Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
A SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket lifted off from Launch Complex 39A at NASA’s Kennedy Space Center in Florida at 2:31 a.m. local time (0631 GMT) Wednesday, beginning Axiom Mission 4, the fourth private astronaut flight to the International Space Station (ISS).
About eight minutes later, the reusable first-stage booster touched down at Landing Zone 1 on Cape Canaveral, completing its descent at 200 meters per second in a pinpoint landing, according to SpaceX.
The Dragon spacecraft is scheduled to dock with the ISS around 7 a.m. EDT (1100 GMT) Thursday after a 30-hour orbital chase. The four-person crew will spend up to 14 days in orbit conducting science, outreach and commercial demonstrations, NASA said.
Former NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson, who has spent 675 days in space, commands the mission. She is joined by pilot Group Captain Shubhanshu Shukla of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO), European Space Agency project astronaut Slawosz Uznanski-Wisniewski of Poland, and Hungarian to Orbit (HUNOR) astronaut Tibor Kapu of Hungary.
“With a culturally diverse crew, we are not only advancing scientific knowledge but also fostering international collaboration,” Whitson said in a statement released by Houston-based Axiom Space.
The flight marks the first government-backed orbital mission for India, Poland and Hungary in more than four decades. NASA Acting Administrator Janet Petro said the launch underscored the “long history of cooperation” between NASA and Russia’s Roscosmos on the ISS, following recent repairs to the station’s Russian segment, according to a NASA media advisory.
Axiom Space said the astronauts will conduct about 60 experiments representing 31 countries — the most attempted on any Axiom mission. Projects include radiation-tolerant electronics and student-designed physics demonstrations streamed live to classrooms worldwide.
After the mission, the Dragon spacecraft will undock and aim for a splashdown in the Atlantic Ocean off the Florida coast, returning scientific samples to Earth.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
While China is going deep into summer, Mexico enters the rainy season of the year. In breaks of showery days, crowds hit the streets for sunshine and a sweet fruit from China — lychee.
For many visitors to Mexico, lychee is something they don’t expect to see here. Meanwhile, the sweet, fleshy fruit has become a popular item on Mexican households’ seasonal grocery lists.
Few know that lychee trees have grown in Mexico for over a century. In the late 19th century, hundreds of Chinese workers migrated to Mexico, and many settled in Sinaloa. Local legend says the first of the lychee trees the migrants cultivated with seeds taken from their homeland was gifted to Sinaloa’s governor.
In an evolution journey starting from the Chinese lychee seeds, commercial farming didn’t take off until the 1970s in Mexico. After that, the seasonal fruit took no long time to find its way into the daily life of Mexicans. Liliana, a 37-year-old Mexican engineer, said: “They’ve always been a special treat in our home” every year since her childhood.
The lychee plantation industry in Mexico now spans 13 states, including Veracruz, Puebla and Oaxaca. In 2023, official data showed Mexico produced more than 26,000 tons of lychee fruits, largely going for the North American market.
On U.S. grocery platforms, lychee fruits command a premium price but continue to gain popularity. “Not as sweet as last year’s, but still the best I can find in the U.S. market,” one online reviewer wrote. “The season is short, just a few weeks. Worth savoring while it lasts.”
The Mexican story of the lychee mirrors the story of migration — of roots transplanted; of tastes carried across oceans. In markets from Los Angeles to Merida, the lychee is both about exotic appeal and homesick comfort.
“I was born and raised in Guangzhou, capital of China’s Guangdong Province,” said Zhang Tieliu from the Chinese American Business Association. “I later moved across the ocean for work. The U.S. doesn’t grow lychees, but for us Chinese living in North America, that taste of home is something we truly miss.”
And the modern lychee story overseas involves more.
“Over the years, I dreamed of bringing this jewel of South China’s fruits to the American market,” Zhang said.
“Thanks to breakthroughs in preservation and logistics by Chinese companies and universities, we’ve finally made that dream a reality — Guangdong lychees now carry their fragrance all the way to North America.”
Cold-chain technology is accelerating the lychee’s global reach. Pre-cooling and freshness-locking methods have helped overcome previous barriers in its trade, facilitating its rise in sales in recent years in the international fresh fruit market. From the plantations of Maoming City, Guangdong Province, lychee fruits can now reach destinations in the Middle East and Europe within three days.
Even today, lychees in Mexican supermarkets aren’t quite what a southern Chinese native remembers. They vary in size, sweetness and fleshiness. Yet spotting them on shelves is still a moment of recognition, a thread between homes, while the fruit continues to bear sweetness for generations to come.
And so, the lychee continues to bloom far from its native soil, as a living bridge between continents, past and present.
In Latin America, lychee is seen as a luxury fruit outside Mexico. In Panama, it is called “chirimoya china” to indicate its origin and exotic flavor. Brazil has thousands of hectares of lychee orchards and is still expanding its cultivation area.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
Iran’s Internet access has returned to pre-war levels, the country’s communications minister said Wednesday, following a temporary shutdown during the recent conflict with Israel.
Sattar Hashemi, Iran’s minister of Information and Communications Technology, made the announcement in a post on the social platform X, a day after a ceasefire was declared between Iran and Israel, ending 12 days of fighting.
Iran imposed restrictions on Internet access shortly after Israel launched a series of airstrikes across the country on June 13, targeting nuclear and military sites. The strikes killed several senior commanders, nuclear scientists, and hundreds of civilians, according to Iranian officials.
In the wake of the attacks, pro-Israeli hackers also claimed that they launched cyberattacks on Iran’s banking system, disrupting services at several banks. Enditem
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The Sri Lankan government announced Wednesday that it will begin strictly enforcing laws prohibiting the use of children under 16 for begging and street vending, and will also crack down on the employment of children aged 16 to 18 in hazardous jobs and as domestic workers, starting July 1, 2025.
According to a statement from the Department of Government Information, under the Children’s Rights Ordinance, anyone under 18 years old is considered a child, and children make up about 30 percent of Sri Lanka’s total population.
Recent statistics indicate that some children are forced into various forms of labor, becoming street children due to human trafficking, the statement said.
In response, the Cabinet of Ministers has approved measures to strictly enforce existing laws against child labor and begging. The government also plans to raise public awareness about these issues through a public education campaign, the statement said.
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
The World Environment Day was observed on Wednesday in Bangladesh with a fresh vow to reducing plastic pollution, protecting nature, promoting biodiversity and safeguarding the environment.
Various public, private organizations and political parties hosted conferences, seminars, marches and walks to mark the day in Dhaka and elsewhere in the country.
National newspapers in Bangladesh published special supplements marking the day.
This year, the theme of the day is “Ending Plastic Pollution,” which emphasizes the urgent need to address the pervasive problem of plastic pollution.
The main program of the day was held at the Bangladesh-China Friendship Conference Center in Dhaka, with the Bangladeshi interim government’s Chief Adviser Muhammad Yunus inaugurating the event.
Yunus also inaugurated the Environment Fair 2025 and the National Tree Plantation Campaign and Tree Fair 2025 at the function.
Speaking at the day’s main event, Yunus urged all to avoid the use of plastic items to protect the environment and planet.
“If we do not change our lifestyle, our defeat to plastic is obvious,” he said, adding that humans are destroying nature, but they could not realize that nature also has a destructive mode.
Highlighting the adverse impacts of plastic on the planet, he said the plastic is accelerating climate crises, natural disasters and biodiversity destruction.
Issuing an appeal to the countrymen to stop one-time plastic use, he said they should make the decision to gradually prevent plastic use.
Terming the plastic a poison to the world and all living things, the chief adviser said the use of this poison is increasing gradually with the rise of population.
In addition to carrying out the tree plantation campaign, the chief adviser suggested launching a Stop Tree Felling Campaign aiming to protect the environment and nature in the country.
Source: United States Senator for Vermont – Bernie Sanders
WASHINGTON, June 25 – As Senate Republicans attempt to ram through legislation to cut health care for 16 million Americans in order to give tax breaks to billionaires without a single hearing or substantive debate, Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.), Ranking Member of the Senate Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) Committee, today released a new report detailing how Trump’s “Big, Beautiful Bill” would create a national health care emergency, drawing on responses from more than 750 health care providers across 47 states and the District of Columbia.
Specifically, the report finds that the bill would increase the number of uninsured Americans in every state in the country and nearly double the uninsured rate in some states — including Florida, Louisiana, Massachusetts and Washington. The legislation would kick 19 people off their health insurance for every millionaire household that receives a tax cut. The full state-by-state analysis of how uninsured rates will skyrocket available here.
“This report makes it abundantly clear that the reconciliation bill that Republicans are attempting to ram through the Senate this week would be a death sentence for working-class and low-income Americans throughout the country,” Sanders said. “Not only would this disastrous and deeply immoral bill throw 16 million people off of their health care and lead to over 50,000 unnecessary deaths every year, it would create a national health care emergency in America. It would devastate rural hospitals, community health centers and nursing homes throughout in our country and cause a massive spike in uninsured rates in red states and blue states alike. That’s not Bernie Sanders talking. That is precisely what doctors, health care providers and hospitals have told us.”
Earlier this month, Sanders, alongside every Democratic member of the HELP Committee, sent a letter to committee Chairman Bill Cassidy (R-La.) urging him to schedule hearings with patients and health care providers to hear about the legislation’s disastrous impact on the health and well-being of the American people and markup this bill before it reaches the Senate floor for consideration. Cassidy declined.
In today’s report, Sanders asked health care providers across the country to share what the bill would mean for their patients. Here are some of the responses from health care providers:
A doctor in Texas — where the uninsured rate will reach 20%, the highest in the U.S. — said, “These cuts will cause rural hospitals in Texas to close entirely. As a neurologist, I am terrified that the closest hospital for many rural folks may then be hours away. During an ischemic stroke, there is only 3 hours of precious time . . . the increased travel time may cause unnecessary cases of paralysis and death.”
