President Yoweri Kaguta Museveni has today bid farewell to Ms. R. Mukami Kariuki, the outgoing World Bank Country Manager for Uganda at State House, Entebbe.
Ms. Kariuki, who assumed her role on August 1, 2021, has led the World Bank’s engagement with the Government of Uganda and overseeing the implementation of key development programs across the country.
In a cordial exchange, President Museveni thanked Ms. Kariuki for her dedicated service and extended his best wishes as she concluded her assignment.
“Thank you so much. I wish you good luck,” the President said.
Ms. Kariuki expressed her gratitude to the President and the Ugandan government for the collaboration extended to her throughout her tenure.
“Your Excellency, I appreciate the support and partnership we have had. It has been a pleasure working with Uganda,” she said.
The meeting was also attended by Mr. Qimiao Fan, the World Bank Country Director for Kenya, Rwanda, Somalia, and Uganda, who is based in Nairobi.
Mr. Fan noted the Bank’s keen interest in supporting Uganda’s agricultural transformation, job creation for the youth, and renewable energy development.
“Uganda has great potential. You have fertile soils, abundant sunshine for renewable energy, and a rapidly growing young population that needs jobs,” Mr. Fan said.
He emphasized the need to increase agricultural productivity through strategic investments in irrigation, improved transport networks, and access to better seeds and fertilizers.
“Despite your fertile soils, Uganda’s agricultural productivity remains relatively low. Investing in irrigation and logistics can help farmers access markets more effectively,” he added.
President Museveni responded by highlighting Uganda’s achievements in agricultural research, particularly in seed development and irrigation.
“We already have improved seeds for crops like coffee, bananas, maize, cassava, and potatoes. Our research centers have done their job. The challenge now is funding the uptake and supporting farmers to apply the technologies,” the President said.
He also highlighted the success of Prof. Florence Muranga from Bushenyi, who, through irrigation, harvests 53 tonnes of bananas per acre annually far exceeding the district’s average of 5 tonnes.
President Museveni further underscored the need to shift communities out of wetlands and into sustainable fish farming on the periphery, which would allow the use of swamp water for irrigation while restoring the wetland ecosystem.
“We want to move people from wetlands and support them to do fish farming on the edge. That way, we preserve the wetlands and still use the water for irrigation,” he explained.
He also reflected on the cultural importance of agriculture to Uganda, noting that many of the country’s staple crops such as millet, bananas, and cassava are indigenous and form part of Uganda’s agricultural heritage.
“Agriculture is part of our ancient heritage. These crops are not foreign; they are ours,” the President said.
He concluded by reaffirming the government’s readiness to engage further and collaborate on these areas of interest.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of State House Uganda.
As conflict between rival militaries rages on, millions of people keep on being displaced.
While the UN and its partners continue to provide assistance to newly displaced families in North Darfur, “nearly 60 per cent of displaced families still lack adequate shelter support,” said Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General, Farhan Haq, at a daily press briefing on Monday.
In Abu Shouk camp in El Fasher, the North Darfur capital, displaced families are facing acute shortages of food and medicine, with local sources reporting four hunger-related deaths last week, as food insecurity continues to worsen across the entire country.
In North Darfur state notably, low cereal supply, poor harvests and a prolonged food deficit have severely affected food availability.
Health crisis
Meanwhile, cholera cases continue to rise in Tawila. More than 1,500 suspected and confirmed serious infections have been reported since June, with over 500 people currently receiving treatment.
While local authorities have introduced emergency measures, including market closures and a ban on public gatherings, humanitarian organizations urgently require $120 million to scale up life-saving support in Tawila over the next three months.
“This funding is essential to contain the outbreak and sustain critical services,” according to OCHA.
Meanwhile, in Port Sudan, the main entry point for humanitarian personnel and supplies, a sharp increase in heatstroke cases linked to extreme temperature and prolonged power outages is raising concerns, as one death was recorded over the past two days.
Food crisis
In El Fasher, food prices continue to rise to alarming levels. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) has already identified famine conditions in multiple areas of North Darfur and the eastern Nuba Mountains, with more locations at risk.
In May, the average cost of the local food basket in El Fasher was more than six times the national average, as the city recorded the highest prices for nearly all essential items among assessed localities.
An IPC alert earlier this month noted that Sudan’s food security and nutrition situation is set to further deteriorate over the lean season from July to October, notably in areas of active conflict with limited access and experiencing high levels of displacement.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Eighty years after the end of World War II, a county in central China still echoes with memories of international solidarity forged in wartime.
In Zhijiang Dong autonomous county in Huaihua, Hunan province, the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum stands to honor a remarkable chapter of shared history between China and the United States — the story of the American Volunteer Group, better known as the Flying Tigers, during the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression.
In 1937, the year Japan launched its full-scale invasion of China, Claire Lee Chennault, a retired lieutenant from the U.S. Army Air Corps, was invited by the Chinese government to serve as chief advisor to the Chinese Air Force and help develop its aerial capabilities.
In 1941, the Flying Tigers was officially formed in Zhijiang, with Chennault as the commander. That December, after two squadrons successfully fended off Japanese aircraft over Kunming, capital of Yunnan province, the name Flying Tigers spread across China.
Inside the museum that honors the Flying Tigers, visitors are captivated by a wall that displays the squadron emblems, tracing the four stages of their development in China. Most of the emblems feature cartoon-style wartime designs.
Emblems of the Flying Tigers squadrons, displayed at the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum in Zhijiang Dong autonomous county, Huaihua city, Hunan province. [Photo by Wang Xinguang/China.org.cn]
Through a large collection of artifacts, including fighter aircraft, personal belongings, original documents, and photographs, the museum portrays the mutual assistance and deep friendship between the Flying Tigers and the Chinese people.
One notable exhibit is a flight jacket worn by a Flying Tigers member, donated by a veteran during his return to Zhijiang for a cultural festival after WWII.
Sewn onto the back of the jacket is a blood chit, carrying a message in Chinese that reads: “This foreigner (American) has come to China to help in the war. Soldiers and civilians, please offer him rescue and protection.”
A flight jacket of a Flying Tigers member, displayed at the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum. [Photo by Liu Jian/China SCIO]
The message was meant to identify Flying Tigers members who would parachute or crash-land in Japanese-occupied areas. By showing it to Chinese soldiers or civilians, they could quickly be recognized and receive help. It therefore became known as a life-saving chit.
The museum’s exhibits not only reflect the camaraderie between the Chinese and American people in their joint fight against fascism, but also underscore a broader message — one of mutual respect and enduring friendship between nations.
Today, the museum continues to receive support from the U.S., including numerous donated artifacts — a testament to the enduring commitment of both nations to honor the legacy of the Flying Tigers.
Wu Jianhong, director of the museum, said that families of Flying Tigers members still visit China to donate items, keeping alive the shared spirit of cherishing peace.
“It can be said that the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum is a commemorative site jointly built by the Chinese and American people,” Wu said.
Near the exit of the museum stands the Wall of Heroes, inscribed with the names of 882 Chinese Air Force soldiers and 2,197 Flying Tigers members who lost their lives during the war.
The Wall of Heroes inscribed with the names of Chinese Air Force soldiers and Flying Tigers members at the Flying Tigers Memorial Museum. [Photo by Wang Xinguang/China.org.cn]
“The names on the wall honor those heroes whose identities could be confirmed,” said Deng Yu, a guide at the museum. “But many others remain unnamed — their sacrifices are remembered just the same.”
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
China on Tuesday unveiled a 489-member delegation, including 321 athletes, for the upcoming 2025 Chengdu World Games.
The team will compete in 152 events across 28 sports, marking China’s largest participation in the history of the Games. This year also marks the first inclusion of para-athletes in the delegation.
Photo taken on July 26, 2025 shows the World Games 2025 Torch Relay in Chengdu, southwest China’s Sichuan Province. (Xinhua/Ding Zengnida)
As the highest-level international multi-sport event outside the Olympic Games, the 12th edition of the World Games will be held in Chengdu from August 7 to 17. It will be the first time the event is hosted on the Chinese mainland.
