NewzIntel.com

Category: AM-NC

  • PM Modi and Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister plant a sapling in Port of Spain

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar planted a sapling in Port of Spain as part of the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative.

    In a post on X, PM Modi thanked Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar for participating in the campaign.

    “Grateful to Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar for joining the ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ initiative. India and Trinidad & Tobago understand the adverse impacts of climate change and we will continue to do our utmost to make our planet greener and better”, the PM said.

    Earlier on Friday, PM Modi met Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar at the Red House in Port of Spain. He congratulated her on assuming office for a second term following her recent election victory.

    The two leaders discussed a wide range of potential areas for cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, UPI, capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties.

    Sharing details of the meeting, PM Modi said in a post on X that they held discussions on all aspects of India–Trinidad and Tobago friendship. “We agreed on the need to further accelerate our economic partnership and focus on areas such as disaster management, climate change, and defence.”

  • India, Thailand set for showdown to reach AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    All eyes will be on Chiang Mai this Saturday as India face Thailand in a winner-takes-all clash for a place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

    After more than two months of preparation and three dominant wins in the group stage, the Blue Tigresses are one match away from rewriting history. India have never qualified for the Asian Cup through the qualifiers route — the last time they featured was in 2003, when there were none. They did play in the 2022 edition as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

    The stakes are higher this time. The path to a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 runs through Australia. “Qualification right now would be a huge boost for Indian football overall,” head coach Crispin Chettri said. “It would inspire more young girls to take up the sport and help the women’s game grow. For those already in the national team, it’s a chance to test themselves against Asia’s best — and possibly the world’s.”

    On paper, Thailand hold the edge. They are ranked 46th in the world, 24 spots above India, and have qualified for nine consecutive Asian Cups and two World Cups (2015, 2019). Yet in the qualifiers so far, the two teams have been neck and neck. India thrashed Mongolia 13-0, Timor Leste 4-0, and Iraq 5-0. Thailand beat the same opponents 11-0, 4-0, and 7-0. Both sides boast a +22 goal difference — setting up a knockout in every sense. If scores remain level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided on penalties.

    Chettri knows Saturday’s test will be tougher but insists the approach remains unchanged. “We’ve respected every opponent and prepared diligently. Thailand are a stronger side and deserve that respect — but our plan is to finish the job in 90 minutes. We’re not thinking about penalties.”

    Midfielders Anju Tamang and Sangita Basfore know what to expect. The duo featured when India lost narrowly to Thailand 1-0 at the 2023 Asian Games in China. “They’re a quality side,” said Tamang, who has a goal and two assists so far. “They like to keep the ball and play quick, short passes. We have to fight hard and play with the right spirit to get the win.”

    For India, the equation is simple: a win in Chiang Mai keeps the dream alive — and brings the 2027 World Cup one step closer.

  • India, Thailand set for showdown to reach AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    All eyes will be on Chiang Mai this Saturday as India face Thailand in a winner-takes-all clash for a place at the AFC Women’s Asian Cup Australia 2026.

    After more than two months of preparation and three dominant wins in the group stage, the Blue Tigresses are one match away from rewriting history. India have never qualified for the Asian Cup through the qualifiers route — the last time they featured was in 2003, when there were none. They did play in the 2022 edition as hosts but were forced to withdraw due to a COVID-19 outbreak.

    The stakes are higher this time. The path to a first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup in 2027 runs through Australia. “Qualification right now would be a huge boost for Indian football overall,” head coach Crispin Chettri said. “It would inspire more young girls to take up the sport and help the women’s game grow. For those already in the national team, it’s a chance to test themselves against Asia’s best — and possibly the world’s.”

    On paper, Thailand hold the edge. They are ranked 46th in the world, 24 spots above India, and have qualified for nine consecutive Asian Cups and two World Cups (2015, 2019). Yet in the qualifiers so far, the two teams have been neck and neck. India thrashed Mongolia 13-0, Timor Leste 4-0, and Iraq 5-0. Thailand beat the same opponents 11-0, 4-0, and 7-0. Both sides boast a +22 goal difference — setting up a knockout in every sense. If scores remain level after 90 minutes, the tie will be decided on penalties.

    Chettri knows Saturday’s test will be tougher but insists the approach remains unchanged. “We’ve respected every opponent and prepared diligently. Thailand are a stronger side and deserve that respect — but our plan is to finish the job in 90 minutes. We’re not thinking about penalties.”

    Midfielders Anju Tamang and Sangita Basfore know what to expect. The duo featured when India lost narrowly to Thailand 1-0 at the 2023 Asian Games in China. “They’re a quality side,” said Tamang, who has a goal and two assists so far. “They like to keep the ball and play quick, short passes. We have to fight hard and play with the right spirit to get the win.”