A doctor from Florida — where the uninsured rate will surge to almost 19% — said, “Plainly said, children will die as a result of these cuts. Hospitals will cut back on ICU doctors, doctors will leave because of salary cuts, critical ancillary services will be reduced, more medical students will avoid going into pediatric residencies.”
A rural health group from Louisiana — where the uninsured rate will nearly double to over 12% — said, “Louisiana’s rural hospitals and healthcare providers are already operating on razor-thin margins, struggling to keep their doors open while serving some of our most medically vulnerable communities. In Louisiana, 38% of hospitals operate on negative margins and 27% are currently vulnerable to closure. Medicaid cuts would worsen these losses, putting more hospitals at risk of shutting down entirely.” Another doctor from Louisiana added: “If Medicaid is cut, my patients will die. I realize I am being dramatic. It is a dramatic situation.”
A social worker from South Carolina — where the uninsured rate will reach over 13% — said, “These changes would dramatically increase the administrative burden on our care team. We would likely need to hire at least 1–2 full-time administrative staff just to track patient eligibility, navigate complex documentation requirements, and assist families with enrollment or appeals. This would divert already limited funding away from clinical care and impose new costs on our department.”
A doctor working at a community health center in Missouri – where the uninsured rate will increase to over 10% — said, “We may not be able to keep the doors open. We would potentially have to stop caring for many of our patients.”
A doctor from Ohio — where the uninsured rate will rise to over 9% — said, “If the proposed bill is passed and [my patients’] Medicaid insurance is cut, it doesn’t mean their asthma will go away. It will mean that in most cases they will not receive preventative care, and as a result, their asthma will worsen . . . . Worse yet, they would be seen in the emergency room more often and admitted to the hospital. This care is more expensive, and less effective, than preventative care, and some children will die of their asthma.”
The CEO of a hospital in Idaho — where the uninsured rate will rise to over 10% — said, “Our margin last year was -31%, burning through cash to see patients, the majority of whom are on Medicare or Medicaid. If they lose Medicaid, we’ll still take care of them because that’s what we do, but the bills won’t get paid.”
“We cannot allow Republicans to take health care away from 16 million Americans in order to pay for more tax breaks to billionaires,” Sanders concluded. “As the Ranking Member of the HELP Committee, I will do everything that I can to see that it is defeated. Health care must be a human right for all, not a privilege for the wealthy few.”
Read the report here.
Read estimates of the increase in uninsured rates by state here and below.
Saurimo (Agenzia Fides) – “They are destroying communities, dividing families, and hindering development,” said José Manuel Imbamba, Archbishop of Saurimo, speaking to a group of journalists at the end of a pastoral visit to the parishes of Our Lady of Fatima in Muconda and Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus in Dala.He was referring to the strong influence and impact that “diviners, fortune tellers, and clairvoyants” have on the population. The Archbishop has called for the criminalization of diviners in Angola. “We found people whose honor and dignity have been destroyed. I ask the authorities and jurists of this country to urgently criminalize diviners in our land,” he stated.The Archbishop lamented that the diviners “are destroying communities, dividing and impoverishing families, killing development. For me, this must be confronted now. To passively witness this spectacle of theft and lies is to allow society itself to collapse.”The Archbishop, who started his Episcopal Ministry in December 2008 as Bishop of Angola’s Dundo Diocese expressed concern about the prevalence of superstition in Angola. “We must break free from the myths and falsehoods that make us believe death is always caused by someone else. Ours must become a society of knowledge, science, and reason,” the Angolan Catholic Bishop, who serves as the President of the Bishops’ Conference of Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe (CEAST) said.Denouncing the belief in mystical objects and rituals as sources of power, he said, “We can no longer fall into the trap of thinking some doll or object gives us life, wealth, or fame. This outdated mentality must be broken.” Archbishop Imbamba faulted educated individuals, who participate in or tolerate such practices, saying, “Those so-called doctors and graduates who still cling to these superstitions are not yet free from the darkness of ignorance. They remain culturally enslaved.”Last year, one of these individuals was going house to house, demanding payment for entering homes uninvited, claiming to be searching for witchcraft. Often, it’s their accomplices who plant suspicious items in homes to validate their false claims,” he recounted the incident in Angola’s Monoco Province.“It is unacceptable for the authorities to stand by while these people disturb peaceful citizens, entering private property under the guise of fetishism. This must end.”Archbishop Imbamba, who has been at the helm of Saurimo Archdiocese since his installation in July 2011 called for a legal intervention, and added, “This issue is often brushed aside as part of customary law, but we must reform these customs. Culture should liberate, not oppress.”“Authorities must sit down and say: our jurists must criminalize this. Because the violations being committed are unspeakable.” (AP)(Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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Nairobi (Agenzia Fides) – “The situation in Nairobi is tense. There are roadblocks everywhere and shops are closed. Young protesters have taken to the streets, while the police have erected barricades along the roads leading to the center of Nairobi,” Fr. Bonaventura Luchidio told Fides. The National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Kenya is referring to today’s demonstration in memory of the victims of last year’s demonstrations against the finance law (see Fides, 21/6/2024, 25/6/2025, and 26/6/2024), which left more than 60 dead and 300 injured.On the eve of the demonstration, the Kenyan bishops issued a joint appeal to the authorities and the demonstrators, calling for peace and the protection of life (see Fides, 24/6/2025).This appeal, according to Father Luchidio, is all the more necessary given that, as emphasized, “there have been some serious incidents recently that are further worsening the mood among young people. In particular, the death of blogger Albert Ojwang in a security cell at the Nairobi police station and the close-range shooting at a previous demonstration of young Boniface Kariuki, who is still fighting for his life in the hospital.” “Added to this is the death of two Catholic priests under unclear circumstances,” says the National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies, citing the murder of Father Alloyce Cheruiyot Bett, who was shot dead on May 22 in the Tot (Elgeyo Marakwet) area of the Kerio Valley in the western highlands of Kenya (see Fides, 23/05/2025), and Father John Ndegwa Maina, parish priest of St. Louis Church in Igwamiti, who died in hospital on May 15 after being found seriously injured on the side of the Nakuru-Nairobi highway, several kilometers from his parish (see Fides, 21/5/2025). “The bishops have called for a rapid investigation to bring those responsible for the deaths of the two priests to justice, but at the moment there is no further information on the two cases,” Father Luchidio concludes.In addition to the capital Nairobi, clashes have also been reported in other Kenyan cities. Police are using tear gas canisters to disperse the demonstrators. (L.M.) (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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Seoul (Agenzia Fides) – The plea for “authentic peace and reconciliation on the Korean peninsula” is at the heart of the initiative of the Korean Catholic Church, which annually celebrates June 25, the anniversary of the Korean War, as a “Day of Prayer for National Reconciliation and Unity.” At Myeongdong Cathedral of the Archdiocese of Seoul, Msgr. Chung Soon-Taick, Archbishop of Seoul and Apostolic Administrator of Pyongyang, and President of the “Committee for reconciliation” in the Archdiocese, presided over a Mass attended by over a thousand priests, consecrated persons, and faithful, who prayed together for peace on the Korean peninsula.In his homily, the Archbishop recalled that “this year marks the 75th anniversary of the outbreak of the Korean War and 80 years since the division of the country. North and South have lived in a state of division, nurturing hatred and hostility in a context of constant tension and confrontation.” He added: “North and South Korea have previously lived as one country, one nation, and one culture for centuries. To overcome conflict and division, we must first reach out, as Jesus told us: ‘Give them something to eat.’” Archbishop Chung also emphasized in this context that “a small but significant change has begun in inter-Korean relations.” He pointed out that “as soon as our government stopped broadcasting messages to North Korea over loudspeakers, North Korea immediately stopped broadcasting its messages over loudspeakers,” which he considers a reduction in tensions. “Peace on the Korean Peninsula and a new relationship between the two Koreas begins with the renunciation of hostility and hatred. Let us pray that each of us can be the one to bring about small changes.”Following the Mass, a symposium commemorating the 30th anniversary of the founding of the “Committee for Reconciliation in Korea” in the Archdiocese of Seoul was held at the Spirituality Center of Myeongdong Cathedral. Archbishop Chung Soon-Taick recalled the committee’s objectives and working methods: “The committee, established on March 1, 1995, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of Korea’s liberation, is intended to be the Church’s executive arm for national reconciliation and unity on the Korean peninsula and is committed to working on the basis of three main pillars: prayer, sharing and formation. “Since the first Mass for Reconciliation and Unity in Korea, celebrated on March 7, 1995, the Mass for Reconciliation has been celebrated every Tuesday evening at 7 p.m. The foundation of every pastoral activity of the committee is prayer,” the Archbishop added. He recalled Pope Francis’s call in the ncyclical “Fratelli Tutti” to be “peacemakers” and the appeal of Pope Leo XIV, who “calls for peace and denounces all violence and horror in the world.” “Every single member of our Church,” the Archbishop hoped, “must remember and pray for our brothers and sisters in North Korea and feel part of the efforts toward reconciliation and unity by reinventing the sense of solidarity based on fraternity.” He concluded with the hope that “our Church will take the initiative to overcome hostilities and promote mutual respect and understanding.” The committee’s vice-chairman, Fr. Chung Soo-yong, said: “Over the past 30 years, we have taken two steps forward and one step back: With the Gospel in mind, we must therefore find the strength to overcome divisions and conflicts and work for peace on the Korean Peninsula.” He added: “In the international context, given the armed conflicts between Russia and Ukraine, and between Israel and Iran, it is fundamental that the Korean Peninsula, which has been divided for more than half a century, lays the foundations for peace.” Father Chung concluded with an appeal to the new generations: “Young people must now take the initiative, with discussions and activities on the practice of peace, also with regard to World Youth Day 2027.” In this spirit, the Archdiocese of Seoul organizes an annual youth pilgrimage to the demilitarized zone on the border between the two Koreas, entitled “The Wind of Peace.” Launched in 2012, the initiative, aimed at young people around the world, will take place next month as part of the Jubilee Year. Participants will walk along the border, also dedicating themselves to meditation and prayer. (PA) (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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by Gianni ValenteBaghdad (Agenzia Fides) – The so-called “12-Day War” has also caused concern and fear in Iraq. This was confirmed by the Patriarch of the Chaldean Church, Cardinal Louis Raphael Sako, in a brief interview with Fides. The Iraqi Cardinal sees recent events as a further sign of the crisis in the international order. Faced with the scenario of an “endless war” and the bombings justified as instruments to bring about regime change, the Cardinal recalls the Iraqi experience, emphasizing that “regime change is a matter for the citizens of the country” and that such “regime change” strategies “can only worsen the situation.”Bombs from Israel and the US on Iran, Iranian missiles against Israel and US military bases. Patriarch Sako, how do you view the events in neighboring countries or on the border with Iraq, and how are the Iraqi people experiencing all this?CARDINAL SAKO: What has happened is sad. We have all experienced difficult moments of worry and fear. The world has lost its international order. Now we must regain common sense and reject the discourse of hatred, violence, and war. It is a pity if we destroy life and what has been built. Peace is a gift; we must welcome it and preserve it with enthusiasm, making the defense of peace an authentic life commitment.In recent days, the bombing on Iran has been portrayed as an operation designed to weaken Iranian power and lead to the country’s collapse. What do you think of such hypothetical strategies, also in light of the experiences in Iraq?CARDINAL SAKO: The sovereignty of countries must be respected, and problems should be resolved through sincere and courageous dialogue. Regime change is a matter for the citizens of a country. Imposing another regime would only worsen the situation. Change must come from within, if the citizens deem it necessary. Twenty-two years after the fall of the regime in Iraq, there is still no true citizenship, no law, no security, and no stability. Corruption and sectarianism persist.What can Christians in Iraq place their hope in at this time and in the face of these scenarios?CARDINAL SAKO: Christians, like all Iraqis, have suffered greatly because of ISIS. Such suffering leads to exodus and emigration. To this day, we are marginalized, our villages are occupied by militias, and the parliamentary seats reserved for Christians are being usurped… For all these reasons, a better future for Christians seems elusive. But despite what we have suffered, we feel we have a vocation in this land, with our faith. Therefore, we can remain confident and look toward a better future. (Agenzia Fides, 25/6/2025)
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Join the Future Combat Air System programme at Dstl
Play a pivotal role in safeguarding the UK’s future and shape the next generation of combat air technology, by joining the FCAS programme.
