximum temperatures are expected to range between 32–34°C, below normal by 2–4°C. Winds will be southwesterly at 15 kmph, later shifting to southeasterly at 8–12 kmph by evening.

    On Monday (July 7), similar weather conditions will persist, with light to moderate rainfall and thunderstorms. Temperatures will remain in the 32–34°C (max) and 25–27°C (min) range. Southeast winds in the morning will weaken to under 10 kmph from the northeast by afternoon, picking up slightly in the evening.

    On Tuesday (July 8), light rain with thunderstorms is likely to continue under a cloudy sky. Temperatures will be slightly cooler, with maximums at 32–34°C and minimums at 25–27°C. Winds will shift from the east in the morning to the northeast in the afternoon, and to the southeast by night.

    On Wednesday (July 9), very light to light rain with thunderstorms is forecast. Daytime temperatures will rise slightly to 33–35°C, with nighttime lows of 24–26°C. Winds will be calm in the morning, becoming northeasterly by afternoon and evening with speeds up to 15 kmph.

  • MIL-OSI Russia: National Grand Theatre of China to present Mozart’s opera The Marriage of Figaro

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) — A Chinese adaptation of “The Marriage of Figaro,” one of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s most famous operas, will be performed at the National Center for the Performing Arts (NCPA) of China from July 15 to 20.

    The opera, inspired by the novel by Pierre-Augustin Caron de Beaumarchais, which thundered during the Age of Enlightenment in France, became a hymn to the triumph of the common French people over the hypocritical and arrogant aristocracy.

    This sparkling opera debuted at Vienna’s Burgtheater in 1786 with Mozart as conductor.

    In August 2013, the premiere of the opera “The Marriage of Figaro” staged by the National Center for Performing Arts took place in Beijing, which gained a resounding success and warm recognition from the public. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI New Zealand: Serious crash, SH 1, Hukerenui

    Source: New Zealand Police

    State Highway 1 is blocked at Hukerenui following a serious crash involving two vehicles this evening.

    Emergency services were called to the scene, between Akerama and Rusk roads, about 7.45pm.

    Initial indications suggest two people have serious-to-critical injuries, and another has minor injuries.

    The Serious Crash Unit has been notified and diversions are in place.

    Northbound traffic will be diverted along Crows Nest Road while southbound traffic will be diverted along Paiaka Road.

    Motorists are advised to expect delays.

    ENDS

    Issued by the Police Media Centre

    MIL OSI New Zealand News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: President Ramaphosa arrives in Brazil ahead of Rio Summit

    Source: Government of South Africa

    By Gabi Khumalo

    Rio de Janeiro, Brazil – President Cyril Ramaphosa is in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil for his working visit to attend the 17th BRICS Summit, which kicks off today.

    The President, who arrived on Saturday evening, will attend the Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa (BRICS) Summit at the invitation of President of Brazil, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.

    Ahead of the high-level engagements, officials and delegations could be seen entering and exiting the summit venue making final preparations, while tight security measures were in place. 

    The objectives for this year’s summit include highlighting the ongoing humanitarian impact of Israeli military action in Gaza and in conflicts in Sudan, Ukraine and Iran; and advocating for the sustainable resolution of conflicts through diplomacy, inclusive dialogue, and a commitment to the United Nations Charter.

    The summit, taking place from 6 to 7 July 2025, will also explore ways of expanding tangible trade, tourism, investment, and financial cooperation within BRICS and with BRICS partner countries.

    “For South Africa, these deliberations will enhance our efforts to further diversify trade and enhance resilience, growth and development. The summit will look into synergies between BRICS, COP30 (Conference of the Parties) and G20 (Group of Twenty) outcomes, including in global governance of artificial intelligence and prioritising climate finance that is just, accessible, and transformational.

    “BRICS leaders will continue advocating for the reform of global governance systems to be more inclusive and representative of contemporary realities. This includes the goal of countries of the South for more meaningful participation of the global South in global decision-making processes and structures, including in the United Nations Security Council,” the Presidency said.

    The specific objectives of South Africa’s engagement in BRICS are:
    • To enhance the future growth and development of South Africa through its BRICS membership.
    • To strengthen intra-BRICS relations and develop mutually beneficial cooperation across the three pillars of cooperation, political and security, financial and economic, and cultural and people-to-people cooperation.
    • To shape global governance reform to be more equitable, balanced and representative.

