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Category: Asia

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: I survived the 7/7 London bombings, but as a British Muslim I still grew up being called a terrorist

    Source: The Conversation – UK – By Neema Begum, Assistant Professor in British Politics, University of Nottingham

    Twenty years ago, I was walking through central London with my history teacher when a bus exploded behind us. We were in London for an awards ceremony at Westminster where I was to pick up the award for best opposition speaker in the Youth Parliament competition.

    We had arrived at Euston station and all local transport had been cancelled. At this point, we heard that there’d been a bomb scare.

    We bought a map at the station and set off to walk to Westminster when the number 30 bus exploded on Tavistock Square. It was the loudest sound I’d ever heard. People were running and screaming. We ran too and took shelter in a nearby park.

    We later learned that four bombs had been detonated on London’s transport system. The attack, carried out by British-born Islamist extremists on July 7 2005, claimed the lives of 52 people and injured hundreds. My teacher and I were far enough away from the bus to be physically unhurt.

    Four years on from the attacks on 9/11, this was a time when, in the minds of many, Muslims were already associated with terrorism. Despite going to a state school where the pupils were predominantly Muslim, we were called terrorists in the playground.

    Get your news from actual experts, straight to your inbox. Sign up to our daily newsletter to receive all The Conversation UK’s latest coverage of news and research, from politics and business to the arts and sciences.

    In the aftermath of 7/7, there was no space for Muslim survivors like me. No headlines about our fear, our trauma or our belonging – only suspicion. While I was lucky to walk away physically unscathed, I carried a different kind of wound: being part of a community that was treated with collective blame.

    My academic research focuses on ethnic minority voting behaviour, political participation and representation in Britain. The events of 7/7 marked a critical moment in how British Muslims are still viewed as inherently suspect today.

    Over the last 25 years, Muslim communities have been viewed as places where terrorism is fostered. Following 7/7, British Muslims were viewed as a security threat by politicians, the media and many non-Muslims.

    One stark example was the implementation of the Prevent counter-terrorism programme after 7/7. Prevent has contributed to increased surveillance and marginalisation of Muslim communities in the UK.

    Fear of Muslims and especially “home-grown terrorists” has meant that Muslims are made to feel that they must condemn terrorist acts. Despite the fact that an overwhelming majority of Muslims in the UK identify as British and are proud to be British citizens, British Muslims often feel they must prove their “Britishness” and distance themselves from stereotypes of Muslims as terrorists or terrorist sympathisers.

    Post-7/7 arguments that British Muslims were at odds with “British values” and fears that Britain was sleepwalking into segregation have persisted in politics and the media. Negative portrayals of Islam and Muslims in media, including stigmatising, offensive and biased news reports have not helped.

    In 2013, a device exploded outside the mosque I attended as a child, carried out by an extreme right-wing white supremacist. In 2025, hate crimes against Muslims have reached record levels.

    Stereotypes of Muslims in politics

    Twenty years after the London bombings, there are more Muslim voices in politics and media, and a greater awareness of Islamophobia. The idea that London could have a Muslim mayor, as it does today with Sadiq Khan, may have been unthinkable in the immediate aftermath of 7/7.

    But the fear that gripped the country in 2005 never disappeared, it just changed shape. Today it shows up in political attacks and increases in anti-Muslim hate crimes in the context of the war in Gaza. It also shows up in attacks on the religious freedoms of British Muslims – like calls for a burka ban – under the guise of “British values”.

    While there are more Muslims in politics at every level, they are not exempt from stereotypes. In my research on ethnic minority local councillors, I’ve found Muslim women councillors were often stereotyped as submissive and oppressed in white council spaces.

    A hijab-wearing Muslim woman councillor received comments that she wasn’t “westernised enough” and that she needed to be “more modernised”. Another Muslim woman councillor had a white male journalist remark that she was “very confident” in a way she felt was derisive.

    Working against ingrained stereotypes of how a Muslim woman would behave, these councillors often faced a double burden: having to constantly prove their “modernity” and competence while simultaneously navigating accusations of being either too passive or too assertive – never quite fitting the narrow expectations imposed upon them.

    The 7/7 memorial in London’s Hyde Park.
    Chris Dorney/Shutterstock

    In research on ethnic minority voting behaviour in the EU referendum, I found that campaign groups for Brexit such as Muslims for Britain drew on “good Muslim” narratives to buttress their claims to Britishness. For example, they have referred to the sacrifices Muslim soldiers made for Britain in the two world wars, to position British Muslims – particularly those with south Asian heritage – as established and loyal members of the nation.

    Even as a survivor of terrorism, I – like many British Muslims – am constantly made to prove my distance from it. I have particularly noticed this as a woman of Bangladeshi heritage, sharing a surname with Shamima Begum, who joined Islamic State as a teenager and had her UK citizenship stripped.

    Begum is also my mother’s name, my classmates’ name, and shared by many British Bengali women. It belongs to Nadiya Hussain (née Begum), winner of The Great British Bake Off and Halima Begum, chief executive of Oxfam. Behind every headline are real, complex communities still hoping to be seen beyond the shadow of suspicion.

    Neema Begum receives funding from the British Academy.

    – ref. I survived the 7/7 London bombings, but as a British Muslim I still grew up being called a terrorist – https://theconversation.com/i-survived-the-7-7-london-bombings-but-as-a-british-muslim-i-still-grew-up-being-called-a-terrorist-259316

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI Submissions: War, politics and religion shape wildlife evolution in cities

    Source: The Conversation – USA – By Elizabeth Carlen, Living Earth Collaborative Postdoctoral Fellow, Washington University in St. Louis

    A Buddhist monk in Hong Kong releases fish and chants prayers during a ceremony to free the spirits of tsunami victims. Samantha Sin/AFP via Getty Images

    People often consider evolution to be a process that occurs in nature in the background of human society. But evolution is not separate from human beings. In fact, human cultural practices can influence evolution in wildlife. This influence is highly pronounced in cities, where people drastically alter landscapes to meet their own needs.

    Human actions can affect wildlife evolution in a number of ways. If people fragment habitat, separated wildlife populations can evolve to be more and more different from each other. If people change certain local conditions, it can pressure organisms in new ways that mean different genes are favored by natural selection and passed on to offspring – another form of evolution that can be driven by what people do.

    In a recent review, evolutionary biologists Marta Szulkin, Colin Garroway and I, in collaboration with scientists spread across five continents, explored how cultural processes – including religion, politics and war – shape urban evolution. We reviewed dozens of empirical studies about urban wildlife around the globe. Our work highlights which human cultural practices have and continue to shape the evolutionary trajectory of wild animals and plants.

    Religious practices

    If you’ve traveled internationally, you may have noticed the menu at any one McDonald’s restaurant is shaped by the local culture of its location. In the United Arab Emirates, McDonald’s serves an entirely halal menu. Vegetarian items are common and no beef is served in Indian McDonald’s. And in the United States, McDonald’s Filet-O-Fish is especially popular during Lent when observant Catholics don’t consume meat on Fridays.

    Similarly, ecosystems of cities are shaped by local cultural practices. Because all wildlife are connected to the environment, cultural practices that alter the landscape shape the evolution of urban organisms.

    Populations of fire salamanders have different genes depending on which side of city walls in Oviedo, Spain, they live on.
    Patrice Skrzynski via Getty Images

    For example, in Oviedo, Spain, people constructed walls around religious buildings between the 12th and 16th centuries. This division of the city led to different populations of fire salamanders inside and outside the walls. Because salamanders can’t scale these walls, those on opposite sides became isolated from each other and unable to pass genes back and forth. In a process that scientists call genetic drift, over time salamanders on the two sides became genetically distinct − evidence of the two populations evolving independently.

    Imagine dumping out a handful of M&Ms. Just by chance, some colors might be overrepresented and others might be missing. In the same way, genes that are overrepresented on one side of the wall can be in low numbers or missing on the other side. That’s genetic drift.

    Introducing non-native wildlife is another way people can alter urban ecosystems and evolutionary processes. For example, prayer animal release is a practice that started in the fifth or sixth century in some sects of Buddhism. Practitioners who strive to cause no harm to any living creature release captive animals, which benefits the animal and is meant to improve the karma of the person who released it.

    However, these animals are often captured from the wild or come from the pet trade, thereby introducing non-native wildlife into the urban ecosystem. Non-natives may compete with local species and contribute to the local extinction of native wildlife. Capturing animals nearby has downsides, too. It can diminish local populations, since many die traveling to the release ceremony. The genetic diversity of these local populations in turn decreases, reducing the population’s ability to survive.

    More than a thousand sparrows killed by peasants in 1958 are displayed on a cart near Beijing, China.
    Sovphoto/Universal Images Group via Getty Images

    Influence of politics

    Politically motivated campaigns have shaped wildlife in various ways.

    Starting in 1958, for instance, the Chinese Communist Party led a movement to eliminate four species that were considered pests: rats, flies, mosquitoes and sparrows. While the first three are commonly considered pests around the world, sparrows made the list because they were “public animals of capitalism” due to their fondness for grain. The extermination campaign ended up decimating the sparrow population and damaging the entire ecosystem. With sparrows no longer hunting and eating insects, crop pests such as locusts thrived, leading to crop destruction and famine.

    In the United States, racial politics may be shaping evolutionary processes in wildlife.
    For instance, American highways traverse cities according to political agendas and have often dismantled poor neighborhoods of color to make way for multilane thoroughfares. These highways can change how animals are able to disperse and commingle. For example, they prevent bobcats and coyotes from traveling throughout Los Angeles, leading to similar patterns of population differentiation as seen in fire salamanders in Spain.

    Wildlife during and after war

    Human religious and political agendas often lead to armed conflict. Wars are known to dramatically alter the environment, as seen in current conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine.