The 2025 Games will feature 34 sports, 60 disciplines, and 256 events. China will make its debut in 12 sports, including floorball, cheerleading, flying disc, and powerboating.
At the delegation’s launch ceremony, officials emphasized the mission to “glorify the nation,” calling on athletes to deliver top performances while adhering to principles of “zero appearance of doping” and “zero controversy in sportsmanship.”
Zhong Qixin, head coach of China’s sport climbing team and a former gold medalist in men’s speed climbing at the eighth World Games, expressed high expectations for the home event.
“We hope to achieve good results at our home event. We aim to focus on ourselves and showcase our skills to the world. We also hope that international athletes and coaches will perform well and enjoy the food and the competition here,” he said.
Ai Xinliang, a para archer, called the World Games “a new challenge.”
“Every match feels like the Olympics to me,” said Ai. “This time, competing on the same arena as able-bodied athletes will allow me to experience different emotions. There will certainly be difficulties, but I am mentally prepared and have trained thoroughly before the event,” he added.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Customers enjoy coffee and their leisure time at a cafe in Baiyanggou Village in Urumqi County, northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, March 15, 2025. (Xinhua/He Xiaotong)
In Daofu, a quaint county in southwest China’s Sichuan Province, traditional Tibetan homes have been beautifully transformed into cafés, seamlessly blending international favorites like coffee with local treats such as butter tea and highland barley.
“Sipping highland latte while listening to Tibetan folk songs and learning Thangka painting — what a perfect way to unwind!” exclaimed tourist Xu Xiaomei.
In this county, which is filled with Tibetan heritage, cafés don’t just serve drinks — they offer local culture. “Even our coffee cups are custom-made from Daofu’s black pottery,” said Gao Yaojun, a local hotel manager, at the hotel’s café.
Daofu now welcomes more than 1.5 million coffee-related tourist visits each year, reflecting the wider boom of café culture in China’s countryside. As of 2024, over 44,000 countryside coffee shops have sprung up nationwide.
To stand out in an increasingly crowded space, many rural cafés are turning to the “coffee+” model, which pairs coffee with experiences like hiking, handicrafts, or farm visits. It’s not just about sipping a latte — it’s about discovering what makes each place special.
In southwest China’s Guizhou Province, for example, a café perched on a 200-meter-high cliff has gone viral online. Adventurous visitors embark on a challenging trek through the forest and climb the cliffs to reach it, with the entire experience costing nearly 400 yuan (about 55.7 U.S. dollars) per person. Similar adrenaline-fueled cafés have also emerged in provinces like Zhejiang and Fujian.
In south China’s Yunnan Province, one of the country’s key habitats for wild Asian elephants, guests at a café in Pu’er can sip freshly brewed coffee while watching elephants roam and forage in the distant forests.
Some cafés have chosen to tap into their agricultural roots. As China’s primary coffee-producing region, Yunnan offers visitors the chance to sip locally grown brews while exploring plantations and roasteries.
In Wanning, China’s island province of Hainan, coffee farm cafés let visitors roast their own beans, blending agritourism with beverage culture. And the leftover coffee grounds are turned into eco-friendly crafts like sand paintings, murals, and scented accessories.
This rural café boom is largely fueled by urbanites seeking weekend escapes into nature. In the first quarter of 2025, rural tourism in China welcomed 707 million visitors, an 8.9 percent year-on-year increase. Revenue reached 412 billion yuan, up 5.6 percent.
The café boom is also energizing local economies. In Anji County, Zhejiang, a rural region with under 600,000 residents, more than 300 countryside cafés have opened in recent years. Cafés here often operate on a community co-op model: villagers and collectives invest land or resources, café managing teams handle operations, and profits are shared through rent, wages, and dividends.
Deep Blue, one of Anji’s most popular cafés, returns nearly half of its coffee sales revenue to local shareholders. “You’ve got to admire how brilliantly resourceful these young people are,” said one villager.
The rise of rural cafés is also reversing urban migration. Many young entrepreneurs are returning to their hometowns, drawn by the potential of rural development. Among them is Wang Han, 27, from Xinzhai Village in Yunnan. After working in Shenzhen and Kunming, Wang returned in 2020 to open a café and an online coffee business. “There’s something worth coming back for. Now visitors from across China come to tour our coffee fields and taste our brews,” he said.
At Deep Blue, its 127 staff members have an average age of 25 and backgrounds ranging from medicine to shipbuilding, according to founder Cheng Shuoqin, who grew up in Anji and launched his business in 2022, along with six partners.
Cheng believes concerns about market saturation are premature. More well-educated young talent is still on their way to the countryside, he said. “The more young people return, the brighter the future of the countryside.”
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Mayors and Ministers back British manufacturers and greener buses
Government ministers and metro mayors commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.
Transport Secretary, the Local Transport Minister, and Metro Mayors come together for UK bus manufacturing stocktake, promising to support highly skilled jobs that deliver the Plan for Change.
plans advanced to ensure a 10-year pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, with around 60% of zero-emission buses funded by government currently being built by UK-based manufacturers.
comes as the Bus Services Bill progresses through Parliament, with the government continuing to drive growth in the industries of the future and put passengers back at the heart of services
Greener journeys, skilled jobs and stronger UK manufacturing were all on the agenda today (28 July 2025), as government ministers and metro mayors came together in Westminster to commit to greener transport and greater job opportunities across the regions.
The fifth meeting of the UK Bus Manufacturing Expert Panel was chaired by the Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, and Local Transport Minister Simon Lightwood, with wider attendance from mayors including David Skaith (York and North Yorkshire), Richard Parker (West Midlands), and Steve Rotheram (Liverpool), alongside Scotland Office Minister Kirsty McNeill and the Scottish Government’s Transport Minister, Fiona Hyslop.
The session focussed on the future pipeline of zero-emission bus orders, in order to give UK manufacturers the long-term certainty needed to invest and grow.
The panel also committed to ensuring that new zero emission buses bring real social benefits to the communities they serve, and work to support local employment, sustainability, and inclusivity.
Attendees also committed to ensuring that every pound of public money spent on zero emission buses provides the greatest social benefits for communities and the economy.
The government is working closely with local authorities to ensure new bus orders continue to support the UK supply chain and deliver cleaner, more reliable transport for passengers. Currently, around 60% of zero-emission buses funded through the government’s ZEBRA (Zero Emission Bus Regional Areas) programmes are being built by UK-based manufacturers, and the panel is committed to supporting manufacturers as they undertake these new contracts, to ensure that they support regional growth and support opportunities that deliver the Plan for Change.
Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander, said:
It was great to bring mayors together today for the fifth meeting of the bus manufacturing expert panel, where we committed to building a strong pipeline of future zero-emission bus orders.
By mapping out future demand, we’re giving industry the certainty they need to grow – supporting jobs, delivering better buses for passengers, and accelerating our journey towards a cleaner, greener transport system, while delivering our Plan for Change.
Nottinghamshire County Council, who are benefitting from £2.3 million to launch 42 new electric buses
Hull City Council, where £3.9 million has been allocated to provide 42 vehicles
West of England Combined Authority, who are receiving nearly £20 million for 160 buses
The UK government has also recently allocated a further £28 million to deliver new zero emission buses in Sheffield and Bradford, to improve air quality on key city centre routes.
The push for cleaner bus travel is also supported by the Bus Services Bill, which is currently progressing through Parliament. The Bill will give local authorities more control over how services are planned and delivered, while introducing new powers to end the use of new diesel buses in England from no earlier than 2030.
Jason Prince, Director, Urban Transport Group, said:
Investing in buses, especially greener, cleaner buses is good for our transport systems, our health and the economy. Government, operators and our members, working together through the manufacturing panel to unlock the full potential of greener buses will help realise these benefits for passengers and their local communities.
In a major public health breakthrough, an Australian trial of the school-based OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program has demonstrated real-world outcomes in preventing youth vaping.