    South Africa has emphasised concrete cooperation that contributes both directly and indirectly to the priorities of a better South Africa, a better Africa, and a better world through its partnership in BRICS.

    During the 17th BRICS Summit, session leaders are expected to deliberate on topics, including global governance reform, peace, and security, including a report by National Security Advisors.

    “Heads of State and government will discuss a BRICS Leaders Statement on Global Governance of Artificial Intelligence. This will be followed by the adoption of a BRICS Leaders Framework Declaration on Climate Finance and the launch of the BRICS Partnership for the Elimination of Socially Determined Diseases.”

    The summit will conclude with the adoption of the Rio de Janeiro Declaration.

    The summit will be attended by leaders of the BRICS member states, including Brazil, Russia, India, China, South Africa, Egypt, Ethiopia, Iran, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Indonesia.

    Member states participate in all BRICS meetings, while partner states participate principally in summits. Partner states may be invited to other meetings of the association if members agree on this.

    Leaders of BRICS partner countries will come from Belarus, Bolivia, Kazakhstan, Cuba, Malaysia, Nigeria, Thailand, Uganda and Uzbekistan.

    The Rio Summit will also be attended by leaders of outreach countries, which in the BRICS system are countries from the region, where the rotational Presidency is located.

    In this context, Bolivia, Chile, Colombia, Mexico and Uruguay have also been invited by the Government of Brazil to participate in the Rio gathering. 

    The United Nations, the African Union (AU) and International Organisations will also participate.

    Leaders of all BRICS members are confirmed for the Rio Summit with President Putin participating virtually and China represented by Premier Li Qiang.

    President Ramaphosa is supported by Minister of International Relations and Cooperation Ronald Lamola; Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni; Deputy Minister of Finance Dr David Masondo and Deputy Minister of Trade Industry and Competition Zuko Godlimpi. – SAnews.gov.za
     

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • Rain lashes several parts of Delhi, IMD predicts more showers in next two days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Rain lashed several parts of Delhi on Sunday morning, offering some relief from the heat. The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms for the national capital over the next two days.

    In its latest update, IMD Delhi said, “The sky will remain generally cloudy. Light to moderate rain, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning, is likely to occur over Delhi during the next two days.”

    According to the IMD, there has been no significant change in the maximum and minimum temperatures over the past 24 hours.

    “Maximum temperatures remained in the range of 36–37°C, while minimum temperatures were between 25–29°C. Both minimum and maximum temperatures are near normal for this time of year,” the IMD said.

    It also noted that south-westerly winds with speeds up to 15 kmph prevailed over Delhi.

    On the broader weather pattern, IMD said the monsoon trough at mean sea level now extends through Suratgarh, Sirsa, Delhi, Lucknow, Varanasi, Daltonganj, Bankura, Digha, and then southeastwards into the northeast Bay of Bengal.

    Additionally, an upper air cyclonic circulation lies over Himachal Pradesh and adjoining Punjab at about 1.5 km above mean sea level.

    (With inputs from ANI)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Serbia completes key section of highway with China’s help

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    LUCANIA /Serbia/, July 6 /Xinhua/ — Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic on Saturday attended a ceremony to mark the opening of the last section of the E-763 “Milos Veliki” highway from Pakovrača to Požega.

    The opening ceremony took place at the entrance to the Mugnino Brdo tunnel in the municipality of Lucani in southwestern Serbia. It was attended by Chinese Ambassador to Serbia Li Ming, senior Serbian government officials, representatives of Chinese and Serbian infrastructure companies, and hundreds of local residents.

    “This is one of the most important infrastructure projects in our country. Together with our Chinese friends, using their technology and our determination, we overcame all the difficulties,” A. Vucic said at the event, noting the contribution of China Communications Construction Group /CCCC/.

    The opened 19.56-kilometer section includes two of the longest automobile tunnels in Serbia – Laz /2858 m/ and Muninino Brdo /2861 m/. According to A. Vucic, the project reflects the transformation of Serbia into a strong and modern state with safe and high-quality highways.

    Li Ming called the E-763 highway the most important transport artery connecting Belgrade with the Montenegrin port of Bar, as well as with the western and northern regions of Serbia.

    The successful completion of the project reflects the experience and dedication of all participants and is evidence of the “iron friendship” between China and Serbia, he added.