    The Russia-Ukraine war affected migration of greater spotted eagles.
    Nimit Virdi via Getty Images

    While documenting evolutionary changes to urban wildlife is secondary to keeping people safe during wartime, a handful of studies on wildlife have come out of active war zones. For example, the current Russia-Ukraine war affected the migration of greater spotted eagles. They made large diversions around the active war zone, arriving later than usual at their breeding grounds. The longer route increased the energy the eagles used during migration and likely influenced their fitness during breeding.

    Wars limit access to resources for people living in active war zones. The lack of energy to heat homes in Ukraine during the winter has led urban residents to harvest wood from nearby forests. This harvesting will have long-term consequences on forest dynamics, likely altering future evolutionary potential.

    A similar example is famine that occurred during the Democratic Republic of Congo’s civil wars (1996-1997, 1998-2003) and led to an increase in bushmeat consumption. This wildlife hunting is known to reduce primate population sizes, making them more susceptible to local extinction.

    Even after war, landscapes experience consequences.

    For example, the demilitarized zone between North Korea and South Korea is a 160-mile (250-kilometer) barrier, established in 1953, separating the two countries. Heavily fortified with razor wire and landmines, the demilitarized zone has become a de facto nature sanctuary supporting thousands of species, including dozens of endangered species.

    The collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of the Cold War led to the establishment of the European Green Belt, which runs along the same path as the Iron Curtain. This protected ecological network is over 7,800 miles (12,500 kilometers) long, allowing wildlife to move freely across 24 countries in Europe. Like the Korean DMZ, the European Green Belt allows for wildlife to move, breed and exchange genes, despite political boundaries. Politics has removed human influence from these spaces, allowing them to be a safe haven for wildlife.

    While researchers have documented a number of examples of wildlife evolving in response to human history and cultural practices, there’s plenty more to uncover. Cultures differ around the world, meaning each city has its own set of variables that shape the evolutionary processes of wildlife. Understanding how these human cultural practices shape evolutionary patterns will allow people to better design cities that support both humans and the wildlife that call these places home.

    Ideas for this article were developed as part of a NSF funded Research Coordination Network (DEB 1840663). Elizabeth Carlen was funded by the Living Earth Collaborative.

    – ref. War, politics and religion shape wildlife evolution in cities – https://theconversation.com/war-politics-and-religion-shape-wildlife-evolution-in-cities-260184

    MIL OSI –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: The Republic of Korea contributes USD 37 million to WFP’s humanitarian assistance through the REACH initiative

    Source: World Food Programme

    SEVILLE, Spain – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) welcomes a USD 37 million contribution from the Republic of Korea (ROK) through a new joint initiative to support WFP’s humanitarian operations in crisis areas.

    Launched in 2025, the REACH initiative (Responding with Emergency Assistance for Conflict-affected Households) is designed to provide emergency support to vulnerable households impacted by conflict and disaster. The new initiative allows the Republic of Korea to support global humanitarian response in a more strategic and impactful way.

    The ROK Ministry of Foreign Affairs and WFP held a meeting on the sidelines of the 4th Development Finance Conference in Seville, Spain, on 1 July, reaffirming their shared commitment to addressing global food crises. The meeting was attended by Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director for Partnerships and Innovation, and Jina Kim, Second Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs of the ROK.

    “The Republic of Korea-WFP REACH initiative is more than a funding mechanism – it is a strategic partnership built on trust and shared values,” said Rania Dagash-Kamara, WFP Assistant Executive Director. “The ROK’s continued solidarity helps WFP’s response in unprecedented humanitarian crises, delivering life-saving assistance to communities in places like Palestine, Sudan, and Syria.”

    Under the REACH initiative, WFP will deliver emergency relief, including food assistance, cash-based transfers, and nutrition support with a focus on helping vulnerable households stabilize their livelihoods. The initiative showcases ROK’s humanitarian leadership and commitment to global solidarity, playing a critical role in saving lives and delivering hope in times of crisis.

    In 2024, the Republic of Korea contributed over USD 200 million to WFP, becoming one of WFP’s top five government donors. Having once received assistance from WFP more than 60 years ago, ROK has transitioned into a leading donor – an inspiring testament to progress in the fight against hunger.

    #              #            #

    The United Nations World Food Programme is the world’s largest humanitarian organization saving lives in emergencies and using food assistance to build a pathway to peace, stability and prosperity for people recovering from conflict, disasters and the impact of climate change.

    Follow us on X via @wfp_media and on Instagram via @worldfoodprogramme, @wfpkorea
     

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: UNDRR welcomes milestone commitments to disaster risk reduction at FFD4

    Source: UNISDR Disaster Risk Reduction

    At the Fourth International Conference on Financing for Development (FFD4), the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNDRR) welcomed a landmark step forward for disaster resilience financing. 

    For the first time, the outcome document includes a dedicated paragraph (para 17) on disaster risk reduction (DRR), committing to scale up investment in DRR and promote risk-informed infrastructure development aligned with the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.  The Compromiso de Sevilla further includes over 20 technical references to disaster and climate risk financing across its sections—a reflection of growing recognition of the financial imperative to reduce risk. 

    “This commitment reflects the growing consensus on the need for greater and smarter financing to achieve the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction,” said Kamal Kishore, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Disaster Risk Reduction and Head of UNDRR. 

    “Let us be clear: financing disaster risk reduction is not a cost—it is an investment. Every dollar invested in resilience saves multiple in avoided losses, reduced humanitarian needs, expedited recovery time, and protected livelihoods.” 

    UNDRR also used the platform to advance the Risk to Resilience Finance Initiative, a new programme designed to help vulnerable countries build national financial systems for DRR and scale up investment in disaster and climate resilience. The initiative, endorsed by Guatemala, Japan, Mexico, Peru, Portugal, Poland, UK, as well as UNCDF, and UNU-EHS, is now part of the Sevilla Platform for Action. 

    The initiative aims to support vulnerable countries over five years—particularly LDCs and SIDS— in developing national financing systems adapted to their context that ensure funding for DRR measures at all levels, promote risk-informed investment planning across sectors, and establish financial mechanisms to absorb disaster shocks and enable faster recovery. 

    In a side event co-hosted by UNDRR, Japan, Poland, Portugal, UK and UNCDF, government officials, financial institutions, and development partners discussed how to integrate disaster and climate risk into national budgeting and investment planning, for instance through debt swaps, integration of resilience criteria in infrastructure development, and the issuance of resilience bonds.  

    With DRR now firmly embedded in the Financing for Development agenda, UNDRR reiterated its commitment to working with all partners to accelerate the shift from risk to resilience, ensuring no development gain is lost to disaster. 

    Catalyzing investment in resilience

    The Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction identifies investing in disaster risk reduction as one of its four priority actions. In response, UNDRR has intensified its work in this area. Our goal is to support countries in accessing more financing for prevention, while at the same time, helping the public and private sectors to de-risk investments and reorient financial flows for increased resilience.
    Learn more

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

  • MIL-OSI United Nations: Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women Closes Ninety-First Session in Geneva

    Source: United Nations – Geneva

    The Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women today closed its ninety-first session after adopting concluding observations regarding reports on implementation of the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women submitted by Afghanistan, Botswana, Chad, Ireland, Mexico, San Marino and Thailand, which the Committee reviewed during the session in Geneva, as well as those of Fiji, Solomon Islands and Tuvalu, which it reviewed during a technical cooperation session held in Fiji in April.

    The concluding observations adopted by the Committee on the countries under review will soon be available on the session’s webpage.

    In concluding remarks, Committee Chairperson Nahla Haidar said that during the ninety-first session, in addition to holding dialogues with States parties, the Committee had held informal meetings with non-governmental organizations and national human rights institutions from most of the States parties reviewed.

    Ms. Haidar said the highlight of this session was the review of the fourth periodic report of Afghanistan, with recommendations addressed to the de facto authorities, the international community, the United Nations system, as well as the Permanent Mission in Geneva, with which the Committee held the dialogue following the fourth cycle Universal Periodic Review of Afghanistan in 2024.

    Important progress had been made in rationalising the Committee’s working methods and using meeting time more efficiently, Ms. Haidar said, while regretting that the ninety-second session, scheduled to take place in October 2025, had been cancelled due to the current financial situation of the United Nations Secretariat.  She applauded the Working Group on working methods for their tremendous work in re-structuring the constructive dialogues with States parties and finding transitional solutions to cope with the reduced meeting time.

    Ms. Haidar was similarly pleased with the progress achieved by the Working Group on gender-based violence against women, which enabled the Committee to publish an initial position paper on tech-facilitated gender-based violence against women and to consider a statement on a proposed Optional Protocol on the issue. The Working Group on women, peace and security also made important headway by producing an advance unedited addendum to General Recommendation 30 (2013) on women in conflict prevention, conflict and post-conflict situations, the advance unedited version of which would be submitted as a contribution to mark the twenty-fifth anniversary of Security Council resolution 1325 (2000) on women, peace and security.  It would be published in September for an online consultation process, inviting comments from all interested stakeholders at the occasion of the meeting of the General Assembly.  Ms. Haidar said she was very satisfied that the Committee was able to deliver on its core mandates under the Convention and the Optional Protocol during this session.

    During the session, Ms. Haidar said, the Committee also held informal meetings with the United Nations Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Special Rapporteur on violence against women and girls, Reem Alsalem, and with the new Chief of the Human Rights Treaties Branch of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Antti Korkeakivi. 

    In closing, Ms. Haidar thanked all those who contributed to the session, including Committee members, the Committee secretariat and United Nations staff.  She said the Committee had successfully delivered on its mandate to protect and promote women’s rights and gender equality. Although the session scheduled for October of this year had been cancelled, the Committee Experts would continue to work together online and looked forward to meeting in person next year, she concluded.

    At the beginning of the meeting, Committee Rapporteur Brenda Akia presented the draft report of the session, which contained the draft report of the Working Group of the Whole.  The Committee then adopted the report ad referendum.

    Due to the current liquidity situation of the United Nations Secretariat and associated cash conservation measures, the Committee session scheduled for 6 to 24 October 2025 has been cancelled.

    Information on the dates of the next session and the reports to be reviewed will be published on the Committee’s webpage at a later date.