The Future Combat Air System (FCAS) encompasses a series of highly integrated and aligned programmes and military capabilities.
This system will have a crewed aircraft at its heart. It will network and collaborate with a range of wider air and broader domain capabilities, including F-35, and use information systems, weapons and uncrewed collaborative combat air platforms to complete the capability.
Be part of a joint international programme
The Global Combat Air Programme (GCAP) is a trilateral acquisition programme launched with Japan and Italy to develop the core platform (aircraft) which will be at the heart of the UK’s and our partners’ future Combat Air systems. This joint international programme is a jointly funded and delivered international programme to develop and deliver a new fighter aircraft.
To put this challenge into context, when the current UK constructed fast jet, the Eurofighter (a fourth generation type) was being designed in the 1980s, the European car of the year was the Ford Escort. Our other current fast jet, the US-Built F-35 Lightning II (a fifth generation type) was designed in the 1990s, when the Fordo Mondeo was car of the year. The F-35 though has been described as a ‘Flying Software Testbed’ with significant PE and approximately 8 million lines of code.
What’s at the core of FCAS and GCAP
Programmable Elements (PE), especially software, are at the heart of FCAS and GCAP. The ability to perform frequent, sometimes rapid, software updates is also a critical part of achieving and sustaining operational effectiveness.
What the MOD PE team do
The Ministry of Defence (MOD) PE team has wide ranging responsibility, covering:
artificial intelligence (AI) and data
applications
operating systems
virtualisation
complex electronic hardware
Working with industry and international partner governments, they also strive to create and promote the environment in which quality PE are effectively delivered at pace.
Be part of building the sixth generation fast jet
GCAP will be a sixth generation fast jet, which will build on fifth generation properties, such as, low observability and systems integration, adding autonomy, but the key will be fast adaptability. And the only way to achieve this is through its PE quality to do so.
If you are interested in a challenging opportunity to use your PE skills to benefit one of the MOD’s highest priority acquisition programs and help get the UK’s next manned and unmanned fast jets flying safely and securely, we want to hear from you.
As part of the FCAS team, you’ll contribute to one of the most complex and fast-paced acquisition defence programmes to date. With the groundbreaking GCAP collaboration between the UK, Japan, and Italy, this initiative is set to deliver the state-of-the-art fighter jet, Tempest, by 2035.
This is an unparalleled opportunity to be part of a programme that is revolutionizing the UK’s combat air industry, supporting national security and economic growth. You’ll work at the cutting edge of technology, surrounded by a passionate team committed to excellence.
Apply to work for the (FCAS) programme
We will keep this page updated and add links when roles are available to apply for.
As well as a rewarding career in defence science and technology, the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory (Dstl) offers a wide range of benefits and training opportunities in a supportive, encouraging and flexible environment.
June 24, 2025 – Ottawa, Ontario – Global Affairs Canada
The Honourable Anita Anand, Minister of Foreign Affairs, today announced that the Honourable Mona Fortier, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs, will attend the 55th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) in Saint John’s, Antigua and Barbuda, from June 25 to 27, 2025.
During the session, Parliamentary Secretary Fortier will deliver Canada’s national statement. She will also engage in discussions with heads of delegations to emphasize the value of regional collaboration on key priorities such as safeguarding democratic institutions; upholding human rights; advancing health, including mental health; and promoting gender equality, inclusion and diversity.
Parliamentary Secretary Fortier will advance Canada’s ongoing contributions to international efforts to address the humanitarian and security challenges in Haiti. She will also highlight the deteriorating human rights situations and democratic backsliding in Venezuela and Nicaragua.
Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region
Civil Service College holds thematic briefing session on “International Landscape and China’s Foreign Relations in 2025” Mr Lee delivered the opening remarks at the session. He expressed gratitude for Mr Cui’s attendance at the session to share insights on the current international environment and national foreign strategies, and provided an analysis in an easy-to-understand manner on the evolving global dynamics and the country’s response strategies to provide support for the HKSAR Government in promoting Hong Kong’s deepening of international exchanges and co-operation, better integration into the overall national development, and co-ordination of high-level security and high-quality development.
Mr Lee pointed out that the complex and fast-changing international environment and the groundbreaking developments of AI and biotechnology profoundly affect the trajectory of the world order and highlight the close connection between security and development. Mr Lee said the country’s diplomatic work plays a vital role in effective co-ordination of security and development, and provides opportunities for Hong Kong to better fulfil its role as a “super connector” and a “super value-adder”. He thanked the Central Government for its strong support for Hong Kong to become the headquarters of the International Organization for Mediation, and pointed out that the establishment of its headquarters in Hong Kong reflects the trust and recognition of the international community in Hong Kong, which not only demonstrates the success of the Hong Kong National Security Law (NSL) in creating a stable environment but also serves as a vivid manifestation of the country’s diplomatic soft power. Mr Lee stated that the HKSAR Government officials should have a deep understanding of the country’s foreign policies, accurately grasp changes in the international landscape, and better co-ordinate the relationship between and the opportunities from security and development.
The Secretary for the Civil Service, Mrs Ingrid Yeung, said during the session that this event is of great significance. It not only heralds this year’s series of talks on the country’s foreign affairs but is also a highlight event of the seminar series for civil servants on the fifth anniversary of the promulgation and implementation of the NSL. The CSC will continue to enhance training to strengthen civil servants’ patriotism and awareness of national security, and encourage everyone to consciously safeguard national sovereignty, security and development interests. The various training programmes organised by the CSC also deepen civil servants’ understanding of the country’s history and culture, and contemporary development, equipping them to better fulfil Hong Kong’s role as a bridge connecting the country with the world in their respective fields, effectively utilising Hong Kong’s international platform to tell good stories of China and Hong Kong.
The CSC will continue to collaborate with the OCMFA to run a series of talks on the country’s foreign affairs in 2025, including today’s thematic briefing session as well as subsequent talks on topics such as participation in international organisations and multilateral affairs, major country diplomacy with Chinese characteristics, China-United States relations, and civil diplomacy. Since the launch of this series at the end of 2021, it has been well received by colleagues. To date, 20 talks have been held, with a total attendance of nearly 5 000 directorate and senior-level civil servants. Issued at HKT 20:25
A sweeping and deeply concerning leak of internet user credentials is making headlines around the globe, with cybersecurity analysts confirming that more than 16 billion usernames and passwords have been compromised in what’s being called the largest credential compilation ever discovered online.
Although many of us have been desensitized to data breaches, this appears to be a much more sophisticated concentration of effort and information.
This sprawling dataset has reportedly been compiled from more than 30 major data breaches and malware operations, includes logins to Apple, Facebook, Google, Telegram, GitHub, government portals, and countless other platforms.
Stephen Fitzgerald (contributed photo)
Unlike outdated credential dumps often circulated on the dark web, this breach appears to be fresh, well-organized, and primed for exploitation. Different from a singular, high-profile breach, this leak is a curated amalgamation of stolen credentials gathered through various types of infostealer malware—malicious programs that quietly harvest passwords, cookies, tokens, and session data from infected devices.
The scale is staggering. Some of the individual datasets within the leak contain over 3.5 billion records; others range in the tens or hundreds of millions. While some overlap is expected, the sheer volume represents an expansive threat surface for both individuals and institutions.