    Passenger traffic on the new section of the highway will open at noon on Sunday. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Ugandan leader nominated as ruling party’s presidential candidate in 2026 elections

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    KAMPALA, July 6 (Xinhua) — Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni was nominated on Saturday as the ruling party’s sole candidate for next year’s presidential election.

    Museveni, who will seek a seventh consecutive five-year term, was nominated by the National Resistance Movement (NRM) at a conference in the capital, Kampala. Since he is the NRM’s only candidate, the party will not hold primaries.

    Mr Museveni, 80, said if re-elected he would prioritise six key areas: peace, development, wealth creation, jobs, services and markets.

    He also expressed his intention to lift Uganda from lower middle income to upper middle income status by 2040.

    “I am ready to contribute in the next five years both as the NDC chairman and as the president,” said Y. Museveni.

    Uganda is scheduled to hold general elections in January 2026, with several opposition candidates expected to run. –0–

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China, Myanmar, Thailand to Jointly Eradicate Telecom Fraud Networks /Detailed Version-1/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) — China, Myanmar and Thailand have reached a series of consensuses on deepening cooperation to root out all telecom fraud clusters and arrest all suspects in Myawaddy and other centers of such illegal activities, the Ministry of Public Security said Sunday.

    The decision was made at a recent ministerial meeting on joint efforts to combat telecommunications fraud, which was attended by law enforcement officials from the three countries.

    Thanks to the joint efforts of their competent departments, more than 5,400 Chinese nationals suspected of the Myawaddy telecom fraud have been extradited to China since the beginning of 2025, marking significant progress in the trilateral law enforcement campaign. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Rosanna Law visits Paris

    Source: Hong Kong Information Services

    Continuing a visit to Paris, France, on Friday and Saturday, Secretary for Culture, Sports & Tourism Rosanna Law met the Deputy Mayor of Paris, the Deputy General Manager of the French National Centre of Cinema and the President of the Grand Palais, and toured various attractions.

     

    Miss Law met French National Centre of Cinema Deputy General Manager Olivier Henrard on Friday. The centre oversees French policies relating to cinema, the audiovisual arts, digital creation, and video games.

     

    Miss Law highlighted the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government’s commitment to supporting the creative industries and strengthening global partnerships in filmmaking, and pointed to significant potential for deeper collaboration between Hong Kong and France in this field.

     

    Miss Law also met Deputy Mayor of Paris Arnaud Ngatcha to discuss opportunities for the enhancement of cultural and tourism ties between Hong Kong and France.

     

    She briefed him on the Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival, a signature annual event organised by the Hong Kong Tourism Board, and shared her plans to explore potential collaborations with Bordeaux’s wine industry during her upcoming visit to the city.

     

    Mr Ngatcha expressed openness to strengthening partnerships in the fields of culture and tourism and shared insights on how to engage local communities when hosting large-scale events, with particular reference to Paris’s experience in staging the Olympic Games.

     

    Earlier on Friday, Miss Law toured Notre-Dame de Paris, where she learnt about the cathedral’s ongoing restoration and its significance as a global tourist attraction.

     

    The culture chief also met Grand Palais President Didier Fusillier, with discussions focusing on the versatility of the Grand Palais as a venue for cultural, sporting, and other major events.

     

    Inspired by its innovative use of space for events and exhibitions, Miss Law remarked on the potential for adopting similar approaches at venues in Hong Kong, particularly the Kai Tak Sports Park. She also outlined her vision of enhancing Hong Kong’s global profile through multi-disciplinary events of varying scales.

     

    Yesterday, Miss Law visited the Musée National des Arts Asiatiques – Guimet, and the Musée d’Orsay, two of Paris’s most renowned museums. She remarked on the distinctive cultural and artistic importance of each institution.

     

    With a view to reinforcing Hong Kong as a premier cultural hub, Miss Law garnered ideas for strengthening cultural exchanges between Hong Kong and France through exhibitions, partnerships, and knowledge-sharing.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Paulina Brandberg hosts Nordic-Baltic ministerial meeting on gender equality

    Source: Government of Sweden

    Gender-based violence and honour-based violence and oppression were central themes as Nordic and Baltic gender equality ministers met in Stockholm on 27 November. The meeting took place in connection with a meeting in the Nordic Council of Ministers for Gender Equality and LGBTI earlier in the day.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Action plan for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ persons

    Source: Government of Sweden

    In January, 2025, the Swedish Government decided on a new action plan for equal rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ persons. The action plan aims to further strengthen efforts to support rights and opportunities for LGBTIQ persons by consolidating, supplementing and mobilising these efforts.