    For India, the equation is simple: a win in Chiang Mai keeps the dream alive — and brings the 2027 World Cup one step closer.

  • MIL-OSI Economics: South Africa: African Development Bank Country Focus Report highlights urgent need for economic transformation as GDP growth remains subdued

    Source: African Development Bank Group
    South Africa’s GDP growth declined to 0.6% in 2024 from 0.7% in 2023, underscoring the need for critical action and strategic reforms to unlock the country’s vast capital resources and accelerate economic growth, the African Development Bank emphasized in its Country Focus report launched on Wednesday.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China looks to strengthen cooperation with Greece – Premier of the State Council of China /more details/

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China hopes to strengthen cooperation ties with Greece, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday on the Greek island of Rhodes.

    During the meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis, Li Qiang stressed that China is willing to work with the Greek side to better give play to their complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the Piraeus Port Project in a high-quality manner, and promote a more optimized and balanced development of trade between the two countries.

    The head of the Chinese government recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023, during which important agreements were reached on deepening bilateral relations.

    According to Li Qiang, over the past two years, China and Greece have actively implemented the results of this visit and promoted high-quality development of cooperation under the joint construction of the Belt and Road, bringing more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

    Noting that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, Li Qiang said China is willing to work with Greece to continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand practical cooperation in various fields and achieve greater tangible results.

    China is also willing to work with Greece to expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, power transmission and conversion, and artificial intelligence, cultivating new economic growth points, Li Qiang continued, adding that China supports and encourages more Chinese enterprises with relevant capabilities to actively increase investment in Greece based on market principles.

    The Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China called on both sides to strengthen mutual learning between civilizations, increase cultural and humanitarian exchanges in such areas as tourism, and strengthen friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

    Pointing out that China and the EU have a wide range of common interests, Li Qiang said that against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the EU should jointly send a positive signal of support for multilateralism and free trade, and jointly uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order.

    He also expressed hope that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations.

    K. Hadzidakis, for his part, stated that both Greece and China are ancient civilizations, and Greece attaches great importance to the development of relations with the PRC.

    He noted that Greece is willing to implement the consensus reached by the heads of state of the two countries, and pointed out that Greece intends to further strengthen high-level exchanges with China, deepen practical cooperation in such areas as trade, investment, shipping, energy and tourism, promote cultural and humanitarian exchanges, strengthen dialogue between civilizations, thereby advancing the development of the Greek-Chinese comprehensive strategic partnership.

    China is a large country with significant international influence, K. Hadzidakis continued, adding that Greece is ready to strengthen multilateral cooperation with China, jointly uphold the goals and principles of the UN Charter, and jointly counter global challenges such as climate change.

    Greece is also ready to contribute to the development of relations between the EU and China, he added.

    Earlier in the day, the Chinese premier left Beijing for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will attend the 17th BRICS summit at the invitation of the leaders of the BRICS countries. On the way, the Chinese leader made a stop on the Greek island of Rhodes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: A scientific and practical conference dedicated to the “Shanghai spirit” was held in Bishkek

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    BISHKEK, July 4 (Xinhua) — A scientific and practical conference titled “Shanghai Spirit: Bridges of Mutually Beneficial Cooperation and Sustainable Development within the SCO” was held in the Kyrgyz capital Bishkek on Friday. The event was attended by more than 100 representatives of political, scientific, business and other circles of China and Kyrgyzstan.

    In her speech, Chinese Ambassador to Kyrgyzstan Liu Jiangping outlined the rich content and modern value of the “Shanghai Spirit”, introduced China’s work as the SCO chair country and the organization’s achievements in cooperation. She stated that China is willing to work with all parties to develop the “Shanghai Spirit”, promote continuous achievements in the development of the SCO, and contribute to stimulating stability and development in the region.

    The Minister of Justice of Kyrgyzstan, Director of the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President Ayaz Baetov, as well as other participants from the Kyrgyz side highly appreciated China’s contribution to promoting the development of the SCO and expressed Kyrgyzstan’s readiness to work together with China to continuously achieve new results in cooperation in all areas within the SCO.

    The event was jointly organized by the Chinese Embassy in Kyrgyzstan and the National Institute for Strategic Initiatives under the President of Kyrgyzstan. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: At least six people dead, unknown number of children missing after flooding in central Texas

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    HOUSTON, July 4 (Xinhua) — At least six people have died and an unspecified number of children from summer camps along the Guadalupe River are missing due to flooding in central Texas, local authorities said Friday.

    The massive flash flood that occurred overnight was caused by heavy rains.

    Kerr County Judge Rob Kelly confirmed the number of victims but did not disclose their identities.