Cybersecurity researchers warn that this is not just another recycled breach. It is a “blueprint for mass cybercrime” as threat actors can use the stolen credentials to launch phishing attacks, hijack accounts, or impersonate users across platforms. Many sophisticated campaigns require many different data points and accounts to be successful, and the discovery of a trove of information of this magnitude opens up possibilities previously thought unrealistic.
Why It Matters
It’s not just old data: Many of the credentials appear recently stolen and remain usable—posing an immediate threat.
It spans nearly every major platform: Apple, Facebook, Google, Telegram, developer tools, and even government systems are implicated. If you’ve reused a password in the past few years, you could be at risk.
A Need for Vigilance
This incident underscores the evolving nature of cyber threats. Even without a direct breach of one’s account, malware can silently compromise login data and sell or release it in bulk. It is uncommon to know that an account’s information has been compromised before a breach happens; this should be considered a rare but welcome early warning for us all.
Institutions rely on the diligence of the entire community to build a strong culture of security. Whether you’re a student accessing HuskyCT, a faculty member conducting research, or a staff member handling sensitive administrative information, credential protection is a shared responsibility.
As students in the Analytics and Information Management (AIM) major in the UConn School of Business know, IT security is a multidimensional field that relies on people, processes, and technology. To help satisfy student curiosity in the growing field of cybersecurity, our curricula include an IT Security concentration for majors and an Information Assurance minor for those outside of the major. For those interested in brushing up on their personal security, you can find suggestions below.
What You Can Do Right Now
Everyone should take proactive steps to safeguard their information. Here’s what you can do immediately:
Reset passwords—especially for anything sensitive such as email, banking, and privileged accounts.
Create long, unique passwords—aim for at least 16 characters using a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Use a phrase instead of a word to help you remember it!
Enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) on every account that supports it.
Consider using passkeys or a trusted password manager to generate and store complex credentials securely.
Check if your credentials were exposed using free services like https://haveibeenpwned.com/Passwords or Google’s Password Checkup.
Note: haveibeenpwned is a trusted source in the security community, but if you are skeptical then you are exercising appropriate scrutiny!
Stay alert—watch for unfamiliar login attempts, password reset emails you didn’t request, or strange behavior on your accounts.
People are (and likely always will be) the weakest link in security, but this is an opportunity for us all to prevent a future data breach, solidify our own security, and to collectively strengthen our community against malicious actors.
Stephen Fitzgerald is the Academic Director of the Analytics and Information Management (AIM) Program at the School of Business. He previously worked as a learning and development consultant at Evisions and as a risk assurance professional at PwC.
The AIM program (formerly MIS) is part of the Operations and Information Management Department at the School of Business. This fast-growing major preparing students with managing information and technology to drive business performance. The AIM program’s Information Security course is part of the foundation of the program.
For most of the year, UConn teams dominate the sports headlines throughout Connecticut. But that changes in mid-June, when the PGA Tour comes to town for the Travelers Championship, played at TPC River Highlands in Cromwell.
The roots of the tournament date back to 1952. Then known as the Insurance City Open, the 1956 title went to a young golfer named Arnold Palmer. Today, as a Signature Event on the PGA Tour, it attracts the best players in the world, with an annual prize pool of $20 million — and as one of the top attended golf events in the country, raises millions of dollars each year for Connecticut charities. So you might be surprised to hear that it almost disappeared in the early 2000s due to a lack of corporate sponsorship.
Travelers stepped up to save the day, led by executive vice president and chief administrative officer Andy Bessette ’75 (CLAS). Since the beginning of the company’s title sponsorship, he has partnered with tournament director Nathan Grube to deliver one of the best stops on the tour. A member of the UConn Board of Trustees, Bessette was a four-time All-American hammer thrower for UConn track and field. A record-setting win in the 1980 Olympic track and field trials earned him a spot on the 1980 U.S. Olympic team, and later that summer, he received the Congressional Gold Medal for his patriotism in supporting the boycott of the Moscow Olympic Games.
“As a world-class athlete, you learn quickly that if you accept the status quo, if you accept where you are skill-wise and competitively, then you are going to go backwards,” Bessette told us on the eve of last year’s Travelers Championship from the clubhouse at TPC River Highlands. “You never ever stop trying to get better. That is what our rallying cry about the tournament has been for the past 20 years. We have a show for one week, but we work all year to plan to get everything right. And part of the week is taking a look around and making a list of things we can improve on for next year’s tournament.”
One of the scariest moments in sports is when an athlete experiences a health emergency like heat stroke or cardiac arrest on the field.
Athletic trainers are medical professionals specially trained to identify and treat these kinds of emergencies quickly and with lifesaving results.
A growing body of research demonstrates the importance of having athletic trainers employed in high schools, including two new papers by researchers from the Korey Stringer Institute (KSI), housed in the College of Agriculture, Health and Natural Resources.
“Athletic trainers are unique in that they’re trained in recognition, prevention, and response to emergency, potentially catastrophic injuries in sport,” says Rebecca Stearns, associate professor-in-residence of kinesiology and KSI’s chief operating officer.
Aleksis Grace, a PhD candidate at UConn and director of sports safety at KSI, is the lead author on a paper highlighting that among schools that employed athletic trainers, there was more survival in cases where athletes experienced an exertional heat stroke event.
This work will be presented at the National Athletic Trainers’ Association (NATA) Conference in Florida in this week.
Grace and the other researchers looked at data from 2015-2021, which included 21 events.
Of the 13 cases in which an athletic trainer was employed, only five cases were fatal. In the six cases where an athletic trainer was not employed at the school, all six were fatal.
In the other two cases, the researchers could not confirm if an athletic trainer was employed at the time of the incident.
The study of exertional heat stroke in student athletes is becoming even more important as climate change is making summers, when football players are in preseason training, hotter. This time and this sport, which requires heavy padding, has the greatest risk for exertional heat stroke.
Despite the known risks and benefits, more than one third of U.S. high schools do not employ athletic trainers.
“Ensuring the athletic trainer is employed and that there is appropriate healthcare when there is the highest risk is a good way for schools to avoid liability and for there to be better outcomes from the prevention aspect, or if the event occurs, [the athlete] is potentially less likely to die,” Grace says.
The researchers also found that more socially disadvantaged schools were less likely to employ an athletic trainer.
The researchers defined socially disadvantaged schools as those that are further from a level 1 trauma center, have a higher proportion of students receiving free or reduced lunch, and a higher social deprivation index score.
“There was a trend where we can say there was more survival in the schools that had athletic trainers,” Grace says. “But when you look at markers of social disadvantage, the lower socioeconomic status schools were the ones less likely to have an athletic trainer.”
Another paper, led by Erin Shore, a PhD candidate at the University of North Carolina (UNC) at Chapel Hill who is affiliated with the National Center for Catastrophic Sport Injury Research (NCCSIR) program, demonstrates an association between employment of an athletic trainer and lower rates of fatalities or permanent disability following a catastrophic injury. KSI is a member of the NCCSIR network.
This paper was presented at the SAVIR 2025 Annual Conference in New York in April and NATA Conference earlier this week.
The researchers used a national database of catastrophic injuries, which included non-concussion brain injuries, spinal injuries, or cardiac arrest, from 2013 to 2021 and compared that with a database of athletic trainer employment.
In general, among schools that employed an athletic trainer, there were fewer disabling or fatal injuries among athletes who experienced a catastrophic injury.
They found that this trend was true, regardless of race and ethnicity.
“Racially and ethnically minoritized individuals in the U.S. have less access to healthcare and worse health outcomes in general,” Shore says. “So, I was just curious to see if those disparities panned out in the athletic injury world as well.”
Among schools that employed an athletic trainer, 40% of catastrophic incidents led to fatalities or permanent disabilities among white students and 48% among non-white students.
There were much more significant differences in outcomes for both groups when there was no athletic trainer employed.
For non-white students, 67% of these catastrophic injuries were fatal or disabling. This rate was only 54% for white students.
While the researchers cannot say definitively from this study why this association exists, it points toward future avenues for continued research.
“Surveillance, in the realm of study design, can point out things we need to look at further,” Kristen Kucera, UNC professor of exercise and sport science and NCCSIR director, says. “I think this is a good example of how important this information is to be able to investigate these kinds of questions.”
This work relates to CAHNR’s Strategic Vision areas focused on Enhancing Health and Promoting Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Justice.
French President Emmanuel Macron has sent a formal invitation to “all New Caledonia stakeholders” for talks in Paris on the French Pacific territory’s political and economic future to be held on July 2.
The confirmation came on Thursday in the form of a letter sent individually to an undisclosed list of recipients and June 24.
The talks follow a series of roundtables fostered earlier this year by French Minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.
But the latest talks, held in New Caledonia under a so-called “conclave” format, stalled on May 8.
This was mainly because several main components of the pro-France (anti-independence) parties said the draft agreement proposed by Valls was tantamount to a form of independence, which they reject.
The project implied that New Caledonia’s future political status vis-à-vis France could be an associated independence “within France” with a transfer of key powers (justice, defence, law and order, foreign affairs, currency ), a dual New Caledonia-France citizenship and an international standing.
Instead, the pro-France Rassemblement-LR and Loyalistes suggested another project of “internal federalism” which would give more powers (including on tax matters) to each of the three provinces, a notion often criticised as a de facto partition of New Caledonia.
Local elections issue In May 2024, on the sensitive issue of eligibility at local elections, deadly riots broke out in New Caledonia, resulting in 14 deaths and more than 2 billion euros (NZ$3.8 billion) in damage.
In his letter, Macron writes that although Valls “managed to restore dialogue…this did not allow reaching an agreement on (New Caledonia’s) institutional future”.