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)

  • Nearly 48,000 devotees undertake Amarnath Yatra in first three days

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Nearly 48,000 devotees have participated in the ongoing Amarnath Yatra over the past three days, amid tight security arrangements.

    According to officials, over 21,000 Yatris had darshan inside the holy cave shrine on Saturday. On Sunday morning, another group of 7,208 pilgrims left the Bhagwati Nagar Yatri Niwas in Jammu in two escorted convoys bound for the Kashmir Valley.

    “The first convoy is heading to the Baltal base camp in North Kashmir, while the second is en route to the Nunwan (Pahalgam) base camp in South Kashmir,” officials said.

    The Shri Amarnathji Shrine Board (SASB), which oversees the annual pilgrimage, noted that in addition to the pilgrims arriving at the Jammu base camp, many devotees are reporting directly to the Baltal and Nunwan base camps for on-spot registration.

    Meanwhile, 36 pilgrims sustained minor injuries on Saturday when five vehicles in a Valley-bound convoy collided near Chandrakote in Jammu’s Ramban district.

    In the wake of the horrific April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, security for this year’s Yatra has been significantly ramped up.

    An additional 180 companies of Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs) have been deployed to augment the presence of the Army, BSF, CRPF, SSB, and local police. All transit camps along the route and the entire stretch from Jammu’s Bhagwati Nagar to the cave shrine are under tight security cover.

    Locals have extended full cooperation to the Amarnath Yatra, as they have consistently done in the past. In a heartwarming gesture that sent a strong message against terrorism, residents of Kashmir welcomed the first batch of Yatris with garlands and placards at Qazigund, near the Navyug Tunnel, as they entered the Valley.

    This year’s Amarnath Yatra began on July 3 and will conclude after 38 days on August 9, coinciding with Shravan Purnima and the Raksha Bandhan festival.

    (IANS)

  • MIL-OSI China: 1 missing, 28 rescued after boat sinks in central China’s Hunan

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

    Rescuers work at a boat sinking site in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, July 5, 2025. A boat sinking accident on Saturday afternoon left 1 person missing, with another 28 rescued, in central China’s Hunan Province, authorities have said. A total of 29 people fell off the 40-seat boat into the water, as the boat capsized at around 4:30 p.m. at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing. As of 6 p.m., 28 had been rescued — with one of them in critical condition receiving treatment. [Photo/Xinhua]

    A boat sinking accident on Saturday afternoon left 1 person missing, with another 28 rescued, in central China’s Hunan Province, authorities have said.

    A total of 29 people fell off the 40-seat boat into the water, as the boat capsized at around 4:30 p.m. at Dongjiang Lake in the city of Zixing.

    As of 6 p.m., 28 had been rescued — with one of them in critical condition receiving treatment.

    Preliminary investigations have found that the area saw a sudden gust of wind, at a speed of up to 30 meters per second, when the accident happened.

    Search and rescue efforts continue, while further investigations are underway. 

    Rescuers work at a boat sinking site in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    Rescuers work at a boat sinking site in Zixing City, Chenzhou, central China’s Hunan Province, July 5, 2025. [Photo/Xinhua]

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: China, Myanmar, Thailand endeavour to eradicate telecom fraud networks

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

    China, Myanmar and Thailand agreed to intensify cooperation to dismantle all telecom scam compounds and arrest all suspects in Myawaddy and other telecom fraud hubs, China’s Ministry of Public Security announced Sunday.

    The decision came during a recent ministerial meeting on joint crackdown against telecom fraud attended by law enforcement agencies of the three countries.

    Thanks to their joint efforts, over 5,400 Chinese nationals suspected of frauds in Myawaddy have been repatriated in 2025, marking significant progress in the tripartite crackdown campaign.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • MIL-OSI China: Anhui backs high-tech growth with push into smart mobility, space tech

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

    China’s government work report this year highlighted intelligent connected new energy vehicles and emerging industries, including commercial aerospace and the low-altitude economy, as key areas for rapid development.