    ___________

    Produced by the United Nations Information Service in Geneva for use of the media; 
    not an official record. English and French versions of our releases are different as they are the product of two separate coverage teams that work independently.

     

    CEDAW25.021E

    MIL OSI United Nations News –

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: APO

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

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

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

    Media files

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    MIL OSI Africa –

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • PM Modi departs for Buenos Aires after concluding visit to Trinidad and Tobago

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarked on his visit to Argentina—the third leg of his five-nation tour—after concluding his visit to Trinidad and Tobago on Friday.

    PM Modi is headed to Buenos Aires at the official invitation of the President of the Republic of Argentina, Javier Milei. He will hold bilateral talks with President Milei to review ongoing cooperation and explore ways to further enhance the India-Argentina partnership in key areas including defence, agriculture, mining, oil and gas, renewable energy, trade, investment, and people-to-people ties.

    After completing his visit to Argentina, PM Modi will head to Brazil from July 5 to 8 to attend the 17th BRICS Summit 2025. In the final leg of his five-nation tour, the Prime Minister will visit Namibia, where he is also scheduled to address the Parliament.

    PM Modi is on an eight-day tour from July 2 to 9, with visits to Ghana, Trinidad & Tobago, Argentina, Brazil, and Namibia.

    ANI

  • Parliamentarians in Trinidad & Tobago hail PM Modi’s speech

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on Frdiay at the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago was met with resounding applause from the Members of Parliament. During his address to the Joint Assembly at the iconic Red House, PM Modi expressed gratitude and said he felt humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the esteemed House.

    Addressing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, President of the Senate Wade Mark, Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh, and other parliamentarians, PM Modi highlighted the warm and historic ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago. His speech was interrupted more than 20 times by warm applause from the MPs.

    PM Modi said he was deeply honoured to stand before the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation. He extended greetings on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and conveyed warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country he visited prior to arriving in the Caribbean nation.

    “This historic Red House has witnessed the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity. Over the past six decades, it has stood strong as you’ve built a just, inclusive, and prosperous democracy,” PM Modi said.

    He praised the leadership of President Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, both of Indian descent, calling them “living symbols of the relationship between our countries, built on shared roots and shared dreams.”

    PM Modi reflected on the journey of both nations from colonial rule to thriving democracies: “With courage as our ink and democracy as our pen, we have written our own stories.”

    The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Trinidad & Tobago for recently participating in democratic elections and lauded the wisdom and vision of the electorate. He extended best wishes to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar on securing a second consecutive term.

    Referring to the words inscribed on the Speaker’s Chair—”FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO”—PM Modi said the chair was “not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of friendship and trust between our two nations.”

    “In India, democracy is not just a political system but a way of life,” he added.

    The PM also pointed out that some members of the T&T Parliament trace their ancestry to Bihar, an Indian state known for ancient democratic roots such as Vaishali.

    “There is a natural warmth in our connection. Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team—except, of course, when they play against India!” he joked.

    PM Modi recalled the arrival of Indians to Trinidad 180 years ago and how their culture blended with the Caribbean rhythm: “Here, Bhojpuri found harmony with Creole, dal puri met doubles, and tabla met the steel pan.”

    Today, people of Indian origin are an integral part of the vibrant diversity of Trinidad & Tobago, he said, contributing to every field—from politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, and calypso to chutney.

    Earlier in the day, President Christine Kangaloo conferred PM Modi with the nation’s highest civilian honour, which he accepted with humility on behalf of the Indian people.

    Expressing appreciation, PM Modi said: “I am delighted to see so many women Members in this House. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture.” Quoting a verse from the *Skanda Purana*, he emphasized the value of daughters, adding, “One daughter brings as much joy as ten sons.”

    The Prime Minister highlighted India’s push toward gender equality, mentioning the recent 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. “Around 1.5 million elected women lead local governance institutions. We are in an era of women-led development,” he said.

    On economic development, PM Modi noted: “India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world today. Our growth is inclusive and people-centric.” He cited an International Labour Organization report that noted India’s welfare programs cover 950 million people.

    He added that India views its development as a responsibility toward others, with a special focus on the Global South.

    On bilateral ties, he said India would deepen cooperation with Trinidad & Tobago in trade, development, healthcare, and technology. He welcomed T&T’s adoption of the UPI digital payment system, noting that even mango sellers in India now prefer UPI over cash.

    India is also ready to share its expertise in agriculture, food processing, and digital innovation, he added. “Development is about dignity,” he said, announcing an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens in Trinidad & Tobago.

    “As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad & Tobago has great potential. We look forward to stronger regional cooperation through India-CARICOM ties.”

    Speaking on global issues, PM Modi acknowledged the challenges facing the world: climate change, terrorism, food and energy insecurity, and cyber threats. He emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions and more equitable representation for the Global South.

    “The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap,” he said. “We need to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table and ensure climate justice, so that the burden doesn’t fall on those who contributed the least.”

    The PM said India’s vision for the Global South is encapsulated in the acronym *MAHASAGAR* — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

    Highlighting cooperation during the pandemic, PM Modi reminded the House that India sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries and provided humanitarian aid during global disasters.

    He reaffirmed India’s respect for T&T’s support in the fight against terrorism: “Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space.”

    PM Modi added, “From Ayodhya to Arima, from the ghats of the Ganga to the Gulf of Paria, may our bonds grow ever deeper, and our dreams ever higher.”

    He thanked the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago for bestowing him with the honour to address them.

    IANS

     

  • Parliamentarians in Trinidad & Tobago hail PM Modi’s speech

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speech on Frdiay at the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago was met with resounding applause from the Members of Parliament. During his address to the Joint Assembly at the iconic Red House, PM Modi expressed gratitude and said he felt humbled to be the first Indian Prime Minister to address the esteemed House.

    Addressing Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, President of the Senate Wade Mark, Speaker of the House Jagdeo Singh, and other parliamentarians, PM Modi highlighted the warm and historic ties between India and Trinidad & Tobago. His speech was interrupted more than 20 times by warm applause from the MPs.

    PM Modi said he was deeply honoured to stand before the elected representatives of a proud democracy and a friendly nation. He extended greetings on behalf of 1.4 billion Indians and conveyed warm wishes from the people of Ghana, the country he visited prior to arriving in the Caribbean nation.

    “This historic Red House has witnessed the struggles and sacrifices of the people of Trinidad and Tobago for freedom and dignity. Over the past six decades, it has stood strong as you’ve built a just, inclusive, and prosperous democracy,” PM Modi said.

    He praised the leadership of President Kangaloo and Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar, both of Indian descent, calling them “living symbols of the relationship between our countries, built on shared roots and shared dreams.”

    PM Modi reflected on the journey of both nations from colonial rule to thriving democracies: “With courage as our ink and democracy as our pen, we have written our own stories.”

    The Prime Minister congratulated the people of Trinidad & Tobago for recently participating in democratic elections and lauded the wisdom and vision of the electorate. He extended best wishes to Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar on securing a second consecutive term.

    Referring to the words inscribed on the Speaker’s Chair—”FROM THE PEOPLE OF INDIA TO THE PEOPLE OF TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO”—PM Modi said the chair was “not just a piece of furniture but a powerful symbol of friendship and trust between our two nations.”

    “In India, democracy is not just a political system but a way of life,” he added.

    The PM also pointed out that some members of the T&T Parliament trace their ancestry to Bihar, an Indian state known for ancient democratic roots such as Vaishali.

    “There is a natural warmth in our connection. Indians are among the most passionate fans of the West Indies cricket team—except, of course, when they play against India!” he joked.

    PM Modi recalled the arrival of Indians to Trinidad 180 years ago and how their culture blended with the Caribbean rhythm: “Here, Bhojpuri found harmony with Creole, dal puri met doubles, and tabla met the steel pan.”

    Today, people of Indian origin are an integral part of the vibrant diversity of Trinidad & Tobago, he said, contributing to every field—from politics to poetry, cricket to commerce, and calypso to chutney.

    Earlier in the day, President Christine Kangaloo conferred PM Modi with the nation’s highest civilian honour, which he accepted with humility on behalf of the Indian people.

    Expressing appreciation, PM Modi said: “I am delighted to see so many women Members in this House. Respect for women is deeply rooted in Indian culture.” Quoting a verse from the *Skanda Purana*, he emphasized the value of daughters, adding, “One daughter brings as much joy as ten sons.”

    The Prime Minister highlighted India’s push toward gender equality, mentioning the recent 33% reservation for women in Parliament and State Assemblies. “Around 1.5 million elected women lead local governance institutions. We are in an era of women-led development,” he said.

    On economic development, PM Modi noted: “India is the fastest-growing major economy in the world today. Our growth is inclusive and people-centric.” He cited an International Labour Organization report that noted India’s welfare programs cover 950 million people.

    He added that India views its development as a responsibility toward others, with a special focus on the Global South.

    On bilateral ties, he said India would deepen cooperation with Trinidad & Tobago in trade, development, healthcare, and technology. He welcomed T&T’s adoption of the UPI digital payment system, noting that even mango sellers in India now prefer UPI over cash.

    India is also ready to share its expertise in agriculture, food processing, and digital innovation, he added. “Development is about dignity,” he said, announcing an artificial limb fitment camp for differently-abled citizens in Trinidad & Tobago.

    “As a key player in the Caribbean and a bridge to Latin America, Trinidad & Tobago has great potential. We look forward to stronger regional cooperation through India-CARICOM ties.”

    Speaking on global issues, PM Modi acknowledged the challenges facing the world: climate change, terrorism, food and energy insecurity, and cyber threats. He emphasized the need for reforms in global institutions and more equitable representation for the Global South.

    “The voice of the developing world remains on the margins. India has always tried to bridge this gap,” he said. “We need to give the Global South its rightful seat at the right table and ensure climate justice, so that the burden doesn’t fall on those who contributed the least.”