Published in leading global health journal, The Lancet today, a randomised controlled trial involving more than 5,000 students across 40 schools found students who participated in the program were 65 per cent less likely to have used vapes after 12 months compared to those who did not do the course and 80 per cent said the information they learned will help them handle vaping situations in future.
Funded by the Albanese Government through the Medical Research Futures Fund and National Health and Medical Research Council, the trial is the first Australian school-based eHealth intervention proven to prevent vaping use in adolescents.
The program uses cartoon-based stories, quizzes, and classroom activities to engage and inform students. It was co-designed with young people and teachers to fit the national curriculum.
These positive findings come as the latest data from Generation Vape reveals that young people are vaping less and that vaping is increasingly seen as uncool and socially unacceptable among young people.
The OurFutures vaping program will be rolled out in schools across the country until 2028, with long-term follow-up data expected in 2026.
All secondary schools can register their interest to participate in the program and sign up today.
Quotes attributable to Minister Butler: “The OurFutures Vaping Prevention Education program is helping young Australians make informed choices and resist the pressures of vaping. It’s smart, scalable, and evidence shows that it works.
“This is exactly the kind of evidence-based, preventive action we need to protect the health of our kids.
“Young people are turning away from vaping. They’re seeing it for what it is –harmful, addictive, and pushed by Big Tobacco.
“That’s a testament to the power of education, community, and strong government action.”
Quotes attributable to Minister Clare: “Vaping is a major public health issue – and a major problem in our schools.
“Principals and teachers will tell you that vapes are causing serious behaviour problems in the classroom.
“Evidence-based programs like OurFutures will be critical to getting young people off vapes.
“On the back of these positive results, this program will now roll out more broadly to give teachers across the country the tools they need to educate young people and change behaviour when it comes to vaping.”
Quotes attributable to Our Futures Institute CEO Ken Wallace: “Giving young people the knowledge and skills to resist Big Tobacco’s deliberately predatory tactics and make healthier choices is what world-leading public health action looks like.
“We’re proud to be offering a proven program to schools across the nation to protect our children’s future and stop a generation from suffering from deadly, preventable health conditions.
“Rates of vaping among young people remain unacceptably high, and vaping is an established risk factor for tobacco smoking. We know there is more to do. Prevention is our best shot at breaking the cycle of addiction, before it starts.”
On the seventh day of the Monsoon Session, the Rajya Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM shortly after it convened at 11:00 AM on Tuesday.
The adjournment came as the Upper House prepared for a 16-hour-long discussion on Operation Sindoor, India’s response to the recent terrorist attack in Pahalgam.
Meanwhile, the Lok Sabha proceeded with its scheduled business in the morning and is set to continue the debate on Operation Sindoor for the second straight day. The discussion began on Monday, with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh opening the debate, describing India’s cross-border strikes as precise, measured, and non-escalatory, aimed at achieving a clearly defined objective.
The work of the Commission of Inquiry into Criminality, Political Interference and Corruption in the Criminal Justice System – dubbed the Madlanga Commission – has begun “in earnest”.
This according to Commission Chairperson, Acting Deputy Chief Justice Mbuyiseli Madlanga, who briefed the media on Monday afternoon.
The commission was established by President Cyril Ramaphosa following serious allegations made by KwaZulu-Natal Police Commissioner, Lieutenant General Nhlanhla Mkhwanazi.
The Provincial Commissioner made several allegations about an alleged criminal syndicate that has spread into law enforcement and intelligence services, as well as allegations implicating the judiciary, prosecutors, politicians and now suspended Police Minister Senzo Mchunu.
“We can assure South Africans that the work of the commission has commenced in earnest. To be specific, our first consultation with a witness is imminent.
“That consultation will help inform what further information the commission must follow up on,” he said.
He added that the commission is mindful that the public is “eager to see the first witness in the witness stand”.
“We too are eager to see that happen and are acting with the necessary expedition to see it happen.
“That said, the fact that Lieutenant General… Mkhwanazi made the allegations does not make us ready to start hearing evidence immediately. There must be consultation and assessment of the information we gather and a follow up for buttressing the information we’ve gathered, should that be necessary,” Madlanga said.
This, he added, could include further consultations.
“We assure South Africans that we are treating the matter with the urgency that it deserves and that the commission hearings will commence as soon as the necessary initial steps to bring us to that stage have been finalised.
“We anticipate that that will be during August 2025,” he said.
WATCH | CJS Commission of Inquiry media briefing
[embedded content]
Madlanga said the entities and persons under scrutiny are the SA Police Service, metro police in Gauteng, the National Prosecuting Authority, the State Security Agency, the judiciary, Correctional Services, any other institution in the criminal justice system and any member of the executive responsible for the criminal justice system.
“These entities and persons are to be investigated in relation to infiltration of law enforcement, intelligence and associated institutions within the criminal justice system by criminal syndicates.
“By the end of the first three-month period, we want to be in a position to submit an interim report, which, if the evidence will have shown as much, will make recommendations regarding concrete action that needs to be taken,” he said.
Securing premises
The process to secure a building for the commission, is underway as well as other infrastructure requirements.
“The public will be advised of the premises and online facilities where they can lodge information as soon as this question of procurement has been finalised. What we can say at this stage is that the commission hearings will be in Gauteng. We are doing our best to ensure that the procurement side is resolved with expedition.
“The lack of infrastructure does not affect the progress of the work of the commission. We are proceeding with the commission’s preparatory work full steam ahead,” Madlanga said.
Furthermore, appointments of professionals, who will assist the commission, have been made.
Justice Madlanga will be assisted by Advocate Sesi Baloyi SC and Advocate Sandile Khumalo SC.
Other team members include:
Commission Secretary: Dr Nolitha Vukuza.
Chief Evidence Leader: Advocate Terry Motau SC.
Chief Investigator: Dr Peter Goss.
Spokesperson: Jeremy Michaels.
Evidence Leaders
Advocate Matthew Chaskalson SC.
Advocate Mahlape Sello SC.
Advocate Adila Hassim SC.
Advocate Lee Segeels-Ncube.
Advocate Ofentse Motlhasedi.
Advocate Thabang Pooe.
“Regarding the timeline, we will conduct our work with the timeline in mind. Should the need arise for an extension, that is something we will address at the right time,” he said.
The proceedings are expected to be streamed live and members of the public will be permitted to attend the proceedings in person. – SAnews.gov.za
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 28 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains that began in the afternoon of July 26 have caused negative consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District. More than 3,000 local residents were evacuated, and road, electricity and communication services were disrupted in several communities. No casualties were reported.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains that began in the afternoon of July 26 have caused negative consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District. More than 3,000 local residents were evacuated, and road, electricity and communication services were disrupted in several communities. No casualties were reported.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains that began in the afternoon of July 26 have caused negative consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District. More than 3,000 local residents were evacuated, and road, electricity and communication services were disrupted in several communities. No casualties were reported.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains that began in the afternoon of July 26 have caused negative consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District. More than 3,000 local residents were evacuated, and road, electricity and communication services were disrupted in several communities. No casualties were reported.
BEIJING, July 28 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains that began in the afternoon of July 26 have caused negative consequences in Beijing’s Miyun District. More than 3,000 local residents were evacuated, and road, electricity and communication services were disrupted in several communities. No casualties were reported.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.
TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.
TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.
TIANJIN, July 29 (Xinhua) — Heavy rains on July 28 caused flooding of populated areas, damage to houses and bridges, and power outages in Jizhou District of Tianjin City, north China. Flood relief efforts have been launched and people are being evacuated.
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Chamdo County is located in the eastern part of the Xizang Autonomous Region, in the western part of the Hengduanshan Mountains, and in the upper and middle reaches of the Jinsha River, Lancang River and Nu River. It is the hub between Xizang and the provinces of Sichuan, Yunnan and Qinghai, and an important gateway to the interior of China from Xizang. In addition, Chamdo serves as the “eastern gateway” of the Xizang Autonomous Region, a must-see place on the Sichuan-Xizang Highway and Yunnan-Xizang Highway, and a key point on the Ancient Tea Road. It is the old revolutionary area of Xizang and the place where the five-star red flag of the PRC was first raised in Xizang. See the playful night views of Chamdo and feel the charm of a highland city!