    In eastern China, Anhui province is focusing on building up these new quality productive forces, aiming to promote the successful completion of the 14th Five-Year Plan (2021-2025) through high-quality economic growth.

    Smart EV industry gains momentum

    Anhui has taken proactive steps to grow its smart electric vehicle industry as the automotive sector shifts toward electrification and new technology.

    In April, the province issued trial guidelines for the management of road testing and demonstration applications of intelligent connected vehicles. Last year, Hefei, the provincial capital, was named one of China’s first pilot cities for vehicle-road-cloud integration.

    Robotic arms conduct an AI-powered quality inspection on a vehicle at the Maextro Super Factory in Hefei, Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    A standout example is the Maextro Super Factory, a smart manufacturing plant in Hefei jointly developed by Anhui Jianghuai Automobile Group and Huawei. The facility integrates digital research and development with green, low-carbon manufacturing. 

    The Maextro S800 flagship sedan debuted on May 30, with more than 500 ultra-luxury vehicles pre-ordered within 19 days, helping to fill a gap in China’s domestic high-end car market.

    Wei Dawei, director of the Maextro Super Factory, said the S800 features the industry’s first independently developed intelligent digital chassis platform, enabling predictive control for bumpy roads and curves. It also uses Huawei’s ADS 4 intelligent assisted driving system, which the company says cuts end-to-end latency by 50% and boosts traffic efficiency by 20%.

    Expanding the low-altitude economy

    Hefei is also moving quickly to grow its low-altitude economy. In June 2024, city officials rolled out a policy package to support the sector, offering up to 20 million yuan ($2.79 million) in annual funding and up to 100 million yuan in total for newly established low-altitude economy research institutions.

    Today, more than 300 companies in Hefei are working in the low-altitude sector, building a complete industrial chain for drone R&D, testing, production and operations. The city has built China’s first urban air mobility hub and launched more than 200 drone flight routes, providing services such as medical supply delivery, rail inspection and food delivery.

    Hefei-based Hey Airlines became the first company in China to receive an operation certificate for autonomous passenger drones from the Civil Aviation Administration of China on March 28, marking the start of the country’s first nationwide passenger drone service.

    A pilotless EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is seen on a helipad in Hefei, Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    To ensure safety, Hey Airlines’ pilotless EH216-S electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft is equipped with backup systems for all key flight components. Each unit is fitted with its own security key and strong data encryption to prevent unauthorized access. The flight control system has a fail-safe feature that monitors the aircraft’s health in real time and can trigger an emergency landing if needed.

    Peng Sixuan, marketing director at Hey Airlines, said the company currently offers sightseeing services but plans to expand with options such as aerial weddings and hotel transfers, aiming to make air taxis a reality.

    He said a cargo version of the eVTOL, which can carry up to 250 kilograms, is well suited for delivering supplies to remote or mountainous areas. The company also has a firefighting model designed for rapid response to high-rise urban fires.

    Commercial space industry takes off

    Anhui is also moving into the commercial space industry, with Bengbu city emerging as a key hub. Bengbu has signed agreements with 16 commercial space companies, with total planned investment reaching 5.52 billion yuan. The city is home to three major enterprises and two nationally recognized high-tech firms in the sector.

    A view of the China Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park in Anhui province, China. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

    The China Bengbu Commercial Aerospace Industrial Park, Anhui’s first dedicated platform for the commercial space industry, opened on May 10.

    The 0.43-square-kilometer park includes a center for space technology innovation, four production bases for rocket engines, satellite manufacturing, reusable spacecraft assembly and new material production, as well as multiple platforms for industry integration and applications. The project aims to build a major commercial aerospace manufacturing hub in the Yangtze River Delta region.

    One of the companies operating in the new park is Lingkong Technology Co. Ltd. which provides design services for rockets and high-speed aircraft.

    “Our company is focused on cultivating new quality productive forces. In 2024, our output value reached 45 million yuan, and we expect that figure to double this year,” said Yang Wei, general manager of Lingkong Technology. “Our new plant in the industrial park has been completed and will be ready for move-in after final inspections and interior work.”

    Bengbu has established a comprehensive funding system to support commercial space companies at every stage of development, from seed and early growth to maturity. The total value of the fund cluster is expected to exceed 40 billion yuan this year.