    The PM said India’s vision for the Global South is encapsulated in the acronym *MAHASAGAR* — Mutual and Holistic Advancement for Security and Growth Across Regions.

    Highlighting cooperation during the pandemic, PM Modi reminded the House that India sent vaccines and medicines to over 150 countries and provided humanitarian aid during global disasters.

    He reaffirmed India’s respect for T&T’s support in the fight against terrorism: “Terrorism is the enemy of humanity. This very Red House has itself witnessed the wounds of terror. We must stand united to deny terrorism any shelter or space.”

    PM Modi added, “From Ayodhya to Arima, from the ghats of the Ganga to the Gulf of Paria, may our bonds grow ever deeper, and our dreams ever higher.”

    He thanked the Parliament of Trinidad & Tobago for bestowing him with the honour to address them.

    IANS

     

  • PM Modi meets Trinidad and Tobago President, reaffirms bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago at the President’s House in Port of Spain. The meeting underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries and was marked by warm exchanges.

    The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and conveyed his sincere gratitude for the conferment of the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ describing it as an honour for the 1.4 billion people of India.

    The PM congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service. President Kangaloo, in turn, appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision for India.

    The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored in strong people-to-people ties.

    The Prime Minister reiterated India’s continued support for Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM in strengthening the Global South partnership. He also invited President Kangaloo to visit India.

  • PM Modi meets Trinidad and Tobago President, reaffirms bilateral ties

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday met President Christine Carla Kangaloo of Trinidad and Tobago at the President’s House in Port of Spain. The meeting underscored the longstanding ties between the two countries and was marked by warm exchanges.

    The Prime Minister expressed his heartfelt appreciation for the gracious hospitality extended to him and his delegation, and conveyed his sincere gratitude for the conferment of the ‘Order of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago,’ describing it as an honour for the 1.4 billion people of India.

    The PM congratulated President Kangaloo on receiving the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award this year and expressed deep appreciation for her distinguished public service. President Kangaloo, in turn, appreciated the Prime Minister’s leadership and vision for India.

    The two leaders reflected on the enduring bonds shared by the two countries, anchored in strong people-to-people ties.

    The Prime Minister reiterated India’s continued support for Trinidad and Tobago and CARICOM in strengthening the Global South partnership. He also invited President Kangaloo to visit India.

  • 2nd Test: Brook-Smith stand rescues England, but Siraj’s 6/70 keeps India on driver’s seat

    Source: Government of India

    Source: Government of India (4)

    Mohammed Siraj grabbed six wickets as India bowled out England for 407 runs, taking a first-innings lead of 180 runs in the second Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham. Akash Deep also contributed with four wickets.

    Before stumps, India lost Yashasvi Jaiswal for 28. KL Rahul (28*) and Karun Nair (7*) stood tall at the crease as India finished Day 3 on 64/1, leading by 244 runs.

    England began the third session at 355/5, trailing by 232 runs, with Harry Brook and Jamie Smith unbeaten on 140 (209) and 157 (169), respectively. Brook reached his 150 in the 79th over, pushing the ball towards point for a single.

    In the 82nd over, the duo brought up a 300-run partnership for the sixth wicket. Akash Deep finally broke the stand, cleaning up Brook for a brilliant 158, which included 17 fours and a six.

    Chris Woakes joined Smith at the crease but fell to Deep in the 87th over for just five. After Woakes’ dismissal, Siraj ran through the lower order, claiming three wickets in two overs to bowl out England for 407.

    Jamie Smith remained unbeaten on 184, while Brook scored 158. Smith made history by registering the highest score by a wicketkeeper for England in a Test match.

    Smith now also holds the record for the highest Test score by an England batter at No. 7 or lower, surpassing KS Ranjitsinhji’s 175 against Australia at the SCG in 1897.

    In India’s second innings, Jaiswal and Rahul opened aggressively, reaching 50 runs in just the eighth over. In the same over, Jaiswal was dismissed by Josh Tongue for 28 off 22 balls, which included six fours.

    Karun Nair then joined Rahul at the crease.

    Earlier in the day, Smith and Brook tormented the Indian bowlers in the second session, thriving under the aggressive ‘Bazball’ approach and keeping England in the contest on Day 3 of the Test.

    At Tea, England had reached 355/5, still trailing by 232 runs, with Brook and Smith unbeaten.

    Brook brought up his ninth Test century early in the session, guiding the ball past a diving Nitish Kumar Reddy at gully. Indian spinners Washington Sundar and Ravindra Jadeja were ineffective against the attacking English duo.

    Smith continued with aggressive intent, while Brook showcased a mix of aggression and solid defence. Luck favoured England, as Brook survived a couple of close calls and Smith was dropped by Pant off a tough chance.

    Smith hit back-to-back boundaries off Nitish in the 62nd over and followed it with a pull shot for four off Deep in the next. He brought up his 150 in the 64th over, steering the ball to deep backward point for a single.

    With reverse swing and spin missing, Jadeja bowled a rare maiden over but couldn’t break through. Brook used reverse sweeps effectively, helping England reach 350 in the 74th over.

    England had started Day 3 at 77/3 with Joe Root (18*) and Brook (30*) at the crease. Siraj struck early, removing Root for 22 and captain Ben Stokes for a golden duck in the 22nd over.

    Smith then joined Brook, and the duo counter-attacked. England crossed 100 in the 25th over. Brook reached his fifty in 73 balls, and Smith smashed 23 runs in a single over from Prasidh Krishna — equalling the most runs conceded by an Indian bowler in an over against England.

    Smith reached his fifty soon after and brought up his century before Lunch with back-to-back boundaries off Jadeja.

    Brief Scores:

    India:587 (Shubman Gill 269, Ravindra Jadeja 89; Shoaib Bashir 3/167) England: 407 (Jamie Smith 184, Harry Brook 158; Mohammed Siraj 6/70)

    India 2nd innings: 64/1 (KL Rahul 28*, Yashasvi Jaiswal 28; Josh Tongue 1/12)

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Strategic risks of the proposed REACH ban on calcium cyanamide in agriculture – E-002584/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002584/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Tomáš Zdechovský (PPE)

    The Commission’s proposed restriction, under the regulation on the registration, evaluation, authorisation and restriction of chemicals (REACH), on the use of calcium cyanamide as a fertiliser threatens to seriously jeopardise European strategic autonomy. While the restriction targets agricultural use, it threatens the economic viability of the only European producer, Alzchem Trostberg GmbH, which also supplies calcium cyanamide for nitroguanidine, a critical energetic material used in artillery shells, tank and naval ammunition, insensitive munitions and rocket propellants.

    If agricultural demand collapses, calcium cyanamide production may become unsustainable or cease entirely. This would dismantle the only European supply chain for nitroguanidine and force reliance on imports from China, India, Japan or other countries, many of which pose serious geostrategic risks, undermining the EU’s defence capabilities and industrial sovereignty.

    In the light of this:

    • 1.Has the Commission assessed the indirect impact of the proposed ban on the viability of calcium cyanamide production and its consequences for European defence supply chains?
    • 2.What steps will the Commission take to preserve access to this strategic raw material and prevent the collapse of the only EU-based production facility?
    • 3.Will the Commission consider a targeted exemption or alternative regulatory approach that balances environmental goals with the need to safeguard critical industrial and defence capabilities?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Mandatory declaration of origin for rice – E-002605/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002605/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Cristina Maestre (S&D), Leire Pajín (S&D), Sandra Gómez López (S&D)

    According to Eurobarometer, the vast majority of people in the EU would like to know where their food comes from. For rice, the current labelling rules make it easier for some traders to deliberately confuse consumers about the quality and origin of the product.

    One example of this is a well-known distributor of short-grain rice that sells the product with labels bearing images that evoke Valencian rice-growing traditions and displays its address in Valencia but not the origin of the product. The traceability study carried out by the Government of the Autonomous Community of Valencia found that it was rice imported from third countries.

    The voluntary nature of the indication of origin on rice labelling allows for a whole range of misleading practices for consumers and causes serious harm to the EU rice sector. European rice growers are calling for greater distinction to be drawn between their product and lower-quality imports from South-East Asia.

    Given the difficult situation this sector is going through:

    What is the reason for keeping the voluntary nature of origin labelling for rice, when it is already mandatory for many other agricultural products?

    Submitted: 27.6.2025

    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Africa: Mauritius: South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC) Member States strengthened regional cooperation for sustainable Tuna fisheries management

    Source: APO – Report:

    The Working Party on Collaboration and Cooperation in Tuna Fisheries (WPCCTF) from the South West Indian Ocean Fisheries Commission (SWIOFC), met in Mauritius to continue its work on strengthening regional cooperation for the effective management of tuna fisheries and other highly migratory fish in the region.

    The 13th Session of the WPCCTF brought together during two days (17-18 June 2025) 11 from the 12 SWIOFC countries – Comoros, France, Kenya, Madagascar, Maldives, Mauritius, Mozambique, Seychelles, Somalia, South Africa and Tanzania. Partner organizations, namely the World Bank, the Indian Ocean Commission (IOC), the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), the Nairobi Convention – UNEP, the Southern African Development Community (SADC), and the South West Indian Ocean Tuna Forum (SWIOTUNA) attended the meeting as SWIOFC Observers. Other Regional Fishery Bodies – the Southern Indian Ocean Fisheries Agreement (SIOFA) and the Indian Ocean Tuna Commission (IOTC)- actively participated in the discussion with members, specifically regarding SWIOFC compliance and reporting requirements.

    Patrice Talla, FAO Subregional Coordinator for Southern Africa, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the WPCCTF as a platform for dialogue and collective action, underscoring the need for coastal states to manage tuna stocks responsibly within their Exclusive Economic Zones (EEZs) and to collaborate regionally to rebuild overexploited stocks, particularly yellowfin tuna. Talla stressed the importance of strengthening national capacities to comply with Conservation and Management Measures (CMMs) and to implement effective Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) systems.