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
STOCKHOLM, July 29 (Xinhua) — Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng met here on Monday, agreeing to deepen cooperation and support free trade.
He Lifeng noted that this year marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and Sweden, on which occasion Chinese President Xi Jinping and Swedish King Carl XVI Gustaf exchanged congratulatory messages in May.
Under the strategic guidance of the two leaders, China-Swedish cooperation continues to expand in various fields, with increasingly closer economic and trade ties and broad prospects for future development, said the vice premier.
He Lifeng said China is willing to work with Sweden to strengthen communication and deepen cooperation on the basis of mutual respect, mutual trust, equality and mutual benefit. The two sides should jointly uphold multilateralism and free trade, and promote the healthy and sustainable development of bilateral relations, he added.
The Chinese official also, at the request of the Swedish side, informed it about the latest round of Chinese-American trade and economic negotiations.
U. Kristersson noted that Sweden attaches great importance to developing cooperation with China and firmly supports free trade and economic globalization. His country intends to use the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations as an opportunity to deepen practical cooperation in many areas in order to achieve more positive results in Swedish-Chinese relations. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
SHIJIAZHUANG, July 29 (Xinhua) — The death toll from a landslide in north China’s Hebei Province has risen to eight, with four people still missing as of Tuesday afternoon.
Rescuers managed to find four of the eight people reported missing after the incident, but all four were found dead, and the search for the others is ongoing, the Chengde city government told Xinhua.
A landslide occurred on July 28 in Xigou Village, Luanping County, administratively subordinate to Chengde City. Heavy rains were reported to be the cause of the emergency.
Rain is expected on Tuesday as well, and the likelihood of new landslides and avalanches is estimated to be high, which is why local authorities intend to evacuate all residents of the village of Sigou. -0-
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
UNITED NATIONS, July 29 (Xinhua) — There has been only a slight increase in food aid reaching starving Gazans since Israel opened access routes, U.N. Secretary-General’s deputy spokesman Farhan Haq said Monday.
“It’s only been one day so far, so we need to see if the situation improves,” he said. “Compared to before, when several dozen trucks entered the sector in these days, there is a slight increase,” he added.
Only about 100 trucks carrying humanitarian aid entered the Gaza Strip on Sunday, he said, about a fifth of what was supposed to be delivered.
The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said that of 17 missions requiring coordination with Israeli authorities on Sunday, only eight had been carried out, including collecting fuel and supplies. Four missions, including food deliveries, were hampered but completed.
“Prolonged restrictions on the entry of humanitarian aid have created an unpredictable environment in which people are uncertain whether aid will reach them,” OCHA said.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Tom Fletcher on Sunday welcomed Israel’s easing of restrictions on humanitarian aid to Gaza, saying it would help ease the immense suffering of the starving population, adding that massive amounts of aid were needed to prevent famine and a catastrophic health crisis.
OCHA said UN agencies and their partners also welcomed the decision.
The World Food Programme said it had enough food in the region or on the way to feed the starving population for about three months, and the UN aid agency for Palestine refugees said 6,000 trucks in Jordan and Egypt were waiting to enter Gaza.
The World Health Organization said July was the worst month for malnutrition-related deaths on record, with more than 85 percent of malnutrition-related deaths recorded in 2025. Nearly one in five children under 5 in Gaza City suffers from acute malnutrition.
OCHA reiterated the need for an immediate, permanent ceasefire to ensure adequate aid and support. “The Israeli authorities must open all border crossings and corridors to ensure the delivery of aid in a fair and dignified manner,” the statement said.
OCHA also said that only small amounts of fuel had entered Gaza in the past week, adding that fuel must be allowed in to continue aid operations, including for trucks to collect and distribute supplies. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
PHNOM PENH, July 29 (Xinhua) — The situation on the border between Cambodia and Thailand has improved after a ceasefire agreement came into effect, Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Manet said on social media early Tuesday.
“The situation on the frontline has eased with the ceasefire that came into effect at midnight on Monday in line with the spirit of the agreement between Cambodia and Thailand reached at a special meeting in Malaysia,” he wrote. “An early end to hostilities will also allow affected people, such as evacuees, to return to their homes sooner and resume normal life,” the prime minister said.
“This ceasefire and peace agreement is bringing positive and effective results,” Cambodian Senate President Hun Sen said on social media on Tuesday morning.
The leaders of Thailand and Cambodia agreed to a ceasefire from midnight Monday, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said following a meeting he hosted in Malaysia on Monday.
A shootout between Cambodian and Thai soldiers over disputed border territory began on July 24, with both sides accusing each other of violating international law. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
LOS ANGELES, July 29 (Xinhua) — Three people were killed and three others were injured in a shooting outside a casino in the U.S. city of Reno, Nevada, on Monday morning, local authorities said.
The Reno Police Department and other agencies responded to a report of shots fired at 7:25 a.m. local time, police said in a news release. Officers arrived on scene within two and a half minutes.
An unidentified man with a gun walked from the north through the parking lot into the casino parking area, said Chris Crawford, police chief in Sparks, east of Reno.
The suspect’s gun initially misfired, but then the man was able to start shooting at a group of bystanders. Five people in the parking lot were injured. One died at the scene, and another died later in hospital. Two of the five victims are in critical condition, and one has already been released, Crawforth said.
The suspect was shot by police and taken to hospital in critical condition, officials said. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
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
KUWAIT, July 29 (Xinhua) — Kuwait announced on Monday the launch of an “air bridge” to deliver humanitarian aid to the Gaza Strip following a three-day donation campaign launched by the government last week.
Assistant Foreign Minister for Development and International Cooperation Hamad Al-Meshan said the funds raised would be used to purchase humanitarian aid from the local market, including oil, flour and other essential items.
He added that the supplies would be delivered to the Egyptian city of El Arish by military aircraft and handed over to the Egyptian Red Crescent in coordination with its Kuwaiti counterparts.
H. Al-Meshan also noted the possibility of transferring part of the aid to Jordan, and then the Jordanian army would drop it from the air into Gaza.
Kuwait’s Foreign Ministry, in a statement last week, reiterated its condemnation of Israel’s blockade of the Gaza Strip, which has further worsened hunger and malnutrition in the besieged enclave. –0–
Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source of the information. It is an accurate report of what the source claims and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – Government of the Russian Federation –
An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Resolution of July 28, 2025 No. 1115
Document
Resolution of July 28, 2025 No. 1115
The government continues to improve the system of calling emergency services using the single number 112.
A resolution was signed on the integration of the new state information system “Centralized system for collecting information from 112 systems”, operating on the basis of the unified GosTech platform, into the information space of regional 112 call systems.
This integration will allow for the automatic generation of internal information on the measures taken to respond to calls to a single number. It will be sent to various federal and regional authorities, including the Ministry of Emergency Situations, the Ministry of Internal Affairs, and the Ministry of Health, to improve work with emergency calls.
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.
CFA members from Werribee joined Ambulance Victoria (AV) and Victoria Police for a large-scale road crash rescue training exercise on Friday (25 July).
Now in its eighth year, the annual high-intensity simulation is designed to strengthen the collaboration and capabilities of all agencies in serious road incidents.
CFA crews responded to two simulated two-vehicle collisions involving patients mechanically trapped with critical injuries.
Werribee Fire Brigade Captain Michael Wells said the exercise is vital to ensuring agencies can operate seamlessly at real incidents.
“These training events allow our crews to practise advanced extrication techniques in realistic conditions,” Michael said.
“In times of crisis, training like this makes the response run much smoother. It also gives all agencies a greater understanding of what each service can bring to the scene.
“It’s more than just cutting up cars. There’s a lot involved in how we support AV and ultimately benefit the patient.”
Michael said the focus is on ensuring crews understand the full scope of road crash rescue operations.