    MIL OSI China News –

  • Wimbledon: Djokovic hits century to lead veterans into last 16, Krejcikova crashes

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Seven-times champion Novak Djokovic scored his 100th match win at Wimbledon and led the march of the old guard into the last 16 on Saturday while an ailing Barbora Krejcikova’s title defence ended in defeat and tears.

    World number one Jannik Sinner was at his ruthless best yet again as the Italian gathered momentum in his quest for a maiden All England Club title while American Ben Shelton and Australian Alex de Minaur announced themselves as dark horses.

    Djokovic is on an altogether different plane as he looks to capture his eighth title to match Roger Federer’s record on the pristine lawns of London and his 25th major overall to surpass Margaret Court on the all-time list of champions.

    The 38-year-old showed exactly why Wimbledon could be his best chance of achieving the elusive targets when the 2023 and 2024 runner-up dismantled Davis Cup teammate Miomir Kecmanovic 6-3 6-0 6-4 in a little under two hours.

    A ton of victories put him among elite company as the sixth seed became only the third player to achieve that feat at the tournament after nine-times champion Martina Navratilova and Swiss great Federer.

    “Wimbledon is a favourite and a dream tournament for not just myself, but probably the majority of players. Growing up, most of the kids dream of playing here and winning here,” Djokovic said.

    “I’ve been blessed to do it multiple times. Any history that I make in my favourite tournament, I’m blessed.”

    Grigor Dimitrov, the Bulgarian 34-year-old, also scored his 100th match win across the four Grand Slams when he quelled the challenge of Austrian Sebastian Ofner 6-3 6-4 7-6(0).

    Joining him was fellow veteran Marin Cilic, the Croatian 36-year-old getting past spirited Spaniard Jaume Munar 6-3 3-6 6-2 6-4 to book a meeting with Italian 22nd seed Flavio Cobolli who took apart big-serving Czech teenager Jakub Mensik 6-2 6-4 6-2.

    While Cobolli may not be relishing a meeting with the tricky Cilic, his compatriot Sinner will welcome the chance to test his metronomic hitting against Dimitrov’s elegant approach in what promises to be a classic.

    SUBLIME SINNER

    A sublime Sinner booked that clash with a 6-1 6-3 6-1 hammering of Pedro Martinez. The top seed, who has lost just 17 games in his first three matches, equalled the professional era record for fewest games dropped to make the Wimbledon fourth round along the way.

    “About the games lost, this is whatever,” Sinner said, his grounded nature coming into sharp focus.

    “I’m not looking on these kind of records. I know everything can change very quickly from one round to the other.”

    After the unexpected high of last year’s title triumph, Krejcikova came crashing down when she was beaten 2-6 6-3 6-4 by American 10th seed Emma Navarro in a disjointed Court One contest.

    The distressed 29-year-old Czech, who has endured her share of injuries this season, was in tears as she prepared to serve to stay in the tournament at 3-5 in the deciding set before eventually crashing out.

    “It was tough, neither of us played our best tennis, she was dealing with some injuries and I was dealing with whatever I was dealing with,” Navarro said, adding that it was difficult to focus when her opponent was struggling.

    “It’s not easy to be composed. Part of you is saying just put a bunch of balls in the court and that’s all you need to do. But then you trick yourself into not playing the way that you want to play.”

    Krejcikova’s exit and 2022 champion Elena Rybakina’s 7-6(6) 6-3 defeat by Danish powerhouse Clara Tauson means a first-time women’s champion will be crowned at the Grand Slam for the eighth consecutive year.

    Iga Swiatek will hope she can be the one after the five-times major champion secured a 6-2 6-3 victory over American Danielle Collins, whose compatriot Hailey Baptiste crashed to 18-year-old Russian Mirra Andreeva 6-1 6-3.

    Shelton gave Americans something to smile about when the powerful left-hander made quick work of Hungarian lucky loser Marton Fucsovics 6-3 7-6(4) 6-2 while De Minaur swatted aside Dane August Holmgren 6-4 7-6(5) 6-3 to go through.

    (Reuters)

  • Reigning champions England beaten 2-1 by France in Women’s Euro opener

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    France forwards Marie-Antoinette Katoto and Sandy Baltimore scored first-half goals as they beat reigning champions England 2-1 in their Women’s Euro Group D opener on Saturday, handing Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman her first defeat at the finals of the competition.