    Mbuli Charles Boliko, FAO Representative in Madagascar, Comoros, Mauritius and Seychelles, highlighted the significance of the Indian Ocean as the second-largest tuna-producing region globally, playing a vital role in supporting national economies and livelihoods. Boliko stressed that challenges such as Illegal, Unreported and Unregulated (IUU) fishing, climate-induced migratory shifts, and external competition require a unified regional response grounded in science, cooperation, and shared commitment.

    The Working Party members acknowledged the progress made in the region, including the adoption and progressive implementation of the SWIOFC-led instrument, the MTC Guidelines, and the regional effort for jointly regulating and managing foreign fishing access for the best interest of the region. The MTC Guidelines (the Guidelines for Minimum Terms and Conditions for foreign fishing access) were officially adopted by all SWIOFC member countries in February 2019. WWF, a long-standing partner of the WPCCTF, presented recent work conducted on this subject, which was led by the Minimum Terms and Conditions Task Force (MTCTF) of the SWIOFC. This work received technical support from NFDS and focused on the joint and concerted actions required for the implementation of the priority provisions of the SWIOFC instrument, such as the provisions regulating licensing requirements, the use of Vessel Monitoring Systems (VMS), transshipments and compensations and access fees.

    Other subject thoroughly discussed was the cooperation between SWIOFC, SADC and IOC on regional Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) initiatives. The new workplan for 2025–2026 was adopted, and the WP formulated joint recommendations for the upcoming plenary session of the SWIOFC, scheduled to take place in November 2025.

    The event was supported by the SWIOFish5 TRANSFORM project, funded by the World Bank and implemented by IOC with technical assistance from FAO. The project, ending in 2030, has the objective of strengthening regional, evidence-based fisheries management in the region.

    – on behalf of Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Regional Office for Africa.

    Media files

    .

    MIL OSI Africa –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: JOINT MOTION FOR A RESOLUTION on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians – RC-B10-0304/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Michael Gahler, Andrzej Halicki, Sebastião Bugalho, David McAllister, Siegfried Mureşan, Isabel Wiseler‑Lima, Nicolás Pascual de la Parte, Mika Aaltola, Wouter Beke, Krzysztof Brejza, Lena Düpont, Jan Farský, Mircea‑Gheorghe Hava, Rasa Juknevičienė, Sandra Kalniete, Ewa Kopacz, Andrey Kovatchev, Reinhold Lopatka, Antonio López‑Istúriz White, Liudas Mažylis, Danuše Nerudová, Mirosława Nykiel, Ana Miguel Pedro, Paulius Saudargas, Oliver Schenk, Michał Szczerba, Davor Ivo Stier, Alice Teodorescu Måwe, Ingeborg Ter Laak, Riho Terras, Matej Tonin, Pekka Toveri, Inese Vaidere
    on behalf of the PPE Group
    Yannis Maniatis, Nacho Sánchez Amor, Thijs Reuten
    on behalf of the S&D Group
    Adam Bielan, Michał Dworczyk, Małgorzata Gosiewska, Sebastian Tynkkynen, Roberts Zīle, Reinis Pozņaks, Ivaylo Valchev, Aurelijus Veryga, Mariusz Kamiński, Charlie Weimers, Alexandr Vondra, Assita Kanko, Joachim Stanisław Brudziński
    on behalf of the ECR Group
    Petras Auštrevičius, Malik Azmani, Dan Barna, Anna‑Maja Henriksson, Ľubica Karvašová, Ilhan Kyuchyuk, Nathalie Loiseau, Urmas Paet, Marie‑Agnes Strack‑Zimmermann, Eugen Tomac, Hilde Vautmans, Lucia Yar, Dainius Žalimas
    on behalf of the Renew Group
    Sergey Lagodinsky
    on behalf of the Verts/ALE Group

    European Parliament resolution on the human cost of Russia’s war against Ukraine and the urgent need to end Russian aggression: the situation of illegally detained civilians and prisoners of war, and the continued bombing of civilians

    (2025/2710(RSP))

    The European Parliament,

    – having regard to its previous resolutions on Ukraine and on Russia,

    – having regard to the Hague Conventions, the UN Charter, the Geneva Conventions and their additional protocols, the Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide, the European Convention on Human Rights, the UN Convention Against Torture, the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (ICC) and the UN Convention on the rights of the child,

    – having regard to the Association Agreement between the European Union and its Member States, of the one part, and Ukraine, of the other part[1], and to the accompanying Deep and Comprehensive Free Trade Area between the European Union and Ukraine, signed in 2014,

    – having regard to all relevant resolutions by the UN General Assembly and Security Council, in particular UN General Assembly Resolution ES-11/7 adopted on 25 February 2025,

    – having regard to the NATO Washington Summit Declaration of 10 July 2024 and the Hague Summit Declaration of 25 June 2025,

    – having regard to Rule 136(2) of its Rules of Procedure,

    A. whereas Russia has been waging a brutal, illegal, unprovoked and unjustified full-scale war of aggression against Ukraine since 24 February 2022;

    B. whereas Russia’s aggression against Ukraine did not begin in February 2022, but in 2014, with the illegal occupation and annexation of Crimea and parts of the Donetsk and Luhansk regions, with severe humanitarian, economic and ecological consequences and resulting in regional instability; whereas Russia could stop the brutal and unjustified war of aggression at any time;

    C. whereas the UN General Assembly, in its resolution of 2 March 2022, immediately qualified the Russian war against Ukraine as an act of aggression in violation of Article 2(4) of the UN Charter, and, in its resolution of 14 November 2022, recognised the need to hold Russia accountable for its war of aggression and legally and financially responsible for its internationally wrongful acts, including by making reparation for the injuries and damage caused;

    D. whereas thus far in 2025, Russia has deployed over 20 000 drones against Ukraine, or around 3 500 per month, representing a 350 % increase compared to the 2024 monthly average; whereas Russia has killed over 1 050 civilians and injured 4 300 more, constituting clear evidence that it actively targets civilians, including ambulances and rescue personnel, in contrast to Ukraine’s defensive actions; whereas the recent attacks on Kyiv and Dnipro were the second deadliest and the deadliest attacks on these cities since the start of Russia’s invasion, starkly conflicting with Russia’s claims that it is interested in peace;

    E. whereas, as a reaction to Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, the EU has adopted 17 sanctions packages of unprecedented scope against Russia and continues to adopt sanctions against Russia with a view to definitively undermining its capacity to continue waging its illegal war of aggression against Ukraine; whereas the circumvention of sanctions, including through Russia’s shadow fleet and the incomplete implementation of sanctions, remain a major enabler of Russia’s war of aggression; whereas despite these and other sanctions, Russia continues to wage its war of aggression against Ukraine;

    F. whereas the US has again halted supplies of crucial military assistance to Ukraine;

    G. whereas Russia’s aggression against Ukraine has caused the largest forced displacement of civilians in Europe since the Second World War, with 10 million Ukrainians – mostly women and children – displaced, including 7 million who have found refuge abroad[2];

    H. whereas Russia continues unabated to commit heinous war crimes against innocent civilians; whereas according to the Ukrainian authorities, approximately 16 000 Ukrainian civilians are known to be currently detained in Russia and the temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, although the real figures are likely to be significantly higher; whereas more than 70 000 Ukrainians – including civilians, children, and military personnel – are officially listed as missing;

    I. whereas the Russian authorities have systematically carried out enforced disappearances against large numbers of Ukrainian civilians, detaining individuals with no military affiliation on baseless and fabricated charges, with their fate and whereabouts remaining unknown, leaving their families in agonising uncertainty; whereas enforced disappearances by Russia are part of a widespread, systematic and coordinated assault on Ukraine’s civilian population;

    J. whereas, according to the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, at least 29 civilians have died in custody in Russian detention facilities, and 170 have been executed in areas under Russian control since February 2022;

    K. whereas throughout the process of enforced disappearances, the Russian authorities have consistently failed to inform the families of the fate or location of their loved ones; whereas multiple responses from various authorities have likewise failed to provide any meaningful information;

    L. whereas the Russian authorities have systematically employed torture and other forms of inhumane and degrading treatment against numerous illegally detained Ukrainian civilians; whereas the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry on Ukraine has found evidence of Russia using rape and sexual violence as means of torture against both male and female detainees;

    M. whereas Russia refuses to disclose the number of Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) it currently holds; whereas the Russian authorities are blatantly failing to meet their obligations under the Geneva Conventions to allow international representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) to visit prisoners and to transmit the relevant information to the ICRC, state authorities and the families of POWs;

    N. whereas Ukrainian POWs and civilian captives are subjected to torture, including starvation, beatings, various types of coercion, physical, sexual and psychological violence and denial of medical care and legal representation;

    O. whereas Ukraine and international bodies have documented hundreds of executions of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces since February 2022; whereas the Office of the Prosecutor General of Ukraine is investigating the execution of 268 Ukrainian POWs (208 on the battlefield and 59 in the ‘Olenivka’ prison); whereas the increasing number of executions and available evidence suggests that these crimes are not isolated incidents but part of a systematic and deliberate policy, constituting serious violations of international law and human rights, and war crimes under the Geneva Conventions and the Rome Statute;

    P. whereas Ukraine and Russia have conducted 65 prisoner exchanges since February 2022, resulting in the release of 5 757 people, including three large-scale exchanges in May 2025, with an additional 469 individuals released outside formal exchange mechanisms;

    Q. whereas since the occupation and annexation of Crimea in 2014, Russia has systematically targeted Crimean Tatars with politically motivated prosecutions, enforced disappearances, intimidation and harassment; whereas Crimean Tatar leaders, journalists, civil society activists and religious figures have faced disproportionate repression, including under the guise of anti-extremism and anti-terrorism charges; whereas these actions amount to violations of international human rights and humanitarian law and aim to erase the identity and presence of the indigenous Crimean Tatar people;