    “We can’t say for sure that all the missing people have been found. We know that some people are missing,” R. Kelly said during a briefing on Friday morning.

    There are several summer camps along the river in the area, including Camp Mystic for Girls, NBC News reported.

    The camp released a statement Friday morning saying the parents of the missing children had been notified and if a parent had not been contacted, it meant their child was not reported missing. -0-

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse Welcomes 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner to Washington, D.C.

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Pictured Above: (Left) Congressman Neguse with 2025 Congressional Art Competition Winner, Sabra Forquer, in Washington, D.C. (Right) Sabra Forquer’s artwork that will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

    Lafayette, CO — Last Week, Colorado Congressman Joe Neguse welcomed Sabra Forquer from Granby’s Middle Park High School to Washington, D.C. for the unveiling of her winning artwork in the Cannon Tunnel of the U.S. Capitol. Forquer took first place in the 2nd District’s annual Congressional Art Competition Ceremony hosted earlier this year. Her piece titled “Colorado Roots Run Deep” will proudly represent the folks of Northwestern Colorado for the next year in the halls of Congress. 

    “The Congressional Art Competition serves as a meaningful opportunity each year for students across Colorado to share their artistic gifts. This year’s entries were especially compelling, and I was deeply impressed by the creativity and passion displayed by every student who participated,” said Congressman Neguse. “I was honored to welcome Sabra to Washington for the celebration of her remarkable artwork that will proudly hang in the halls of Congress for the next year. Her entry, ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep,’ showcases the essence of our state and is a powerful reminder of the talented and inspiring young people shaping the future in communities across the state.”

    “In the summer of 2024, I decided to run for Middle Park Fair & Rodeo queen. During fair week, as a contestant, a friend of mine took a few photos of me in my western modeling outfit. One of those photos was a silhouette, a favorite of mine. Skip to senior year in 2024-25, I took AP 2D Art. In this class, I began experimenting with art on topographic maps. I used experiences and personal photos to create my art. This led me to create a realistic acrylic painting of the silhouette picture from the fair. Then, I took that image and put it onto a topographic map. In running for queen, I remember the challenges I faced. In the end, I didn’t win, but the growth and support I experienced were worth more than the win. The depth of that experience I saw come to life as I created the piece you now know as ‘Colorado Roots Run Deep.’  The piece speaks to the county that has built me, and the mountains that have molded me,” said Sabra Forquer.

    In April, Neguse joined all the high school-aged students who submitted artwork at the Longmont Museum for a ceremony celebrating their projects and creativity. A panel of local artists and experts assisted the Congressman in selecting the following winning pieces.

    2025 Congressional Art Competition Winners:

    As noted above, the winning submission for Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District will be displayed for one year in the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., alongside artwork from other contest winners nationwide. The 2nd through 6th place winners from Colorado’s 2nd will be displayed in Rep. Neguse’s Washington, D.C. and district offices.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Colorado Representatives Joe Neguse and Jeff Hurd Statement on Removal of Public Lands Sell Off from Budget Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    “Decisions about Colorado’s treasured public lands should be made by the people who live here—not by mandates from Washington.”

    Washington, D.C. — Today, Congressmen Joe Neguse (CO-02) and Jeff Hurd (CO-03), who together represent Colorado’s Western Slope, issued the following statement after the Senate parliamentarian ruled Monday evening to remove provisions that sell off America’s public lands from the budget reconciliation bill currently making its way through the Congress. The lawmakers represent rural and mountain communities across the state and continue to urge that a proposal along these lines be excluded from the final text. Neguse and Hurd worked successfully to strip an amendment from the House-passed text that would have mandated the sale of hundreds of thousands of acres of public lands in Utah and Nevada. 

    “Colorado’s public lands belong to the people and are held in trust for future generations. They don’t belong to political appointees or outside interests. Neither of our districts asked for this land sale, and any efforts to sell off these shared spaces are deeply unpopular with the hunters, ranchers, fishermen, recreationists, conservationists, and outdoor enthusiasts we are proud to represent in Congress. Republican or Democrat—representing red, purple, or blue districts—one sentiment continues to ring true: public lands are not for sale.”

    “As consideration of the budget reconciliation bill continues, we must remain united in ensuring that its text excludes provisions that would permit the widespread sale or transfer of these treasured places. It’s time for folks on both sides of the aisle to come together for the common good and stand with us in our bipartisan effort to be good stewards of America’s prized public lands.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Neguse, Bennet Joint Statement on NOAA Budget Cuts 

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, DC — Following the release of the White House’s Fiscal Year 2026 budget proposal, Congressman Joe Neguse and Senator Michael Bennet issued the following joint statement condemning the proposed cuts to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and its Cooperative Institutes (CIs).