    After championship-winning runs with Netherlands in 2017 and England in 2022, Wiegman came into the game unbeaten in 12 games at the Euro finals, but the beginning of the end of that run came when Katoto scored from close range in the 36th minute.

    Her goal was the result of a brilliantly simple counter-attack, with Elisa De Almeida winning the ball and sending it down the line for Delphine Cascarino to chase and she squared it perfectly for Katoto to score with a simple finish.

    The second goal three minutes later was a virtuoso solo performance from Sandy Baltimore, who dribbled and jinked and almost lost the ball before firing it high over Hampton into the net from a tight angle.

    An uncharacteristically rudderless England enjoyed plenty of possession but struggled to string together their passes, and the French pressed cleverly, pouncing on any poor touches to win the ball and force the English on to the back foot.

    England did not register a shot on target until Keira Walsh reduced the deficit with a strike from distance in the 87th minute, prompting a late charge from the Lionesses that almost saw them snatch an unlikely point.

    Alessia Russo, who had an early goal ruled out after a VAR check, and Grace Clinton both went close and 19-year-old substitute Michelle Agyemang had a goal-bound effort blocked by Selma Bacha, who threw herself at everything to protect the French goal in the closing minutes as her side hung on to win.

    Netherlands, who beat debutantes Wales 3-0 earlier on Saturday, top the group after the first round of games ahead of their clash with England on Wednesday in Zurich, while France can book their spot in the knockout stage with a win over Wales in St. Gallen the same evening.

    Wiegman said that the Lionesses had played into France’s hands by trying to play the ball short too often, leading to her side becoming the first reigning Women’s Euro champions to lose their opener at the next tournament.

    “We needed to get out of the first press and skip (a player), and that harmed us a bit and they scored goals. At the end we played with four attackers, we really tried to get the goal over the line, but we didn’t,” she told broadcaster ITV.

    “When we were out of their press, we were too sloppy. We know that they are really strong on the counter, they are strong players and fast players… we know France are really good, but we caused a little bit our own problems.”

    England captain Leah Williamson blamed individual errors while defending one-on-one for the defeat, but was already looking past it.

    “Everyone take responsibility for themselves and have a look. Tomorrow we have a new game plan, different places available and different opposition,” she said.

    France’s Cascarino picked up the player of the game award and said her side’s success came as no surprise to her.

    “I was expecting a good game from us. We worked a lot to prepare for this English team, and it’s always possible to start on a good note,” she told reporters.

    “We got a fright in the beginning but we remained calm and we managed to get to our objective. We stuck to the game plan, and I believe we really controlled the game.”

    (Reuters)

  • Real Madrid survive Dortmund scare to reach Club World Cup semis

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Real Madrid edged past Borussia Dortmund 3-2 in a dramatic Club World Cup quarter-final on Saturday to set up a semi-final against Paris St Germain.

    The Spanish giants stamped their authority on the match early at the MetLife Stadium, dominating possession and opening a two-goal lead thanks to strikes by Gonzalo and Fran Garcia in the 10th and 20th minutes.

    Despite the reduced intensity of play in New Jersey’s scorching heat, Real comfortably saw out the match, leaving Dortmund unable to mount a comeback until the game exploded into life in added time.

    Substitute Maximilian Beier pounced on a rebound in the 93rd minute to pull one back for Dortmund, but a minute later Kylian Mbappe restored Real’s two-goal cushion with a stunning volley, showcasing his trademark composure.

    Dortmund refused to back down, however, and Serhou Guirassy’s pace saw him break through Real’s defence only to be pulled down in the box by Dean Huijsen.

    The defender was shown a straight red card, ruling him out of the semi-final, and Guirassy coolly converted the resulting spot-kick to reduce the deficit to 3-2.

    Dortmund came within inches of forcing extra time when in the ninth minute of added time Thibaut Courtois produced a sensational save to deny Marcel Sabitzer’s powerful strike.

    Real Madrid now turn their attention to PSG, who defeated Bayern Munich 2-0 to book their place in the semi-finals. The winners of that clash will face Fluminense or Chelsea in the final.

    (Reuters)

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China extends yellow alert for Typhoon Danas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –

    An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

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

    BEIJING, July 6 (Xinhua) — China’s National Meteorological Center (NMC) on Sunday extended a yellow alert for Typhoon Danas as it is expected to bring strong winds and heavy rain to southern parts of the country.