    R. whereas Russia, while posturing as a defender of the Christian faith and values, has been conducting mass and systematic violations of religious rights in occupied Ukrainian territories, with the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church banned outright, at least 47 Ukrainian religious leaders killed and more subjected to torture, and religious property willingly targeted and destroyed by Russian forces; whereas in parallel Russia weaponises the Orthodox Church of the Moscow Patriarchate as a tool to tyrannise and control religious communities and the Ukrainian population more broadly;

    S. whereas the torture and killing of Ukrainian journalist Viktoriia Roshchyna in Russian captivity highlights the grave and growing dangers faced by Ukrainian journalists held by Russian forces; whereas others, including Iryna Danylovych, Dmytro Khyliuk, Iryna Levchenko and Heorhiy Levchenko, remain in detention under life-threatening conditions;

    T. whereas according to the ‘Bring Kids Back UA’ initiative and the Yale Humanitarian Research Lab (HRL), since February 2022 around at least 20 000 and possibly up to 35 000 Ukrainian children have been forcibly deported to Russia and Belarus or detained in temporarily occupied Ukrainian territories, with only 1 366 returned and 637 confirmed dead; whereas the real figures are assumed to be much higher, as these transfers and deportations continue; whereas the HRL’s Ukraine Conflict Observatory has had its funding cut as of 1 July by the Trump administration, jeopardising the continuation of its work;

    U. whereas the ICC has been conducting an investigation into the situation in Ukraine since 2 March 2022 and on 17 March 2023 issued arrest warrants for Vladimir Putin, President of the Russian Federation, and Maria Lvova-Belova, so-called Commissioner for Children’s Rights in the Office of the President of the Russian Federation, for the war crime of unlawful deportation of Ukrainian children, followed up by additional arrest warrants against Russian officials issued on 24 June 2024; whereas the EU supports the Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression that is being established in the framework of the Council of Europe;

    1. Condemns, in the strongest possible terms, Russia’s unprovoked, illegal and unjustified war of aggression against Ukraine; demands that Russia immediately cease all military activities in Ukraine, fully withdraw from Ukraine’s internationally recognised territory, end forced deportations, release all detained and deported Ukrainians and compensate Ukraine and victims of war crimes; reiterates its condemnation of Belarus’s direct involvement in Russia’s brutal war of aggression against Ukraine;

    2. Confirms its unwavering commitment to the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine, within its internationally recognised borders and reiterates its policy of non-recognition of Ukrainian territories temporarily occupied by Russia; strongly underlines Ukraine’s inherent right to self-defence, in line with Article 51 of the UN Charter, which entails the right to strike military targets on Russian soil;

    3. Reaffirms its unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine in their heroic defence of their nation, their land, and our shared European values; reiterates its belief that a strong, independent and democratic Ukraine is vital for Europe’s security, stability and prosperity; calls for the EU and all its 27 Member States to substantially enhance the effectiveness and accelerate the delivery of military support to Ukraine in order to allow Ukraine to legitimately defend itself against Russia’s escalating attacks on cities and civilian infrastructure across the country, and to put Ukraine in the strongest possible position for negotiations;

    4. Condemns Vladimir Putin’s ongoing revisionist and imperialist rhetoric and ideology, and treacherous propaganda; denounces the systematic attempts by the Russian Government to erase Ukraine’s history, culture, language and identity;

    5. Stresses that Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine has shattered peace and stability in Europe and gravely undermined global security; underscores that Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to European security;

    6. Strongly condemns the execution of Ukrainian POWs by Russian forces, constituting war crimes and grave breaches of the Geneva Conventions;

    7. Reiterates that Russia bears sole responsibility for its war of aggression and that there can be no impunity for violations of human rights, war crimes, or other breaches of international law committed by Russian forces and officials; expresses deep outrage at Russia’s brutal attacks on civilians and the indiscriminate targeting of civilian infrastructure; stresses that the systematic and deliberate targeting of civilians and, in particular, the deportation of children may constitute a genocidal strategy orchestrated and executed by the Russian Government;

    8. Fully supports the ICC’s ongoing investigations into the war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by Russia; welcomes the recent agreement between the Council of Europe and Ukraine on the establishment of a Special Tribunal for the Crime of Aggression against Ukraine; emphasises that all those responsible for war crimes perpetrated in Ukraine must be held accountable and stresses that justice is essential for any sustainable peace; expresses its utmost concern about the US sanctions on the ICC and its prosecutors, judges and staff, which undermine all its ongoing investigative and prosecutorial work and constitute a serious attack on the system of international justice; calls on the Commission to urgently activate the Blocking Statute and on the Member States to urgently step up their diplomatic efforts in order to protect and safeguard the ICC as an indispensable cornerstone of the system of international justice;

    9. Reiterates its condemnation of Russia’s forcible deportation, illegal detention and inhumane treatment of countless Ukrainian civilians; demands that Russia immediately provide families with accurate information regarding the whereabouts and state of health of detainees and calls for the immediate release of all the Ukrainian civilians currently held captive by the Russian authorities; underscores that the forced displacement, unlawful detention and mistreatment of Ukrainian civilians exemplify the intrinsic brutality of the Russian regime and its flagrant disregard for human life; strongly condemns the gruesome tactics deployed by the Russian authorities against both Ukrainian civilians and prisoners of war; deplores the wide and systematic use of terror in Ukraine’s occupied territories, aimed at intimidating the civilian population, stifling resistance and political dissent, suppressing civic activism and eradicating the Ukrainian language and national identity;

    10. Condemns the ongoing persecution of Crimean Tatars in illegally occupied Crimea, including politically motivated detentions, torture, enforced disappearances and restrictions on freedom of religion, expression and association; calls for the immediate release of all Crimean Tatars imprisoned on political grounds and urges the EU and international organisations to enhance monitoring and advocacy on behalf of the indigenous people of Crimea;

    11. Urges Russia to immediately agree to and implement a comprehensive ‘all-for-all’ exchange of POWs with Ukraine, in accordance with its obligations under international humanitarian law and the Geneva Convention relative to the Treatment of Prisoners of War;

    12. Strongly condemns Russia’s violent actions and the complicity of Belarus in the mistreatment of Ukrainian children, including murder, torture and criminal prosecution, forced transfer and deportation, sexual abuse and exploitation, forced Russification and militarisation; denounces the forced imposition of Russian citizenship on deported children and their state-sponsored adoption by Russian families as part of a deliberate policy of forced assimilation; regrets that the EU was unable to help Yale’s HRL secure sufficient funding; calls on its Member States to closely cooperate with and support the Ukrainian authorities and local and international non-governmental organisations in their efforts to document all missing and deported Ukrainian children, determine their whereabouts and repatriate them in order to promptly reunite them with their parents or legal guardians; reiterates that the deportation of Ukrainian children is a grave violation of international humanitarian law, in particular of Article 49 of the Fourth Geneva Convention, and constitutes a war crime; urges the EU to hold those responsible to account and to sanction individuals and entities implicated in these crimes;

    13. Demands that, in line with its obligations under the respective Geneva Conventions, Russia grant the ICRC immediate access to POW camps and other sites where Ukrainian soldiers or civilians are being held captive; notes the marked difference in the way Ukraine and Russia have treated the POWs they hold, with Ukrainian military personnel having been severely tortured, maltreated and malnourished, in violation of the laws of war and international humanitarian law;

    14. Reiterates its call for the EU and its Member States to increase humanitarian and rehabilitation assistance for victims of Russian captivity, including access to medical and psychological care, reintegration services and legal assistance; commends Ukrainian and international civil society organisations for supporting families of abducted Ukrainian children, POWs and illegally detained civilians;

    15. Reaffirms the EU’s steadfast commitment to the reconstruction of Ukraine and reiterates its readiness to contribute to rebuilding Ukraine’s economy and infrastructure; stresses the strategic importance of the Ukraine Facility in reinforcing Ukraine’s resilience, accelerating its recovery, and supporting its path towards sustainable development and EU membership; reiterates its firm conviction that Russia must pay for the massive damage caused in Ukraine and therefore calls for the confiscation of Russian state assets immobilised under EU sanctions or otherwise for their use to support Ukraine’s defence and reconstruction; underlines its conviction that various legal pathways to do so are available and that lack of action is an inexcusable failure on the part of European governments;

    16. Condemns the Russian State Duma’s protocol adopted on 24 June 2025 allowing the member states of the Collective Security Treaty Organization to deploy their troops on the territory of other members in the event of armed conflict, threats, crisis situations and military exercises; condemns this step as a clear attempt by Russia to further scale up its relentless attacks on Ukraine by forcibly mobilising troops from neighbouring and allied states;

    17. Strongly condemns the recruitment and deployment of Cuban soldiers in addition to the involvement of North Korean troops;

    18. Urges all Member States to immediately provide further military assistance and to engage in joint procurement of additional capabilities, in particular air defence, long range strike and artillery systems and ammunition; in that regard, urges all Member States to devote a significant part of their SAFE Defence Investment Plans to assistance for Ukraine; urges the Member States and their defence industries to invest in and partner with the Ukrainian defence industry, including through additional investments and setting up joint ventures, in order to maximise the full potential of its production capabilities to produce critical equipment in the most efficient way;

    19. Recalls the bold statements by several EU Heads of State and Government that Russia’s failure to agree to the US-proposed 30-day ceasefire would be met with severely enhanced sanctions and therefore urges the Council, the Commission and the Member States to follow-up on their declarations and substantially increase the effectiveness and impact of sanctions on Russia; welcomes the seventeenth sanctions package of 20 May 2025 but urges the Member States to adopt the next sanctions package without further delay; underlines that there is a current strategic imperative to act boldly now; stresses that the negative global security and economic consequences of any future Russian aggression far outweigh the military and financial commitment needed today to definitively end Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine, to deter further Russian aggression and achieve a just, fair and lasting peace; resolutely calls on the EU Member States to stop their shameful business as usual approach and instead act with a renewed sense of urgency and purpose;