    “Our Cooperative Institutes here in Colorado are vital to not only our state, but our country. These institutes — the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES) and the Cooperative Institute for Research in the Atmosphere (CIRA) —employ hundreds of people in Colorado and protect millions across the nation through research on weather, drought, and fire events. These senseless proposed funding cuts would have devastating impacts felt nationwide and undermine the science our research communities rely on for generations to come.”

    “The critical work that researchers are doing everyday at NOAA and its Cooperative Institutes cannot be overstated. Their work is imperative to the personal safety and daily lives of all Americans. To eliminate funding for NOAA and its CI’s would be reckless and short-sighted. We urge the Department of Commerce to reverse any plans to eliminate funding for these critical institutions that diminish the strength of our national labs, and we will strongly oppose these dangerous proposals in the House and Senate.” 

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Rep. Neguse on House Passage of Republican’s Reckless Budget Reconciliation Bill

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse issued the following statement on the House of Representative’s passage of H.R. 1, the 2025 Republican Budget Reconciliation Bill. Rep. Neguse led opposition to the bill through multiple marathon hearings on the Rules Committee on which he serves, including a record 28-hour hearing. 

    “During the House Rules Committee’s marathon 28-hour hearing, I saw firsthand just how out of touch the Trump Administration and House Republicans are with the American people. As we exposed during multiple hearings —which House Republicans intentionally scheduled during the dead of night — the budget reconciliation bill is reckless and cruel, and will have disastrous consequences for the American people. The bill will slash healthcare for millions of Americans while increasing the deficit by trillions of dollars. Put simply, it is indefensible. That is why I vehemently opposed the bill, and voted against the measure at every turn, including again earlier today.”

    “The policies embedded in the reckless budget bill will harm many families across the Western Slope and Northern Colorado, whom will feel the strain of this bill, all while billionaires and big corporations enjoy hefty tax cuts made possible by Congressional Republicans. And because of these cuts, many Coloradans will be left without critical support programs, including food assistance and healthcare access, while rural hospitals across our state face the prospects of potential closure.” 

    “Over the coming weeks, our office will be engaged in critical conversations with communities across the 12 counties I’m privileged to serve, along with state and local leaders, as we chart a path forward. We also encourage constituents to contact our office directly for assistance in navigating the impacts of the legislation, as our office stands ready to assist. Finally, I will continue to identify every opportunity possible to reverse the draconian cuts wrought by House Republicans’ reckless bill and work relentlessly to do the same, including through the upcoming appropriations process for FY 2026.” 

    Below are most recent available estimates on the prospective impacts of the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill on the State of Colorado.

    • 40,953 people across Colorado will lose health insurance.
    • At least 55,000 people across Colorado could lose some or all food assistance.
    • 10,000 manufacturing and energy jobs in Colorado would be eliminated.
    • 55,769 students in Colorado could have their Pell grants cut or eliminated entirely.
    • $490 average yearly increase in energy bills for Colorado families.

    If you or someone you know in Colorado’s 2nd Congressional District will be impacted by the 2025 Budget Reconciliation Bill, please fill out this form and a member of our staff will be in touch with you.

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI USA: Congressman Neguse on Supreme Court Decision Regarding Birthright Citizenship

    Source: United States House of Representatives – Congressman Joe Neguse (D-Co 2)

    Washington, D.C. — Colorado U.S. Representative Joe Neguse issued the following statement on the Supreme Court’s decision regarding birthright citizenship.

    “The Trump Administration has engaged in cruel and lawless immigration practices, including the unconstitutional attempt to end birthright citizenship by executive fiat. I strongly disagree with the Supreme Court’s misguided and reckless decision today  — which as Justice Sotomayor correctly notes in her dissent — “renders constitutional guarantees meaningful in name only for individuals who are not parties to a lawsuit.” In so doing, the decision also eviscerates the principle of judicial economy, potentially forcing countless Americans to initiate litigation across the country to vindicate their constitutional rights.”

    “But the legal fight — to preserve birthright citizenship, and to push back against unlawful executive orders, is far from over. Today’s ruling did not address the merits of Trump’s birthright citizenship executive order — which countless courts have deemed unconstitutional. Nor does the decision foreclose universal injunctive relief via state lawsuits or class action proceedings. That is precisely why House Democrats participated in two pending lawsuits —initiated by the State of Washington and the State of New Jersey — to protect birthright citizenship. And it is why the Litigation Task Force will continue to do so in both cases, among many others, and use every legal tool at its disposal to vindicate our constitution and the rule of law.”