“This exercise shows the complete picture of what our crews can do, what our equipment is capable of, and the timeframes involved at every stage,” he said.
“Road crash rescue is a vital part of the trauma care continuum. While paramedics provide pre-hospital medical care, CFA’s role is to create access so patients can be reached, treated, and transported as quickly and safely as possible.”
He said the collaboration also helps paramedics plan their interventions more effectively.
“If someone’s going to be trapped for 10 minutes versus an hour, that makes a huge difference in how AV manages the patient,” he said.
“These exercises also strengthen our relationships with hospitals. Last year, our brigade worked with The Alfred Hospital’s trauma fellows in similar training, showing the full continuum of care from the time of impact to hospital treatment.”
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday condoled the loss of lives in a tragic road accident in Jharkhand’s Deoghar district that claimed the lives of five Kanwariyas and left several others injured. The Prime Minister extended his condolences to the bereaved families and prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) expressed grief over the tragedy. In a post on X, the PMO said, “The road accident that occurred in Deoghar, Jharkhand, is extremely tragic. I express my deepest condolences to the families of the devotees who lost their lives in this incident. May God grant them the strength to bear this pain. Along with this, I pray for the speedy recovery of all the injured.”
The accident took place early Tuesday near Jamuniya village under the Mohanpur block of Deoghar. A private bus carrying around 35 pilgrims collided head-on with a truck transporting gas cylinders. The vehicle was en route from Deoghar to the Basukinath temple during the ongoing Shravani Mela, when it lost control and hit a stack of bricks after the initial impact.
According to Sub-Divisional Officer (SDO) Sadar Ravi Kumar, “The information about the accident was received around 4 to 5 am. A private bus, carrying pilgrims from Deoghar to Basukinath, lost control and collided with a truck. The bus then crashed into a pile of bricks. The driver died on the spot. Four more deaths have been confirmed. The injured have been admitted to Deoghar Sadar Hospital.”
Inspector General of Dumka Zone, Shailendra Kumar Sinha, confirmed that the bus was carrying Kanwariyas from Mohanpur and that the collision involved a truck loaded with gas cylinders. “Five Kanwariyas have died in the incident. All the injured have been shifted to the district hospital for treatment,” he said.
Santhal Pargana Zonal IG S K Sinha also confirmed the incident. “Five Kanwariyas have died in a road accident as their bus collided with a truck. Several others are injured. More details are awaited,” he told ANI.
Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren expressed grief over the incident and directed the district administration to provide all necessary medical aid and assistance. In a post on X, he said, “Extremely sad news was received this morning about the death of devotees in a bus accident near Jamuniya Chowk. May Baba Baidyanath grant peace to the departed souls and strength to the grieving families.”
The site of the crash is located along the banks of the north-flowing Jamuniya River, near a prominent Shiva-Parvati temple. Eyewitnesses said the impact of the collision was severe, leaving the bus mangled and several passengers trapped. Emergency teams, including the police, medical personnel, and the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF), responded promptly to carry out rescue and relief operations.
Further investigation is in progress to determine the exact sequence of events that led to the crash.
Source: United Kingdom – Executive Government & Departments
Press release
Chancellor pledges to unlock growth in Cornwall
Rachel Reeves confirms up to 1,300 jobs could be created following a £28.6 million National Wealth Fund investment to support the reopening of South Crofty Tin mine.
Investment will help cement Cornwall’s role in supplying a nationally critical material, supporting the government’s Industrial Strategy to boost growth in priority industries as part of the Plan for Change.
Proposals to cut licensing red tape announced yesterday will breathe life into Cornwall’s pubs, clubs, restaurants, and cafes with more alfresco dining and longer opening hours on offer for residents and tourists, as part of the Small Business Plan.
Chancellor’s pledge to renew Cornwall follows the Spending Review which delivered record investment across the UK, creating jobs and delivering economic growth that puts money in people’s pockets.
Rachel Reeves has pledged to unlock growth in Cornwall through investment, slashing growth-stunting red tape, and creating good jobs that will put more money in Cornish people’s pockets.
While touring Cornish Metals in Redruth this week, the Chancellor confirmed that a £28.6 million investment delivered by the National Wealth Fund to help finance the re-opening of the South Crofty Tin mine could create 1,300 jobs for the region.
As well as the project itself creating over 300 jobs, it is estimated that a further 1,000 jobs will be created more widely as the company uses more local suppliers like metal fabricators and electricians and the mine itself will fuel supply chains in in the UK.
Chancellor of the Exchequer, Rachel Reeves, said:
Despite having so much potential to grow, Cornwall has been neglected by successive governments, and its families and businesses have suffered as a result.
Like in every part of the UK, I am determined to unlock growth that creates jobs and puts more money in Cornish people’s pockets.
Our investment to revive Cornwall’s proud tin mining industry and the thousands of jobs it will create for years to come is one way we are renewing the county, and there is more to come in our Plan for Change.
This supports the government’s Industrial Strategy to boost growth in the UK’s high-growth industries, including clean energy, as tin is a critical material used in a wide range of electronic products manufactured by the sector.
As demand for its use in solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles, semi-conductors, and energy storage increases as Britain transforms into a clean energy superpower, Cornwall’s role in strengthening our domestic tin supply will be cemented.
The Chancellor pointed to this as an example of how the government will deliver renewal in Cornwall and elsewhere in the UK after delivering record investment in our security, health, and economy in the Spending Review, leading to new jobs and economic growth – the number one mission of the Plan for Change.
Don Turvey, CEO of Cornish Metals, said:
We are honoured to welcome the Chancellor to South Crofty and proud to showcase the significant progress we’re making as we move toward production. The UK government’s £28.6 million investment via the National Wealth Fund is a powerful vote of confidence in our project and the future of Cornwall’s mining industry.
Tin is a critical mineral for the clean energy transition, essential to electronics, electric vehicles, and renewable infrastructure. By reviving domestic production at South Crofty, we’re not only creating over 300 direct jobs but also supporting many more across local supply chains and regional businesses.
Our focus remains on delivering long-term, sustainable value safely, responsibly, and with deep roots in the community. We’re proud to be playing a role in bringing responsible tin mining back to Cornwall and supporting economic renewal and industrial growth in the region.
Ian Brown, Head of Banking & Investments at the National Wealth Fund, said:
Cornish Metals have made excellent progress as they work towards re-opening South Crofty. Our financing is designed to help them crowd further investment into the region, bringing skilled, year-round job opportunities, and driving local growth.
Stopping off for a spot of fish and chips on the seafront, the Chancellor also met with staff at Harbour Lights fish and chip shop on Arwenack Street in Falmouth to discuss the government’s proposals to rip up arduous regulations that have blocked restaurants like theirs from growing.
Ensuring local councils are more lenient when considering licensing applications, making it easier for pubs to serve their customers outside and for longer, and binning the outdated rule that businesses need to pay to advertise in locally printed press if applying for a license are three of ten recommendations being considered by the government so the hospitality industry in Cornwall and further afield can thrive.
A consultation on the proposals will be launched later this year and this follows the reform of planning rules announced in the Autumn, which will further free the hospitality industry from growth-stunting regulations, fuel the economy and reduce government borrowing by £3.4 billion. This comes ahead of the publication of the Small Business Plan, which will show how the Plan for Change will rejuvenate smaller businesses and put more money in people’s pockets.
The Chancellor also visited APCL A&P Falmouth, where she saw at first hand, how the ship repair facility supports the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, and commercial vessels.
The Chancellor welcomed APCL’s plans to redevelop the docks. The proposed expansion would significantly increase the port’s capacity for supporting defence, offshore, ferries and cruise vessels.
As well as hearing about the economic benefits the plans could deliver for Cornwall, she also discussed APCL’s contribution to the deployment of floating offshore wind infrastructure as the government works to boost the country’s homegrown, clean energy supply to bring down bills for families.
Mike Spicer, Managing Director of APCL A&P Falmouth, said:
APCL A&P Falmouth is a centre of excellence for the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary, offshore vessels, cruise ships and ferries. The facility is also a busy working port, handling over 100,000 tonnes of product annually and welcoming 56 cruise calls this year.