    20. Believes that in order to pressure Russia to end its war of aggression, beginning with a sustained ceasefire, substantially more effective military, economic, political and diplomatic efforts and measures must be applied by the EU and like-minded partners; calls for all necessary steps to be taken to avoid the circumvention of sanctions, in particular by targeting Russia’s ‘shadow fleet’ vessels; calls for a full ban on Russian liquefied natural gas (LNG), oil and raw materials, and interim measures to minimise Russia’s ability to pay for its war of aggression through energy exports, including a lower oil price cap and the introduction of an LNG price cap; underlines the importance of adopting the 18th sanctions package without further delay; calls on the Member States that are blocking the adoption of the latest sanctions package to follow other Member States, which have successfully found alternative sources for oil and gas deliveries; underlines that it is unacceptable that, in the fourth year of Russia’s full-scale war against Ukraine, Russian missiles and unmanned aerial vehicles used in attacks continue to rely heavily on Western-manufactured components;

    21. Recalls that the overall support for Ukraine must be sufficient to stop Russia’s war of aggression and allow Ukraine to liberate all its people, re-establish full control over its territory within its internationally recognised borders and deter any further aggression by Russia; recalls that Europe has already supported Ukraine with EUR 50 billion in military aid, but underlines that further assistance is required and that such support now depends largely on Europe itself; urges the Member States to provide more arms and ammunition to Ukraine before any negotiations are concluded; denounces any attempts to pressure Ukraine to cede occupied territory, in which the population is exposed to continued repression, violence, forced disappearances, illegal detentions, deportations and other forms of systematic terror;

    22. Calls on the EU to impose personal sanctions against Russian officials responsible for violence and torture against imprisoned and detained Ukrainians;

    23. Expresses its full support for a just and lasting peace in Ukraine, based on terms determined by Ukraine and acceptable to its people; stresses that any agreement must uphold Ukraine’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, prevent Russia from rearming and guarantee Ukraine’s long-term security; insists on accountability for war crimes and on reparations; underlines that peace negotiations must be preceded by an unconditional ceasefire;

    24. Stresses that in the light of the shift in the US stance on Russia’s war of aggression, the EU and its Member States must remain Ukraine’s primary strategic allies and should reinforce their leadership role in supporting Ukraine’s struggle for sovereignty, peace and justice; calls for the EU and its Member States to work towards maintaining the broadest possible international support for Ukraine, including through building coalitions with like-minded non-EU partners;

    25. Instructs its President to forward this resolution to the Vice-President of the Commission / High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, the Council, the Commission, the governments and parliaments of the Member States, the Council of Europe, the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe, the President, Government and Parliament of Ukraine, and to the authorities of Russia and Belarus.

     

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Europe: Written question – Public procurement: when Brussels finances a company penalised for dumping – E-002587/2025

    Source: European Parliament

    Question for written answer  E-002587/2025
    to the Commission
    Rule 144
    Virginie Joron (PfE)

    In 2016, the Commission imposed a definitive anti-dumping duty of 4 % on imports of tubes and pipes of ductile cast iron originating in India. On 22 November 2023, Ursula von der Leyen and her administration decided to impose anti-dumping duties of 16 % on Electrosteel. According to the Commission, this Indian company has a 30 % share of the water pipe market in France and benefits from export subsidies of 6 % at home[1].

    The Commission found evidence that the weight of the goods had been misreported. Despite the fact that correct reporting of weights is essential to ensure that dumping margins are accurately calculated, the Commission has refused to check the previous imports for possible fraud and recover any duties not collected since 2016.

    • 1.By underreporting the weight of its pipes, the company evaded the duties it should have paid. Why has the Commission refused to carry out an investigation and recover the cost of this fraud?
    • 2.One project in Isère – funded by Brussels and the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Region, and valued at EUR 8 million – has purchased pipes from this non-EU company[2]. Why is the Commission financing a non-EU company that has committed subsidy fraud and that it has penalised for dumping?
    • 3.Why does the Commission not prohibit, in EU public procurement, purchases of products from non-EU companies found to have engaged in dumping or fraud?

    Submitted: 26.6.2025

    • [1] Recitals 4, 80, 168, 209 and 233 of Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2023/2605 of 22 November 2023: countervailing duty of 9 % and anti-dumping duty of 7 %, https://eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-content/FR/TXT/PDF/?uri=OJ:L_202302605.
    • [2] Albenc – https://caeau.fr/creation-du-reseau-d-irrigation-asl-d-irrigation-de-l-albenc-38; https://www.linkedin.com/posts/cabinet-ca-eau_retour-sur-le-projet-dirrigation-des-terres-activity-7155144143210446848-X7rJ/?originalSubdomain=fr.
    Last updated: 4 July 2025

    MIL OSI Europe News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: HKSAR Government spokesman: statement on HKNSL by former Court of Final Appeal non-permanent judge Brenda Hale far from truth

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    A spokesman of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) Government today (July 4) said that the statement made by the former non-permanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal (CFA), Brenda Hale, on the Hong Kong National Security Law (HKNSL) and the rule of law and independent judicial power in Hong Kong is far from the truth, particularly her assertion that the so-called “the National Security Law has taken over the Basic Law” is absolutely incorrect and contrary to the facts.

    Brenda Hale was appointed as a non-permanent judge of the CFA in 2018 but has never been involved in the hearing of any cases. She indicated to the Judiciary in June 2021 that, for personal reasons, she would not wish to have her appointment extended for another term upon the expiry of her then appointment, which differs from her current statement.

    The HKSAR Government spokesman said that any claims that the HKNSL overrides the Basic Law are incorrect. Article 1 of the HKNSL clearly states that the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress (NPCSC) enacts the HKNSL in accordance with the Constitution, the Basic Law, and the Decision of the National People’s Congress on Establishing and Improving the Legal System and Enforcement Mechanisms for Safeguarding National Security in the HKSAR. The HKNSL was promulgated and implemented in the HKSAR on June 30, 2020, which has addressed the shortcomings and plugged the loopholes in the legal system and enforcement mechanisms for safeguarding national security of the HKSAR. The HKNSL and other laws in safeguarding national security in the HKSAR firmly adhere to the principle of the rule of law while protecting the rights and freedoms enjoyed under the Basic Law in accordance with the law.

    The judicial system of the HKSAR is protected by the Basic Law. According to Articles 2, 19 and 85 of the Basic Law, the HKSAR shall be vested with independent judicial power, including that of final adjudication; the courts shall exercise judicial power independently, free from any interference. All judges and judicial officers abide by the Judicial Oath and administer justice in full accordance with the law, without fear or favour, self-interest or deceit. When adjudicating cases of offences endangering national security, as in any other cases, judges remain independent and impartial in performing their judicial duties, free from any interference. The implementation of the HKNSL over the past five years has proven that the courts have handled all the cases involving the HKNSL strictly in accordance with the above principles.

    The authority of the NPCSC to interpret the Basic Law and national laws that apply in the HKSAR is a fundamental aspect of the “one country, two systems” principle and has long been recognised in the jurisprudence of the HKSAR. It is therefore entirely in line with the “one country, two systems” principle that the general power to interpret the HKNSL being a piece of national law, as stipulated in Article 65 thereof, is also vested in the NPCSC. The interpretation given by the NPCSC on Articles 14 and 47 of the HKNSL in December 2022 does not and did not directly deal with any specific judicial proceedings or cases. Rather, it clarifies the meaning of the relevant legal provisions and the basis for application of the HKNSL. It does not in any way impair the independent judicial power and the power of final adjudication of the HKSAR courts as guaranteed by the Basic Law. It is for the HKSAR to resolve specific cases and issues by itself. 
     
    The long-time presence of esteemed judges from overseas appointed or reappointed as non-permanent judges of the CFA participating in hearings of the Court, as well as after the enactment of the HKNSL, has been conducive to the international legal environment and the development of the jurisprudence of common law in Hong Kong. There are currently six non-permanent judges from the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand in the CFA.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: CE commends teachers for teaching excellence (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    The following is issued on behalf of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence Steering Committee:

    The Chief Executive, Mr John Lee, today (July 4) officiated and presented the Award for Teaching Excellence to 12 teachers, the Award for Budding Teachers to two teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation to three teachers at the Award Presentation Ceremony of the Chief Executive’s Award for Teaching Excellence (CEATE) (2024/2025), while 12 teachers received the Certificate of Merit from the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin.

         At the ceremony, the Chairman of the CEATE Steering Committee, Mr Dieter Yih, commended the awarded teachers, who not only possess solid subject knowledge and outstanding teaching capabilities but also make good use of diverse learning and teaching strategies with the integration of innovative technologies and e-learning tools to successfully create an excellent learning environment and a highly interactive learning atmosphere. They inspire students to strive for progress and effectively enhance students’ self-learning capabilities. He also encouraged all the awarded teachers to uphold their professionalism, continue to pursue excellence and perfection, and nurture a new generation of youth who are committed, talented, ethical, and dedicated to the country and Hong Kong.

    There were 239 nominations received from secondary schools, primary schools, kindergartens and special schools for the CEATE (2024/2025), covering themes of “Chinese Language Education Key Learning Area (KLA)”, “Mathematics Education KLA”, “Values Education”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Assessment of nominations for the themes and awards was based on distinct assessment criteria focusing on teachers’ professional performance in different domains. After assessment, five nominations (comprising 12 teachers) were presented with the Award for Teaching Excellence, along with four nominations (comprising 12 teachers) presented with the Certificate of Merit, two nominations (comprising two teachers) presented with the Award for Budding Teachers, and one nomination (comprising three teachers) presented with the Award for Education Innovation. Please visit the CEATE website (www.ate.gov.hk) for the list of the awarded teachers.
          
    Other officiating guests at today’s ceremony included the Permanent Secretary for Education, Ms May Chan; the Chairman of the Education Commission, Dr David Wong; the Chairperson of the Curriculum Development Council, Professor Isabella Poon; the Chairman of the Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority, Professor Paul Lam; and the Chairman of the CEATE Assessment Working Group (2024/2025), Professor Lo Ming-tung.
          