“This is why I decided to host, under my presidency, a summit dedicated to New Caledonia and associating the whole of the territory’s stakeholders”.
Macron also wrote that “beyond institutional topics, I wish that our exchanges can also touch on (New Caledonia’s) economic and societal issues”.
Macron made earlier announcements, including on 10 June 2025, on the margins of the recent UNOC Oceans Summit in Nice (France), when he dedicated a significant part of his speech to Pacific leaders attending a “Pacific-France” summit to the situation in New Caledonia.
“Our exchanges will last as long as it takes so that the heavy topics . . . can be dealt with with all the seriousness they deserve”.
Macron also points out that after New Caledonia’s “crisis” broke out on 13 May 2024, “the tension was too high to allow for a dialogue between all the components of New Caledonia’s society”.
Letter sent by French President Emmanuel Macron to New Caledonia’s stakeholders for Paris talks on 2 July 2025. Image: RNZ Pacific
A new deal? The main political objective of the talks remains to find a comprehensive agreement between all local political stakeholders, in order to arrive at a new agreement that would define the French Pacific territory’s political future and status.
This would then allow to replace the 27-year-old Nouméa Accord, signed in 1998.
That pact put a heavy focus on the notions of “living together” and “common destiny” for New Caledonia’s indigenous Kanaks and all of the other components of its ethnically and culturally diverse society.
It also envisaged an economic “rebalancing” between the Northern and Islands provinces and the more affluent Southern province, where the capital Nouméa is located.
The Nouméa Accord also contained provisions to hold three referendums on self-determination.
The three polls took place in 2018, 2020 and 2021, all of those resulting in a majority of people rejecting independence.
But the last referendum, in December 2021, was largely boycotted by the pro-independence movement.
‘Examine the situation’ According to the Nouméa Accord, after the referendums, political stakeholders were to “examine the situation thus created”, Macron recalled.
But despite several attempts, including under previous governments, to promote political talks, the situation has remained deadlocked and increasingly polarised between the pro-independence and the pro-France camps.
A few days after the May 2024 riots, Macron made a trip to New Caledonia, calling for the situation to be appeased so that talks could resume.
In his June 10 speech to Pacific leaders, Macron also mentioned a “new project” and in relation to the past referendums process, pledged “not to make the same mistakes again”.
He said he believed the referendum, as an instrument, was not necessarily adapted to Melanesian and Kanak cultures.
In practice, the Paris “summit” would also involve French minister for Overseas Manuel Valls.
The list of invited participants would include all parties, pro-independence and pro-France, represented at New Caledonia’s Congress (the local parliament).
But it would also include a number of economic stakeholders, as well as a delegation of Mayors of New Caledonia, as well as representatives of the civil society and NGOs.
Talks could also come in several formats, with the political side being treated separately.
The pro-independence platform FLNKS (Kanak and Socialist National Liberation Front) has to decide at the weekend whether it will take part in the Paris talks.
FLNKS leader Christian Téin . . . still facing charges over last year’s riots, but released from prison in France providing he does not return to New Caledonia and checks in with investigating judges. Image: Opinion International
Will Christian Téin take part? During a whirlwind visit to New Caledonia in June 2024, Macron met Christian Téin, the leader of a pro-independence CCAT (Field Action Coordination Cell), created by Union Calédonienne (UC).
Téin was arrested and jailed in mainland France.
In August 2024, while in custody in the Mulhouse prison (northeastern France), he was elected in absentia as president of a UC-dominated FLNKS.
Even though he still faces charges for allegedly being one of the masterminds of the May 2024 riots, Téin was released from jail on June 12 on condition that he does not travel to New Caledonia and reports regularly to French judges.
On the pro-France side, Téin’s release triggered mixed angry reactions.
Other pro-France hard-line components said the Kanak leader’s participation in the Paris talks was simply “unthinkable”.
Pro-independence Tjibaou said Téin’s release was “a sign of appeasement”, but that his participation was probably subject to “conditions”.
“But I’m not the one who makes the invitations,” he told public broadcaster NC la 1ère on 15 June 2025.
FLNKS spokesman Dominique Fochi said in a release Téin’s participation in the talks was earlier declared a prerequisite.
“Now our FLNKS president has been released. He’s the FLNKS boss and we are awaiting his instructions,” Fochi said.
At former roundtables earlier this year, the FLNKS delegation was headed by Union Calédonienne (UC, the main and dominating component of the FLNKS) president Emmanuel Tjibaou.
‘Concluding the decolonisation process’, says Valls In a press conference on Tuesday in Paris, Valls elaborated some more on the upcoming Paris talks.
“Obviously there will be a sequence of political negotiations which I will lead with all of New Caledonia’s players, that is all groups represented at the Congress. But there will also be an economic and social sequence with economic, social and societal players who will be invited”, Valls said.
During question time at the French National Assembly in Paris on 3 June 2025, Valls said he remained confident that it was “still possible” to reach an agreement and to “reconcile” the “contradictory aspirations” of the pro-independence and pro-France camps.
During the same sitting, pro-France New Caledonia MP Nicolas Metzdorf decried what he termed “France’s lack of ambition” and his camp’s feeling of being “let down”.
The other MP for New Caledonia’s, pro-independence Emmanuel Tjibaou, also took the floor to call on France to “close the colonial chapter” and that France has to “take its part in the conclusion of the emancipation process” of New Caledonia.
“With the President of the Republic and the Prime Minister, and the political forces, we will make offers, while concluding the decolonisation process, the self-determination process, while respecting New Caledonians’ words and at the same time not forgetting history, and the past that have led to the disaster of the 1980s and the catastrophe of May 2024,” he said.
This article is republished under a community partnership agreement with RNZ.
African Energy Week (AEW): Invest in African Energies – taking place September 29 to October 3 in Cape Town – will feature a Power Africa Track as part of its main conference program. The track, dedicated to addressing emerging opportunities across the continent’s power and infrastructure sectors, will examine the state of play of Africa’s power market. Government representatives, private sector investors, independent power producers and public utilities will come together to discuss Africa’s future power systems – laying the foundation for new deals to be signed.
While many developed nations prioritize renewable energy developments, African nations continue to face significant energy access challenges. Approximately 43% of the continent’s population lives without access to electricity, with rural and remote communities struggling to gain access to national grid networks. At the same time, Africa is also the continent most-effected by climate change impacts globally. This highlights a need – and emerging opportunity – for a coordinated approach by both the private and public sectors to develop infrastructure that meets the demands of both urbanized and rural communities. The AEW: Invest in African Energies Powering Africa Track offers a platform to discuss strategies for expanding energy access across the continent. Sessions will explore the role public-private collaboration plays, how market liberalization can bolster investments and the impact of integrated power pools. Panel discussions include: Energy Leaders Dialogue: Strengthening Public & Private Collaborations for Increased Energy Access; Empowering Africa’s Energy Future: Market Liberalization and Private Sector Leadership;Scaling Renewable Innovation: Bridging the Energy Access Gap with Off-Grid and Smart Technologies; and Connecting Africa: Advancing Regional Trade Through Integrated Power Pools.
Many countries in Africa are pursuing investment to support sustainable energy developments, seeking to both strengthen and expand power systems. Challenges related to inadequate generating capacity, transmission disruptions and maintenance have plagued many countries, resulting in unreliable power supply that hinders economic growth. South Africa, for example, Africa’s largest economy, struggles with intermittent power, largely due to an ageing coal fleet. To address this, the country is leveraging policy such as the Renewable Energy Independent Power Producer program and Integrated Resource Plan to incentivize private sector investment in alternative energy sources. To date, the country has introduced 6.4 GW of renewable energy capacity to the grid through 122 independent power producers. AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 sessions on Balancing Investment Strategies and the Integration of Renewable into the Energy Mix and The Role of African Energy in a World Where Climate is No Longer the First Priority will explore the role of renewable energy in Africa’s power systems and how Africa’s priorities have shifted to power expansion.
Beyond renewables, Africa is well-positioned to leverage its natural gas and uranium resources to diversify its energy mix and strengthen power capacity. Wit over 620 trillion cubic feet of proven gas resources, the continent is turning to gas-based power to enhance access and support industrialization. Major projects include Angola’s 750 MW Soyo combined cycle power plant; Senegal’s 300 MW Cap des Biches power plant; Algeria’s 660 MW dual-fired Hassi Messaoud Gas Turbine plant, among others. In the nuclear sector, several African countries are pursuing power projects in collaboration with international partners. Projects are being planned in Burkina Faso, Ghana, Uganda, Rwanda, and more, all of which will complement the continent’s sole operating nuclear facility: South Africa’s Koeberg plant. Sessions on gas-to-power and nuclear at AEW: Invest in African Energies 2025 will explore the emerging role these resources will play in Africa’s power sector. Sessions include Gas-to-Power: Meeting Africa’s Growing Domestic Energy Demand Now; Overcoming Infrastructure and Regulatory Hurdles to Nuclear Deployment; Energy Efficiency: The Cornerstone of Africa’s Sustainable Growth; and Powering Africa’s Industrial Revolution.
“With over 600 million people living without access to electricity, there has never been a more imperative time to advance the development of integrated power systems in Africa. While the continent’s population continues to grow, securing power supply becomes critical. By investing in African resources, strengthening infrastructure and introducing off-grid power solutions, Africa will be able to both alleviate energy poverty while driving long-term, sustainable growth,” states Sergio Pugliese, President for the African Energy Chamber, Angola.
AEW: Invest in African Energies is the platform of choice for project operators, financiers, technology providers and government, and has emerged as the official place to sign deals in African energy. Visithttp://www.AECWeek.comfor more information about this exciting event.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of African Energy Chamber.
Mai-Habar Technical School today graduated 140 students, including 58 females. The graduates completed two years of theoretical and practical training in auto mechanics, electricity, metal and woodwork, plumbing, and construction.