APCL was delighted to welcome the Chancellor to our facility and demonstrate at first hand our capabilities.
The visit also provided a platform to discuss our plans to expand our facility, which would significantly enhance the services we can offer to our defence, offshore and cruise customers and help fulfil Cornwall’s ambitious floating offshore wind agenda.
In a separate engagement, the Chancellor met with Kensa, a Cornish-founded and headquartered manufacturer of ground source heat pumps that has manufactured and installed over 17,000 in the UK since its establishment in 1999.
As the government has stepped up efforts to transform Britain into a clean energy superpower and support households to upgrade their heating and energy efficiency, Kensa aims to support this by expanding its operations significantly, increasing its workforce from 200 to 450 by 2030 and growing its heat pump production and installations from 2,500 a year to 25,000 a year.
Tamsin Lishman, CEO of Kensa, said:
Kensa sits at the heart of the government’s plans for green industrial growth, a proud Cornish manufacturer of ground source heat pumps and a nationwide installer of heat networks.
Kensa has bold ambitions to invest and expand its workforce and operations over the next five years, increasing employment in Cornwall and the wider UK to 450 people and many hundreds more in our installation supply chains.
I have been buoyed by the recent government announcements on the Future Homes Standard, major funding commitments for the Warm Homes Plan, and a clear plan to bolster heat pump manufacturing as part of the new Industrial Strategy. This is the policy platform we need for growth in Kensa and in Cornwall, and we look forward to working with the government to deliver it.
The Magis Bell Chair, made from recycled plastic, saves energy during production and transport and produces less waste for recycling or disposal at end of life.Magis
What springs to mind when you’re asked to think of plastic chairs? Do you picture the ubiquitous lightweight, stackable polypropylene chair sold cheaply in hardware stores worldwide?
Or perhaps you picture something more glamorous, such as Shiro Kuramata’s Miss Blanche (1988). This limited-edition artwork, featuring imitation roses suspended in acrylic resin, now sells for more than US$500,000 at auction.
I research industrial design, exploring the symbiotic relationship between technology, commercial design and sustainability. The 80-year history of the plastic chair was the focus of my PhD.
This humble, ubiquitous object offers unique insights into society’s shifting attitudes to plastic, and the changes to come.
An 80-year history
The story of the plastic chair began in the United States in the 1930s, when petrochemical manufacturers DuPont and Röhm & Haas started mass-producing acrylic glass.
The material, available in rods and sheets, enabled industrial designers to produce a wide range of consumer products using traditional manufacturing techniques.
Widespread shortages of traditional materials during World War II drove further development of plastics.
After the war, designers and manufacturers quickly embraced plastics. They were seen as the foundation of a new, plentiful future, allowing the masses to access products previously reserved for the elite. Many household items such as televisions, toys and upholstery became cheaper, thanks to plastics.
Fibreglass manufacturing advanced during WWII to support the US Navy. This involves weaving strands of glass into a loose mat, which is then placed into a mould. Polyester resin is poured in to bind the fibres together before it hardens into a solid shape. Fibreglass is strong, lightweight, corrosion-resistant and can be moulded into complex shapes.
The first fibreglass chair designs were Charles and Ray Eames’ Plastic Armchair and Eero Saarinen’s Tulip Chair. Then the Space Age (1957–69) inspired enthusiastic experiments with technicolor-saturated glossy surfaces and futuristic curved shapes, all made possible by fibreglass.
Designers could handcraft prototypes, perfecting comfort and form. Many designs from this era are still in production and often feature in science fiction films.
Plastic furniture features many in sci-fi movies (Scandinavian Design 101)
A shift in public sentiment
Looking back at Earth from space was a turning point for humanity. The famous Earthrise photo captured the precarious nature of our existence and dependence on finite resources, such as fossil fuels. Oil was used to make most plastic at that time.
In the 1970s, the price of oil shot up tenfold when Arab nations banned petroleum exports and cut oil production during the Arab–Iraeli War. The Iraq–Iran war followed. In 1981, oil reached US$31 per barrel. Suddenly, plastics were expensive.
Early plastics also had drawbacks. Colours faded and surfaces scratched, eroding consumer confidence. Disillusioned consumers began to favour traditional materials such as metal and timber. Few noteworthy plastic chair designs appeared during the next two decades.
In response, the plastics industry changed tactics. If consumers favoured wooden furniture, then woodchips and veneer – held together by polymer adhesives and varnished with polyurethane – offered a cost-effective solution. Plastics were simply camouflaged within an ever-increasing range of products.
As the environmental impacts of plastics became evident, the industry recognised it had an image problem and launched a major public relations effort around recycling. It worked. By the end of the century, plastics were fashionable again.
Recycling eases guilt
From the late 1990s, leading designers enthusiastically embraced injection moulding. This was much cheaper and faster than labour-intensive fibreglass.
Philippe Starck’s LaMarie for Kartell launched a new trend for translucent chairs. Karim Rashid launched the affordable Oh Chair and Jasper Morrison introduced air injection moulding to the industry with the Air Chair.
Ocean pollution became a focus when it was shown that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in our seas. Alarm further intensified over the impact of chemical additives used in plastics and their effects on human health and the ability to reproduce.
In response, designers and manufactures are now exploring plastics made at least partly from recycled plastics or renewable organic resources such as plants, algae or even carbon dioxide (bioplastics).
My study of 60 such chairs identified the Bell Chair as the best of the bunch. Made from just 2.8kg of plastic waste, the design minimises the amount of energy required to make and transport the chair.
These chairs come off the automated production line stacked 12-high for efficient transport. The manufacturer Magis also claims Bell Chairs can be recycled at end-of-life. But the lack of a resin identification code mark, and the inclusion of fibreglass, make it unlikely the product will actually be recycled.
I thought my study would identify chairs made from bioplastics as delivering superior environmental outcomes. However, designers working with these materials were forced to compensate for inferior material strength by bulking up their designs, or mixing bio-based material with traditional plastics.
Bulky designs demand higher energy consumption during manufacture and transport, while hybridised materials are problematic as they cannot be recycled and are not biodegradable.
Siamese Chair, designed by Karim Rashid in 2014. The bioplastic made from acai fruit and bark from Ipe Roxo trees was not strong enough for the legs, and the shell of the chair had to be bulked up. The use of aluminium for the legs and the energy consumed during production and transport meant this 9.8kg chair achieved a weak score in my analysis. A Lot of Brasil
The chair of the future
Bans on single-use plastics, and measures to reduce plastic packaging and increase recycled content in packaging and products, are beginning to take effect. Manufacturers are also experimenting with renewable plastics in consumer goods.
But to achieve global emissions-reduction targets, the transition from virgin fossil-based plastics to renewable plastics must accelerate. Government intervention will be crucial where voluntary industry agreements are failing, both at home and abroad.
It’s likely the plastic chair of the future will be made entirely from renewable organic resources. Creating a more circular plastics economy is not only possible, it’s imperative.
Geoff Isaac 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.
The United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) followed the live broadcast of the High Council of State (HCS) session on Sunday, 27 July, during which 95 members elected a new Presidency. The Mission noted that voting proceeded under normal conditions and with transparency.
UNSMIL is of the view that yesterday’s two-thirds attendance reflects a broad consensus among members to overcome the division that has hindered its ability to fulfill its responsibilities over the last year. The Mission echoes the calls to expand internal consensus by engaging those members who did not attend yesterday’s session.
The Mission congratulates the new Presidency and looks forward to constructive engagement with all Council members to break the stalemate, advance the political process, and end the protracted transitional phases.
It further expects the Council to responsibly carry out its functions, as outlined in the Libyan Political Agreement, consistent with its independent political role and Libyans’ aspirations to end institutional division, restore legitimacy through elections and contribute to necessary reforms.
The Mission encourages the HCS membership to fulfill their patriotic duties and rise to the expectations of the Libyan people by supporting a Libyan led and Libyan owned political process facilitated by UNSMIL.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL).