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    MIL OSI USA News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Strategies for Africa’s Climate Resilience: Trade and Practices

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Global Financial Spillovers of Chinese Macroeconomic Surprises

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: China looks to strengthen cooperation with Greece – Premier of the State Council of China

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

    Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian –

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

    RHODES /Greece/, July 4 /Xinhua/ — China hopes to strengthen cooperation ties with Greece, Chinese Premier Li Qiang said on Friday on the Greek island of Rhodes.

    During the meeting with Greek Deputy Prime Minister Kostis Hadzidakis, Li Qiang stressed that China is willing to work with the Greek side to better give play to their complementary advantages, advance the implementation of the Piraeus Port Project in a high-quality manner, and promote a more optimized and balanced development of trade between the two countries.

    The head of the Chinese government recalled the meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis during his visit to China in November 2023, during which important agreements were reached on deepening bilateral relations.

    According to Li Qiang, over the past two years, China and Greece have actively implemented the results of this visit and promoted high-quality development of cooperation under the joint construction of the Belt and Road, bringing more benefits to the peoples of both countries.

    Noting that next year will mark the 20th anniversary of the establishment of China-Greece comprehensive strategic partnership, Li Qiang said China is willing to work with Greece to continue to firmly support each other’s core interests and major concerns, expand practical cooperation in various fields and achieve greater tangible results.

    China is also willing to work with Greece to expand cooperation in areas such as clean energy, power transmission and conversion, and artificial intelligence, cultivating new economic growth points, Li Qiang continued, adding that China supports and encourages more Chinese enterprises with relevant capabilities to actively increase investment in Greece based on market principles.

    The Premier of the State Council of the People’s Republic of China called on both sides to strengthen mutual learning between civilizations, increase cultural and humanitarian exchanges in such areas as tourism, and strengthen friendship between the peoples of the two countries.

    Pointing out that China and the EU have a wide range of common interests, Li Qiang said that against the backdrop of rising unilateralism and protectionism, China and the EU should jointly send a positive signal of support for multilateralism and free trade, and jointly uphold economic globalization and the international economic and trade order.

    He also expressed hope that Greece will continue to play a constructive role in promoting the development of China-EU relations.

    Earlier in the day, the Chinese premier left Beijing for Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, where he will attend the 17th BRICS summit at the invitation of the leaders of the BRICS countries. On the way, the Chinese leader made a stop on the Greek island of Rhodes. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Russia: Iran Committed to Diplomacy, Calls for Retaliatory Actions: President

    Translation. Region: Russian Federal

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

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

    TEHRAN, July 4 (Xinhua) — Iran still views diplomacy as an effective means of settling disputes, provided the other side is sincerely committed to these solutions in practice, President Masoud Pezeshkian said on Friday.

    As noted in a statement published on the website of the Iranian presidential office, M. Pezeshkian made the corresponding judgment at a meeting with Tajik President Emomali Rahmon in Khankendi, Azerbaijan, where he attended the 17th summit of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) earlier that day.

    M. Pezeshkian recalled that while Iran was seeking to resolve existing problems through negotiations with the West, especially with the United States, Israel began to carry out airstrikes against it.

    “Iran continues to see negotiations and diplomacy as effective solutions to resolve differences, provided that the other side shows in practice that it is committed to these solutions,” he added.

    The Tajik president, for his part, condemned Israel’s “aggression” against Iran, stressing that all parties need to return to the negotiating table and remain committed to diplomacy to resolve differences.

    The statement said the presidents also called for accelerating the implementation of previously signed bilateral cooperation agreements in various fields, especially in the economy, trade and culture. –0–

    MIL OSI Russia News –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: A Macroeconomic Framework for Long-Term Resilience and Growth

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    David Bartolini, Andrew Ceber, Valerie Cerra, Pedro Juarros, Yujin Kim, Junko Mochizuki, and Christine J. Richmond “A Macroeconomic Framework for Long-Term Resilience and Growth”, IMF Working Papers 2025, 135 (2025), accessed July 4, 2025, https://doi.org/10.5089/9798229015196.001

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Time-Varying Impacts of Government Spending on CO2 Emissions

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    A Bayesian factor-augmented interacted vector autoregression framework purified of expectations is employed to analyze how government spending shocks have impacted CO2 emissions in the United States from the 1980s to the pre-pandemic period. Consumption-generated emissions are found to have generally risen following fiscal expansions, although their elasticity to government spending has declined substantially over time—with the five-year elasticity dropping from about 0.5 in the early 1980s to 0.1 by 2019. In contrast, positive government spending shocks increased production-generated emissions in the early 1980s—with a five-year elasticity near 0.4—but reversed course by the 1990s, eventually reaching an elasticity of –0.5 by the end of the sample. Examination of time-varying interaction variables suggests that environmental regulation, tertiarization, and a larger share of spending on public goods can mitigate—or even reverse—the emissions growth associated with economic expansions driven by government spending. Furthermore, government consumption, rather than investment, is chiefly responsible for these shifts in emissions elasticities.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Morocco: Ecuador Inaugurates Its Embassy in Rabat

    Source: APO


    .

    Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation, and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita, and Ecuadorian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Mrs. Gabriela Sommerfeld, inaugurated the Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador in Rabat on Friday.

    In an address delivered during the ceremony, Mr. Bourita said the inauguration follows Ecuador’s historic decision to sever all ties with the so-called “sadr” on October 22, 2024, and to further strengthen its relations with the Kingdom of Morocco.

    He highlighted that Morocco is home to 165 diplomatic missions, including 50 representations of international organizations. With 14 Latin American embassies now established in Rabat, Morocco is well-positioned to serve as a “bridge” between Latin America and Africa, offering unique advantages—cultural, geographic, and strategic. This growing diplomatic presence, he added, reflects the importance Morocco attaches to its ties with Latin America within the framework of its foreign policy.

    The emerging “win-win” partnership between Morocco and Ecuador aims to set an example of effective and solidarity-based South-South cooperation, Mr. Bourita stressed, emphasizing that the two countries are committed to expanding cooperation across multiple sectors, aspiring to build a strong and dynamic South-South partnership that serves the shared interests of their peoples.

    On this occasion, Mr. Bourita also congratulated the Government of Ecuador on the appointment of an ambassador to lead its diplomatic mission in Morocco.

    For her part, Sommerfeld stated that the opening of the embassy marks the beginning of a new era of dynamism in Morocco-Ecuador cooperation. She reaffirmed her country’s commitment to deepening bilateral relations, strengthening ties across strategic sectors, and facilitating the exchange of expertise in various fields.

    She pointed out that this is Ecuador’s first diplomatic mission in the Maghreb region.

    Sommerfeld added that the embassy in Rabat is intended to serve as a “gateway to African markets” and reflects her government’s determination to elevate bilateral cooperation with Morocco.

    The inauguration took place following talks between Mr. Bourita and Mrs. Sommerfeld, during which the Ecuadorian foreign minister reiterated her country’s support for the Autonomy Initiative presented by Morocco in 2007, which Ecuador views as the basis for a lasting solution to this regional dispute.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Liberia to Continue Supporting Morocco’s Territorial Integrity, Sovereignty Over All its Territory Including Sahara Region, Autonomy Initiative as Only Solution

    Source: APO


    .

    The Republic of Liberia, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, reaffirmed on Friday in Rabat, its support for Morocco’s territorial integrity and its sovereignty over all its territory, including the Sahara region.

    This stance was expressed by Liberia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Sara Beysolow Nyanti during a press briefing following her meeting with Minister of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates, Mr. Nasser Bourita.

    Nyanti also reiterated her country’s full support to Morocco’s autonomy plan as “the only credible, serious and realistic solution” to the dispute.

    The Liberian Foreign Minister pointed out that her country, as a new non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council starting 2026, will continue to support this position.

    The Republic of Liberia, she added, also welcomes the growing international consensus and dynamic driven by HM King Mohammed VI, in support of the autonomy plan and the sovereignty of Morocco over its Sahara.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Kingdom of Morocco – Ministry of Foreign Affairs, African Cooperation and Moroccan Expatriates.

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Egypt: Ambassador meets with the Thai Student Association (TSA70)

    Source: APO

    On 1 July 2025, His Excellency Mr. Thanawat Sirikul, Ambassador of Thailand to Egypt, met with members of the Thai Student Association in Cairo under the Royal Patronage (TSA in Cairo), 70th Committee, at the Royal Thai Embassy in Cairo. During the meeting, the Ambassador highlighted the Thai Government’s student-related policy to enhance national competitiveness through the promotion of digital skills and Artificial Intelligence (AI). He also underscored the importance of foreign language proficiency—particularly in English and Arabic—as these skills are increasingly in demand in Thailand’s tourism and hospitality sectors. Furthermore, in light of the current fragile security situation in the region, the Ambassador emphasized the need for students to stay informed and updated on regional developments by following the news regularly.

    On this occasion, the Embassy also introduced a new online certificate issuance system designed to streamline and expedite the processing of official documents. This system will be especially useful for students requiring certificates for purposes such as academic applications or scholarship requests. Additionally, members of the TSA in Cairo presented their planned activities for the upcoming semester break. These include more than ten initiatives covering areas such as academics, sports and recreation, and the overall well-being of Thai students in Cairo. In response, the Embassy expressed its continued commitment to supporting the initiatives of the TSA in Cairo.

    Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Royal Thai Embassy, Cairo, Egypt.

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Missing Imports in the Euro Area: Domestic Monetary Policy, Cross-Border Synchronization, and Demand Composition

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This paper sheds new light on an overlooked channel of monetary transmission: the relationship between central bank interest rate policy and the economy’s trade position. It examines the impact of monetary policy on import dynamics through its effect on domestic demand composition. In 2023, the euro area faced a significant contraction in imports, despite resilient GDP growth, challenging traditional import elasticity models. While an import intensity-adjusted demand framework explains the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) trade-GDP disconnect, it fails to account for the euro area’s 2023 import shortfall, indicating that additional factors are at play. Incorporating lending rates into the regression significantly improves the model’s explanatory power for this recent period, underscoring the role of monetary policy in the recent decline in imports. Using local projection methods with high-frequency monetary policy shocks, we confirm that monetary tightening negatively impacts imports by suppressing demand components with higher import intensity. Furthermore, this effect is amplified when accounting for the cross-border synchronization of monetary policy.

    Subject: Consumption, Exports, Imports, International trade, Monetary policy, Monetary tightening, National accounts

    Keywords: Consumption, Demand Composition, Euro Area, Exports, Global, Imports, International trade, Monetary policy, Monetary policy synchronization, Monetary tightening

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Missing Imports in the Euro Area: Domestic Monetary Policy, Cross-Border Synchronization, and Demand Composition

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    This paper sheds new light on an overlooked channel of monetary transmission: the relationship between central bank interest rate policy and the economy’s trade position. It examines the impact of monetary policy on import dynamics through its effect on domestic demand composition. In 2023, the euro area faced a significant contraction in imports, despite resilient GDP growth, challenging traditional import elasticity models. While an import intensity-adjusted demand framework explains the Great Financial Crisis (GFC) trade-GDP disconnect, it fails to account for the euro area’s 2023 import shortfall, indicating that additional factors are at play. Incorporating lending rates into the regression significantly improves the model’s explanatory power for this recent period, underscoring the role of monetary policy in the recent decline in imports. Using local projection methods with high-frequency monetary policy shocks, we confirm that monetary tightening negatively impacts imports by suppressing demand components with higher import intensity. Furthermore, this effect is amplified when accounting for the cross-border synchronization of monetary policy.

    Subject: Consumption, Exports, Imports, International trade, Monetary policy, Monetary tightening, National accounts

    Keywords: Consumption, Demand Composition, Euro Area, Exports, Global, Imports, International trade, Monetary policy, Monetary policy synchronization, Monetary tightening

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of External Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    The landscape of external funding flows to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has evolved significantly over the past two decades. This paper provides an overview of the non-official external financing sources, emphasizing the trade-offs between foreign and domestic currency-denominated debt. Using data from emerging and developing economies, we assess the likelihood of issuing Eurobonds or borrowing in the syndicated loan market, focusing on the implications for SSA. We also analyze the main drivers of yields at issuance and bond spreads, along with the reliability of credit ratings and the potential existence of an “African risk premium”. Our findings suggest that global factors such as the US dollar and interest rates, along with domestic characteristics, including governance and political risk, play an impotant role. Once fundamentals are considered, we find limited evidence of credit rating agencies’ bias against the region and a modest extra risk premium in normal times. As an alternative to external financing, SSA countries have been recently issuing more domestic-currency debt, reducing exchange rate risks but facing challenges in attracting foreign investors due to underdeveloped local debt markets.

    Subject: Bond yields, Emerging and frontier financial markets, Financial institutions, Financial markets, Financial services, International capital markets, Loans, Securities markets, Syndicated loans, Yield curve

    Keywords: Africa, Bond yields, Emerging and frontier financial markets, Global, International capital markets, Loans, Local-currency bond markets, Risk premium, Securities markets, Sovereign spreads, Sub-Saharan Africa, Syndicated loans, Syndicated loans, Yield curve

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Navigating the Evolving Landscape of External Financing in Sub-Saharan Africa

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    The landscape of external funding flows to sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) has evolved significantly over the past two decades. This paper provides an overview of the non-official external financing sources, emphasizing the trade-offs between foreign and domestic currency-denominated debt. Using data from emerging and developing economies, we assess the likelihood of issuing Eurobonds or borrowing in the syndicated loan market, focusing on the implications for SSA. We also analyze the main drivers of yields at issuance and bond spreads, along with the reliability of credit ratings and the potential existence of an “African risk premium”. Our findings suggest that global factors such as the US dollar and interest rates, along with domestic characteristics, including governance and political risk, play an impotant role. Once fundamentals are considered, we find limited evidence of credit rating agencies’ bias against the region and a modest extra risk premium in normal times. As an alternative to external financing, SSA countries have been recently issuing more domestic-currency debt, reducing exchange rate risks but facing challenges in attracting foreign investors due to underdeveloped local debt markets.