    According to the agency, as of 05:00 on Sunday, the epicenter of the typhoon was located at a point with coordinates of 21.3 degrees north latitude and 118.1 degrees east longitude. It is expected to continue moving in a northeasterly direction at a speed of 10-15 km per hour, gaining strength.

    From Sunday night to Monday morning, Danas is forecast to cross the Taiwan Strait from south to north and may pass by or make landfall on the west coast of Taiwan.

    On Monday, the typhoon will reach the East China Sea and gradually approach the coastal areas of northern Fujian Province, as well as the central and southern parts of Zhejiang Province, the NMC added.

    According to the NMC forecast, from 08:00 Sunday to 08:00 Monday, strong winds will rage in some parts of the South China Sea, the Taiwan Strait area, the sea area east of Taiwan, the Bashi Strait area and some parts of the East China Sea, as well as coastal areas of Guangdong, Fujian, Zhejiang provinces and Taiwan Island.

    During the same period, heavy or torrential rains are expected in southeastern Zhejiang Province, northeastern Fujian Province and Taiwan Island. Heavy rains with precipitation amounts of up to 230 mm are possible in some areas of Taiwan Island.

    It should be recalled that China has a four-level typhoon warning system, with the highest level of danger indicated by red, followed by orange, yellow and blue.

    Under the influence of the typhoon, strong waves are expected in sea areas near Taiwan Island, the South China Sea and coastal waters off Fujian, Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces from Sunday afternoon to Monday afternoon, according to the National Marine Forecasting Center. -0-

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

    .

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • US blames Hamas for attack that hurt two US aid workers in Gaza

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    The United States on Saturday blamed Hamas for an attack that injured two American aid workers from the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation at a food distribution site in Gaza.

    The U.S.- and Israeli-backed GHF said in a statement that the injured Americans were receiving medical treatment and were in a stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.

    “The attack – which preliminary information indicates was carried out by two assailants who threw two grenades at the Americans – occurred at the conclusion of an otherwise successful distribution in which thousands of Gazans safely received food,” the GHF said.

    U.S. State Department spokesperson Tammy Bruce blamed “Hamas terrorists” for the attack.

    “This act of violence against the people actually bringing relief to Gazans lays bare the depravity of Hamas,” she said in a post on X.

    “GHF has contributed over 62 MILLION MEALS – nothing will stop these courageous aid workers. We are praying for the rapid recovery of the injured Americans.”

    The Israeli military earlier accused what it called “terrorist organisations” of sabotaging the distribution of aid in Gaza.

    GHF, which began distributing aid in Gaza in May, employs private U.S. military contractors to provide security at their sites.

    Gaza has seen an escalation in violence as efforts continue to reach a ceasefire agreement. Hamas on Friday said it had responded positively to a U.S.-brokered deal and was prepared to enter talks. U.S. President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Monday.

    KILLINGS NEAR AID DISTRIBUTION SITES

    Gazan authorities reported at least 70 people have been killed in the territory by the Israeli military in the last 24 hours, including 23 near aid distribution sites. The ministry did not specify where or how exactly they had been killed.

    The Israeli military had no immediate comment on the reports.

    In a statement on Friday, the military said troops had killed 100 militants in Gaza in the past week, and that it had “operational control” over 65% of Gaza after an offensive against Hamas fighters in the north.

    The Hamas-run interior ministry in Gaza on Thursday had warned residents of the coastal enclave not to assist the GHF, saying deadly incidents near its distribution sites endangered hungry Gazans.

    The GHF bypasses traditional aid channels, including the United Nations, which says the U.S.-based organisation is neither impartial nor neutral.

    Since Israel lifted an 11-week aid blockade on Gaza on May 19, the U.N. says more than 400 Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid handouts. A senior U.N. official said last week that the majority of people killed were trying to reach aid distribution sites of the GHF.

    The latest bloodshed in the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict was triggered in October 2023, when Hamas attacked southern Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking 251 hostages, according to Israeli tallies.

    Gaza’s health ministry says Israel’s retaliatory military assault on the enclave has killed over 57,000 Palestinians. It has also caused a hunger crisis, internally displaced Gaza’s entire population and prompted accusations of genocide and war crimes. Israel denies the accusations.

    (Reuters)