Mr. Tesfazgi Abraha, Director of the school, stated that Mai-Habar Technical School offers two years of vocational and academic training and plays a significant role in producing skilled professionals in various fields.
He noted that the Government of Eritrea continues to invest heavily in education as part of its strategy to build a strong and sustainable national economy. He called on the graduates to serve the public and the country with commitment.
A representative of the graduating class expressed appreciation for the educational opportunity and affirmed their readiness to meet the expectations of the people and the Government.
At the event, special awards were presented to outstanding graduates who achieved the highest scores.
Mai-Habar Technical School, established in 1994, has graduated 5,173 students to date.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Information, Eritrea.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
Document
Order of June 23, 2025 No. 1618-r
The funds of the universal service reserve, which is formed from deductions of a portion of the revenue of telecom operators, will be used to create fiber-optic communication lines in up to 70 settlements in the country. Their list has been approved by a Government order.
We are talking about populated areas, including those located in hard-to-reach areas.
The decision that the creation of fiber-optic communication lines for a number of territories can be financed from the universal service reserve was made at the end of May 2025 to implement the new provisions of the federal law “On Communications”. It will increase the availability of communication services for local residents and open access to digital services for businesses.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
“We are carrying out systematic work across the country to expand and modernize roadways on key highways and city roads where this is necessary to improve transport accessibility. These measures allow us to increase the capacity of the road network, reduce travel time, reduce accidents and minimize logistics costs. In particular, we are reconstructing the M-1 Belarus high-speed highway from the 66th to the 84th km. We will expand this section from four to six lanes. Currently, specialists are constructing the roadbed at the site; 80% of the excavation work has been completed to date, amounting to about 440 thousand cubic meters. At the same time, work is being carried out to install the road surface. 178 thousand tons of asphalt concrete have already been laid, which is almost half of the planned volume. As of today, the overall readiness of the site is more than 50%. There is still a lot of work ahead, it is important to maintain the current momentum,” said Marat Khusnullin.
The Deputy Prime Minister added that work is underway at the site to install a cable duct for the installation of an automated traffic control system. Barrier and reinforced concrete parapet fencing are being installed; 10 km and 14 km, respectively, have been installed so far. In addition, for safe travel at night, it is planned to install outdoor lighting lines in the dividing strip of the road throughout the site. Currently, the foundations of lighting poles are being installed on the section from the 66th to the 71st km.
According to the Chairman of the Board of the state company Avtodor, Vyacheslav Petushenko, construction and installation work is being carried out on the reconstruction site to erect 12 artificial structures. These are bridges, overpasses and overground pedestrian crossings.
“The main artificial structures at the site are two bridges across the Nara and Kapanka rivers. The bridge across the Nara river is 45% complete. A reinforced concrete monolithic superstructure has already been installed here, the embankment is being filled on the approaches with subsequent installation of transition slabs. The bridge across the Kapanka river is half ready, now it is being prepared for laying asphalt concrete on the junctions and the bridge deck. Also among the key structures are two overpasses. One is part of the interchange at the 74th km, and the other is in the turnaround loop from the village of Lyakhovo at the 72nd km. Their readiness is 70 and 50%, respectively. Small artificial structures are also being built in parallel. These include culverts necessary to ensure uninterrupted water flow under the roadway and prevent flooding, which directly affects road safety,” said Vyacheslav Petushenko.
For the convenience of drivers and passengers, a rest area is being set up at the 74th km of the M-1 “Belarus”. Here, excavation work, road surface construction and storm sewer installation are nearing completion. At the moment, the site is being prepared for the installation of asphalt concrete pavement.
In total, 355 units of equipment and approximately 1,080 people are involved in the reconstructed section.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Moscow Government – Government of Moscow –
Moscow will host the Day of India festival for the 10th time. It will be held from August 14 to 17 in the Dream Island landscape park. More than 25 thematic zones and 150 participants of the traditional fair, over 40 gastronomic points are planned. At the large-scale festival, you can get acquainted with Indian culture – from cinema to chess, from yoga to the Holi festival.
This year’s themes are Indian Heritage in the Heart of Russia and the 80th Anniversary of Victory in the Great Patriotic War.
Festival program
Professional teachers will hold seminars on yoga and Ayurveda at thematic sites, and will teach how to cook traditional Indian dishes at culinary master classes. A Holi color zone will be open all four days.
In addition, guests will enjoy dance and vocal performances. Children and adults will try their hand at a chess championship. Every day there will be screenings of Bollywood masterpieces and new releases.
Janmashtami is scheduled for Saturday and the Rathayatra chariot festival will conclude the programme on Sunday.
An obligatory part of the festival is gastronomy and a fair of goods, including handicrafts. More than 150 participants will offer visitors to the festival spices, decorations, fabrics, cosmetics. The wealth of national dishes will be presented in 40 restaurant zones. A special item on the menu is ripe mango straight from India.
Distinguished guests and competitions
The anniversary will be marked with a symbolic ceremony of cutting a huge cake with the participation of honored guests, diplomats and cultural figures of both countries. For the first time, the Day of India will feature a ceremony to present special awards in 10 nominations. Among the invited members of the jury are Adviser to the President of the Russian Federation Anton Kobyakov and Maria Zakharova, Director of the Information and Press Department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Russian Federation. The Chairman of the Board is Dmitry Kiselev, Director General of the International Information Agency “Russia Today”, Deputy Director General of the All-Russian State Television and Radio Broadcasting Company.
The opening of the Maha Kumbh Mela zone in Moscow will be a major event: guests will have a unique opportunity to learn more about the history and rituals of one of the largest religious holidays in India, during which millions of pilgrims bathe in the waters of the Ganges River.
Schoolchildren from first to 11th grade will be able to take part in the all-Russian drawing competition “Maha Kumbh Mela in Moscow: a child’s view”. Applications are open from June 1 to July 31. The winners will receive memorable prizes.
“India Day 2025 marks 10 years of Indo-Russian cultural relations. This year, as we celebrate the 10th anniversary of India Day and the 80th anniversary of Russia’s historic victory in the Great Patriotic War, we honour our shared values of peace, friendship and mutual respect. This festival is a living bridge between countries, uniting communities through culture, heritage and dialogue,” said Sammy Kotwani, founder of the India Day festival and president of the Indian Cultural and National Centre Sita.
The organizer of the 10th India Day festival is the Indian Cultural and National Center Sita. Guests who registered for festival website, will receive a gift.
All events are free, admission to the festival is free.
Project “Summer in Moscow” — the main event of the season. It brings together the most vibrant events of the capital. Every day, charity, cultural and sports events are held in all districts of the city, most of which are free. The Summer in Moscow project is being held for the second time, and the new season will be more eventful: new, original and colorful festivals and events will be added to the traditional ones.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Please Note; This Information is Raw Content Directly from the Information Source. It is access to What the Source Is Stating and Does Not Reflect
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
The State Services portal now offers the opportunity to obtain a set of permits through a single application. An entrepreneur only needs to select the type of activity, fill out the form, and the system will send his application to the relevant departments. The new approach to issuing permits was developed as part of the optimization of permitting activities in Russia.
On the portal, permits are grouped according to the principle of conducting a certain activity. Each activity has its own set of permits. The first such comprehensive service available to organizations and individual entrepreneurs is “Opening a Pharmacy”. It includes permits that are necessary for carrying out pharmaceutical activities, a sanitary and epidemiological conclusion, and a sanitary and epidemiological examination. Previously, an application for each of them was submitted in turn. The entrepreneur had to independently monitor the readiness of each permit in order to apply for the next one. Now he can fill out one comprehensive application. This takes an average of 10 minutes, the system automatically sends it to the relevant departments. If approved, the entrepreneur receives the entire set of permits within three months.
The list of such complex scenarios for filing applications is being expanded as part of the project to optimize and automate permitting processes.
“We are working consistently to reduce the administrative burden on businesses, including in permitting activities. We have already halved the time it takes to issue permits and the number of documents requested. Our main task today is to combine various types of permits for a typical situation. That is, we are talking about the fact that through one application it is possible to obtain several types of permits at once,” commented Deputy Prime Minister – Head of the Government Staff Dmitry Grigorenko.
The Government proposes to enshrine the possibility of obtaining comprehensive permits electronically through the State Services portal in legislation. To this end, a corresponding draft law was submitted to the State Duma in June. In addition, the document provides for the proactive provision of permit issuance services. It is planned that an entrepreneur will receive a notification from the state on the State Services portal with an offer to extend the permit. The application for extension will already be pre-filled.
The bill also proposes to amend (approximately) 70 industry laws to consolidate the reduction in the timeframes and number of documents required to obtain permits for each type separately. On average, the number of documents required to be submitted for a permit has been reduced by 2 times – from 8 to 4. The timeframe for reviewing all types of permits has also been reduced by 2 times on average – from 43 to 19 days.
More than 400 types of permits can now be obtained on “Gosuslugi”. In total, over 1 million applications were submitted through the government services portal in Russia in 2024, and over 408 thousand in the first five months of 2025.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: Government of the Russian Federation – An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.
On behalf of Deputy Prime Minister and Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Yuri Trutnev, the progress of work on the creation of a camp and memorial complex on Shumshu was inspected. The Kuril Island was visited by Deputy Presidential Plenipotentiary Representative in the Far Eastern Federal District Denis Andreyev and First Deputy Governor of the Sakhalin Region Sergei Baidakov.
“Shumshu is a significant page in our history. In fact, World War II ended on this island. Our soldiers defeated superior enemy forces and demonstrated mass heroism. At the request of Russian President Vladimir Putin, a military-historical memorial complex dedicated to the Kuril landing operation is being created on the island. It will perpetuate the feat of the Red Army soldiers who, in August 1945, at the cost of their lives, snatched victory from a superior enemy – the Imperial Japanese Army,” said Yuri Trutnev.