    Subject: Bond yields, Emerging and frontier financial markets, Financial institutions, Financial markets, Financial services, International capital markets, Loans, Securities markets, Syndicated loans, Yield curve

    Keywords: Africa, Bond yields, Emerging and frontier financial markets, Global, International capital markets, Loans, Local-currency bond markets, Risk premium, Securities markets, Sovereign spreads, Sub-Saharan Africa, Syndicated loans, Syndicated loans, Yield curve

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Estimated Monthly National Accounts for the United States

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Summary

    I jointly estimate monthly series for GDP and eight subcomponents for the US since 1950. The series match 1) quarterly national accounts equivalents, 2) exact data on monthly consumption, and 3) past relationships with other monthly indicators. I estimate the Kalman filter parameters by GMM, allowing fast calculation of confidence intervals for monthly estimates including parameter uncertainty, and validate the confidence intervals. After 1970 standard errors are tight, less than 0.3pp of GDP, and point estimates informative, with standard deviations four times the standard error. I provide confidence intervals for recessions and show that output peaks line up well with the onset of NBER recessions, but troughs often predate NBER equivalents.

    Subject: Consumption, Econometric analysis, Economic growth, Economic recession, Estimation techniques, Exports, Imports, International trade, National accounts

    Keywords: Consumption, Economic recession, Estimation techniques, Exports, GDP, GMM, Imports, Kalman Filter, Recession

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Understanding Inflation Dynamics in Afghanistan

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • MIL-OSI Economics: Financial Boom and Bust in the 19th Century: How Bad Was Germany’s Gründerkrise?

    Source: International Monetary Fund

    Disclaimer: IMF Working Papers describe research in progress by the author(s) and are published to elicit comments and to encourage debate. The views expressed in IMF Working Papers are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the views of the IMF, its Executive Board, or IMF management.

    MIL OSI Economics –

  • PM Modi holds delegation-level talks with Trinidad & Tobago PM Kamla Persad-Bissessar, inks key bilateral pacts

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met Trinidad & Tobago’s Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar in Port of Spain, where the two leaders held wide-ranging talks aimed at boosting cooperation in areas from agriculture and healthcare to digital payments and cultural exchanges.

    he meeting took place at the historic Red House, where PM Modi congratulated his counterpart on assuming office for the second time following her recent electoral victory and thanked her for the warm welcome accorded to him and his delegation.

    The two leaders discussed a wide range of areas for potential cooperation, including agriculture, healthcare and pharmaceuticals, digital transformation, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), capacity building, culture, sports, and people-to-people ties. Development cooperation remains a vital aspect of the India–Trinidad & Tobago partnership, both sides noted. Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar remarked that Prime Minister Modi’s visit would reinvigorate the long-standing relationship between the two nations.

    Regional and global issues also featured in the talks, with both leaders calling for enhanced cooperation on shared challenges such as climate change, disaster management, and cybersecurity. PM Modi appreciated Trinidad & Tobago’s strong support for India following the recent Pahalgam terror attack, and the leaders reaffirmed their joint commitment to combat terrorism in all its forms. They also agreed to work together to promote greater solidarity among countries of the Global South and to strengthen the India–CARICOM partnership.

    Following the discussions, both countries exchanged six Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) covering pharmacopoeia cooperation, Quick Impact Projects, cultural exchanges, sports, diplomatic training, and the establishment of ICCR Chairs for Hindi and Indian Studies in Trinidad & Tobago.

    In a move to further deepen ties with the Indian diaspora, India also announced the extension of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) card eligibility to the sixth generation of people of Indian origin living in Trinidad & Tobago.

    PM Modi extended an invitation to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar to visit India, which she accepted. 

  • MIL-OSI USA: News 07/4/2025 VIDEO: Blackburn Wishes Tennesseans a Happy Fourth of July

    US Senate News:

    Source: United States Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn)
    NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-Tenn.) released the following statement and video wishing Tennesseans and Americans across the country a happy Independence Day:

    “This Fourth of July, we as Tennesseans and as Americans have so much to be grateful for and to celebrate: a secure border, a growing economy, and the greatest Armed Forces in the history of the world,” said Senator Blackburn. “Today, we celebrate the birth of our great nation and honor those who have risked and given their lives for our freedoms. We are truly blessed to live in the greatest country on earth. From my family to yours, Happy Independence Day.”

    Click here to download Senator Blackburn’s Fourth of July video.

    MIL OSI USA News –