The FAO Regional Office for Africa Resilience Team held its third virtual Community of Practice (CoP) meeting on 8 July 2025, bringing together FAO staff and technical experts from across the continent. The session focused on practical lessons from South Sudan on strengthening seed systems in fragile and conflict-affected settings. South Sudan has made strong progress in increasing the use of locally sourced seeds, moving from 15 percent to over 55 percent in recent years. This achievement is supported by FAO’s approach to working with both formal and informal seed systems, strengthening farmer cooperatives, training agro-dealers, and promoting local seed varieties.
To ensure seed quality at the local level, the country has introduced informal Seed Quality Control Boards (SQCBs) at state and county levels. These boards help monitor standards in the absence of fully operational national certification bodies
“We are not choosing between formal or informal systems,” noted Felix Dzvurumi, Senior Programme Officer and Deputy FAO Representative a.i. in South Sudan, during the virtual presentation. “We are designing practical solutions that work in fragile, rapidly changing environments.”
The session highlighted efforts to engage the private sector by encouraging partnerships between seed companies and farmer cooperatives. The South Sudan Seed Traders Association plays an important role in linking producers and buyers. At the same time, FAO is supporting the preservation of indigenous seed varieties, which are well-suited to local conditions and offer resilience against shocks like floods and pests. FAO’s support also includes work with the Ministry of Agriculture on a 10-year Agricultural Mechanization Plan, introducing tools such as seed planters, threshers, and cleaners to boost production. Seed fairs are being used to build trust and stimulate demand in local seed markets.
“Seed fairs give farmers direct access to seed options and suppliers, while building trust in the local system,” said Maurice Nyombe, National Crop Production Officer in South Sudan.
The virtual CoP provided a space for participants from across Africa to exchange experiences, raise questions, and learn from each other. Topics included early generation seed bottlenecks, local market development, farmer-led innovations, and improving FAO’s operational tools to meet field needs.
Facilitated by Priya Gujadhur, Senior Resilience Officer at FAO RAF, the session reinforced the value of the Community of Practice as a platform for shared learning and continuous improvement.
We are not just building systems—we’re building confidence, capacity, and long-term solutions,” said Meshack Malo, FAO Representative in South Sudan.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.
An estimated 8.2 percent of the global population, or about 673 million people, experienced hunger in 2024, down from 8.5 percent in 2023 and 8.7 percent in 2022. However, progress was not consistent across the globe, as hunger continued to rise in most subregions of Africa and western Asia, according to this year’s The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World (SOFI 2025) report published today by five specialized agencies of the United Nations.
Launched during the Second UN Food Systems Summit Stocktake (UNFSS+4) in Addis Ababa, SOFI 2025 indicates that between 638 and 720 million people faced hunger in 2024. Based on the point estimate* of 673 million, this represents a decrease of 15 million people from 2023 and of 22 million from 2022.
While the decline is welcome, the latest estimates remain above pre-pandemic levels, with the high food inflation of recent years contributing to the slow recovery in food security.
Notable improvements are seen in southern Asia and Latin America. The prevalence of undernourishment (PoU) in Asia fell from 7.9 percent in 2022 to 6.7 percent, or 323 million people, in 2024. Additionally, Latin America and the Caribbean as a region saw the PoU fall to 5.1 percent, or 34 million people, in 2024, down from a peak of 6.1 percent in 2020.
Unfortunately, this positive trend contrasts sharply with the steady rise in hunger across Africa and western Asia, including in many countries affected by prolonged food crises. The proportion of the population facing hunger in Africa surpassed 20 percent in 2024, affecting 307 million people, while in western Asia an estimated 12.7 percent of the population, or more than 39 million people, may have faced hunger in 2024.
It is projected that 512 million people could be chronically undernourished by 2030. Almost 60 percent of those will be in Africa. This highlights the immense challenge of achieving SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), warned the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO), the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), the United Nations agency for children (UNICEF), the UN World Food Programme (WFP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).
Tracking nutrition targets
From 2023 to 2024, the global prevalence of moderate or severe food insecurity – an assessment registering the experience of constraints on access to adequate food during part of the year – decreased slightly, from 28.4 to 28.0 percent, accounting for 2.3 billion people. This is 335 million more than in 2019, before the COVID-19 pandemic, and 683 million more than in 2015, when the Sustainable Development Agenda was adopted.
Among the indicators of child nutrition, the prevalence of stunting in children under five declined from 26.4 percent in 2012 to 23.2 percent in 2024, reflecting global progress.
The prevalence of child overweight (5.3 percent in 2012 and 5.5 percent in 2024), and in child wasting (7.4 percent in 2012 and 6.6 percent in 2024) remains largely unchanged.
The percentage of infants under six months exclusively breastfed increased significantly, from 37.0 percent in 2012 to 47.8 percent in 2023, reflecting growing recognition of its health benefits.
The prevalence of adult obesity rose from 12.1 percent in 2012 to 15.8 percent in 2022.
New data show an increase in the global prevalence of anaemia among women aged 15 to 49, from 27.6 percent in 2012 to 30.7 percent in 2023.
Estimates for a new SDG indicator introduced in the report reveal that about one-third of children aged 6 to 23 months and two-thirds of women aged 15 to 49 years met minimum dietary diversity.
Food inflation
SOFI 2025 also examines the causes and consequences of the 2021–2023 food price surge and its impact on food security and nutrition.
The report highlights that the global policy response to the COVID-19 pandemic – characterized by extensive fiscal and monetary interventions – combined with the impacts of the war in Ukraine and extreme weather events, contributed to recent inflationary pressures.
This food price inflation has hindered the post-pandemic recovery in food security and nutrition. Since 2020, global food price inflation has consistently outpaced headline inflation. The gap peaked in January 2023, with food inflation reaching 13.6 percent, 5.1 percentage points above the headline rate of 8.5 percent.
Despite rising global food prices, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet fell from 2.76 billion in 2019 to 2.60 billion in 2024. However, the improvement was uneven. In low-income countries, where the cost of a healthy diet rose more sharply than in higher-income countries, the number of people unable to afford a healthy diet increased from 464 million in 2019 to 545 million in 2024. In lower-middle-income countries (excluding India), the number rose from 79 million in 2019 to 869 million over the same period.
The report recommends a combination of policy responses to food price inflation. They include targeted and time-bound fiscal measures, such as social protection programs, to safeguard vulnerable households; credible and transparent monetary policies to contain inflationary pressures; and strategic investments in agrifood R&D, transport and production infrastructure, and market information systems to improve productivity and resilience.
What they said
FAO Director-General, QU Dongyu: “While it is encouraging to see a decrease in the global hunger rate, we must recognize that progress is uneven. SOFI 2025 serves as a critical reminder that we need to intensify efforts to ensure that everyone has access to sufficient, safe, and nutritious food. To achieve this, we must work collaboratively and innovatively with governments, organizations, and communities to address the specific challenges faced by vulnerable populations, especially in regions where hunger remains persistent.”
IFAD President, Alvaro Lario: “In times of rising food prices and disrupted global value chains, we must step up our investments in rural and agricultural transformation. These investments are not only essential for ensuring food and nutrition security – they are also critical for global stability.”
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell: “Every child deserves the chance to grow and thrive. Yet over 190 million children under the age of 5 are affected by undernutrition, which can have negative consequences for their physical and mental development. This robs them of the chance to live to their fullest potential. The State of Food Security and Nutrition in the World report for 2025 underscores the need to act urgently for the world’s youngest and most vulnerable children, as rising food prices could deepen nutrition insecurity for millions of families. We must work in collaboration with governments, the private sector and communities themselves to ensure that vulnerable families have access to food that is affordable and with adequate nutrition for children to develop. That includes strengthening social protection programs and teaching parents about locally produced nutritious food for children, including the importance of breastfeeding, which provides the best start to a baby’s life.