A search expedition will be launched on July 1st. About 100 patriots from different regions of Russia will take part in it. An expedition of such a scale has never been conducted on the island. Thanks to this, many fallen heroes will find a name and will be buried with military honors.
“We have assessed the readiness to open the search camp and memorial complex. The work is proceeding at a good pace. Shumshu Island is a heroic place where one of the most important battles took place, which put an end to World War II. Here you can literally touch history, and thanks to the implementation of the project on the instructions of the President, young people from different regions of Russia will soon have such an opportunity. A large-scale search expedition is also ready to begin work, which, I am sure, will open many heroic pages in the history of our country,” Denis Andreev noted.
“The camp is now almost 100% deployed. On June 30 and July 1, the participants of the search expedition will arrive. The reenactors’ camp will be deployed in the area of Mys Kurbatov. Sappers from the Eastern Military District and specialists from the Pacific Fleet are currently working there, and the military is also tidying up the lighthouse. We assess the readiness as high. Everything is on schedule, but the task is very ambitious. Every day we solve many issues related to equipment, materials, and logistics. But we will do everything to ensure that the order of the head of state Vladimir Putin to perpetuate the feat of the participants of the Kuril landing operation is fulfilled. Our governor Valery Limarenko also puts this task as a priority,” said Sergey Baidakov.
Sakhalin searchers have already begun reconnaissance work on the island.
“Spring came early this year, the weather is good, and the mood is fighting. The goal of the reconnaissance is to find the supposed places of death of the soldiers, mark the points on the ground. And when all the searchers arrive, we will conduct targeted excavations. We have already managed to find buttons from military uniforms, personal belongings of soldiers. We are studying all the finds and working with them,” said Artem Bandura, head of the regional branch of the Search Movement of Russia.
Shumshu is also currently preparing to welcome youth tourist groups. Participants in patriotic movements from different parts of Russia will see with their own eyes the places where history unfolded and will become ambassadors of this Far Eastern victory in their regions.
The first group is expected to arrive on July 15. Each day the children will have a schedule – lectures, meetings with historians, writers and SVO members, walks along tourist trails, search work.
“We are developing four tourist routes called “Roads of Shumshu Island”. The longest one is a ring route – 50 km. It goes through the entire island and through the most iconic battle sites. There are also three radial routes from 5 to 8.5 km long, so that groups can comfortably move around the island and touch history,” said Artem Lazarev, Minister of Tourism of the Sakhalin Region.
Let us recall that the key events dedicated to the opening of the memorial complex – the competition in sports triathlon “Height 171” and military-historical reconstruction – will take place in the second half of August, on the day of the beginning of the Kuril landing operation. About 150 people from two dozen regions of Russia and friendly countries will take part in the reconstruction.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Source: State University of Management – Official website of the State –
Rector of the State University of Management Vladimir Stroyev spoke at the Rector’s Club discussion on the topic of “Educational policy in the context of the Priority 2030 program”, which was held as part of the Fourth All-Russian IOT-meeting in the studio of the Russian Society “Knowledge”.
Vladimir Stroyev shared his opinion on regulating the volume of paid admission to study at universities:
“While the mechanism of changes has not been officially announced, it is only known that the reduction will take place on September 1. Now we continue to work as usual, understanding that our situation may be simpler than that of many colleagues, because the State University of Management grew out of the Moscow Engineering and Economics Institute and has strong engineering competencies along with training managers of various profiles – not only civil servants, but also managers of specific industries.
We have a wide range of engineering specialties: electric power engineering, mechanical engineering, transport, construction, chemical industry. The recently published rating of the Ministry of Labor confirmed the demand for our graduates – GUU took 11th place, which is not bad, although we can strive higher. Our system of cooperation with industry partners helps to create competitive developments and form practical competencies of future engineers and managers,” concluded Vladimir Vitalievich.
The rector also emphasized that in addition to its main educational activities, the State University of Management is actively developing the scientific sphere, supporting projects of the Student Design Bureau, which regularly wins competitions and receives state grants.
During the discussion, the President of SFedU Marina Borovskaya, the Director of the Mashuk Knowledge Center, Deputy General Director of the Russian Society “Knowledge” Anton Serikov, the Rector of Tyumen State University Ivan Romanchuk, the Rector of Cherepovets State University Olga Lyaginova, the Director of the Department for Work with Educational Organizations of the Russian Society “Knowledge” Albina Bikbulatova, the Chairman of the Council of the IOT Consortium of Universities, General Director of CUSTIS Vladimir Rakhteenko, the Director of the Odintsovo Branch of MGIMO Elena Kozlovskaya and others shared their vision of various aspects of modern education.
The All-Russian IOT-meeting is one of the key annual events of the Decade of Science and Technology in Russia in the track “Designing the Future”. The IOT-meeting is focused on discussions and exchange of experience of rectors, vice-rectors, heads of PIS and IT teams of universities that are planning and already implementing flexible educational models.
Please note: This information is raw content directly from the source of the information. It is exactly what the source states and does not reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.
Plans for UK to become sustainable finance capital of the world
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband outlines plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans.
Government welcomes views on supporting banks and large companies to set out their climate transition plans
Energy Secretary announces plans will “help unlock billions in clean energy investment” and grow the economy
delivers on commitment to make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world” as part of the Plan for Change
To help “unlock billions in clean energy investment”, the Energy Secretary Ed Miliband has today outlined plans to support banks and large companies in developing climate transition plans when addressing the Climate and Innovation Forum as part of London Climate Action Week (25 June).
The UK is consistently ranked first in the world for sustainable finance, and 70% of FTSE 100 companies have already voluntarily developed many of the key elements of a transition plan. Widespread transition planning will help provide long-term certainty and clarity to help scale the sustainable finance industry as part of our modern industrial policy.
The government’s clean energy superpower mission is already delivering economic growth, with net zero sectors growing 3 times faster than the overall economy last year, according to CBI Economics. Since July, over £40 billion of private investment has also been announced into the UK’s clean energy industries – creating good jobs for working people and driving long-term growth.
As part of the government’s Plan for Change, the government wants to help stimulate billions of pounds a year of private investment to deliver the government’s clean energy superpower mission and make the UK the “sustainable finance capital of the world”.
To support this growth, the government will take forward recommendations from last year’s Transition Finance Market Review to consult on transition plan requirements in order to catalyse the growing transition finance market. The design of any future transition plan requirements will be aligned with the Prime Minister’s commitment to reduce regulatory compliance costs by 25%.
Energy Secretary Ed Miliband said:
This government is determined to make the UK the sustainable finance capital of the world as we seize the huge economic opportunities provided by clean energy.
Through our clean energy superpower mission and industrial strategy, we can win this global race and accelerate investment into these sectors – growing the economy, turbocharging the transition to net zero and delivering on our Plan for Change.
Our plans will transform our leading financial services sector into a global hub for green investment.
Minister for Competition and Markets Justin Madders said:
We want to work with businesses to develop a “common sense” sustainable reporting framework that is transparent, clear and proportionate for those investing in the UK.
These measures will enhance competition in the sustainability assurance sector, helping to deliver on our Plan for Change and kickstart economic growth.
Rt Hon Lord Alok Sharma KCMG, Chair of the UK Transition Finance Council said:
A clear message from the Transition Finance Market Review was that high quality disclosure and information are vital for investors and a pre-condition to a flourishing sustainable and transition finance market.
I therefore very much welcome the government taking forward recommendations from the Review to consult on corporate transition plan requirements.
The UK can become the pre-eminent global financial centre for raising transition finance, but this is a time-limited opportunity, and that is why it will be vital to move quickly from consultation to implementation.
The government is publishing 3 consultations on:
how to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning to support the market to invest in sectors that will deliver the clean energy superpower mission
new UK Sustainability Reporting Standards to provide clear, comparable information for investors on sustainability related financial risks and opportunities to enable them to make informed investment decisions
the development of a voluntary registration regime for the providers of assurance of sustainability reporting, supporting growth in this important sector
Transition planning means businesses set out a roadmap that outlines how they intend to adapt and transform their operations, strategies, and business models to align with their climate goals.
This is a vital part of the government’s commitment to secure Britain’s position as the sustainable finance capital of the world and will help businesses and investors seize the opportunities from the clean energy transition.
A recent survey of financial institutions conducted by South Pole found that 84% of UK-based financial institutions find companies with transition plans more attractive to invest in.
Supporting British industry and creating good, skilled jobs up and up down the country is core to the government’s industrial strategy and plan to grow the economy, ensuring businesses can take advantage of the transition to new low carbon technologies as they reduce their emissions. This will allow UK industry to remain competitive globally and support the millions of manufacturing jobs in regions across the UK – as well as future-proofing existing sectors, and increasing economic resilience to climate impacts.
Alistair Phillips-Davies, Chief Executive at SSE plc said:
SSE has long been a firm supporter of credible, transparent transition planning. As an early adopter of climate transition plans, we’ve seen first-hand how they can build investor confidence and accelerate progress toward net zero.
We welcome the UK Government’s ambition to become the sustainable finance capital of the world and fully support the work of the Transition Plan Taskforce and the Transition Finance Market Review.
As the UK’s clean energy champion, we want to see the UK remain the best place in the world to attract transition finance and deliver the investment needed for a just and ambitious energy transition.
Rachel Solomon Williams, Executive Director of the Aldersgate Group, said:
The Aldersgate Group welcomes today’s announcement as a significant step forward in creating a first-in-class green regulatory framework.
Using the feedback from these consultations to develop clear financial guardrails will help strengthen the transparency, interoperability, and credibility of climate-related financial disclosures. This is essential to support the measures in the government’s Modern Industrial Strategy, unlocking private sector investment in the UK’s low carbon economy.