    Sharing activities involving the CEATE-awarded teachers are being rolled out gradually to disseminate excellent teaching practices. Details will be announced on the CEATE website and the EDB Training Calendar. 
          
    The CEATE (2025/2026) will cover three themes and two awards, namely “Physical Education KLA”, “STEAM Education”, “Curriculum Leadership”, the Award for Budding Teachers, and the Award for Education Innovation. Nominations will be accepted from July 7 to October 3. Related details will be uploaded to the CEATE website from July 7.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: EDB’s first Digital Education Week launches International Summit on Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (with photos)

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

    ​Digital Education Week 2025 (DEW) is a landmark event promoting the development of digital education by the Education Bureau (EDB). A flagship event of the first DEW, the International Summit on the Use of AI in Learning and Teaching Languages and Other Subjects (AIinLT), was officially launched today (July 4). The AIinLT is co-organised by the EDB, the Standing Committee on Language Education and Research (SCOLAR), the Hong Kong Polytechnic University (PolyU) Department of English and Communication and the Hong Kong Education City (EdCity), providing a valuable and practical platform for teachers, researchers, and others in the education sector to learn and share insights regarding the use of AI in their respective fields of education.

    Officiating at the opening ceremony, the Secretary for Education, Dr Choi Yuk-lin, said that the country placed great importance on advancing digital education. The EDB also implements digital education through four major focus areas, namely:

    1. enhancing students’ digital literacy and skills to prepare them as responsible citizens and lifelong learners;
    2. strengthening professional training in digital education for teachers and encouraging schools to leverage innovative technologies;
    3. optimising digital education infrastructure and fostering personalized learning; and
    4. expanding cross-border and international collaboration to enhance synergy and promote high-quality digital education development.

    Dr Choi also called for collaboration among all stakeholders – including the Government, educational institutions, educators, and the community – to optimise resources, share best practices, and maximise the impact of digital education. She also emphasised the irreplaceable role of human connections in learning, encouraging attendees to harness AI wisely to empower individuals, strengthen communities and build a smarter, more connected world of learning.

    At the ceremony, the Chairperson of SCOLAR, Dr Anissa Chan, said that SCOLAR is committed to embracing technological advancements in language education. She noted that this commitment was what inspired SCOLAR to organise, finance and host the AIinLT, which is one of the first international events in Hong Kong focusing on the use of AI in education. The AIinLT serves as a collaborative platform for innovation and exploration.

    Dr Chan also spoke on the transformative potential of AI in personalising learning and enhancing language acquisition. She stressed the importance of guiding technological development through effective strategies, ethical considerations, and a learner-centred approach. She encouraged participants to shape the future of smart language learning, ensuring that AI serves as an enabler in education rather than a replacement for human interaction.

    In his welcome remarks, the President of PolyU, Professor Teng Jinguang, echoed Dr Choi and said that the city of Hong Kong is uniquely positioned to be a global leader in AI-powered education and technology-driven learning, given its world-class education system, renowned universities, and its development into an international innovation and technology centre and international hub for post-secondary education.  

    He added that PolyU has been promoting the development of AI in education. PolyU was a forerunner university to introduce compulsory AI education for undergraduates back in 2022, and established this year the Faculty of Computer and Mathematical Sciences, the PolyU Academy for Artificial Intelligence as well as the Language Education Institute. All these efforts underscore PolyU’s far-sightedness and leadership in AI-empowered education and research. He expects that this event will spark meaningful ideas and collaborations that will help reshape AI in education in Hong Kong.

    In his address, the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Hong Kong Education City, Mr Armstrong Lee, emphasised EdCity’s unwavering commitment to fostering cross-sector collaboration aimed at establishing a robust AI education ecosystem that propels the advancement of digital education. To expedite the digital transformation of educational practices, EdCity is developing the “EdMarket,” an innovative super-shelf for electronic teaching tools. This platform will feature a diverse array of high-quality global educational resources, including pioneering AI teaching tools designed to enrich and inspire transformative teaching and learning methodologies.

    The AIinLT is taking place at PolyU for four consecutive days starting from today. The AIinLT on the first two days feature keynote speeches, a panel discussion, paper presentations, and teaching demonstrations. The following two days will include a post-summit workshop series covering a wide range of topics, along with a technology showcase where leading EdTech providers will demonstrate the latest AI hardware and software solutions, offering educators firsthand exposure to cutting edge-innovations. For details of the AIinLT, please visit the event website (events.polyu.edu.hk/aiinlt/home).

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –

  • MIL-OSI Asia-Pac: Public transport services to be enhanced amid ferry service adjustments on July 7

    Source: Hong Kong Government special administrative region – 4

         The Transport Department (TD) today (July 4) reminded the public that, in view of special marine transport measures next Monday (July 7) morning, ferry services will be adjusted. It has steered operators to enhance relevant public transport services, including ferry, bus and the MTR Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line services. Operators will also provide free special outlying island ferry services (a total of four round trips) to ease the passenger flow. Members of the public, especially residents of outlying islands, should plan their journeys early and allow sufficient time for commuting.

    (1) Outlying island ferry service adjustments

         From about 10am to noon on that day, at most two sailings for each bound of each of a total of nine outlying island ferry service routes will be suspended gradually. Service details in the periods concerned are as follows:
     

    • Central – Cheung Chau

    From Cheung Chau: An additional fast ferry sailing at 9.15am, sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.45am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.15am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.15am

    • Central – Mui Wo

    From Mui Wo: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.40am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.50am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10.30am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.50am

    • Central – Peng Chau

    From Peng Chau: Sailing at 9.15am to remain unchanged, sailings at 10am and 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am
    From Central: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.45am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

    • Central – Yung Shue Wan

    From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.20am
    From Central: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 10am, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon

    • Central – Sok Kwu Wan

    From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 9.35am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.05am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.40pm
    From Central: Sailing at 8.35am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailing at 10.20am to be advanced to depart at 10am, service to resume normal at 11.50am

    • Aberdeen – Pak Kok Tsuen – Yung Shue Wan

    From Yung Shue Wan: Sailing at 9.20am to remain unchanged, sailing at noon to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 2.20pm
    From Aberdeen: Sailing at 8.40am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 1.45pm

    • Aberdeen – Sok Kwu Wan (via Mo Tat)

    From Sok Kwu Wan: Sailing at 8.45am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.15am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.45am
    From Aberdeen: Sailing at 9.30am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 12.30pm

    • Ma Wan – Central

    From Ma Wan: Sailing at 10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 11am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at noon
    From Central: Sailing at 10.10am to remain unchanged, sailing at 10.30am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.30am

    • Central – Discovery Bay

    From Discovery Bay or Central: Sailings at 9.10am to remain unchanged, scheduled sailings at 9.40am and 10.10am to be advanced to depart at 9.30am and 9.50am respectively, sailings at 10.40am and 11.10am to be cancelled, service to resume normal at 11.40am

    (2) Outlying island public transport services to be enhanced

    Free of charge special outlying island ferry services

         On the morning of July 7, operators will provide the following free special ferry service routes between individual outlying island locations and Tsuen Wan West, comprising four round trips. Passengers can transfer to the MTR Tuen Ma Line or other road-based transport modes at Tsuen Wan West Station to other destinations:
     

    • Cheung Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Cheung Chau at 10.25am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.25am;
    • Peng Chau – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Peng Chau at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.10am;
    • Yung Shue Wan – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Yung Shue Wan at 10.30am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.20am; and
    • Discovery Bay – Tsuen Wan West: departing from Discovery Bay at 10.40am and departing from Tsuen Wan West (Tsuen Wan Ferry Pier) at 11.15am.

    Bus services to be enhanced

         At the same time, operators will enhance bus services in Mui Wo, Ma Wan and Discovery Bay to ease the passenger flow, including:
     

    • Enhancing service between Mui Wo Pier and Tung Chung Station (New Lantao Bus route No. 3M);
    • Enhancing service between Ma Wan (Tung Wan Bus Terminus) and Tsing Yi Station (Residents’ Service route No. NR330);
    • Operating free bus service from Discovery Bay to Central Ferry Pier No. 3 at 10.30am;
    • Operating free bus service from Ma Wan to Central Ferry Pier No. 2 at 11am; and
    • Strengthening service between Discovery Bay/Discovery Bay North and Sunny Bay (Residents’ Service route No. DB03R/DB03RP).

    MTR services to be enhanced

         On the morning of July 7, the MTR Corporation Limited (MTRCL) will arrange standby trains on Tung Chung Line and Tuen Ma Line for taking passengers if needed. The MTRCL will also deploy additional staff to busier stations to facilitate passenger flow and assist passengers.

         Details of the above outlying island ferry service adjustments and special public transport service arrangements are set out in the Annex.

    (3) In-harbour ferries’ temporary service adjustments

         Of note, from around 10am to noon on July 7, subject to the actual situation, there may be temporary service adjustments up to around 30 minutes in nine in-harbour ferry routes, namely Wan Chai – Tsim Sha Tsui, Central – Tsim Sha Tsui, North Point – Hung Hom, North Point – Kowloon City, Central – Hung Hom, North Point – Kwun Tong, Water Taxi, Sai Wan Ho – Kwun Tong and Sai Wan Ho – Sam Ka Tsuen. Members of the public are urged to pay heed to the latest traffic news and announcements through radio and television broadcasts, the TD’s website (www.td.gov.hk), the HKeMobility mobile application and the ferry operators. The TD and operators will closely monitor the actual traffic situation at sea and, if practicable, resume normal services as soon as possible. Public transport services will be enhanced as needed to ease the passenger flow.

         The TD will continue to work with the Islands District Office, relevant District Services and Community Care Teams of Islands District as well as ferry and road-based public transport operators to enhance information dissemination through websites, mobile applications, notices at piers and onboard as well as district networks to inform passengers of the above arrangements.

         The TD’s Emergency Transport Co-ordination Centre will operate round the clock to closely monitor the traffic conditions and public transport services across the territory including districts concerned.

    MIL OSI Asia Pacific News –