WFP Executive Director, Cindy McCain: “Hunger remains at alarming levels, yet the funding needed to tackle it is falling. Last year, WFP reached 124 million people with lifesaving food assistance. This year, funding cuts of up to 40 percent mean that tens of millions of people will lose the vital lifeline we provide. While the small reduction in overall rates of food insecurity is welcome, the continued failure to provide critical aid to people in desperate need will soon wipe out these hard-won gains, sparking further instability in volatile regions of the world.”
WHO Director-General, Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus: “In recent years, the world has made good progress in reducing stunting and supporting exclusive breastfeeding, but there is still much to be done to relieve millions of people from the burdens of food insecurity and malnutrition. This report provides encouraging news, but also shows where the gaps are and who is being left behind, and where we must direct our efforts to ensure that everyone has access to a healthy and nutritious diet.”
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of World Health Organization (WHO).
The International Trade Centre’s (ITC) SheTrades initiative and Visa announce a regional capacity building programme to support women and youth-led businesses in Kenya and South Africa, expanding their partnership into sub-Saharan Africa.
Building on collaborations in the Gulf and Asia-Pacific regions, the programme will enhance the digital, financial and entrepreneurial capacities of micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) led by women and youth – two key groups driving innovation and inclusive growth across the continent.
Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.
Across sub-Saharan Africa, women are estimated to own close to 60% of MSMEs, while earning 38% less in profits. Structural barriers – such as limited access to finance, digital technologies and tailored business support – continue to impede their full participation in formal economies.
Similarly, while the region’s young demographic can be considered a strength, young entrepreneurs encounter challenges in accessing the skills, tools and networks required to build and scale their enterprises. According to the African Development Bank, narrowing gender and age-based disparities in labour markets and enterprises could boost economic output by as much as 34%, underscoring the potential positive impact of inclusive economic participation.
To address these barriers, the programme offers a hybrid learning experience combining online and in-person capacity building tailored to the needs of women and youth-led MSMEs in the region, including on topics such as artificial intelligence for business, financial literacy, digital payments, investment readiness and broader entrepreneurial skills.
At the core of the programme is Visa’s She’s Next, which provides women entrepreneurs with mentorship, funding and networking. By connecting programme participants with the She’s Next alumni and the wider SheTrades community, the initiative will foster peer learning, sustained engagement and a supportive entrepreneurial ecosystem.
‘This partnership reflects our shared commitment to closing the digital and financial inclusion gap for African entrepreneurs,’ said ITC Executive Director Pamela Coke-Hamilton. ‘We look forward to building on our partnership with Visa to enable long-term economic empowerment of women and youth, who, when fully engaged in trade, become powerful agents of change in their communities and countries.’
The programme will be delivered in collaboration with a network of public and private partners, including the SheTrades Hubs in Kenya and South Africa, hosted by ABSA Bank Kenya and the Small Enterprise and Finance Development Agency (SEDFA), respectively. Microsoft Philanthropies will contribute AI-focused learning modules, which will be made available as UN public goods through the SheTrades Academy.
‘At Visa, we believe that economies that include everyone, everywhere, uplift everyone, everywhere. Our expanded partnership with ITC SheTrades through the She’s Next initiative is a testament to this belief,’ said Michael Berner, Head of Visa Southern and Eastern Africa. ‘By equipping women and youth entrepreneurs with the digital tools, financial knowledge, and networks they need to succeed, we are helping individual businesses thrive and contributing to the broader economic resilience and inclusive growth of the region. This initiative reflects Visa’s ongoing commitment to driving equitable access to the digital economy and unlocking opportunities for underrepresented communities across Sub-Saharan Africa.’
The programme was announced during the Global SME Ministerial Meeting, organised by ITC in collaboration with South Africa’s Department of Small Business Development, where Visa contributed to discussions on financing solutions for sustainable small business growth.
Upcoming webinars include:
Kick-off & Microsoft AI Launch: 31 July
Digital Tools & AI Integration: 28 August
Budgeting & Financial Planning: 18 September
Entrepreneurs can register to join the programme here.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Trade Centre.
In a humanitarian gesture, President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi has given directives that necessary healthcare and immediate medical attention to be offered to Captain Hassan Shehata, the former coach of the national team, following his recent health setback.
The President’s directives stem from his keenness to provide full support to Captain Hassan Shehata, in appreciation of his historic achievements in Egyptian sports and the special place he holds in the hearts of the Egyptian people.
These directives are in line with the Egyptian state’s approach to caring for its national symbols.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Presidency of the Arab Republic of Egypt.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The State Flood Control and Drought Relief Headquarters has sent three working groups to assist and guide flood control and disaster relief efforts in Beijing and Tianjin cities and Hebei province and has elevated the flood control emergency response for the areas to Level III — the third highest of the four-tier system — since Monday evening.
Severe rainstorms have swept North China since July 23, leading to high water levels in some reservoirs, breaches in river embankments and significant flooding. Beijing’s Miyun and Huairou districts, as well as Chengde and Zhangjiakou in Hebei province were hit hard.
On Monday, the National Commission for Disaster Reduction activated a Level IV national emergency response, the lowest one, for Beijing and Hebei, deploying teams to provide guidance for disaster relief efforts, including ensuring the basic needs of affected people.
The central government has increased the allocation of 43,000 items of disaster relief supplies, including folding beds, towels, blankets, emergency lighting, on the basis of the previously allocated disaster relief materials to the affected areas.
The Red Cross Society of China provided 2,000 sets of household emergency kits and assisted the affected areas with food, drinking water, maternal and infant supplies and hygiene kits.
On Tuesday, the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Emergency Management allocated 350 million yuan ($48.8 million) to support rescue efforts in nine provinces, regions and municipalities including Beijing, Tianjin, Hebei, Jilin and Shandong.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
During the 14th Five-Year Plan period (2021-25), China’s tax system has opened wider to the world, actively drawing in foreign investment while helping domestic enterprises expand their global footprint, official data showed.
According to data released by the State Taxation Administration on Monday, the number of foreign-invested business entities with tax obligations in China increased by 12.7 percent from 2020 to the end of June 2025, showing growing confidence among global investors in China’s business environment.
In terms of inbound investment, over 630 billion yuan ($87.8 billion) in profits from foreign-funded enterprises have benefited from tax incentives for reinvestment during the 14th Five-Year Plan period, coupled with new policy allowing foreign investors to offset their reinvestment amounts against tax liabilities, further strengthening the appeal of the China market for global investors, said Wang Daoshu, deputy commissioner of the State Taxation Administration, during a news conference on Monday.
Inbound consumption has also seen a significant boost, a result of nationwide efforts to streamline tax refund procedures for overseas tourists. In particular, the “refund-upon-purchase” model rolled out across the country this year has improved tax refund efficiency by over 40 percent, said the administration.
One recent case involved a Dutch tourist in Chengdu, who purchased a product worth over 17,000 yuan at a tax refund store.
“Within just five minutes of applying for a tax refund, he received more than 1,500 yuan — which he immediately used for additional purchases,” the senior official said.
According to the administration, from January to June, the number of tax refund shops nationwide more than doubled to over 7,200. The number of international visitors receiving tax refunds surged by 186 percent year-on-year, while both the sales volume of tax-refunded goods and the total refund amount rose by about 94 percent, indicating the growing popularity of “travel in China “among foreign tourists.
In addition, to support Chinese enterprises in expanding globally, tax authorities have also continued to provide tailored tax guidance for overseas operations, helping outbound companies better understand international tax environments and enhance compliance, Wang said, adding that to date, a total of 110 country and region-specific tax guides have been published.
STA data on export tax rebates also showed that from 2021-24, China’s tax authorities processed export tax refunds with an average annual growth rate of 6.6 percent, and the growth accelerated to 7.1 percent on a comparable basis in the first half of the year.
A comprehensive set of tax and fee reduction policies has also been deployed to provide tangible benefits to businesses and households operating in the market.
From 2021 to the end of the first half of this year, the country delivered a cumulative total of 9.9 trillion yuan in tax and fee cuts. The figure is expected to reach 10.5 trillion yuan by the end of this year, according to the STA.