We are particularly pleased to see the consultation on how best to take forward the government’s commitment on transition planning. Climate transition plans are a vital tool to help real economy companies integrate climate into strategic and operational decision-making, while also enabling financial institutions to align capital allocation, stewardship, and risk management with the transition to net zero.
James Alexander, CEO of UK Sustainable Investment and Finance Association (UKSIF), said:
We welcome the government’s commitment to bringing forward the consultation on climate transition plans for banks and large companies. These are essential for enhancing growth and global competitiveness as the UK and other countries decarbonise.
Further dialogue between the government and industry on the UK Sustainability Reporting Standards is also very encouraging. We look forward to ministers taking forward these commitments, which will help future-proof our economy over the coming years.
Heather McKay, Programme Lead, UK Sustainable and Resilient Finance at E3G, said:
The delivery of the government’s growth mission relies on ensuring Britain is a world-class destination for green and transition finance.
The clean economy is our ticket to a high-growth future, and credible transition plans – as part of a future-fit regulatory regime – are fundamental to unlocking the investment required to seize this opportunity.
The release of this highly anticipated consultation package is a welcome step towards turning this vision into reality.
Claudine Blamey, Chief Sustainability Officer at Aviva, said:
We welcome this consultation as an important next step in understanding how transition planning is rolled out across the UK economy, helping businesses understand the steps needed to transition, supporting a greener, more prosperous future.
Andrew Ninian, Director for Stewardship, Risk and Tax at the Investment Association, said:
We want the UK to remain at the forefront of sustainable finance. Ensuring that reporting standards are focused on the issues that impact the financial performance of companies is vital to achieve this.
Transition planning should enable investors to understand how climate risks and opportunities affect a company’s value and how they are adapting their business strategy to reduce their climate impact, in order to provide a sustainable future and grow the UK economy.
International comparability is also key, and with companies already preparing for reporting in line with ISSB, endorsing the standards will allow investors in UK companies to fully understand their long-term sustainability risks and simplify reporting expectations in the UK and globally.
Ian Bhullar, Director, Sustainability Policy, UK Finance said:
The financial services industry backs proportionate, internationally aligned sustainability reporting. Many firms have already published transition plans and use their customers’ plans to make low-carbon financing decisions.
Better reporting by a range of companies will provide information that lenders and investors can use to increase green finance flows. UK Finance welcomes these consultations and will work with government to ensure they support growth in the UK economy.
Faith Ward, Chief RI Officer, Brunel Pension Partnership said:
I hugely welcome the HMG announcements today. Having been deeply involved in supporting the International Sustainability Standards Board and Transition Plan Taskforce, I am delighted to see the UK take this vital step to regain its leadership role as global centre for green finance.
Investors want to allocate capital to growing businesses that are taking action to address climate and sustainability risks – and that are looking to business opportunities so that they deliver financially over the long term. They need globally consistent reporting on climate and sustainability actions, alongside critical insights into corporate plans for the transition.
Bruno Gardner, Head of Climate Change and Nature, Phoenix Group said:
As a long-term investor, policy developments that provide greater certainty around the net zero transition enhance the UK’s role as the leading centre of sustainable finance.
Transition plans are critical to helping investors like Phoenix Group manage the risks of climate change and direct capital towards companies that are best equipped to navigate the transition to net zero, ensuring the best outcomes for our customers.
We welcome all three consultations and the government’s engagement with the private sector, which is a significant step towards giving investors greater policy certainty and enabling us to being net-zero by 2050.
Notes to editors
DESNZ analysis of Bloomberg New Energy Finance (BNEF) data showed that global investment into low carbon sectors amounted to £1.6 trillion in 2024, with total investment in UK low carbon sectors representing 1.8% of GDP, the second highest share within the G7.
Sellafield Ltd engineers win IChemE Young Engineers Awards
Graduate engineers at Sellafield Ltd have won a prestigious award at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards.
Sellafield Ltd’s winning team at the Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability 2025
A team of design engineer graduates from Sellafield Ltd won the the Quality Education category at the prestigious Institution of Chemical Engineers (IChemE) Young Engineers Awards for Innovation and Sustainability.
The IChemE awards celebrate groundbreaking ideas in chemical engineering and supports IChemE’s vision for a more sustainable world.
The winning team—Joseph Carter, Alana Prior, Lara Hill, and Ben Hilton—were recognised for their project, A Novel Approach to Chemical Engineering Work Experience, which enhances Sellafield Ltd’s design engineering work experience programme.
Since taking charge of the programme’s process engineering section last September, the team introduced a practical phase separation activity, improved guidance for volunteers, refined the volunteering process to cover all 10 annual work experience weeks, and developed new resources for West Cumbria’s newly established design engineering work experience.
Their initiative aims to inspire future engineers by making chemical engineering more accessible, addressing skills shortages in the industry. Demand for chemical engineers in the UK has surged by 55% in the last five years, with an annual shortfall of up to 59,000 engineering professionals.
Team member, Ben Hilton, said:
We’re thrilled to have received this recognition from IChemE. Sellafield has great early careers programmes, and their work experience initiative is a fantastic way to get young people interested in engineering careers. We’ve been lucky to be part of the graduate programme, and it’s great to see young professionals getting the opportunity to shape and lead these schemes
On behalf of the rest of the team, I’d like to thank all of the volunteers and colleagues who supported this initiative. Their dedication and expertise have been invaluable in making the work experience programme as engaging and impactful as possible. Without their commitment, none of this would have been possible.
Head of education, skills and social mobility, Michelle Lambon-Wilks, said:
We are immensely proud to see this talented group of graduates receive recognition from IChemE. Their dedication and hard work have been truly outstanding, and this achievement is well deserved.
At the heart of our mission is a commitment to delivering high-quality early careers programmes that provide a strong foundation for professional success. We actively listen to those taking part, value their insights, and continuously refine our initiatives based on their feedback—ensuring they are as impactful and effective as possible.
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
URUMQI, June 25 (Xinhua) — The ongoing summer heat wave has increased the risk of forest and grassland fires in Ili Kazakh Autonomous Prefecture of northwest China’s Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, which borders Kazakhstan, with fires most common in the border areas of the two countries, which are rich in wetlands, mountains and dense vegetation.
The Xinjiang General Forest Fire Brigade accredited in the above-mentioned county (hereinafter referred to as the “Ili Fire Brigade”) is responsible for internal fire safety along the 800-km border line. In order to prevent fires from breaking out, the fire brigade is currently actively practicing various firefighting scenarios. They are equipped with special-purpose equipment, including helicopters and armored tracked fire trucks.
Under the influence of various factors, forest and steppe fires on the borders of the two countries can pose a threat to both environmental safety and human safety. In recent years, the Ili fire brigade, consisting of 200 people, has taken part in fire and rescue operations in the border area three times.
The last fire on the border occurred late at night three years ago. More than 130 people and over 30 vehicles, as well as 800 units and sets of firefighting equipment and communication and command devices were sent to the scene. As a result of their coordinated actions, the large fire was extinguished within 4 days.
In early June this year, the Ili Fire Brigade and representatives of the firefighters of Kazakhstan took part in joint exercises near the Dulat checkpoint, which involved numerous forces. Six years ago, a secondary forest caught fire in the area adjacent to the same border crossing on the territory of Kazakhstan. As was established following a meeting between the border guards of the two countries, the fire was caused by grass burning and did not require the participation of the rescue forces of China to extinguish it. Thus, the fire brigade simply broke through a fire barrier 63 km long and about 50 m wide along the border line on the Chinese side, effectively preventing the indiscriminate spread of the fire.
“If a fire breaks out on the border between China and Kazakhstan, our side must take the initiative and actively participate in the rescue operation, and if necessary, at the request of the Kazakh side, a cross-border firefighting operation can be carried out” – this is the principle that prevails in the actions of the Ili Fire Brigade.
To combat forest and grassland fires in border areas, China has set up several teams ready to go to fight similar cross-border fires, said Cao Lihong, a research fellow at the Belt and Road Development Research Institute at Ili Normal University.
She stressed that China and Kazakhstan’s joint response to common natural disasters is a concrete embodiment of the good-neighborliness and friendship between the two countries. According to her, China and Kazakhstan are continuously exploring ways to resolve problems arising in cooperation in firefighting and rescue work, thereby deepening mutual trust and cooperation, which can provide wisdom and useful experience for other countries in dealing with similar border fires. -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The BRICS countries are progressive forces in maintaining world peace and stability and upholding international fairness and justice. China stands ready to continue efforts with other BRICS countries to maintain peace and stability in the Middle East, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said at a regular press briefing on a joint statement issued by Brazil, which holds the BRICS presidency, in which the grouping countries expressed concern over the worsening security situation in the region following the military strikes on Iran.
The BRICS countries, by calling in a joint statement for a ceasefire and ceasefire, dialogue and consultation, are playing a constructive role in de-escalating the situation in the Middle East, Guo Jiakun said.
The diplomat cited the words of Chinese President Xi Jinping, who in his speech at last year’s BRICS summit in Kazan stated the importance of “promoting the BRICS peace agenda in the name of protecting common security.” -0-
Source: People’s Republic of China in Russian – People’s Republic of China in Russian –
Source: People’s Republic of China – State Council News
BEIJING, June 25 (Xinhua) — The Chinese mainland will make every effort to help evacuate Chinese citizens, including Taiwan compatriots, affected by the ongoing conflict between Israel and Iran, Zhu Fenglian, spokesperson for the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said Wednesday.
The Chinese Embassy in Israel recently issued an announcement asking Chinese citizens, including Taiwanese compatriots, who hold a mainland entry card to register for evacuation assistance due to rising tensions in the region.
Zhu Fenglian said at a press conference that some Taiwanese compatriots have now been safely evacuated to neighboring countries.
“We always reach out to our Taiwanese compatriots in a timely manner to provide them with the necessary assistance, whether it is during natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes, or emergency evacuations related to conflicts and wars,” she stressed. -0-